The harsh desert breeze pushes against her as she takes each stride forward, but relief floods her heart as she notices a familiar large mountain in the distance. She continues walking toward it, her footsteps determined, until she eventually reaches it and begins climbing. As she nears the summit, she is met by a large hole on the side of the mountain—it’s a cave. She enters cautiously and finds several other people already there, waiting.

  “You finally made it, we’ve been waiting for hours,” a ragged boy sarcastically says, his voice laced with irritation.

  “Hmmm, my apologies,” Girl responds, unfazed by his tone.

  “It’s fine, let’s just get started. All seven group leaders are here, correct? In that case, let’s begin,” a young lady says with a commanding tone, the leader of group 1.

  "Okay then, as we all know by now, there have been multiple Type 1 demon attacks of varying levels in the areas of Hoshinoya, Xithan, and Winter," she continues. "We think there..."

  "Pardon my interjection, but why are you telling us this?" the leader of group 2 interrupts, speaking with a condescending yet genuinely curious tone. "I mean, if it's only happening within three major areas, then the saviors of those areas should handle it, unless it's a level 10 threat, of course. Why should we help you?"

  "That’s a stupid question, and you know it," the leader of group 1 snaps back. "Our objective here is to help people, so it doesn’t matter if—"

  She’s cut off again, this time by the leader of group 2, who adds, "That’s an excellent point, but don’t pretend as if recruiting members won’t put other areas in danger. You know well that, at the current size of the attacks, the length of time you will need aid won’t be short. So, I ask again: Why should we put our people in danger to try and save those who might die anyway?" His narrowed eyes pierce through the room, waiting for a response.

  “That’s a dumb question too,” the leader of group 5 chimes in. "If Group 1 and her team are struggling to fend off these attacks, that means it’s no joke. If they fail to win this battle, the demons will likely spread to other areas. Even if you don’t think it’s your problem right now, it will be soon."

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  "Group 5 is right," says Girl. "It’s likely that an intelligent, high-level demon is behind this, so we need to act cautiously." A heavy silence fills the room as everyone contemplates the gravity of the situation.

  "Anyway, let me fill you all in on the details. The monster attacks have varied in magnitude from levels 6 to 8, and as expected, Groups 1, 3, and 7 have been handling them, but barely. The attacks seem to increase as time goes on. Group 7 and I have verified the location and status of the demon—it’s a high-level demon that seems to be located in Area Hoshinoya. Although Group 7 and I could go and neutralize it ourselves, it seems extraordinarily powerful. That’s why we are seeking help to destroy it once and for all,” says the leader of Group 1.

  "What? It's so strong that you think both you and Group 7 couldn't take it out?" asks the leader of Group 5 in disbelief.

  "Unfortunately, yes," she responds with a grim nod. "But we don’t need the assistance of everyone. I believe that if we had just two more allies, we could destroy it with minimal casualties."

  "Hmmm... In that case, I think my business here is over," says the leader of Group 2, standing up and making his way toward the exit.

  The others watch him leave with a mix of irritation and disappointment, but no one speaks up.

  “I’ll volunteer...” Girl says, her voice steady. “I believe my group could offer some assistance, and it would be good practice for our newer recruit.”

  “Thank you, we appreciate your assistance. Anyone else?” the leader of Group 1 asks, though her face shows disappointment as no one else offers their help.

  "Very well then... I believe with that, our business here is complete. Everyone who has not joined the cause may now be dismissed."

  The remaining leaders stay behind, continuing their discussion about how they will approach the upcoming fight. After some time, they finalize the plan for the mission and conclude their meeting. Girl travels back to their hideout and informs everyone about the situation.

  "You’re back!" Kamano says, noticing her entrance.

  "Yes, get the others. I have an important announcement to make," Girl replies.

  Once every team member is present, she begins discussing the details of their upcoming mission.

  “We have a mission, a large-scale one at that. We’re going to be in charge of taking out a high-level demon,” Girl says, before being interrupted.

  “What!? A high-level demon?” Kamano exclaims in shock.

  “Calm down... As you all know, there have been large-scale Type 1 attacks happening around the areas of Groups 1, 3, and 7,” Girl explains.

  "That's the whole reason you had a meeting," Guy chimes in.

  "Yes... I won’t bore you with the details, just know that we will be fighting alongside them," Girl adds.

  "Hmmm, I see. So what’s our role?" Guy asks, curious.

  "The demon seems to be surrounded by an army of weaker demons, so they’ll be in charge of handling that. Our role... is to take out the high-level one," Girl says.

  "What!? Why doesn’t Group 1 take them out since they’re the strongest?" Kamano asks angrily, frustrated by the thought of being put in such a dangerous position.

  "It’s not that simple. Although they’re the strongest group, the opponent we’ll be facing requires more than just brute force to be defeated. Our arsenal of abilities is much more likely to beat it than theirs. And because of that, it’s our responsibility to take it out," Girl explains, her tone firm but calm.

  Kamano sits in silence, and worry begins to spread throughout the team. Despite this, they steel their nerves, knowing that this battle will be unlike any they’ve faced before. They prepare for the upcoming mission, which is only three days away.