The aftermath of the conflict unfolded precisely as envisioned.
The removal of Carvel and Akass, two of the most formidable obstacles for Edinburgh, had transpired as a resounding triumph.
The Layos Rankers who had accompanied Carvel also met a similar fate, largely decimated by the coordinated efforts of Eren's forces.
In his maiden mission as a deputy commander, Eren secured the disputed territory for the kingdom of Edinburgh. If he were still an active member of the army, his accomplishments would have undoubtedly cemented his legacy as a distinguished commander.
Although he had long withdrawn from the ranks of the Edinburgh army, Eren's prior service and his current status as a Master Ranker warranted his temporary appointment as deputy commander. Demonstrating remarkable prowess, he had fully validated the privileges bestowed upon him, orchestrating a brilliant and magnificent victory that reclaimed the contested land for the kingdom of Edinburgh.
***
A day after Eren's victory over Carvel's forces.
Slicing through the clouds with a purposeful grace, a flying craft advanced towards the nearest city-state equipped with a teleportation nexus. Resembling a colossal fish, it flaunted lively fins extending in all four cardinal directions, complemented by metallic bat-like wings and a visage crafted from obsidian glass.
At the helm of this aerial marvel sat Duja Katak, an elf hailing from the capital city of Edinburgh. Eren's initial encounter with this elf had taken place during his first visit to the city of Edin, coinciding with his graduation.
Engaged by the kingdom of Edinburgh for wartime responsibilities, Duja Katak's current task involved escorting Eren and Naya to the closest teleportation juncture.
Within the flying vessel, the passenger compartment remained meticulously sealed off from both Duja Katak and the external environs. Laden with a range of defensive measures, the craft was engineered to guarantee the deputy commander's immunity from inadvertent mishaps or the targeted assaults that might be orchestrated by the adversary's fringe elements.
"I'm still grappling with one question," Naya inquired of Eren, her expression etched with bewilderment.
"Why go to such lengths to secure victories for the Kingdom of Edinburgh? It's not like you to reveal so many of your Trump cards.
You could have simply contested the unfair deployment due to your recent ascent to the Master Rank. they would have listened if you had used the connections you had built. I doubt this stems from concerns over public sentiment," she concluded, her eyes fixed on Eren, seeking an earnest response.
Eren's gaze wandered through the small window adjacent to his seat, casting his eyes over the ever-shifting landscape below: majestic mountains, winding rivers, dense woods, and remote hamlets – all bathed in the changing hues of the sky as the craft soared. Pondering Naya's query, he deliberated before answering.
"My battles fought for Edinburgh aren't meant to be simply seen as my allegiance to the kingdom, Naya," Eren's words flowed, his attention still captivated by the scenic panorama outside. "Nor is it driven by public sentiment. I'm not seeking recognition from Edinburgh. What I want is simpler: I desire war," his voice adopted a colder tone as he spoke.
Naya's perplexity deepened, etched on her features. Eren sensed her need for clarification and hastened to offer it.
"I'm not speaking of the ongoing battle orchestrated by the Anfang Alliance between Edinburgh and Layos. I'm referring to an all-encompassing war. A war spanning Edinburgh and Layos, unfolding at various points across Anfang.
A war that would keep the Anfang Alliance spread too thin to focus on a single conflict," Eren's tone remained composed as he locked his gaze on the sea of white clouds.
"But what do you stand to gain from such a massive war? Your weapon contracts have been dwindling in profitability lately. New contenders have entered the market, putting the White Raven Guild's dominance in jeopardy, both legally and in the black market.
You have made a lot of shady deals. Even Birmond was aware of some of them due the fact that he closely worked with you. Given Anfang Alliance's awareness of your arms supply to the Amazonian settlements in defiance of the Asikha Empire, I'm struggling to grasp your endgame," Naya questioned, her eyes searching Eren's, a note of annoyance creeping in as she noticed his continued preoccupation with the window view.
Eren picked up on Naya's subtle scorn through their connection. He turned his head, meeting her gaze with a light smile before continuing.
"There are many reasons behind why I want to torch an entire continent in the fires of war, Naya.
I won't deny that I sought to capitalize on the conflict, playing the role of a merchant of death by dealing arms. But that's not the sole motivation.
There's a deeper purpose driving my desire for this grand-scale war. It's all tied to the Lazarus Project, and I'm sure you recall one of the stipulations set by that old crone," Eren's voice held a thoughtful tone as he broached the topic.
Naya had been initiated into Eren's intricate scheme weeks ago, a plan that revolved around saving the very first demon beast he had ever formed a pact with, a creature named Reen. Intrigued and somewhat envious of Reen's significance in Eren's mind, she recollected the information Eren had shared and ventured a guess with a sense of dread settling on her.
"Sacrifices! Sage Eliza's requirement for numerous sacrifices to uphold her former Sage Ranker status even after she assumed a new form. Are you considering the participants of a full-fledged war to fulfill that condition?"
Naya's astonishment was evident in her widened eyes, her voice quivering slightly with a tinge of trepidation.
"Eren, there have to be alternatives to amassing sacrifices. You mustn't tread down such a reckless path.
Should the Anfang Alliance catch wind of your intentions, they'll undoubtedly mobilize their forces to thwart your resurrection of Eliza, perhaps even before the Lazarus Project reaches fruition," she cautioned earnestly, her voice bearing an edge of concern.
The revelation that Eren had orchestrated the war's escalation to harness its participants as necessary sacrifices left Naya incredulous, especially given the Alliance's watchful eye.
AN: Duja Katak was first mentioned in chapter 1000.
