Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnated as a Beast Race
Chapter 186 - Beginning of the War Council

Chapter 186 - 186 - Beginning of the War Council

Almost everyone in the hall had the ability to sense when someone much stronger was standing before them.

It was an innate feeling, developed by most powerful warriors over the course of their lives.

It was more like an unconscious use of a sixth sense—far more rudimentary than the techniques Rygar employed in the Beast God Style, but still effective enough to recognize when one faced a superior force.

When Ornthorn entered, the dangerous, intimidating aura he exuded was immediately felt.

When the Demon King Gretta appeared, everyone perceived her overwhelming power and almost tangible intensity.

The sharp, deadly sensation that Kilian and Taes carried around them was impossible to ignore, like two sheathed blades.

But in that moment, with everyone silent, when distant footsteps echoed down the corridor, a cold shiver ran down each person's spine.

All eyes turned to the entrance of the hall, fixed, not daring to look away for a second.

The collective impression was that a beast was approaching with slow, determined steps—like a tiger stalking its prey—and they, its prey, needed to remain motionless.

The weaker ones had to resist the urge to run at that instant, seized by a primitive terror.

As the footsteps grew nearer, many began to break into a cold sweat, struggling to contain the impulse to draw their weapons.

The sensation was as if invisible claws were closing in on their throats, tightening with each step.

And then, when he finally entered the hall, his aura spread like a flaming wave.

Many unconsciously recoiled at the sight of that terrible, oppressive battle aura. Rygar, the Beast God, was not hiding his presence in the slightest.

Everyone there understood the reason immediately: it was meant to establish his strength from the very first moment, to make clear that opposing him on this council was not an option.

His power was simply out of reach for anyone present. Even the most powerful—North Emperor Ornthorn—knew instantly that he stood no chance of victory.

Following the Beast God closely were four figures.

Walking one on each side were the Sword Emperor, Ghislaine Adoldia, and the Sword King, Eris Adoldia. Both with penetrating, dangerous gazes, their auras as sharp as blades ready to cut.

Behind the three came the Legion's strategist, Verdia Solarion, and the Beast God's disciple, Aisha Greyrat. The two strolled casually, conversing as if nothing of importance were happening.

No one dared utter a word as Rygar made his way to the seat reserved for the Supreme Commander of the Iron Legion.

No one knew exactly why, but one of those present rose upon seeing him approach. Following the first, others also stood.

Soon, everyone was on their feet before the Beast God.

Even if they had done nothing wrong—or nothing that could be considered betrayal to the Legion—deep in their minds was an irrational, almost childish fear that Rygar might kill them for some trivial reason.

Even the Demon King Gretta, who was not truly considered a subordinate, rose after an impotent sigh, gazing at Rygar with evident interest.

Rygar walked calmly to his seat, paused for a moment behind the chair, and observed each of those present attentively, without haste. After a silent instant, he finally sat down.

Verdia took the seat to his right; as the Legion's strategist, she always positioned herself by the commander's side.

Ghislaine sat to his left, and Eris just beside Verdia. Aisha, for her part, remained standing just behind Rygar, observing everything around her with curiosity.

And then, suddenly, the oppressive aura dissipated as if it had never existed. Rygar's voice echoed through the hall, calmer than expected, surprising the majority of leaders still recovering from the pressure.

"Well then, shall we begin this council?"

At these words, a few relieved sighs escaped among those present unconsciously. Others sat down slowly, as if still trying to confirm whether they were, in fact, out of danger.

The atmosphere returned to something calmer... but everyone knew: the beast was still there, merely observing them calmly.

Less disoriented than the others, Taes signaled to his wife, who was still half anxious.

She rose abruptly, as if remembering her role. She began to speak with a slight stammer:

"W-welcome back, Commander! I am the Deputy Commander of the Iron Legion's Administration Division, Lisa Dedoldia. If you would allow me, I would like to review all the points to be seen and discussed in this council."

Rygar looked at her for a moment, recognizing her. He then glanced briefly at Taes before responding in an equally calm tone:

"Very well, Lisa. Proceed."

Feeling more comfortable with Rygar's tone of voice, the girl gained a bit more confidence.

She pulled out a bundle of papers containing various written details and then began:

"First, as many here know, the Beast God departed on a journey, leaving Tinaver about six years ago toward the Holy Land of Swords to hone his skills. Because of this, many here have not met the Iron Legion's leader in person, just as the Commander has not met some of the new additions to the chain of command. So, first of all, we will make some introductions."

She then looked at all the leaders for a moment, and seeing that everyone was paying attention, continued:

"Starting with our leader, Rygar Adoldia, founder of the Iron Legion. Many of you already know of his achievements and philosophies before he left Milis, from having lived among many people who knew him, so I will speak briefly about his accomplishments outside this continent."

Lisa organized the papers and continued:

"Among them are: forging an alliance with the Dragon King's entire kingdom, as well as with the North Emperor, who is here; spreading the Iron Legion's reputation throughout the Central Continent, creating a steady flow of new members from that region; establishing friendly relations with the Holy Land of Swords and with the Water God Style dojo through the Sword God, Gall Farion, and the Water God, Reida Reia; and, finally, creating the Beast God Style, which last month already began to be taught to selected disciples by his wife, Ghislaine Adoldia. Additionally, there are several other equally important achievements not necessarily mentionable."

She then looked at Rygar. He smiled slightly and said:

"To those I have not yet met, it is a pleasure to meet you. And to those I have not seen in a long time, it is a pleasure to see you again."

