17 Joined Efforts (2/2)

And then both of them start to walk closer to each other, and they begin to execute a handshake.

Thus, Astoria's investigation team will be officially cooperating with the Church's investigation team from now on.

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Moments later.

As the two teams are finally merged together, all the members now already getting knowing with each other. Victor also apologizing for his rude conduct before which startled the original Melissa's team members.

Never in their wildest dream that a Saint rank expert was apologizing to them, but it only serves to increase their admiration towards Victor, besides they never hold a grudge against him, to begin with. Hence, all of them now had already forgotten about that particular problem.

Melissa also used the moments to revamp the team original strategy in consideration of the newly joined members. In just a few minutes, she already came out with a new strategy that utilizes every member to the best of their ability.

Once she explained every part of the strategy to the team, all of the members whose listening to her began to feel amazed, because Melissa was able to plan such a profound strategy. This is true for Alfred and Luccio as they were both legionnaires before, they were already accustomed to both planning and strategizing, so they knew the basic of tactical combat situation and preparedness, which makes them eligible to assess whether the strategy is good or bad.

Even though Melissa's strategy is still untested, both of them can judge that this strategy, in theory, a brilliant one. Thus, it is enough for them to be satisfied with it.

After that, the team members were already excited for the mission, especially Luccio who had just a breakthrough moments ago, he couldn't wait to test his newly promoted strength. Although he didn't say it out loud and still maintained his composure, his face's betrayed his emotions and this was perceived by both Arno and Victor. Both of them can only sigh and thought that this kid is too eager.

Arno didn't have more opinion on that. It's just a trivial level 2 Super Warrior after all, not worthy of mentioning. While Victor thought otherwise, he felt this kid could not be blamed at all, he understands every breakthrough in rank was very valuable. So it feels okay to be elated because of that.

”Do you guys ready?” Melissa calm and a loud voice echoed inside the building.

Every member starts nodding their head as they heard her.

Satisfied, Melissa then looking at Rionne's face ”Did you too, lady Rionne?” and she asked Rionne once again.

”Yeah, we're ready too.” Rionne nodded as she replied Melissa.

The church's members already prepared since before they arrived in the branch, and each of them surprisingly had an Inventory Ring in their fingers. That is why they looked like as if they didn't bring anything with them, but the truth is their entire supplies are stored inside the rings.

”Good, with this, we will depart for the border immediately.” Melissa stops her talks for a while before open her mouth again ”Fanctom!” and she called Fanctom who is still in the warehouse.

Fanctom quickly ran towards her after he was called ”My lady, did you want to depart now?”

”That's right, remember what we have discussed before, you will stay here as our liaison, so in case something happens to us or if we miss our periodic contacts. Reports to Commander Reizen immediately.” Melissa spoke to him in a stern voice.

Fanctom meekly nodded ”Yes my lady.”

”Great. Ah! Yes, here.” Melissa then gives Fanctom a small document ”Since from now we were cooperating with the church's team, I've already written a report about it in this dossier. You must send this to the higher up immediately, understand?” Melissa issued another order to Fanctom.

Fanctom grabs the dossier ”Understood....and my lady, good luck out there, please be safe.” and he encouraged Melissa in her endeavor.

Fanctom is very loyal to Melissa. She saved him once in the past, feels grateful he decides to serve her as her assistant from that moment. Although Melissa seems very stern towards Fanctom, she's actually never treated him badly. He was very concerned when he heard the news that Melissa would be leading a team to the Deadlands, therefore, he hoped Melissa could return alive and well.

Melissa smiles after she heard Fanctom's encouraging word.

”Fanctom...thank you.” she gratefully thanked him for his great service.

It was fanctom who always helped her all this time without any complaint.

Fanctom bowed respectfully ”No problem my lady, it is my great pleasure in serving you.” and his incomparable large mouth stretched into a bright smile.

And then he watched Melissa and her team leaving the branch building while being escorted by a platoon of soldiers to the city south gate.

Thereafter, They finally arrived at the south gate as they were welcomed by the cavalry squadron leader. The squadron leader already been informed about several important people wants to tag along with the cavalry to the border.

Initially, the squadron leader feels that it's too much of a hassle, then he begrudgingly complained to his superiors. But after he found that one of the important person identities is, in fact, Lady Melissa Dreyfuss herself he became shocked, and he hastily prepares for her arrival.

The squadron leader guides Melissa and her team towards the location of several horses that have been prepared for her.

The team members then start to choose and ride on their own choice of horses, except Arno who only stood on the ground looking silly as he didn't know how to ride a horse. But not long, he began to climb on top of Alfred's horse and they're gonna rode together again.

The other member who doesn't know was looking baffled at Arno's antics. But after Dina explained about the fact that Arno can't ride a horse. All of them started laughing. The loudest one was Victor.

The old Saint was laughing merrily while holding his stomach, he still held a grudge against Arno because of the mana projection contention from before. So he can't let this moment to be wasted.

Even Melissa has chuckled adorably as she too was amused by Arno's silliness. Originally she wanted to offer Arno to ride together with her, but after thinking about it for a while she immediately rejected the idea. She was flushed as she can't believe she really thought of the idea in the first place.

Arno just shrugged, he can't do anything about it as he really couldn't ride a horse.

Thus, after everyone is ready. The team is finally set off from the south gate along with the cavalry for the southern border.