"Well, the answer is simple for me. Of course, it is not ok anyone who says otherwise is Stupid." I stressed the last word while looking at Kaguya. And she narrowed her eyes towards me.
Ryuu's face brightened. Alise also had a small smile on her face.
"Like I said, I am not some heartless person. If it is possible, then we should try to save everyone. Giving up without even trying is both cowardice and Stupid."
"That's just idealism. And it does not equate to reality." Looks like Kaguya finally decided to speak up. Ryuu tried to say something, but I knew if she spoke, they would just end up in a fight.
"And I don't think there is anything wrong with being idealistic. Ideals make a better future. If the ones who came before us only relied on realism alone, this world would have gone to hell ages ago."
"So you're saying we should risk everything on a dream? On blind hope?" Kaguya crossed her arms and said in her usual cool tone.
"No. I'm saying being an extremist—on either side—is dangerous. People who only chase ideals become blind to reality. And people who cling only to pragmatism lose their humanity. We need both."
Everyone became quiet, even Kaguya was stunned for a moment. Considering her past as a semi-assassin, maybe my words might have hit deeper in her heart.
"There's a difference between dying for justice… and living with it. We don't need martyrs. We need people who can see clearly — who can fight with their hearts and their heads." I mainly said it, aiming towards Ryuu and Alise. Because they are just the type of people who will jump into danger headfirst to protect someone else.
And I admire that about them. But that also makes me afraid to lose them as well.
These thoughts crossed my mind in seconds, and I was not able to notice Ryuu's gaze lingering on me.
"So you're the middle path type. Sounds nice in theory, but reality usually demands you pick a side." Kaguya still seems adamant.
"My God, woman! You are so pessimistic. You won't be able to make a boyfriend if you remain like that."
"Pfft!"
"Hahaha! That was a good one, Arin-kun."
I guess they did not expect my sudden playful remark. As they started laughing, Alise was the first one. Even Ryuu and Riveria were trying very hard to suppress their laughter. While Loki was full-blown laughing her heart out. Maybe Kaguya was not used to being made fun of, as her face turned red and twisted in humiliation.
"See Kaguya, even Arin thinks the same. Why don't you start being more optimistic now?" Alise, who regained her calm, said to Kaguya.
"Don't be stupid, Alise, and I'll be watching your 'balanced' justice, Arin Kael," Kaguya said and hurried off ahead.
"Hehe.. it was a rare and amusing sight, don't you agree, Lion?" Alise asked Ryuu.
"Yeah, and Arin, thank you."
"For calling her Pessimistic or for answering your question," I said with a tiny smile.
"Both… But mainly the second part."
"So, was my answer satisfactory enough?"
"Yeah, it is very similar to what Alise thought." Of course, and I think Alise wants her to be someone who looks at both sides and makes a decision. Like how Ryuu in Canon was able to make it later in the story.
"I see, then in return can I ask your help in something?" Ryuu looked at me.
"Of course. If it is something I can do."
"Then can I explore the dungeon with you familia, whenever you go on an expenditure or some mission?"
If I am able to accompany them, that will be for the best. Because of all the changes that I have noticed, there is no telling when they will face the juggernaut.
"Um. I am fine with it, but we need to ask Astraea-sama and Alise."
"I am also fine with it. Seems like it will be fun having Arin around. What do you think, Astraea-sama?" Astraea, who was conversing with Loki and Riveria about logistics and other things, with Ais listening to both groups, looked at me with a knowing smile. Did she catch on to me? No, I don't think I was that transparent. Maybe she just finds the development interesting.
"Of course it is fine. But still, ask the other as well, will you, Alise?"
"Of course, Astraea-sama. Then, Arin, let's meet tomorrow." Alise said and started walking towards the street with Astraea. While Loki and others started going back to the manor. Leaving me and Ryuu alone.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Arin. I learned something valuable. Let's meet tomorrow." Ryuu expressed.
"I am happy to meet you, too. Ryuu." Really, "Especially in a more presentable way this time and not in a pathetic state."
"Hm? I don't think you were pathetic before either. You were fighting that irregular dragon while still being a newbie. I truly think you were amazing that day. And besides, if not for you, I would have trouble fighting that dragon alone as well." Haah… It feels good to hear her say good things about me.
"Thank you, Ryuu, for saying that." We exchanged a smile.
"Oiii, Ryuu~! Are you two done with the romantic tension, or should we wait?" Alise shouted from a little distance away. Seemingly waiting for our conversation to finish.
"W-We were just talking—!" Ryuu said in a flustered voice. So cute.
"Oh no, please, tell them more about how amazing I looked to you," I said smirkingly.
"Arin!" Ah, blushing Ryuu. Cute.
.
