To Ziel-dono

To Eunice-dono

[Common Message]

We are sending the results of the comparison between the recently appearing Apocryphal Beasts in the Eastern Nation and the records in the Apocrypha.

Rats:

• Name: Beasts of the Gate
• Classification: Lower Rank
• Characteristics: Ranked higher than Insto according to numbering. However, the records mention that "fluctuation is significant, both upward and downward." Other than that, the only description given is "there are many of them," suggesting that their ranking might be based on quantity rather than quality.

Oni:

• Name: Thirteen-Gate Oni
• Classification: Middle Rank
• Characteristics: Highly toxic. Complete detoxification is impossible unless it is defeated. Stronger than the Orchestra. There is a note stating, "It may be related to the Beasts of the Gate."

That is all.

Apologies for not being able to provide more detailed information. The descriptions left by Rustie regarding Apocryphal Beasts are brief (this is likely because her offensive capabilities were so advanced that she defeated them before fully assessing their strength and characteristics).

In particular, there is a gap between the battle reports we received regarding the Beasts of the Gate and their ranking among Apocryphal Beasts. There is still a possibility that some have been left unaccounted for, so please remain on high alert.

Furthermore, there are no records indicating that either the Beasts of the Gate or the Thirteen-Gate Oni possess abilities such as "attacks passing through them," "inducing hallucinations," or "teleporting." We were unable to determine the cause of the phenomena mentioned in the reports.

Additionally, while it has been decided to deploy the Holy Knights, the Church is currently working with the Magic Federation, the Adventurers' Guild, and various national governments to establish a defense system in response to the reappearance of Apocryphal Beasts. Due to the increasing frequency of magical beast disasters in other regions, we do not have sufficient surplus manpower to concentrate our forces.

We are trying to arrange for one of the Four Saintesses or at least a Holy Knight Captain to be deployed, but the chances of success are low. In light of this, we have unilaterally decided to grant Ziel-dono a "Special Combat Force Recognition."

Please refer to the enclosed document for details on the "Special Combat Force Recognition." In summary, it allows you to be treated on par with a "Saintess" or a "ArcMage" when engaging Apocryphal Beasts. It guarantees authority over strategy formulation and independent operations. However, if you wish to decline, please let us know, and we will withdraw the recognition.

We deeply regret forcing such a dangerous role upon you, but we sincerely ask for your cooperation to the greatest extent possible.

[Personal Response – To Ziel]

We are sending one hundred Sanctuary Talismans and high-grade Antidote Talismans. The latter may not be effective according to Rustie's records, but please use them if possible.

I'm sorry I cannot come to help.

Lililia

To Lililia

To Ziel

[Common Message]

I'm sorry!

With a middle-ranked species appearing, we should definitely be rushing over, but magical beasts have appeared near the Great Library, and I’ve been tied up dealing with them.

I considered leaving it to another ArcMage and heading there myself, but not all ArcMages are combat specialists, and since the defense system is not yet fully in place, I can’t leave my position.

Given that Ziel has a track record of defeating middle-ranked species and that Chikano, who is with you, is a three-time champion of the Eastern Nation's martial arts tournament, it has been difficult to justify deploying additional large-scale reinforcements.

Regarding the "phasing" of the magical beasts, I apologize. Just from the reports, I was unable to determine the cause.

It’s not much, but I ensured that the first wave of reinforcements consists of mages with practical combat experience, so please coordinate with them to handle the situation.

Wishing you success.

[Personal Response – To Ziel]

This might be unnecessary, but I felt like it was being deliberately omitted, so I’ll write it.

Through the Magic Federation, I heard that while the other Saintesses are running around coordinating with different organizations, Lililia is currently managing operations at the Church’s headquarters. So, well, she’s overwhelmed too… This kind of sounds like an excuse for myself. But if I don’t say anything, you’ll never know about Lililia’s situation, so I’m writing it anyway.

Once again, I sincerely apologize!

Lililia is doing everything she can, and I’ll continue pushing for additional reinforcements as well.

Eunice

To Lililia

To Eunice

[Common Message]

First of all, thank you for your concern.

And I apologize that I cannot be there for you both in such difficult times.

Reinforcements from the Church, the Magic Federation, and other organizations are arriving in sequence, and I am working with Chikano to implement countermeasures.

So far, we haven’t established an effective strategy yet, but we’re not here expecting to lose. We will continue experimenting with different approaches, including the information you’ve provided.

I can’t lightly say I "understand" the responsibilities you both bear as members of your respective organizations, unlike someone like me with no true home… But at the very least, I acknowledge it.

That’s why I truly appreciate everything you are doing to help.

Thank you. I will do my best here.

If anything comes up, I will contact you again. Please take care on your end as well.

[Personal Response – To Lililia]

The Sanctuary Talismans are being used to fortify the town’s defenses in consultation with the Church personnel.

The Antidote Talismans, while not fully effective, have helped stabilize Saminato’s condition for the time being.

Both have been incredibly useful. Thank you.

I feel terrible that I cannot do anything in return, but if there is ever anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. I may not be reliable, but I will do my best.

[Personal Response – To Eunice]

Thank you for telling me. I don’t think it’s an excuse at all. If anything, I just feel ashamed for causing so much concern.

I wish I could say I will manage things here no matter what… but I know it’s not that simple. Still, I will do everything I can to make sure you both feel you were right to entrust this to me.

Please continue working on securing additional reinforcements (our current response is stretched to its limit, and if more Apocryphal Beasts appear, we may not be able to handle it). I know it’s a burden, but I would truly appreciate it.

Ziel