The sky gradually brightened as the sun prepared to rise over the horizon.
A tense atmosphere lingered in the air as hundreds of warriors gathered on the outskirts of Paris, all of them ranked B or higher in magic.
The sheer number of powerful individuals assembled in one place was staggering.
On one side, elite squads from various nations stood in disciplined formations, their uniforms reflecting the colors of their homelands. Their presence alone spoke of the gravity of the situation.
Ryuu and the others remained at the edge of the crowd, their group led by Akiko, who stood at the front, her posture firm and authoritative.
"So many people have gathered! I never knew Paris had this many strong individuals! It's unbelievable!" Ryuu exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment as he observed the sheer number of warriors before him.
"Moreover," he continued, his voice lowering as he scanned the gathering, "all the special forces from across the world are present as well..."
His words trailed off as he took in the sight of highly trained warriors, their disciplined stances exuding strength and experience. It was a rare moment—nations setting aside their differences to face a common threat.
Before anyone could respond, a voice called out from the side.
"Carol! Ryoko-san! Masumi-san!"
The group turned to see Sophie approaching, her regal dress held up by her attendants as they carefully followed behind her.
"Ah! It's Sophie-san!" Masumi greeted warmly, a smile spreading across her face.
Sophie finally reached them, her sharp gaze locking onto Carol, who merely narrowed her eyes.
"Come on, Carol, I know you're still mad about what I said at the airport. But I apologized, didn't I?"
Sophie said, taking Carol's hand in hers.
"Now, get that gloomy look off your face. After all, I'm your only childhood friend."
Sophie's expression was bright and sincere, but Carol simply clicked her tongue and nodded reluctantly.
"What!? Sophie-san, you're Carol-san's childhood friend!?" Masumi asked, clearly intrigued.
Carol rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Since we were kids."
"Woah... I never noticed. So you two were childhood friends," Masumi murmured in mild surprise.
Meanwhile, Ryoko stood silently, her gaze fixed on something in the distance.
Ryuu noticed her distraction and walked over. "Ryoko-san? What are you staring at?"
Ryoko turned her head slightly before pointing toward a group standing ahead of them. Ryuu followed her gaze, his eyes landing on a particular figure among them.
A young woman stood at the center, her sky-blue hair flowing gently in the breeze. She wore a pure, almost serene smile, her emerald-green eyes shimmering with warmth. The way she interacted with those around her made her seem approachable, yet something about her presence felt strangely overwhelming.
Ryuu stared at her for a moment before turning back to Ryoko, confused. "Who is that girl? And why are you pointing at her?"
"That girl's name is Launa..."
A voice answered from behind them. Ryuu turned to see Sophie stepping forward, her expression uncharacteristically serious.
"How did you feel when you first saw her?" Sophie asked, her eyes locked onto his.
Ryuu blinked, puzzled by the question. "W-well, she has a pure smile. She seems like a kind person. She's talking to everyone so warmly."
Ryoko twitched slightly at his words but kept her expression neutral. Masumi, noticing the reaction, giggled softly.
"That's what everyone says when they first see her," Sophie continued, her voice dropping to a solemn tone. "Her smile is so pure it blinds people from seeing the immense power she possesses."
Ryuu frowned. "What do you mean by that?"
Ryoko spoke this time. "She means don't be fooled by her innocent demeanor, Ryuu-kun. There's more she's hiding behind that little smile."
Sophie nodded in agreement. "I heard she killed over a thousand B-rank and top C-rank demons on her own in this mission."
The entire group fell into stunned silence.
"WHAT!? ONE THOUSAND!?" Everyone gasped before looking back at Launa, who remained standing in the distance, laughing with her comrades.
Akiko's hands trembled slightly as sweat dripped down her face. (O-one thousand demons!? Even I might only be able to handle about four hundred at once… just what kind of power does this girl possess?)
Ryoko continued staring at Launa before silently stepping back into the shadow of a nearby tree.
