Melusine sprinted through the corridors of the New Chaldea base, using her exceptional agility and reflexes to dodge oncoming personnel as she raced toward the Magical Workshop. She had just received word that Shiomi wanted her to come by later. Though she had been assisting Mash with combat training moments before, Melusine instantly lost all desire to continue. She broke into a full run.
Even after rejoining Chaldea, Melusine still had opportunities to see him and could speak with him. Yet she simply wanted to talk to him more, to spend more time with him. Even knowing this desire was somewhat greedy, she felt it nonetheless. Besides, today Shiomi had suddenly summoned her—there must be something important he needed to discuss.
"I'm terribly sorry to keep you waiting, I—"
Reaching the workshop door, she pressed the open button while greeting those inside, only to freeze in surprise. Shiomi was fiddling with a mechanical part, while Da Vinci-chan and Touko Aozaki were discussing something over a blueprint. Moreover, this wasn't Shiomi's own Magical Workshop—it belonged to Da Vinci. Only then did Melusine recall that he'd mentioned Da Vinci's Magical Workshop.
"You got here so fast—no need to rush over like that," Shiomi waved her over, offering a somewhat helpless reassurance.
Melusine, who'd been troubled by her misunderstanding, instantly forgot her earlier frustration upon seeing his warm smile. She happily ran over.
"What did you need me for... and everyone's here?" she asked.
"Naturally, it concerns our future operations." Shiomi placed the parts on the workbench and nodded to the two of them. Da Vinci-chan pushed his glasses up.
"Since the master isn't here, I'll explain."
"Considering the outcomes of our campaigns in Britannia, Russia, and the Scandinavian Lostbelt, we have reason to believe the Crypters will be more vigilant. Regardless of which Lostbelt we enter next, we will face their united resistance."
"Therefore, based on the current discussions within Chaldea, since this possibility cannot be ruled out regardless of which Lostbelt we choose, it would be better to engage in a decisive battle directly." Touko Aozaki placed a flag marker on the Atlantic Ocean.
"The Atlantic..." Melusine paused, taken aback. For Britannia, the world beyond their shores was an endless sea stretching east and west alike. It was only after leaving Britannia that she first learned the true planet contained more than just one large island like Britannia.
"Though Kadoc and Ophelia refer to it as the Greek Lostbelt, current observations indicate its location isn't in Greece but rather the Atlantic near the equator." Shiomi sketched a rough circle. "Therefore—"
Having endured the Thousand Years' War, Melusine's combat instincts were razor-sharp.
"It'll become a naval battle?"
"Exactly," said Da Vinci-chan. "Though Storm Border is a dimensional barrier-piercing vessel built around Captain Nemo's Noble Phantasm, equipped for both surface and submarine combat."
"But that alone won't suffice. Intelligence gathered from Skadi via Ophelia suggests the ruler of the Greek Lostbelt is likely another major deity." Touko twirled the marker in her hand. "The supreme deity of Greek mythology—Zeus."
Of course, in the end, during the Scandinavian Lostbelt, Chaldea had already faced the genuine goddess Skadi. Fortunately, she became an ally rather than an irreconcilable enemy. This time, it wasn't just any god, but the renowned Main God Zeus. Even Melusine, confident in her own strength, understood this would be a formidable battle.
"So, you and the others summoned me here—do you have expectations for me?" Melusine's expression was earnest yet cheerful.
Shiomi nodded. "Simply put, we want you to lead those three Valkyrie, forming Storm Border's aerial combat unit."
It was unclear what trump cards Zeus held, but the battle wouldn't be confined to the sea. If it escalated into air combat, personnel capable of sustained aerial warfare would become crucial combat assets. High-speed flight would be even better.
"But I..." Melusine hesitated slightly. She couldn't fly yet, only hover briefly. But if Shiomi needed it, she could use her own power to reclaim her Albion form—though doing so would likely mean she could never return to being Melusine.
"That won't be necessary," Shiomi pressed her shoulders. "We called you here precisely for this reason. Without requiring you to revert to your dragon form, we want to grant you aerial combat mobility."
Realizing Shiomi also preferred her to maintain her current appearance, Melusine couldn't help but feel happier knowing they shared this wish.
However, when Da Vinci-chan pulled back a canvas in the workshop, revealing the machinery beneath, Melusine was completely captivated by the flight apparatus, feeling overwhelmed by its complexity. Unlike most girls, she preferred mechanical marvels over delicate trinkets.
"What is this...?" she asked, turning to inquire.
"A flight-assist outfit prepared for you," Touko explained. "Its design and construction drew inspiration from the 'Svanhvít—the Noble Phantasm bestowed by the great Odin upon the Valkyries. Though it can't compare to the original, it comes remarkably close."
"For me?" Melusine was overjoyed, finding it hard to believe.
Shiomi crossed his arms and nodded calmly. "Of course it's for you. Why else would I call you over?"
"Alright, alright, stop just touching it. Put it on and try it out. After all, it was only designed based on your body measurements. The specifics still need fine-tuning," Da Vinci-chan said excitedly. "But don't activate it, okay? Blowing this place up would be a real hassle."
Melusine laughed while expressing her distress. "What should I do? I really want to pilot this thing and see how it flies..." But Shiomi was right there. She focused more intently than usual to suppress her fervent passion for machinery.
"Looks like our Fairy Knight is quite fond of her new gear," Touko said with a smile to Shiomi.
"But its actual performance still needs to be tested in combat," Shiomi replied thoughtfully. "Considering the intensity of future battles, we need to push its limits to see what it can handle, and assess Melusine's compatibility with the equipment—"
Touko snapped her pen shut. "Wait, are you saying the intensity of your sparring matches is a bit high?"
"Compared to the enemies we'll face, I can at least hold back and keep it within the scope of a combat drill," Shiomi shrugged. "But I haven't finalized the specifics of the drill yet. Might need your help, you know."
"...You really know how to boss people around."
Touko chuckled cheerfully.