We departed from the border as soon as the initial reconnaissance was finished. The Master of the Elven Guild assigned two scouts to guide us to the political core of the kingdom. There was no time for long formalities at the outpost. The real decisions would be made at the center.
The path to the elven capital revealed the scale of what was at risk.
The forest was not just a territory of tall trees and abundant mana. It was a living, organized system. Elevated paths connected strategic regions. Natural platforms served as watch points. Crystals grew at the base of older trunks, stabilizing the magical flow. Everything functioned together.
If it were taken, the demons would gain more than energy.
They would gain structure.
We moved along a natural bridge formed by intertwined roots dozens of meters above the ground. Below, patrols moved silently. The atmosphere was tense, but controlled. I saw no disorder.
I saw preparation.
Liriel walked beside me, observing the flow of mana.
"They reinforced the sensitive points," she said quietly.
"Not enough for a prolonged war," I replied.
Elara analyzed the movement of the elven soldiers.
"High discipline, but little experience against large-scale offensives," she commented.
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"Then we'll give them experience."
"And survival," Lyannis added, keeping her gaze forward.
Vespera disappeared for a few seconds and reappeared behind me.
"No nearby demonic presence. They're still concentrated on the main advance."
That confirmed the pattern. The Fourth General was advancing in a centralized way, without unnecessary dispersion. He wanted continuous pressure.
By late afternoon, the capital appeared before us.
There were no conventional walls. The forest itself formed the defense. Gigantic trees created a natural circle around the urban core. At the center, an ancestral tree rose above all others, supporting structures at multiple levels.
That was where political power resided.
Guards awaited us at the main entrance. The Guild Master had already sent word of our arrival.
An elven officer approached.
"The council is assembled. They've been informed you're on your way."
"Then we won't delay," I replied.
We entered.
The capital was not in chaos, but the atmosphere was heavy. Messengers moved with controlled urgency. Mages reinforced seals on the outer roots. Artisans converted resources into emergency armaments. Children and the elderly were being relocated to more protected inner regions.
They were preparing for the worst-case scenario.
We ascended through spiral passages inside the central tree. The architecture was integrated into the living wood, without harsh cuts. It was as if the tree itself had shaped the corridors.
When we reached the main hall, the doors were already open.
The environment was vast, illuminated by natural crystals suspended in the air. At the center, a circular table formed from ancient wood served as the focal point for strategic discussion.
The King of the Elves was present.
His appearance was serene, but his gaze showed constant calculation. Beside him stood two female figures with distinct postures.
The princesses.
The elder maintained a firm expression, aligned posture, eyes attentive to every detail in the room. The younger seemed to restrain her nervousness, yet still carried dignity.
We approached.
I inclined my head slightly, without exaggeration.
"Takumi," the King said, pronouncing my name clearly. "I was informed of your decision."
"There was no viable alternative," I replied.
He nodded.
"The Fourth General's army is less than two days from the forest's main line. Our estimates indicate he intends to force continuous advancement toward the core."
"He won't stop at intermediate positions," I said. "He wants the center."
The elder princess spoke for the first time.
"If the core is taken, the natural flow of mana will be controlled by them."
Liriel stepped forward.
"And that will drastically amplify demonic regeneration and conjuration capacity."
The younger princess observed in attentive silence, as if absorbing every word.
The King placed his hands on the table.
"The Elven Guild reported your proposal for controlled offensive movement."
"Yes."
"Explain."
I walked to the central map projection, which displayed the forest in detail.
"If we remain only on defense, the Fourth General will choose the breaking point. He will test flanks until he identifies weakness."
Elara activated a secondary projection, highlighting elevated terrain areas.
"We propose coordinated strikes on forward units. Small, constant cuts to their marching structure."
Rai'kanna added.
"Not full direct confrontation. Not yet."
Lyannis pointed to a natural corridor between two dense regions.
"If we isolate detachments, we can reduce central pressure."
Silence filled the hall for a few seconds.
The King analyzed not only the plan, but the posture of each of us.
"You assume he will react by reorganizing the rear," he said.
"He won't ignore strategic losses," I replied. "And in doing so, he will create openings."
The elder princess inclined her head slightly.
"This will require absolute coordination between our forces and the adventurers."
"It will require unified command," Elara said directly.
The room grew even quieter.
It wasn't a formal request, but the implication was clear.
The King did not respond immediately. He walked a few steps around the table.
"The forest has faced invasions before," he said calmly. "But never under the leadership of an active General."
He stopped in front of me.
"You intend to face him personally."
It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
The younger princess finally spoke, her voice low but firm.
"Then we must ensure you reach him."
Liriel looked at me for a moment, then turned back to the King.
"We will ensure that."
The answer was simple, but carried absolute commitment.
The King returned to his place.
"The final decision will be announced at dawn. But for now, consider yourselves part of the war council."
It wasn't full formalization.
But it was recognition.
We left the hall after a few more initial tactical adjustments. Night was beginning to cover the capital.
Outside, the forest emitted a soft natural glow. The mana vibrated subtly, almost as if it were aware of what was coming.
Rai'kanna exhaled slowly.
"They're betting high."
"So are we," Lyannis replied.
I looked at the central tree rising against the darkening sky.
The Fourth General was two days away.
The council was evaluating strategies.
The soldiers were sharpening blades.
But above all, the forest was waiting.
There was no room for hesitation now.
If we failed here, the impact would go beyond this kingdom.
I turned my gaze to my companions.
None showed doubt.
That was enough.
Tomorrow, the decisions would become official.
And when they did, there would be no turning back.
The war would stop being a possibility.
It would become reality.