Internally, however, he thought: 'Damn, they really knew how to embellish my accomplishments... although nothing is truly a lie.'

What followed was a long but necessary round of introductions among most members.

After all, many of them had been on the battlefield until recently and did not know much about the Iron Legion's current situation.

There were even some who did not know why Ornthorn and Gretta had randomly joined the Iron Legion.

As the saying goes: Know yourself and your enemy, and you will fear the result of a hundred battles.

Knowing your allies was as important as knowing your opponents.

Lisa had detailed information about each person present. She introduced Ghislaine as his wife, as well as Sword Emperor and Beast King, and spoke of some of her achievements.

She presented Eris as his second wife and a Sword King at just fifteen years old. And Aisha, as his official disciple.

Rygar noticed some dissatisfaction among those he had taught in the past when Aisha was mentioned as his only official disciple.

But when Lisa mentioned that Aisha had become a Saint mage at five years old and, now at eight, was already a Saint-level mage in multiple schools, most fell silent.

Some cast glances of admiration at the girl, who paid attention to everything said about each member as if memorizing it.

In truth, Rygar had suspected for some time that she had an eidetic memory. Perhaps it was true.

After introducing his personal allies, it was time for the unknown ones at the table.

The North Emperor, Ornthorn, announced that he answered only to Rygar and not to the Iron Legion.

The Demon King, Gretta, said she would only help in this war and then return to the Demon Continent, as she governed an entire province there.

The Ore God, Godbard, stated that the dwarves' alliance with the Legion would last a lifetime.

Each leader was introduced: something about their power, achievements, battle position, and other relevant information.

Of course, Rygar had already studied each of them with his master and knew them all by name. But seeing them up close, feeling their presences, deciphering their personalities, was important as well.

After all, no matter how much he wanted to, Rygar could not wage a one-man war against Milis.

Not to mention that he would most likely be killed if he tried; he could not be everywhere at once.

If he attacked with everything and ended up trapped, Milis would continue its Crusade, and the Iron Legion's casualties would be unimaginable.

There was also Hitogami's counsel about not invading Milishion alone...

He did not know what to think of that, but he did not intend to invade the Sacred Capital without cause. He had even considered it before, but was dissuaded by his master.

He listened attentively to the generals, who introduced themselves formally.

After analyzing each of those present individually, Rygar realized something strange. Among all the leaders, one in particular caught his attention.

A human who had once been an independent mercenary, known as Jethou Sand, a North Saint.

He had joined the Iron Legion after a dramatic event—his family had been enslaved by a Milis noble, and the Legion was the only force willing to help rescue them, even if it meant clashing with Milis.

Despite the tragic and seemingly legitimate story, there was something about him that disturbed Rygar. Jethou seemed overly cautious.

During the meeting, whenever Rygar stared directly at him, the man showed subtle signs of discomfort.

Of course, to anyone looking superficially, he was perfectly calm.

He answered all questions truthfully—or at least with half-truths so well placed they sounded sincere.

But Rygar was not the same as he had been six years ago. His senses, sharpened over years of combat, magic, and analysis of people, detected nuances that passed unnoticed even by the best.

The way Jethou breathed, how he held or averted his gaze for fractions of a second, how his microexpressions did not exactly match the tone of his words... It was as if he were performing a very well-rehearsed role.

Rygar would bet that not even Taes, who likely had the keenest senses next to him, would have noticed.

And that was why Rygar said nothing. He did not expose him.

If Jethou truly were a Milis spy—something he considered highly probable—he would be more valuable alive and watched than dead.

Dead, someone would try to take his place. Alive, he could be used or unmasked at the right moment.

In any case, he was the only one who aroused real suspicions in Rygar.

The others, despite different origins, motivations, and personalities, showed genuine loyalty to the Iron Legion.

At that point, Taes had done an extraordinary job: preventing Milis spies from infiltrating the inner circle was a very difficult task, but it seemed that only one had succeeded.

The introductions finally came to an end. Then Lisa took the floor again, straightening the papers in front of her and saying clearly:

"The main points to be discussed in this council will be: first, establishing a new war strategy based on the strength we have acquired over the years and on the addition of the Beast God and his companions. Second, analyzing in depth the main combatants and most problematic enemies of Milis and determining how to neutralize them. Third, discussing the transition from a defensive, siege posture to an organized advance into enemy territory. And finally, deciding on contingencies in case of defeat and plans in case of victory. This includes possible alliances and the future of the Iron Legion after the war."

She then looked around the room, her eyes meeting each of those present.

"Does anyone have anything to add?"

All the leaders, commanders, and warriors fell silent.

Not because there were no doubts—there were many—but because everyone knew that the topics mentioned would open the floor to the questions and uncertainties that plagued them.

It was clear that this would be a long, exhaustive but essential discussion.

It was then that Verdia stood and spoke:

"Very well. If there is nothing else, then let us begin."

As she spoke, a silver ring on her middle finger began to glow faintly.

A translucent powder began to drift from it, spreading like mist around the black stone table.

Within seconds, the powder took shape—multicolored grains of sand floating in the air before settling precisely on the surface with magical accuracy.

Before everyone, a huge 3D map of the Milis territory formed on a continental scale, detailed and vivid as if it were a miniature version of the vast land.

-----

Hello! If you want to support my writing, check out my subscription P@treon

By subscribing, you will get access to up to 20 advanced Chapters of the Webnovel and polls to decide various things about the story.

Your support will encourage me to continue writing more Chapters! Check it out here: pa treon.com/DaoistJunkYard

---

Special Thanks

Thank you to Starman for becoming member on P@treon!