I leaned forward slightly.
"It is time to capture the palace before someone else claims it first."
At the meeting, there were only six high-ranking officers present. Each of them was highly trained and possessed exceptional experience in warfare—whether it was aerial assault, fortification, naval expeditions, tactics, or jungle warfare.
They were:
General Lurian Vex — Supreme Tactician
A cold, analytical battlefield genius. Lurian Vex specialized in large-scale war strategy and long-term planning. He rarely fought directly unless necessary—he won wars before they even began. He was known for predicting enemy movements and setting multi-layered traps across entire regions.
General Drenor Kael — Fortification & Defense Master
Drenor Kael was the wall that never fell. He specialized in fortifications, defensive warfare, and holding critical territory. Castles, bunkers, and defensive lines under his command were nearly impossible to break. He believed victory came from endurance, not speed.
Colonel Kavira Sten — Urban Warfare & Intelligence Control
Kavira Sten dominated city combat and internal control operations. She excelled at suppressing rebellions, controlling populations, and conducting precision strikes inside enemy cities. Her intelligence network was feared for being everywhere and unseen.
Admiral Velin Rook — Naval & Maritime Dominance
Velin Rook commanded the seas. He specialized in naval warfare, blockades, and long-range sea strikes. No fleet moved without his knowledge. He controlled trade routes, destroyed supply lines, and ensured total dominance over oceans and ports.
Major Mavro Cain — Special Operations & Assault Units
Mavro Cain led elite strike forces and covert missions. He handled sabotage, assassination operations, and rapid high-risk assaults. His troops struck fast, disappeared faster, and left chaos behind enemy lines.
Captain Selora Varn — Reconnaissance & Field Mobility
Selora Varn was the eyes of the battlefield. She specialized in scouting, reconnaissance, and fast-moving field operations. Her units gathered intelligence, marked weak points, and guided larger armies with precision information.
I cleared my throat, drawing all eyes toward me.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
I took a deep breath before finally speaking.
"I want your opinion." I paused before adding, "This includes you as well, Colonel Dickson."
The officers exchanged confused and tense glances.
"It concerns the Royal Family. Should they be eliminated… or turned into our puppets?"
The room fell silent. Faces stiffened in shock.
The first to speak was General Lurian Vex.
"I believe it would be beneficial to use them as puppets."
"No. Absolutely not." Colonel Kavira Sten's voice sharpened. "They are the reason we went to war. What about the brothers and sisters we lost?"
"We must think before we act," General Drenor Kael replied calmly. "General Lurian Vex's words may anger many, but I must support him. If we eliminate the Royal faction entirely, we risk a coup… or worse, a new rebellion."
"I disagree," Admiral Velin Rook said firmly. "Many people want them dead. We would waste resources protecting devils. If we shield those responsible for innocent blood, then how are we different from them?"
Major Mavro Cain and Captain Selora Varn silently sided with the admiral.
I sighed.
"I will be blunt. We should protect them. And what about the royal children? If we destroy the entire Royal faction, that includes newborns as well… doesn't it, Colonel Kavira Sten?"
"W-What… I—I don—"
"Enough!" I shouted, cutting her off.
I exhaled heavily before continuing.
"Should we eliminate them or not? Do we destroy the entire Royal faction… or only the heads?"
I looked around the table.
"Let's vote."