Some time ago, within the camp of the Abyssal federation, a discussion was underway.

  "The enemy's forumber at least fifty thousand, with an average strength around the third tier. However, the real threat lies with those who are hidden behind the ses," said a voice.

  Misako stood on a box, raising herself to reach the table.

  "The current king of the Kingdom of Lidolu has allied with a secret anisation, whose members are at least of the sixth tier, equivalent to high-level adventurers. Some have even reached the eighth tier, though the exaumber is unknown... This information rovided by Lucrux, who returned a few days ago, and Princess Aeroxia from the Kingdom of Lidolu."

  This information proved extremely useful, as it would help prevent any ambushes by those hidden forces during the battle.

  Although Misako, Farkonia, and the others possessed tenth-tier strength and had no fear of such oppos, it was always better to be cautious. After all, there were still some individuals or abilities in this world that were exceptionally unique. While severe injury might not be likely, there was always the possibility of being disturbed or invenienced.

  Furthermore, it was best to avoid engaging in battle with tenth-tier beings if possible. If the oppo was weaker, there was no issue, but in a situation like this, where the enemies were generally strong and their numbers unknown, the sequences of battle could easily escate.

  To put it simply, tenth-tier existences were sidered "strategic-level ons," and the aftermath of their battles often caused siderable enviroal damage. Records indicated that the greater the destru in the viity, the more likely it was to attract the world's san. This expined why even though many nations had at least oh-tier powerhouse, they refrained from deploying them directly in warfare.

  "Sienth-tier individuals 't be sent into battle easily, we’ll have to rely on those below the tenth tier. Misako, do you have any pns?"

  "Yes, I already have an idea."

  Misako then expihe battle strategy iail to everyone present.

  In simple terms, the pn was to first unch a powerful attack, preferably oh both high spectacle and strength, against the rge enemy army of at least fifty thousand. The aim was to force those hidden behind the ses to reveal themselves.

  This would also help reduce the enemy's numbers and instil fear in their ranks—an overall advantageous pn, and ohey were capable of exeg.

  "Sounds good. I have no objes," someone responded.

  "Heh, leave the initial attae. This is the perfect time to use my magid show everyohe might of ‘Explosive Magic’," said a bck-haired girl in a traditional mage's hat, eagerly accepting the responsibility for the opening strike.

  "...Sisi, could I join in too?"

  "Hmm? Captain, you…"

  Sisi turo the wine-red-haired beauty standing beside her, seeing the determined expression on her face.

  "...Alright, I uand. It will be a good opportunity to see whose magical power is stronger now."

  Sisi recalled a time shortly before they had headed to the Imperial Capital, when they had received a ission from an unknown mage at the Adventurers' Guild. It had led them to a structure—a plex of towers—where Marlyno had learo use magic, particurly powerful and abundant magic.

  It was unclear whether Marlyno had undergone some form of iance or entered a "time dition room" for training.

  "As for Mira, I suppose you have your own tasks to attend to?"

  "Mmm."

  The sky-blue-haired, perpetually sleepy-looking girl gave a serious expression now, the first time she had done so since Marlyno had disappeared without notice.

  "Alright then, we’ll leave now. By now, the enemy forces are probably already on the move."

  With that, the "Eclipse" team, who had e to assist upon learning of the impending war between the Abyssal federation and the Kingdom of Lidolu, left the camp.

  "With the initial attack already assighe step is to deal with those rats we’ll draw out... but we are short on manpower."

  This was the most signifit fw in Misako’s pn. They had no clear idea of how many hidden ehere were, and their strength was generally high. Aasked with this role would o be simirly powerful.

  However, as tenth-tier beings, it was best for them to avoid direvolvement. Against weaker oppos, there was no issue, but as things stood, the enemies were strong and their numbers unknown. The situation was uhe infiltration mission when Arim and Sisi had gone in st time.

  Moreover, few people below the tenth tier had the ability to tend with a rge group of eighth or ninth-tier oppos. There was no one who could mahe uable ges of battle effectively.

  "Don’t worry, leave it to me."

  Suddenly, a voiterrupted.

  "You… Lucilianne, do you even know what you’re saying?"

  Zilliahe Demon King, who was standing nearby, called out to the girl in the hooded coat and dress.

  "I do. It’s just a matter of fag dozens, maybe even hundreds of enemies below the tenth tier," Lucilianne replied.

  "You know, and you still say that!?"

  Lucilianne, as a mage tei, wasn’t as bat-oriented as those of the same tier who specialised in battle. Moreover, her current rank was not higher than that of Sisi or the others, who were her juniors.

  "Your ‘White Crow’ is still under maintenance, you ’t use it... No, even if you could use it, I still won’t let you act so recklessly!"

  After years of upgrades and modifications, Lucilianne’s ‘White Crow’ could reach a power level parable to the ninth tier, or even rival the tenth tier, even without the magical iven by a certain witch. However, its high energy ption and frequent maintenaneeds had yet to be resolved, and it was currently under repair, rendering it unusable.

  In other words, Lucilianne had lost her stro on and was left with a prototype based on the bh-bh-bh ‘Supernova of the Demon King's ’ installed on the edge of the Demon King's capital. Its power only reached the ninth tier, and after each shot, it required recharging, with the time depending on the shot’s power.

  Essentially, she was now a "gss on"—high damage, slow firing rate, but fragile. A si would likely render her incapable of tinuing the fight.

  "Oh, don’t be so absolute about battles below the tenth tier. Rank doesn’t matter that mu such situations... and who said I only have ‘White Crow’ and ‘the on’?"

  Saying this, Luciliaook out something about the size of her palm.

  It was white and shaped like a beetle, or perhaps something resembling a "mouse" from another world. It had two pairs of blue, semi-transparent wings like those of a beetle, folded ly, and a stamp resembling a bird’s imprint.

  "This is…?"

  Misako, ell-versed in knowledge of other worlds, focused on the objed suddenly seemed to realise something.