"We've all gotten stronger these past three months. We've trained hard and studied hard too." I began, addressing my audience with a serious tone.

"However, for us to overthrow the man known as Jared, we'll need more allies than this group of Outers. To make a real difference and also to eliminate his control over practically the whole world, we'll need help from the most powerful allies we can get."

I glanced at Kido and he seemed a little anxious.

'I can't blame him, though. Even in my previous life, the Midas Empire didn't take any side during external conflicts.' The only reason I was even banking on the idea of getting support from them this time around was that Jared was a common enemy.

"As we all know, the Midas Empire is situated in the Northern Continent, and they are already allies with the Magic Beasts who live there as well. Forming an alliance with the Midas Race will grant us access to the Magic Beast army as well."

Once that was done, the first part of the takeover could be considered settled. All things considered, I didn't have the time and luxury to play the long-term game, so I was aiming for a short and decisive victory against Jared and his allies.

"I can recognize the worry that is pervading this room. You might all have doubts. However, I want to assure you that this was well thought out by Neron and me. With that in mind, anyone that has a question can ask it."historical

"I do."

As expected, the one who spoke was Kido.

"Yeah? What are your concerns?" I smiled.

"How certain are you that Kuzon will accept to join hands with us? Also.. what are you going to do if he refuses?"

I could see concern written all over Kido's face. In as much as Kuzon was being a brat, according to what I had heard, he still cared a great deal for him.

"I won't do anything to him. It's his choice. However, we just have to be very persuasive when we ask him."

"Persuasive? In what way?"

A wide grin formed on my face, and it seemed that the flustered Kido felt even more uneasy the moment he noticed it.

"Well.. It's better I tell you now."

*

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After I explained the things that were needed for the mission, it seemed everyone finally became satisfied with it. Kido still looked a little nervous, but he didn't object to the plan either.

'I also don't like rushing things, but it's better this way.'

The meeting was practically over, so it was time to get the mission underway. I glanced in the direction of our Spellcaster, nodding instantly at her.

"Ready whenever you are, Ciel."

She had the coordinates to the Midas Empire already, thanks to my prior preparation, so she was going to teleport everyone to our destination.

'Her control over teleportation has improved a great deal. Plus, she can use it at will now.' A smile formed on my face as she responded with a confident nod.

After spending months with the Outers, I had grown to like this world's version of Ciel. I had initially been suspicious of her, but after some time I realized that I was allowing my knowledge of the other Ciel to affect my view of this world's version.

'She's very kind, considerate and selfless.' I could only imagine the loneliness and pain she'd felt, being the only one to stand against evil in the past.

Yet, she reincarnated and did her best for the team as well. Before my arrival, she would always drain herself for the sake of the team.

Needless to say, after spending a lot of time researching Magic together, I grew to like her more. We had a lot of interesting conversations, and I was truly glad I got to know a woman so kind.

"Let's gather around." Neron told the team, and we all huddled together within moments.

He stretched out his hand, smiling at everyone present. I could already tell what he was about to do—and so could everyone present.

We all brought forth our hands as well, with each of us forming a fist while converging in a small circle. I could feel the spark of energy that formed as a result of our combined fist bumps.

"Let's all do our best." Neron declared.

"Yeah. Let's!"

Once that was concluded, Ciel closed her eyes, and an instant burst of power encircled us. The Mana that swept through us encircled our group, creating a spatial distortion in moments.

I watched as the blue shimmers of light glowed ever so brightly and the transition from our location began to happen. My vision slowly blurred, and everything around me began to warp.

In mere moments, I found myself in a different location—the same as my allies.

'Looks like we made it.' A smile formed on my face.

We were currently standing on the outskirts of the Nothern Continent, and I could even see the golden barrier that covered the entire piece of land from a distance. Even the sky was coloured in a golden hue, as the protective dome spread through all of its environs.

'Ciel managed to get us inside. She doesn't appear tired too. It seems my theory was correct.' Utilizing Arcana-Based Magic was enough to bypass the Midas' Ultimate Barrier.

I was able to teach Ciel how to use the Arcanas, just as she was able to show me the way this world's Magic worked. It felt good watching the result of our research, and her constant efforts at training, play out so well.

'I don't need to expend my Aether. That's a relief.'

Unfortunately for us, my victory was cut short by the immediate reaction of the Midas Empire's impeccable security.

In a flash, multiple individuals who donned golden attires and possessed staffs and staves—along with Magic Beasts beside them—suddenly surrounded us.

"Intruders, halt!"

I could see about a hundred robed men—at least—who were already glaring at us while emitting strong Mana signatures that threatened to pulverize us at any moment.

"Take one more step and you perish." The one who appeared to be the leader stepped forward, a deep glare on his face.

"You are trespassing on the Midas Territory."

*

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[A/N]

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