kscans

Chapter 390 - Dawn Breaks White, a Funeral Song for a New Beginning, Part Four

"Goldow, we're leaving the line now."

"W-What did you say!?"

"That's not nearly enough explanation…!"

That was our opening line after approaching the General Commander, who was busy directing troops and occasionally jumping into the front lines himself. Goldow's eyes went wide behind his helmet in response to Iris's killer pass.

Naturally, the commander's strained shout and my retort were met with a slightly displeased look from the princess, as if to say, "I wasn't finished."

Her forceful opening was just the start. With her quick wit and sharp mind, the complicated explanation about my Anima's malfunction and its origins was a simple matter for her.

And so, in less than a few dozen seconds, the situation was fully conveyed—

"…I see, I get the gist—so, who's going?"

"It's already decided."

Goldow, who had also grasped the unusual situation with his impressive comprehension, asked the question, and Iris answered immediately, as if it were a matter of course.

"—Me, Haru, and Sora. The three of us."

"Come again???"

This time, it was my turn for my eyes to go wide at her instant reply.

"Wait, how did you… We don't even know what's in there, and you want to go with just three people—"

"Because we don't know what's there, we need a small team with a composition that can handle almost anything. I've considered several patterns, and this is the best—trust me."

No objections… or rather, I was silenced by the pressure in her words, which was unusual for her. I didn't feel intimidated, but I reflexively shut my mouth, feeling I should.

"…Risk hedging, a backup plan, balancing the unknown over there with what's happening here… I guess that's the safest bet."

"Either way, since we don't know if this will ever end, we have to go in. At the very least, the situation shows that 'numbers' are what's needed here. To demand the same thing on another front would be a broken game design for a 'Colored Monster' subjugation battle, which has a limited number of participants… so, I'd like to think that won't happen."

…Wow, she's amazing. I was convinced after just ten seconds of silence.

When you think about it, she's right. This is a defensive battle against a massive horde, a forced melee. The elements required for success are defensive and suppressive power, which equals 'numbers.'

On top of that, if we assume a two-front operation where another objective awaits beyond the 'hole' my Anima is pointing to—

Then it's highly likely that whatever is there can be dealt with by a small group.

Highly likely is wishful thinking. But in the end, this battle is, and always will be, a forced blind run. All we players can do is deduce 'what if' from the hints we're given.

And the answer Iris came up with was a three-man cell that balanced adaptability with the smallest possible number—namely, 'the strongest (herself),' 'the versatile (Sora),' and 'the wild card (me).'

We could handle long, medium, and close ranges, and each of us was an individual capable of surviving and performing on our own. Iris's solo performance was a given, but Sora and I were a ridiculous duo who could coordinate remotely as long as we were in the same space, even when fighting solo.

With my versatile partner also equipped with healing magic, we could even expect some level of recovery if forced into a war of attrition… I'll say it, knowing it's conceited,

"It might just be the optimal solution… I guess."

"Yeah, I'll admit that—but at least take Tetra with you."

"He can't go. If Sora leaves, the burden on Lux and Scorching Gaze for area suppression will skyrocket. The moment they run out of steam, we'll be pushed back—Haru, reorganize the party."

"Got it, one sec."

This time, I had absolutely no objections. If we had time to hesitate, it was better to bet on a plausible possibility and act quickly.

Either way, we wouldn't know what the right answer was until it was all over.

I opened the system window again and sent a second message. The response from my partner was immediate. The party was temporarily disbanded by the leader's authority, and the status bar at the edge of my vision vanished—then, a new invitation immediately flew in.

I hit 'Yes' on the acceptance screen, and the newly formed party UI lit up with the names [Haru], [Sora], and [Iris].

Sora must have contacted Tetra and Lux, who had been left out, and another three-man cell including Hinayo-san had probably already been formed.

Preparations were complete—dallying any longer would just needlessly accumulate exhaustion.

"I'm counting on you here. After that, all judgment calls are yours."

"…—Yeah, leave it to me. Go!"

The conversation between the unlikely friends was brief and filled with trust… Ignoring the General Commander, who had dispensed with any lengthy encouragement and focused on his command, the Sword Queen turned to me and smiled softly.

"Haru, go get your partner."

"Aye, roger that—is what I'd like to say, but."

Our acquaintance is still short, so it can't be helped, but my partner, while a genuine 'young lady,' has a greedy specification of having a protagonist's disposition, unlike a typical young lady.

Therefore,

"—Thank you for waiting, let's go!"

She'll show up wherever she's needed, dashing in on her own, without me having to go and get her.

And so, the three of us gathered and broke into a run, heading for the 'hole.' With our backs to one battlefield, we charged toward another that surely lay beyond—

"On three…!"

"…two…"

"—Go!"

Driven by a battle-high that was half reasoning and half 'whatever-happens-happens,' we leaped—into the great crimson hole that gaped open in the basin.