Beast Taming Star Journey

As soon as the Beastmaster finished speaking, the Uranium Strategist stepped forward and unfurled a parchment scroll covered in intricate patterns. It was densely marked with mountains, rivers, cities, passes, and various strange symbols, making my eyes dazzled. "This is the best defensive plan we've deduced based on the demons' movements," the Uranium Strategist said, pointing to a red dot on the scroll. "Setting up an ambush here will wipe out the demons' main force in one fell swoop."

I studied the map carefully, my brow furrowing deeper and deeper. While this location was easy to defend and difficult to attack, it was too far from our base. If the ambush failed, the consequences would be unimaginable. "This plan is too risky," I said in a low voice. "If the demons don't act as you expect, we'll be put on the defensive."

Su Yao nodded in agreement: "That's right, we must consider the worst-case scenario." She was always cautious, especially when it came to matters concerning the safety of everyone.

The strategist smiled slightly, seemingly having anticipated our opposition. "Nong Yu, your concerns are not without merit," he said slowly, "but have you considered that if we continue to defend passively, the demons will only become more unscrupulous? Only by taking the initiative can we completely turn the tide of the war."

The Beastmaster also spoke up: "The strategist's analysis makes a lot of sense. We cannot continue to be timid and hesitant." His gaze was firm, carrying an undeniable authority.

I took a deep breath, suppressing my unease. "I understand your intentions," I said, pointing to another location on the map. "I think it's safer to set up an ambush here. It can both tie down the main force of the demons and ensure that we can move in and out freely."

The uranium strategist and the protactinium beast tamer exchanged glances, seemingly weighing my suggestion. The thorium youth curiously leaned closer, pointing to a mark on the map and asking, "What place is this? It looks quite dangerous!"

I patiently explained to him, "This is the Valley of Broken Souls. It has a strategic location that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Moreover, it is close to our base camp and can provide support at any time."

After a heated discussion, the Beastmaster finally agreed to my plan. "Let's do it your way," he said in a deep voice. "I hope your judgment is correct."

I breathed a slight sigh of relief; we had finally reached a preliminary consensus on cooperation. We discussed some details and finalized the specific battle plan. Just then, the Plutonium Envoy rushed over, his face grave, and said in a low voice, "Everyone, we just received news that the demon army has suddenly changed its marching route..." He paused, his tone carrying an undisguised fear, "They...they seem to have discovered our plan..."

A barely perceptible smile appeared on the uranium strategist's lips as he whispered, "It seems the show is about to begin..." The news brought by the plutonium envoy exploded like a thunderclap in the council hall. The demons had discovered our plan? How could that be! Could there be a traitor among us? I subconsciously glanced at the uranium strategist; he remained calm and composed, even a faint smile playing on his lips, which only fueled my suspicions.

The Beastmaster's face darkened. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Damn it! How did the demons find out about our plan?"

The atmosphere in the hall immediately became tense. Taking advantage of the situation, the Beastmaster seized the opportunity to launch an attack: "I told you it was too dangerous to cooperate with these people of unknown origin! Now look what's happened, our plan has been leaked, and the demons have made preparations in advance. How are we supposed to deal with this?" His tone was full of doubt and dissatisfaction, and his gaze towards the Beastmaster and me also carried a hint of hostility.

“Now is not the time to assign blame,” Su Yao stepped forward, her cool voice calming everyone present. “The most urgent thing is to find a way to deal with the changes in the demon race.” She walked to the map, pointed to the demon race’s new marching route, and analyzed, “It seems that the demon race intends to bypass the Soul-Severing Valley and directly attack our heartland.”

I walked to her side, studying the map carefully, my mind racing. The demons' reaction was too fast; it made me suspect they had anticipated our plan all along, and the strategist's eerie smile only added to my unease. Could this all be a meticulously planned trap?

“We need to revise our battle plan,” I said in a deep voice. “The demons will inevitably pass through the Blackwater Swamp if they bypass the Valley of Broken Souls. We can use the terrain there to set up an ambush.”

Su Yao nodded in agreement: "The Blackwater Swamp has a complex terrain, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is indeed a good choice." She turned to look at the Beastmaster, waiting for his decision.

The Beastmaster pondered for a moment, then finally agreed to my plan. "Let's do it your way," he said firmly. "This time, we must give the demons a crushing defeat!"

After the discussion, I felt exhausted, but also relieved. Su Yao gently leaned on my shoulder and said softly, "You did a great job." Her warm breath relaxed my tense nerves, and I felt full of strength.

Over the next few days, we prepared intensively, deploying troops and setting up formations, everything proceeding smoothly. However, the behavior of our mysterious allies remained somewhat perplexing. They maintained their secrecy, and aside from the Beastmaster and the Uranium Strategist occasionally participating in discussions, the others almost vanished, as if they didn't exist at all. The Thorium boy, on the other hand, remained lively and curious about everything, but he was, after all, just a child and unable to participate in actual combat.

On the eve of the decisive battle, I stood atop the mountain, gazing into the distance. The night sky was dotted with stars, as if foreshadowing an exceptionally fierce battle the following day. What kind of power would my mysterious ally display? How much of a threat would the dark forces' new tactics pose? All of this remained unknown.

Suddenly, I heard a chilling voice behind me: "Do you really trust those people of unknown origin? Will they really help us?"

I turned around abruptly and saw the Beastmaster standing behind me, his eyes filled with suspicion and hostility...