Chapter 1284: Gritted Jaws and Narrowed Eyes ( 1284 )

The soldier stopped and saluted. "Sir! A ship from our continent has arrived!"

"Oh?" Jaigar raised an eyebrow. "It seems the team has arrived, huh?" He turned, a smirk forming on his lips. "I hope it’s my team and not one of Julius’s annoying groups. Is it Angrar?"

"We don’t know yet, Sir. The captain just told me to inform you."

"Alright, alright." Jaigar waved his hand dismissively. "You take charge here and make sure these filth keep working. If they get lazy, shoot them."

"Yes, Sir!"

Jaigar turned and began walking toward the dock, his smirk widening.

Let’s see who decided to grace us with their presence today.

After a while.

Jaigar stood at the dock, accompanied by his chosen team, watching as the large ship slowly pulled into port. The vessel was a mix of modern and traditional design, its wooden hull reinforced with metal plating, and a gangplank was lowered from the side with a heavy thud against the stone pier.

"Sir Jaigar, I wonder if it’s our team that’s been sent to reinforce us," one of his girls said, her voice hopeful.

Another chimed in, her eyes fixed on the ship. "I really hope it’s from our team. I’m tired of dealing with Julius’s arrogant followers."

Jaigar smirked, his arms crossed. "Heh... I also want someone from our team. But I doubt Julius would be sent personally, since he was appointed as the supreme leader. He’s too busy playing politics."

They waited in silence, the gangplank creaking as figures began to descend. Jaigar’s mood soured instantly as the first person walked down.

"Tch!"

It’s Vane...

Damn, this strategist is the one they sent?

Not to mention he’s second in rank on Julius’s team...

Fuck... I hate this.

Jaigar watched with growing irritation as Vane walked down the gangplank with calm, composed steps. His posture was straight, his movements measured, like a noble strolling through his own estate. He was accompanied by five beautiful women, each one poised and elegant, their eyes sharp and alert.

The girls on Jaigar’s team gritted their jaws the moment they saw Vane and his party.

"Jaigar..." one of them whispered, her voice tense.

"Ceh..." Jaigar spat, his eyes narrowing. "Why the hell did they send the vice leader of Julius’s team? Couldn’t they spare someone less annoying?"

Vane stopped a few paces away, his calm voice carrying a hint of mockery. "I was sent because someone was deemed incompetent. I had no choice but to agree to Julius’s command. Though I must say, I didn’t expect to find things in such a... disorganized state."

"Guh!" Jaigar’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. He wanted to retort, but the words died in his throat.

Vane’s party members, Fayna, Rasya, Gulia, Deliza, and Erlaine, stood silently behind him, their gazes cool and unreadable as they glanced at Jaigar’s girls.

Vane glanced around the area, his eyes scanning the half-finished fortifications. "Where is Gorak?"

"Huh? How would I know? That scumbag only does as he pleases and never listens. I bet he’s already been eaten by some monster around here."

Vane shook his head and began walking, his party following behind him. Jaigar and his team reluctantly fell in step.

"The main building isn’t finished yet, Jaigar?"

"Hah! Don’t ask me. Ask those weakling slaves. They’re the ones who are too slow and weak to get the job done."

Vane stopped and turned his gaze toward the distance, where the Amazarak prisoners toiled under the harsh sun. Their bodies were skinny and weak, their movements sluggish and exhausted, with no sign of rest or proper care.

Vane’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Have you given them proper meals? And proper rest?"

Jaigar scoffed. "Why would I waste food on them? They’re prisoners, not guests."

Vane’s voice remained calm, but there was a cold edge to it. "Slaves who don’t eat don’t work. Slaves who don’t rest die. And dead slaves are useless." He turned and gave Jaigar a long, measured look. "If you want this base finished on time, you need to treat your resources better. Even tools need maintenance."

"No wonder Julius sent me here. To replace someone who can’t even manage basic resources. If these prisoners were given at least the bare necessities, food, water, and proper rest, they would still be alive when the invasion begins. They could be used as frontline fodder, absorbing enemy attacks before our main forces engage. And if they were treated with even a shred of decency, they might not hesitate to fight for us out of fear, rather than collapsing from exhaustion before the battle even starts."

Jaigar fell silent, his face reddening with anger and humiliation. He clenched his fists, but he knew he couldn’t challenge Vane openly.

Vane raised his palm and gestured toward the captain of their army, who hurried over.

"Yes, Sir Vane?"

"Hmm... Tell the soldiers to start cooking food for the slaves. Make sure they have access to water from the stream. And summon the one in charge of these prisoners."

"Yes, Sir Vane."

"From today onward, I will be the one in charge of this base."

"But... Goddess Rafazelia assigned me to prepare this place for the invasion!" Jaigar protested, his voice strained.

"And?" Vane said calmly, glancing over his shoulder with both hands clasped behind his back. "The progress is laughably slow under an idiot like you. You’ve wasted time and resources, and you’ve failed to manage even the simplest tasks. Your incompetence is why I’m here."

He turned, his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes locking onto Jaigar’s with a cold glare. His aura flared, making the air around them feel heavy.

"And one more thing, Jaigar. You should know your place and address me as ’Sir.’"

"Y... yes... Sir Vane."

Vane turned his back and began walking again, inspecting the progress of the base while his party followed closely behind.

"If you have something to complain about, you can ride the ship back and complain to Angrar or even your goddess. I don’t care. What matters is progress, results, and efficiency. That is why I was appointed as the strategist for all the summoned heroes. Not because of strength, but because I see what others overlook, and I plan accordingly."

Jaigar fell silent, his teeth grinding in frustration.

Ceh!

Just because he’s the second strongest in Julius’s team, and just because all the goddesses agreed to appoint him as our strategist, he thinks he can walk all over me.

He’s nothing but a tactician who hides behind Julius’s shadow. Without Julius, he’d be nothing.

( End Of Chapter )