The second meeting lasted even longer than the first.
The representatives of the various factions argued at the roundtable for several hours, finally managing to reach a compromise on a new organizational plan, with the Rank Nine powerhouses of each faction allocated to different war zones.
Then came the problem.
According to Wald's analysis, the Holy Sword would trigger its underlying logic when in the actual environment of the Abyss.
Much like a certain sword that would turn into a planet-bursting light cannon when its world-saving logic was triggered...
In short, at that time, the Holy Sword would grant its wielder a massive boost. Combined with Esper's own level, her mana reserves could immediately reach the peak of Rank Seven.
In a few more months, on the day of the actual expedition, it was not impossible for her to reach Rank Eight upon entering the Abyss, or even approach Rank Nine.
“But even Rank Eight could still run into issues.”
Wald pushed up his glasses.
“The deeper we go into the Abyss, the stronger the resonance of the Holy Sword will become, which will also increase the compatibility of the Authority linked to it.
However, the existence of the Hero is undoubtedly a massive threat to the Abyss. Therefore, we need to arrange for an additional Rank Nine powerhouse to accompany her.”
He looked around the roundtable.
Veronica was the first to speak.
“The Sword Saint needs to lead the knight orders in battle.”
Wald nodded.
“I need to maintain the global magic communication network from the rear, so I cannot personally go to the front lines.”
Beatrice swung her toes back and forth.
“Beya has to manage the healing division, you know. Though it would be fun to tag along with the Hero, there's no helping it—someone needs to command the Holy Spirit Knights.”
Fenrir hoisted her battle-axe onto her shoulder.
“I'm leading the vanguard! No one try to take that from me!”
Beside her, Kane silently pinned down her tail.
Nephelia shrugged.
“Fibores's mecha units need my energy supply to function. If I leave the central battle lines, the operational time of the entire mecha force will be severely compromised.”
Barton said he had to forge weapons in the rear, Astra said that while they had no Rank Nine, they could provide cover from the sky, and Naga said she wasn't good at fighting yet.
Galadriel did not speak from beginning to end, simply sitting quietly in the elves' seats.
Behind her, Elanor really wanted to go, but after glancing at the High Priest's expression, she ultimately remained silent.
A brief silence fell over the roundtable.
Then, Rafina spoke.
Her voice wasn't loud, but it sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet room.
“If no one has any objections, I can accompany the Hero.”
Several pairs of eyes turned toward her at once.
She didn't look at Esper. She just sat there, hands clasped on the table, her posture proper and her tone steady.
“I know everyone might have a negative impression of demons. This impression is built upon thousands of years of war and bloodshed, and it cannot be erased overnight.
But such things can be changed. Master Gloom spent centuries proving to the continent that demons are not a savage race that only knows conquest, and I have always aimed for this as well—promoting peaceful policies, restraining radical factions, and establishing trade relations with neighboring races.
These things are not mere slogans or empty talk; they are actual results backed by records, documents, and concrete figures.”
She paused there.
“As for the demons, each of the Ten Courts is led by its own Court Head, with an independent and complete chain of command. Unlike other factions, we will not fall into chaos due to the absence of our leader.
In terms of personal strength, I am Rank Nine. The Authority of 『Darkness』 is also not suppressed in the Abyss. Strategically speaking, having me accompany the Hero is currently the most logical choice.”
Esper clenched her fists.
“Furthermore, I have some personal thoughts on this.”
Rafina raised her eyes slightly, her gaze sweeping over every face around the roundtable before finally landing on Esper.
“The destiny bound by the Holy Sword between the Hero and the Demon King also originated in the Abyss. If we can find some kind of turning point during the expedition—some way forward where one doesn't have to kill the other—it would serve as an extremely important reference for post-war reconstruction. Therefore, I hope to take this opportunity to understand the Hero better. For our long-term future.”
Beatrice clapped her hands.
Clap, clap, clap. The three crisp claps sounded exceptionally jarring in the quiet roundtable room.
“Beya is so moved, she's practically crying. The Demon King has spoken so beautifully—truly so gentle and considerate. Since the next leader of the demons is willing to lead by example and personally help humanity, Beya thinks everyone should give her a round of applause. So Esper, why don't you just give in to her?”
The smile on her face was practically dripping with honey, her eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation, as if she were watching a meticulously rehearsed play about to reach its climax.
The other leaders exchanged glances. Veronica frowned slightly, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
Fenrir, on the other hand, nodded quite readily, seemingly having no other thoughts on the matter.
Nephelia didn't speak, only sweeping her amethyst eyes back and forth between Esper and Rafina with great interest.
Galadriel gently picked up her teacup, neither taking a stance nor voicing any opposition.
Wald looked at them.
He scrutinized Rafina for a long time before finally looking away.
“I have no objections either.”
Before long, the meeting came to an end.
Esper stood up from her seat, took a deep breath, and turned around. Pulling Eladia along, she headed toward the exit of the meeting room.
She walked all the way to the door.
“Miss Hero.”
Rafina's voice was as steady as ever.
“I look forward to fighting alongside you.”
Esper's hand pressed against the doorframe, her knuckles turning white with exertion. Then she continued forward without looking back.
The door closed behind her.
In the corridor, there was only the low hum of the magic arrays and the fading sound of footsteps. Eladia, walking by her side, remained silent for a moment before speaking softly.
“...Do you hate it...?”
Esper's footsteps paused for a fraction of a second.
She didn't answer, but Eladia saw her shake her head.
Esper hadn't forgotten what Rafina looked like.
The tip of her tail no longer hung quietly, her eyes were no longer as gentle and warm as rosy clouds, and even her gaze was no longer light.
The way Rafina looked at her had changed.
It made her feel a sudden chill of apprehension.
But she was the Hero.
So she simply gripped Eladia's hand tighter and kept walking forward.
Rate on N.U.
