One person turned to her in astonishment, and Ars turned his eyes to her and asked confidently.

''Oh, I'm sure...Karia?''
'Yes, sir!　I'm sorry for my rudeness...

　Ars recalled that Jean had mentioned that when they went to the First Magic Academy. It wasn't too hard to recall, since she was a well-known magician at the friendly magic competition as well.
　However, I'm not sure if it is ingrained in me as a student or not, but I'm going to be low on her as a "senior" like Felinella and Illumina. It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of this.

　I felt that my position as a student and my position as a magician were becoming unclear.

''You're joining us too?'' When I ask her if she's interested, she gives me an affirmation.
　I keep the people inside the Tabernacle in view, including Kalia.

''Anyway, so you've gathered enough people to sort out the information.

　The second-in-command, rolling his eyes at Ilyce's appearance, immediately tried to go out to explain or explain himself, but in the end, Ilyce's first words caused the man to refrain from any meaningful action and stand in the corner of the tabernacle with a deflated look on his face. He decided to watch from a distance, alone, as if he were going to throw the whole scene, including the division of the scene.

　Then, as the man had expected, Ilyce stood in front of a huge desk in the center of the room and took command of the chaotic scene.

'Time is running out. The Association has full authority over this place, I won't complain.

　Association-led mineral deposit exploration mission. Fanon, who had rushed in as a reinforcement, showed his disapproval with both palms facing upwards in disapproval. Even if it was in her own country, even if she was a single mage, this time it was being carried out under the responsibility of the association. More than anything, she would have decided that it was better for her to be in charge than to have the commanding authority taken away by a subordinate, Garginis.
　After all, she had come to terms with her own pride.

　And Garginis gave his verbal agreement, "No problem," is all he said. Of course, it's the most reasonable proposal. As a member of the association, Ordwise's command authority will inevitably be attributed to the association. This is because Galginis and Fanon's claim to command authority was only a temporary measure.
　If this was a mission at home, though, it would be a different story.

'As for the operation, Ars will make it up. We'll be out of here in thirty minutes.

　As if to take over, Ars also goes to the center where the map is placed and looks through it all.
　Although organizing information is a necessity, Ars had constructed a certain amount of strategy in advance.

　If the association's side, which is the commander, doesn't get the full picture, the conversation won't proceed. Having stepped on that, Fanon looked out for Exeles, who had been sent to detect it.
　You can see the bruises on her neck that are slowly being pulled out of her neck and into her clothing.

''Ars-sama, I just did a brief detection earlier, so I'll report back to you first.
Did you get a good look inside?
"Hmmm, there's plenty of room for Ecclesiastes' [Crippling Bruise (Eilvennibus)].
Don't make a mess. So?

　Ignoring Fanon, who made a muffled frown, Exeles also indicated several locations on the map in order with his finger.

''First of all, there's an S-rate class magical reaction on the first underground level. It can probably be seen as the demon she confronted.
Oh, [Celket].
Serketo?
'You used your association's license, didn't you?　It's just that the work is fast and helpful. As far as the amount of magic power and other information that can be analyzed, I've already received some information, but so far I don't have anything that could be useful.

　As an international military agency, its purpose is to collect and analyze information on demons, and one of its basic duties is naming new types of demons.

　Suddenly, a wild voice interrupted with the sound of armor scraping.

''First place. I'll take care of that Serketo. From what she's told me, I think I'm the right person for the job.
Garginis. Okay. We'll have you take care of the lower levels and don't screw it up.

　Not that he was responding to his second-in-command's call of "it's that easy," but Ars didn't think it would be possible to plan it so closely as an operation. It's not to say that single mages don't have a lot of coordination, but in order to get them to use their maximum strength, they shouldn't put any unnecessary restrictions on them.

The first thing to do is to call it a strategy, but we don't expect them to cooperate from the beginning. It's much easier and more maneuverable to set targets for each unit," he said. Naturally, I don't accept any objections.

　Ars looks over with just a glance, but he sees Fanon, who is clearly not happy with his face. It's almost as if he's saying he's beaten you to it. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good look at them, because they're a taller and more mature female recruit than you are.

　As if in a hurry, Fanon turned her eyes to peek at Ars suspiciously for behavior.

　--This is bad. I can't believe they're going to take the credit for something like that. I don't know what's suitable for him. But if I defeat the strongest demon........yeah. We can recover from that. Exeles, you know that.

　But Exeles didn't notice Fanon's intentions. No, maybe she noticed and dared to go through with it.
　In any case, she pointed fluently and stagnantly to the two underground levels that had been dropped on the map. It could hardly be called a map from this area.

