After Roswaal left, Adam inquired about the alliance situation.
Emilia openly explained why the [Sword Saint] family had declined their proposal.
"So they think we have a poor reputation in the Kingdom, lack notable achievements, and possess mediocre strength — meaning they see no benefit in an alliance with us?"
"Yes, that's correct." She nodded, her expression troubled.
House Astrea saw no advantage in allying with Emilia, which explained their firm stance.
Their refusal made perfect sense. In fact, had they agreed, Adam would have suspected ulterior motives.
"Reputation, achievements, strength — these three elements are crucial." Stroking his chin, he contemplated the situation.
Emilia lacked all three, and her status as a Silver-haired Half-elf only attracted suspicion. Any action she took was bound to be misinterpreted.
The solution was clear: they needed to accomplish extraordinary feats to swiftly change Lugunica's perception of Emilia.
It was time to launch the operation known as {Vaporize the White Whale}!
The creature resembled a massive sky-borne whale, featuring horns, blood-red eyes, and a giant pink halo above its head. At over 50 meters long, its body was covered in exhaust pores and white fur.
Its fearsome abilities included〘Mist of Annihilation〙and〘Mist of Diffusion〙. Combined with its tough hide and white fur that weakened both magical and physical attacks, it was nearly invincible.
This beast was one of the Three Great Witchbeasts, created by the Witch of Gluttony.
For 400 years, this super-beast had terrorized the continent, its infamous reputation reaching every corner of the world. Defeating it would earn them recognition for their strength, achievements, and reputation.
A perfect solution to all three problems!
Yet one crucial fact remained: in terms of raw power, the White Whale surpassed even its creator, the Witch of Gluttony!
With their current strength alone, could they defeat it?
Adam was determined to subjugate the White Whale using only their own power — his strength and Emilia's camp. He wanted no outside help.
If others assisted, their achievement might be diminished. Critics could claim Emilia merely tagged along while others did the real work. No — they would rely solely on their own members!
However, one crucial problem remained: Adam didn't know when the White Whale would appear.
His only knowledge was its location — some great plain near the Flugel's Tree during nighttime. Nothing more.
What options did he have? Should he wait for Roswaal's move, which would lead to Subaru's death, and then learn the White Whale's timing through the boy?
No! Absolutely not! He had vowed to complete this in one life — how could he surrender so easily? Besides, wouldn't that waste all the Divine Protections he'd learned from Reinhard?
He couldn't bear to lose those powers.
Wait... Divine Protections?
Suddenly, inspiration struck Adam — if he could learn more from Reinhard, wouldn't that simplify their battle with the White Whale?
"Adam, Adam?!" Emilia gently nudged him, "What's wrong? Why did you suddenly go quiet?"
"Ah, sorry — I was lost in thought." Adam touched his chin thoughtfully, "Emilia, you've been visiting Felt lately, haven't you?"
"Yes, that's right... Are you thinking about how to form an alliance with Felt?" Emilia waved her hands dismissively, "No need, no need — let me handle this. You should rest..."
"Emilia! I'm your Knight — it's my duty to share your burdens!" He declared, "Both Subaru and I are your loyal subjects. Remember, you're not alone anymore. You can rely on us."
Her old mindset persisted — always trying to handle everything alone, reluctant to trouble others.
Puck emerged from the crystal, settling near Emilia's ear, "That's right, Lia. Adam is dependable, and letting him help would ease my burden too."
He was deliberately reducing his presence in her life. Otherwise, Emilia would never grow beyond her dependence on him.
Though it pained him to know his place in her heart might diminish, he'd do anything for his daughter's growth.
"Puck... alright, I understand." After a moment's silence, Emilia looked up with pleading eyes, "I hope Adam can help me form this alliance successfully."
"As your Knight, I will help you achieve this wish!" Adam nodded with satisfaction.
Over the next few days, Emilia and Adam made regular visits to House Astrea. Though they weren't denied entry, Emilia's forced smile revealed her diplomatic efforts had yielded no results.
Meanwhile, Adam had been pursuing his own strategy — attempting to grow closer to Reinhard in hopes of learning the〘Divine Protection of Divine Protection Acquisition〙. Yet his efforts proved futile. No matter what scenarios he devised, success eluded him.
Reinhard's extraordinary capabilities meant he could resolve any challenge effortlessly, leaving no opportunity for his Divine Protection to activate. This avenue was completely blocked.
Despite having acquired the〘Divine Protection of Telepathy〙, Adam felt no satisfaction.
What options remained? Was surrender his only choice?
As he studied his adventurer card searching for useful abilities, something caught his eye.
—〘Divine Protection of the Sun〙!
Divine Protection of the Sun: During daytime, various actions receive corrections, and all situations tend to develop in a favorable direction for oneself. It increases the effects of buffs and the user becomes stronger during the day.
{T/N: Also non-canon. Not known yet why Priscilla Barielle is so lucky.}
Adam berated himself for his narrow thinking. True, the White Whale appeared near the Flugel's Tree at night, but surely it must move during daylight hours as well!
If they could track its movement patterns and draw it out during the day, they might have a chance!
In that moment, a complete strategy crystallized in Adam's mind.
The operation begins!
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