They reached the lake within twenty minutes since they had to adjust their pace to match Noel and Anna while making sure they weren't exhausted from the speed as well.
The lake had a radius of two hundred meters. The water came from the nearby mountain, which was filled with demons. In fact, the reason why Stella said this place had many demons were due to the mountain.
The surrounding of the lake was mostly plain and it would soon become a gentle slope. If they were going to fight in a place like this, they could assess their abilities to adapt to terrains.
"Alright. We'll talk for five minutes before moving to our respective position," said Stella while pointing in two directions to show their starting position.
Since there was no objection from Paul's side, Stella turned back to Noel and said, "Well, I don't know about your abilities right now, but all I can say is how our Demon Relief Squad fights. You should know we're doing all kinds of things, right?"
"Yes." Noel nodded.
"That's because we emphasize versatility. We want to be as flexible as we can. It includes the terrain… If we are in a plain, we can't do much because there is nothing but soil and grass. But if we're in a forest, we can use the tree as an obstacle or even throw them to the demon to hinder their movement. Basically, don't hesitate to use everything around you to your advantage."
Noel thought for a moment and asked to confirm his doubt. "Are you talking about traps?"
"No, no. Traps are good, but they're not that easy to make. Unless it's necessary, there's no need for traps." Stella turned around and pointed at the tree not far from them. "You can see that tree? What if I cut the tree down and throw it to the demons?"
"They might go separate ways or even smash the tree…"
"Exactly. Use that opportunity to hit them."
"Ah, that's what you're talking about." Noel nodded. He had done it by forming an ice wall before, so he might be able to do it again this time.
"It seems you've understood. Alright, let's go to our position then." Stella smiled while walking to their position, waiting for Paul's team to do the same.
Before they started, Jonathan added, "Although we'll be saving you in case of emergency, I hope that you don't move recklessly just because we're near you. There will be a time where we're not together, so I hope that you don't get used to acting recklessly just because you know someone is there for you."
"Don't worry. I know that already." Noel nodded with a serious expression. If he was that type of person, he would have relied on Dimitri more this whole time. But he chose not to do it.
"Good. I have high hope in you." Jonathan patted Noel's shoulder. If not for his gloominess, Jonathan would surely be a cool guy. However, his tired face and huge black bags under his eyes made him a bit unapproachable.
…
Group B.
"No need to think about anything. Just blast those demons, and you're good! Hahaha!" Paul laughed.
"Can you not give our new recruit a hard time with your foolish rumbling?" Rose glared at him, causing Paul to tremble.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am…"
Rose sighed and formed a blue screen in front of her with eight blue dots flickering in it. "This is my ability. As you said earlier, that illusion wasn't my usual ability.
"My senses are better than the rest, so I can see everything more clearly. If I have the high ground, I can find demons near you unless the forest is too dense. And…"
Rose snapped her finger and formed a thumb size ball. Suddenly, her voice echoed from this ball, saying, "I can guide the team with this. Basically, I'm using my illusion on you, and that illusion allows me to say something to you. By taking advantage of this ability, I can control the group from afar."
Suddenly, two red dots appeared next to them.
"As you can see, these red dots are the movements within the area. I'm still not sure whether they're Advanced Level Demons or stronger, so you still have to be careful."
Anna furrowed her eyebrows and said, "This is very useful."
"Well, there were cases where I couldn't find the enemies, so don't rely on it too much, alright?"
"Understood. I'll be asking you to help me during this hunt." Anna nodded.
"Alright. Make sure you win." Rose agreed to help her wholeheartedly.
Ben, as an all-rounder in the group, added, "I can only say one thing to you. Even sand can become your weapon, so don't hesitate to use them. Your only limit is your imagination after all."
"I understand. I'll work hard and learn many things from you guys." Anna nodded.
"Good. Since we have finished our discussion, all I have to say to you is that… Don't be afraid and do whatever you think is right. We'll be the ones covering things for you. We'll be following you, so if you have any trouble with the enemy, wave your left hand. If you don't want us to interfere, only raise your left hand. Understood?"
Anna nodded.
Since they had reached an agreement, Paul started walking to their position while glancing at Noel's side, who had finished their discussion.
Anna and Noel were staring at each other. Without opening their mouth, they seemed to know what each other thought. Of course, there was nothing but a provocation from them.
'I'll be winning this and turn you into my slave for the rest of the day, Anna. Be prepared for it.'
'Hehe, you are going to follow my order today, Noel. I wonder what I should make you do? Massage me? I'll use this opportunity to spoil myself a bit.'
Both of them were brimming with fighting intent as Paul clapped his hand as loud as possible so both of them could hear them. "Start!"
