# How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom: Volume 8
## Part I: The Demon Wave Crisis
- **Introduction to the Demon Wave**
- A massive surge of monsters threatens the Union of Eastern Nations.
- The Union, consisting of small to medium-sized countries, faces imminent danger.
- Empress Maria of the Gran Chaos Empire seeks assistance.
- **Souma's Decision**
- Souma is approached during a conference with Empress Maria.
- He decides to send reinforcements to aid the Union.
- Strategic considerations behind choosing the Kingdom of Lastania as the destination.
- **The Kingdom of Lastania**
- Overview of Lastania’s current situation amidst the crisis.
- Introduction to Julius, the crown prince of Amidonia, now serving as a visiting general in Lastania.
- Julius’s hard-fought efforts to defend Lastania against the Demon Wave.
## Part II: Allies and Strategy
- **Reinforcements Arrive**
- Deployment of troops from Souma’s kingdom to Lastania.
- Description of key military leaders and retainers sent by Souma.
- Initial interactions between Souma’s forces and Lastanian defenders.
- **Collaboration with Julius**
- Tense reunion between Souma and Julius due to their past rivalry.
- Mutual respect develops as they recognize shared goals.
- Joint planning sessions for defending Lastania using combined strengths.
- **Utilizing Retainers’ Strengths**
- Detailed breakdown of how Souma leverages his trusted retainers' unique abilities.
- Assignments based on individual skills: diplomacy, combat prowess, logistics, etc.
- Key operations designed to maximize efficiency and protect civilians.
## Part III: Operation to Save Lastania
- **Battle Preparations**
- Fortification of Lastania’s defenses under joint leadership.
- Training local soldiers alongside reinforcements.
- Distribution of resources and morale-boosting measures among troops.
- **The Battle Begins**
- Arrival of the Demon Wave at Lastania’s borders.
- Initial skirmishes testing defensive strategies.
- Tactical adjustments made mid-battle to counter unexpected threats.
- **Turning Points**
- Critical moments where teamwork turns the tide in favor of the defenders.
- Heroic actions by specific characters that inspire others.
- Innovative solutions implemented by Souma and his retainers.
## Part IV: Aftermath and Reflection
- **Victory and Its Cost**
- Successful repelling of the Demon Wave from Lastania.
- Casualties suffered and lessons learned during the conflict.
- Mourning fallen comrades while celebrating survival.
- **Strengthened Bonds**
- Deepened trust and camaraderie between Souma and Julius.
- Recognition of the value of cooperation across former enemy lines.
- Future implications for alliances within the region.
- **Looking Ahead**
- Plans for rebuilding and recovery in Lastania post-crisis.
- Broader geopolitical shifts resulting from successful defense efforts.
- Foreshadowing upcoming challenges hinted at in future volumes.
## Epilogue
- **Reflections on Leadership**
- Souma’s growth as a leader through collaboration and adaptability.
- Acknowledgment of his retainers’ indispensable contributions.
- Philosophical musings on realism vs. idealism in governance.
- **Preview of Next Volume**
- Teasers about unresolved tensions or new developments introduced in this volume.
- Anticipation for further adventures and reforms led by Souma.