As Amber was lost in her recollection, the distance between both sides rapidly closed. The figures of the DEM combat unit, masters of the Realizer, were now clearly visible.
Naturally, the same was true for the other side.
"Halt your movement!"
Noticing the petite figure flying high above and approaching the group, the combat team leader furrowed her brows and immediately issued the order.
The twelve-member combat unit acted in unison, adjusting their postures and hovering in formation.
The leader narrowed her eyes, carefully observing the figure that continued to approach. A name that had vanished two years ago flickered faintly in her mind, yet she found it hard to believe.
But in truth, the very fact that she had ordered the unit to stop because of that mental image betrayed her inner turmoil.
"Identify yourself! Capable of flight at this altitude—are you one of Schicksal's Valkyries?"
As Amber closed within a hundred meters, the leader called out to inquire.
"Indeed."
Seeing that they showed no intention to attack, Amber likewise held back: "I am the captain of the Immortal Blades, Durandal. I've come in hopes that you will abort this operation."
"Durandal?"
The leader's already furrowed brows tightened further. She had considered the possibility that the girl before her might have some connection to Durandal—after all, she had seen files containing images of Durandal as a child—but to claim she was the real deal…
"How could Durandal be a child like you?"
"Certain… circumstances led to my current form."
Amber couldn't very well explain that she'd previously drawn "Bright Knight: Excelsis" and now had "Reign Solaris," hence this change.
Even though the Bright Knight: Excelsis Durandal was powerful, and Reign Solaris was a "weakened" version, the standard for that weakening was still Palatinus Equinox level.
She couldn't compare to Palatinus Equinox, of course, but she was more than a match for Bright Knight: Excelsis.
Worried about being misunderstood, Amber kindly added, "Though my appearance has reverted to that of a child, my strength remains undiminished. If anything, as time passes, I'm still growing stronger."
"Captain, she can't possibly be Durandal. She must be a clone…"
One of the DEM combatants voiced over the team channel.
Hearing this, the team leader inwardly shook her head in amusement.
"I'd rather believe Durandal has regressed in age for some reason than believe a technology exists that could successfully clone her."
Do you really think there aren't forces in this world interested in replicating Durandal's power?
Various factions had, to some extent, obtained samples of Durandal's DNA. After all, simply by existing and moving through the world, one inevitably leaves traces.
But no cloning experiment had ever managed to reproduce even a fraction of Durandal's power—not one ten-thousandth, not even one hundred-thousandth.
If such a thing were possible, plans for mass-producing Durandal units would have been underway long ago.
"In that case, we'll take our leave."
After addressing her comrade's doubt, the leader spoke plainly.
Amber, who had expected a fight, was slightly taken aback.
"I'm not so arrogant as to believe I could stand against that Durandal. In a real fight, you'd probably crush us in under two minutes."
The leader shrugged nonchalantly. "Realizer units aren't cheap. Pointless damage is a terrible waste."
"Is that so? But if you return just like that, won't you face punishment?"
Amber extended a hand, and a cyan-white spear materialized in her grasp. She smiled. "If it's just a spar, I'd be happy to oblige."
Her attitude surprised the combat team.
When it came to Durandal, the most immediate impression was that of a once-in-a-generation genius, whose radiance eclipsed every other self-proclaimed prodigy in the world.
Typically, such geniuses possessed a pride matching their talent. Perhaps not outright arrogance, but a certain haughtiness should be evident.
Even though their organizations were technically rivals, what they felt from her was a friendliness and openness entirely devoid of condescension.
"Don't worry about punishment."
Infected by her smile, the leader also chuckled.
"You've been gone these two years, so you might not know. Your images and data are things people like us have studied countless times."
"In fact, due to considerations for human rights, finances, and other factors, we even have a rule: 'Upon encountering Durandal, mission abandonment is permitted.'"
After all, no organization's military strength grows on trees. Schicksal wasn't a mere brute force organization, but armed conflicts inevitably led to casualties—sacrifices no one wanted to see, arising from various unforeseen circumstances.
Both personnel and military resources were valuable assets to every faction. No one could afford to squander them recklessly.
Of course, this assumed a situation that didn't require throwing lives away. If that changed, it would be a different story altogether.
"Alright, if that's the case, we'll part ways here."
Amber felt this rule had a strange sense of familiarity, making her a little embarrassed. But if the matter could be resolved without a fight, that was fine by her.
"I hope the next time we meet, it won't be on the battlefield."
The leader nodded, her tone half-joking, half-serious.
With that, both sides turned and headed back the way they came.
As the distance between them grew, the soldier who had spoken earlier couldn't resist asking, "Captain, since she offered to spar, and there'd be no real risk, why didn't we test her capabilities?"
"Unnecessary."
Their relationship was good, so the leader didn't mind explaining. "A spar wouldn't reveal much. More importantly, reporting the news of Durandal's reappearance is the higher priority."
As she spoke, she sent the message to command.
In matters like this, every second counted. Whether the girl was the real deal or not, Durandal's return was major news capable of directly influencing DEM's various decisions.
It was possible some operation might suffer worse consequences just because they were a moment too late.
The probability was small, but if it could happen, it was best to avoid it.
Meanwhile, Amber, having accomplished her task without lifting a finger, returned directly to the Ratatoskr's cabin.
Facing a surprised Itsuka Kotori and the ever-smiling Rita, she said breezily, "It's handled."
"So fast? It feels like barely three minutes have passed!"
Kotori couldn't fathom how an elite DEM squad could be dealt with in just three minutes. "That's barely enough time to get there and back! Did you finish the fight in a single second?"
"Not a chance. Even for me, facing an elite squad would take about two minutes."
Durandal stated the facts plainly. "Actually, we just met, talked, and then they turned around and left."
"Oh... Wait, what?"
Hold on—two minutes to take down a DEM elite squad? If you weren't Durandal, I'd think you were talking nonsense.
But since she was Durandal, and remembering the maid's words—'Lady Durandal is different'—Kotori could only take a deep breath and say, "You were too quick. I haven't even had time to contact headquarters. How about you stay in Tengu City for the day? We can give you an answer tomorrow, or perhaps tonight."
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T/N: Why is bro aura farming
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.