Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~ - Chapter 350.1: Sytry's Strategy ③

“It will take some time to install the device. Also, until the effect is fully activated, we must protect the device once it is installed. It is impossible to predict how much interference there will be from the 【Temple of Origin】, but we need to allocate forces capable of defending the device.” (Sytry)

Sytry takes out a map and explains the situation. There are several markings on the map. It is the intersection of countless earth’s veins from the World Tree――Points that could be called key points where Mana Materials gather. She must have carefully selected them as there are many intersections, but the only ones marked are those where a particularly large number of earth’s veins converge. Liz frowns while checking the map.

“Syt, it seems like there are only marks on the South side across the World Tree, but the earth’s veins are also connected from the North, right? Are you going to leave the North side alone?” (Liz)

“It is because we don’t have enough strength, so I think we should concentrate on one direction. If we can do something about the South side, the power of the 【Temple of Origin】 will be halved. We can deal with the North side later.” (Sytry)

It is true that our fighting strength is too small. I don’t think it is a bad idea to concentrate our forces rather than having each of our strengths being destroyed separately.

“In phase 2 of the 【Temple of Origin】 capture operation, we will do our best to install the device and defend it. For now, we will try installing it in the South and measure its effectiveness. In order to create a path for Mana Materials to escape, we need to activate the device at the same time. We have to defend each of the devices with a minimum number of people. Let’s let the Mana Materials escape to the East.” (Sytry)

Sytry’s fingertips trace an area a few kilometers below the World Tree, from West to East.

When she says it again like this, I can’t help but think that it is an overly ambitious plan. Uno looks at Sytry with a semi-convinced expression.

“………… Is it really possible? When you say Mana Materials flowing in from the South, it simply means the gathering of half of the Mana Materials circulating around the world, riiight? There is also the issue of where to dispose of the diverted Mana Materials.” (Uno)

Because she can see Mana Materials, she can understand the enormous amount of energy it has. The energy flowing into the World Tree is enough to maintain the Drifting Road of the Divine Tree spell that Yggdra designed to be activated without caring for its cost. In response to Uno’s point, Sytry clears her throat and answers.

“The diverted Mana Materials will flow directly into the earth’s veins outside. It should be fine for a while. In theory, it should work, but to be honest, there are some parts that I cannot fully predict. But first of all, we have to do something about the 【Temple of Origin】.” (Sytry)

Apparently, after dealing with the 【Temple of Origin】, we have to move towards a more definite solution. Sytry says quickly.

“The problem is where to install the devices. According to my calculations, no matter how I narrow it down, there are at least eight locations where it must be installed.” (Sytry)

Eight locations. At those words, the whole room falls silent. That was too many. Excluding me, there are currently 15 members who can fight: 6 Members of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》, Tino, 6 Members of 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》, and 3 members of 《Night Parade (Hyakki Yako)》. Some of them may have low fighting strength. With eight locations, each location must be defended by no more than two people.

If we don’t prepare very carefully, there will be deaths. While everyone is silent, it is Adler who starts the conversation. Licking her lips, she points to one of the points listed near the center.

“There’s no point in thinking about it. 《Night Parade (Hyakki Yako)》 will be in charge of here. Yuden will be returning soon, so I guess it’s a reasonable place.” (Adler)

Does she not care about her life? That centipede was indeed a fearsome fighter, but Adler’s army, which was there at the time, was almost completely destroyed. Sytry smiles at what Adler said.

“Right…… Let’s decide where to defend on a first-come, first-served basis. I think it would be logical for Adler-san and her group to be in charge of the center as they can check the surroundings with the mirror of reality.” (Sytry)

Starting with those words, 《Strange  Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 and 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 begin their discussion. Balance is also important in defense. At the very least, a Magi should be paired with a vanguard.

“On 《Strange Grief’s (Nageki no Borei)》 side, there is Ti, Eliza-chan, and me, three Thief, one Alchemist, one Magi, one Paladin, huuuh. One for me, one for Lucia-chan, one for Anthem-nii, one for Eliza-chan, and one for Ti and Syt, making five in total to defend, right?” (Liz)

“!? O-Onee-sama? Isn’t that a little unreasonable!?” (Tino)

“…… Impossible. We also need offensive power.” (Eliza)

“We could also have one team protecting multiple devices, you know?” (Sytry)

Liz and her friends say something outrageous and are scolded by their friends.

On the other hand, 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 also seems to have a difficult time ahead. Lapis looks around at her friends and says with a difficult expression on her face.

