The innocent-looking girl found the silence unnerving. Upon checking the faces of her family, it was evident that almost all of them struggled with the idea. This would be a no holds out death match. While murder is not encouraged it is not condoned either.
In a machination of pure malice, the strongest battle harems would gain the right to power level using the lives of others. Because of the political stimulus, even those who had no intention of joining now would be forced to do so.
Most battle harems comprised of one's family, loved ones, and loyal subordinates. The upcoming battle necessitated the place of their present and their future on scales. Hoping that the winners would not use their newfound strength for evil purposes is pure stupidity.
"Alan, most would know that death would be the last resort. Since murder is condoned would NTR be as well? How many would choose to let go of a powerful sub in exchange for the lives of others? That biatch really has a dastardly way of doing things." Raylene fumed.
As a true princess of Valorious, winning via sinister plots made her adverse to such tactics. Alan who felt the disgust of the blue-haired empress responded carefully.
"Yes lady Raylene, unfortunately, you are correct. NTR while frowned upon would get you nothing more but a fine. Thus the kingdoms are now in such a state of panic."
She then nodded and expanded her own thoughts. "I understand why they would be. Not bringing your full power would risk your participants being annihilated. But taking everyone would leave their kingdoms defenseless. Only the strongest would dare go all in."
Xing then pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Hiro "My lady's words are correct. One solution the other kingdoms intend to do is not join but assault the stronger kingdoms during the competition. These are the kingdoms who amassed their forces on the borders of the Arma, Flarestar, and Zeta kingdoms."
Vanessa glanced at the document from behind Hiro as she asked. "Hmm, but it seems like only a bluff. If they did attack, they can be sure their side would be annihilated in retribution."
"Mhm. Retaliatory strike. To discourage murder. Against multiple groups. Even strong defenses would fall." Explained Jade, she then looked at Alan and tilted her head. "Rhyne and Dylan said nothing about what happens outside the BHR correct? And despite it being evil, Dylan agrees due to desperation?"
The merchant nodded in a disheartened manner. Malice and malevolence were evident in this entire thing. By announcing one's intent to join. One's circle of allies and enemies would be forced to move.
Survival would lead to sudden gains. One thing is clear, this competition no longer became just a simple battle of succession for the Dominii empire.
Lives would definitely lose both in the BHR and what comes after. With the death of battle harems, either they would get invaded or form alliances with those that are left. The ambitious and those greedy for conquest would take this moment to establish themselves as powerhouses or die trying.
Ryuuka who felt like she got ignored, again said in a strong voice. "Moustache-man! Add me to the team. I want to fight with Daddy, my mommies, and Tsugumi-Nee-chan! If they want to hurt my family, I will kill them all first!". Despite her appearance as a child the bloodlust from the dragonkin started to drown Alan.
Originally a powerful being from birth, like a raw stone Hiro processed Ryuuka to become an even better version of herself. The three months in the Apocalypse Zones and one month as a blade gave rise to a resiliency unfathomable to most. ????????????????????????????????.????????????
And at her current power, except Hiro, the Vaginarnis, and the Sword Saint, no one else from their group could stop her rampage. Unsure how to respond Alan looked at Ryuuka's family to ask for help.
Everyone at the table including the merchant himself wanted to protect Ryuuka. Like a star in the sky, she made them all hopeful for the future. This innocent child, dying would scar them all forever if it came to pass.
"Do it, add Ryuuka in."
The dominant of Heavenly Sword finally expressed his opinion. Surprisingly the San-Baka who kept silent this entire time clamored at his words. I think you should take a look at
"Master you cannot be serious! This is against murderers and scoundrels! Please reconsider!" Aurum who knew how much Tsugumi loved her niece protested.
Geo followed up by complaining "Aniki, the eight of us can do enough that she does not need to put herself in danger! She is only ten!"
"Master, please reconsider." Even Lars who normally didn't say anything expressed his opinion.
Hiro then looked at Sword Dynasty who was also fiercely protective of his daughter. Normally he would be pleased but right now he could not take the easy route. Before he could explain, however, one by one his family explained his words for him.
"Hubbies, we understand. But we won't just stop here, our goal is much much higher. Nii-sama cannot afford to spare the manpower. Ryuuka also knows this. Isn't that right Ryuuka?"
"Yes! I am of the Mitsurugi family! I am Daddy's daughter! I will protect my family with my own hands!"
"Husband loves daughter more than you three. Because he does, she needs to be tempered like a sword to be of use."
"Coddling her would not allow her to survive. If she wishes to protect anything, Ryu-chan needs the strength to do so first. Good intentions make for poor armor."
"Ryuuka is of Heavenly Sword. Do not underestimate her. We trained her all for this moment. Isn't that right darling?"
Various feelings warmed Hiro's heart. It was to such a degree that even his domination links felt the wave of emotions. Love, joy, excitement, contentment, and above all pride. While surprised, all five of Hiro's subs made gorgeous smiles.
The others at the table felt the positive energy emanating from the heavenly sword. Hiro could not be happier. Being understood by those you held dear showed just how much they love you. His thoughts gave rise to his personality and his actions.
Thus if one understands your thoughts one would also understand everything else. Hiro then made a bloodthirsty smile as he finished his beer. His eyes blazed with a fighting spirit that raised the temperature of the entire building.
"Right, if Rhyne wishes to use this event to throw the continent into turmoil then we will do the opposite. Alan, find the info on every battle harem of interest. I will use the Regalia rating to segregate them. We will take out every evildoer and protect the righteous."
"Ha? Master, doing so would paint a giant target on the back of Heavenly Sword. If you take out the powerful but protect the weak…Hmm… the weak will rally to your cause, while the strong would get taken down a notch. The Exp to be received would be substantial… it would be dangerous but child's play against the apocalypse zones…"
Alan who started out hesitant slowly saw the benefits of Hiro's crazy plan. By protecting the weak, you gain allies. By murdering the strong you keep them at bay. Due to the crazy damage the underworld experienced, there would not be enough scoundrels available for hire.
If Heavenly Sword manages to defend royal families while punishing known evil doers, it would catapult the battle harem into fame while putting a stop to Rhyne's plans.
While there would be exceptions to who are evil doers and such, the impact of such a stance would give credibility to both Heavenly Sword's virtue and strength.
