The last allied unit was destroyed by the approaching enemy Magicraft. There was no longer anyone to protect Echigo in close combat. Only two of Echigo’s gun turrets remained, leaving no means to prevent the enemy’s advance.

The captain, perhaps resigned to the end, bowed his head deeply to me and said:

“I’m sorry. It seems this is the end. We have no way to ensure your escape. Please forgive our inadequate protection.”

Strangely, despite the dire situation, I felt no sense of urgency. I smiled at the captain and replied:

“No, we are still alive. This may be the worst situation, but it is not the end. Look outside; the goddess of salvation is almost here.”

The captain might not have taken my words seriously, but he casually glanced outside. And then, whether by chance or fate, at that very moment, a single flash of light streaked across the sky, connecting heaven and earth. The flash pierced the enemy Ride Carrier, and the ship, momentarily swelling as if it were expanding, exploded with a massive blast and sank.

It’s not normal to sink a large Ride Carrier with a single blow. If anyone could do that, it would have to be an extraordinary Rider piloting a powerful Magicraft beyond the realm of common sense…

He has come—my instincts told me so.

Just thinking of his smile made my heart ache. He always comes in times of crisis, my hero…

Several more flashes, identical to the one that destroyed the large Ride Carrier, rained down from the sky, obliterating the enemy Magicraft that had approached Echigo. Once the enemies around Echigo were wiped out, the divine figure that had unleashed the flashes descended.

As expected, it was Arleo II. I had anticipated it, but seeing it with my own eyes brought tears of overwhelming emotion.

“Echigo, this is the Musou Iron Cavalry. Is President Ranelle aboard?”

The voice called out through the external speakers. The captain quickly responded:

“This is Echigo of the Emou Kingdom’s army. President Ranelle is on board. We request support from the Musou Iron Cavalry.”

“Understood. I will clear the surrounding enemies.”

He responded simply, but there was no sign of the other members of the Musou Iron Cavalry. He had taken on the task of annihilating hundreds of enemies by himself.

Arleo II, having accepted the request, raised its left arm towards the enemy forces and unleashed a barrage of countless light bullets. The storm of destruction tore through the enemy Magicraft, and the machines struck by the light bullets were mercilessly reduced to wreckage.

After the barrage, Arleo II flew at low altitude and charged into the enemy forces. While flying, it swung its sword, decapitating the enemy Magicraft. The combination of flight speed and the sword’s power left the enemies helpless, only able to flee in a panic.

When about half of the enemy was destroyed, those who realized they had no chance began to flee from Arleo II. This panic spread throughout the enemy ranks, eventually turning into a full retreat, and the enemy fled.