Just as Lolopechka had said, lifting the curse for her actually didn't help much for battle.
On one hand, Lolopechka herself had no combat ability whatsoever, only able to provide support or healing.
At the same time, although the curse on her would take away her life, it didn't affect her use of magic.
But with the great battle about to begin, all possible preparations naturally had to be made.
Everyone knew the most grueling battle was about to start.
Even though the Spade Kingdom could use mobile fortresses to cross the strong magic region while maintaining combat strength, no one expected those ordinary magic users to play much of a role.
What could ultimately play a decisive role was still the confrontation between top-level combat forces. And to achieve their goals, the Dark Triad would soon take action as well.
So immediately after Charles lifted Lolopechka's curse, he went to find Finral.
Everyone was genuinely happy to hear that Lolopechka's curse had been lifted, but hearing that powerful enemies might attack soon, they all showed different reactions - some worried, some excited.
After clearly informing Finral that his habit of wanting to court any woman he saw wasn't some kind of curse, they finally got to the main point.
Charles naturally knew the Dark Triad's target. To complete the advent ritual for the gates of the underworld, they needed two Magic Knight squad captains.
Captain Vangeance of the Golden Dawn, who possessed World Tree Magic, and Captain Yami of the Black Bulls, who possessed Dark Magic.
So in the original plot, the Dark Triad's Dante and Zenon respectively attacked the bases of these two squads.
The Black Bulls side was fine - Yami and Asta joined forces, and by Asta sacrificing one of his arms to temporarily use the full power of anti-magic, they defeated Dante.
But on the other side, if not for Vangeance's protection, the Golden Dawn including Yuno would have been wiped out.
But the result was still Vangeance being captured and half the Golden Dawn members dying. Zenon, still having strength to spare, also captured the exhausted Yami.
And the last member of the Dark Triad, Vanica, attacked the Heart Kingdom due to personal motives, and after defeating Noelle and the others in training with her subordinates, she captured Lolopechka.
The gates of the underworld hadn't opened yet, so the Dark Triad could at most use eighty percent of their devil fusion power.
That is to say, this time was the best opportunity to deal with them.
As long as they defeated the Dark Triad in one battle, unless Lucius directly took over the body and jumped out, they could declare this battle over.
Although in his previous life Charles had only seen the content of Julius becoming Lucius and hadn't seen what specific abilities he had, no matter how outrageous, he couldn't pose too great a threat with his plans eighty percent destroyed.
However, Charles wouldn't relax regarding this battle with the Dark Triad.
So Charles carefully instructed, "Senior Finral, after you take me to Clover Castle, please go to Mount Yultim Volcano and bring big sister Mereoleona and Stella here. Just tell them enemies will attack here immediately.
Also notify Captain Yami to return to base immediately and prepare with everyone to face another enemy. Although that might be an incredible enemy, I believe everyone can help Captain Yami defeat him.
But Senior Finral, you should also be prepared. If the battle becomes dangerous, please immediately go find reinforcements."
Finral also understood the urgency of the situation, nodded, and opened a spatial door to the Clover Kingdom's royal capital for Charles.
Charles stepped through in one stride, his vision shifted, and he saw the walls of the Magic Knight headquarters. Without hesitation, Charles immediately began to act.
Charles arranged his forces this way for a reason.
Even among the Dark Triad, there were differences in strength.
The three's magic was comparable, and their ability to fuse with devils was at the same level. But in terms of strength, undoubtedly Zenon was the strongest.
Because compared to Dante and Vanica who pursued chaos and pleasure, Zenon had his own beliefs. So the combat ability and will he ultimately displayed surpassed the other two.
But Vanica was special in the devil she fused with.
Curse-Warding Demon Megicula, although it only became one of the three highest-level pillar demons of the underworld after the time demon disappeared, possessed special abilities.
Even the devil king Lucifero had no way to oppose the underworld's laws and descend to the human world in true form, but Megicula could do it.
By curse-killing Noelle's mother Acier Silva, Megicula could manifest forty percent of itself.
As long as it achieved two more conditions - Vanica fighting to near death and curse-killing Lolopechka - it could manifest in the human world in true form without going through the gates of the underworld.
Although Charles had lifted Lolopechka's curse, Megicula could now at least manifest forty percent of its true body.
If Vanica was defeated, this percentage might even increase.
So the Heart Kingdom side was where the battle was most likely to have accidents! After all, a devil's true body manifesting, even if only forty percent, wasn't comparable to the power that possessing a human could display.
So Charles arranged for Mereoleona and Stella to go there. This way, even if accidents occurred, these two could maintain the situation from collapsing. At least they could hold on until Charles finished his battle and rushed over to support.
However, Charles added insurance - he was now heading to the Silver Eagle squad's headquarters, and then had to make a trip to the Blue Rose squad.
Those two captains should have some grievances to settle with Vanica and Megicula.
As for the final Dante, Charles left him to the Black Bulls squad.
Dante was arrogant, greedy, and violent - simply a collection of malice. He was indeed a qualified villain beyond qualification, but definitely not a qualified warrior.
So even though he fused with the devil king's power, in the original plot this attack was the only one where Dante failed. Later he was even defeated one-on-one by Magna relying on willpower alone.
However, in the original plot this battle was also fought very hard, so Charles wondered whether he should go to the Green Mantis squad to find their captain.
Jack should be very interested in an opponent like Dante.
In the end, he had returned a bit too late this time. Otherwise Charles could have completely planned to give the main combat forces some power-ups.
Having experienced several worlds, Charles had long known the directions for enhancement and had sufficient plans to train them to gain abilities early.
For example, having Asta complete the devil-befriending ceremony and truly master devil fusion and anti-magic power.
For example, having Yuno learn the power of Saint Stage and awaken his own star magic grimoire.
Or helping Magna complete that Soul Chain Death Match technique early, letting everyone witness the power of willpower.
And Noelle and the others - if there was enough time, Charles could contact the elf tribe to help them train in ultimate magic early.
Unfortunately there wasn't enough time, otherwise the available combat strength would definitely be much more.
However, although combat strength was somewhat tight now, there was still confidence in winning this battle.
After making rounds to the major knight squads, Charles came to the Golden Dawn's base. He didn't sense Yuno's magic power.
At this time he should have gone to Hage Village to meet that rebel warrior from the Spade Kingdom and learned about his origins.
Estimating the time, the Dark Triad should also be starting to act now.
Sure enough, Charles didn't wait long before sensing spatial fluctuations.
Charles straightened up and stretched, saying in a low voice, "Finally here!"
______
(≧◡≦) ♡ Support me and read 20 chapters ahead – patreon.com/Mutter
For every 50 Power Stones, one extra chapter will be released on Saturday.