"Didn’t you receive details from my father?" Louis inquired.
"We got a brief message. I’d prefer more context," Stone replied, crossing his powerful arms. "Please, your majesty."
"Very well..." Louis detailed their experiences, discoveries, and objectives.
Althea appeared troubled after hearing everything. "We’re meant to focus solely on Labyrinth threats, yet now we’re handling political intrigue... I can’t say I’m comfortable with this," she admitted, her conflict evident.
"Politics aside, this involves a Dimensional Rift, a Grievance likely manipulating them, and Entities weaponized against us," Stella countered firmly. "I wouldn’t normally accept such a mission... but we owe Queen Benladra deeply. Assisting her son against traitors threatening the Frostbane Kingdom—home to the VPI—must remain our priority, sister."
Noticing her sister’s distress, Althea softened. "I know. I’m only voicing my unease. It doesn’t mean I won’t commit fully."
Radiohead nodded, tapping his head. Static merged into an electrifying hologram from his antennae, displaying Emerald Grove in full. "Our target is Lord Verdant Bellflower’s schemes. From my data, he became Ruler of City District A shortly after its establishment four decades ago. He was a disgraced noble from Yggdrasil’s Bellflower House, once serving Alfheim’s royal family. His greed drove him to steal a sacred heirloom. Without Queen Benladra’s mercy intervening in his execution, he’d never have reached here."
Stone nodded grimly at the projection. "Thin walls... He’s a narcissistic fool who couldn’t appreciate what he had. He always craved more. I despise that type."
Althea agreed firmly. "With my Abilities, I could seize control of the city’s trees and neutralize most Elven Wood Magic. I’m certain I could turn their beloved forests against them."
Stella smiled faintly. "This mission suits you perfectly, sister."
"That would be ideal, Althea," Stone said. "I’ve heard you can extend a Spirit Domain. How far? Could it encompass the whole city?"
"If I release my limiters, yes," Althea confirmed. "But without them, Spiritual Energy spills uncontrollably, endangering even seasoned agents... That’s why my sister and I seal most of our power—to protect those around us."
"Do what you can safely within limits," Stone replied. "I won’t push you beyond."
"I agree," Radiohead added. "Teamwork will carry us. How far can your Domain reach with your Spirit Artifact Drones?"
"With my little friends, it can cover the entire city. It requires an hour to prepare," Althea explained. "Once active, we’d be halfway victorious—the elves would be crippled, their own homes turning hostile."
"Perfect," Stella approved. "For entry, we could rely on your Domain... or simply blast the gate. My Blood Light Magic could produce an explosion large enough."
"But that would spark mass panic among elves," Radiohead cautioned, shaking his head. "I’ll disrupt their technology with my Entity Ability, severing communications. Confusion will spread, and then we strike the gate."
"There are many civilians," Althea noted worriedly. "We can’t risk large-scale harm. Innocent lives matter, right?"
"Naturally. We target only knights, soldiers, and Verdant’s allies," Stone affirmed. "But if he uses civilians as shields?"
"That would complicate things~" the Shackled Saint mused lazily. "Soooo... Where do I fit in~? And aren’t you forgetting someone?"
"Oh!" Stone exclaimed. "Forgive me, Prince Louis. We started planning without including you and your allies."
"It’s fine," Louis replied, shaking his head. "You’re the specialists. But he’s right—I want to contribute. My subordinates won’t sit idle either."
"Of course. I intended to include you," Radiohead assured. "Louis, describe your abilities. Everyone, share your strengths so we assign roles properly. For a mission this scale, every advantage counts!"
"Well..." Louis outlined their collective capabilities and potential.
"Oh! You can defeat Level 3 Entities together already?! Incredible! You’ve all progressed so quickly!" Althea clapped joyfully. "It’s wonderful watching them flourish~"
"The Academy will nurture even more growth," Stella observed. "I hope you’re all ready for what awaits next year."
"We’re aware by now," Mirai said with a gentle smile. "That’s essentially what we bring..."
"Heh, how charming," the Shackled Saint grinned. "That red-and-black-haired girl... isn’t she the child contained since birth? To see you grown... Time flies..."
As some remarked on the youths’ development, Stone and Radiohead refined the strategy. "Zorba’s a Necromancer—rare indeed. You could deploy hordes of Zombies or Skeletons as shields and diversions, correct?" Stone asked.
"Absolutely. Direct me where to unleash them, and I’ll prove my worth," Zorba replied confidently. "I also command a massive chimera zombie—an all-purpose behemoth brimming with souls! It’s my ultimate creation, capable of any task!"
Radiohead nodded, intrigued. "Interesting. We can send the zombies to the frontlines. Once the gate explodes, they’ll rush inside to disrupt and distract the enemy. While they fight the undead, they won’t see us coming from behind."
Agent Stone nodded in agreement. "As for Louis, Mirai, and Anastasia, you three will join me and the Shackled Saint in the vanguard. Radiohead will stay right behind us, protecting our backs while he works his tricks. Catrise, Juliette, and... Robert—are you really fighting? If I include you, you can guard Althea’s back. That’s the general idea. Stella will likely watch over her sister, but in the worst case, Althea might need more protection while she prepares or controls her Domain."
Robert stepped forward firmly. "I will fight—for my country, my people, and to ensure this plan succeeds. Lady Red Leaf has just finished my new arm, so I’ll equip it tonight for battle."
Louis looked slightly annoyed. "I told you not to push yourself too hard, Robert! What are you saying?"
Robert seemed surprised by the genuine concern in Louis’s voice. "But Prince Louis..."
"Stay behind. Protect Agustina and Lady Red Leaf instead," Louis insisted.
"What about us?" Melisa asked eagerly.
"We can help..." Selene nodded with determination.
"Hmm, ah, you must be the little Sinners! How adorable," Louis’s uncle said warmly. "However, aren’t you too young? It would be better if you stayed here and protected the house, right?"
Althea nodded gently. "I don’t think I could bear the guilt if these children got hurt. You’ll have to stay behind, dears."
Stella noticed something deeper within their auras, however. "I see they’ve been growing rapidly. Still, it’s not enough yet. When the Academy opens, you’ll be able to grow much stronger and experience real battles against Entities."
"B-But..." Melisa looked disappointed. "I wanted to help... I don’t have to fight. I can heal from afar! And maybe enhance your defenses...?"
"I can fight!" Selene roared, baring her sharp teeth. "Selene strong!"
Mirai patted her head softly. "You are indeed strong, Selene, but you’re still young. It’s our responsibility as adults to keep you safe from harm."