Taki, Seren, Launcent, and Irene were fully equipped in their battle armor. The cavalry forces of the Loyal Swords Paladin had arrived to escort them, while Irene was picked up by the Blade of Mercy unit.
They parted ways, and that night they journeyed toward the region of Siofia, heading to Haegenum City, the border between Siofia and the Balrog Empire.
Aboard the Loyal Swords Paladin flagship The Courageous, Seren, Taki, and Launcent arrived at the Forgiven Shield Paladin military base in Haegenum, The Phalanx Fortress. There, Michael Anderson and Rurford awaited them.
"Finally, you've arrived," Rurford said.
"Ah, my young Paladins, it's so good to see you this early in the morning," Michael Anderson greeted them warmly, appearing healthier despite his age.
"Lord Anderson, Grand Master Rurford," Taki said, shaking their hands, followed by Seren and Launcent.
"I've already briefed the forces. The Wings and Archers divisions will be under my command, while the Cavalry will be led by Launcent and Seren," Taki explained.
"Very well, let me share everything we've prepared. Follow me," Rurford said, leading them all to the briefing room.
There, General Ticonos was seen conversing with the Great Knight from Starsbough, Lucas Caussade.
"Ah, Lady Seren, Lady Taki, and Sir Launcent, it has been quite some time," Ticonos greeted.
"General Ticonos," Launcent and Seren responded in acknowledgment.
"What are you saying, old man? We still run into each other often at the music shop in Fonta Aria," Taki remarked with a smirk.
"Ah… well… it's true. It's just a hobby of mine. Although I'm surprised anyone could see through my disguise, I suppose it makes sense coming from the Angelus of the Loyal Swords Paladin," Ticonos admitted, his face turning red.
"Do you enjoy music?" Seren asked curiously.
"Yes… but please, don't tell Gaterkal. That old orc won't stop rambling about it if he finds out," Ticonos pleaded.
Seren made a zipping motion over her lips, signaling her discretion.
"Hah, even after more than 20 years, it seems none of you have changed one bit," Michael Anderson said with a smile.
"Old habits die hard," Rurford replied casually.
Once everyone had taken their respective seats, they began their planning session.
"Previously, we already knew that the heart of Yogshot is located in the capital city of Neoth. For the past few years, the old Boltor and the Blade of Mercy have been secretly attempting operations to destroy the heart of the monster, but they have never succeeded," Rurford explained.
"From the data we have, there is a group of Deep Elves called the Tremor Knights stationed in Kardor City. Given that Kardor City is very close to Neoth, it only takes 3 to 5 hours for their forces to reach the capital and assist in its defense," Rurford continued.
"May I ask, if their main objective is to protect Neoth, why are they stationed in Kardor City, which is not even a target for our assault?" Lucas inquired.
"Based on the intel Seren once received, it seems that the Balrog Empire's royal family doesn't actually like the Deep Elves. They only formed an alliance with them to win the war using the power of the Outer God Yogshot," Taki explained.
"So, they purposely made the capital and the royal family bait in this war," Launcent deduced.
"Not only that, but worse still, there is a one-way path from Kardor City to Lotha Fortress, which serves as the border fortress between Balrog Empire territory and Haegenum. If we fail to seize the capital Neoth and are forced to retreat, our enemies could reach Lotha Fortress before our forces," Ticonos added gravely.
"Which means, if we fail, the majority of our forces will be trapped in Balrog Empire territory," Launcent said.
"This means we truly have only one chance to win this. No matter what, we must stop the resurrection of the Outer God Yogshot," Ticonos emphasized.
"By the way, where is the Blade of Mercy?" Seren asked.
"The old Boltor and his troops are preparing to capture Lotha Fortress. His forces might be stationed there to anticipate a counterattack," Michael Anderson replied.
"Alright, now back to the capital Neoth," Rurford continued. "Given that their walls are mostly still under repair, but attacking from the front will be difficult with our numbers, I suggest that the Forgiven Shield and Numen forces strike from the east, through the small fort, and then enter the Nugruba area, which is not far from the Ruror plains.
Meanwhile, the Loyal Swords Paladin forces will be divided into two. The air forces will be led by Angelus Taki and Mr. Anderson, while the cavalry forces will be led by Seren and Launcent." Rurford concluded.
"Starsbough is a small country, but our soldiers are second to none when it comes to machines and weaponry. My forces will enter simultaneously with the Loyal Swords Paladin cavalry. We will head straight to the Arfala area, where most of Balrog Empire's anti-magic and anti-air defenses are located," Lucas said.
"Alright, now we need to discuss preparations for a counterattack. The Blade of Mercy is an elite Paladin order, but their numbers are very few. We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. If the worst happens, we need to plan for two scenarios: whether we succeed in entering the capital, Neoth, or not," Rurford explained.
"What do you mean?" Seren asked.
"If we manage to enter Neoth, the Tremor Knights will attack us from behind. If that happens, the only way we can hold out is by taking control of the outer part of Neoth's city and holding our position there," Rurford explained.
"I reject that. The outer part of Neoth's city is extremely vulnerable to their artillery attacks. Their heavy weaponry is no joke. If we get trapped there, only a miracle will allow us to escape," Taki responded.
