Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

In the end, with the Twilight Ranger’s careful mediation, everyone managed to sit down peacefully. At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.

“Koko, time to wake up. The captain’s here!” Famichi called out to the sleeping girl, whose peaceful expression remained unchanged.

“Mmm… got it.”

…

Although he had looked completely drunk earlier, his eyes had become much clearer once he sat down. The drunkard… no, it should have been Theo. After staring at Starry for a moment, he asked in confusion, “Little girl, have we met somewhere before?”

“…”

‘Not recognizing me is ridiculous! I even drank with you guys before!’

Starry was speechless. Testing the waters, she replied, “Saintspring Ale?”

“Oh!” The Sword Saint slapped his thigh as realization dawned on him. “Now that you mention it, I remember. There was a little girl there that day.”

“…”

‘Weren’t you the one who taught me the Mad Swordsman class? How could you forget that too?’

“Speaking of which, little girl…”

“Just call me Starry.”

He nodded. “Starry, when are we having another drink? You really startled me back then. Saintspring Ale isn’t something people who can’t handle alcohol would dare touch.”

“As expected of that old drunkard’s disciple. You actually downed two cups in a row. That’s some courage!”

‘And whose fault do you think that was?!’ Even though she was cursing internally, Starry maintained a polite smile. “N-No thanks. If it’s convenient for you, I’d much rather learn some new sword techniques.”

“Sword techniques? Did I teach you any?” Theo asked blankly.

“…”

Looks like only hard evidence would work. Considering this wasn’t a suitable place to start attacking, Starry’s gaze sharpened as a domineering, unrestrained aura burst forth from her.

Famichi’s eyes widened. “Captain, when did you take on a disciple? How come I never knew about it?”

Theo was equally shocked. “Good question. I’d like to know that too.”

**Smack!**

“That’s enough, both of you!” Sheen finally slammed the table. “I didn’t chase the adventurers out just to listen to your nonsense!”

“Sheen’s right. I’ve wanted to get to the main topic for a while now,” the Sword Saint said with a completely serious expression.

“…” It had to be said, when sober, the Sword Saint’s shamelessness was truly on another level.

***

“Five years ago, the Stormlord led a massive army to our gates, only to be forcefully driven back by the captain. Since then, the Dark Faction hasn’t made any major moves.” Famichi began recounting the events.

“However… just a few days ago, Flowerdance City launched an assault on Dark Fortress, provoking a fierce retaliation from the enemy. The Shadow Overlord even dispatched hundreds of thousands of undead soldiers to besiege the city, with several powerful dark mages hidden among their ranks.”

This was largely consistent with what Zane already knew.

“Although the captain and Sheen severely wounded the Shadow Overlord and temporarily prevented the situation from worsening, the fact remains that Flowerdance City has fallen into Dark Faction territory.”

‘Holy crap, so it was you two? No wonder I never saw you during the city defense battle.’

Theo nodded. “On the way back, I gathered some additional information. Countless magibeasts, undead, mages, and even lord-class monsters have been heading toward Noctilune City.”

Sheen’s brows knitted tightly together. “If we leave this unchecked, something terrible is bound to happen.”

“That’s exactly why I called all of you here,” Famichi continued. “Windblossom, I have a critical mission for you. This matter will determine the future direction of both factions.”

“…” Windblossom could naturally sense the tense atmosphere. Whatever mission they were about to receive would be anything but simple.

“Koko, take them out.”

“Okay.” The gray-haired girl, who had quietly listened the entire time, nodded. Then, seemingly from nowhere, she produced three smooth, transparent crystals.

There were two others as well: a Brown Bear Crystal and a Red Rabbit Crystal.

“These are three magibeast crystals,” she explained in a calm voice, just loud enough for everyone to hear. “I made a few modifications to them. As long as you carry them, they’ll continuously emit the aura of magibeasts. That way, you’ll be able to enter cities belonging to the Dark Faction safely.”

“That’s the general idea.” Famichi concluded. “Windblossom, you and your two companions will infiltrate Noctilune City and investigate what exactly the Dark Faction is planning. Use the scroll I’m giving you to record everything you discover.”

Windblossom’s entire purpose for coming here had been to obtain this quest. There was no reason for her to refuse.

“Very good. I know this is an extremely dangerous mission. Once discovered, you’ll be doomed beyond recovery. Even though you’re adventurers from another world, if you’re detected by a lord-class powerhouse or above, escaping will be exceedingly difficult.”

“Take this as well.” He pulled a scroll from his robes. “This is a Guardian Scroll entrusted to me by an old friend. It can deploy a barrier that protects all living beings within a three-yard radius. Hopefully… you’ll never have to use it.”

…

After that, they went over several additional precautions.

“Nighttime is when magibeasts and undead are most active. You can use that opportunity to blend in with the others and sneak into the city,” Famichi said. “Alright, that should cover everything. Time is of the essence. You may set out now.”

“Master, aren’t you coming with us?”

“We… have more important matters to attend to. Besides, the magic crystals Koko made aren’t enough to completely conceal our auras.”

“Alright.”

Thus, the three of them headed downstairs one after another. Just as Starry was about to step down the staircase—

“Starry, wait a moment.” It was Theo’s voice. He had risen to his feet and said hesitantly, “Come with me.”

…

They entered a training room on the first floor. Inside stood nothing but high-level training dummies.

“I remembered something. Back when we were in Oceanrise Village, I really did demonstrate a sword technique for you while I was half out of my mind.”

“It’s just… I never expected you’d actually learn it. No matter what, you’re still half a disciple of mine. Under those circumstances, I can’t just leave things as they are. Although you’re still a little short of the standard, I think if it’s you… there might not be a problem.”

‘Huh? What are you planning to do?’ Zane was completely bewildered.

**Thud!**

Theo’s aura suddenly sank, and he barked, “Watch carefully!” He casually grabbed a wooden staff from nearby. An invisible radiance flowed from his arm into the weapon.

The moment he gripped it, he spun and hurled it outward. The weapon sliced through the air like a whirling blade, tracing a fan-shaped arc as it flew. In the blink of an eye, it struck the training dummy, unleashing a barrage of cutting damage.

…

At a glance, at least seven separate damage numbers had appeared. Not only that, but the dummy’s chest was battered open, and an Armor Break debuff appeared above its body. Meanwhile, the wooden staff curved through the air and returned like a boomerang.

**Crack—! Boom!**

The dummy simply couldn’t withstand such punishment and exploded into pieces. “This move is called Whirling Blade.” Theo turned around and looked at her. “Did you remember it?”

No. Absolutely not. It looked incredibly powerful, but Zane hadn’t understood a single thing.

“I didn’t remem… I remembered it.” Just as Starry was about to deny it, she abruptly nodded instead. The impression she gave was completely different from before.

“Haha, I never thought you’d actually be capable of something like this.” He sighed with emotion. “Back then, it took me an entire…” Before Theo could finish speaking, the door suddenly burst open. A fierce gust of wind swept through the room.

By the time anyone realized what had happened, the Sword Saint’s body had already been embedded deep into the wall, a very distinct footprint stamped squarely on his back.

Sheen slowly lowered her long leg and said flatly, “Don’t destroy public property so casually.”

‘…Why did it feel like you caused far more damage than he did?’