System's POV
chapter-362-2

While the general consensus of the higher-ups of the Dvalinn Federation was to recall all their forces who were currently in the Sirius Continent, Aldebaran Continent, and the Cygni Continent to execute a grand counterattack, this was something only they knew.

Because of this, he wanted to ask the teenage boy why he believed that now was the perfect time to strike back at the Jinns, who had just decimated a tenth of their overall fighting force a few days ago.

"Let's say that we do what you had just suggested," Benedict said. "After that, what is stopping them from reclaiming the lands we hypothetically conquer? They can easily do that, you know?"

"Then, tell me. What is stopping two Monarchs and five thrones from destroying the territories that they left unguarded?" Thirteen asked back.

"…Don't tell me." Benedict's eyes widened in shock as he looked at the boy, who was currently wearing a devilish smile on his face.

"Uncle, the time has changed," Thirteen replied. "When the Jinns and Majins invaded the Rigel Continent, the Wanderers were still weak. There were only six monarchs, a few thrones, and less than a hundred Champions.

"The technology to combat Jinns and Majins at that time was also not as developed as what we have right now. Granted, we can't fully liberate the Rigel Continent, but we can certainly push them back and secure a stronghold on the Northern Region of the Continent."

Benedict smirked before asking the boy the question that really mattered.

"Earlier, you mentioned that the three Rank 9 Sovereigns are protecting the Dimensional Gate at the center of the continent," Benedict stated. "Then, what if one of them goes to the North to deal with us?

"We have killed one of the eight Rank 8 Sovereigns, but there are seven more. What if they all teamed up against us, alongside one of the Rank 9 Sovereigns? Even if the Grand Marshal, the Field Marshal, and your Grandfather join us in this expedition, I doubt that we'll be able to beat the Jinn's elite forces."

Thirteen only smirked and raised a finger. "I'll tell you how we can win once everyone is gathered for the meeting tonight, Uncle. It will be easier if I just say it at once."

Benedict was amused by Thirteen's words, but in the end, he decided that it would indeed be better if everyone were present to hear what he was going to say.

They also planned to question him about what happened to the Rank 8 Sovereign who suddenly disappeared from the battlefield.

It was only because of that incident that they managed to deliver a devastating blow to their enemies, who by then had destroyed all the structures in the 12 sectors they had been forced to abandon.

After his chat with Benedict, Thirteen went to talk to Michael, who had been silently listening to their discussion.

Just like Benedict, he had a lot of things he wanted to ask his nephew. But, since there were other people around, he decided to only talk about the things that would not pose any problem even when overheard by others.

"Your Grandpa will be arriving this afternoon by plane as well," Michael said. "But, he won't be coming alone," Michael said. "Trevor Remington, Morris Smith, and Steven Lockwoode are also coming with him."

Thirteen smirked. He had long felt that if his Grandpa were to make a move, the rest of those who rule the Aldebaran Continent would move as well.

"Can the Leventis Engineers repair the hand-held cannons of my troops?" Thirteen inquired.

"Yes, but it will take them at least two weeks to repair them all," Michael answered. "There is also the issue with the damage to the Empyrium Mine. Fortunately, we brought replacements with us for both the hand-held cannons and the mine equipment."

Thirteen nodded. "True. But, we will need all the help we can get. Ask the engineers to focus on the hand-held cannons first. Don't worry about the mining equipment. The Dvalinn Federation will handle the rest."

"Understood," Michael replied. "But, Zion, will this counterattack really work?"

Michael had doubts about whether it was really possible to secure the Northern Regions of the Rigel Continent.

"We will," Thirteen replied with confidence. "But only if one condition is met."

"And that is?" Michael asked with genuine curiosity.

Benedict, Marion, Cristopher, and Colbert also perked their ears, wanting to hear what Thirteen was about to say.

"This counterattack will only succeed if I become the Supreme Commander of this operation," Thirteen declared. "Otherwise, it won't work."

Michael fixed the glasses on his face, but he didn't deny his no-

good nephew's claim.

The boy had successfully orchestrated the battle in the Valbarra and Arcadia Archipelago, and only idiots would downplay such an achievement.

"And what if they don't want to listen to you?" Michael asked half a minute later.

"I don't care if they don't listen to me," Thirteen replied casually. "As long as the Leventis Family listens, I'm sure I can work something out."

Michael and Thirteen smiled at each other and chuckled at the same time.

The laughter of the two gave Benedict goosebumps, but something inside of him was telling him that whatever the boy planned to do, he should jump on his bandwagon to gain some benefits.

Marion, who thought that there was nothing for her to do here, decided to leave the room.

She still hadn't finished writing letters to the families of the deceased members of her Battalion.

When he was certain that the Commander of the Valkyries had truly left the room, the teenage boy looked at Benedict with a solemn expression on his face.

"Don't be too hard on them," Thirteen said. "Although they were the ones who were truly at fault, the Dvalinn Federation wouldn't have an opportunity to defeat the King of the North if the incident didn't happen."

"Did we really defeat it?" Benedict pursed his lips "Last time we saw the Bird Man, he was bathed in a purple light and disappeared completely. You still haven't told me what happened to it."

Thirteen smiled. "Let's just say that you won't have to worry about the Bird Man ever again."

"Can you guarantee that?" Benedict arched an eyebrow.

"Yes," Thirteen replied.

Seeing the teenage boy's confident expression, Benedict finally relaxed. This was one of the major concerns that their organization was currently facing.

They feared that the Bird Man would return and jeopardize their future operations.

Michael then excused himself and his nephew, then they left the room together with Cristopher.

Colbert, who was about to follow behind them, suddenly felt a palm lightly tap on his shoulder.

Benedict gave him a knowing smile, which Colbert returned before nodding his head.

After that short exchange, the teenage boy hurriedly caught up to his Commander, who was about to have a private talk with Michael.

The teenage boy was currently the Riggs Family agent, tasked to divulge any important information to them as soon as he caught wind of it.

Of course, they didn't know that Thirteen was making use of Colbert as a double agent, fooling the Riggs Family into thinking that they were monitoring the 69th Battalion, as well as Zion's movements, effectively.

Information warfare was one of Thirteen's specialties, and there was no one in Pangea who could beat him when it came to working with Cannon Fodders, who had an instinctual affinity of being loyal only to him.