"Alright, the second scenario is to send the Numen navy to the eastern waters and signal us if we manage to reach Neoth," Rurford suggested.
"That's fine, but honestly, my forces can only strike if their fleet is not on high alert. The difference in the number of warships is significant—3 to 1—so my troops won't be able to do anything until the port defenses are disabled," Ticonos replied.
"Alright. We also need to prepare for the possibility that the Tremor Knights might use Mana Bombs," Seren added.
"That's too risky, considering Neoth is their home. I doubt they'll do something that extreme," Launcent said.
"True, but considering the Deep Elves didn't hesitate to annihilate Dellain, I wouldn't be surprised if they prefer using Mana Bombs rather than allowing us to destroy Yogshot's Heart. Especially now, with Taki, the Grand Master of the Loyal Swords Paladin, being an Elf, and General Ticonos from Numen also being an Elf. They won't hesitate to use it, knowing the deadly impact Mana Bombs have on Elves," Seren said.
Taki fell silent, deep in thought.
"You're right, Seren. We can't let that happen, or most of the Lorenstein forces will be wiped out in an instant. Though their numbers aren't large, they are still lives that can't be discarded," Rurford said.
"I suggest Angelus Taki and General Ticonos, along with their forces and the Lorenstein Kingdom, guard the borders and intercept any reinforcements from Kardor or nearby villages and towns," Michael Anderson proposed.
"I refuse. I won't be at peace sending my family and my troops to their deaths while I stay in a safe place," Taki replied firmly.
"Miss Taki, I understand your frustration, but if we're caught in their Mana Bombs, we'll just be a hindrance to the forces," Ticonos said.
"Don't worry, big brother. As long as our plan goes smoothly and we destroy Yogshot's Heart, and you guys keep the rear guard, I'm sure everything will work out fine," Seren reassured him.
Taki looked deep in thought, wanting to interject but feeling there was nothing he could do. At least, that's what everyone else seemed to think.
Everyone agreed on the plan.
From Boltor and Gaterkal, they received the news that Lotha Fortress had been captured easily. The Alliance forces launched their assault. One by one, the small towns under Balrog Empire's control fell, as most of their defenses had been pulled back to Neoth.
Seren began to feel an unsettling sensation during their journey, as though there was an enemy among them.
Taki informed Seren of this, but Taki told Seren to stay focused, as if they didn't remain focused on their goal, the consequences would be dire.
In the village of Loun, just a few kilometers from the capital, they all gathered. With minimal resistance, they had only lost a handful of soldiers.
"We have 141,000 of our forces," said Seren.
"At least around 30,000 of them," Taki replied.
Rurford, Ticonos, Boltor, Gaterkal, and Lucas prepared to launch the assault on the capital.
Taki suddenly pulled Seren close and hugged her tightly.
"Sister... what's wrong?" Seren asked, but in front of her, Taki was crying as she embraced Seren.
"Promise me, you will come home," Taki said, her voice trembling with tears.
"Sis... I promise," Seren replied.
"When the incident in Numen happened, I thought I lost you... I searched for you, I searched for you... I prayed that nothing bad happened to you. I had a terrible vision, and I feared losing my family again... I don't want to lose anyone anymore," Taki said.
Seren returned the embrace tightly.
Soon, Irene arrived and joined in, hugging her two older siblings.
"Don't worry, SisTaki. I'll protect Sis Seren. I'm a great archer, the same one you taught me. As long as I'm on the battlefield, no one will attack Sis Seren from behind," Irene reassured.
Taki's gaze shifted to Irene. Seeing her younger sister had grown up, she lifted Irene up and kissed her forehead.
"Sis… I'm not a little kid anymore!" Irene said, pouting.
"What? But you're always the one I carry to your room. Oh, I see, your boyfriend is here too, huh?" Taki said with a smile, and the tears on her face started to stop flowing.
After everyone exchanged glances, Launcent arrived.
"I'm not interrupting this family moment, am I?" Launcent asked.
"Heh, as if you've never interrupted family moments before," Taki said, smiling with a small laugh.
She then pulled Launcent into a hug along with the other three.
"Sorry if I've been a bit harsh on you, Launcent," Taki said.
"It's okay, Boss. As long as it's for Seren, I'm ready to go through even harsher things," Launcent replied.
The four of them laughed heartily.
"Why? Don't worry, as long as I'm here, the beautiful Lady Seren will always have the most loyal protector. Just like Sir File to the White family, I'll always protect her," Launcent declared.
"I was actually worried about you. I asked Seren and Irene to protect our stingy spear expert here," Taki said.
They all exchanged laughter and smiles. The rain finally ceased, and the sun began to show its rays.
"It's beautiful. This area is more beautiful than I thought," Irene commented.
"After we win this, let's take a vacation and enjoy days like this again, okay?" Seren said.
Everyone smiled and agreed with her.
Eventually, they each returned to their respective positions. Seren and Launcent mounted their horses and headed towards the Balrog Empire.
The flames of war were ignited.
The Allied forces launched a full assault on the capital, Neoth. The previously organized strike quickly descended into chaos.
Seren and Launcent began their assault on several of the fortresses around Neoth. One by one, the defenses of the Balrog Empire crumbled.
However, Seren couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling in her heart.