“Mayu, don’t move too far ahead. You’re already a big target, and they’ll focus their attacks on you.”

“I know, big brother.”

But does she really know? Mayu’s Alvion didn’t slow down in the slightest and continued to advance at the front of the unit. I tried to stay aware and keep her covered, but I also had to watch over the rest of the squad… Honestly, I don’t think I’m cut out to lead a unit like this.

The Arjuna Squad was already engaged in battle at the frontlines. The enemy appeared to be a detached force from the Elysian Empire, consisting of around 5,000 units. Compared to the Empire’s rumored million-strong army, it was a small force.

Still, even a “small” force was ten times the size of the Arjuna Squad. Yet, they were holding their ground evenly—just what you’d expect from Arjuna.

“Let’s assist the Arjuna Squad! All units, fire a full salvo of blasters at the enemy’s right flank!”

We unleashed the enhanced magic projectiles—Blasters—at the enemy forces attempting to ambush the Arjuna Squad. The Blaster was a powerful weapon that fired bursts of energy, wielded like a rifle. Hundreds of glowing orbs rained down on the enemy from our side.

The light spheres pierced through the enemy’s armor, detonating inside their Magicrafts and rendering them inoperable.

“Yuta, thanks for the help.”

Arjuna acknowledged me while cutting down a nearby enemy unit.

“We can’t stay here long. Once we’ve pushed them back, we retreat.”

“Got it.”

“Mayu, concentrate your fire on the center of the enemy forces!”

“Understood, big brother!”

The hatches on both shoulders of Mayu’s Alvion opened, releasing countless threads of light. The glowing threads arced gracefully in the air before raining down on the enemy. Though they looked like thin strands of light, they pierced through the Magicrafts’ armor with ease, showing devastating power.

“Now’s the time! First and Second Platoons, attack from the right! Third and Fourth Platoons, circle around to the left! Fifth Platoon, provide cover for the Arjuna Squad and secure our defenses!”

“What about me?”

“Keep up your assault, Mayu.”

“Should I use the main cannon?”

“No, you’ll get in trouble with Jean if you fire that right now.”

“Alright, I won’t use it.”

After issuing orders to my subordinates, I moved as well. I maneuvered Arleo II into the air, flying toward the enemy’s rear lines. I landed in the middle of the enemy forces and began cutting through them with my sword. There were some skilled opponents among them, but none were a match for the current Arleo II. Plus, the sudden attack threw them into disarray, preventing any organized counteroffensive.

As I kept an eye on Mayu from a distance, I was surprised at how well she was doing for her first battle. Her Alvion’s laser threads cut through the enemy ranks relentlessly, and her physical attacks sent Magicrafts flying like toys.

Her slow, deliberate movements while attacking spread fear among the enemy. Initially, the Elysian soldiers fought back, but before long, they were fleeing in terror from the rampaging Alvion.