[h1]Cao Cao[/h1]

[h3]Old farmhouse, West Field, Fuyuki[/h3]

Cao Cao nodded at his Master's words, taking their options into consideration as he poured himself another bowl of wine. After a few more sips, he spoke. 

"It would be more prudent of us to shore up our defenses for the time being. As it stands, I doubt the more tactically-oriented Master-Servant pairs would appear before the Overseer at this junction. Best to keep a familiar watching the Church, as I'm sure other Masters are in the process of doing." He set the wine bowl down after draining it. 

"We should begin to survey the city during the day as well. Knowledge of the city's terrain will be an important factor in the battles to come." He frowned as he considered the difference between the level of his overall ability compared to what he believed his opponents to be. 

"Should we move on to long term strategy, I believe I already have some strategems in mind." He set his hands on his knees as he sat, running through different scenarios in his head. "We will need to make alliances, especially with my lacking strength compared to those Servants of the Knight classes and Berserker. Ideally, we would be able to make an alliance with a Saber or Berserker, thus giving us an edge in frontline combat. However, I doubt they would easily trust an Assassin or the Master of one. Archer and Caster are also viable candidates, should we wish to take a more defensive approach to the War. Eliminating either of those classes would be easier as well, should simply killing their Master fail." 

A pause as he stroked his beard in thought.

"Alternatively, deception is also a valid approach. Master, you mentioned being able to strengthen my weapons and armor, and possibly my body as well. I propose that we test that ability out once we are secured. If we can raise my parameters by at least one rank in only a few stats, I would be able to masquerade as a Saber, at least until a Caster faces me."