There were some small upheavals in the office again.

Because Congressman Darman wanted to discuss this condition further with Catherine, due to his intention to protect the officer.

But it was unexpected.

Just as Congressman Darman mustered the courage to discuss with Ronald.

This officer, upon hearing the conversation between the two, unexpectedly voiced his willingness to go along.

Since the party involved expressed his attitude.

Naturally, Darman had no intention of further obstruction.

Thus, this commissioned mission for aid outside the city became a journey for Ronald, Catherine, and this impulsive officer traveling together.

...

In the morning sunlight in Hormono City.

Unnoticeable incantations sounded throughout the city, and then the three figures suddenly soared high above a street, ascending to the sky at extremely fast speed!

The officer couldn't perform the Flying Spell.

So, during this flight, Ronald took him along and provided care during the rapid travel.

In a blink, their altitude increased.

Merely seconds later, the dome barrier protecting the city appeared in front of them.

Watching the dome ripple due to attacks, the traces and details became clearer before their eyes.

Realizing their impending collision, the officer shouted loudly:

"Wait! Wait! We're about to crash!"

"This barrier has extremely powerful defensive capabilities. Crashing into it will bring big trouble for us!"

The officer's current tension stemmed from his reasonable understanding as a normal Caster, and it was not unreasonable for him to remind Ronald and Catherine.

However, reality was starkly different from his prediction.

At this moment, the two taking him along on this flight could completely ignore the defense barrier, being top-level powerhouses. Even a protective Spell capable of stopping armies couldn't hinder their advance for even a moment.

Swish, swish, swish—

In the next moment, the scene flashed by swiftly.

When the officer regained his senses, he found he had passed through the city barrier that could defend against spells and physical impacts unharmed and had distanced himself considerably above the dome.

Had these two people really brought him out like this?

Moreover, at such a rapid speed, he hadn't even realized what had happened!

"..."

The officer turned back hurriedly, seeing the unharmed barrier before relaxing.

He then blinked and opened his mouth wide, attempting to say something.

But at that moment, the cold wind in the high air rushed into the officer's mouth, prompting him to shut it immediately, unable to suppress a shiver.

"Little guy, there is much you don't understand."

Beside him, Catherine clearly saw the officer's confused and chaotic heart and immediately began to ridicule:

"Why do you think Darman was so servile towards both of us?"

"It's because he knows the power we possess!"

"Even, if we're willing—this war that seems life-or-death to you, a dangerous war insurmountable, could be handled by individual strength."

"..."

"How is that possible!"

The previous remarks were acceptable, but when Catherine expressed her attitude towards the war, the officer finally couldn't hold back.

Facing the cold wind rushing into his body, he loudly retorted to Catherine:

"This is the largest-scale war between city-states; how could it be subject to the control of one or two people."

"Do you think I am easily fooled and would believe such absurd and ridiculous statements?"

"Hahaha—" Catherine laughed heartily.

Though the Astronomical Tower's Master still maintained the Flying Spell, her demeanor curled up from its upright posture, laughing in the air like a bent lobster.

Whether it was the officer's ignorance or his attitude, it amused Catherine's heart so much that she even forgot to continue mocking him.

...

Catherine freely displayed her current joy.

Such a reaction, however, left the officer somewhat at a loss, momentarily speechless.

Seeing this situation, Ronald called the officer's name:

"Hadar, Catherine didn't deceive you."

"If the two of us truly unleashed our power, we could indeed end this war most swiftly."

"..."

Although the officer hadn't been with Ronald and Catherine for long.

His observations roughly acquainted him with their personalities.

So he knew Ronald was different from Catherine, not someone who would joke about such matters.

—Powerhouses capable of ending the war.

Thinking of the unprecedented crisis faced by Hormono, the officer almost instinctively spoke:

"In that case, then..."

Before he could finish his request, Ronald interrupted him:

"Besides, we both have very urgent matters to deal with."

"If we do get involved—Hadar, if you feel we should intervene, in what capacity and for what purpose should we intervene in a war not related to us? Moreover, as a soldier, do you think it's good for outsiders to completely take over the responsibility of defending your homeland?"

With those words, Ronald helped the officer block the cold wind above, preventing him from feeling uncomfortable while speaking.

The officer fell into contemplation because of this answer.

After flying for five minutes, he finally said in a trembling voice:

"Mr. Ronald, you are right."

"Defending the city should be the duty of us soldiers. Now that things have reached this point, we can only blame ourselves for lacking strength."

"..."

Thereafter during the flight, the officer did not speak again.

But from his slightly trembling body.

One could see the strong emotions deep within him.

Yet under the dual impact of personal responsibility and the current situation, he couldn't directly express these feelings.

High in the sky, the three flew rapidly.

Setting off in the morning, by noon they had crossed the sprawling forest successfully.

Gazing forward from above.

Beyond the forest not far ahead, two vibrant mountains lay before them, with undulating mountains stretching to the far north, finally covered in snow.

And Boltan, the city Hormono sought aid from.

Actually nestled in the canyon between the two peaks.

This city's production, though not as fertile as Hormono, due to proximity, both sides frequently engage in economic exchanges.

Moreover, due to the geography.

The northern area beyond the forest has a tougher time in winter compared to Hormono.

With Hormono always showing goodwill, and providing aid during tough times, their relationship has developed very amicably.

Hence, when war came.

In the face of difficulty, Hormono chose to seek aid from this city.