While I was pondering a strategy that had come to me, the door burst open with a deafening crash.
Standing there in the posture of having just kicked it open was Diera.
Yura was behind her.
(I wonder what they want.)
While I was questioning this, the two of them entered the room.
Diera paused, furrowed her brow, and twitched her nose.
"...The Great Spirit was here, wasn't she?"
"Yes, she provided me with crucial information."
As I answered, I eyed Diera's actions with suspicion.
She seemed to be sniffing for something, but did the Great Spirit really leave a scent behind?
As an undead, I have lost both my sense of taste and smell.
Judging by the Great Spirit's appearance, it didn't seem like she would have a scent.
Well, strange behavior from Diera was nothing new.
Overthinking her motives was generally pointless.
Yura was also tilting her head in confusion, so I might as well leave them be.
I recounted my conversation with the Great Spirit to the pair.
Most of the content was classified, but I figured these two could be trusted.
Diera, now seated in a chair, crossed her arms and groaned.
"A savior of illusions, you say? That's a troublesome foe."
"Found discrepancy—The target is a type of special phenomenon. Killing it should be impossible."
"That thought also crossed my mind. Even you might not be able to defeat it?"
Diera and Yura voiced their agreement simultaneously.
I hadn't yet explained the core strategy.
The specifics remained undetermined.
Once the plan solidified, I would inform them.
Revealing an unstable strategy would only breed unnecessary confusion and anxiety.
I addressed their doubts.
"As it stands now, you're right. But with the right approach, it can be overcome."
"As expected of the tactician who bested me. Your keen insight from those days hasn't faded at all," Diera said with satisfaction.
Her gleaming eyes, sparkling with amusement, revealed a glint of the former Demon Lord's ambition.
Though Diera's everyday behavior often proved disappointing, her essence held the strength from when she was my archenemy.
Her fire had not diminished.
"So, what would you have us do?"
"I'm counting on you to provide support to the Demon Lord's armies across various regions. I need you to buy as much time as possible."
"Kuhaha, such a simple task is child's play!"
Diera let out a hearty laugh, seizing the moment.
She sprang to her feet, thrust a fist into the air, and dashed out through the door.
"Let's go, Yura! We shall incur a debt to the current Demon Lord!"
"Concurring with Individual Diera's proposal -- commencing support operations for the Master."
Yura glanced at me, raised her fist slightly, then left the room.
She bowed and closed the door.
Left behind, I froze with my cheek propped on my fist.
Confirming their presence had faded into the distance, I sat back in my chair.
(I still haven’t informed them of the support destinations... ah, well)
Where had they actually come from? What was their purpose here?
I hadn’t even heard what they wanted. A confusing pair indeed.
If I were still human, I’d have let out a sigh.
But they were both trying hard for my sake.
I was honestly glad for their enthusiasm.
Since instructions could be given via thought communication, there was no problem.
I straightened my back and resumed planning the operation.