...

After speaking for a few minutes, Aurie finally brought up the topic of Menerva's presence.

Besides withholding the more sensitive details, Izroth did not hide anything from Aurie and explained the events that transpired in the Demilitarization Belt.

"Ahahaha! Good, very good! Now I see why Gear and the old man took an interest in you. To be honest, I'm a little jealous of them." Nova stated with a grin.

Aurie sighed, "Please do not encourage his behavior, Lady Nova. You were too reckless, Captain Izroth."

"It's fine, it's fine. A young man his age has to be a bit reckless if they want to accomplish anything worthwhile." Nova said, brushing off the subject.

"Anyhow, it's about time I get going." Nova stood to her feet as she raised her arms above her head and stretched.

"You're leaving already?" Aurie furrowed her brows.

"Ehhh~? What's this? Can it be that you're worried about me?" Nova teased.

Aurie replied plainly without hesitation, "No, I'm more concerned about the trouble you're going to cause for those around you."

"Oh ho? This cheeky brat—I guess you must've forgotten how amazing this lady is!" Nova said as she cracked her knuckles.

Aurie lightly smiled; however, the look of concern in her eyes could not be fully concealed.

"Be careful... Mother."

Nova lowered her fist as the grin on her face disappeared.

"You worry too much. I've fought way tougher opponents, you know?" Nova stated as she turned her back and punched out at the empty air before her.

Riiiiiiiiiip!

The sound of something tearing could be heard within the command tent. At the same time, the surrounding air was compressed and drawn to a single point before being expelled in every direction. The next moment, the space in front of Nova tore open into a rift!

'Is this her power?'

Izroth did not know much when it came to the abilities held by the seven heroes.

Gear had the authentic version of Flickering Steps, a movement skill that allowed him to travel absurd distances at unimaginable speeds. Terminus, who was also the Combat Master instructor, seemed to possess some type of phasing ability. However, Izroth had only seen him use it once when they first met at the Combat Master class building in Amaharpe.

Zendai, the Y'Zati of Proximus—Izroth was uncertain of his exact abilities, but he was undoubtedly a skillful mage with a boundless quantity of mana.

Now, there was Nova, who appeared to have some control over space along with enhanced physical capabilities. So much so that a simple light punch was enough to tear open a rift!

The more he thought about how powerful each of the seven heroes was as individuals, the more Izroth pondered their fight against the eternal darkness.

While it was true that their strength could have progressed over the years since that battle took place, Izroth could not help but wonder what powers the eternal darkness wielded to suppress seven such individuals single-handedly.

'My current strength is still insufficient.'

If certain players knew that Izroth thought of his strength as insufficient, they would want to strangle him to death!

If his strength was considered lacking, then what were they worth?!

The rift finished stabilizing as the chaotic air calmed down. The spatial tear was less than one meter wide and approximately two meters tall.

Nova stepped towards the spatial rift, and without looking back, she said, "Besides, I've already told you plenty of times before, haven't I? I'm pretty strong." Nova grinned.

Those were the last words to leave her mouth as she stepped into the spatial rift.

Clap!

The rift snapped close, generating a deep clapping noise as air rushed in to fill the area, and Nova was no longer anywhere to be seen.

Aurie closed her eyes for a few seconds to clear her mind. Then, not too long after doing so, she opened her eyes as she turned to face Izroth and Menerva.

"About your request—it's not a decision I can make alone. You'll have to obtain General Solomon's permission since he is the only person here capable of making that arrangement a reality. I trust your judgment, Captain Izroth, so I will put in a good word for you. Nevertheless, I cannot make any promises." Aurie stated.

"I understand, Commander. I'll have to thank you in advance for your sincerity." Izroth replied with a carefree smile.

Since Menerva chose to return with Izroth to Rosentarus, it was impossible for her to stay on the side of Tempest and their allies.

This is why Izroth requested of Aurie that Menerva be placed in the General Support Unit directly under his supervision as a member of his Division.

It had not been long since the event began, and Izroth felt that it would be a waste if someone of Menerva's talents remained on the sidelines. Not to mention the number of rewards and experience one would gain by participating.

Aurie set her sights on Menerva, who stood next to Izroth and had not spoken a word the entire time. She was curious as to what kind of person would catch Izroth's attention to the point that he was prepared to take on such a heavy responsibility.

"I'll speak plainly—I do not know you or what intentions you may hold. However, Captain Izroth has gone far enough to put his name on the line for your sake. I hope you'll do well not to bring shame to him and make me regret my choice." Aurie said without mincing her words.

"I am quite conscious of Palace Master Izroth's efforts on my behalf. Know that it is not something I take for granted." Menerva spoke unhurriedly in a calm tone.

"As long as you understand." Aurie nodded.

She then shifted her attention to Izroth and continued, "General Solomon is still meeting with the other representatives, so your request will have to wait until he's finished."

"Oh? Are they finalizing the retreat from the Demilitarization Belt?" Izroth inquired.

"That among several other topics. Dolos Jestal's fate will also be decided. Though with the evidence that has been brought to light against him, I doubt the ruling will take long. The only potential issue is the delegate that arrived from Proximus. If he finds fault with the ruling, then the situation can become more complex than it already is." Aurie answered with a sigh.

"Based on his actions and the evidence surrounding him, even those from the Jestal family can not defend his conduct, let alone a delegate," Izroth commented.

Izroth inwardly shook his head. How could they find any fault with the ruling? Not only did Dolos attempt to eliminate him and Aurie, but he even underwent a transformation that could only be performed by those who were aligned with the Shadahi. Plus, there was evidence of Dolos' involvement with the League of the Eidolon, who had strong ties to the Nether Realm. With such solid proof lined up, anyone who dared side with Dolos might as well give away their connection to the Shadahi or Nether World!

"Indeed... In addition, they have to discuss preparations regarding the upcoming assault on the Night Lord's Crypt." Aurie mentioned.

'So, it's finally happening.'

Antumbra of Decay, Zarolas—he was the Skounae Night Lord that Izroth and Aurie defeated back near the Unsanctioned Zone.

With the help of Aurie's Dream Domain and Captain Gritt's sacrifice, Izroth was able to kill Zarolas inside Aurie's Dream Domain and force him into a deep slumber.

However, as long as a Night Lord's Spirix remained intact, they could revive an endless number of times within their Crypt.

The revival process took approximately two weeks, but, of course, Amaharpe and their allies did not plan on waiting that long to make their move. After all, the opportunity to kill a Night Lord for good was not something that came every day!

"When that time comes, many of the elite forces from Malentansium will be on the move, and, without a doubt, an Antumbra Night Lord will be present to protect Zarolas' Crypt. A chaotic battle is bound to ensue, so we may have to reposition our troops to the Rosentarus and Malentansium border as a precaution." Aurie explained.

"I see. Then, I assume Lady Nova's visit was not just a familial check-in?" Izroth mentioned.

"You're correct. Lady Nova will be accompanying the High General heading the assault on the Crypt in order to deal with the Antumbra Night Lord. We were lucky last time since Zarolas fought without his Spirix; however, you can rest assured that the Night Lord guarding his Crypt will not grant the same luxury." Aurie revealed.