The Far East Campaign.
At the time, it wasn't yet known by that name, but as conflicts involving magic gradually increased, whispers of concern spread across the world that a large-scale war driven by magic might be on the horizon.
In the midst of this, the activities of the Special Assault Unit "Astral" were becoming more frequent. Conflicts in the East were on the rise, to the point that other nations were even requesting sorties from the Kingdom.
The nations currently rising to power in the world were the Ewell Empire and the Arnold Kingdom. Magic continued to evolve, centered primarily around these two countries.
In fact, the origin of Code Theory itself was the Arnold Kingdom. For that reason, the Kingdom was considered the source when it came to magical advancement. The Ewell Empire was developing rapidly as well, as if chasing after them.
However, some said that in terms of sheer momentum, the Ewell Empire was superior.
"Phew... Finished safely this time as well."
Lydia wiped the sweat from her brow.
They had successfully completed another mission. Lydia, Abby, and the others had already begun gaining experience in actual combat. The formation of the unit had solidified, with Carol handling the tactical planning and Henrick providing overall command.
The remaining members repeatedly engaged in battle as the frontline force.
"Indeed... However, it’s been a month since we were dispatched here. I wonder when it will ever end."
Abby drew close to her as she spoke. During her first actual combat, she had done nothing but stand in a daze, but she was now sufficiently accustomed to the battlefield.
Henrick's main concern was the mental state of the two girls. Actual combat meant the possibility of harming or even killing others with magic. However, his fears proved to be groundless.
It was a common saying that geniuses have fragile mentalities. Because they are raised as part of the elite, they often cannot respond effectively when an unexpected situation occurs.
While that was a frequent pitfall for precocious geniuses, neither of the two girls had that problem.
Abby had experienced a bitter moment in her first real fight, but she had shifted her mindset immediately.
"Second Lieutenant Garnet. Are you all right?"
As a precautionary check-in, Henrick called Abby over to ask.
She replied succinctly, her expression as serious as ever.
"Yes. There is no problem."
"If it’s too difficult, I can arrange for you to join the operational command side instead."
"No. Carol and Major Fahrenheit are already handling that, so there is no reason for me to move there."
"I see... If anything comes up, I want you to speak your mind without hesitation."
"You seem concerned about my mental state, but I am here with a firm resolve. I would appreciate it if you understood that."
It wasn't a bluff. At the time, she had simply been taken aback by the novelty of the experience, but she wasn't afraid of fighting again.
After returning from that first mission, Abby had been worried over by Lydia as well, but there were no major issues with her psyche. Rather, she felt she should be ashamed of her own perceived worthlessness and strive for further growth.
"I see. I apologize for asking unnecessary questions."
"No. Your concern is only natural. It seems I allowed my own incompetence to be exposed. I will be more careful from now on."
"Understood. You may step back."
"Yes, sir. Excuse me."
Abby saluted and departed. Watching her go, Henrick let out a heavy sigh.
"Is something wrong?"
Flor, who was standing beside him, finally spoke up. She had remained silent until now, feeling it wasn't her place to intervene.
"Does she look sixteen to you?"
"...No, sir. While she is a model soldier, her behavior is hardly that of a young girl. I suffered much more physical and mental distress after my first actual combat."
"Exactly. That is the normal reaction. However, Garnet is still just barely on the normal side. The real problem is Ainsworth."
Lydia Ainsworth.
Her existence stood out even within the Special Selection Unit "Astral." Every one of her skills was of the highest standard. Furthermore, even in her first actual combat, she had exercised her magic without issue and neutralized her opponents with chilling efficiency.
The upper echelons of the military, Henrick included, could do nothing but marvel at those results.
A girl of only sixteen had completed her mission without flinching at the reality of combat. While she didn't kill her opponents, she didn't hesitate to lop off limbs with her Ice Sword.
The two of them could only stare in shock at her achievements.
"...That's true. Even I was surprised by her."
"Yeah. Because of that, we need to look after her properly. Besides, that thing always haunts geniuses."
"...Overheat?"
"Yes."
Overheat.
It was a phenomenon frequently observed in high-ranking sorcerers—a state where the Magic Area runs wild and burns out. It was said that the resulting pain was beyond imagination.
Even among sorcerers hailed as geniuses, there were many who had been forced to retire due to Overheat.
It was no exaggeration to say that for the three girls—especially Lydia—Overheat was the greatest concern right now.
"Let's keep an eye on her. We can't afford to lose her as an asset, of course, but I also simply like her positive attitude. It would be a waste to lose her. It's better for the unit to have a bright atmosphere, after all."
"...Are you a lolicon?"
Flor stared at him with half-closed eyes, causing him to panic and deny it.
"Of course not! This is strictly as a superior officer!"
"Well, let's leave it at that for now."
Despite such exchanges, the activities of the Special Selection Unit "Astral" proceeded smoothly.
Eventually, they arrived in the Far East, where the conflict was most intense. In a small country in the Far East, intense magical combat was breaking out for unknown reasons. They officially received a request and entered the country.
Depending on the situation, they had been authorized to use force to suppress the conflict, but what greeted them was scorched earth as far as the eye could see.
"This is terrible..."
"Yeah. Fire-type magic, clearly... It's completely burnt to the ground."
Looking at the charred wasteland, the signs of magic were obvious. It was unknown who was responsible, but charred bodies lay scattered about. There was no doubt they were already dead.
They headed to a nearby village, but it was the same story there. Since it was the first time Lydia and the others had seen destruction on this scale, they could only stand there in a daze.
But in the midst of the silence, Lydia suddenly broke into a run.
"Hey, Lydia! What's wrong!?"
Ignoring Abby's voice, she dashed across the scorched earth. Without listening to the shouts of the other unit members, she moved forward single-mindedly.
—No mistake! Someone is alive!!
She ran. Lydia had felt a faint sign. It was Prima Materia leaking from someone who was definitely still breathing.
As she pursued the sensation, she discovered a small child let out a low groan.
"Hey! Are you okay!?"
The child had collapsed on the spot. His body was in tatters, and it was clear at a glance that he was on the verge of death.
She immediately began applying healing magic. The external injuries were severe, but if she acted now, she could make it in time.
With that thought, Lydia desperately focused her magic. As the boy's breathing stabilized, it seemed he had escaped the clutches of death.
"Lydia. That child is...?"
"Apparently the sole survivor. I felt a presence here. I'm glad I made it in time."
Afterward, the rest of the unit gathered and took the boy into their protection.
This was the meeting between Lydia and her companions and Ray—