"Uh... ah, mm, ha?!"
After Setsuna issued the Re:Zero world conquest mission, everyone in the capital registered in their respective squads and spent several days reading and analyzing the provided information.
Since it was the first time the Commander had entrusted them with a primary offensive mission, everyone raised their spirits and carefully studied all details about the Re:Zero world.
They needed to understand the background, clarify their objectives, and most importantly, assess both their own strength and that of their potential enemies.
Before long, each squad began scratching their heads in frustration.
The reason was simple—this world was complicated and full of intricate factions.
Various powers were scattered across the continent, and each nation contained multiple camps with their own hidden agendas, constantly scheming against one another.
The Witch Cult's Sin Archbishops each possessed strange and unpredictable powers—and on top of that, there was Reinhard, a walking divine cheat.
If a newcomer were suddenly thrown into the Re:Zero world without understanding anything, they would probably get killed within two steps.
Even for a single combat squad, without an overwhelming advantage, handling the enemies here would be a major challenge.
The Re:Zero world demanded serious caution—it was not a place where one could afford to be careless.
Thus, before long, at the imperial capital's garrison, all participating squads gathered together.
They temporarily set aside their competition to discuss strategies collectively.
"Considering that the Supreme One has entrusted this world's conquest entirely to us, we must produce results worthy of his command."
"Any failure will bring shame to the Starsea Empire and to our Commander. Naturally, it will also affect how others view your squad. I believe everyone understands that, right?"
Albedo, acting as the temporary coordinator, swept her gaze over the assembled squads.
"Understood."
Everyone nodded in unison.
If a mission assigned by the Commander failed, none of them would be able to show their faces before the other squads again.
Whether it was the Demon Slayer Corps, Night Raid, or the Konosuba Squad, every team wanted to be the one that earned the Commander's favor—to accompany Him on expeditions and follow Him through countless victories.
"The Pleiades are only permitted to succeed, never to fail. Should we fall short of our goal, we shall all commit seppuku to atone."
Yuri Alpha patted her chest solemnly as she declared, and the other battle maids immediately voiced their agreement.
"Stop! Can we not be so Showa-era about this?!"
"It's the Starsea Empire's calendar now. Times have changed."
Gudako banged the table in protest.
Their loyalty was unquestionable—but their thinking was definitely old-fashioned.
"Now then, let's review the current state of the world. The continent has four major nations."
"The Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica, the Holy Vollachia Empire, the Kararagi City-State, and the Gusteko Sacred Kingdom. There are also a few minor factions, but they're insignificant."
Albedo projected a large holographic map of the Re:Zero world.
"To fully conquer this world, we must make all four nations submit. Additionally, there are several key individuals we need to pay special attention to."
Shua—
She transmitted a long list to all the squads.
"These are potential recruitment targets, as well as known strong enemies. Every squad, take note."
"Ooh, as expected of Albedo."
Everyone praised her efficiency. Normally, when the Commander led a mission, this kind of coordination was handled by a secretary ship.
Albedo herself was indeed an excellent aide.
"But... with just our few squads, isn't conquering an entire world a bit too difficult?"
Akame raised her hand hesitantly.
After all, Night Raid had always been an assassination unit—this would be their first time participating in full-scale warfare.
"This world's technological level is low. Its combat power relies mainly on magic, and most nations concentrate their strength in a few high-level individuals."
"According to my analysis, even without deploying the Starfleet, as long as we defeat those elites, subduing the kingdoms will be easy."
Albedo replied confidently.
"After pacifying the world, the Supreme will dispatch the Angeloids and Sophons to govern it."
"So our only task is to crush every enemy that stands in our way."
Having spent much time beside Setsuna, she had naturally picked up some of his decisive style.
World conquest might sound complex—but it could be simplified into one very straightforward objective:
Destroy the existing order, knock everyone down, and then establish a new order.
"Ah—"
Everyone suddenly understood.
"Also, please note: the Witch Cult is our primary target. They are a major destabilizing factor to our governance."
Albedo spoke in a serious tone.
