Sometime during Falling Hour, Sun was called upon by Warrior of Spring.
They met within Corpse Settlement's Ary Hall, sat adjacent to one another at the large table.
"Junior Sun. During the first tide's first appearance, I wish to recruit your aid for a specific task."
"Yes, what might that be?"
Warrior of Spring slid a map along the table and gestured at a red mark.
It was a large patch of barren land, the area Warrior of Spring had scouted the night prior.
"This is the area where I plan to have our forces confront the beasts. It allows us to fight unrestricted while maintaining an advantageous position."
"However, the area's barren land leaves the tides unhindered. Forcing us to face the full brunt of the tide without the obstruction of nature."
"I wish to maintain this area as our main battleground, so I have planned five positions to aid us before their assault."
Gesturing further ahead of the red mark, four other marks create the vague shape of a funnel. A fifth mark lies further ahead in the centre.
"I will take the lead and lie in waiting at the centre of the tides. When I strike, it should cause most of the beasts to swarm outwards."
"I have already gathered Shade of Autumn and the two Third Foundation Cultivators to participate in funnelling these scattered beasts."
"I want you to be the fifth member of this plan, to help further divide the beasts and control their momentum."
Sun listened to the proposal and fell into contemplation.
'So... he plans to divide the tides to reduce their momentum, allowing for an easier confrontation when they reach the main site.'
"Would it not be easier to face the tides at a different location? Then we would not need to scatter our forces."
Warrior of Spring shook his head in response.
"This is the best strategic position for us. If we change, then we are letting the will of the beasts overcome us."
"Will of the beasts?"
"Although they do not scheme as we do, we are still planning on their terms, in a way."
Physical confrontation was only one factor of war; schemes and will were significant factors, too.
"We are receiving them because they are attacking us. Although we are retaliating through offence, we are still the ones defending."
"Fighting them on their terms already puts us at a disadvantage. Therefore, we are accepting this confrontation on our terms."
"Waiting silently to strike them abruptly will allow us to destroy their unity. Forcing our terms on them."
Sun nodded as he listened, gradually understanding the importance of this funnel.
"We must impose our will on the beasts, and not let them impose on us, more so than they already have."
"By utilising this strategy, we can effectively divide and conquer their forces, before allowing the others to handle the rest of the beasts."
"To impose your will on the enemy is half the war won."
Leaning back in his seat, Sun fell into contemplation.
Hearing about this 'imposing your will on the enemy' stuff brought back some unpleasant memories.
The fall of Star Gazing Settlement was it not the same thing?
Fleeing the Settlement due to the Demons' imposing their will, which could be equated to destruction and confusion.
Not only that, but the night after when they fell victim to the predation of mystical beasts.
They had no other choice but to face the brunt of their attacks.
Through this experience, Sun could understand the importance of wills.
That 'will' can drive motion.
What was their will?
To slaughter the beasts and defend Corpse Mountain Settlement.
What was the tide's will?
To rampage and cause ruin, to implicate life in its frenzied, disastrous flow.
What was his will?
'...'
Sun brought himself back into the conversation.
"Senior Warrior of Spring, what exactly would you have me do?"
Lightening his mood, Warrior of Spring pointed at one of the marks closest to the site of their confrontation.
"I will place you at the back of the funnel, closest to the site and furthest from the tide's thickest point."
"When I strike, the tide should disperse outwards and be caught by the two Third Foundation Cultivators."
"They will ambush the scattering beasts and divert them to you and Shade of Autumn. Then, you two will ambush them again, ruining their unity further and sending them to the main site of confrontation."
Sun inwardly appreciated this strategy.
Warrior of Spring allocated their strongest members to face the brunt of the damage, those with the most survivability and strength.
He also admired Warrior of Spring's bravery to face the tide at its strongest alone, he also admired the two Third Foundation Cultivators for holding some of the burden too.
Naturally, Shade of Autumn also earned his respect.
This strategy would gradually weaken the tide before meeting each 'funnel point'.
Of course, some of the beasts would escape their funnelling, but these minor deviants would be easy to handle.
Yet again, Sun couldn't help but realise the importance of will, and how well executed this strategy is regarding the imposition of wills.
"Senior, I would be most grateful to support this strategy."
"Good, good, good. I will make sure that you are well rewarded for your efforts!"
With a hearty laugh, Warrior of Spring patted Sun on the back, pleased with this decision.
...
Exiting the Army Hall, Sun was dispatched to help finish the final preparations of the ramparts.
Gazing up at Night's sky and the Star Sea, he couldn't help but reminisce on that moment back then.
'Wills are in constant contest. If one's own will cannot overcome another, then they will fail in their endeavours.'
'I failed to save lives because I could not overcome the will of the beasts. I could only flee and weep because I could not overcome the will of those Demons.'
'But circumstance dictates will. I had the will to save lives, so I had no will to fight back.'
'At the same time, I had the will to fight back, yet I could not save lives.'
'If circumstance wants to dictate my will, then I will overcome circumstance.'
'If I must fight, then I will fight!'
'If I must defend, then I will just fight!'
'If I must save lives, then what else can I do but fight?!'
...