"Team up?"
Exusiai had been ready to cut loose, her gun already loaded. How could she possibly believe Fiammetta so easily?
It was practically hypocritical.
Texas was likewise suspicious of Fiammetta's reasons for coming. Holding her lightsword, she watched the massive airship while warily keeping an eye on both Fiammetta and Exusiai. She did not know Laterano's customs, but she knew Exusiai's personality.
If she looked away for even a moment, she might miss the first fight.
"This is a joint exercise..."
Fiammetta explained calmly, like a monk, presenting the detailed documents in her hands. Only then did they reluctantly believe her.
Texas let out a soft sigh.
"How much money is this going to burn through...? I still doubt it's real. Is this team-up thing for real?"
Exusiai scratched her head.
The shrine and the Hyperion were both owned by absurdly wealthy people, people who lived in a completely different world from a working-class courier like her. Realizing that left Exusiai somewhat wistful, but also a little delighted.
If such a rich shrine could hire her for more high-risk, high-paying jobs, that would be perfect.
Sadly, that had never happened.
"Anyway, the shrine maiden wants us to form a team, find cover, and do everything we can to survive Hephaestus's first wave of attacks..."
Fiammetta continued.
She was not exaggerating in the slightest. Those had been Hoshino's exact words.
That made Texas frown again. Could the shrine be settling a private score through official means?
Exusiai, on the other hand, was thrilled—especially by the word "survive." It sounded as though one careless mistake could cost them their lives, and she loved that. It was as if some incredible switch had been flipped; even the halo above her head seemed to shine brighter.
She was excited, but never arrogant.
When