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Inglis prefers to fight alone, without relying on others, to maximize her own growth. However, facing multiple opponents is no issue for her—in fact, she welcomes it.

Charlotte, a Hyrule Menace whose strength surpasses the norm, and Tiffany, a cunning Hyrule Menace willing to use any underhanded means to win. It promised to be an enticing battle.

“Well then, let’s think about Liselotte later and fight me first. That way, there won’t be any confusion, right?”
“Why is that?”
“Would you mind not interrupting our conversation?”

For a moment, it seemed the two were more intent on their own agenda than on fighting Inglis.

“Why not…? I’m your enemy, aren’t I? Enemies should be defeated!”
“We did not come here to defeat enemies.”
“Then what…? Why are you attacking this place? We were fighting earlier…!”

Just as things were about to get interesting, it was interrupted.

“Well, you’ll understand soon enough. Just watch quietly.”
“Tiffany, your presence here means the preparations are complete, correct?” Charlotte asked calmly.

So, Charlotte was stalling for Tiffany’s preparations?

“Yes, everything’s in place. Let’s count down from five.” Tiffany flashed a charming smile. “Five, four…” She began counting on her fingers.

“W-What…?”
“What’s happening…?”
“For now, everyone, gather together!” Inglis ordered, sensing the impending danger.

At this point, it was all they could do.

“One… Zero.”

And in that instant—

KABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMM

“What…!?”

A deafening roar and violent tremors shook the entire area. The sound was so overwhelming that Rafinha and the others’ voices were drowned out. The ground trembled beneath them, making it difficult to even stay on their feet.

The source? Explosions. Countless explosions. Flames erupted all over Illuminas, transforming the once pristine white city into a blazing inferno. In an instant, the city was engulfed in flames, like a kiln set ablaze.

“Rani! Is everyone okay…!?” Inglis immediately extended a hand to Rafinha, who had fallen to the ground.

“What is this…? This is the center of a Highland, right…? How can something like this happen…?”
“How did it all happen at once…? The entire city…!”
“If the residents were still inside, how many casualties…?”

The sight before them left Rafinha and the others trembling and speechless. Even Inglis couldn’t hide her shock.

The scale of Illuminas was comparable to Chiral, the capital of Charalia Kingdom, and now the entire city was burning. The sheer magnitude of the destruction was staggering.

“What…!? How can this be…!?”
“Our Illuminas…!?”
“Impossible…!”

Even the researchers at the Central Institute were paralyzed with shock.

“Fufufu… To cause such havoc in the Highland—what a satisfying mission. It’s delightful to see those who live leisurely in the safety of the skies humiliated,” Tiffany smiled in pure ecstasy.

“You can laugh too, you know. Watching those pompous Highlanders running around in confusion is quite the spectacle, isn’t it?”
“Who would…? There’s no way anyone could enjoy watching this!”
“Yes! We can’t just stand by and let such a terrible thing happen!”

“Why…? Why would you do something so horrifying…!?” Liselotte pleaded with Charlotte.
“I am an Archlord…! I do what must be done for the sake of the Lord Founder. That’s all there is to it…!”
“But…! Such indiscriminate attacks…!”

“Miss Charlotte, you said this wasn’t a direct war between the Duke’s Party and the Church’s Union, but this scene is nothing short of war. How could you say it won’t lead to an all-out conflict?”
“Indeed it would… if we were the ones responsible for this,” Charlotte responded coldly. “However, all we did was lend a slight hand… did we not?”
“Huh…? What does that mean…?”
“Well, it’s not something to worry about too much.”

A new voice interrupted, low and resonant. A tall young man with silver hair and a monocle stepped forward.

“Mr. Über…!?”
“Could it be…!?”
“Is he cooperating with the enemy…!?”

Rafinha and the others were stunned by Über’s sudden appearance.

“Mr. Über, so you were working with them after all,” Inglis stated calmly.
“Oh? Did you figure me out?”
“No, it was just a guess based on the circumstances. The most plausible way for these two Hyrule Menaces to infiltrate Illuminas would be by hiding on your ship.”
“I see… However, let me assure you that everything I told you aboard the ship was true. Now, may I ask you something?”
“What is it?”

Über’s gaze shifted not only to Inglis but also to Rafinha, Leone, and Liselotte.

“What does ‘enemy’ mean to you? Isn’t it someone who threatens your life and dignity? You’ve called us your enemies, but in Illuminas, that might not be the case. The story about the mana essence is true. These seemingly innocent residents are actually the most dangerous inhabitants of the Highland. Wouldn’t it be better if they were gone? That’s what I believe. After all, much like you, I am a person from Midland.”

“Th-that and this are…” Rafinha began to protest, but her words faltered as Über’s eyes suddenly sharpened with intensity.

“Different, you say? No, you’re just avoiding reality! You’re being swayed by what’s in front of you…! If we let this place continue as it is, our fellow people will be stripped of their will, their dignity, even their lives…! Don’t you want to stop that!?”
“Ugh…!”
“Th-that is…”
“Yes, that’s true, but…”

Rafinha, Leone, and Liselotte all lowered their heads, unable to meet Über’s piercing gaze.