Mages do not try to make contact with other mages unless they are particularly close to each other. In fact, Vaget Oragoram has been standing in a corner, eyes closed, waiting for the meeting to begin.

　Even the Fanon Trooper, dressed like a noblewoman, seemed to be talking among his fellow troopers.

　In that sense, Letty, because of her personality, would not be too aware of the area. From her point of view, Ars is also a comrade in arms.

　Hearing such a view of Ars, Leti muttered, "We'll see how it goes," as if it were someone else's business.

''So, how is Letty's side of things going lately?
Al-kun is a member of the association now, so it's a leak of information, but it's not a problem for Al-kun. Maybe, but the Governor has no intention of hiding it either.
'I suppose. I'm sure I knew too much about it. In fact, the instructions to me only took the form of a request from the association, and I'm sure Master Cicernia anticipated that. So, after we regained Vanaris, as I recall, we maintained and.......
That's right. It's a joint operation with Rusalka. We're working on it bilaterally, aren't we?

　Letty, who took over the rest of the conversation, tells me with a blatantly disgusted look on her face. Since Vanaris is close to the exclusive territory of both countries due to its land, the operation to retake it will certainly be a joint operation. It's not only that, but also the location of Vanaris is good enough to be a supply area, and if it's soon after maintenance, there should be no need to worry about high-rate demons nesting there.

　If that was the case, there was no need for a single person to go out of their way to travel, but perhaps that was the point where they could think about throwing in their best forces to show the sincerity between the two countries.

　Thinking that he shouldn't get too deep, Ars quickly made a suitable counterpart. Speaking of Lusarka, there is one single magician that Letty hates hairy........

　--what do you call it if you talk about it?

　Ars, who had noticed quickly, felt a sign of a human wall cracking behind him. The name whispered in a whisper was naturally reaching Ars's ears.
　The person was approaching straight toward us.

You look even more beautiful now, Loki. The dress looks good on you. I'm sure no one here can imagine you fighting pretty in the outside world. It's too good for Ars.

　He went straight to Loki's bottom, and at the opening, the blonde-haired good-looking young man complimented her with his gentlemanly demeanor. His refreshing smile seemed to assert his true intentions without lying. No one has a better way of making others recognize good intentions as good intentions than he does.

　Of course, Ars doesn't disagree with me, and I rather agree with him - although I won't say it here.

''There's nothing to disagree about. It's not worthy of your praise, Master Jean...
'Oh, I guess that was Arth's job. It's good to see you again, Ars, Loki. After all, Rusalka is also very busy at the moment. I honestly thought he wouldn't be able to move for two years.
Yes. Thank you for your help that time... yes?

　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

You can't let your guard down. That kind of thing hasn't changed, as usual.
'It's been a while, Letty-san. I know it's normal to at least shake hands.
I won't let Loki-chan lift a finger while I have a black eye.

　Letty, who is threatening like a beast protecting her child, forces a confused Loki into a hug.

　Jean, who had no choice but to retract his hand, put a hand to the back of his head and said, "Letty-san is still as tough as ever," not breaking into a smile.
　Yes, Letty is only one-sidedly hostile to Jean, but actually Jean doesn't care so much. It was a reply that perhaps he was not even aware that he was hated.

　Loki, who was stunned and turned into a life-size adult form, did as he was told, and since that was interesting in its own way, Ars decided to sit on the sidelines.

I'm sorry to hear that. I'd really like to be friends with Loki, too. Not Ars's partner, you know. He's so good that he can now be counted as the main force in humanity. I suppose he doesn't mean much to you, but he's a rising star among double-digit (double) wizards now. It doesn't hurt to know that much.
Did you know that?

　As expected, Ars also knew that Loki would be recognized soon. Of course, he was not only Ars's partner, but also as a mage. Loki's ranking was on the verge of double digits during the months that he had been doing the dewdrop in the outside world, and the double digits was only a matter of time.
　More than anything else, it was also certain that the increase in the triple-digit range was an abnormal upside value.

　And the magic of 【Lightning Drive Octagon Position】 that she has mastered is one that is particularly difficult to master among the lightning systems. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it. The same goes for aptitude and talent, but it's clear that the skill to convert Loki's magic power into sonar is the key to mastering it.

''Is that so?''

