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  Everyone is armed, but with improvised and rudimentary tools. Axes, swords, knives and pointed arrows made from scraped stones and sturdy wood. From an optimistic point of view, this is better than nothing, but in reality, these weapons are nothing more than utensils made for chopping down trees, clearing bushes and hunting small animals.

  I asked the Leader how they got these weapons. He expined that they made them themselves, using the knowledge they had. When I held one of them, I could see how heavy and unbanced it was. Basically, they were tools more suited to agriculture than combat.

  Speaking of the Leader, I could tell he was apprehensive. I can understand that, in a way. He was once again facing the possibility of an inevitable confrontation with all the people in his vilge. I have no doubt that he is still dealing with his previous loss. I would like to comfort him, but I know it would be in vain. More than that, I know that his feelings could serve as a trigger to motivate him not to make the same mistakes.

  Everyone was in front of me and the Leader, with varying looks on their faces and feelings welling up.

  - I'm sure everyone here understands the situation they're in. Another battle is approaching, and I'm afraid you know what that means. I commented as I watched them with a serious look on my face.

  I should be more encouraging, but even in my old world, I never knew how to use the right words.

  Sometimes appeasing the situation isn't the solution. There are times when a dose of reality is what we need most - and that's what I'm trying to convey now.

  - Yes, we're going into yet another fight. We may come out victorious, or we may lose our lives in the process. But we can't turn back, we can't keep running away forever. - said the leader.

  As expected from his courageous command, everyone seemed to have understood his words. I was relieved that his ideal was not that of an individualistic leader. However, everyone was being honest in their reactions; some were even visibly shaking. If I were still human, I would probably panic at being summoned to such a conflict by any country.

  But I felt no fear. Having faced death more than once, I already knew what awaited me in the worst-case scenario. Besides, I had already faced a number of remarkable creatures before arriving here, and nothing could be more terrifying than that.

  However, it seemed that only I shared this feeling.

  - Try not to be too nervous. We're the line of defense, and we mustn't weaken. Let's do our best. - I said firmly.

  As I had imagined, my intervention was viewed with a certain contempt, a reflection of how the others saw me. But someone soon interrupted my thoughts.

  - I can help too! - said a young Orc, his eyes shining with determination.

  - Hey, kid! Get back to your seat! - shouted the leader, clearly annoyed.

  I could understand the leader's attitude. He didn't want to involve the youngsters in such a dangerous battle. However, I felt the need to intervene at that moment. I raised my hand, interrupting the leader immediately.

  - Listen, kid. You may have courage, but it's important to recognize your own limits. If you want to help, stay here in the background. - I said, trying to be firm, but with an understanding tone.

  - But I can help! I'm one of the few here who can use magic! It's not very strong, but it's better than nothing! - insisted the young Orc, visibly anxious.

  I didn't want to disregard his words, but the truth was that he was inexperienced and his magic, although useful, wasn't enough to face the danger ahead. In a real battle, he could end up in serious trouble.

  Still, I didn't want to belittle him or ruin his courage. I bent down to him, putting my hand on his shoulder. I felt the trembling in his body, the fear he was trying to hide. He was scared, and that touched me deeply.

  - Of course, if things go wrong, which I hope they won't, you will be our st line of defense. Do whatever it takes to protect those who need it. - I said, trying to convey confidence.

  He smiled, relieved, and the liveliness he was gradually losing returned to his eyes. Even though I had dismissed him, I knew he would still help us - back off, perhaps, but willing to get involved if necessary.

  - Yes, you bet! I mean... Satouma-Sama! - he replied, now more confident.

  - I'm counting on you. Now, off you go. - I nodded and he went back to the group of non-combatants. The leader seemed satisfied with my words and with the way the situation had turned out.

  Even though I sent the boy on a safer path, I couldn't help but think of the worst-case scenario. The death of the Orcs, the destruction of his vilge... I couldn't allow that, after all, they were my responsibility now.

  The weather didn't help either. The preparation time had been short and the pressure was enormous. When the sun began to set, the battle would begin. Everyone was anxious.

  - We only have a short time. Have the others completed their tasks? - I asked, trying to stay calm.

  - Yes, we followed your instructions perfectly. But I'm afraid it's not enough. - replied the leader, with a worried look on his face.

  - I'll do something about that, just in case. But for now, it will only be for our defense. - I said, trying to be confident.

  ***

  As I had predicted, as soon as the sun went down, the ant queen was already in position.

  As night fell and the moon rose, the queen's desire intensified. She looked anxiously at her army, and her anthill went into a trance, watching the moon with reverence.

  Suddenly, a young ant emerged from the ground with a tense expression. She had reconnoitered around the vilge and mentally reported to the queen that something had changed. A new monster was among the Orcs, and its aura surpassed even that of the Orc leader. Fearing what this meant, the ant only concluded that the Orcs had some kind of much more powerful ally.

  The queen, perplexed, couldn't believe it.

  That seems impossible to me! thought the queen. After all, a monster so feared by the anthill, which had already dealt with various threats, could only be a species superior to her - something her pride could not accept.

  Vaku