Chapter 139 - Launching the Fireworks
After hearing the good news and savoring the usual meal the cafeteria lady made, I took a brief break. Now, it's time to get moving. Everyone in the Kikyo Society who isn't involved in essential duties like casino security, administrative tasks, or training apprentices is heading out. We're leaving a minimum number of people behind, but even so, this is a large group for us.
Since the headquarters’ office is too small, we hold our strategy meeting in the underground training grounds. There’s no need to overcomplicate things this time. It shouldn’t be a long discussion.
“...Everyone who’s going out is here. Vice-Commander, go ahead and start.”
Siegrune, wearing a sharp, moon-white coat, stands there like a living painting of coolness. When she wields the custom-made longsword I had made recently, she looks like a knight straight out of a story. Her dignified demeanor is truly impressive. A few young men are sending her admiring glances, which is, well, to be expected.
Heh, I guess I’m feeling pretty relaxed myself, even now.
Siegrune nods at me, takes a deep breath, and begins.
“Now, I will explain how we will win this war. Our goal is a complete victory. Anything less is a defeat. There are several conditions for a complete victory, and we must achieve all of them.”
She pauses to survey the room before continuing.
“...First, the delinquent adventurers. Eliminate all of them. Don’t let a single one escape. A few will be captured, but that will be handled by the President and myself. Don’t show any mercy or try to take live prisoners. Next, our main target is Norwich Curtis Valid. Do not kill him. He is a crucial witness, so make sure he’s captured alive. Under no circumstances should he be killed, and we must prevent him from committing suicide. If you’re not confident in your ability to capture him safely, don’t even try.”
That’s right. The Guild Master can’t be killed for various reasons. We need to ask him questions, and we can’t afford to be accused of silencing him. We’ve had enough misunderstandings and accusations already.
“And we need to secure evidence that Valid was involved in criminal activities. We’ve managed to secure powerful support. Ophelia!”
“Yes, we have the cooperation of the former Guild Master of the Adventurer Guild. He’s well-versed in Valid’s patterns.”
This is stronger support than I expected.
“That’s the situation. Therefore, the Vanguard Unit will raid Valid’s private residence, with the Intelligence Unit joining to conduct a thorough search.”
I hadn’t considered raiding his private residence. But now that I think about it, important evidence might not be stored in the guild itself.
Even if that’s a dead end, it seems there are other leads. If they can do this, securing the evidence is within reach.
“Also, there are many people who have grudges against the delinquent adventurers. When we started explaining the situation to adventurers, a lot of them volunteered to join us.”
“There are many who have strong grievances against those delinquent adventurers. We’ve received numerous offers from volunteers to join the Kikyo Society as reinforcements. We’ve accepted them and will have them play a significant role.”
Having respectable adventurers join our side is a big deal. Honestly, it’s a huge help. There aren’t many of them, but they’re skilled fighters.
It’s also important to acknowledge the grievances of those who have been wronged. We’re not the only ones who are upset. It would be rude to stand in their way, so we’re happily welcoming them. Some of our members will be assigned to support them, and we’ll provide them with healing potions without hesitation. Siegrune’s directives have already been communicated, so there won’t be any conflicts.
Well, if they didn’t want to join, they wouldn’t have volunteered in the first place. Of course, there won’t be any conflicts.
Still, even if they’re volunteers, I don’t want anyone to die in a war we started. Battles always have casualties, but I hope everyone can return alive.
Of course, the Kikyo Society won’t have any casualties. I don’t have any weak members.
“We have more reinforcements. They’re not direct combatants, but they might be even more terrifying. Margaret!”
“Yes! While we were spreading the word around town, we received an offer from the Newspaper Guild for an interview. A formal Guild member journalist wants to cover this war closely.”
“The Newspaper Guild has a strong interest in the suspicious activities of the Adventurer Guild. We’ll accept this offer and show the ugly truth of the enemy in full detail.”
The very gathering of delinquent adventurers will be evidence. It’s absurd to think that only delinquent adventurers would gather to protect the Guild Master. On the other hand, many respectable adventurers will either stand by or join our side. Any journalist who wants to cover this story will understand what’s happening.
We’ll blend the journalist into our ranks like an embedded reporter. With the potential for a big scoop on the Adventurer Guild’s scandal, there will be many journalists eager to join.
Besides, a story about the Kikyo Society, already seen as the bad guys, taking down even worse villains will be more appealing to the public.
And this is a great opportunity to showcase the strength of the Kikyo Society. There are still people who doubt us.
However, the enemy will likely target the journalist once they know about it. We need to protect them, which will be a bit of a hassle, but the benefits outweigh the costs.
“That’s a lot of reinforcements, but how do we organize them?”
“According to the Intelligence Unit’s reconnaissance, the enemy is spread out around the Central Plaza, forming a thick wall. However, we can handle it. Our formation will be to surround and encircle them, preventing any escape.”
“So, there won’t be a clear front line?”
“That’s right. Apart from the support and reserve units, everyone will be on the front line. Specific positions will be assigned later.”
By the way, I’ll be in the rear, providing support. I’ll observe the battle from behind and offer backup with thrown weapons and magic as needed.
“Alright, this gets my blood pumping!”
“However, the enemy’s strongest forces will be guarding the Adventurer Guild. The unit assigned to this area will be decided in advance.”
That statement raises the excitement. I hear eager volunteers offering to take the lead.
