Editing Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 12 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 3===

"—Bahamut has returned to its course towards the north. No missiles are chasing us."

After everyone returned to the bridge, Jeanne's report allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief.

We managed to avoid a decisive battle. However, this meant that we could no longer prevent Bahamut from making contact with the Arctic unknown territory.

Major Loki looked grave on the ''Naglfar'', his face displayed on a monitor.

'We have no idea what will happened when Bahamut links up two unknown territories. But it should be heading to the next territory in the northern part of the African continent. We will intercept it along its route at the second defense line set up in the waters of Norway.'

Without blaming us for the failure earlier, Major Loki simply related the next plan indifferently. On the other hand, the machine intellect Atla, appearing onscreen in the form of a fairy, subjected us to verbal abuse. "You useless trash! Work harder, fools!" However, Major Loki tapped his fingers on her head on the screen to make her settle down. Perhaps it was a touchscreen on his end.

'If the second defense line were to be breached, the unknown territory would most likely devour the mainland while continuing its invasion. In that event, losses will be incalculable. No matter what, we must stop it there.'

A predicted route of Bahamut's course was shown on the monitor. One of the names there was the Principality of Erlia, Firill's homeland.

"......Of course. We will for sure."

While looking at the map, Firill whispered with determination.

'I would like you all to participate in the second defense line. Although Catastrophe cannot be used to destroy Bahamut in one strike, it is still undoubtedly the most effective means of attack. Based on the current situation, we are considering the option of using maximum firepower to pare down Bahamut's body in conjunction to exposure to Catastrophe to see if it will be effective—However, please tell us if you have a better suggestion.'

"Understood."

After I nodded, Major Loki finally showed one of his usual smiles.

'I am expecting great things from you, 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe. The operation will commence six hours from now, so given Marduk's speed, there is no problem. Asgard has deemed Bahamut a new dragon, so we are able to use countermeasures for dragon disasters as appropriate. Even passing over various signatory nations of the treaty will not be considered invasion of their airspace. Well then, let us meet again at the battlefield.'

"And you, rubbish tree and company! I won't forgive any of you if you fail again!"

Communications with the ''Naglfar'' terminated with Atla's voice. The bridge returned to silence for now.

I could feel everyone's gaze gathered on me, so I took a deep breath. After sweeping my gaze across the bridge once, I noticed Mitsuki and Shion's absence. They were probably on standby in a cabin, but I felt ashamed that I did not even maintain enough composure to keep track of my teammates.

—Major Loki was very calm. ''If I don't think about what needed to be done now... If I don't think about what could be done...''

"Set course for the second defense line at Norway."

After I declared briefly, Jeanne instantly responded from her seat in front of a monitor.

"Affirmative. Destination set. If we take the shortest route at cruise speed, we will be able to converge with NIFL ten minutes before the operation. Shinomiya-sensei, may I trouble you to contact the various nations along the route?"

"Very well, leave it to me."

Seeing Shinomiya-sensei nod and prepare for communications, I issued orders to the rest.

"Everyone else, please rest until we reach the destination. Iris, could you come with me?"

My words made Iris froze. She replied in a trembling voice.

"Um... I knew it, you're... mad at me, right?"

"No, I'm not. Iris, I said you didn't fail, right? I just want you to accompany me to visit Mitsuki. Tell her what it felt like when you were trying your hardest and see if the two of you can think together to come up with a better method."

I smiled wryly and shook my head.

"Together with Mitsuki-chan...?"

Surprised, Iris repeated my words.

"Yeah, in terms of using dark matter to invoke authorities, both Mitsuki and I are the same. So perhaps you might find unexpected inspiration by chatting with Mitsuki."

At that moment, Vritra interjected.

"In that case, I shall join the discussion. After observing ye battle from here, I have many thoughts."

"—Sure. Vritra, your knowledge seems quite reliable."

"Fufu, as expected of my comrade. Thou knowest the truth."

When I answered, Vritra smiled with satisfaction.

"Looks like Yuu has gradually figured out how to deal with my mother."

Watching our interactions, Kili shrugged slightly.