　Loki asked her back, if she was really not interested, but only as a minister.
　Ars nodded back without a choice, but she should have known her ranking. However, that perception seemed to be a bit off. Mages who go out into the outside world don't stick to their rankings too much, so she didn't seem to care about it, as an example. It would only mean to the extent that she would return her license along with Ars.
　This is because the ranking is only a pecking order, not a power.

　On the other hand, if you look at it on the scale of a country or humanity, the value of a double-digit 《double》 is just as high as a single. Unlike singles, who exert absolute power in the recapture and defense of territory, the double-digit is the closest thing to a supreme fighting force.
　It is also because of the presence of double digits that singles can take the form of a ranger. When I think of double digits in Alpha, the two men in Letty's unit come to mind. Their ability to fight, in some cases, makes them capable of playing a role in national defense.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　In any case, Loki's combat power is already comparable to double digits, and he's good enough to be recognized by all magicians.

''Isn't that why? Cute and strong, we'll have you come visit our troops from time to time.
'What!　Lady Letty, I've never heard of that before.
Loki, you're more than welcome to join us.

　Although it's a clumsy reason, Leti sincerely tells you that there is no problem. In fact, even the organization of the troops is entrusted to her as the captain, so if you nod one nod, it will be passed off as such.

　Letty has created a sanctuary that is not entered by men.
　Jean gave up on such a situation with the same tone of voice, as if he had no choice. It's the end of the world if it ends up being just a greeting. Since time is running out, Jean has moved on to talk to Ars.

You'll see later, but do you know that this meeting isn't just about showing off the new single?

　Jean spoke as if he were having a salacious chat.

It's a good thing that all the heads of state are coming together. I thought it wouldn't be surprising if at least one of the topics on the agenda was raised, but...
"The effect of the association created by Ars has been greater than anticipated. Soon to be announced, the nations have set a target for next year to expand our range of survival.
...you mean the reclaiming of territory.
''That's what I'm talking about. Each country welcomed the new singles and made a policy of vigorously hunting out demons. You expected that, didn't you, Ars?　Otherwise they wouldn't have made the third Babel movable.

　In the past, both countries have gone out to the outside world to defeat demons, but they have not been able to recapture a continent like Alpha's or build a bridgehead. In the first place, the goal is not to retake the continent. It is only to eliminate the threat of demons as a means of defense.

　There aren't that many mages stationed there like Vanaris, which Leti conquered, and they have secured a communication route to the military headquarters. In fact, they would vacate the base with the construction of the outer wall completed. This is because they do not have a protective wall like Babel, which makes them a target for demons just by being stationed there.

　A number of such empty bases have been created in various countries.

　In order to use them as a base, a third Babel will be set up as soon as possible, including the Xentrei that Ars has recaptured in the future.

'It was only meant to be eventually. The cost is much less than the second Babel, but it's still a ridiculous product. It's not something that can be made with a whim. That's why I just made it mobile and ready to be railed.

　He hadn't expected Ars to turn his attention to the outside world so quickly. Even if he turned his attention to the outside world, he had assumed that, realistically, he would have his hands full with defense. The new singles that would be added this time seemed to confirm that they were an indispensable force to be reclaimed.

　In any case, once the association's operations are on track, they can even supplement the manpower devoted to defense.

　And Ars had another concern. Perhaps Jean would not be aware of it, though.

　--the depletion of natural resources?

　Probably not right now, but if you think about the future, the only option left to obtain limited resources is to retake the territory. The same goes for water, no matter how universal magic is, it's not like you can wish for anything in a fairy tale.

''So we'll start with Alpha and Rusalka, I suppose.

　Muttering to himself, Ars looked at Letty, who was listening firmly while holding Loki in his arms.
　He looked at her as if he was working hard, but he uttered a whispered, "Good work," as if it had nothing to do with him somehow.

　The great powers, Alpha and Lusarka, are leading the way, and I guess they plan to expand their territory between the two countries first.

　Immediately after I was relieved that it was really someone else's business.
　The four people including Ars who are here as indicated - moreover, those who have the memory of their arms noticed the deviation quickly.

We've arrived.

　Sensing a sense of urgency, nothing has happened yet... even though he hasn't even appeared, the great hall is strangely quiet.

　The doors that had attracted attention were quietly and slowly opening.
　From behind it, a dull sound resounded, like a cutlass and a tap on the floor with a cane.