Muryoko was sending two hundred Aberrants to each target. And a Deviant Prime or two would lead each army. That should be plenty. There was just one concern.

  “Sir, are you sure we shouldn’t change the plan?” Horoguramu once again insisted. “The idiot Vera leaked it to the boss of Nexus. We can’t just do what they expect us to do.”

  Vera began whimpering in the corner. Muryoko had forgiven her, against Horoguramu’s wishes, but she still hated herself for messing up again. As she should.

  “Why not?” Muryoko asked. “Why can’t we do what they expect us to do? Are we not the superior species? Are we not the original inhabitants of Tenebris? Tell me, Horoguramu, why should humans influence my decisions?”

  His voice was building up with anger, and Horoguramu knew better than to question his judgement. “I understand, sir.”

  “Good. Now then, as for the leaders of each army, I’d like Nika and Jinaida to go to Isapora and for Akiretsu and Yotun to go to Caluva. Vera will go to Harabel and Sabitsu to Nomun. That should suffice.”

  The Deviants around the table began nodding, apart from Horoguramu.

  "Horoguramu", Muryoko looked curious. “Is there a problem? Of course I need a Prime to stay here, just in case they decide to attack us directly.”

  “Y-yes, Muryok—" Horoguramu stopped himself. He did have a problem with this. A genuine concern.

  “Actually, Master Muryoko... I do have an issue with this.” He pointed at Sabitsu. “I don’t trust Sabitsu to be able to do this alone.”

  The room was deadly silent. Horoguramu knew that questioning his superior was a bad idea, but he was getting angry. There was no way he’d allow Sabitsu to go into battle while he stayed behind.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  “Sabitsu is an unreliable brat.” Horoguramu spat, “How can we expect him to focus on the mission? He hardly even attends meetings unless you’re involved.”

  Nika tapped Horoguramu on the arm, gesturing for him to stop, but Sabitsu was the one to interrupt him.

  “No Nika. He’s right. Horoguramu practically lives in the throne room. How can someone with such loyalty not be picked over me? I understand his frustrations. He believes himself to be a more worthy rank one than me, even though my combat abilities exceed his. He should go.”

  Horoguramu hated the way Sabitsu spoke, but he knew he was being truthful at least.

  “You see, Master? I—"

  “Ok.”

  “... I’m sorry?”

  “I said, 'ok'." Muryoko said, with a deceptively nonchalant tone. “Swap with Sabitsu. Go to Nomun. That’s ok. Now all of you go."

  The room emptied out, but Horoguramu had a feeling Muryoko wanted another word with him. He was right. As soon as it was just the two of them, he grabbed Horoguramu’s horn and pulled it, making him stagger. Muryoko held Horoguramu’s face right next to his.

  “Someone has a high opinion of themselves, don’t they?” Muryoko snarled. Horoguramu didn’t dare speak back. “I don’t care where you think you rank, but remember your place. My plans are absolute. My word is unquestionable. If you think your ideas are better, why not go ahead and join Nexus? Are you my servant, or are you my enemy?”

  "S-servant",

  “That’s right. And servants don’t speak back against me, do they?”

  "N-no, sir.”

  “Good. Now go.”

  Muryoko threw Horoguramu onto the floor in front of him.

  “Get up. And I hope you understand that if you fail, if your genius plan fails, then there will be major consequences. I’ll gladly be the one to rip that crown of horns off your head. You’re the only surviving Deviant from what happened 300 years ago. The only one except me. You’re lucky to share that title with me, but I’ll happily take it from you. What are you dawdling about for? GO!”

  Horoguramu swiftly ran and didn’t look back.