The tent entrance stood open, allowing a sliver of light to pierce the dim interior. A man entered, the heavy metallic thud of his footsteps echoing through the space. His armor gleamed, reflecting what little light reached the tent's center.

  Everyone inside sprang to their feet. They weren't startled; instead, they looked overjoyed to see him. He walked around the large, semi-circular table and took his place in the largest chair. With a small gesture, he signaled for the others to sit. He observed everyone in the room one by one. Their eyes were full of affection, eager to hear whatever he would say next.

  “Ahem…”

  The man cleared his throat. He had to choose his words carefully. The situation was unique, especially considering that everyone else in the tent was a woman.

  “Woya, Wyn, is the front unit ready?” he asked, turning to his right toward two girls who looked remarkably alike.

  Woya sat in the chair closest to his right, with Wyn beside her. They were nearly identical, save for a few distinct details: Woya was slightly more voluptuous, while Wyn possessed a more lithe, curvy build. The most striking difference, however, was their ears—Woya’s lay flat against her head, while Wyn’s stood erect and pointy. They were wolfkin twins, and it was natural for them to have such slight variations.

  “Yes, Master. Everything is exactly as you instructed,” Wyn replied curtly, while Woya nodded in confirmation.

  “Well done. You two always do exactly what I ask without a hitch,” the man said with a satisfied smile. The twins beamed, clearly overjoyed by his praise.

  “Now, Alice—is the knight squad deployed in their ambush positions at the flanks?” he asked, turning to the red-haired woman beside Wyn.

  “Yes, my lord,” Alice stood at attention like a soldier. “The enemy won't notice them since our front unit’s right side is protected by the high ground. They won’t predict a ghost flank hiding within the hidden passages”.

  Alice was taller than the other women in the room, standing nearly as tall as the man she reported to. She wore heavy armor, her hand resting habitually on the hilt of the sword at her waist. Her crimson hair reached down to her chest, and her fit, muscular build spoke of a life of combatant. Unlike the others, two short red horns protruded from her forehead, marking her as a member of the dragonkin—a race known for their savage nature.

  “Good. Your role is crucial. You must trust your judgment and act at the perfect moment. But I’m not worried; after all, I have you, Alice,” the man said warmly.

  Alice’s serious expression blossomed into an elegant smile at his words. “Thank you, my lord, for your trust. I shall not disappoint you”.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “By the way, remind Nari to ensure the supplies are prepared beforehand,” he added as she moved to sit back down.

  “Yes, my lord. I will inform her immediately,” she stood straight again for a moment before finally taking her seat.

  “What about you, Elaris? Are the back units ready for the engagement?” he asked the girl sitting to his immediate left.

  “Yes, Big Brother Han!” Elaris jumped from her seat, her voice cheerful. “The elves and those capable of climbing have already taken their positions on the trees, while the others are stationed at the best vantage points to strike the approaching enemies”.

  An extravagant bow was slung across her back, and a masterfully crafted quiver hung at her waist. She appeared younger than the twins, with wavy, vibrant yellow hair and long, pointy ears peeking through the strands. Though her youthful appearance was partly due to her elven heritage, she truly was the youngest member of the group. Her presence brought a faint smile to everyone in the tent.

  “You’ve done great, cutie. But don't you dare join the fight on the front lines, alright?” Han said, his praise tinged with worry.

  “Don’t worry, Big Brother. I have no intention of leaving you until you've seen my fully matured body, hehehe,” she joked, winking before she sat down.

  Han shook his head with a faint smile, then turned toward the last woman who had yet to speak. She was sitting next to Elaris.

  “And you, Ilona? You know we can’t put the mercenaries or the Quest Society members on the front lines—they might desert. Are you certain you can control them on the left flank?” he asked curiously.

  Ilona remained elegant and calm, having listened to the entire conversation in silence. She took a slow sip from her teacup before turning her gaze toward him.

  “You worry too much, my love. Don’t you know who I am? I am Ilona Velisar, the only daughter of Marquis Miklos Velisar of the Ottovard Empire. I have been receiving sword and military training since I was a child. You already know I am well-acquainted with your forces. Leave it to me”.

  Her confident demeanor made her look even more enchanting. Her dark hair, long and straight, matched the allure of her eyelashes and eyes, standing out against her pale, well-groomed skin.

  “If you say so… I’ll leave it in your hands,” Han replied, his resolve steadying.

  “Alright, then. We’ve done everything we can. we know this wild forest much better than they do, so we must be victorious. Please… everyone, be careful regardless,” Han said, his voice stern but filled with genuine care.

  “Yes, sir!” they replied in unison before departing to their duties.

  Only one remained behind.

  “I heard my father is also coming,” Ilona said softly. She stepped behind Han and wrapped her slender arms around him caringly.

  “It doesn’t matter. But don’t worry—if you want him spared, I will do so. He has helped me in the past, after all,” Han replied softly.

  “Thank you. I would appreciate that. He is my father, in the end. And I’m sure that once you show your strength, he will side with you once again,” she said, smiling affectionately.

  She leaned down and kissed his cheek. Han smiled with satisfaction at the gesture. As she left, he thought deeply about his life. He was already living in his third world. He didn't remember much of the first, and the second had been complete nonsense. He wanted to live fully in this one, with his loved ones and everything he had built.

  He had dreamed of a world like this for so long—he had practically begged for it. He had no intention of letting it go.

  [Edited]

  Note: This is a scene from a future volume, likely Volume 4 or 5.

  Note 2: The prologue spans six chapters. This was the only way I could fully express the inspiration and reasoning behind the main character's choices. I guarantee that if you read all six chapters together, you won't be disappointed!