"It's Elsa," Holo repeated, once again casting a playful glance at Zhang Fan.
"Alright, Elsa it is," Zhang Fan shook his head, having become accustomed to Holo's mischievous nature and not allowing her teasing to upset him.
"Ugh, how dull. Let's talk about you. Before this, how many worlds have you traversed?" Finding Zhang Fan's reaction unremarkable, Holo shifted the conversation back to him, inquiring about his experiences.
"Excluding this one, I've been through three worlds. The mission in the third world was only halfway completed when I was summoned here," Zhang Fan shared openly, seeing no reason to conceal his past adventures.
"I see, no wonder you possess such formidable abilities," Holo nodded in understanding, having prepared herself for the revelation of Zhang Fan's seasoned traveler status.
"It's alright, I still have a long way to go in terms of strength," Zhang Fan said modestly, touching his nose. Despite his power, he knew better than to become complacent or arrogant.
In the days that followed, everyone enjoyed their time together, with Zhang Fan integrating well into the group. His reputation as the hero was well-received in the city of Filiano.
Unfortunately, the peaceful days were short-lived. A broadcast from the Galatea Lion Brigade suddenly aired, announcing Leong Miuxi's declaration of war, set to commence in just four days—a rush by any standard.
Normally, declarations of war were made well in advance, allowing ample preparation time. This hurried declaration was quite unusual and signaled the seriousness of the situation.
Leong Miuxi granted Biscode the right to set the war's supplementary rules and allowed business guilds and individual merchants to participate. The promise of rich rewards and prizes drew massive public interest in this "war game."
As a victory bounty between the nations, Leong Miuxi astonishingly wagered the Galatea Lion Brigade's national treasures—the War Axe of Grunbel and the God Sword of Exmatina, stunning everyone.
Her declaration was clear: if she was wagering such valuable items, Biscode was expected to stake its sacred swords—Paratioun and Exelide—in return.
Leong Miuxi's proclamation captivated both nations' people, putting Biscode's leaders in a tight spot. Using national treasures as stakes in a war was unprecedented and risky.
The Galatea Lion Brigade's message stipulated a 60-day custody period for the swords, promising no misuse and timely return. However, this assurance did little to alleviate the looming shadow over Biscode. Losing the war would place a heavy burden on the nation.
Zhang Fan felt helpless regarding these political matters, considering them internal affairs beyond an outsider hero's purview. As Mishiore and the elders deliberated, Zhang Fan and his companions idly strolled through the gardens, their duty clear regardless of the meeting's outcome.
Zhang Fan wondered why Leong Miuxi proceeded with the war despite his forewarnings. Deciding not to dwell on it, he recognized the war's potential benefits. If the storyline progressed as expected, the appearance of demons during the conflict could give him an advantage in combating the threat.
"Why are you here? Are you spying before the war starts?" Zhang Fan's musings were interrupted by a commotion nearby. Approaching, he discovered the source of the disturbance: Joanne, a member of the Janovas Royal Guard, surrounded by knights. Dressed in Biscode's uniform, her foreign features caused suspicion among the knights.
"What's going on?" Zhang Fan doubted Joanne's intent to gather intelligence. If espionage was the goal, Novaru, the stealthy "three no's girl," would have been undetectable. Joanne's presence suggested another matter entirely.
"We found this suspicious individual skulking around the castle. She must be a spy from Galatea," a young knight explained to Zhang Fan, his admiration evident.
"Hero!" Joanne's recognition of Zhang Fan prompted her to rush into his embrace, seeking reassurance.
"What's wrong, Joanne? What brings you here?" Zhang Fan, slightly embarrassed by her public display, gently asked.
"I have a secret message for you from Prince Galo," she revealed, producing a scroll from her cloak. It was an invitation to a clandestine meeting outside the city, shrouded in mystery.