Meanwhile, Ryuu's eyes remained fixed on the mysterious girl. His body stiffened as unease settled in his chest.
(Just what kind of people are we going to encounter from now on...?)
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"W-well, Akiko-san... W-where is S-Sir Shigeru...?" Sophie asked hesitantly, her face flushing red as she scratched her hand nervously.
Akiko raised an eyebrow at her behavior, while Carol shot Sophie a look of utter disgust.
"He's on the stage," Akiko replied, pointing toward a wooden platform in the distance.
Shigeru and Étienne stood on the stage, but between them was a striking figure—a woman who immediately commanded attention.
Her long, shiny green hair cascaded down her back, her emerald eyes glowing with an unnatural intensity.
It was as if nature itself resided within her gaze. She stood tall and composed, a reassuring yet authoritative smile on her lips.
Despite her elegant appearance, the aura she radiated was fierce, yet controlled, like a crystal-clear glass—smooth on the surface but hiding an undeniable sharpness.
The gathered warriors stared at her in awe, some overwhelmed by her presence, others captivated by her beauty.
"W-who is she!? How powerful must she be to emit such an enormous aura just by standing there?" whispers spread through the crowd.
Ryoko's eyes widened in disbelief. She could see it—green flames, swirling like a volcano around the woman, raw and untamed magic bursting from within her.
(Just who is this woman!? Is it even possible for a human to wield such power...?)
The woman smiled knowingly before stepping forward.
"All those gathered here, I, Rosalie, President of the Delian Headquarters in France, extend my deepest gratitude for assembling on such short notice."
She bowed slightly, yet her overwhelming presence remained unshaken.
The crowd collectively gasped in shock.
"S-she's the president!? The rumored leader who never showed herself but controlled everything from the shadows!?"
Rosalie raised her voice. "As you all may now know, Mont Blanc is on the verge of shattering.
The earthquake was just the beginning. If we do not act, the entire Alps will collapse.
If that happens, not only France but every nation surrounding the Alps will face catastrophe."
A heavy silence fell over the gathering as Rosalie's words sank in.
"The earthquakes in Europe these past few months have been caused by something at the center of Mont Blanc. Whatever it is, it is tearing the mountain apart."
Her voice hardened.
"The step you take now is one you cannot turn back from. This mission will be filled with dangers—demons, unnatural phenomena... but we cannot falter. We must protect our world."
She raised a fist. "LONG LIVE HUMANITY! PERISH THE DEMONS!"
"LONG LIVE HUMANITY! PERISH THE DEMONS!"
the crowd roared in unison, filled with renewed determination.
Rosalie turned sharply. "We depart in fifteen minutes. Gather your belongings."
As the crowd dispersed, Ryuu and the others moved toward their camp, preparing for what lay ahead.
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A few minutes passed, and the quiet hum of conversation inside the camp was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Shigeru entered, rubbing his temples, looking utterly drained.
"Haa, that wild lady... I just don't understand how Sir Étienne handles her..."
He sighed heavily before sinking onto the couch. Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued. Hibino was the first to speak.
"Who are you talking about, Sir Shigeru?"
Akiko, however, had a knowing smirk on her face, her eyes narrowing mischievously. "Yeah, who is this WILD woman you're talking about, honey...?"
Shigeru flinched slightly, sensing danger in his wife's teasing tone. He cleared his throat hastily.
"Don't get the wrong idea, Akiko! Who else would I be talking about? That—"
Before he could finish, a sharp voice rang out from outside, cutting through the air like a blade.
"Oh? Are you talking about me, Sir Shigeru?"
Heads turned as two figures entered the camp, causing an instant wave of shock among everyone present.
The dignified woman who stepped forward radiated an aura of power and authority, making the entire room tense.
(S-S-She's the President of the Headquarters! What is she doing here!?)
Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief, struggling to process the unexpected presence of such an important figure.
Shigeru sighed, rubbing his forehead. "So you really came..."
