At the edge of the forest, Akeno and the other girls were gathered beneath a tall wall.
Whispers of bats fluttered in from a distance, coalescing to form Gasper’s figure.
“Gasper, what’s the situation around us?” Akeno approached and inquired.
With Rias currently unable to command everyone, as her Queen, Akeno temporarily took on the responsibility. After transitioning from their previous formation, Akeno immediately had Gasper use his Vampire abilities to scout the surroundings.
“Akeno-Senpai, the nearby forest seems safe. No Demonic Beasts or other traps.” Gasper quickly conveyed the information he had gathered.
“So, the only obstacle in our way to the battlefield is Yubelluna’s group…” Akeno’s eyes glimmered as she nodded thoughtfully.
“Since there’s no danger, let’s fly over directly!”
“Right, with our strength, Yubelluna’s group won’t be able to stop us!”
Irina, dressed in her battle uniform, raised her hand and suggested. Xenovia beside her nodded eagerly, clearly itching for action.
“No, it seems there’s a barrier here prohibiting flight.” Rossweisse, in her Valkyrie attire, attempted to take flight but promptly descended.
Akeno and the others experimented as well, confirming the restriction. Magic for aerial navigation was ineffective here, and even the use of the Devil’s Wings was futile. On the other hand, Gasper transformed into a bat-like state, remained unaffected, and could freely fly.
“It looks like we’ll have to proceed on foot.”
Glancing at the countdown timer in the sky over the forest, Akeno soon made her decision.
“Alright, everyone, let’s set off. We’ll head to the battlefield to rendezvous with our king and then defeat Tenraku!”
“Understood!”
Meanwhile, on the other side—
Led by Shinra Tsubaki, Sona’s Peerage was gathered, the girls cautiously vigilant of their surroundings, as if anticipating something.
Before long, several masks flew out from the forest, circling around Kusaka Reya, as if whispering secrets to the girl.
“Tsubaki-Sama, these children say the forest is free of danger.” Dissipating the masks, Kusaka Reya reported the information she had gathered to Shinra Tsubaki.
“Well done, Reya.” Nodding, Shinra Tsubaki also expressed her approval.
As Sona’s Bishop, Kusaka Reya possessed the artificial Sacred Gear “Masquerade of Monsters – Scouting Persona.” Gathering intelligence and reconnaissance were her specialties. Knowing that there were no other dangers in the forest, Shinra Tsubaki breathed a small sigh of relief.
“Everyone, without Sona-Sama’s guidance, our most adept strategic tactics are rendered useless. This operation will be a difficult challenge for us.”
“Tenraku-Sama’s Peerage is familiar with all of us. As expected, they’ll likely target us heavily. Be prepared, everyone!” Shinra Tsubaki spoke with a serious expression on her face.
“Yes, Tsubaki-Sama!”
The response was immediate, as Kusaka Reya and the others understood this fact well.
Their expertise lies in precise tactical coordination. In terms of direct combat power, both Rias-Sama’s Peerage and Tenraku-Sama’s Peerage surpassed them.
Sweeping her eyes over her companions, Shinra Tsubaki continued, “From now on, we have half an hour to reach the battlefield in the center of the forest. However, Tenraku-sama’s Peerage must already be waiting for us halfway.”
“Let’s set off together now. However, if any unexpected incidents occur along the way, everyone should proceed individually to the battlefield.”
“Tsubaki-sama, wouldn’t individual action be too risky?” Nimura Ruruko’s voice asked cautiously.
Not only her, but Yura Tsubasa and the others also seemed to be somewhat skeptical of Shinra Tsubaki’s arrangement. They were already at a disadvantage, and further dividing their forces would increase the danger.
“I understand all of this, but our current situation is extremely unfavorable. It’s only by doing this that we can increase our chances of breaking through. Even if the rest of us fail, as long as one person can reach the battlefield, our mission will be accomplished.”
“I’m sorry, everyone. I know this may seem stubborn, but please follow my plan for now. I will apologize to Sona Sama after the match ends.”
Lowering her head, Shinra Tsubaki’s eyes couldn’t help but reveal a trace of pain. She had made it very clear that when necessary, sacrificing some comrades to ensure the success of others’ breakthroughs was the order she had to give. This command was somewhat heartless, even cruel, but she had no choice but to issue it.
Suddenly, Shinra Tsubaki found herself longing for the times before. Back then, no matter what she did, she only needed to follow Sona Sama’s arrangements. Sona Sama’s orders were always the correct ones, and they never needed to be considered or doubted.
However, at this moment, Shinra Tsubaki finally understood that Sona Sama must have faced many such moments as well. Clearly unwilling, yet forced to make cold-hearted decisions…
No one spoke for a while, and the atmosphere became somewhat solemn.
However, not long after—
“Tsubaki-Sama, please lift your head. I am willing to follow your plan!”
“Yes, yes, me too!”
“It’s unavoidable, but as Tsubaki-sama said, as long as one of us breaks through and reaches the battlefield, we will have succeeded!”
“Cheer on, everyone. We can definitely do it!”
Words of comfort and encouragement were exchanged among the girls, all while consoling Shinra Tsubaki.
“Reya, Tsubasa, Momo, Ruruko… all of you…”
Feeling a warmth in her heart, Shinra Tsubaki couldn’t help but lift her head.
“Tsubaki-Sama, you are our Queen. Please don’t hesitate to command us. We all believe in you!”
Clenching their fists, the girls gazed at Shinra Tsubaki as they spoke one after another.
Faced with the trust and encouragement in their eyes, Shinra Tsubaki turned her head slightly and used her handkerchief to wipe away a tear.
Even though she had felt so pained and indecisive just moments ago, now she felt a surge of strength throughout her body.
Is this the power of comrades’ trust…
Suddenly, Shinra Tsubaki began to understand. Sona Sama must have continued leading them because of this kind of strength!
“Everyone.”
Suppressing her emotions, Shinra Tsubaki regained her usual icy demeanor as the Queen.
“Yes!”
With serious expressions, Yura Tsubasa and the others all gazed at their Queen.
“We absolutely must break through the encirclement, rendezvous with Sona Sama, and then defeat Lord Tenraku!”
“Yes!”
“Let’s set off!”
With Shinra Tsubaki’s command, the girls simultaneously sprung into action, leaping into the forest and quickly disappearing.
At the same time, in the center of the forest at the battlefield, Tenraku, Rias, and Sitri Sona, though unable to participate in the battle, observed the situation of their Peerages through projected screens.
“Tch, they’re all shouting about defeating me one by one. I’m not some kind of final boss of an antagonist.”
“But—”
“Sona, what do you think would happen if my Peerage were to wipe out Tsubaki San and the others, causing you to directly lose the match? Wouldn’t that be an interesting turn of events?”
Clicking his tongue, Tenraku was at a loss for words for a moment. However, as if thinking of something, he rubbed his chin and wore a wickedly amused smile.
Casting a casual glance at Tenraku, Sona once again focused her gaze on her own Peerage within the screens and said. “Tsubaki and her team won’t lose.”
To be continued…
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