"Grand Elder, it seems we have plenty of moles on our side," the third Elder reported; his voice was tinged with frustration.
"The commander was already waiting for us. We've been fighting for two hours, and we still haven't pierced their first line of defense. What should we do?"
The Grand Elder chuckled, his long white beard swaying as he rubbed it thoughtfully. "Hohoho, don't trouble yourself over this. Even though we haven't broken through, it's because I ordered it so."
The third Elder blinked while his brow furrowed in confusion. "How so? Aren't we here to use the commander as a bargaining chip with the invaders?"
The Grand Elder's laughter deepened like a low, rumbling sound that sent a chill down the spines of those around him.
"Hohoho, of course, third Elder. But I also have no intention of wasting our troops in a pointless slaughter. Even if we secure the supreme commander's head, we'll need a strong force intact. They, too, are a valuable bargaining chip."