The woman smirked, her piercing gaze locking onto him.
"Was that any way to greet an old friend?
That's not something someone like you should say, right? The greatest mind in the world..."
Akiko's expression darkened slightly as she stepped forward, her teasing demeanor shifting into something sharper.
"Oh? And that's also not something someone like you should say to my husband, right, Miss President?"
Lucienne's confident smirk twitched, her expression briefly faltering before regaining composure.
She stared intensely into Akiko's eyes, creating an almost tangible pressure in the air. Akiko, despite her usual bravado, felt uneasy.
Lucienne slowly raised her hand towards Akiko's face. Akiko flinched slightly, a bead of sweat forming on her forehead. Just before her hand could reach, a firm voice interrupted.
"Stop it, will you?"
Shigeru stepped between them, his expression unreadable. Akiko quickly moved behind him, peeking over his shoulder with a pout.
"Also," Shigeru continued, "what are you even doing here in the first place? Don't you have your own work?"
Lucienne stepped back slightly, letting out an exaggerated sigh before smiling.
"Ah, I forgot to mention, I'm here to meet the esteemed Japanese Special Defense Force."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "And, of course... to see someone special."
Her gaze flickered toward Ryoko, making the entire room fall silent. Ryoko, unfazed, met her eyes with an icy stare.
Lucienne chuckled. "Oh, where are my manners? I haven't introduced myself yet."
She stepped forward, clasping her hands together as she addressed the group.
"It's an honor to finally meet such talented individuals in person. I am Rosalie Étienne, President of the Delian Headquarters in France."
The entire room went dead silent. Then, as realization set in, a collective gasp echoed.
"Rosalie Étienne...?"
Shigeru sighed as if expecting this reaction. "Yeah, you're all correct. She's Sir Étienne's wife."
"WHAT!?" The shock in the room was almost tangible.
Rosalie's face brightened with an almost childlike enthusiasm as she suddenly lunged toward Étienne, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
"Yeah, I'm this dummy's wife! Nice to meet you all!"
Étienne groaned, trying to pry her off. "Hey, don't cling to me!"
"Aww, but why?" Rosalie pouted playfully. "Aren't I your adorable wife? I have every right to cling to my husband!"
The dignified aura that had once surrounded her vanished completely.
She now resembled an overly affectionate high school girl rather than the formidable President of Delian.
Everyone stared in utter disbelief.
Étienne buried his face in his palm, sighing heavily. "I knew this was going to happen..."
Rosalie then turned her attention to Akiko, who stiffened slightly. Without hesitation, Rosalie stepped forward and reached for Akiko's hand.
Akiko flinched again, preparing for something intense.
Instead, Rosalie grabbed her hand and shook it enthusiastically.
"You must be Morishita Akiko, Sir Shigeru's wife, right?"
Akiko blinked, momentarily thrown off by Rosalie's sudden shift in demeanor. She hesitantly nodded.
Rosalie's smile grew even brighter. "I knew it! The way Sir Shigeru stepped in front of you to protect you—it was obvious.
I've always wanted to meet you, and now, finally, I have! I'm so happy!"
Akiko, initially wary, softened a little, still trying to process the whirlwind that was Rosalie Étienne.
Just then, Rosalie's expression shifted once more.
Her playful nature disappeared, replaced with the commanding presence from before.
The air grew thick as she turned toward Ryoko and took slow, deliberate steps forward.
She stopped in front of her, standing tall, an unreadable grin playing on her lips.
"It's nice to meet you too, new S-rank... Tatsuno Ryoko."
Their eyes locked, unflinching.
Ryoko's voice was cold, almost cutting. "What do you want?"
Her words sliced through the air, sending a chilling wave straight to Rosalie's face.
For a moment, silence. Then, Rosalie's smirk deepened, her eyes gleaming with intrigue.
"Eh..." she clicked her tongue lightly.
She stared into Ryoko's eyes as the grin on her face became even wider.