[194] : Mika Offers to Train Adventurers—Bombs in Orario?

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Although Mika had lived in Orario for years, this was the first time he had heard the term "bomb." If not for Shakti, he wouldn't have imagined such a thing existing in this world of swords and magic.

Mika wasn't the only one confused; Alise was equally puzzled.

Gareth stepped forward to explain. "Based on the intelligence gathered from the industrial district, we suspect the dark faction stole those activation devices to create bombs."

"If they create bombs that anyone can detonate with those devices, the consequences could be devastating," Riveria added.

"Unlike magic swords, which require skill and training, these devices are more like magic stone tools, usable even by ordinary people without Falna. That's what we've been wary of."

"Could we be wrong?" Shakti asked, shaking her head.

"Perhaps they're waiting for the right moment, a more critical juncture, to use them," Finn suggested.

"In that case, we would appreciate it if you informed us beforehand," Gojouno said with a smile.

Mika nodded in agreement.

"We didn't inform you because, firstly, it was just a hypothesis. Secondly, if you were too vigilant, it would be difficult to lure them into attacking," Finn explained.

"So, Brave Hero, you anticipated even that surprise attack? Calculating the potential casualties like beads on an abacus, sacrificing the few for the many?"

Gojouno's smile didn't reach her eyes. She was clearly displeased with Finn's actions.

"It might sound like an excuse to say I couldn't predict the scale of the casualties, but it was thanks to your efforts that we were able to capture their main force," Finn said, shaking his head.

"The Brave Hero is truly remarkable," Allen scoffed.

"Don't mock me, Allen. Being forced to make such choices, knowing I can't prevent all casualties, is something I've grown to despise."

"Enough of this depressing talk. I didn't come here to listen to such negativity," Alise said, interrupting them.

"Indeed. Now is the time for unity, not infighting," Mika added. "And I doubt you gathered us here just for this."

"Actually," Finn began, turning to Mika, "The Hermes Familia has discovered new dark faction bases."

"New bases?!" Excitement rippled through the room. In their ongoing conflict with the dark faction, it was impossible for them to remain undetected forever.

Orario's Familias had been actively searching for their hideouts, intending to destroy them. The Hermes Familia often handled such tasks.

"It seems they're using abandoned facilities as their bases," Asfi reported.

"We've identified three locations, but we know nothing about what's inside. We couldn't get close enough to investigate. However, judging by the number of guards disguised as ordinary people stationed outside, they're highly suspicious. They could even be their main bases."

"Therefore, we'll attack all three locations simultaneously," Finn concluded.

"Let us handle one of them!" Alise volunteered immediately.

"I haven't even assigned the teams yet," Finn chuckled.

"You're going to assign one base to each of the two main Familias, right? Then leave the remaining one to us!" Alise was eager to participate.

Finn, however, looked at Mika. He was concerned about the possibility of encountering Zald and Alfia at one of the bases.

He wasn't confident in the Astraea Familia's ability to handle them alone. However, with Mika, Airmid, and Mellie's combined strength, the odds of success increased significantly.

Their prowess had been proven in the dungeon and was recognized by all.

"I'll also assign some of my Familia members to join Mika and Alise's team to bolster their forces," Shakti added.

This reassured Finn even further.

"Apologies for interrupting, but is there a possibility this is a trap?" Gojouno's question silenced the room.

"We will, of course, take precautions. Therefore, in addition to strong assault teams, we'll also need surveillance of the surrounding areas." Finn turned to Royman.

"Royman, request assistance from all capable Familias—Hephaestus, Ishtar, Dionysus…everyone."

"Very well. For the sake of Orario's peace," Royman sighed.

"The Hermes Familia will be responsible for monitoring the entire city. Report any unusual activity immediately."

"Understood. I'll ensure my Familia carries out their duties diligently," Asfi confirmed.

"As you all know, this will be a large-scale operation."

"Now that we've discovered their bases, we can't ignore them."

"We will strike first!" Finn declared. "The operation will commence in three days. Begin your preparations."

"Finn, as a precaution, we should prepare a special signal flare," Mika suggested.

"If we encounter Zald and Alfia, we'll need to alert the others immediately."

"After all, if we face only one of them, it's manageable. But if we encounter both simultaneously, any of our teams could be in grave danger."

Finn nodded in agreement. "That's an excellent suggestion. I'll have someone create a special signal flare after the meeting. I almost overlooked that. Do you have any other suggestions?"

