Rahman looked hesitant. "...This actually makes things difficult for me."
Paimon looked at Lumine and said, "Hey! Let's do something too!"
Lumine said, "I can help. I can control my strength."
Rahman laughed. "Haha! I knew you'd say that."
Paimon quickly added, "If we take down more of our own people, there'll be fewer chances for the guards to get involved! Even if... even if it only helps a little, it's still something!"
Lumine said, "Perhaps we shouldn't let Rahman and his men's resolve go to waste either."
Rahman laughed heartily. "Cyno, on behalf of my brothers, I thank you for your kindness. But this is a mission with no turning back. Comrades are important, but what we're about to accomplish is even more so."
"Not fearing casualties—that's because we want the benefits that victory brings. Support our grand ambition! Perhaps this is the true spirit of the desert people."
[Paimon: I never imagined that people who once opposed the Dendro Archon, who opposed Nahida, would make such a choice.]
[Yae Miko: This is also in their interest. After Nahida is rescued, the lives of the desert people will improve.]
[Dehya: What convinced Rahman to help was the fact that the Lesser Lord Kusanali saved Aaru Village—showing the desert people that she truly loves everyone equally and sincerely.]
[Paimon: Yes. This is the reward for kindness. It was Nahida's goodness that earned the desert's help.]
[Ningguang: And it was the Akademiya's malice that earned greater malice in return.]
Cyno was moved. "...Ha. Since you've said that, I can't argue any further."
"But remember—stick to the plan. Don't do anything out of line. Candace made it very clear: only by ensuring your own safety can the plan succeed."
"Since we both recognize the significance of this mission, there should be no divide between followers of the Dendro Archon and followers of King Deshret. Everyone's life matters."
Rahman said, "Good. I promise you. For the sake of this grand ambition—let's move!"
[Amber: I hope the operation goes smoothly! Hopefully, no one gets hurt!]
[Furina: The determination of the desert people for their own grand ambition is truly admirable!]
[Arataki Itto: If things get tough, let me join in too! Watch me take down all the guards with one punch!]
[Kujou Sara: Idiot! This operation is about deliberately losing to the guards so they'll escort you into Sumeru City as prisoners! Use your head when watching the video.]
[Arataki Itto: Haha, I misspoke! I meant I'll help Cyno gently take down the desert brothers, hahaha.]
In the video:
Cyno led Lumine and Paimon to the guards' post.
A guard named Gaete was surprised. "General Mahamatra? What... what brings you here?"
Cyno said seriously, "Keep your voice down."
"This is a covert operation. I'll be leading troops here to capture a major criminal organization. According to the Akademiya's Covert Operations Guidelines, I have the authority to request cooperation from Caravan Ribat."
Gaete and the other guards nodded repeatedly. "Of course, of course! Lord Cyno's orders are the Akademiya's orders. We'll cooperate fully."
"But, if I may ask—who are you planning to capture? How many are there? We'll decide whether to report upward based on the scale of the operation."
[Paimon: He seems pretty serious about it.]
[Dehya: Soldiers have to take their work seriously too. No one wants to lose their job.]
[Yae Miko: This is where it all depends on success.]
[Paimon: I'm curious, I'm curious.]
Cyno explained coldly, "The target is a branch of the Eremites, roughly the same size as the Ayn Al-Ahmar operating in Port Ormos. They're connected to an internal theft and resale chain within the Akademiya."
Gaete was shocked. "The size of the Ayn Al-Ahmar! I think this operation should be classified as a joint capture."
Cyno said seriously, "I suggest you report it immediately and arrange for personnel to accompany me, following the high standards of desert military operations."
Gaete said, "Yes! Please wait a moment. I'll make contact immediately!"
[Paimon: Looks like it won't be easy to bluff our way through this.]
[Alhaitham: We can't pin our hopes of victory on our opponent's mistakes.]
After the guards left,
Lumine praised, "Cyno, you're very commanding when you handle things."
Cyno nodded in response, "That's how I present myself to the outside world."