At my declaration, everyone present widened their eyes in surprise. Then, Sylvie was the first to speak.

“—Isn’t that too reckless?”

“I think we can stop them sufficiently… Garuku, what kind of forces do the Spirits have besides the Dragons?”

“Beings that look like me, like wolves… should I call them Demon Wolves? Their name might suggest they’re villains, but they are inherently disinclined to conflict, and this time they’ve made a significant effort to participate.”

“How strong are they?”

“Even though they are powerful beings, they cannot hold back an army like the Dragons. At best, they can obstruct the army’s advance and buy time.”

“If we defeat the commanding Demon Race, the Monsters’ movements should significantly slow down… Can we win against uncontrolled Monsters?”

“In that case, it would be possible.”

“Then, we’ll defeat the Commander Demon Race, and the Demon Wolves will pursue the now uncontrolled Monsters… I think this might work.”

“…Are you planning to annihilate them?”

“I think that would be difficult… but I believe we should defeat as many enemies as possible.”

When I replied to Garuku’s question, Kanan and Bosuro looked even more surprised.

“Nevertheless, we need to consider how to fight. How we maneuver… we’ll have to carefully examine that from now on.”

“…Will you be alright?”

Kanan asked. I understood his concern. However,

“With my ability, having defeated a Spirit God, it is possible.”

At my assertion, Kanan looked at me anew.

“…Indeed, if a being possesses such power, I don’t think it’s impossible—”

“I have enough stamina and magic power to fight through. I pushed myself during my training, and those aspects have already been verified.”

“Lord Ruon…”

Sofia spoke with a worried tone. I responded to her with a smile.

“It’s a waste to worry. Rather, the Southern Invasion is what I’m concerned about.”

“…You’re still as reckless as ever.”

Sylvie said with a resigned look.

“Well, there are no other Humans who can stop them this way besides Ruon, so isn’t that fine? But what about the Demon King?”

“Garuku and the others have constructed a counter-strategy, so even if my identity is revealed and the Demon King starts to act, there’s a way to handle it.”

“I see.”

“…Honestly, I feel uneasy about this.”

Kanan said—naturally, entrusting everything to a single Human must be unprecedented, and I could understand his complex emotions.

There’s no need to push yourself so hard.

I declared. Kanan looked at me again,

…Understood. Then we’ll proceed with that plan.

She decided—and the meeting concluded.

As I stood up to return to my room, Sylvie approached me.

Ruon, should we make a move?

No… Sylvie, please continue to guard Sofia. I’ll also tell Kuuza to prepare for the Southern Invasion.

Are you really sure?

Yes.

Sylvie sighed at my calm reply.

It might be useless to worry, but… please be careful.

I know. I don’t want to die either… And, Garuku.

Yes.

Please contact those Demon Wolves. However, I think it would be bad if the Demon King found out that the Divine Spirits are still active, so be careful.

I’ll handle that without any problems. Don’t worry.

I’m counting on you.

At this, Garuku looked at me intently. As I watched to see what was happening,

…Hmm, there’s still time until the battle.

Yes. We’ll intercept them while the Demon Race is forming an army and invading. It’s ironic, but when they form an army and start moving, that’s when the Monsters gather and become easier to defeat.

You always talk as if total annihilation is the only option.

Garuku sighed. I responded with a shrug.

So, Garuku, what’s wrong?

Yes, there is little time left until the battle, but since Lord Ruon is being so reckless, we should do everything we can on our end.

What are you planning to do?

After a brief pause, Garuku began to speak in response to my question.

It’s about Spirit Creation. You once said that Spirit Creation requires a Device to store Magic Power, didn’t you, Lord Ruon?

Yes.

The location of such an Artifact has been found.

Oh, finally.

Since things are already in motion, I originally thought we would wait until that was finished… but the situation no longer allows for that.

For now, should I go retrieve the Artifact?

No, I and the Spirits will take responsibility for retrieving it from the Ancient Ruins. Once the Artifact arrives, please proceed with Spirit Creation.

Regarding Spirit Creation… will it be advantageous for this battle?

Lord Ruon originally intended to give himself combat abilities in addition to his Magic Analysis Ability, didn’t he? Certainly, with Lord Ruon’s power, the possibility of dying is low. However, if the goal of annihilating the enemy cannot be achieved, you would probably attempt something quite reckless, wouldn’t you? To prevent such a situation, we should lighten Lord Ruon’s burden as much as possible and create some leeway.

I’m not trusted, am I?

You just thought you weren’t trusted, didn’t you?

Sylvie asked, noticing. Well, yes.

I do think Ruon’s power can stop the Demon Race. But they are an army. I think there’s a good chance of a ‘what if’ scenario. That’s why Garuku is suggesting this, too.

I understand what you’re saying, but…

We should do as he says, create Spirits, and try to reduce the burden of the battle as much as possible.

……Well, that’s true.

“Alright. Then Garuku. I’ll be on standby until the Artifact arrives.”

“Understood, leave it to me.”

And so, the conversation ended. I left the room and walked down the hallway.

I entered my room and organized the situation. The goal of the battle is to defeat the Enemy Army. If we leave the Demon Race intact, it could become troublesome later, so we want to reduce their forces as much as possible.

Since the Human Side’s forces are concentrated in the Southern Region, our allies are only the Demon Wolves Garuku mentioned… There’s some uncertainty about how much of a fighting force they’ll be. I’d like to discuss it with them beforehand.

And as a preliminary preparation, I’ll perform Spirit Creation… That would be the best way to strengthen our forces.

It really feels like we’re reaching the climax… However, the situation on the Human Side is by no means good. If we leave the Western Region’s Army unchecked, it will certainly lead to the Human Side’s defeat. That, at least, must be stopped.

Just as I thought I had no choice but to do it again, I heard a knock. A familiar rhythm.

“Come in.”

The door opened. It was Sofia.

“Lord Ruon…”

She wasn’t accompanied by Eina or Sylvie. Here, I asked.

“Where are the two Guards?”

“They’re working elsewhere… I know it might seem imprudent, but…”

“You were worried about me.”

Sofia nodded, closed the door, and faced me.

Guessing it was about what just happened, I waited for her words… Eventually, she spoke.