Mika considered their words, then hesitantly suggested, "Perhaps…we could train together?"

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"Train together?" Everyone was taken aback.

"I'm referring to Ottar, Finn, and perhaps Gareth. I could offer some guidance on your Martial Arts. What do you think?" Mika asked.

After all, both Finn and Ottar were higher level than him. He wasn't sure if they would accept his offer.

"Martial arts training? Intriguing," Finn said with a smile. Both he and Ottar admired Mika's martial arts prowess. They had never seen anything like it, not even among the legendary heroes of the Zeus and Hera Familias. Mika's offer was tempting.

"But why? You wouldn't offer such guidance without a reason," Finn inquired, sensing a hidden motive.

Mika blushed slightly. "Actually, I've encountered both Alfia and Zald recently. They learned a great deal from my swordsmanship during our duels."

"Their skills have evolved significantly. While not quite at my level,"

"Therefore, I thought I could offer some guidance to prevent my earlier exchanges from inadvertently hindering your chances of victory against them."

"I wouldn't be able to bear that responsibility."

"I see," Finn said, understanding now. "In that case, I must accept your offer."

"Count me in as well. I'd also like to improve my martial arts," Gareth added.

"Can you also offer guidance with archery?" Riveria asked.

"Of course," Mika replied with a smile.

With the three members of the Loki Familia agreeing, he turned his attention to Ottar and Allen.

Allen was about to refuse, but Ottar spoke first. "All four of us will participate." He included Hogni and Hedin, the other two Level 6 executives of the Freya Familia.

"Hey! Don't decide for me!" Allen protested.

"If you want to be left behind, feel free to refuse. You should understand the level of Mika's martial arts."

Allen immediately shut his mouth. He wouldn't miss any opportunity to catch up to Ottar, his rival and the one he aspired to surpass.

"Excellent. Then I'll be waiting for you all at my Familia home this afternoon," Mika said with a smile.

"Mika, can we participate as well?" Alise asked, seeing that even Orario's strongest were willing to learn from him. Behind her, Gojouno's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"I can teach you, but it will have to wait. Your current opponents are the dark faction, and your current strength is sufficient. However, our opponents are those two legends. We need every advantage we can get."

"Therefore, they need my guidance more during these three days."

Alise nodded in understanding. Gojouno often sought Mika's advice on swordsmanship. She had plenty of opportunities to learn from him in the future. After all, their Familias were allies.

"Any other questions?" Finn asked.

Seeing no further inquiries, he said, "Then let's adjourn."

The attendees nodded and filed out of the room, their expressions grim. After all, the battle in three days might very well be the decisive confrontation.

As they departed, a Guild member who had accompanied Royman slipped away unnoticed.

…

"According to our informant within the Guild, the attack on the dark faction bases will commence in three days," a dark faction executive announced in a dimly lit room.

"Hahaha! Everything is proceeding as planned. We should thank our 'faithful follower' within the Guild!" Valletta, another executive, laughed triumphantly.

"Ever since she infiltrated the Guild five years ago, we haven't asked her for any information. This was our one-time request for crucial intel."

"As expected of a spy we've trained for so long. She's truly reliable!"

"A spy you left completely unchecked, operating in the shadows for years. I never took you for the patient type, Valletta. Who knew you had such a long-term strategy?" Another executive remarked.

It was Witt, the one who had clashed with the Astraea Familia a few days ago.

"Idiot, she's our trump card, one we couldn't risk using prematurely, especially not with Finn and the gods around. Any suspicious activity would have exposed her. We had to be patient."

"Speaking of which, Witt, where is your god? Isn't he the mastermind behind this plan?" Valletta asked, her voice sharp.

"Well, he is a God. I imagine he's off amusing himself somewhere," Witt replied with a chuckle.

"Tsk. A mastermind should act like one, not gallivanting around like a child. Whatever." Valletta shook her head and turned to address the two figures standing in the shadows.

"The feast begins in three days. Prepare yourselves, our true Aces."

The figures she addressed were Alfia and Zald.

…

"We're attacking the dark faction bases in three days?" Yahweh asked after Mika relayed the information from the Guild meeting. Even she was surprised by the news.

"Yes. And I have a feeling this will be our decisive battle against them," Mika said seriously, pressing his hand to his forehead.

He looked at Mellie and Airmid. "As you know, I'll be training Ottar and the others during these next few days. I'll leave the preparations to you two. I'll make a list of supplies; make sure we're fully prepared for this operation."

"Leave it to us!" they replied in unison.

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