“As a pre-operation preventative measure, I’ll cast Liberation Aura X on everyone. That worked wonders against Takt. First use the element of surprise to quickly capture the dragon hourglass. If the effects of the aura run out, consider retreating, depending on the situation. Use Return Dragon Vein to escape if you have to, and go get reinforcements,” I said. There were no rules saying we couldn’t attempt the same moves that Kyo and Trash #2 had tried to use. L’Arc could use Return Dragon Vein to bring in a horde of his own soldiers, if he had to. There was a chance of weapons being taken. But with the boosted stats, L’Arc might be able to avoid having his weapon stolen. Or he might have gained some resistance to the attack after having experienced it once already. Since the increase to Liberation Aura X, the length the aura lasted had also significantly increased. If they couldn’t take the dragon hourglass before the effects ran out, then the operation would basically be a failure.

The joint operation would be a good way to smash through enemy defenses. Even if one of the parties failed, success for the other one would still have a positive effect.

“If anyone looks like they are going to pull such a move . . . Therese.” I drew my thumb across my throat. “Prove how much stronger that accessory has made you.”

“I will! If you so order it, Master Craftsman. I will defend L’Arc and the others while defeating our enemies!” Therese even gave a salute as she responded. I wasn’t especially comfortable with that, and it didn’t look like L’Arc was either.

“Oh my . . . I think we have our work cut out for us, little Raphtalia,” Sadeena quipped.

“Indeed we do. We’ll have to up our game,” Raphtalia replied.

“Let’s start the operation,” I said. Everyone started moving to put the operation into action.

Chapter Nine: Outsider Theory

Chapter Nine: Outsider Theory

Hidden by the cover of darkness, we started to follow the plan I had laid out.

First, those skilled at concealment or light on their feet—that being Raphtalia in the first instance, Rishia in the second, and then Raph-chan, Chris, Glass, and Sadeena—would go ahead in concealed status to enter the underground facility where Kizuna was likely being held. As the backup unit in case anything went wrong, Itsuki, Shildina, Filo, Ethnobalt, and I would wait outside. At the same time, L’Arc, Therese, and S’yne had gone to launch the diversion and capture the dragon hourglass.

“It’s time,” Raphtalia said.

“Go ahead,” I told her. Of course, I had cast Liberation Aura X on everyone before they left. L’Arc and his party had definitely set off for the dragon hourglass with a spring in their step. I’d just told them to get the job done.

Raphtalia and her party looked at me. I nodded.