Fistina was caught in a life-threatening situation, receiving a relentless barrage from the golden magical machine. I immediately fired a rapid series of magical light bullets at the golden machine. Sensing my presence, the golden magical machine quickly dodged the attacks.

Though I managed to separate the golden magical machine from Fistina, it wasn’t long before Falcion began moving again. True to its reputation of being superior to Danatia, it launched swift and sharp sword strikes towards Alreo II.

The attacks were powerful and heavy, but honestly, they were a step below the attacks of the hero. I concentrated my power and deflected the strikes. Falcion, knocked back by the force, lost its balance and collapsed.

I had held back against the hero, but I saw no reason to show any restraint with this Falcion. I prepared to strike it down with my sword.

“Wait, Yuta! The bio-signature of the occupant of Falcion closely matches that of Princess Yukiha!”

I halted, my sword still extended, at the voice.

“What!!?”

In truth, Yukiha’s bio-signature had been registered in Feri’s sub-memory for the purpose of tracking her down. It seems they had cross-referenced it, but what did this mean!?

“Could it really be Yukiha!?”

I blurted out loud via external output. I had thought it was some mistake, but the voice that came from Falcion was unmistakably hers.

“Why are you here… I wanted to be left alone.”

“What are you saying, Yukiha! So, you’re under a mind lock, huh?”

“…This is my decision. The princess of Amuria, Yukiha, is already dead. Please treat her as such.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! There’s no way Ranelle and the others will accept that!”

“Just leave me alone!!!”

Yukiha shouted as she swung her sword at Alreo II. I could feel the intensity in her sword strike, laced with an overwhelming killing intent.

“Yuta, I’m not sure what happened, but it seems Princess Yukiha has been subdued. Convincing her in this state is impossible. Focus on rescuing the hero first,” Fistina said.

As Fistina mentioned, it might be impossible to convince Yukiha right now. Meanwhile, the hero had already started attacking again.

“Tch… No choice. Changing the plan. Once we retrieve the hero, we’ll retreat.”

I communicated the change of plans to my teammates. However, the hero retrieval was not going smoothly. The mind-locked hero, still unresponsive, continued attacking us.

“Unmatched Iron Cavalry! How does it feel to be attacked by the one you came to rescue? How embarrassing!”

Fistoa shouted triumphantly, likely irritated after being defeated by me in an instant. His voice seemed to carry a sense of victorious exultation.

“Feri! Are you done!? At this rate, there will be casualties!”

“Just finished. I’ll use the external output to disperse the antibody program immediately.”

As she said this, Alreo II began to tremble slightly. Then, a deafening, shrill high-pitched sound echoed, so loud that it made me want to cover my ears.