"The Witch Cult has seven Sin Archbishops. Each possesses different abilities. If you underestimate them or are unfamiliar with their powers, you can easily suffer losses. Stay vigilant."
The Witch Cult worshipped the Jealousy Witch in the Re:Zero world.
Each Sin Archbishop bore titles such as Pride, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust, and they acted according to the guidance of the Gospel—resorting to any means to achieve their goals.
Every Sin Archbishop had abilities that seemed absurd at first glance.
For the local inhabitants, without understanding and countering those abilities, victory was impossible.
"Uh..."
Gudako scanned through several of the Archbishops' abilities.
"This Sloth one is manageable. Invisible Hand doesn't seem that impressive—if we can't see him, we can take him out from range..."
"What the hell is Greed?!"
"A tiny king? Storing his heart inside his wife's body?! Regulus can unilaterally decide someone is his wife?!"
"That's insane?! I'll take him out first!! Fire the cannon into the black hole!!"
Everyone's attention focused on the Sin Archbishop Greed—Regulus Cornias.
This guy, as if authorially ordained, was the strongest among the Sin Archbishops. It was said that if the Archbishops clashed in a free-for-all, Greed would emerge victorious.
He had two outrageous abilities.
Lion's Heart: stops time for the target.
When used on himself, he could become eternally youthful, never hungry or tired, and completely invulnerable to blades and bullets.
However, stopping his own time to become invincible would cause his heart to cease beating; he could only sustain it for up to five seconds.
Therefore, he had a second ability: The Little King.
He could store his own heart inside the body of a target, integrating it with the target's heart.
His heart could transfer freely among his wives, so in theory, as long as there was at least one living wife nearby, Regulus' "time stop" would be flawless.
"Simple—kill him and all his so‑called wives."
Shalltear offered the most efficient solution.
"I agree!"
The Great Tomb Squad eagerly volunteered, saying sharks were their specialty.
Maybe they could even use necromancy to raise them for reuse.
"...Greed is indeed a troublesome enemy, but since we know his abilities in advance, cracking them isn't difficult."
Albedo stated.
"In comparison, Wrath, Lust, and Gluttony have more direct abilities. Reinhard is also hard to deal with—be extra careful."
"As for the Sin Witches... they rarely appear. If you encounter them, report immediately if necessary."
"Mm."
Everyone nodded.
For them, outsmarting and battling opponents of equal or slightly greater strength was both interesting and a good way to train themselves.
Each person pondered how best to handle the Re:Zero world's powerful enemies.
The strike squads spent more time familiarizing themselves with enemy abilities and organizing their own equipment.
Every time Setsuna returned from an expedition, he gave them all kinds of items.
From Teigu and magic scrolls to world‑class artifacts, whatever was available, he equipped them with it.
No exaggeration—members of the Demon Slayer Corps and Night Raid were fully decked out in godly gear; dropped into another world, they'd be the equivalent of pay‑to‑win players.
The vast amount of divine equipment combined with their meta-morph modifications gave them the courage to challenge stronger foes; even former ordinary people could now rival those otherworldly experts.
After finishing the strategy discussion, Albedo clapped once behind her:
"Prepare to depart, everyone. Make sure to perform well and demonstrate your strength to the Supreme."
...
A few days later.
Outside the imperial capital, on a wide plaza.
Fully armed and ready, the strike squads stood neatly behind Setsuna, lined up according to their respective teams.
Kanae led the Demon Slayer Corps, Akame headed the Night Raid Squad, Albedo commanded the Great Tomb Squad, and Princess Iris led the Konosuba Squad…
Among them, the Great Tomb and Konosuba squads had the largest numbers. Everyone was eager and itching for action.
Shua—
Setsuna opened the star map.
[Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (Tier II Magic Era)]
This world was one of magic—rich in supernatural power, with a unique system of sorcery.
No gods or beings possessing god-level authority existed here.
[Power Comparison:]
Military Power: Like an Ant.
Technological Power: Like an Ant.
Economic Power: Like an Ant.
...
A typical magical civilization—no deities, no interstellar combat capabilities—classified only as a Tier II world.
