Yami had never been the type to patiently explain situations to people, so from others' mouths, Charles learned what had actually happened.
Ever since news came of the Diamond Kingdom being conquered, the Magic Knight squads had increased surveillance of the Spade Kingdom on the other side of the strong magic region.
Especially after Asta and the others brought back intelligence about devil-possessed individuals from the Heart Kingdom's queen. The Spade Kingdom had become the greatest threat.
And due to the strong magic region, the Magic Knight squads' surveillance methods on this side didn't really have much effect.
But fortunately, the Magic Knight squads had reliable allies. Intelligence had come from the Heart Kingdom side.
Actually, Asta and the others were still in their agreed-upon six-month training period, but had left midway because of the decisive battle.
Just as the six-month special training period was about to end and the Heart Kingdom-Clover Kingdom allied forces were about to march on the Spade Kingdom, the Spade Kingdom unexpectedly made the first move.
So using Finral's spatial magic, everyone came to the Heart Kingdom together.
Charles looked around - Finral's magic had opened directly into a somewhat dim special space.
When Charles and the others arrived, Noelle, Luck, and Red Lion squad's Leopold, and Golden Dawn's Mimosa, who had returned to the Heart Kingdom earlier for training, were already waiting here.
Charles could sense this space was extraordinary, with a large amount of defensive magic deployed, as well as some techniques to block prying eyes.
Most importantly, Charles sensed a massive and special magic power in this space. It was the same spirit magic power as Salamander on Charles's body and Sylph who had contracted with Yuno.
Then Charles saw the bespectacled girl sitting on the throne ahead and the man standing behind her.
Seemingly sensing Fal within Charles's body, water gathered into human form behind the girl's throne, finally forming a tall woman with flowing water as her long dress.
Her hair was also like white waves, and her ears were like fish fins.
One of the four great spirits, water spirit Undine, guardian of the Heart Kingdom for generations. It was precisely with her assistance that the Heart Kingdom's queen had the magic power to single-handedly protect the entire kingdom and rival the entire Magic Knight squads of the Clover Kingdom.
Perhaps due to Undine's gaze, Fal also became active, so Charles released him as well.
Fal, almost identical to a true dragon, spread his wings behind Charles and roared at Undine.
Undine was slightly surprised. Although they spirits possessed the most fundamental elemental power, they also needed time to grow.
And this growth rate was also related to the quality of the contractor.
If she remembered correctly, Salamander had changed contractors less than half a year ago, yet had grown to this degree in such a short time.
Now Salamander's magic power was almost on par with her own, and she had her current power because her contractor was Lolopechka, who had inherited the power of successive Heart Kingdom queens.
Undine couldn't help but look at Charles. The reason for all this should lie with this young man.
Charles calmed Fal, who wanted to go up and fight, and said, "My apologies, but Fal means no harm."
Lolopechka spoke, "Not at all, it's rare for Undine to see others of her kind. But seeing a spirit magic user like you gives me even more confidence in this operation!"
After placing the miniaturized Fal on his shoulder, Charles said, "Then please, Your Majesty, give us a detailed briefing on the situation!"
Lolopechka nodded and spoke, "That's exactly why I've gathered everyone. After six months of special training, everyone's strength has improved considerably, and it's time to begin our operation.
Moreover, we've discovered the Spade Kingdom's recent special movements. They're marching toward the Heart Kingdom and should reach our border soon."
Undine was a water element spirit, and it was precisely through her communication with the water elements of the strong magic region that Lolopechka had received timely intelligence.
The man standing beside Lolopechka stepped forward. He wore a sleeveless robe, his short hair appeared very capable, and the scars on his cheeks added a touch of stern atmosphere.
He was none other than Gadjah, chief of the Heart Kingdom's five Spirit Guardians.
Gadjah spoke, "The Spade Kingdom has almost completely incorporated the Diamond Kingdom into its territory over these six months, and now they're marching toward the Heart Kingdom and Clover Kingdom."
Lolopechka continued, "I hope everyone can strike immediately. The Spade Kingdom's army is currently in the strong magic region."
Finral thought and said, "But wouldn't it be more advantageous for us to ambush them here!"
Mimosa also agreed, "That's right, crossing the strong magic region means they'll be in a depleted state when they reach the border. That would be the best opportunity."
Actually, everyone except Charles thought the same way.
The strong magic region wasn't easy to cross. The unstable massive magic power created extremely harsh environments. People with slightly weaker magic power couldn't resist at all and could only fall halfway.
The reason the Spade Kingdom only sent one person to attack the Diamond Kingdom was indeed because one Dark Triad's power was sufficient.
But equally, due to the strong magic region's obstruction, the Spade Kingdom's army couldn't advance.
But Lolopechka shook her head, "No, they shouldn't have any depletion. Because they're advancing here aboard a mobile fortress."
"Mobile fortress?"
Lolopechka's expression was grim as she explained, "It's a massive fortress that provides forward propulsion by extracting the magic power and life force of their own citizens."
Everyone finally understood why Lolopechka said she hoped to strike immediately.
Although they didn't know what this mobile fortress looked like, anyone could imagine it consumed considerable magic power.
And that magic power was actually obtained by exploiting civilians. Given the Spade Kingdom's style, they certainly wouldn't consider those civilians' conditions.
To have a fortress cross the vast strong magic region would cost countless civilian lives.
Charles had long known about the Spade Kingdom's methods, but hearing it still made his heart burn with anger.
Charles could still control himself, but someone didn't have such patience.
Everyone heard heavy and hurried footsteps. When they looked, they only saw Asta's retreating figure.
Charles sighed, but a smile appeared on his face.
"As expected!"
Charles wasn't worried about Asta's recklessness. On the contrary, he was gratified that Asta always maintained his consideration for others.
So Charles turned to look at Fal, who cooperatively flew up and enlarged several times.
"That idiot Asta is being foolish again, how could he chase after them alone!"
"Asta alone is too dangerous, let's quickly follow him!"
"Worthy of being my rival, I can't fall behind either!"
"Asta actually got ahead of us, I can't let him steal all the opponents!"
Charles looked at everyone eager to try and spoke, "Then let's all get on! Let's go teach those Spade Kingdom bastards a lesson together."
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