At Setsuna's instruction, an announcement quickly spread from the administrative center to every division across the imperial capital.
"The next world conquest target is [Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World]."
"All squads wishing to participate in this world's campaign may register directly with the Commander."
"Note: This mission will require each squad to take on the main offensive role. The Starsea Fleet will only provide post-operation cleanup and surveillance support."
Among the remaining three and a half target worlds, Honkai still awaited the completion of the transdimensional ship, while Madoka's world was far too high in power level—something he had to handle personally.
After considering his options, Setsuna concluded that the Re:Zero world was the ideal choice for the regular girls.
Its power balance centered on magic—not too strong, not too weak—and it lacked overly absurd or godlike entities. Even if something unexpected happened, he could easily step in to resolve it.
Moreover, it was a vast world, with objectives scattered across multiple regions—perfect for assigning to various squads to operate independently.
As the Commander, he only needed to care about the results—and make sure nothing went seriously wrong during the mission.
"Whoa?!"
In one corner of the capital stood a massive complex, practically the size of a small city.
This area served as the base of operations for many cross-world squads.
Teams like the Demon Slayer Corps led by the Butterfly sisters, the Night Raid squad led by Akame, the Goblin Slayer team, and the Konosuba Squad were all stationed here…
Except for non-combat groups like the horse girls, Girls und Panzer, and the Food Wars divisions, most of the regular girls recruited from other worlds were based in this district.
They spent their days training, cultivating their strength, sparring with one another, and occasionally clearing dungeon instances.
Each world's recruits had their own community zone.
In the vast Starsea Empire, people from the same world were considered hometown companions.
Clang—Clang!
Inside the training arena, a pale-skinned, silver-haired vampire in a black evening gown was sparring with Akame.
Their blades clashed like a net of light, each strike quick and sharp. Shalltear danced across the ground with elegant precision, evading Akame's relentless assault.
"Oho, you've improved, haven't you?"
"I remember when your strength was barely enough to trim my nails. Now your movements and power are much sharper…"
"Super-evolution surgery, huh? The Supreme really dotes on you humans…"
Shalltear could feel it immediately—the dramatic increase in power of Akame and her sister, Kurome.
After undergoing super-evolution surgery and fusing with Emperor-class Honkai Beasts, these once ordinary humans had become frighteningly strong.
She now had to take them seriously.
Clack—
Transforming into her Valkyrie form, Shalltear twirled her lance and engaged Akame head-on.
"Fufufufu~ but don't forget, I have the Supreme's gifts too…"
Bang! Clang!!
The two fought fiercely, their duel lighting up the training ground.
After several heated exchanges, with neither gaining the upper hand, Akame leapt back and began chanting.
The air above shimmered as waves of crimson Honkai energy rippled like fiery clouds.
She was about to unleash a new technique she'd learned from the Upper Immortal.
"Wait—Taixuan Eminence?! You actually mastered it?!" Shalltear exclaimed.
She hesitated, then raised her shield. "Fine, I'll test it head-on. Impure Shock Shield!"
But before the clash could happen—
"Stop!! Both of you!!!"
Albedo's voice cut sharply through the air. She brought up a holographic display.
"The Commander just issued a mission. Enough fooling around."
"Eh?!"
The two immediately disengaged, their energy and weapons dissipating.
Even the spectators gathered around the arena rushed over curiously.
"World conquest—assigned to us as the main force?!"
"There's actually such a chance?!"
"Woooaaahhh—!"
All the squads froze for a moment before erupting in cheers.
They had lived in the Starsea Empire's capital for a long time and built friendly ties with the shipgirls, Spirits, and others.
Every time they heard the expeditionary forces excitedly recount how they annihilated enemy armies, destroyed fleets, or discovered new magic systems, they couldn't help but envy them.
Many dreamed of personally joining a world conquest one day—cutting down enemies in the Commander's name, fulfilling a mission under his watchful gaze.
And maybe, just maybe… that man might finally notice them.
Who knows—maybe the Commander, the Supreme, or the Hero himself might finally notice them?!
And now, that chance had arrived.
