The Time-Stop Breeding Uncle Want’s to Retire

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

The Alliance meeting concluded successfully. However, the problem came afterward. The demons launched a continent-wide offensive.

This had happened a fortnight ago.

Hans’s plan for a preemptive strike was naturally abandoned. He had intended to strike at the heart of the enemy and weaken their forces, but he hadn’t expected to be preempted in this manner.

Hans clicked his tongue.

As expected, both in the game and in reality, the demons were formidable opponents. However, he had anticipated a counterattack.

He hadn’t expected the demons to remain passive. Considering he had thought they might attack at any moment, the two weeks of respite had been fortunate.

As expected, the Human Kingdom and the Dwarf Kingdom were the first to be attacked.

Although it was a surprise attack, they had initially defended without much difficulty. Until the True Demons appeared.

“It seems so.”

“For the True Demons to appear…they rarely show themselves.”

Hans clicked his tongue.

The reason the True Demons rarely appeared was simple. They were the source of the demons. True Demons could create not only lesser demons but also monsters.

However, the number of demons and monsters they could create depended on the number of True Demons.

If a True Demon was severely injured or killed, their forces would weaken and begin to crumble.

That’s why the True Demons rarely showed themselves. They were a crucial strategic resource.

The only time they appeared personally was during an all-out war.

“The demons have deployed all their forces. Are they trying to end this?”

“Now that their influence in the north has diminished because of the Dragon Lord, it seems they’re trying to recover before it weakens further.”

“That’s probably it.”

Losing influence in one region didn’t mean the end.

Naturally, their influence in other regions would also decrease. And that meant their advantages would gradually disappear.

The reason the demons had maintained the upper hand in the war until now wasn’t just because of their overwhelming military strength, but because they had been able to dictate the terms of engagement using monsters. But they couldn’t do that anymore.

However, the demons still had the advantage. Their overall strength was still greater. That’s why they had launched an all-out offensive, to maintain their position.

In other words, the demons had abandoned their strategy of minimizing losses. They had previously aimed for victories with minimal or no casualties.

“They must have realized that’s no longer possible.”

“Indeed, because now we’re here.”

*…What does that have to do with you?*

Clara’s casual remark almost made Hans blurt out something foolish.

The weight of a person’s words could change drastically depending on the situation.

That’s why he had to be careful with his words. Even insignificant remarks could accumulate and become a burden.

Especially when his reputation was already inflated.

Hans was acutely aware of this, so he had made it a habit to be mindful of his words. This prevented him from making careless remarks.

“What do you mean?”

“Commander, you already know, don’t you? What we’re talking about.”

*No, I really don’t.*

“We know you want to protect us, Commander. But we can pull our own weight now.”

‘?’

Even Hans couldn’t help but be taken aback by their sudden declaration. But they were insistent. They didn’t want to be protected behind the Commander any longer.

“We’ll mark the True Demons.”

“Mark the True Demons? One-on-one?”

“That’s right.”

Hans finally understood what they were saying. They were proposing to engage the True Demons in one-on-one combat.

It was understandable.

The True Demons were scattered, attacking different nations. The other races were managing to hold on for now, but the True Demons were different.

Their power was beyond measure.

Naturally, those below the level of the Royal Knights couldn’t handle them. So, ideally, the members of the Royal Knights should scatter and engage them individually. But Hans shook his head.

“I can’t allow it. It’s too dangerous.”

He couldn’t possibly approve of such a plan. The Royal Knights had just been rebuilt.

Could he risk scattering them again? The answer was no.

“Your concern is valid, Commander, but this isn’t a reckless challenge.”

“It’s not a reckless challenge?”

“No, each race has at least one knight who is equal to or comparable to the Royal Knights.”

“Hmm…”

“With the support of their armies, they can handle them.”

Yuren confirmed.

She had trained them personally, so her words were credible. But Hans couldn’t help but hesitate.

Even Blood Demons were powerful.

And they were proposing to fight True Demons, who were even stronger. It was true that the Royal Knights had previously repelled the True Demons. But at that time, only three True Demons had come to minimize their losses.

And they hadn’t even managed to capture two of them, despite having a numerical advantage. How could he make a decision so easily?

After a moment of deliberation, Hans said,

“Let me think about it.”

He knew logically that this was the best course of action. But he couldn’t shake his unease. So, he wanted to buy himself some time.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“Does the Commander not trust us?”

It was Clara who spoke during the meal. Her values could be summed up as a desire for recognition. Just as she had craved her mother’s approval, Clara wanted to be acknowledged by the Commander.

Clara didn’t hide her desire. She was confident that she wouldn’t lose even in a direct confrontation with a True Demon.

Helia coldly replied,

“Refrain from such arrogant remarks.”

“But it’s true, isn’t it? If the Commander trusts us…!!”

“Even if it were true, what would change?”

“What?”

Clara’s words had struck a nerve with Helia. She had always disapproved of them, but she hadn’t voiced her opinion. She didn’t want to be disliked by her Teacher.

But openly questioning him like this was a different story. As his disciple, she had to correct them. Their conflicting mindsets clashed.

Helia stood up.

She glared at Clara, who also stood up. As their gazes locked, another voice intervened.

“Infighting is strictly prohibited.”

“Yuren is right. We’re facing a major crisis, and you’re thinking of wasting your energy fighting each other?”

“…”

“…”

“I don’t think you’re that foolish.”

Yuren’s firm words and Cluna’s sharp reprimand forced Clara and Helia to back down. It was natural for them to be on edge. They were reliving their past failures.

Everyone except Helia and Cluna knew.

They had failed once. That stigma wouldn’t disappear easily. The judgment of others, and even their own memories.

The memory of failure lingered, tormenting them. So, most failures sought to redeem themselves. Or they were broken by the weight of their failure.

Knowing that they could lose their resolve if they remained passive, Cluna thought calmly.

How could she resolve their resentment?

After much deliberation, she spoke,

“The Commander doesn’t distrust you. He’s trying to protect you because he cares about you.”

“But that’s…!!!”

“It’s similar to what I did to you in the past. Though the intensity is less…it can’t be helped.”

Cluna’s words were true. It was natural to worry about those you cared about. You would want to keep them away from danger. But in some cases, it could be perceived as a lack of trust.

“But if you don’t give up and keep trying to persuade him…I believe the Commander will understand.”

“…You’re right, Mom.”

“That’s right.”

Clara and Ruby stood up almost simultaneously and declared,

“I’ll settle this with the Commander directly!”

“I feel the same way!”

How would Hans have reacted if he had been there?

He would probably have rolled on the floor with joy.

That, of course, was sarcasm.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

[Translator Notes]