Of course, Gradena is the first to step forward.
“Siegrune won’t be here today, but she’s fine with staying in the rear, right? I’ll take the lead, just like always!”
It’s a bit unfair, but I can hear some people grumbling, “Let me take the lead!” They’re serious about it, and they’re eager to fight.
“Hold it, Gradena. Did I ask if you’re okay with staying in the rear? I’m the Vice-Commander of the Kikyo Society, under Yukari-dono. Your question is hard to swallow. As an apology, I’ll take the lead in the most exciting part of this war. And sometimes, you should let me take the lead.”
Hmm, maybe Siegrune is the one who’s most looking forward to this war...
Everyone’s eyes turn to me for the final decision.
“...Alright, you can have your fun this time. The unit Siegrune leads will be selected from the heads of each division. This group will prioritize advancing over encircling and annihilating. Once they break through the enemy’s wall, they’ll head straight for the elite forces. Show them the full extent of our power! If you struggle, I’ll step in immediately.”
“We can’t burden Yukari-dono. But there’s no problem at all!”
The Vice-Commander is unusually enthusiastic today. Her passion is welcome, but it’s a bit different from usual.
And then, there’s an important role for Gradena as well.
“Gradena, you’ll join the volunteer unit and show them your strength. This is important for our reputation, so don’t embarrass us.”
“Hah, my strength will scare them so much they won’t be able to fight. I’ll protect them too while I’m at it!”
Gradena, with her excellent leadership, will surely protect the volunteers while fighting. She’s perfect for the role, and there’s no doubt about her strength.
“Then I’ll lend a hand too. Alright?”
“Sure, you’re the right person for the job, Zenobia! You’re worth a hundred, no, a thousand men!”
Zenobia is also a perfect fit. Her mercenary background matches Gradena’s strength, and her ability to consider her surroundings in battle is top-notch. Her Acceleration Magic will be invaluable for a mixed unit like this.
Afterward, the specific positions for each division were communicated.
“It’s time to move out. The reinforcements are gathering on Sixth Avenue, so we’ll meet up with them on the way. Yukari-dono?”
There’s no need to check with me every time, but giving the order is probably a good idea.
I survey the group and give the command.
“...Our enemy is the Adventurer Guild, a formidable opponent. That’s why we’re going to enjoy this to the fullest! Show them hell! Let’s go!”
I step forward confidently.
A calm moonlit night. For a moment, I’ll enjoy a midnight stroll.
Wearing an elegant moon-white coat with a large Kikyo crest on the back and a purple amethyst Kikyo crest on the chest, I hold a Silver Super-Hard Bat. My indigo hair is tied up with a magical hairpin, and my sturdy boots click bravely with each step.
The group, dressed in their striking black and moon-white coats with Kikyo crests, carries their formidable weapons with high spirits.
Their confident and arrogant smiles exude charm and determination, inspiring admiration and respect rather than fear in anyone who sees them. They are my pride and joy.
The Central Plaza isn’t far. We’ll walk there, without using any vehicles.
Along the way, we meet up with the volunteer forces and journalists, and the division leaders quickly assign specific positions. The journalists are absorbed into each unit.
As we spread out, only my direct guard, Valeria, my messenger, Violante, and a small reserve force remain by my side.
We infiltrate the rooftop of a tall building to monitor the battle. From here, we can see the lines of fire and the status of each unit clearly.
Fortunately, there are no foolish people wandering around. The relevant parties have made sure that no bystanders are near the area.
Still, there are many people interested in the battle, watching from the windows of distant buildings.
If they’re not in the way, let them watch. Better yet, let them see the strength of the Kikyo Society.
Reports of readiness from each division leader come in through the voice connection set up by Violante. I can confirm this visually as well.
The enemy is aware of our movements, but they’re probably confident in their defenses. They’re not moving, likely preparing to meet us head-on.
Fine, let’s crush their confidence along with everything else.
“President, all units are in position.”
“Alright, let’s begin. Connect my voice to everyone.”
Using wind magic, I relay my voice to everyone, not just the division leaders. Clear and concise instructions are crucial, especially when covering such a wide area, which is a challenge even for Violante.
Alright, let’s do this.
“...Everyone ready? Let’s begin.”
After a deep breath, I give the first order.
“Surround them.”
The units spread out in each direction to form a complete encirclement. All our members are strong, so there’s no need to worry about weak points. If the enemy has any unexpected strong forces, nearby or rear members will provide support.
The volunteer units might struggle a bit with coordination, but Gradena, Zenobia, and our members will cover them.
With many buildings around, there will be blind spots, but we have rear support units to cover those areas.
That’s the key—support. We’re strong individually, but we’re a team. Proper support makes us even stronger.
Once the encirclement is complete, we move to the next step.
“Light the signal.”
We launch long-lasting light magic, like flares, to illuminate the entire area. The Central Plaza isn’t a lively district, so it gets dark at night. There are streetlights, but they don’t provide enough illumination. We need to make sure the journalists and spectators can see everything clearly.
Now we’re ready.
“As a final reminder, show them hell!”
As I say this, I launch a signal flare myself.
It’s a short-lived light magic that spreads into a large sphere, resembling a cluster of willow leaves, changing colors before fading away.
A fitting, romantic fireworks display for the end of summer.
The moment the light fades, a roar echoes through the quiet Central Plaza.
This was a lengthy prologue, but the battle will finally begin next time.
See you next week.