For an interstellar empire, it could serve as a vassal state at best, or a research site to study its magic system.
Hum—
Setsuna raised his hand.
[Dimensional Gate Established]
[Destination: Constantinople — Re:Zero World]
With the roar of spatial distortion, a dazzling, prismatic tunnel opened before them.
"Move out."
He snapped his fingers, and the squads followed one after another.
...
Ten minutes later — Re:Zero World.
Lugnica, the Dragon Kingdom — within one of its cities.
Crack—
A spatial fissure split open, and a group of girls dressed in various outfits descended onto a quiet corner of the street.
Before them lay a completely unfamiliar city.
Like most sword-and-sorcery worlds, its architecture resembled a medieval setting.
However, among the bustling crowds were many demi-humans—lizardfolk, beastmen, and other hybrid races.
Even the animals pulling the carriages were all sorts of strange magical beasts.
"Whoa..."
Kanae and Akame looked around curiously, taking in the sight of this foreign world.
Most of the time, they viewed worlds from the air aboard ships—it was rare for them to see the ground up close.
Sniff—sniff—
Shinobu twitched her nose.
"The air here is so clean, the environment's nice too. It's got charm. After we finish this mission, it'd be great to go on a date here with the Commander…"
"I want to see Priestella…"
"Ahem. Focus on the mission first."
Kanae lightly tapped her.
With such a large group appearing at once—and their clothing clearly unlike that of the locals—they naturally attracted plenty of stares.
"Commander, is Commander-sama here too?"
Nezuko asked softly.
"I'm here."
A holographic interface appeared before them.
From orbit above the planet, aboard a synchronized starship, Setsuna sat in the command chamber, surrounded by dozens of holographic displays.
He was monitoring each strike squad's real-time situation.
For him, it was almost like watching a movie.
Seeing his girls fight across another world was entertaining in its own way.
After countless times crushing enemies personally, sometimes he wanted to simply watch how the others performed.
Beside him sat a poised woman with a hairpin, formal attire, and a cold yet exquisite face—Sophon.
Upon arrival, Sophon had immediately established a surveillance network spanning the entire planet.
It served two purposes: assisting the world conquest operation by identifying potential anomalies, and ensuring the strike squads' safety.
If anything went wrong, she would provide immediate support.
Mio, Tohru, and Elma were currently on standby aboard the ship.
"Let's see how much you've improved in the art of cultivation..."
"If you encounter anything you can't handle, call me. Don't force yourselves."
The dragon girl spoke lazily.
"If things get bad, I can just burn this planet down~~"
"!"
"E-eh?! Supreme One, are you really going to stay here and watch us the whole time?"
Shalltear asked nervously.
Everyone looked up toward the projection.
They could sense the position of the starship, but to the locals of this world, its existence was completely undetectable thanks to advanced optical camouflage and stealth systems.
"Hmm... not necessarily."
"I'll be staying here for a while to observe your performance. If everything goes smoothly, I'll assign a few shipgirls along with Mio, Tohru, and the others to remain stationed here until the conquest is complete."
Setsuna thought for a moment.
"There are still things I need to handle back at the port. The Sirens' relatives are already on their way, so I'll have to make some arrangements."
"Don't worry. The shipgirls, Angeloids, and Mio are all watching over you. If you can't win, call for backup. Worst case scenario, have the starship cleanse the surface."
"..."
The strike squads exchanged awkward looks.
"Uh... well, that does make us feel very safe, but we'd rather finish this mission on our own abilities."
"Unless we get wiped out so badly that we can't even use resurrection scrolls, please don't send the shipgirls down. We can handle this!"
Knowing the Commander was watching them in real time only made everyone more determined.
"Oh, wait a sec!"
Grey's voice suddenly interrupted.
"Didn't the Commander say the top performers would receive a special reward? But how exactly are we defining 'top performance'? That's kind of subjective."
"If it's purely based on opinion, people might argue, so I made a little something."
Shua—
A comprehensive interface appeared before everyone.
