“So, how should we move?”

It was Sylvie who asked. I scratched my head and answered while thinking.

“Before that, let’s confirm the situation. Currently, Phili is in the Eastern Region, and Eina is in the Western Region, both having started their actions. As for the whereabouts of the other Protagonists using Familiars… first, Radi is in the Eastern Region, like Phili. Alto is in the Western Region.”

Then I checked with Lefin.

“Can you confirm if Sage’s Power is compatible with Phili and the others?”

“It’s difficult to determine who it’s compatible with without being near that person. However, I should be able to analyze the Sage’s Power held by the Demon Race within a day or two.”

“That’s quite fast.”

“I myself have dispatched subordinates to various places. They can investigate through them.”

I see… I nodded and proposed our future plan.

“As for Daclide in the Eastern Region, one of the Five Great Demons, it’s not too far, so we can still make it in time for the event Phili is currently undertaking. However, Gudis is far away. Even if we use all our Magic, Eina would have already progressed the event to some extent.”

“So, are we going to focus on one, or split into two groups?”

Another question from Sylvie… but looking at the expressions of my companions, I could tell what they were thinking.

“…We have no choice but to split into two groups.”

“Then it’s decided that Kuuza and I will handle Daclide?”

“That would be better. Even if Sylvie’s group went to Eina’s place, there’s a non-zero chance they’d be turned away at the gate.”

“It’s settled then.”

Sylvie smiled at my words—a reassuring smile, as if to say, “Don’t worry.”

–Having trained in the Academia, Sylvie and Kuuza have grown stronger. Moreover, they are trustworthy companions who know me and are cooperating with me.–

“I’ll also provide as much support as possible beforehand.”

“Don’t worry so much. Is it okay to start acting tomorrow?”

“Yes, that’s fine… but we should keep in constant contact through our Familiars. If anything happens, contact me immediately.”

“Understood.”

The strategy meeting has ended. We started preparing for tomorrow.

While Lefin is investigating Sage’s Power, Sofia and I are making various preparations in Town. Even so, it’s mostly just preparing Food, and after a few hours, all the preparations were complete.

“Sofia, you’ll be using Movement Magic for a long time. Are you alright?”

When I asked Sofia on the way, she replied with a determined expression.

“Of course… I’ve been preparing for situations like this.”

“That’s right. However, this will likely be a very troublesome battle.”

Sofia nodded at my words.

“After meeting Eina and the others, we’ll be entering the Five Great Wars with Demons, but…”

“I can’t let them realize my abilities, so I’ll still be in support… Oh, that reminds me.”

“What is it?”

“I haven’t told you this, but when Sofia was training in Ganaize, I met Eina and the others.”

“What were you doing at that time?”

Then I explained about Ririsha’s Event. Sofia mumbled “I see” and then spoke to me.

“I understand the situation. It doesn’t seem like it will be too difficult for us to talk to the Knight Order.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about that… By the way, Sofia.”

“Yes.”

“Regarding your father, the King… are you concerned? I think we should talk to him if we’re going to make your existence public. It will be a bit of a detour, but… if we use Movement Magic, we’ll have a bit of time to talk.”

“…Indeed, it would be better to talk to my father. Please proceed with that.”

“However, let me say one thing.”

“Yes.”

A clear reply. She probably sensed what I was going to say.

“There’s no doubt that Sofia’s presence is indispensable to this battle. Even if the King opposes her fighting, she will still need to fight.”

“You don’t need to worry.”

Immediately after hearing those words… I let out a small sigh. Sofia tilted her head at this.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, well… you see, the King only knows that he sent Sofia to her master’s place, right?”

“That’s right. However, it wouldn’t be strange for him to know the information that he has already passed away.”

“In that situation, if I appear with Sofia… well, how should I put it?”

“I’ll explain it.”

Sofia said with a smile. I just said “Please do” and started moving my feet to return to the inn.

–The next day, various pieces of information came to me.

First, the movements of Phili and Eina. Both are completing events with their comrades, and are definitely in a situation where they will fight the Five Great Demons.

On the other hand, Radi, who is near Phili, also seems to be moving due to some anomaly. At this rate, it seems like he’ll join the battle with Phili even if Sylvie and the others don’t interfere. And they are all acting together with the comrades they originally fought with.

As for Eina, it seems that Ririsha is by her side in addition to Balzard. She never became a comrade in the game, but it’s certain that she possesses the strength to fight on the front lines.

Alto is active in a place close to the Western Region. It’s borderline whether he’s within Gudis’s range of action, but if the event triggers and Monsters start appearing, he might also participate in the battle.

In addition, there was an unexpected person among his comrades.

“…I hadn’t investigated how it happened, but he’s participating in this way.”

Kyarun, who I had previously acted with, is also acting with Alto. Richard had previously Prophecied that “she will fight the Demon Race,” and this might have been what he was hinting at.

Also, Orudia is… acting alone. And since she’s in a location far from each Protagonist, it seems unlikely that she will join the Five Great Wars with Demons.

I understood the situation. I was about to start acting in earnest, thinking that, when I listened to Lefin’s report at breakfast.

“The analysis is complete. Now we just need to get closer and make a judgment.”

What about Sylvie and the others?

I have an idea about that. Lady Sylvie, my subordinates will accompany you. Can you please head to the location I’m about to tell you? It’s a few hours from this town.

Ah, that’s fine. What if Phili doesn’t gain power?

…Radi is also nearby. He has power, but giving him more power might be an option rather than eliminating him.

Are you going to make him participate in the battle?

Either way, considering their current location, they’re likely heading towards the Stronghold.

Then, can we decide what to do?

Just give me a report.

Understood.

Alto is also nearby, so I’ll think about what to do here too.

…Ruon, there’s something I’d like to confirm here.

Sylvie suddenly speaks up.

That’s fine, what is it?

It’s about Ruon. I think it’s okay to tell someone who will gain the Sage’s Power.

…I think it’s better not to spread it to an unspecified number of people yet. Well, it might be fine even if they know about me as long as they don’t perceive my abilities… For now, let’s not talk about it.

Understood.

And so, we finished our discussion—and finally, began our actions.