.
.
It was the next day. The day we will raid one of the hideouts of Evilius members. The raid party is small but powerful. With almost all of the Astraea family members and A lot of members of Hermes Familia, including Lydia, Asfi, and some other members. And from Loki familia, it is Riviera, Ais, me, and some others. Our team is on the smaller side, as the rest of the big players are on an expedition in the dungeon.
All of us were in the hall of Twilight Manor, surrounding the table for the final planning.
Lyra, who is the strategist of today's operation, was standing on one side of the round table. Explaining everything.
"This is Phase 1: Reconnaissance and Intelligence Gathering"
"We start two hours before the main assault," Lyra explained, tapping the timeline.
"Kaguya, you'll be our primary scout. I need you to use your stealth abilities to map the hideout's interior layout. Don't engage—just observe and report back." She looked directly at Kaguya.
"I'll be coordinating intelligence gathering and working with two of our Hermes familia members to establish a communication relay. We need to identify key targets, escape routes, and any traps they might have set up."
Lyra's expression grew more serious. "During this phase, we absolutely must determine enemy numbers and assess their capabilities. The more we know going in, the better our chances of everyone coming out alive."
"After that is Phase 2: Positioning and Encirclement"
"Thirty minutes before we strike, we move into position," Lyra continued, pointing to different areas on the map.
"Team A will handle the main assault. Alise, you'll lead Ais, Arin, and two Astraea familia members through the primary entrance. Your job is direct confrontation and neutralizing the main threats. Ais, your sword skills will be crucial for breaking through their front line."
She moved her finger to an elevated position on the map. "Team B provides our magical support. Riviera-san, you'll lead this team with Asfi-san and two Loki familia members. I need you positioned where you have clear sightlines for magical artillery. Asfi-san, your magic items will provide support and if it becomes necessary please head out to the front line as well."
"Team C will be our flanking force. Lion, you'll lead two Hermes familia members to control secondary exits and known escape routes. Your balanced combat skills make you perfect for adapting to whatever tries to slip past us."
Lyra looked around the table. "I'll be leading Team D from a secure overwatch position with the remaining members. We'll handle communication relay and tactical coordination throughout the entire operation."
"At Phase 3: the actual attack will begin."
Lyra's voice grew intense. "At hour zero. We will begin our assault. Everything will be fast and accurate."
Lyra's expression became more serious as she addressed potential complications.
Lyra's voice became firm and commanding.
"Listen carefully—these are our priorities, in order: First, if there are any non-combatants present, civilian safety comes first. Second, team member safety. Third, mission objective—capture key intelligence and targets. Fourth, enemy neutralization. Never forget this order."
"For communication, I'll maintain constant contact with all teams through our relay system. We'll use specific code words for major situations—I'll signal 'withdrawal' for retreat, 'reinforcement' for backup needed, and 'objective secured' when we complete what we came to do. For close-quarters coordination, stick to hand signals."
She paused, looking around the table gravely. "Now, let's talk about when we pull out. If more than 5 team members are critically injured, if the enemy force is significantly larger than we anticipated, or if the mission objective becomes impossible without excessive risk to our people—we withdraw. I don't want any last stand, or heroic end.
Lyra concluded with the post-operation procedures.
"Once we've secured the hideout, we immediately establish a perimeter and provide medical aid to any wounded. Most importantly, we secure any intelligence materials—documents, magical items, anything that might lead us to other Evilius operations. The cleanup team will be standing by, but we will maintain security until they arrive."
"Asfi-san and I will analyze any captured materials together, looking for leads to other Evilius operations. Everything gets reported back to our respective familia leadership."
Lyra straightened up from the map, looking around at everyone assembled. "This strategy leverages all of our strengths while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to whatever surprises they might have waiting for us. The key is coordination and communication.
She paused, her expression serious. "Any questions before we move out?"
"Um, is it fine for me to be in the team that will make first contact with the enemy." I asked my doubt since for all the potential aside, I am still a level 1.
"Hm? What are you talking about? You fought a freaking infant dragon that too an irregular one on your second dive. Injuring it heavily in the process. I took everything into account when assigning the roles Arin and I believe you are the right choice."
"I agree with Lyra-san, Arin, you have grown a lot in this small time frame." Ais chimed in to support Lyra's claim.
"I also agree. It would have been a troublesome fight if Arin-san had not injured it." Ryuu also gave her support.
While Alise and Riveria both nodded in agreement.
"Okay. I will try my best to live up to the expectations."
"Just don't die on me." Lyra has a smirk as she said.
"Humph. I don't intend to. I have a lot of things I want to do. I gave a smirk as well.
"Then let's proceed, everyone!" Riveria voice echoed in the hall as everyone started moving.