System vs Rebirth

Chapter 1614: Stalling for Time

Noel looked at the map with a grim expression. "The situation doesn't look that good for us."

Elaine muttered, "There are 5 ancient demons reported in the Zaecuria Kingdom. Dimitri, Diva, and three guardians from the Zaecuria Kingdom should be more than enough to handle them.

"Thanks to the prediction, Diva and Dimitri can balance out the number, preventing the collapse of the Zaecuria Kingdom.

"On the other hand, there are 5 ancient demons in the Atracaeca Kingdom as well, but with the supreme devil. However, Laufey, Commander Oscar, and Captain Milfa should have no problem in stopping three. In addition, Madam Anna has brought the main airships. They should have no problem stopping the other two ancient demons.

"The one having the easiest time is the Greenwood Kingdom. There is one ancient demon from the sea, but it has been stopped by their spirit transcendence rank experts.

"The demon army has broken apart and come to the Greenwood Kingdom from the north. There are only two ancient demons, but with Sir Raincart there, it should work just fine. Besides, the Greenwood Kingdom has one more spirit transcendence rank expert they haven't used.

"In the Muivell Kingdom, Miss Rui has gone all the way to my territory, ready to intercept the demons in the northwest corner. Then, Phantom is near her. Both of them have engaged an ancient demon respectively.

"However, there are a total of 12 ancient demons reported in the Muivell Kingdom. We will have a hard time defending them all. Are you going to make a move on them, Master?" Elaine asked.

"As much as I want to, I can't." Noel pointed at one spot. "There are five ancient demons here. This will be a good spot for me to hunt ancient demons. I can kill them quickly.

"However, this must be a trap. No, the demon kings might be hiding in this group. Once I exhaust myself to a certain extent, they will come at me with everything they've got."

Rose pointed to the border. "For now, Rui has gone all the way here. She should be capable enough to take down one by herself.

"Then, we should direct two ancient demons to Tristan. Hopefully, he can handle it by himself. Even if he can't, stalling for time shouldn't be a problem. But that's only 4 of them. There are still 8 of them left. 5 is in this spot, and 1 is in this forest, while the other two are in the west."

Noel thought for a moment before writing down two letters. "Rose. Have the messenger send this top priority message to Marshal Conrad and to the royal family."

"!!!" She was a bit surprised, but it looked like she wanted to mobilize both Conrad and Duke Lorelei at the same time.

This was the only way for them to get the chance to reach a stalemate.

He then raised one finger. "Also, before you come back, please tell Saintess Layla to go to this forest. If possible, bring all the paladins from the Moon Temple to stop them."

"But how about you?" Rose was worried.

He had sent all the people, so there was no one who could fight alongside him anymore.

This was practically the same as telling the demons to attack him. The demon kings would definitely take this opportunity to kill him.

Unlike what happened one thousand years ago, the demon kings couldn't outsmart Noel.

However, they could do something else. It was to overwhelm him with numbers. As long as Noel couldn't match their number, they could somehow surround him.

Noel knew this was a trap, but he couldn't avoid it.

There were no more experts available.

There was also a gamble that might actually work.

Noel explained, "For now, I want you to use everything we've got to slow down the advance of this group of demons. Make them think that we are stalling for time, hoping that our fighters will be able to kill their opponents and head our way."

"Is that not the objective?"

Noel shook his head. "No. The real objective is something else. The longer we can stall them, the better. If what I'm thinking is true, then there's a chance to turn the situation around.

"However, it's such a shame that the people here will be sacrificed." Noel bit his lip.

Elaine understood his unwillingness to use them, but they had no other choice. "All wars come with a cost."

"I'll instruct them." Rose immediately exited the room, carrying all the tasks Noel had just mentioned.

"In that case, we will have no choice but to look at the royal family's movements for the time being." Noel sighed.

…

Thirty minutes after Noel gave the order, the message finally arrived at the royal family.

The soldier who read it panicked and rushed to the hall where they were discussing the kingdom.

"Emergency message from Grand Duke Noel Ardagan! Emergency message!"

Wendy raised her eyebrows. "What's going on?"

"The decisive moment is coming. Duke Lorelei is to join up with Marshal Conrad in the west."

"!!!" Wendy widened her eyes in shock. There were a lot of intentions behind this order.

Duke Lorelei was her bodyguard, who would keep her safe. If she chose not to let Duke Lorelei go, the war might be over.

In addition, the fact that he left the west to the royal family meant a lot for Wendy.

Her support mostly came from the west, so it was better to let them handle this problem. And she should send Duke Lorelei so that those lords in the west would understand her kindness.

If they could protect the west, she would still have the western lords, who would support her.

So, Wendy would still hold enough power to control the kingdom. This was Noel's consideration.

That was why Wendy turned to Duke Lorelei. "Duke!"

"But Your Grace…" Duke Lorelei was a bit reluctant to go, but Wendy nodded to him.

"If you don't go, the battle will be over. You need to go. I'd rather die than be a coward."

"…" Duke Lorelei looked troubled but ultimately he nodded his head. "Understood. I'll head there immediately."