Following Seriana, Fiora also let out a deep breath and stood up.

…Should I stand up too?

Wait, wasn’t the battle already over?

“You two should start preparing as well.”

“Yes. Excuse us, then.”

Responding to Seriana’s words, Teresa and the others quickly left the room.

And while I stood there bewildered, unable to keep up with how things were unfolding, Seriana also headed off to her bedroom…

So that means there’s still more trouble coming, huh?

“…Fio-san, is something going to happen?”

“There are still Undead in the city. And they’re in places that even the Knight Order currently searching the city can’t find. Since Rick is leading the operation, there’s no way they’re slacking off, right? That’s why Madam herself needs to step in.”

“I see…”

I nodded at Fiora’s words.

They mentioned something about the underground too. If the search teams can’t find them, that must be where they are.

It seems the rebel forces have been captured, but that doesn’t mean we can just ignore the Undead.

And unlike monsters, the ones targeting us with cunning and planning are humans—and since they’re gone now, it means it’s okay for Seriana to go out into the city herself.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s safe now. We can’t let our guard down.

Despite all our preparations, they still managed to create a situation where Seriana had to leave the house.

Still, if Teresa and I are with her, nothing too serious should happen.

Thinking about what could’ve happened if we’d been caught off guard with no preparation—it’s scary. But… we were the better side this time!

That being the case…!

“Should I prep something too? I’ve got all kinds of stuff packed away in the back, you know?”

I’m already equipped, but I’ve stashed all kinds of tools and potions in the 【Hideout】.

Maybe I should bring some of them out?

Even if we don’t end up fighting, it might be good to have support items for the soldiers on the scene.

“Good idea… Give me a moment.”

Saying that, Fiora walked over to Seriana’s desk, took a memo pad, and began writing something down.

Then, after finishing, she returned and handed it to me.

Written on it were… several potions, burning fluid, and other outdoor-use items.

“Please take care of it.”

“Roger that!”

I rushed back to my room to activate 【Hideout】.

◇

“Got everything!”

I packed everything Fiora listed from the 【Hideout】 into a backpack and called out as I entered Seriana’s room from mine.

“Good work. Sera, I’ll take that.”

“Here you go.”

The three who had gone to their rooms to get ready were already gathered.

They were checking the contents of the backpack I handed to Elena, but none of them were in armor. Instead, they were dressed in lightweight gear—thick jackets and vests designed for mobility.

I’d thought they were only going to oversee the search operation… but it looks like they’re ready for action.

That said, I’m wearing a coat made from a Demon King Type and even have a belt wrapped over it. My defense is more than sufficient… But if we’re heading into combat, are they really okay with that light gear?

Alec, who usually stands in front of us with his shield, isn’t here this time, you know?

Well, with my 【Prayer】 and wind magic, I can block most attacks, but it’s still worrying.

“Hey… are you guys really okay with just light gear like that?”

When I said that to everyone while they were dividing up the supplies, Seriana stopped what she was doing and turned toward me.

“It’s fine. Either way, we’re not equipped to withstand attacks without your 【Prayer】. Besides, we’re heading underground.”

“Exactly. It’s not a dungeon or a naturally formed cave—we’re talking about a man-made underground facility. The enemies we’ll face aren’t giant monsters either. They’re Undead. So instead of heavy armor, it’s better to wear something you can run in if needed.”

A man-made structure, with Undead as the only enemies.

That means we won’t have to worry about the kind of flashy attacks giant monsters use to knock down walls or trees.

And we won’t be caught in the aftermath either. Makes sense that mobility is the priority.

But still, there was one thing that caught my attention.

“I do have 【Prayer】, you know?”

What did Seriana mean by “without your 【Prayer】”?
Is there some mysterious technique that nullifies blessings or something…?

No way!

That would make me practically useless…!

“What are you talking about… You’re staying here, aren’t you? We don’t know how long this will take, and we can’t rely on you.”

But Seriana sighed heavily and replied with an exasperated look.

“…What are you talking about, Seria-sama?”

She’s going somewhere potentially dangerous, and we’re supposed to split up?

Of course I’m going with her.

Once again, Seriana let out a big sigh.

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera・Blessing・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】Blessed Item・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】+1【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana・【Area Recognition】・【】・0 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards