The Raddle Axis Alliance’s encampment was set up on a vast high ground. We observed it while concealed within the deep forest, composed of towering trees.

“This is as close as we can get without being noticed.”

“There’s quite a distance for a surprise attack… We need to come up with a strategy.”

The encampment was not only situated on elevated ground but was also about ten kilometers away. If the objective were simply to attack, it wouldn’t be much of an issue. However, since our goal was retrieval and rescue, things were different. First, we needed to confirm the location of the two heroes and Yukiha, then get as close as possible without being detected.

To locate Yukiha and the heroes, we had to get even closer. However, the enemy’s vigilance was high, and the area was surrounded by foes, making infiltration seem nearly impossible.

“There’s no choice. Let’s leave the Magicrafts behind and proceed on foot for reconnaissance.”

“Whoa, seriously? If we get spotted, it’s going to be dangerous.”

“It’s fine. I will handle the reconnaissance. Yuta, you stay hidden here and wait.”

“There’s no way I can agree to that. Honestly, convincing the heroes will require Feri, and if Feri is going, then it’s better for me, the pilot of Arleo II, to grasp the situation firsthand. The difference between hearing about it and seeing it for myself is huge. I should go on the reconnaissance as well.”

“…It’s dangerous on foot, though.”

Fistina seemed worried about my capabilities outside of the Magicraft. Even though I had grown stronger after learning swordsmanship from my old man, if I were to step out of Arleo II, I could easily be crushed by any low-tier Magicraft piloted by a mediocre rider.

“Ugh… Well, I’ll manage somehow. If it gets bad, I’ll just run for my life.”

“Fufufu… Don’t worry. I will protect you.”

Fistina said with a smile.

The reconnaissance team consisted of Fistina, myself, and three former members of the elite swordsmanship corps who specialized in close combat as our escorts. Any more people would increase the risk of being detected, so this number was just right.

Even though we were going without Magicrafts, we weren’t simply walking. We used small vehicles called Mobiles, about the size of bicycles, to move. A Mobile traveled at a speed slightly faster than a bike being pedaled vigorously, made almost no noise, and had a low-profile design. As long as there were some trees around, we could move without standing out.

Of course, we couldn’t infiltrate the enemy’s high-ground encampment directly, but we managed to reach a mid-slope of a mountain that provided a clear view of the base. The distance was still about five kilometers, but from here, we could oversee the entire encampment.

“Use this.”

Fistina handed me a tool that resembled binoculars. Upon asking, she confirmed that it was indeed a pair of binoculars, boasting an impressive magnification. It was no surprise that she had such a tool—after all, she used to be a spy.

Looking through them, I could even make out the expressions on the soldiers’ faces inside the encampment. With these, pinpointing Yukiha and the heroes’ locations should be possible.