When the plot-skips players into the game world

Watching as the Guardian's spirits immediately lifted, the Stranger slowly said, "The flesh beneath the metal armor of these Armed Gargoyles serves as their means to resist dispelling. That flesh is alive... Hence, any magic or divine arts aimed at them would be blocked."

"And it only takes a strong electric current to instantly kill that flesh. Although it doesn't destroy the flesh materially and seems useless from the outside, in fact, it has killed the flesh, thus directly disabling these Gargoyles' resistance to being dispelled; the high temperature caused by the lightning might also set off the bullets, or destroy the machine guns... and their metallic cages, at a sufficient height, would automatically attract lightning."

"In other words, all it takes is a thunderstorm. A storm that is utterly useless against ordinary stone Gargoyles but lethal to the Armed Gargoyles, stripping away all their special qualities and reverting them back to ordinary Gargoyles."

——The Stranger had long known the fatal flaw of his own invention.

But just as he had criticized himself — he was too vain, so much so that he concealed this flaw.

There was a world of difference between inventing Armed Gargoyles and inventing a "transitional product" with a fatal flaw.

Or perhaps it wasn't concealment. Because he didn't deliberately fabricate any data but handed it over to the professional testers.

——If they hadn't discovered it in the end either, then it couldn't be his fault. Right?

In the real world, the Stranger undoubtedly harbored such wishful thinking.

As a result, the Armed Gargoyles of this world-line were actually deployed en masse... It's uncertain whether they discovered the flaw and still decided to deploy them in large numbers, or if they never made improvements in the end.

"...It's that simple."

The Guardian's expression was somewhat complicated.

For any other country, summoning a tens-of-miles-long thunderstorm might be incredibly difficult. But for Avalon alone... it was all too easy.

With the Guardian alone, this feat could be accomplished.

"I have a condition, Lord Guardian."

The Stranger spoke seriously, "Please let me fight alongside you."

"...Are you serious?"

"I have a 'Storm Adaptation Potion' that can convert a small amount of mana into wind attributes. Taking me with you won't hold you back... I can also provide you with other potions."

The Stranger requested, "I just... want to be with you. To witness you charge forth. I want to see those Gargoyles being destroyed up close."

"...You really hate the person who invented these things, don't you?"

The Guardian looked at him, easily reading the Stranger's sincerity.

"Indeed."

"Nobel" tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing a somewhat unsightly smile: "I now only want to invent things that are beneficial to people's well-being... something that can make people happy."

The Guardian rubbed his face, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

The blonde Knight showed his confident and proud smile once again.

Knowing that Princess Isabel was still alive and learning the weakness of these Gargoyles — he seemed to come back to life from a zombie-like state: "Since Princess Isabel might be aboard the ship... let's go and meet her."

"Just you and me — how about I accompany Master Nobel on an experiment?

"Let's see if the storm can destroy these damned Gargoyles!"

The Guardian grabbed the Stranger's clothes and looked up at the sky. The massive Gryphon Philip landed without being called, and he hoisted the Stranger right onto its back.

"If we can't," the Stranger said with utmost seriousness, "then let's die together!"

To die charging at one's own creations!

"Hahaha, it won't happen."

The Guardian smiled warmly: "Even if I die, I won't let you die."

"...Even if I am from Star Antimony?"

"Even if you are from Star Antimony!"

The Guardian answered forcefully, with absolute certainty: "Whether you are from Star Antimony or an Irisflower People — as long as you're not a Giant, I will protect you! I can keep you safe!"

"Hold onto me, we're taking off—"

The white Gryphon transformed into a storm, howling as it ascended.

The Grand Guardian was about to charge.

On the other side.

Shortly after the initiation of the Ceremony of Avalon's Shadow, Princess Isabel suddenly heard the Death Knell ringing.

Resting for a moment, she abruptly opened her eyes wide, becoming fully alert in an instant. Her expression immediately turned solemn.

She remained still, quietly listening for a long time, but there was no second ring of the Death Knell. The only sound that reached her ears was the subtle noise of the tide.

Then she stood up swiftly, donned her coat, and walked out of the cabin door.

As she opened the door, she happened to run into Shafiya.

"Get ready, we are now heading at full speed towards the Holy Nation."

Princess Isabel commanded sternly.

However, Shafiya frowned deeply, "It might not be very convenient...the main force of Star Antimony is searching for our trail ahead, Princess Isabel. My invisibility spell will not work if they are close enough. Considering the possibility of encountering a large force once discovered, it might be safer to slowly circumvent them with our little ship that can only go at seven knots."

In the distance, within the depths of the night, Dark Clouds heavily surged, growing increasingly thick and layered.

The anomaly in the clouds made her think of someone...an old friend she desperately wished would appear before her this very moment.

But if he did not come...such abnormal weather would be even more disadvantageous to them.

Because the rumbling thunderstorm caused the Gargoyles to fly ever lower.

As a result, they could more easily spot the small ship concealed by her spell.

"—No."

Princess Isabel unexpectedly rejected Shafiya's more conservative suggestion with firmness.

Her eyes were bright, her tone resolute.

The young princess, a bit pale from seasickness, replied word by word: "Since they are blocking our path—then we'll fight our way through. With you, with Lord Moriarty, and the protection of two Elves, there's no reason for us to back down here.

"I must reach the Holy Nation as soon as possible now, otherwise Aiwass will be in mortal danger. Therefore, I now command you as the future queen:

"I want the quickest victory, I want to reach the Eternal Theocracy with the utmost speed.

"Right now, I need you to fight for Avalon—"

"—fight for me!"

...Shafiya had never seen such a strong-willed Isabel before.

Nor had she ever seen her make such a clear demand, exercising her own power.

She stared at the young princess, suddenly laughing out loud.

Empowered by the queen's command, her weakened Authority Force briefly flared alive for a moment.

This meant that Isabel had become conscious and aware of her role as a monarch—only when the Transcendents of the Path of Authority were personally commanded by their own loyal monarch would they be strengthened by the order.

She felt a bit helpless yet relieved.

...Indeed. Compared to fear, it was love that could make one stronger.

Thus, Shafiya released a sigh of relief, knelt on one knee, placed her staff horizontally, and bowed respectfully.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, the overflowing silvery white radiance twinkling within:

"—Then, as you wish...my Queen Majesty.

"In the name of Avalon, I shall grasp victory for you."