Just as Philly had said, there were too many ways to recognize each other. There was no need to write at all. Ash only had to flash a Heart Sword without hurting Sword Maiden, and Sword Maiden would immediately realize who the Starlight Body before her was.
Though that would break one of his Void Wings, because of the Hell Secret Poison, Void Wings had already become a renewable resource for Ash. Trading one broken Void Wing for Sword Maiden joining the team—there simply wasn't a more worthwhile sacrifice.
But would Sword Maiden joining really help?
Ash had just taken a glance. The people gathered in this scene around him had also surpassed a thousand. Sure enough, the Spellcasters of the world couldn't be underestimated. Quite a few Spellcasters had realized that since there would be a first Holy Grail scene, there would definitely be a second. Although going in early meant they could compete sooner, going later might also let them pick up scraps. So there had definitely been many Spellcasters holding back, waiting for the second Red Door to appear. They realized the second Holy Grail scene would surely have fewer Spellcasters and a lower level of competition, so they all came in.
Facing a thousand enemies, while also having to protect Philly, armed confrontation was obviously the worst possible choice. Running was the correct answer.
Since he had to reduce combat as much as possible, Sword Maiden's role would be greatly compressed.
But one more teammate meant one more guarantee. From that consideration, not recognizing Sword Maiden clearly made no sense.
The more important reason was that Ash was afraid he would fail.
There were too many factors that could lead to failure. Being chased, blocked, and slaughtered by a thousand Spellcasters—Ash and Philly dying without even