"Kanae and the Demon Slayer Corps have already signed up! Quick, quick—Akame, go call your team together!!"
Kurome grabbed her sister and bolted out of the hall.
"Eh? So soon? Shouldn't we go to Lady Eris for a blessing first…?"
Led by Iris, the Konosuba Squad had just recently joined the empire. It was their first time learning about the world conquest operations, and excitement filled every face.
Without hesitation, the Sword Maiden began gathering the hero girls and elven archers under her command.
"Guardians created by the Supreme… follow me. Now is the time to demonstrate our power and prove our worth to Him."
"Any who stand in the Supreme's way will be utterly annihilated."
Albedo's voice echoed through the communications network, summoning every comrade created by Setsuna.
The Pleiades maids, who were currently working in logistics, instantly stopped what they were doing. Yuri Alpha bowed deeply before her superior.
"Lady Belfast, we wish to fulfill our duty as battle maids and participate in this world conquest for the Supreme."
"Oh, very well. Consider it a vacation. You've all been serving the Commander tirelessly—go out and see the world a bit," Belfast replied with a smile.
"..."
"What about me?"
Beside Albedo, a pale, striking girl with half-black, half-white hair spoke up—Antilene, feeling left out.
"Come or don't, your choice. If you're scared, you can stay here in the capital." Albedo clicked her tongue.
She still held some resentment toward the girl who once dared to challenge the Commander for the position of main consort.
"Who's scared?!" Antilene snapped, glaring fiercely before storming off to gather her team.
...
A day later.
At the administrative center, a crowd of squads stood assembled before Setsuna.
"Report, Commander: registered squads for the world conquest include the Demon Slayer Corps, Night Raid, Goblin Slayer Team, Konosuba Squad…"
"Also the Chaldea team and the Great Tomb team—well, technically, your Guardians and the Overlord Squad."
Richelieu scanned the list and looked up at the gathered crowd, realizing she had underestimated everyone's enthusiasm for expansion.
Most teams followed the 'one world per squad' rule, though the Overlord faction was split into two rival groups: the Guardians and the regulars—Antilene, the Twin Meteors, and Lakyus among them.
"Supreme One, our strength far surpasses the rest. Send us, and we will ensure victory." Albedo knelt respectfully.
"..."
"Godlike Commander, please entrust the mission to us. As humans, we're more suited for this task," Antilene added.
"I'll… prove my worth to you."
"..."
"You'll all go," Setsuna said flatly. "And don't drag each other down. Otherwise, you're staying behind."
"Yes, Commander."
Both women bowed in unison.
"The Re:Zero world has plenty of objectives. I'll have the data sent to your terminals later."
He cleared his throat. "You understand the empire's overall policy, right?"
"I do, Commander," Kanae nodded. "Eliminate enemies, recruit potential allies, and bring the entire world under our control."
"Just give us the list. We'll handle the rest."
Since Setsuna had delegated the conquest, there was no need to micromanage. How they fought and whom they recruited were up to each team.
The Commander only cared about results.
"I'll assign a fleet to accompany Mio, just in case. She'll ensure nothing goes wrong."
"We'll do fine! We don't need backup!" Akame waved her hand nervously.
If the Starfleet had to step in, it would mean mission failure—an unbearable humiliation.
"We've got resurrection scrolls and revival magic! Even if we die, it's no big deal! You won't have to worry!" Lakyus added cheerfully.
"...I'd still prefer you not die at all," Mio sighed, half amused.
The resurrection tools from the Overlord world seemed to have filled them with reckless confidence—but perhaps that wasn't a bad thing. It increased their margin for error.
"Alright then," Setsuna said, tapping his desk. "Prepare for deployment. Outstanding performance will be specially rewarded."
"OOHHHH!!"
The squads erupted in cheers, their spirits soaring.
To conquer a world in the Commander's name, to prove their strength before his eyes, and to earn his recognition—there could be no greater motivation.
"...Reward?" Origami muttered quietly, her eyes glinting with realization.
"A day trip aboard the Eternal Snowfall?"
"...You didn't have to say it out loud."
—
—
40 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon:
Patreon.com/DaoOfHeaven