Chapter 17
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"Cooperation? But why? Melissa is confused because of what reason did the church's team want to cooperate with her team.
"Well, I'm sure you also know that our mission objective is basically the same, right?" Said Rionne as she still maintained her gentle smile.
Melissa slowly nodded "Yeah."
"Then, why can't we cooperate together? My church's team had strong members and so is yours, if we work together, it will increase our chance of survival once we stepped inside the Deadlands." Rionne continues suggesting Melissa enthusiastically.
Upon hearing her, Melissa lowered her head and pondering soundly.
She also agrees with Rionne's opinion. The Gobi Deadlands is an extremely dangerous zone. Even the barbarians who themselves is the natives of the Deadlands also avoiding the innermost region as much as possible. That region is filled with high-rank demon beasts and any other dangerous things.
Although at first, she's rather confident when she proposed the mission, her conviction now it began to waver. She is not optimistic as before.
But Rionne suggestion to joining both of their team is bringing hope to Melissa. This cooperation definitely would increase the team chances to not only succeeding the mission but also to return from the Deadlands alive, especially when Rionne's team had Victor Assange in their rank.
He is a certified Saint rank expert, his powerful strength would be a major help for the team. But Melissa still hesitates because Victor is rather rude earlier during his entrance.
In the end, Melissa thought it didn't matter if he's rude or not. Besides, it appears that he didn't mean anything earlier, he just wants to scare Melissa's team a little for making him wait outside before. They need a huge strength to safely traversing the Deadlands, and Victor's Saint rank strength is perfect for that.
Additionally, the SAD Leader also gives her advice that she can trust the church's people if she encountered them. Therefore, Melissa has decided to work together with Rionne's team, but she needs to ask several things firsts.
Melissa lifted her head towards Rionne's face "Before I decide, can you tell me who's gonna lead once our team is merged?" and she asked.
"Oh, isn't that obvious... of course it's you who would be the leader, lady Melissa" Rionne replies.
"But why?" Melissa was baffled.
Why did Rionne easily surrender the team leader position to her?
Even after Melissa glanced at each member of Rionne's team with an inquiring look, they only staring back at her silently as if they don't have a problem with her taking command.
But Rionne's reaction became weird after hearing Melissa's questions.
"This! Hehe...ehem, it's..hehe, let just say it's because we trust you, that's all." Rionne answered awkwardly, she also averts her eyes from Melissa's face.
The other Rionne's team members also feel embarrassed, and their face was flushed. Melissa and her team were stupefied, they didn't know why they are like that.
Rionne can only sigh helplessly after she saw Melissa's team silly expressions. The exact reason is because all the three men in Rionne's team are extremely useless when it comes to leading.
Although Victor Assange is a powerful Saint expert, he's basically a musclehead who only knows how to fight, he was completely different compared to Visser Gallard who, not only an expert in fighting but also capable as a leader. His conduct while being outside is always carefree and shameless.
Ryson Gaddras are not much different from Victor, even though he is the Vice Commander of the Order of the Radiants, he wasn't a good vice leader to the Order and he himself acknowledged this.
And about the young man in Rionne's team whose name is Steven Greyrat, this Steven actually wasn't bad at all. He's a promising young holy knight who already achieved level 3 Super Warrior strength in his young age, but he still didn't have many experiences, this mission is the first time for him to be deployed far away from the church's headquarter. Hence, it's too early for him to become a leader.
While Rionne herself is rather capable for being a leader, she's the Saintess candidates, after all, the one who would become the next Saintess, but comparing herself to Melissa is still too far, furthermore, she too didn't have that much of an experience. Thus, it is a correct action to give up the team leader position to Melissa, because they know Melissa's battle and command prowess.
Since young Melissa already experiencing in leading people to do missions, especially since she's joined, the SAD few years back, and this is a publicly known fact so it was not surprising at all if the church's people know about it.
But of course, Rionne would never reveal the real reason ever, because it will be too embarrassing if people know about the church's high-level members incompetency.
Melissa didn't register Rionne's word at all as she still in a stupefied state, Rionne become even more uncomfortable because of that, then she quickly tries to divert the topic.
"Ehem... so lady Melissa, do we have an agreement?" Rionne coughed a little and she asked Melissa again.
Melissa snapped out from her silly state "I..i.." but she stills unably to answers as her minds are still very much in muddle state.
"You don't have to worry about anything lady Melissa since we propose this ourselves then we have no problem from being under your command. We will follow every of your order, how's that sound?" Rionne persistently keeps suggesting, from the looks of her. She wouldn't take a no for an answer.
