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Usually that Skill could only be activated near the spellcaster, but by borrowing Cait Sith’s agility and swiftness it was possible to set them up in distant locations. It required a bit of sneaking around, but the result was more than worth it.
「This battlefield is more dangerous than usual, so you help too.」
Saying that, Mira picked up Cait Sith and placed him on top of Pegasus’ back.
Most of the times when there was such a large scale war, all the Nine Wisemen would be gathered, and could cover Cait Sith, but here there were only two of them. Mira did not feel comfortable with Cait Sith running around exposed, so she paired him with Pegasus.
「And so I’ve made a trusty partner!」
Cait Sith exclaimed in a good mood while riding on Pegasus’ back. Pegasus scowled for a bit at first, but the instant Mira said 「Keep him safe,」 and stroked his mane, he neighed loudly and motivated. Then he turned around to tell Cait Sith something.
「I’ve fulfilled this meowssion dozens of times before. Just leave it to meow!」
They had likely discussed what the mission entailed, and if they really could accomplish it, but Cait Sith replied while puffing his little chest proudly. He had reason to act that way though, as he had successfully completed the mission many times before.
「Now, next one…」
After the small yet lovable and reliable Cait Sith, Mira looked at Worthramble and Garuda. At the same time, Alfina returned after having split the Ashen Knights into seven troops.
「Good, you came just in time. Let me tell you the actual key points of the strategy.」
Facing her entire army, Mira began to detail the plan to take down Machina Guardian.
「Open the gates!」
With an army powerful enough to topple over a small country, Mira shouted loudly at Soul Howl who was atop the wall. After a short delay, there was a deep rumble as the large castle gates began to open.
The battlefield began to be revealed through the gap between the gates, and the noises that had sounded somewhat muffled earlier could be heard more clearly now.
Machina Guardian had actually gotten closer to the wall compared to its position when Mira first entered the arena. The cannon fire had started to lose its effectiveness as the boss got more adept at deflecting cannonballs, which also allowed it to get closer to the wall. Considering how low the cannons were angled now, if Mira had taken just a bit longer, Machina Guardian would have gone past the reach of the cannons.
But now everything was ready. Mira went to the opened gate and stood there, glaring directly at Machina Guardian.
At the same time, all the cannons stopped firing. Machina Guardian seemed to have been waiting for that moment, instantly rushing forward.
A moment later all the cannons’ nozzles were engulfed in flames.
That was the simultaneous attack that had been able to damage Machina Guardian before. It tried to deflect the cannonballs again, but there were so many of them that it was impossible.
「Attaaaaaaaaack!」
Mira’s loud voice echoed like a signal, making the army that stood behind her spring into action.
After all the cannons fired, there was a quiet moment as they all reloaded. That was the window for the army to charge ahead though, so they had to hit that moment.
Isenfald took the lead, using his scorching Dragon Breath on Machina Guardian who had just started running berserk within the smoke of the cannonballs.
The bright light quickly spread through the arena while waves of heat spread around, burning the ground aggressively.
Isenfald’s powerful Dragon Breath had pushed Machina Guardian all the way back to the other end of the arena. That was a bit surprising, as Machina Guardian’s large size also meant it packed a lot of raw power, not to mention that Isenfald was still being limited by the summoner’s own power. Even Soul Howl grimaced seeing that, realizing that Mira had grown a lot compared to how he knew her. In a way, he wanted to scold her for using a ridiculous attack like that from such close range.
As the shockwaves reached back to the wall, the troops led by the Valkyrie Sisters rushed out onto the battlefield. They all moved skillfully and orderly, surrounding Machina Guardian. The smoothness of their movement showed just how experienced the Sisters were at leading armies. Machina Guardian attempted to attack the wall again, but its legs were being held, starting the actual battle.
「Meowssion start!」
As soon as Cait Sith saw that Machina Guardian’s attention was turned onto the Ashen Knights, he held firmly onto Pegasus’ back while standing next to the wall, displaying the sign as largely as he could. It read ‘This mission will decide the battle’s outcome.’
「Yes, I’m counting on you.」
After Mira said that, Cait Sith rode gallantly into the battlefield.
「Alright, now onto the next step.」
Leaving them to complete their part of the strategy, Mira turned to look at Worthramble and Garuda, who nodded both, and so Mira took Leticia and went up the wall to where Soul Howl was standing.
「So how are things looking?」
Walking up to Soul Howl’s side, she looked at the battlefield. The troops had successfully surrounded Machina Guardian thanks to Isenfald distracting it.
「Hmm, it’s looking good so far. Also, I’ve seen it lash out at those gray knights you called your trump card a few times. They seem to be strong enough.」
Soul Howl replied without looking away from the battlefield. The cannons that had been firing rhythmically until now had gone silent, but they were ready to fire again if there was a window to attack. They would serve to distract Machina Guardian and assist Isenfald and the Sisters if needed.
「Hmmm, so adding a Holy Sword into the mix was the right call. I guess I just have to boost their defense now.」
Machina Guardian had the highest defense out of all raid bosses. Every time Mira fought it before, her main concern was having enough power to break through its thick armor. Now that boss had gained the ability to learn and adapt, she also wanted to avoid a long fight.
The previous times she fought it, the Wizard Wiseman Luminaria, Exorcist Wiseman Valentin, and the Sage Wiseman Meilin had enough power combined for that. But none of them were here with her now. She had no option but to use all the tools available to herself.
Together with Solomon they had set the record of defeating Machina Guardian in two hours, but now Mira only wished that they could wrap it up within the day, and she placed her hopes on the Holy Sword Sanctia.
「Leticia, please sing the Serenade for a Beloved Knight.」
「Your request will be fulfilled promptly.」
There was a vast platform next to the turret overseeing the battlefield. Leticia hopped and skipped there to stand in the center.
That platform did not seem to mash into the construction of the rest of the wall. It had been built specifically for Leticia, her own little stage.
