Defeat confirmed. Initializing power boost...

Damage taken surpasses that of previous encounter. Power boost function at maximum limit...

Initializing evolution mode...

Like we'll let you!

Blade of the Wild!

Libertine!

Regalia Fulgurite!

...... *Tsss* *tsssssssssss*

Did we do it?!

That thing probably predicted that Hans would lose the battle.

So he wasn't prepared to follow up with a power boost for this amount of damage.

He received more damage than what he initially expected, and now Mr. Magical Armor's nothing but scraps.

He should've never messed with the great Lugina!

Hans, sorry we used you as bait without telling you...

Who cares.

If we hadn't intervened, Hans would've gone against that thing alone again.

Hans, you really did do everything according to Lugina's plans.

It's always like that. Hans always moves according to my plans.

...... *Tsss* *tsssssssssss*

Consecutive...defeat...confirmed...

Initializing emergency evolutionary measures...

What?!

Lugina, watch out!

Cobalt Demon Execution! Cursed Blue Flash!

*Creak* *creaaaak* *creak*

*Creak* Mal...functio...ning...

Prepa...rations.... *Creak* Cancel...

Shu...tting...down...

Phew, that was a close one.

Karl!

You were really here after all?

Hey Seria. You seem as lively as always.

Karl, what have you been doing this whole time, and where have you been?

Wow, Paris. You've completely changed.

That haircut looks good on you.

Th-Thank you...

And Lugina, what was that? You're not usually the kind to let your guard down.

What the heck are you talking about?!

I had everything under control.

Anyway, I bet this wasn't part of your original plan.

Actually, I just got here.

I had a lot of business to take care of.

So does that mean you destroyed the source of power within the castle?

I didn't destroy it. Just left it immobile for a while.

......

Karl, just what were you doing here?

Ha ha. I see Lugina hasn't changed at all.

It's like a reunion! But allow me to share something else with you guys.

...Hans, you came to Ishgria after all.

I knew you would.

But, now that you're all listening...

...I want you to go back to Elgaia immediately.

What?! Karl, what do you mean?

It's just like you heard.

I'll be more than fine on my own, so I'll finish the rest of the land surveys alone.

In the meantime, you guys get yourselves back to Elgaia.

No way!

Seria, I'm not asking.

So please...

If you refuse, you'll leave me no choice but to use force against you.

Karl, do you have any idea of what you are saying right now?!

Of course I do.

I can't make you leave immediately.

But if I ever run into you guys again while you're still here...

...I won't hold back.

Karl...

Tsch, I knew you'd be a pain in my side!

But I won't get on your case just yet.

I'll just add this to my list of reasons for why I'm gonna beat the crap out of you later!

......

Hans, I don't wanna have to fight you.

Tilith and I will come up with something.

So please, go home.

...please.

Wait, Karl! Hold on! We're not done talking!!

He's gone...

Karl...

Hmph. I dunno what the heck's gotten into him, but you guys aren't going back, are ya?

Then let's keep doing what we came to do, and finish these land surveys.

And if Karl decides to get in our way, I'll beat him to a pulp.

But Hans, you should prepare yourself.

I don't care if he's your childhood friend or whatever, you still have a job to do.

He he he... All the pieces are finally in place.

I wonder what he will do next?

Now, the next piece we should move is...