"Dunkirk, are you still alive and well?" Maria's teasing tone didn't sound at all urgent, making Dunkirk momentarily think that Maria hadn't even heard about the attack on Pobug yet.

This made Dunkirk so angry that she didn't even bother with proper etiquette, roaring at the intercom.

"Lady Maria! What time is it now, and you still dare to joke around!"

"I almost died! I almost didn't get to see Lady Maria again!"

"Don't worry... don't worry for now. My dear little Dunkirk."

"It's just this level of attack, still well within my expectations."

Maria's casual words left Dunkirk stunned.

"W... what?"

"Even this is within your expectations!"

"Truly worthy of Lady Maria...!"

"So... have you called for reinforcements yet? Or do you have any instructions for me?"

Upon hearing Maria's comforting words, Dunkirk's emotions noticeably stabilized. As if taking a soothing pill, Dunkirk, using her usual tone, politely asked Maria.

"Reinforcements are impossible."

"I've talked to Lachésis."

"Our scouts informed me that Oedipus has stationed almost all of Kyopa's military personnel on the mountains behind Lachésis castle."

"But they haven't taken action yet."

"I suspect Oedipus wants to hold Lachésis back and prevent them from sending troops to support us."

"But don't worry, they won't be able to spare any troops to help us here."

"I've asked Gabriel to keep an eye on them in Lachésis... they won't start a fight over there if they don't want mutual destruction."

"The real battle between Oedipus and me will be decided on our side... Pobug is the real main battlefield."

Maria's voice flowed like a bubbling stream, comforting Dunkirk.

However, Dunkirk couldn't relax given the current circumstances.

"But Lady Maria... I just saw Oedipus earlier, didn't I?!"

"You can say she was a fake person, or disguised with a backdrop. But that Incandescent spiral can't possibly be fake, right!"

"That power... that destructiveness... besides Oedipus, who else in the world today could create such a thing?"

Dunkirk questioned in confusion, fearing that Oedipus might reveal another demon-level force.

"You'll have to judge this matter, Lord Dunkirk."

Dunkirk could almost hear a hint of laughter from Maria through the intercom. It was laughter that seemed to break through numerous barriers, finally arriving like a spring breeze inland, carrying a youthful and relieving aura.

"Oedipus is the most skilled demon in deception and disguise."

"She not only deceived us."

"But deceived herself deeply."

"To be her enemy, suspicions and doubts are inevitable."

"However, to confirm whether the Oedipus on Pobug's side is truly Oedipus."

"Please follow her closely for me."

"If confirmed, you are authorized to use the missile anytime."

"I've told the guard department, and you're the only one authorized to fire the missile now."

"Don't disappoint me."

"Lord Dunkirk."

As the intercom closed, Dunkirk called out several times, but there was no response from the other end.

"Wait, Lady Maria..."

"Where are you now?..."

"Uh, did you hang up already."

Dunkirk tried calling again, but there was still no response.

Although worried about Maria's situation, Dunkirk decided to focus on her own mission first.

"...My mission has been updated, Merka."

"Anyway, I need to find Oedipus first..."

"You go protect Turing for now."

Dunkirk tidied up her ragged clothes, wiped her tired face, and said to Merka.

"...Instructor Dunkirk, I have a question."

"How did Oedipus get in?"

"Didn't Archbishop Maria arrange thousands of guards to constantly monitor the city walls?"

Merka asked in confusion.

"Uh... well... I'm not entirely sure."

"Is it because... her disguise with a backdrop looks convincing?"

"So she can bear the high cost of magic."

Dunkirk blushed unconsciously, lowering her head in embarrassment.

Although the current situation was not entirely her fault, Dunkirk, who had let Oedipus in, accepted a large part of the blame.

"How is that possible?"

"I've experienced the feeling of using a backdrop... if you don't understand the true intentions of the target behind the disguise... the magic consumption is astronomical."

"This is definitely more than just a simple act to pull off."