Kurono Shinomiya looked at Charles and said, "Let's talk about the battle next."
Charles curled his lip. "No need to overcomplicate it. Just tell me where the fleet is—I'll go deal with them myself."
He hated following a villain's script. That meant the enemy was dictating the flow of everything. Charles had no intention of playing along—he preferred to act unpredictably and wreck their carefully laid plans.
But Kurono shook her head. "It's not that simple. First, they have the advantage in numbers. More importantly, the Puppet King has control over the entire fleet.
According to the configuration of the White Eagle fleet, they're carrying over a thousand missiles—more than enough to flatten half the island nation.
If we act rashly, there's no maybe about it—the Puppet King will launch a devastating strike on the homeland."
Charles rubbed his chin. "That's definitely risky... but not unmanageable. Don't worry, I won't give those missiles a chance to launch."
In this world, technology and the supernatural existed on two distinct but equally potent paths. While highly advanced technology could threaten even him, the current tech on those warships wasn't quite there yet.
The missiles might be more destructive than Charles himself, but he was confident in destroying them before they could be launched.
"No."
A heavy, ice-cold voice cut through the air. Charles turned toward the door.
Kurogane Gen entered, accompanied by a figure clad entirely in armor. He said firmly, "We absolutely cannot attack the fleet."
Charles looked at him. "You don't trust my ability? Worried I'll mess up and cause a catastrophe?
Relax. I may not be a citizen of this country, but I don't gamble with other people's lives."
Kurogane's expression didn't change. He shook his head. "This isn't about whether you can destroy the fleet. It's that destroying it at all is unacceptable."
Charles frowned. This iron-blooded man, known for his uncompromising ways, now seemed... hesitant?
Kurogane explained, "That fleet belongs to the White Eagle's Pacific Fleet. I know them fairly well. Their commander is a Majin-level Blazer with the title White Whale.
Even the Puppet King couldn't control someone like him so easily—let alone wrest command of the fleet.
So there's only one explanation: White Eagle allowed the Puppet King to take control. Their objective is now crystal clear."
Kurono added, recalling intel Moonshadow Moya had provided: "They want a justification for war."
Kurogane nodded. "Exactly. The White Eagle Nation has always harbored ambitions of world dominance. But not even they could start a war against the Alliance alone.
So they won't strike first. They need a reason—like us attacking their Pacific Fleet.
Then, under the terms of the Allied Pact, they can drag other major nations in the Federation into a war against the Alliance.
Because, even within the Federation, opinion on war is divided. Without such a justification, the other nations would never agree to join the conflict."
Charles nodded, understanding now. Sparking a global war and plunging countless lives into chaos—he couldn't be the one to trigger that.
So as much as he disliked it, they had no choice but to follow the Puppet King's challenge: a five-on-five battle.
Kurogane turned and introduced the armored figure beside him. "That doesn't mean the Alliance is standing by. You all should recognize this person—she's our reinforcement from the Alliance."
Kurono looked toward the armored figure and said, "Of course we do. She's famous. A current KOK A-Rank Alliance representative, ranked fourth in the world—Black Knight Ascalid. A truly dependable ally."
The armored Ascalid stepped forward and spoke. "Everyone, I've been pursuing the Puppet King for a long time. He must answer for his crimes. Please allow me to fight alongside you in this battle."
Her voice revealed that Black Knight Ascalid was a young woman.
Charles eyed the figure, curious about the person ranked just one spot below Nishimiya.
But after just a glance, he felt... underwhelmed.
How to put it? Though her aura was powerful, and her tone was firm, she lacked the resolute sharpness that defined a true warrior. She seemed... uncertain about something.
Still, Charles didn't give it too much thought. He hadn't been counting on anyone else anyway. Assistance was nice, but unnecessary. So long as they didn't drag him down, it was fine.
That said, someone ranked fourth in the world probably wouldn't be dead weight—probably.
Kurono spoke up. "So we have three: Charles, Ascalid, and what about Stella? She didn't return with you?"
"She's off training," Charles replied. "But she should make it back in time."
Kurono nodded. "Then that's three. I'll be the fourth. That leaves one more."
Kurogane spoke up. "In that case, I have a recommendation."
Charles turned toward the door and said, "So she's who you brought. I was wondering who'd have the guts to show their face here."
A person entered, and even Kurono's expression turned surprised.
Todoroki Yui.
Once a member of Akatsuki Academy, she'd participated in the attack on Bujin Academy. Before the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, she'd clashed with Ikki and others.
Akatsuki Academy itself had been Moonshadow Moya's tool to split from the Alliance. When his plans failed, the academy was disbanded.
Charles never expected Todoroki Yui to appear here—let alone be recommended by Kurogane Gen.
Charles looked at him. "I understand why you're not fighting—your role as Alliance branch chief makes it impossible to act openly in anything so politically sensitive.
But why recommend someone like her? I can't fight alongside someone I don't trust."
Before Kurogane could speak, Todoroki Yui cut in. "No need to question my motives. I'm not interested in fighting with you either. But one of your enemies... is someone I must kill, no matter what.
So, at least for this, we can cooperate."
Charles could sense the determination in her—it was fiercer than even Ascalid's. A resolve that screamed do-or-die.
He glanced at Kurogane, who gave a small nod—meaning she could be trusted in this matter.
Charles sighed. "Alright. Then it's settled.
The five of us will fight—and we'll win."
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