The scenery changed once again within these last remaining minutes of preparation. All of us could now be seen gathered around a table. Courtesy of Elnan, he provided us a full map of Grancel City, showing several of the vantage points for this Instance Dungeon. Going with the flow, Colonel Richard took the helm. Colonel Richard initially proposed Cassius to be the one to devise the strategy for this monster raid, but Cassius rejected the proposal. He was no longer part of the Royal Army. And seeing as I was the one who caused this Instance Dungeon to appear, all of it fell on Colonel Richard's shoulders. I did feel a little bit of pity for suddenly tossing this on him, but he could only accept the role he was given.
After placing several pieces on the map, Colonel Richard looked up, and spoke out.
"So here's how it's going to go down. We've four areas to cover. That means four teams. We have twelve people. I don't understand all of the logistics of this blue screen yet, but we can move forward with our assignments. Any questions so far?", Colonel Richard asked. We all glanced at each other, then all eyes fell on me.
"You'll learn about that in a bit, Colonel. You may proceed.", I answered.
"Very well.", Colonel Richard said. One by one, he placed the pieces against the gates of three blocks. Then three more in front of Grancel Castle. "To begin with, Grancel City is covered by three gates in East Block, South Block, and West Block. We will have three groups assigned at their respective gates, ready to fend off the incoming monsters. They might already be swarming the Blocks by the time we arrive, seeing as we only have a few minutes left to reach our respective destinations. As for the North Block, that area is a bit special. It does not have a gate like the other three Blocks. Instead, it serves as the last line of defense before intruders can make their way into Grancel Castle. While the castle itself may not be affected by this raid, we can still use it to our advantage. But likewise, so can the monsters.", Colonel Richard continued, explaining the strategy.
"Makes sense. Grancel Castle was one of the only buildings that wasn't laid to waste during the war, showing just how sturdy it truly is. The monsters will definitely try to find a way around that. They could potentially even launch a surprise attack against us from below. From the surface of the water. Grancel Castle is built atop Valleria Lake after all.", Zin responded, and did a gesture of his arms by crossing them with each other. Huh. Now that I think about it, I hadn't thought about this from that angle. I just thought we would be besieged from the streets beyond the city. Zin does prove a good point there. Monsters could rush out of the watery depths...
"That's right. We will need to tread carefully where we go. It will go as follows. His Highness, His Highness's confidant Emma, and I will make our way to the North Block. The Bracers Zin, Cassius and Scherazard will make their way to the South Block. And as much as I hate to impose it, our guests from afar, Lady Aurelia, Sir Mueller, and...I'm sorry, who were you again?", Colonel Richard asked, looking at the golden blonde-haired man near us.
"Hehe, it looks like Sir Colonel forgot about you.", Princess Alfin said, giggling.
"I'm hurt by that. But I know right now is no laughing matter. You may simply address me as "Olivier", Sir Colonel. I am quite an expert marksman myself and dabble in an array of Arts. As long as I have the appropriate cover, that is.", Prince Olivert said, reminding Colonel Richard of what he could do. He even brought out a hidden orbal pistol from his lute. That's right, he kept it inside that, didn't he.
"...You kept something like that in there this entire time!?", Estelle blurted out, shocked.
"Haha, you have to be ready for a lot of things, Estelle my dear. It is but for self-defense purposes, unless I am brought into weird situations like this one. Allow me to offer you my marvelous combat techniques~", Prince Olivert said, giving us that weird smile of his.
"Right...", Colonel Richard said, and simply nodded his head. "Then Olivier, you will assist Lady Aurelia and Sir Mueller and act as their support. Find a vantage point befit of your post."
"Understood, Colonel.", Prince Olivert said, nodding his head.
"Good. Then you three will be assigned to East Block.", Colonel Richard said, causing the three to nod their heads.
"Then I guess that leaves the two of us to tackle West Block. The only question is, who will be our back-up? Both Ries and I are quite well versed in Arts while Ries handles the front and I handle the back. A second frontrunner or mid-ranged striker will help us fight back those monsters I reckon.", Kevin said. Hearing that, I raised my eyes at him.
"You sure you want to participate in this, Kevin?", I asked, surprised to see him volunteer for this.
"How can we not with such an interestin' group of folks ya gathered, Yer Highness? Ya got several influential groups gathered here. The Royal Army for one. Then ya got the Bracer Guild, and even some nobles backin' ya. Throw in the Septian Church then it's an entire party! It isn't often we get to collab on exercises like this. It is considered one, since it's a provin' ground. I'm not sure what exactly it's tryin' to prove, though.", Kevin said, explaining his side of the story.
"Haha, if I told you it was for the sole purpose of gathering experience, would you believe me?", I said to everyone while scratching my cheeks.
"The entirety of Grancel City turned into this...just so we can improve ourselves!?", Cassius asked, showing eyes full of doubt.
