Editing Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 12 Chapter 2 (section)

===Part 3===

"—This is all the information we have confirmed regarding Bahamut. Although the trait of heat absorption is quite challenging, there is no need for excess panic since we know that Catastrophe can defeat it. Now, we will proceed with the details of the operation."

After sweeping her gaze across each and every one of us, gathered at the bridge, Shinomiya-sensei spoke with a grave expression. Having heard the content from Jeanne earlier, I was not surprised, but the girls' expressions were relatively stiff upon learning Bahamut's ability for the first time.

"Approximately thirty minutes from now, NIFL's fleet including the ''Naglfar'' will start engaging Bahamut. However, we will not be joining the defense line. Instead, we will launch a heavy assault from behind after the fighting begins. In other words, NIFL will take on the role as bait."

The screen behind her now displayed Major Loki's face. The omni-directional monitor was filled with the color of the sky with sunlight shining from above.

"The success of this operation depends on whether we can get Catastrophe to strike the target directly. Hence, we will rely on your powers as Ds and Marduk's equipment to open a path, to get as close to Bahamut as possible for Iris Freyja to fire Catastrophe. You are the key—We are counting on you."

"Y-Yes! I will do my best!"

Iris saluted and answered in a slightly shrill voice under Shinomiya-sensei's gaze.

"Mononobe Yuu and Jeanne Hortensia will confirm Bahamut's present location while adjusting the ship's speed. Until NIFL launches their attack, do not make a move under any condition."

"Understood."

"Affirmative."

Jeanne and I expressed acknowledgement and Shinomiya-sensei continued to issue orders to the rest.

"Lisa Highwalker and Firill Crest will remain outside the ship to guard the starboard. Ariella Lu and Ren Miyazawa will be in charge of the port side's defense. Avoid using lasers or explosive transmutations when attacking. Find opportunities to conduct freezing attacks using low-temperature matter. It is very likely that stealing heat will slow down the target's movement and regeneration speed. But if necessary for opening a path, go ahead and attack with heavy firepower. Our main objective is to approach close enough to enter Catastrophe's range."

"Understood. Simply stated, we are taking the role of carrier-based aircraft."

"No problem. It's the same as the Dragon Subjugation Squad's usual work."

Lisa answered with her chest out while Firill made thumbs-up. Ariella and Ren also nodded firmly.

"There's nothing to do inside the ship, anyway. Let's go outside and raise some hell."

"Mm, adjustments to the OS are done. All that's left to do is fight."

However, Tia tilted her head curiously because she had not been named.

"Tia doesn't need to go outside?"

"You should stay at the bridge, prepared for electronic warfare. Although there has not been any reports of Bahamut being able to interfere with electronic equipment, better be safe than sorry. Furthermore... Who knows if NIFL will be our ally to the very end."

Shinomiya-sensei gave a wry smile sardonically. Stationing Tia at the bridge was mainly to defend against Atla, most likely.

Then Shinomiya-sensei's gaze shifted to Kili, who was standing behind everyone else.

"Kili Surtr Muspelheim, you will be in charge of guarding Iris Freyja. To avoid missing the opportunity to attack, Iris Freyja will remain on standby on the deck—However, it is probably impossible to stand on the ship's exterior without a barrier."

"Why do I have to do this sort of thing..."

Kili grumbled quietly in displeasure, but Iris held her hand with a radiant smile.

"I'm counting on you! With you protecting me, Kili-chan, I am reassured! Let's give it our best together!"

"—Placing such heavy trust in someone like me. Fine, since you've said this much... I will try my best without exerting myself."

Kili nodded a little helplessly.

Watching their conversation, I raised my hand.

"Hold on—I can go out to the deck too after the battle begins. I don't need to be in the bridge to control Marduk and it's better to have more people protecting Iris."

"Mononobe..."

Iris was happy to hear my suggestion.

"Good point, since you say so, then it is fine. After all, you are still Marduk's captain."

Shinomiya-sensei nodded in a slightly joking manner then said to the rest of the girls:

"Shion and Vritra will wait in the ship. Mononobe Mitsuki will be in charge of looking after them."

"Eh...?"

Mitsuki exclaimed in surprise.

Although Mitsuki was asked to look after them, this placed her in a position no different from Shion or Vritra. Rather, it was more like placing those two by Mitsuki's side on account of her condition.

"W-Wait! I need to fight too! This is no time to be holding combat potential in reserve!"

Seconds later, Mitsuki realized and suggested.

"I understand, but currently, it is very risky to let you go outside the ship. Since Bahamut is related to what is sealed within you, no one can predict what will happen if it came into contact with you."

"But—"

At a loss for words momentarily, Mitsuki looked at me for support.

She probably thought that as the "captain," I could overturn Shinomiya-sensei's decision, but...

"I'm sorry, Mitsuki, I feel the same way too. It's not that I don't want you to fight, but I hope to keep you away from danger as much as possible until the time when your power is truly needed—"

"...Enough. I understand."

Mitsuki interrupted me and turned her face away in extreme chagrin.

Just as the atmosphere in the bridge turned very awkward, Shinomiya-sensei announced in a loud and clear voice.

"Well then, everyone, prepare for battle. Those assigned outside the ship, head to the respective hatches."

Obeying orders, we made our way to the bridge's door. I looked back just as I was exiting into the corridor, only to see Mitsuki with her head down, her shoulders trembling slightly.