While I was refining the plan that had just come to me, the door flew open with a thunderous bang.
Diera stood there, still poised in the aftermath of a kick.
Yuura was right behind her.
What on earth could they want?
As I wondered, the two of them stepped into the room.
Diera stopped suddenly, furrowing her brows as she sniffed the air.
"…The Great Spirit was here, was she not?"
"Yes, she provided some vital information," I replied, eyeing Diera’s behavior with suspicion.
She was acting as if she were tracking a scent. Did the Great Spirit leave some kind of smell behind?
Being undead, I had long since lost my senses of taste and smell. Looking at the Great Spirit’s ethereal form, I found it hard to believe she possessed an odor.
Then again, Diera’s behavior was always bizarre. There was little point in trying to overanalyze her. Yuura was merely tilting her head in confusion as well, so I decided to let it be.
I relayed the details of my conversation with the Great Spirit to the two of them. While most of the content was highly classified, I judged that I could trust them with the truth.
Diera sat in a chair and crossed her arms, letting out a low groan.
"The Imaginary Savior, eh? A troublesome foe indeed."
"Inquiry: the opponent is a type of Special Phenomenon. Killing it is deemed impossible."
"I thought as much," Diera added. "No matter how powerful you may be, surely even you cannot defeat such a thing?"
Diera and Yuura offered their opinions in unison.
I had yet to explain the actual strategy. The specific details weren't quite finalized yet, and I planned to inform them once the plan was solid. Discussing an unstable plan would only invite unnecessary confusion and anxiety.
I answered their doubts directly. "It is certainly impossible as things stand, but it can be resolved with the right approach."
"Just as I’d expect from the Tactician who defeated me… It seems your keen insight hasn't dulled a bit," Diera said, looking satisfied.
Her eyes gleamed with amusement, offering a glimpse of the imposing aura she had once wielded as the previous Demon Lord. Though her daily behavior was often markedly disappointing, her essence still harbored the same strength she’d possessed when we were arch-rivals. She hadn't weakened in the slightest.
"So, what is it you need from us?"
"I need you to support the Demon King's Army across various regions. Buy me as much time as possible."
"Kuhaha! A task of that level is child's play!"
Diera let out a boisterous laugh, as if she’d been waiting for this moment. She stood up vigorously, thrust a fist into the air, and dashed back toward the door.
"Come, Yuura! We are going to make the current Demon King owe us a debt!"
"Agreement with Individual Name Diera’s proposal—commencing support for Master."
Yuura glanced at me, raised a small fist of her own, and followed Diera out. She gave a polite bow before closing the door behind them.
Left alone, I sat frozen with my chin resting in my hand. Once I was sure their presences had faded into the distance, I leaned back in my chair.
I haven't even told them which locations need support yet… well, whatever.
Come to think of it, why had they even come here? I hadn't heard a single word about their original business.
They really were an incomprehensible pair.
Had I still been human, I surely would have let out a heavy sigh. However, they were clearly motivated to work for my sake, and I was honestly happy to see their enthusiasm.
Since I could provide specific instructions via Telepathy anyway, it wasn't a problem.
Straightening my posture, I returned to the task of refining the plan.