“In terms of coordination, we can divide it into a ratio of 3 and 3…… But if we divide it further than that, I am worried about our strength. If we divide the members too much and can’t protect the device, we will be putting the cart before the horse.” (Lapis)

“Unlike 《Strange  Grief (Nageki no Borei)》, we don’t have any members who can fight solo, desu.” (Kruz)

“Or we could form a team with a Thief from 《Strange  Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 and one of our Magi.” (Astor)

“In the first place, it is hard to imagine that all the devices will be attacked at the same time. What is dangerous are――The installation locations next to each other and the two at the extremities, huh. We may need to put our best forces at these two points.” (Lapis)

The installation locations calculated by Sytry are determined based on the intersections of the earth’s veins and are not installed at equal distances between each other. As 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 said, the two points that are particularly dangerous are the westernmost point and easternmost points. They are at a dangerous place, as they are close to the Treasure Shrine, and each device is far away from the neighboring devices, making it difficult to call for help if you are attacked.

I take a deep breath and make up my mind. I point to the easternmost point and say.

“I will――Protect the device here.” (Serene)

“………… Is it alright? I did not include Serene-san in my calculations, you know――” (Sytry)

Sytry blinks her eyes. For a moment, I feel irritated by the words that seem to be mocking me, but I quickly change my mind.

In fact, I have yet to play a role in this operation. Serene Yggdra Frestel is the Princess and Leader of Yggdra. Up until now, I have hardly even appeared publicly. Because I must absolutely not die――.

“It is alright. Because if this strategy fails, there will be no recovery from it.” (Serene)

“………… Alright. Right now, even one more person counts. However, we expect the fiercest battle there. Who would you like to team up with?” (Sytry)

I narrow my eyes at what she says. I have never been incapable of fighting. Although I had the strength to fight, I did not fight. It was something necessary, but also unbearable. I cross my arms and declare with confidence.

“Please don’t underestimate me, humans. I am enough on my own. I have――Miles with me.” (Serene)

The Guardian Spirit, Miles of the Creation. Sure, it lost its mind and swallowed me once, but its power is immense. Its pure offensive power is inferior to Finis, but that is a matter of suitability.

Miles is a Spirit that the warriors of Yggdra chose to leave behind for the Princess, who must never die. This time, I will fight for everyone.

“…… I understand. If Serene-san, the Princess of Yggdra, says so much, I will believe it. As for the allocation of the remaining six places――” (Sytry)

“――You mean, the remaining five.” (?)

There, I hear a nostalgic voice.

My chest feels tight. Sytry and the others look towards the entrance when they hear the sudden voice.

The one standing there is a Spirit People dressed in a nostalgic jet-black Magi’s robe.

Few Spirit People prefer black clothing. Furthermore, only one person in Yggdra has mysterious red eyes that look like blazing flames.

Once considered as one of the strongest Magi in Yggdra, a Shaman. That high-ranking Spirit People, who enter holding their head and squinting their eyes, look back at the gazes focused on them in turn and open their mouth. A pleasant husky voice struck my ears.

“It feels like…… I have been dreaming for a very long time.” (Ruin)

“Ruin!! ………… You have regained consciousness!” (Serene)

“Yes. “Princess Serene (Serene-kojo)”. I am so glad you are safe. My memory is a little fuzzy, but I remember exactly what happened when I came back. And it seems…… It was at the perfect timing.” (Ruin)

Nothing about Ruin has changed from 200 years ago. It seems they have been trapped as a Phantom for a long time, but they seem to have no trouble moving.

I can feel the nostalgic and tranquil Magic power that is said to be one of the best in Yggdra. Ignoring our curious gaze, Ruin *zukazuka* slowly walks up to the center and points to the map with the small staff in their hand.

“I do not mean to offend for making this offer as soon as I wake up, but――Leave the West end to me. To me and Finis of the Demise.” (Ruin)

What are you saying all of a sudden?

In front of me, who is at a loss for words, droplets of withered grass color drip from the air, as if in response to what they say. The droplets gather in an instant, forming a shape that looks exactly like Miles, and then *yurayura* sway and hide behind Ruin.

“It seems that Finis is also ashamed of itself. It is too embarrassed to show itself to “Princess Serene (Serene-kojo)”. I never thought that Finis of the Demise would be shy. But I too, cannot do nothing. Especially if the Princess of Yggdra is going to join the battle――” (Ruin)

“Ruin………… Is it possible that you can use Finis’s power?” (Serene)

“………… Yes. It seems that the contract I made while being swallowed by the mask is still active.” (Ruin)

I cannot believe it. A contract, or the power to lend and borrow its power, does not work just with the agreement of both parties. There is a compatibility between the caster and the Spirit. Until now, no Spirit People had been able to make a contract with Finis. The power of depletion is fatally incompatible with the nature of Spirit People who live in harmony with nature.

As if guided by fate, things are turning around. I can feel the current going our way.

If it goes like this, we might really be able to conquer the 【Temple of Origin】.

Happy New Year everyone!! Thanks for reading and thanks Chulbom for the ko-fi! As expected of Strange Grief, the Battle Junkie Party, 1 person per location And Tino is as cute as ever freaking out because of that decision!