chapter 44
44. Preparation for the Operation
In a certain room, six men and women are gathered around a table.
One is the most powerful figure in the Holy Capital, Rainer.
One is the Chancellor of the Mage Empire, Gildia.
One is the founder of the Resistance, Gora.
One is the operations officer of the Resistance, Ayla.
One is the elite of the Resistance, Wide.
And the last one is the mage of the Hero Party, Kelt.
They were contemplating their future actions.
“For now, it’s certain that we need to investigate the Saintess,” Wide says, taking charge of the discussion.
“Well then, I can’t do that; my face is already known,” Rainer replies, scratching his head apologetically.
“In that case, I don’t mind separating from you, Rainer. I have more knowledge about the underbelly of this city, so I’ll gather information in that regard. Now, as for you, Kelt…”
Kelt, whose name has been mentioned, speaks up, looking troubled.
“Well, I have some acquaintance with her, so I can’t delve too deeply into matters concerning the Saintess. What I can do is adjust and maintain the Resistance’s magical tools.”
“Is that true!? Oh, how fortunate it would be if someone called the Great Sage would take a look at our magical tools!!” Gora exclaims, half in surprise and half in joy.
“Well, it’s more of a hobby for me…” Kelt says, almost in a whisper.
“Then it seems that Wide and I will have to gather information directly about the temple,” Ayla says, her face sulking in discontent.
“Ayla, there’s no helping it; it’s a matter of placing the right people in the right roles,” Wide tries to reassure her.
“I’ve recently realized that for powerful figures like the Great Sage or the Saintess, the accuracy of their foresight diminishes. The range of options available, one might say, their fate power is quite high,” Wide adds, and he seems to accept this.
“However, we have also significantly strengthened our members! It should be entirely possible for us to retrieve Elg!”
“That’s right! Ayla, we’re not the same as we were back then; now we have the momentum to rival a nation!” Kelt raises his hand and suggests.
“The direction of the operation is becoming clear, so…”
Let’s solidify the useful information, starting with the divine artifact that you both have witnessed.”
Gora stroked his beard, pondering as he spoke.
“That thing clearly surpasses the realm of magical tools; to be able to interfere with other dimensions is truly the stuff of legends.”
“I believe that as long as that thing exists, the chances of our plan succeeding are significantly low. Even in the futures I can foresee, its presence looms.”
The two tilted their heads in contemplation.
“Then we have no choice but to bring our human vessel.”
Gildia opened his mouth.
“Do you possess the divine artifact?”
Gora inquired.
“It is not a divine artifact; it is written as ‘human vessel.'”
“What exactly is that? I understand it’s something made by humans, but…”
Rainer asked, puzzled.
“The human vessel, or ‘Transcendent Magical Device,’ was conceived and created by the first Grand Sage, a crystallization of humanity’s wisdom. Its effects include increased magical output, reduced burden on the wielder through magical absorption, and the compression of spells.”
“Such an incredible thing… why haven’t we used it?”
Rainer asked, genuinely curious.
“This is a last resort weapon. Moreover, it has been sealed so that only the Grand Sage can use it. To retrieve it, the approval of the Chancellor, the General, and the Grand Sage of the Magical Empire is required.”
“Then isn’t it possible? We just need the General’s approval, right?”
Gildia tilted his head.
“That is the difficult part. The General is a whimsical woman, as unpredictable as the wind. Her abilities are undeniable, but still…”
“Even if we tried to forcibly seize it, it is sealed away in a place far more secure than a prison.”
“Huh? So in the end, it’s impossible.”
Rainer said, exasperated.
“Indeed, it seems quite impossible… However, if the Grand Sage’s memories were to return, there might be a possibility.”
Gildia looked at Kelt.
“Ah, I’m truly sorry…”
“No! It’s not that Kelt is at fault!”
“Anyway!! We can’t understand anything about the Saintess if we don’t know about her, right?!”
Aira forcefully redirected the conversation as it began to stray.
“Wide and I will gather information on the outside!
Gildia and Rainer will handle things on the inside!”
—
Dad is giving orders to the Resistance!
Mr. Kelt is adjusting the magical tools!
That’s all!”
Aira finishes her speech.
“Well then! Everyone! Let’s act individually!”