Dungeon of Lust: Managing Otherworldly Beauties

Chapter 327: A Step in the Wrong Direction

Vale lounged back in the [Wingback Chair], activating the [Comfy] Enchantment.

“Well then, Mias, what is it?”

Across from Vale, smoke appeared from thin air, then swirled and burst into a humanoid shape. Before his body even finished solidifying, Mias said:

“Our war… I have discerned the most cost-efficient and safe strategy to guarantee victory with the least fighting possible.”

Vale’s eyebrow raised at those delectable words.

“Your words suggest you’ve done more than simply find a suitable target.”

“Correct… In my time scouting, I came up with a surefire plan to claim victory. Or more so, a method. As the plan is no different than before.”

Vale, waiting for the catch, nodded.

“Go on…”

After a slight pause, Mias went on to detail a fastidious proposal of controlling the warriors’ actions to change the opinion of those on Lust while simultaneously making the ambitions of the stronger dungeons known.

Naturally, he worded it as some might die as a result, but it would, in turn, allow Vale to protect the Champions and the most valued of his Legion.

And, in all honesty…

‘It’s a good plan.’

One that, as Mias said, would undoubtedly have at least some beneficial effect.

Not only that, but Vale had recently decided to stop denying the warriors their right to life. They lived to fight, so he’d let them; however, this wasn’t an order to go and fight for Lust, but an order to die for Lust.

The order went against the whole reason Vale accepted their potential loss. Sure, their real duty was to serve Lust, but Vale didn’t want to cross that line.

‘There’s so much that he didn’t say.’

Mainly, once enemies picked up on the reserved habit, they’d take advantage.

What was a squad of Vale’s Legion going to do if an enemy scout spotted them and then simply watched while calling for backup? During the time it took for backup to come, where the squad would be able to chase off the scout, then hide their position or thin the joining beasts little by little, they’d have to let the enemy forces gather and organize.

Plus, with how easy it would become to outmaneuver and outnumber a passive squadron…

‘A few will undoubtedly be captured and tortured.’

It was clear Mias’ brutal methods weren’t exactly unique. Even if there was little chance a warrior would spill anything, Vale’s enemies had no reason to hold back — they adhered to no moral or ethical code.

How would Vale feel if what he and Salome did to the chameleons happened to him? What if his forces, who he’d once described as his children, were violated in some way?

Would he be able to resist the bait?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But, no matter what, he wouldn’t come away unharmed. His mind would be a wreck from such a thing.

There were a few other disadvantages and caveats that went unsaid.

“You’re walking a thin line, Mias.”

Mias indifferently nodded.

“One could see it that way.”

Vale sighed, then detailed what Mias hadn’t.

Mias listened diligently — or at least pretended to. It was quite clear he’d already known these counterpoints and thought of answers in advance.

When Vale was finished, Mias closed his eyes and bowed his head.

“I’m afraid the loss of life is merely a cost of war. But, as I said, with this method, the total life lost would be less than any other method.”

Vale leaned back.

“That may be so… but then we’d be picking and choosing who dies. How is that fair?”

“Fair? Fairness belongs in the tales of battle, not during them. You remember what Grady said, correct? That man has surely seen hells much worse than this gorge.”

A slight look of consternation morphed Vale’s face.

Mias continued:

“The alternative solution, convincing them without this method, would be a prolonged effort that might cause double the losses. I know it’s a bit harsh to reduce losses to a statistic, but fewer losses also mean more total Aether retained.”

Vale sighed.

“I know that, Mias.”

‘I don’t like this… I really don’t.’

After a heavy silence, Mias began speaking again.

“As to your second point, protecting the dignity of our Legion… I had already thought of that as well.”

Staring Vale dead in the eyes, Mias said:

“My solution on that front is mercy killing… If it looks like they will lose a fight, add on the order to kill themselves to not be captured. If they fail at that task, I will personally see to their execution.”

Vale’s eyes twitched as he straightened his back.

“Are you insane?”

“Second time you’ve asked me that… I believe I’ve told you: I get that a lot. However, what people don’t understand is that insanity is the prerequisite for greatness. Whether it be a great tactical mind or overall intelligence, it all begins with approaching the world differently in a way another can only describe as ‘insane.'”

Vale clicked his tongue.

“I called you that after you’d been tricked by the oracle.”

Mias wryly chuckled.

“I believe you should know better than I that the oracle is also insane, maybe more than I… so it’s a moot point.”

Vale gave pause.

‘Does he know?’

Then he sighed.

‘Of course he does.’

It was a little annoying how much Mias knew and how little Vale knew of what Mias knew.

“I already expressed my displeasure at having to order my forces to put themselves in harm’s way without fighting back, but you’d want me to order them to die? Straight up?”

Mias nodded.

“Correct.”

Vale grumbled while gripping his knee.

“Don’t you dare let even one get captured.”

“Pardon?”

“You heard me… And keep the rhetorical question to yourself.”

Vale didn’t want to hear the ‘so you’ve accepted my proposal?’

Even if it was true.

‘Shit.’

Picking himself up off the chair, Vale turned and made for the teleportation orb.

‘I’ve taken yet another step toward absolute depravity.’

A line had been crossed. A line Vale couldn’t retreat back over.

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