My Goblin System : Levelling up with my SSS Class Devouring skill-Chapter 298

At their head rode a figure that made Satou pause.

She sat astride a creature that was part horse, part nightmare—its flesh rippled with barely contained magical energy, its eyes glowed with eldritch light, and its hooves left frost patterns on the ground despite the warm day. The rider herself was equally striking.

She appeared humanoid but clearly wasn’t human. Her skin held a subtle purple tint that matched Loki’s color scheme. Her hair was silver-white, pulled back in a severe military style. Her eyes were completely black—no iris, no white, just endless dark that somehow still conveyed sharp intelligence. She wore armor that was both functional and elegant, with rank insignia that marked her as a high-level commander.

The column halted. The rider dismounted with fluid grace, landing silently despite her armor. She approached Satou with measured steps, then saluted crisply—fist to chest, formal military style.

"Lord Satou," her voice was professional, clipped, carrying an accent Satou couldn’t place. "I am Commander Vex’ahlia, second-in-command of Lord Loki’s personal guard. I bring two hundred soldiers as Lord Loki promised, along with supplies, siege equipment specialists, and tactical coordinators."

She gestured to the ranks behind her. "These are elite troops. Veterans of multiple campaigns. Trained in siege defense, urban combat, and coordinated magical warfare. They are at your disposal for the duration of this crisis."

Her expression remained neutral, but Satou detected a hint of assessment in those black eyes. She was evaluating him, determining if he was worthy of Loki’s support.

"Commander Vex’ahlia," Satou replied, matching her formality. "Your arrival is timely and greatly appreciated. Our settlement faces significant threat, and your forces will strengthen our defense considerably."

"Lord Loki has confidence in your leadership," Vex’ahlia said, though her tone suggested she was reserving judgment on that assessment. "He instructed us to follow your command structure and integrate with your existing forces. However—" She paused delicately. "—my soldiers are accustomed to certain standards of discipline and tactical sophistication. I trust accommodations can be made for proper training methodologies?"

There it was. The polite way of saying "we’re professionals, you’re amateurs, please don’t drag us down."

Before Satou could respond, Urgak stepped forward. The massive orc chieftain towered over the demon commander, his scarred face set in what might have been amusement or annoyance—hard to tell with Urgak.

"Standards," Urgak rumbled. "Discipline. Sophistication." He leaned down slightly. "We’ve been fighting for survival since before your soldiers were whelped, Commander. We’ve held this settlement against bandits, monsters, and heroes. We’ve killed things that would give your ’elite troops’ nightmares."

His single arm gestured broadly. "You’re welcome here. Your soldiers are welcome. But don’t confuse formal training with actual combat effectiveness. Some of us learned to fight by not dying, not by marching in pretty lines."

Tension crackled. Vex’ahlia’s expression didn’t change, but her posture shifted subtly—preparing for potential conflict.

Satou stepped between them smoothly. "Commander Vex’ahlia, Chieftain Urgak has led our warriors through multiple life-or-death situations. His experience is invaluable. You’ll find our forces are highly effective despite unconventional training."

He turned to Urgak. "Commander Vex’ahlia brings two centuries of military knowledge from formal campaigns. Her tactical expertise will complement our practical experience."

Back to Vex’ahlia. "I expect your forces to integrate with ours respectfully. Learn from each other. Your sophisticated tactics combined with our survival-honed instincts will create something stronger than either approach alone."

Vex’ahlia studied him for a long moment. Then, surprisingly, she smiled—a small, sharp expression that suggested approval.

"Diplomatic. Confident. Willing to acknowledge strengths in others while maintaining authority." She nodded. "Perhaps Lord Loki’s confidence was not misplaced." She turned to Urgak. "Chieftain, I apologize if my words seemed dismissive. I’ve learned not to underestimate those who’ve survived through skill rather than just training."

Urgak grunted. "Apology accepted. Just remember—pretty formations don’t mean much when you’re fighting for your life."

"Agreed. And survival experience means little if you waste it through lack of coordination." Vex’ahlia extended her hand. "Shall we combine strengths rather than comparing them?"

Urgak stared at the offered hand for a moment, then clasped it firmly. "Deal."

The tension broke. Around them, warriors from both forces relaxed slightly.

"Commander Vex’ahlia," Satou said, "if you’ll follow me, we can discuss integration, training schedules, and defensive assignments. Chieftain Urgak, please coordinate with Commander Vex’ahlia’s officers to arrange joint training exercises."

"Already planning it," Urgak rumbled.

As they moved toward the administrative building, Kelvin fell into step beside Satou and whispered, "That could have gone badly."

"But didn’t," Satou replied quietly. "Vex’ahlia’s smart enough to recognize strength when she sees it. And Urgak respects competence. They’ll work well together once they get past initial posturing."

"I hope you’re right. Because combining sophisticated tactics with brutal survival instincts could either be brilliant or catastrophic."

"Then we’ll make sure it’s brilliant."

[AFTERNOON - STRATEGIC MEETING]

An hour later, Satou gathered his expanded command staff in the meeting room. The table that had once felt spacious now seemed crowded with leadership from three different forces.

Satou sat at the head. Jessica and Lyra flanked him on either side. Urgak represented the orcs. Kelvin and Grimnir represented the hobgoblins and original settlement fighters. Chief Ssk’thar represented the Scaled Brethren, his reptilian bulk requiring a specially reinforced chair. Commander Vex’ahlia represented Loki’s forces, sitting with perfect military posture.

Maps covered the table. Updated defensive plans reflected the expanded forces.

"Let’s review our current situation," Satou began. "As of today, we have approximately one thousand defenders total. Two hundred and fifty original settlement forces. Two hundred from Lord Loki. Two hundred and thirty-seven Scaled Brethren. Plus Lady Seraphina’s two hundred forces arriving within days."

He pointed to the map. "Defenses are sixty percent complete. Training has intensified significantly. Supply stockpiles are adequate for extended siege. Morale is high despite the threat."

"Now the challenges," Satou continued. "Chief Ssk’thar’s intelligence suggests the human army will arrive in three weeks or less. That compresses our preparation timeline significantly."

Ssk’thar leaned forward, his clawed hands resting on the table. "The humans are mobilizing a coalition force from multiple kingdoms. This isn’t just one nation attacking—it’s a coordinated effort to make an example of your settlement. Total force estimate is three thousand five hundred soldiers, possibly more."