A Crushing Defeat (Part 2)

"Don't worry, everyone. Our goal isn't to fight them, but to find their base."

"Their base? (Zero Emperor)"

"That's right!"

"As long as we find their base, we can use Blue Pegasus's continent-renowned Magic Critical Ship—Christina—to wipe out the entire area!"

"Hey, hey... We're only dealing with a few people. Do we really need to make such a huge fuss? (Golden Softie, her face covered in black lines)"

"Hehe... Lucy, you'd better put away that carelessness, or you'll end up naked again... Mmph!"

Hiding the bartender girl, whose mouth had been covered, behind her, the Queen of Complaints said with a forced smile, "Hehe... It's nothing. Everyone, carry on!"

Once the discussion resumed, Golden Softie lowered her voice and roared, "Miss Kana, I'm begging you. Can you please stop bringing that up?!"

Only when the bartender girl began nodding did Lucy release her.

"That's the preliminary battle plan. If it works, that would be ideal. If it doesn't, we'll have to adapt to the situation."

"Hehe... It's been years. Little Ichiya has grown so much, huh? (Lazy God)"

"Wah... I finally got praise from the boss!"

While gently patting his shoulder in comfort, Lazy God sent a secret message into his mind.

"When we make our move later, don't hold back. Force out as much potential from these little ones as you can!"

"As expected of someone capable of ruling an empire!"

"Got it. Leave it to me!"

Just as the secret exchange ended, the burning Fire Dragon smashed through the castle gates and charged out.

"Ha ha!"

"Hurry up and gather Grimoire Heart! I'm going to defeat them with my own hands!"

"Damn it! Hawk-Eyed Kid, did you even listen to the battle plan?! (Leon)"

"Well, well... That's Natsu for you. (Lucy)"

"Aye, sir!"

"In that case, I won't