Strategic Alliance
Eek... W-why is an Executor here...?!
Prepare for combat...!
We all tightened our grips on our weapons as we fixed our eyes on her.
Clashing with an Executor out of nowhere was the last thing we wanted, but running wasn't an option either.
I just hoped no one else could hear how hard my heart was pounding.
Huh? No need to be so on edge.
I didn't come here to fight you.
I'm just here to take care of something and leave. So could you step aside?
What exactly do you mean by "something"?
Simply put, I'm going to destroy the Heart of the Star over there and leave.
So that was your intention!
We can't let you do that.
*Sigh...* I'd really prefer to avoid unnecessary conflict right now...
Can't you just move aside? Hmm?
How did I know the Heart of the Star was here, you say?
Ahaha. You think I followed you? Aren't we a little full of ourselves?
I've known the Heart of the Star was here from the very moment it was placed here.
[From the very moment it was placed here]...?
Even the ancient document that mentions this location is over two hundred years old. That can't be—
Want to hear a secret? I've lived in Monastir longer than any of you.
[For a very long time.]
What do you mean by that...?
All right. Enough talking. Step aside.
As Tyria raised her hand, a massive black greatsword appeared.
With effortless grace, she took hold of the blade and began walking toward us.
Still, not one of us moved out of her way.
...Do you not understand? Do you really think you can stop me?
Grand Master. You know what would have happened if I hadn't withdrawn back then...
Don't you?
...Kgh...!
There's no need to feel frustrated or ashamed.
If anything, the fact that you didn't make the foolish decision to order an attack at the time...
It means you're capable.
You understood the difference between our strength.
Even Asherah—who never backed down in situations like this—was biting her lip, unable to move.
Asherah and I had both fought Gille ourselves before.
More than anyone else, we understood the gap in power between Executors and ourselves.
I'll say this one last time.
I'm not doing this because I want to bring harm to Monastir.
If anything... I'm trying to destroy the Heart of the Star to prevent an even [greater destruction].
...W-what is that supposed to mean? That makes no sense!
...Logical inconsistency detected. Mismatch between stated objective and method.
You sent an army of Voidborns to attack the palace.
Then and now, aren't all your actions simply attacks against Monastir?
Ah, right! About that.
Originally, the plan was just to destroy the royal palace using the Voidborns and leave it at that.
There's no better location than the palace if you want to inflict controlled damage on Monastir while still striking something symbolic.
But you all defended it so thoroughly that it ended up taking no damage at all.
So... after that, I decided to wreck [minimal havoc] across Monastir through other means.
Satisfied now? I'd rather not keep explaining this any longer.
Omega doesn't understand what the black-winged lady is saying...
Maybe it's because Omega is still little. Omega knows adults like to have long, difficult talks with fancy words.
No, I don't think that's it... We don't understand either.
Her intent is unclear.
However, objective confirmed. The Executor wants to destroy the Heart of the Star.
Right. And we can't just stand here and let that happen.
Ugh...
Even when I try explaining things the nice way, there are always people who refuse to listen.
A cold chill spread through the cavern.
Fine. Then we'll do this the hard way.
Looks like I'll have to move you by force.
Monastir Knights! Hold the defensive line!
The thought that we might be wiped out without tactical coordination made my body react before I even realized it.
Frey, provide rear support! Voyager Savior Party, prepare to counterattack!
On it!
Leave it to us!