[Mission List (Re:Zero World)]
Just like a video game quest log, Grey had listed out all the key objectives in the Re:Zero world as missions.
For example: [Recruit Emilia (10)], [Recruit Ram & Rem (12)], [Recruit Anastasia Hoshin (7)], [Defeat Sin Archbishop of Sloth (10)], [Defeat Sin Archbishop of Greed (20)], [Conquer the Kingdom of Lugnica], and more.
Some were recruitment missions, others were subjugation or conquest missions.
Each one had a number assigned to it.
"Each mission grants points based on its difficulty. Smaller squads receive a slight bonus. Once the world conquest is complete, the squad with the highest total points will be the winner."
Grey explained her brilliant invention with enthusiasm.
"Additionally, if a squad requests assistance from the starship or any other units, points will be deducted accordingly."
"Any squad that suffers total defeat will be considered disqualified and retrieved by the shipgirls or Angeloids."
"???"
Hiss—
The strike squads stared, dumbfounded.
Well, what else could they expect from a nanobot?
Grey had always been logical and data-driven—apparently, even for world conquest, she had turned it into a point-based competition.
—Though judging by her tone, everyone suspected she just wanted to watch the chaos unfold.
"Interesting. I like it. Let's go with this plan."
Setsuna clapped, smiling. Grey's knack for systemization was unexpectedly impressive.
"Eh—"
After thinking about it, each squad realized it was actually a great idea.
It wasn't just fun, but clear and fair.
Whoever performed best would be obvious from the mission list and points—no one could argue with that.
They all leaned forward eagerly to pick their missions.
"Hmm, we were planning to recruit Emilia first anyway. That mission's worth ten points. We'll complete that one, then maybe hunt some magical beasts or a Sin Archbishop along the way..."
The Demon Slayer girls began chattering excitedly.
They had already drafted a general plan during the previous strategy meeting and were now organizing the order of execution.
"We have more people, so we'll split up."
Albedo accepted two missions at once, dividing them between the Guardian-led subteam and another led by Antilene and Evileye.
"Fufufufu—"
Gudako rubbed her chin, grinning slyly.
"World conquest? Mission boards? This is my specialty."
"I'm definitely winning this time."
Without hesitation, she tapped on the holographic interface and selected the highest-point, highest-difficulty mission available.
[Conquer the Kararagi City-State]
"Ah?!"
Everyone turned to stare in shock.
"Wait—are you serious?!"
Ritsuka Fujimaru's Chaldea Squad only had three members: Artoria, Mordred, and Medea Lily.
Mordred was still bickering with her father, and no one understood why Gudako had brought those two troublemakers along.
Without support from a starship fleet or technological superiority, conquering an entire nation would be incredibly difficult. Everyone else had decided to save that mission for later.
"That's the advantage of being a versatile genius. Tch, what can I say? I've just got too many skills."
Gudako said calmly as she pulled out a scroll from her pack and spread it open on the ground.
The others immediately recognized it as a sealing tool—used to store various pieces of equipment for later summoning.
"Summoning Technique!"
She pressed one hand to the scroll, releasing a surge of mana.
Boom—!!!
Smoke and dust erupted.
A towering mecha—over sixty meters tall, painted in red and white, holding a shield in one hand and a spear in the other—materialized before their eyes.
Strelitzia.
"!!!"
The local citizens screamed in astonishment, craning their necks to see the gigantic machine.
A piece of interstellar-era technology appearing in this medieval world was far too surreal.
"Get in! Let's go crush some people!"
Gudako grabbed her three dumbfounded Servants and pulled them aboard the mecha.
Boom—
The Strelitzia ignited its thrusters and vanished into the horizon.
"???"
The remaining squads stood frozen for a long moment.
They had all agreed to fight the locals on equal footing—so why did she just summon that thing?!
Oh, right—they had forgotten she possessed an absurdly broad skill set, including (but not limited to) Gundam piloting, dragon magic, elven magic, extreme augmentation surgery, and genetic ascension…
"Commander, I report—someone's using advanced tech!!!"
"—I, Ritsuka Fujimaru, did not cheat!!!"
—
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