In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 187 Deployment

The most strategic-minded among the chieftains, Falcon of the Black Hawk Tribe, spoke in a measured tone.

"We cannot bring down that fortress with brute force alone. Michael is a cunning adversary. Many of our tribe’s elite warriors fell at the hands of knights commanding flying magical beasts under his command," said Falcon, the chieftain of the Black Hawk Tribe, his tone measured and analytical.

Kanta, the chieftain of the Lion’s Mane Tribe, scoffed in response. "So what do you propose we do? Stand around idly and wait for the fortress to collapse on its own? You criticize but fail to present a viable strategy."

Their argument was interrupted by Crown Prince Oswald, who stepped in to mediate. "If ambushes and frontal assaults are too difficult, then we’ll lay siege to the fortress. Orlando Fortress once held a garrison of 50,000. Their numbers have since swelled to 150,000, but their resources are finite. Even if they’ve stockpiled supplies, a prolonged siege will eventually deplete them."

He gestured to the surrounding plains. "Unlike the scorched earth we’ve passed through, this region hasn’t been ravaged. We’ll surround the fortress with our forces to trap them inside while dividing our troops to pillage the surrounding areas. The barley harvest is nearly ready, isn’t it? Additionally, we have a tactic they won’t even consider. Let’s have the weaker tribes transform and graze like livestock."

The suggestion was met with nods of agreement. With over 500,000 soldiers gathered from various tribes, it seemed plausible. Of those, nearly 400,000 hailed from tribes descended from animal shifters like deer, rabbits, and antelopes. By tapping into their ancestral abilities, they could graze for sustenance, reducing the need for rations.

However, this strategy revealed Oswald’s ignorance of the state of the other tribes. While the Five Great Tribes retained the strength to draw upon their ancestral powers, many other tribes had suffered generations of oppression and forced conscription. Their connection to their lineage had weakened significantly.

The decree stirred anger among those tribes designated to graze.

"What do they take us for—actual rabbits?" protested Yuran, the chieftain of the Meadow Rabbit Tribe. "We can graze if we must, but it won’t suffice. Surely, we’re entitled to some rations."

The messenger delivering Oswald’s orders was indifferent. "Figure it out yourselves. You’re herbivores, aren’t you? If that’s unsatisfactory, you can defy the prince’s orders and watch your entire tribe be executed."

Yuran suppressed his rage, though tears of frustration burned in his eyes. How he longed to escape this brutal empire and find sanctuary elsewhere. Yet, where could they go?

On the Rubel Continent, Pamir tribes like his were often treated as little more than slaves. Resigned, Yuran trudged back to his people, dreading how to break the news.

Inside Orlando Fortress, Crown Prince Randolph prepared for his departure. He penned two letters, sealing them with his crest. With tears streaming down her face, Elise accepted the letters from him.

"Elise, please stop crying and take these letters," Randolph implored. "Seeing your tears feels like my heart is being torn apart."

Elise smiled through her tears, though her true feelings remained hidden. Her reddened eyes and sorrowful expression had a moving effect on those who saw her. Like a dewy rose in bloom, she clung to Randolph’s chest.

"I’m sorry, Randolph. I shouldn’t show you such weakness before your departure. Please forgive me. Seeing your bravery fills me with pride, and the tears won’t stop. Please, return victorious and hold me tightly once more."

Buoyed by his beloved wife’s encouragement, Randolph kissed her lips.

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"Keep these letters safe," he said. "If anything happens to me…"

Before he could finish, Elise shook her head vehemently, as if rejecting the possibility. Finally, at his insistence, she took the letters with trembling fingers.

One letter was addressed to his father, Charles V. In it, Randolph expressed his desire for Elise to be formally recognized as the crown princess should anything happen to him. If he returned victorious, the letter would remain unsent.

The second letter was meant for a child who might already be growing in Elise’s womb. If Randolph were to fall in battle, that child would be born fatherless. Writing these letters was Randolph’s way of demonstrating the seriousness with which he approached the battlefield.

While his advisors insisted that the crown prince did not need military accolades, Randolph thought differently. He had received proper training as both a commander and a knight—why shouldn’t he fight?

After all, Michael himself had been an untested youth before his first deployment. It was sheer luck that had led Michael to bond with a sphinx and a dragon. No matter how many times Randolph compared himself to Michael objectively, he always arrived at the same conclusion: he was no less capable.

Now, his path was clear. When the Pamir Empire’s forces attacked, he would appear to be managing supplies in the rear, then seize the opportunity to charge into the fray and achieve glory. Success would require precise timing and brilliant tactics, but Randolph was confident in his abilities.

"There’s no need for you to come outside. Seeing you weakens my resolve," he told Elise before sweeping out of the room, his cloak billowing behind him.

Watching him leave, Elise smiled softly. No matter what happened to Randolph on the battlefield, her position was secure as long as she had the letters.

A massive cloud of dust began to rise on the horizon, blotting out the sky. What had initially appeared as faint specks in the distance steadily grew larger, revealing their true form.

The ground beneath the approaching enemy vibrated with their footsteps, and their mere presence began to weigh on the hearts of the soldiers within the fortress.

From atop the watchtower, the soldiers stationed there watched the spectacle with growing dread. Their faces grew pale as they struggled to fathom the sheer number of enemies concealed within that cloud of dust.

This was the overwhelming force that had effortlessly overtaken Dolce Fortress, now advancing on Orlando Fortress. The soldiers exchanged glances, their eyes filled with fear.