At the moment when we began to move for the retrieval of the hero and Yukiha, a major incident that sent shockwaves through the world occurred. It was declared that a large military alliance consisting of 37 nations, centered around the giant countries like the Larcian Kingdom, the Ryubel Kingdom, and the Valkia Empire, had been formed. There was no doubt that it would become the strongest military force, and a significant conflict with the Elysian Empire was inevitable.

“It seems the Shangri-La Project has started moving. Essentially, the organization is in control of this military alliance. It appears they are genuinely trying to manipulate the world,” Fistina explained regarding the news.

“I see. With this development, not only is retrieving the hero becoming difficult, but saving Yukiha will also be challenging,” Jean said with a serious expression. I emotionally countered his words.

“We have no choice but to do it, right? Yukiha is surely waiting for us to come to her aid.”

“Hmm, a military alliance to counter a military alliance… I’m not keen on it, but we may have to rely on the power of the nations,” he replied.

“What do you mean?”

“There are still many influential nations that are not participating in this military alliance, like the Amuria Federation and the Meltaria Kingdom. Such nations must be showing concerns about this military alliance, so utilizing that could be one strategy.”

“Are you saying we should create our own military alliance?”

“Exactly. That way, we’ll have more options to counter the organization and the Elysian Empire. Moreover, discussions about this are probably already happening in the Amuria Federation and the Meltaria Kingdom, whether we want them to be or not.”

“But it seems like a war is about to escalate, and if that happens, many people will die.”

Falva quietly voiced the harsh reality.

“We can’t say that sacrifices are unavoidable. But if we think about it, we’ll end up doing nothing. We won’t know which choice was correct until later, and for now, we can only pursue what we believe is the best path.”

I agreed with Jean’s words.

“That’s right. There may be more sacrifices if we don’t take action, so for now, we must give our all.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry for saying something strange…” Falva said, sounding remorseful, and Jean gently advised her with a serious expression.

“It’s not strange. We mustn’t forget that there are sacrifices in battle. If we forget that, war becomes nothing more than violence.”

Falva, being inherently kind-hearted, must be worried about those who have fallen. It seems Jean also cherishes that thought, giving her gentle guidance.

“To advance the discussions about the military alliance, let’s first contact the separate team and gather the Musou Iron Cavalry. It doesn’t seem like we can deal with the enemy while our forces are scattered.”

I suggested changing the topic.

“That’s true. We should also hear the opinions of the swordsmanship instructor and Linne Carlo. For Yuta, that’s a reasonable suggestion.”

“‘For Yuta’ is unnecessary,” I retorted.

While there may be high hurdles in retrieving the hero and saving Yukiha, I believe that once the Musou Iron Cavalry gathers, we’ll find a way. It seems I’m not the only one who thinks so; no one among our companions in that room wore a dark expression.