The Zajuna squad would approach stealthily, while Fistina, Raiden, and I would launch a high-altitude surprise attack.

First, we had to destroy the core of the enemy ship to prevent them from escaping. The Zajuna squad was in charge of that task. Fistina was to rescue Yukiha immediately, while I was responsible for locating the hero and negotiating through Feri.

Once the attack began, we would find ourselves instantly surrounded by a massive enemy force. We needed to finish everything as quickly as possible.

“Let’s go all out! Arleo II, rapid ascent! Break through at full speed!”

Fistina’s magicraft, the Eljana, was an all-purpose model similar to Arleo II, equipped with flight capabilities and excellent mobility. Raiden’s magicraft, the high-output Leviathan, didn’t have strong flight capabilities, but its high power allowed for bursts of speed, enabling him to keep up with us.

We ascended rapidly, reaching a considerable altitude. However, no matter how quickly we climbed, there was no way the enemy wouldn’t notice. Alarms blared across their encampment, signaling the alert.

From this point forward, it was a race against time. Without hesitation, we plunged from high altitude, heading straight for the flagship of the Crimson War Machines.

At the same time the alarm went off, the Zajuna squad made their move. Using the distraction caused by our aerial attack, they swiftly closed in on the Crimson War Machines’ flagship. Moments later, black smoke rose from the ship’s engine section. The Zajuna squad had done their job well—there was no escape now.

“Fistina, the enemy is gathering. I’ll clear a path—go rescue Yukiha first!”

“Understood. Raiden, assist Yuta in intercepting the enemy.”

“Yes, of course, my lady.”

Raiden and I landed near the flagship while firing at the approaching enemy units. Without wasting time, I unleashed a wide-area attack to scatter them.

While we engaged the enemy, Fistina breached the enemy ship and rushed to rescue Yukiha. She forced open the bridge and called out to her.

“Princess Yukiha! We are the Musou Iron Cavalry! We’ve come to rescue you—please, come with us!”

With this, one part of our mission was complete—or so we thought.

“I’m sorry…”

To our shock, Yukiha retreated further inside instead of coming with us. She wasn’t restrained or threatened in any visible way, yet she refused to be rescued.

“Princess Yukiha!? What’s wrong!? We are the Musou Iron Cavalry!”

Fistina’s call went unanswered by Yukiha. Instead, someone else responded.

“My, my. Barging into someone’s home uninvited and attempting to steal away a dear comrade—such behavior isn’t forgivable, even among family, little sister.”

The one who appeared was Fistina’s older brother, Fistoa, the leader of the Crimson War Machines.

“Fistoa! What have you done to her!?”

“I haven’t done anything. We simply deepened our friendship and earned her trust.”

“Don’t lie! You’re controlling her with Mind Lock, aren’t you!?”

“Heh… I assure you, I haven’t done anything so crude to her. The ones under Mind Lock are others.”

“Others!?”

At that moment, the hatch of the Crimson War Machines’ flagship opened. Two magicrafts emerged—one silver with a lion-shaped head and the other a sleek golden design. Their overwhelming presence exuded an unfathomable killing intent.

There was no doubt—these two were the so-called heroes.