Our infiltration team was steadily advancing towards the heart of the Ark. We smashed through the relentless onslaught of the Nameless Guardians and the AMAS head-on, and then the Avant Garde military appeared in front of us…

…Is that what they were called?

Anyway, the Avant Garde military, now under Key’s control while reconfiguring Eridu into the Ark, blocked our path.

The huge robot, born from Rion’s fingertips, charged at us without a hint of fear… Honestly, it gave off a vibe akin to a moth drawn to a flame.

The Nameless Guardians were like insects, and all that remained where our infiltration team passed was a pile of their pitiful wreckage.

And to speak bluntly, the Avant Garde military had no advantages over the Nameless Guardians. In the end, in front of the true trump card prepared by Rion, the Aabi Eshuh, this giant robot was just a small fry.

Our rear support team continued to monitor our position and inform us of the path ahead.

Of course, they hadn’t fully grasped the internal structure of the Ark. They could only provide a route based on some sort of simulation connecting to the center of the Ark.

…If only the reconnaissance drone hadn’t been intercepted, we would have surely taken the right path. It was a real shame.

“Phew, huhhhh…! How much longer do we have to go? I’m dying here!”

Momo’s grumbling complaints could be heard from behind, but I had no proper reply to give. I mean, I’d need to know something to respond.

“C’mon, sis, just keep running instead of complaining!”

Thanks to Midori’s comment from behind, I didn’t need to say anything.

…By the way, the Saiba Sisters and Yuzu definitely looked exhausted.

The problem was that I couldn’t do anything to help.

There was no turning back now, and I couldn’t slow down. My best bet was just to hope they could keep up until the end.

“Uh, up ahead, there are enemies… it’s become enemies again…”

As soon as the lackeys blocked our path, I heard Yuzu mumbling something. But at this point, wouldn’t she be used to it?

The ultimate card of victory, Millennium’s strongest hand, Code Name Double O.

Not to mention our youngest maid wearing Rion’s special show-me-the-money cheat suit.

With this kind of line-up, we had a luxurious team capable of a full-scale war. Adding to that, me as the cheerleader, and three other maids.

To put it bluntly, it felt like the Game Development Club was riding in a private jet instead of a bus. I can bet that if Aris were here, she would have mentioned taking a bus at least once.

Still, it felt like we were nearing the center, but I couldn’t find a spot where I could connect to the Ark’s systems using the hacking tool Himari had given me.

…Maybe it really would have been better to leave it to Asuna.

While I was thinking about that, I received a communication.

[Mika, the Ark has started to move.]

“Hmm…? Just like that?”

[Everything’s been sluggish, so maybe the impatience has finally set in. It seems the Ark’s expected trajectory is aiming to cross over D.U. Ultimately, the AI controlling Aris is aiming for…]

“…Sanctum Tower.”

There were countless reasons for Key to target the Sanctum Tower.

Just thinking for a moment, three reasons popped into my head.

First, Utnapishtim’s Ship relies on the Sanctum Tower for power.

The moment the connection to the Sanctum Tower is severed, we will be trapped in this Ark. Not to mention, Toki’s Aabi Eshuh wouldn’t be able to flaunt its current power either.

If the Sanctum Tower were to be destroyed, chaos would befall all of Kivotos. Recalling what happened during the Student Council President’s disappearance brings the answer to light.

In other words, it meant Kivotos would take a huge step towards destruction.

It should be noted that Key’s goal may not be to destroy the Sanctum Tower but to seize it instead. If capturing the Sanctum Tower became a reality, our chances would plummet to astronomical lows.

This is because the Sanctum Tower is literally the highest existing OP (Overpowered) artifact that can turn even the cabinet of that shoddy stuff into something else.

I didn’t bother to voice those speculations. Discussing this in front of Rion and Himari would be akin to showing off in front of a cocoon.

[The speed at which the Ark is moving is faster than expected. At this rate, it’ll take at most 10 hours to enter D.U. It’s hard to confirm due to communication disruption, but the Student Council is likely in emergency mode.]

“Hmm… It seems the front lines will have to fall back as the Ark moves.”

[…Probably.]

Aside from those pouring out of the ruins, the instant the Nameless Guardians teleport to the spot where the Ark moves, there’s bound to be collateral damage around. Hence, we had yet another time limit imposed on us.

