Meanwhile, to step back slightly in time to October 8th, at the temporary headquarters of Nostalgia.
Elena had summoned every executive currently available.
There were fifteen in total. The fact that eleven of them were women was a testament to how many of the current generation were Elena’s personal protégés.
"Now then, I would like to begin this emergency meeting."
Arietta Eoreal, acting as chairperson, declared the session open.
"As you have likely heard, the Magic Federation has been significantly weakened. In other words, the time has come for our triumphant resurgence."
A few of the executives tilted their heads, seemingly unfamiliar with the formal, archaic phrasing Arietta had used. Elena stepped in to provide a simpler explanation.
"Essentially, she means that this is the perfect opportunity to restore our organization’s power."
A murmur of realization and excitement swept through the room.
"Furthermore, we have secured a promise of cooperation from a most reliable source."
This news did even more to bolster their morale. The atmosphere in the meeting hall grew palpably heated.
"First, I shall ask Alum, a comrade who was brainwashed until only recently, to explain the enemy’s current situation."
Arietta gestured toward Alum Pit.
"I am Alum Pit. Fortunately, my brainwashing has been undone, and I have been able to return to where I truly belong. Regarding the state of our enemies..."
Alum went on to repeat the details she had shared previously when Jin was present.
"I see, I see."
"It is indeed a golden opportunity."
"A once-in-a-lifetime chance!"
The room became boisterously lively, with the few male executives being particularly vocal.
"Quiet, please!" Arietta rebuked them. "Let us hear the opinion of Elena-sama."
The hall fell silent at once, the executives nodding in agreement that their advisor's word was paramount.
"As your advisor, here is my perspective. Currently, the Magic Federation’s internal cohesion has plummeted. After we spend a few more days inciting further division within their ranks, I intend for us to reclaim Kashimnole Base, followed by our headquarters on Electra Island."
"That is a sound plan," one of the male executives said, directing a question to Elena. "However, when you say 'a few more days,' what sort of timeframe are you considering?"
"Roughly five days to a week."
"And the reasoning for that?"
"If we wait too long, they will likely notice our movements, so I believe that duration is appropriate. Furthermore, that should provide us with enough time for our own preparations."
The questioner nodded, satisfied with the explanation.
"Are there any other questions?"
"Yes, regarding the next point..."
After answering two more queries, the meeting transitioned into the next agenda item—what was essentially a formal strategy session.
"Our next topic is what measures can be taken against Guillermo Marukitasu."
The room fell silent as if no one had an answer, until Alum spoke up.
"He seems to have almost... no, it is safe to say he has absolutely no interest in the current state of the Magic Federation."
Alum’s statement was flat and certain.
"Therefore, I believe we do not need to worry too much about him, at least not for the reclamation of Kashimnole Base."
"Hmm, that is intriguing," Wattes Schretzer remarked. As the eldest of the male executives, he listened with keen interest. "Kashimnole Base contains the mine; it is the lifeline of our material supply. Reclaiming it is a top priority."
Wattes, serving as the military staff officer, was clearly invested in the tactical side of the operation.
"Since it is distant from the Kingdom of Elias, as long as we seize the Warp Gates, we should have an excellent chance of victory."
"True. Preventing them from summoning reinforcements is vital," Liira Madagas added, and the other female executives voiced their agreement.
"But the problem remains," Wattes continued. "How do we neutralize our former comrades who are currently brainwashed?"
"Regarding that, we have been lent magi-devices from a certain source that can dispel brainwashing."
While the automaton Lise was available, Jin and Laojun had manufactured and provided these specialized devices on short notice, as they were deemed more efficient for a combat operation. Essentially, they were tools designed to deliver a shock via a specific mana wave.
"Oh, that is excellent. If we can undo the brainwashing one by one, the balance of power will quickly shift in our favor."
Wattes looked pleased as the pieces of the strategy began to fall into place.
"Kashimnole Base is known to have five Warp Gates, but there is one more—an emergency Warp Gate connected directly to this location."
This was a secret known only to a select few, and fortunately, none of those who had been brainwashed were among those who held the knowledge. Their entire plan was built around this hidden asset.
"Our first move upon teleporting in will be to disable the other Warp Gates," Wattes explained. "That will cut off their reinforcements and trap them inside."
"And in the unlikely event that someone discovers the emergency gate and tries to flee here, we will be waiting for them on this side," another member added, noting that Warp Gates functioned bi-directionally.
"Now, regarding the enemy’s combat strength... Alum, what can you tell us?"
"To the best of my knowledge, there are approximately fifty people stationed there at any given time. In addition, there are about ten combat golems."
"Hmm... Are those combat golems autonomous types?"
"They are."
Wattes Schretzer fell into thought for a moment. "How do they distinguish between friend and foe?"
"Oh, that part is simple," Alum replied. "The Magic Federation issues identification cards. Those who carry them are recognized as allies. Those who do not..."
"Are treated as enemies. I see. Simple and clear. If we only knew the specifications of those identification cards..."
"I have one right here." Alum held up her card for the room to see.
"Ah, of course. You were under their control, so it stands to reason you would have one. I wonder if it can be duplicated or forged?"
"I couldn't say for sure. From what I’ve heard, each card records the individual’s specific mana waveform."
"I see... but what happens if multiple people carry a card with the same waveform?"
"I don't know. There hasn't been a precedent for that."
Wattes grunted, acknowledging the limitation. "Still, it is better than nothing. I would like to duplicate that card and give a copy to everyone in the raid. If we are lucky, the golems will recognize us as allies, or at the very least, they might become confused. It is better than going in with no countermeasure at all."
However, there was one glaring problem with the proposal.
"But how are we going to duplicate it?"
"A good question..." Elena murmured, tilting her head.
She had previously attempted to have the cards investigated, but they were sophisticated magi-devices that had defied their analysis.
However, she smiled.
"I believe I have someone I can turn to."
Elena had the most reliable backup in the world.
"Oh, as expected of Elena-sama!"
"Give me a day or two regarding the identification cards. In the meantime, let us proceed with all other preparations for the reclamation."
"Understood. How many of our own combat golems are combat-ready?"
"Six at the moment," a young man in charge reported.
"How many more can be readied before the operation begins?"
"Well... we can likely produce one every two days."
"So in six days, we will have three more."
"Yes."
"Hmm... nine in total. We can make that work."
Wattes began considering how to deploy the units for maximum effect.
"What of our non-lethal weapons and protective gear?"
"The stock of Stun Rods is more than sufficient. As for protection, we have a full supply of barrier devices ready."
"Good. No issues there, then."
Wattes continued to refine the tactical draft. Elena reviewed his points, interjecting to address potential flaws as they went.
The meeting concluded smoothly. The date was set: the counterattack would launch in one week.
The members of Nostalgia set to work, bracing themselves for the day of reckoning.