"That's right, together with Gudako."
Lianye nodded. "But I mean I'm withdrawing from those Team A and Team B operations you arranged at the start. That doesn't mean I personally won't come here."
"That's right. Senior got caught up in the Spiritron Transfer because of me," Mash said.
"Why did you become a Master!?" Olga Marie stared at Lianye, looking somewhat agitated. "Only first-rate Magi can form contracts with Servants! And you're only telling me now that you're actually a first-rate Magus with Master aptitude?"
"Probably."
Lianye replied noncommittally.
"Was that 'Mana Release' just now your full strength?"
"Not really."
On that point, Lianye unexpectedly wanted to be serious.
He had already restrained the power of Starfire Burning to what could be called its absolute minimum. If Mana Release at that level was considered going all out, then the Star Forger, who could crush a star in one hand, would probably find that hard to accept—considering the Dragon King's arrogance.
"Hmm, now that I think about it." Lianye tilted his head, then gave a cautious answer after careful consideration. "I probably used one four-thousand-three-hundred-and-ninety-six quadrillion, three-hundred-and-ten trillion, two-hundred-and-twenty-three billionth of my strength."
The corner of Olga Marie's eye twitched, and her face held the subtle expression of Are you messing with me? The number was precise enough, but it was already so enormous that precision was unnecessary. Naturally, the Director did not believe Lianye was telling the truth. She simply classified his desire to act alone and his arrogance as the sort of Magus who liked to boast.
"Wait a moment. Dr. Roman has sent another transmission."
Mash raised her black shield. This shield was practically omnipotent: it could serve as a shield wall, an antenna catalyst, or even a pot lid. If everyone got tired and wanted to sit