“Got it. How’s the situation with the Defense Team?”

[For now, it’s fine. However, repelling the Nameless Guardians coming from all directions is putting considerable strain on their stamina.]

…We were facing a double time limit.

If the Defense Team can’t hold out, it’s a time out.

Even if they do hold out, the moment the Ark enters D.U., it’s also a time out.

My already heavy shoulders felt even heavier, but on a deeper level, the looming threat was that of destruction. We merely needed to do our part diligently.

And so, even as everything seemed to be heading south, we resolutely pressed on.

There were moments when we took wrong turns, but we eventually gained confidence that we were getting closer to the heart.

Then, unexpectedly, a crisis struck.

[Mika-chan, there has been a hacking attempt on Utnapishtim’s Ship.]

It seemed Key didn’t intend to sit idly until we arrived.

*

Recalling the hacking abilities once showcased by the Decagramaton, Himari bit her lip lightly. The situation was far from favorable.

“Rion, how long do you think the firewall can hold?”

“You should know better than me… Are you expecting me to come up with some optimistic view?”

“Well, that’s not entirely incorrect. If you find a breakthrough that I couldn’t, then even if it bruises your pride, it would definitely be good news for us.”

“Unfortunately, I have nothing. At this rate, it’ll break through within 30 minutes.”

Upon hearing Rion’s assertion, Himari took a deep breath. She then sighed deeply before slapping her cheek.

“…Himari?”

Rion blinked at the sight but Himari ignored him and began manipulating a hologram that popped up in the air.

“Everyone out there is doing their best, Rion. The Defense Team protecting the ship alongside the Teacher. The infiltration team led by Mika-chan. Everyone fighting on the ground… Even Aris-chan is doing her best…”

The moment Himari mentioned Aris, Rion’s face hardened. Like Mika, it was likely that these individuals were also exerting some influence on the situation.

Having researched the Nameless Priests and the Princess of Shining Gods more than anyone else, Rion felt that this unfolding demise seemed somewhat sluggish.

“It would be strange for us not to do our best, wouldn’t it, Rion?”

The fiery determination of Himari was captured in Rion’s eyes.

“The engineers here, Veritas, and even the two of us. We’re all the best talent in the Millennium. I believe that if we join forces, we can easily buy some time. What do you think, Rion?”

If this situation had unfolded before this incident, Himari probably wouldn’t have expected anything from Rion.

But since Rion’s unilateral actions had led to this mess, her resilience had become a turning point for the big sister who had always been so self-serving.

That’s why Himari could wait for Rion’s response with ease.

“Yes, I agree that we’re top talents in the Millennium. However, I don’t believe this will be of much help!”

“…”

Actually, it wasn’t Rion who answered, but Kotori from the engineering team.

‘That’s not the answer I was waiting for from you guys.’

Himari felt slightly deflated by this, but,

“It’s going to be a tough task. We’ll have to understand the security system adopted by Utnapishtim’s Ship and build a new firewall within 30 minutes.”

The moment she heard the words from Chihiro, the vice president of Veritas, she froze.

Then, Himari’s gaze turned to the members of Veritas. Although she had become the head of the Supernatural Special Forces at Rion’s suggestion, Veritas was still her club.

“Wow, that sounds fun. I’m getting all fired up!”

“To be honest, I don’t have any confidence. I’m worried about failing.”

Himari’s proud troublemakers continued expressing their sentiments. After seeing Hare quietly opening a Yōkai MAX can, she managed to recover her usual mood.

“…It seems, Rion. How about a collaboration with this genius-cannot-get-sick-smiling-hacker? Are you a bit interested now?”

With a gentle smile, Himari confidently spoke to Rion with a voice full of self-esteem.

“Sure. I was already thinking about collaborating from the start.”

And at that moment, Himari was taken aback when she saw Rion show a rare, genuine smile.

‘…It’s a little embarrassing, but I think I understand why Mika-chan gave that gift to Rion.’

Thinking that to herself, Himari closed her eyes and reflected. After saving Aris, when everything was over… maybe she could extend a hand to Rion first.

‘…Imagining Rion coming forward is just unimaginable. I suppose it’s up to my broad-minded self to be understanding on that part.’

This was the moment when the super genius “I-can’t-get-sick” smiley girl of the Millennium and the big sister faced a monumental first collaboration in the midst of a crisis.