"That's the basis. I've tackled a few of these Instance Dungeons myself. I can't exactly control them. They happen sporadically. When it does happen, we have to take full advantage of it. Lady Aurelia can attest to this, seeing as she participated on one before.", I said, looking back at Aurelia. She nodded her head to my words. Prince Olivert was there in the one that happened back at Dreichel's Plaza, but right now, he's Olivier. Many here don't know he's Erebonia's Crown Prince. I'd rather not have that cover blown, so I shifted my eyes toward Aurelia. I wondered if she knew my intention here. We locked eyes before Aurelia answered on my behalf.
"It's as Naoto says. These Dungeons are quite interesting, to say the least. Call them a simulation with benefits. I received a new technique from the one I participated in the past. That very well may happen again. I already have an itch to try it out, haha!", Aurelia said, and pulled out her large blade out of nowhere. She easily swung it around like it was part of her own being.
"That leaves you with one spot. I too participated in one of them, so I'll sit this one out. You can decide amongst yourselves. I feel like having a nap.", McBurn said, yawning.
"Even if you're related to His Highness, don't try any funny business. My gut's been screaming at me saying you're immensely powerful.", Colonel Richard said, gripping his sword.
"Heh. Given another place and time, I'd love to fight you. Sadly, I don't see that happening. Good luck, or whatever.", McBurn said. "I've already finished my task I was assigned for. You know what we talked about, Your Highness. You know how to reach out to me.", McBurn said, and turned toward the exit.
"Yeah. Thanks, McBurn. I mean it.", I said at his retreating figure. McBurn simply raised the backside of his hand, and waved back at us. We didn't wait around to see him vanish into the monochrome dungeon. He'll probably watch the event unfold from a distance.
"Such a weird guy.", Estelle said. "Didn't you say you knew him somehow, Joshua?"
"I'm not entirely sure. He feels familiar, but I just can't remember for some reason.", Joshua said. The Faceless likely wiped his memory clean of McBurn's existence, so all Joshua can feel right now is his presence. He shook his head, denying that.
"Then let us figure out who will be in this last slot. We've only a couple minutes left before we have to mobilize. Her Highness fighting is out of the question. I know His Highness has earned combat experience, but you do not, correct?", Colonel Richard asked, looking at Kloe.
"I've only recently begun self-defense training, unfortunately. I will sit this one out, and stay here within the Bracer Guild. Even if we don't directly participate, we can still help relay information and use the Guild as a base camp of sorts. You don't mind, do you, Elnan?", Kloe asked.
"I do not. For those who don't wish to participate in the fighting, you're more than welcome to use the Guild as a temporary base. If His Highness's words hold true, then this is no different from our combat drills. Just the scale is much larger than usual. Honestly, it will give us good practice to see how we do against large groups of monsters.", Elnan answered.
"If that's the case, then I will refrain from joining the frontline, and stay beside Her Highness. Princess Klaudia also has her guests to entertain, so we will be busy here ourselves.", Julia said, requesting to stay beside Princess Klaudia.
"Schreee~", Sieg also said, happily flapping his wings and landed beside Julia. Seeing this, Kloe smiled.
"Thank you, Julia. I know I can always count on you.", Kloe said, smiling at her.
"Then let one of us two fight, Naoto! Dad's been training us.", Estelle suggested. I could see a look of anticipation in her eyes. But before I could even answer, Cassius immediately rejected Estelle's suggestion.
"No, you won't. You two are still wet behind the ears. It will be a few years out before both you and Joshua can even take the Junior Bracer Exam, Estelle. Leave the fighting to us. You will help Her Highness and stay inside the Guild. Do I make myself clear on that?", Cassius immediately shot back. It wasn't often Estelle saw Cassius's serious side. Before Estelle could fight back, Joshua nodded his head.
"We understand, dad. We'll wish you the best of luck.", Joshua said.
"Joshua...", Estelle uttered, seeing Joshua stick in for her before she could say anything.
"Then I guess that just leaves us two, doesn't it?", Angelica asked. She looked to her side, and saw a rather old fellow next to her. It was Phillip, my swordsmanship teacher. "I'd love to go in and pummel a bunch of monsters to death, but I'll sit this one out and make sure things don't go sideways inside the Bracer Guild."
"Thank you, Angie.", I happily said to her. I know Angelica can be...weird at times, but honestly, she knows how to do business. I can leave Kloe and Princess Alfin to her, as well as Estell and Joshua.
"So it has come to this. Allow me to offer my services once again. My blade is yours, Young Master. I shall assist the Septian Church and fight back the monsters in West Block.", Phillip said, holding on to his sheath.
"I've heard rumors of you, Sir Phillip. I expect great things from this battle. The same goes for you Lady Aurelia. Sir Mueller. You all hold respected styles of the way of the sword. Myself and Sir Cassius included. May the fortune of battle shine upon you all.", Colonel Richard said, finishing the strategy meeting with a blessing. We all saw our respective placements on the map, and all nodded our heads.
"Then let me initiate the final step. Without this, none of you will be able to gain any experience from this Instance Dungeon.", I said to everyone, causing them to all look at me.
I went through the Gamer System and had it prompt a new Gamer Notification. Each one appeared over the eleven people that were assigned to this Instance Dungeon.
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has invited you. Would you like to join the Party?]