Imperial XI-2

Veronica returned to the reception room, adjusted her makeup, and entered the room with a composed expression.

"Then, let us discuss how to defeat that dragon."

We shared what we knew about the dragon.

"So, how exactly are we going to defeat the dragon?"

"The dragon's body is mostly composed of magical energy. By expelling the magical energy contained within the dragon outward, we can induce a depletion of magical energy. After that, we plan to weaken and seal it—perhaps even cause it to collapse during the process of magical energy depletion."

Veronica paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

"Are we really sure that will be enough to defeat it?"

"It'll be difficult to take it down all at once. We'll need to prepare multiple arrays to disperse the magical essence, dividing the effort into several stages."

"Can we manage that while fighting the dragon? If it comes to it... I'll sacrifice myself, if necessary..."

I can sense vaguely what she's considering doing.

But that is a weapon that uses human beings as raw material—something that must never be wielded.

"There is no need for concern. I will call upon cooperation from various nations and proceed with preparations alongside my allies who have agreed to support me."

"Indeed, there are such people. It's reassuring to know. What about the military?"

"Mobility is crucial this time. It's more important to maintain coordination than to allocate large numbers of personnel."

"I understand. I entrust you completely with the task of defeating the dragon."

Thus, preparations to thoroughly defeat the dragon officially began.

First and foremost, meeting up with allies who could coordinate easily.

Arriving at the guild, the designated meeting point—incidentally, the guild itself was half-destroyed.

Temporary supports were scattered everywhere.

"Long time no see. I came just because you insisted so much." "Hey there."

A pair who had sent a letter and promptly replied were waiting.

It was Clara and Kenny.

"I'm sorry for having you come all the way here... or should I say, was it really worth it? The opponent was a dragon, after all."

"You know, how could I possibly ignore a letter like that? And I'm not completely without ulterior motives either."

Clara smirked.

Her plan was to share the results of this battle with all the participating nations.

For instance, the method developed for dispersing magical energy specifically for dragons—this would also be shared with the kingdom.

It doesn't matter if we know how to use it—what matters is that we know it exists.

Of course, the weapons developed too...

Anyway, like this, dangling carrots and using every trick in the book, we managed to gather personnel.

Alek, Clara, Kenny—everyone’s here.

Even adventurers from distant Alaskaート joined, like the Takagane siblings.

After several days, once everyone had arrived, we moved to a lecture hall-like place that felt eerily familiar.

This time, I’ll be in charge of the operation.

Looking at the faces gathered on the stage, I felt a sense of nostalgia.

Memories of traveling as if it were yesterday came flooding back.

With these beautiful memories of people and places, I vowed not to let a dragon destroy them.

Gazing at everyone with resolve in my heart, I said:

"Thank you all for coming. Today, we’re holding a strategy meeting to defeat the monster known as the dragon—renowned as the strongest in history."

"Cut the formalities. Let’s get on with it."

Immediately, a lively young adventurer grumbles in frustration.

A few others frown, but they can't afford to dwell on it now.

"Yeah, you're right. We've all gathered here for a reason. Let's get straight to it."

I unfold a world map.

Markers are placed on it, all marked as black dots indicating where dragons have appeared.

"These points represent every location where dragons have emerged so far. And this—"

I'll keep this brief—dragging it out only invites more provocation.

Once I've covered the essentials, I'll get to the point.

"Let me conclude. Dragons are appearing along the border line between Nihon and the kingdom."

"Your Majesty. Do you have proof for your prediction? There's no guarantee the dragons won't show up in Arasoot while you're away. After all, Arasoot has fought dragons before."

"The chances are low. After all, we had to make predictions based on limited information."

The adventurer's comment, as he listened, was the most accurate one.

Still, no, she was certain.

"As for the next location, I'll leave that to you. In the end, there's no other way to find it besides your method... But more importantly, how do you plan to fight them?"

Clara's words caused the energetic adventurer to step back, slightly dissatisfied.

While observing the scene, I pull out a single sheet of paper.

"There's a plan for that. Take a look at this."

All eyes turn to the pattern drawn on the paper.

Several people already recognize it.

"This is a pattern drawn with liquid mana stone—what we call a magic circle. When mana flows through this design, it can absorb the mana from anything that touches it."

I speak, and various expressions appear on their faces.

"Enlarge this to the size of a dragon, and then draw mana from the dragon itself."

I declared confidently.