Although John was somewhat puzzled by Dormammu suddenly recalling him, he did not dwell on it. After briefly explaining the subsequent governance matters to Glenn and temporarily handing command of the troops over to Laiya,
he had Wendy, carrying the Mage Pack, rush him at top speed to Cronie City, where the main force was currently stationed.
Then, with Wendy flying at full speed, the two of them landed smoothly on the outskirts of Cronie City around dusk.
Compared to Bahamut Town, Cronie City appeared more modern. The towering buildings throughout the city and the fashionable clothes worn by pedestrians made that plain enough.
However, perhaps because it had only just been occupied and had not yet been brought under proper administration, whenever the residents saw John and Wendy in military uniforms, their expressions changed drastically before they quickly lowered their heads and hurried away.
John did not even get the chance to stop someone and ask for directions.
Just as John was debating whether to have Wendy take off directly and use the Magic Eye to locate city hall,
an unexpectedly familiar voice slowly reached his ears.
"Hmm? That hair color... if I'm not mistaken, you must be Major John Maslow?"
"?"
John turned toward the speaker in confusion and saw a young man in a dark blue suit. He had shoulder-length blond hair and somewhat delicate features, and he was looking at John with interest.
The instant John saw his face, he recognized him.
A flash of astonishment crossed John's eyes, and he froze on the spot.
To be honest, even when Dormammu had suddenly recalled him, John had not been this surprised.
Because as far as he knew, the man before him—the character known as the Empire's Legendary Spy in the later stages of the game—should never