''There are two similar reactions on the two underground levels... just from the mix of magic power, there are probably quite a few B-rate classes as well.
'Either of them could be the demon that kidnapped Mr. Felinella!

　Quickly, Kalia interrupted, but Exeles shook his head with a gesture that he couldn't judge that much.
　Every time a piece of useful information was shared, Kalia took the initiative to join the circle of the meeting in response to the steady progress being made.

'What is the appearance of the demon that kidnapped Felli?
'If I were to call it a humanoid shape, or something more indefinite... at first it was not even certain if it had substance like a thin cloth. However, when I kidnapped Felinella-san, it had taken on a human shape of nearly three meters. This one is also equivalent to a scorpion-shaped demon, no, maybe more than that.......I just had to run away.
Just don't fight it head on, that's the right call. No information.

　Kalia peeked at Ars with a sideways glance, but he seemed to be nonchalantly gathering information without changing his expression. Rather than concentrating, he seemed to be dedicated to not thinking about anything else.
　The silver girl with her mouth shut next to her is just standing upright like a doll.

　It seems to me that they don't seem to be driven by emotions like I am, but at the same time, I couldn't sense any humanity from them.

Let me hunt them. Let me hunt the guy. You know what?
"...You mean the two reactions?
No. It's the demon that took that Felinella girl.

　Fanon suggests that with a scowl. The spare bluster would not be an empty attitude. It's backed by the pride of someone who has slaughtered countless high-rate demons.
　But--''

''No, no. We don't limit the target of our defeat in a situation that isn't confirmed. It's because we can't identify the demon that kidnapped Felli. Of course, if you find it, you can deal with it immediately, but no, if you can, turn it over to us.
What, then I don't get asked to come over?　Give it to me.
Shut up there's no guarantee you'll do better than me. I've been putting up with this for a long time.
..........

　Emotionlessly, Ars looks at Fanon. She's the one who has been defending her single position for many years. There is no doubt about her ability, which was touted as the youngest until Ars appeared on the scene.
　However, even while doing this, a dark frustration chills the gut within Ars.

'If you screw up, I won't hesitate to kill you all. We don't have to get along and fight together. Do what you have to do and no one will be unhappy. We'll do what we do best. You changing is not what's best for me.
Oh, well, you can say some pretty interesting things.

　Those who kill demons are called mages, but in the case of Ars, that includes humans. It's an alien thing among single mages. There's no way Fanon wouldn't notice the signs of foreignness he gives off. Every word that is spun out makes him remember that it is not a lie.

''Fanon-sama, let's leave it at that. Arus-sama is the right person in this place, and there is no one more knowledgeable than him regarding demons.''

　Ilyce joins Exeles in quieting him.

''We must follow this man's instructions or we will not progress slowly. You will be left to the judgment of the field, but if the situation is unmanageable, the help of Ars may be the solution. As long as you do the best job you can as reinforcements, I have no complaints.
That's all I'm saying. Of course, if you want to take credit for it, I'll give you as much as I can, Fanon Trooper.
"All right, all right. But don't be afraid of being a reinforcement. You're doing a good enough job, so keep pushing!　I'll take care of everything nicely.

　That's the kind of thing that he managed to attempt to fulfill his promise to Kalia.
　However, Ars, who doesn't know such a situation, was unable to gauge what her intentions were or whether it was just a whim.
　In any case, I am grateful for her offer.

　Once the conversation was settled, the results of the detection by Exeles resumed.

''Although it's two underground levels, there were traces of magical power that seemed to be a human reaction.

　For a moment, Kalia turned her expectant, expectant eyes to Exeles, but she shook her head apologetically. She pointed at the still blank paper.

'It's the innermost part. First of all, it's definitely the Leah and Mea sisters. Since there is no one whose magic power is as distinctive as theirs. From the traces, though, they're probably not already there.
It's just great to know you're alive.

　Because it was Ars, who joined hands with him at the time of the meeting, he also somehow sensed a troublesome feeling. In the first place, it's easy to guess when these women have joined this mission.

I can't identify the reaction of the strong demons through my detection. Next, I was able to confirm one strong reaction on the third underground level as well.

　But there is a pause, as Exeles tries to include the concern.

'I was able to confirm that it's just ahead. There are up to five underground levels.

　It was easy to sense the silent astonishment that spread through the interior of the Tabernacle. Kalia and her deputy could not hide their agitation, naturally. There were already demons rated as S-rated, and moreover, there were demons with a similar threat level at every level.

''Hmph, it's a high-rate dwelling place.
'Did Master Arth understand that?

　Exeles' sudden question leads to a story about relating the mineral deposit to Babel. There was an overwhelming lack of time to start talking about it now.

'If I had known, this wouldn't have happened. It was too late now, though. It was Ilyce's tact as far as this face is concerned. I was only there by chance. More than that.
Yes, sir. We've barely been able to detect this place. It's more like the whole place is filled with magic power.......or something. The fourth level was almost undetectable, but I was able to confirm the magic power itself. However, we can't determine from here whether that is due to the influence of mithril or not.
'I see. But it was quite helpful.

　Ars starts talking about what he had been thinking about on the road to this point. As for the strategy, it didn't seem to have to change significantly.
　The squad was a two-man cell of Ars and Loki.
　Ilyce counts as part of the squad as a single person due to his magic eye.
　A total of four squads of Garginis and Fanon squads sailed out.

　Aiming downstairs, we drop a portion of the squad on each floor.

The eradication of each floor and the destruction of the high rate is a must. If you're unsure of how to defeat them, though, you can bring in more mages from the base.
'Wait a minute!　Given the time, does that mean your goal is to eradicate the demons inside the deposit?

　Fanon put his promise to Kalia to the side and questioned the basis of Ars's plan regarding the operation. If he were to make a rational decision as a mage, it would be to calm the situation down. It would be replaced with the recapture of the interior of the deposit. That would change the top priorities of each unit.

　But Ars turned quickly to Fanon, as was the norm.

'Don't be silly. The first priority is to rescue the stranded students, Felinella Socarent and the Leahmare sisters. You can pick up the rescue team that went ahead of you if you can afford it. Rescuing the students, that's all. Annihilation will be the story after that.
''That's why I've gathered three single wizards and even the head of the association to the scene~.......it's good. It's nice to have that kind of vibe once in a while. You can't argue with that. But, if I may say so, I was under the impression that you wouldn't be able to do anything for others, but it's surprising, isn't it?
'I don't care what happens to you guys, but she's someone I need to be around. I'll do my best, what other reason do you need?
Sweet, but it's easier to understand and more interesting that way.
That's definitely sweet.

　Although Fanon's question was not amused by Fanon's question, Ars himself, who chose to speak frankly, still felt that he was naive.

　Shortly after that, the information that Exeles brought to him caused Ars to reconsider his strategy for a moment, though.
　Yes, the reason is that Fanon's magic is not in its true nature inside a limited space deposit. If she lets you catch even a glimpse of her power, the deposit will collapse, apparently.

　As expected, I don't want to be buried alive.
　As an alternative, I've strongly suggested to Fanon that in addition to wiping out the two underground levels, we should also rescue Rhea Mea from the area up to the third level.
　Specifically, she was to be in charge of the two main levels. After that, she was to leave the deposit immediately and work on the defense of the base. I managed to convince her of this with the logistical support of Exeles.

　Of course, we also told them of the possibility of an SS-rated invasion, taking into account the worst case scenario. We shouldn't forget the existence of the [World Serpent [Jormungand]], which is likely to be monitoring Loki.
　However, I had to keep it under wraps that it was related to Loki. There is a possibility of the damage spreading, but in the worst case, there is Ilyis. In short, Fanon's troops and Ilyce will take turns defending the bases near the deposits.

　Although the basic premise is to rescue them, it will basically be a march of field judgment.

"Well, let's go (to save Feri). You've probably never faced a high rate herd this high in the past, but your failure here will have repercussions later. The head honcho's stated goal is to have an association. At the same time, if you lack singles, it's a problem. If you don't win, run. I don't blame you for anything. I'll wipe my ass.

　Each captain followed behind Ars as he left the Tabernacle.

'Ars Regin. You probably don't know this because you and I never fought together, but I'm.......going to do it.

　Suddenly, Fanon blasted a provocative voice at Ars's back. The sound of his voice seemed to appeal to the dependability of his co-workers in the fight.

I have to. I'm sure that I have enough strength in my opinion. I don't want to be a disappointment.
''You should be grateful that I brought you all of the [Three Vessel Contradiction], you can deal with as many S-rates as you want.

　There was a word that caught my attention, but before I could pursue it, this time Garginis's voice came from the other side.

'First place. Lord Ordwise should be ahead of you. I'm sorry, but when we're done with them, we'll head downstairs.'
That's fine. But don't neglect to secure your students.

　A combined force of the Association and the two nations was formed here.
　We didn't have time to explain everything, but I'm sure we've shared all the necessary information.

　--All we have to do now is help them. That's all....