The other members of her team also agreeing with Rionne's word and nodding their head.
Melissa wanders her eyes around seeking an opinion from her team members, but her team members didn't have any of it at all, they leave it for her to decide since she's the team leader. Even Arno only slowly nods to her. Melissa knew what Arno's nods meaning, it is not to give an approval towards Rionne suggestions but he's implying it was Melissa's decision whether to agree or not.
For Melissa's team members this is a good occasion as agreeing to the suggestions means that they will be in the same team as Victor Assange, and it would be a great opportunity for them to journeying and fighting side by side with the exalt Saint rank expert. So they are secretly hoping inside their mind for Melissa to agree with Rionne suggestion.
Only Arno, who thought otherwise, in fact, he thinks nothing of it at all. The only reason he's tagging along with the team is to observe his destiny connections with both Melissa and Alfred as well as to enjoying the view, so it didn't matter to him whether the team will cooperate with the church's team or not.
Since it's like that, then Melissa is convinced, beside it is a good thing for her too, not only that the team overall strength would be boosted but she would also be still to retain her position as the leader. In summary, everyone is happy.
Thus, Melissa shift her eyes back to Rionne and she nods "Very well lady Rionne, let us work together then." her lips were curved upward while agreeing.
Seeing that Melissa is accepting her proposal, Rionne letting out a dazzling smile "Yes, thank you lady Melissa, let's cooperate from now on." and she quickly replies.
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.
-------------------------------------
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.
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"Cooperation? But why? Melissa is confused because of what reason did the church's team want to cooperate with her team.
"Well, I'm sure you also know that our mission objective is basically the same, right?" Said Rionne as she still maintained her gentle smile.
Melissa slowly nodded "Yeah."
"Then, why can't we cooperate together? My church's team had strong members and so is yours, if we work together, it will increase our chance of survival once we stepped inside the Deadlands." Rionne continues suggesting Melissa enthusiastically.
Upon hearing her, Melissa lowered her head and pondering soundly.
She also agrees with Rionne's opinion. The Gobi Deadlands is an extremely dangerous zone. Even the barbarians who themselves is the natives of the Deadlands also avoiding the innermost region as much as possible. That region is filled with high-rank demon beasts and any other dangerous things.
Although at first, she's rather confident when she proposed the mission, her conviction now it began to waver. She is not optimistic as before.
But Rionne suggestion to joining both of their team is bringing hope to Melissa. This cooperation definitely would increase the team chances to not only succeeding the mission but also to return from the Deadlands alive, especially when Rionne's team had Victor Assange in their rank.
He is a certified Saint rank expert, his powerful strength would be a major help for the team. But Melissa still hesitates because Victor is rather rude earlier during his entrance.
In the end, Melissa thought it didn't matter if he's rude or not. Besides, it appears that he didn't mean anything earlier, he just wants to scare Melissa's team a little for making him wait outside before. They need a huge strength to safely traversing the Deadlands, and Victor's Saint rank strength is perfect for that.
Additionally, the SAD Leader also gives her advice that she can trust the church's people if she encountered them. Therefore, Melissa has decided to work together with Rionne's team, but she needs to ask several things firsts.
Melissa lifted her head towards Rionne's face "Before I decide, can you tell me who's gonna lead once our team is merged?" and she asked.
"Oh, isn't that obvious... of course it's you who would be the leader, lady Melissa" Rionne replies.
"But why?" Melissa was baffled.
Why did Rionne easily surrender the team leader position to her?
Even after Melissa glanced at each member of Rionne's team with an inquiring look, they only staring back at her silently as if they don't have a problem with her taking command.
But Rionne's reaction became weird after hearing Melissa's questions.
"This! Hehe...ehem, it's..hehe, let just say it's because we trust you, that's all." Rionne answered awkwardly, she also averts her eyes from Melissa's face.
The other Rionne's team members also feel embarrassed, and their face was flushed. Melissa and her team were stupefied, they didn't know why they are like that.
Rionne can only sigh helplessly after she saw Melissa's team silly expressions. The exact reason is because all the three men in Rionne's team are extremely useless when it comes to leading.
Although Victor Assange is a powerful Saint expert, he's basically a musclehead who only knows how to fight, he was completely different compared to Visser Gallard who, not only an expert in fighting but also capable as a leader. His conduct while being outside is always carefree and shameless.
Ryson Gaddras are not much different from Victor, even though he is the Vice Commander of the Order of the Radiants, he wasn't a good vice leader to the Order and he himself acknowledged this.
And about the young man in Rionne's team whose name is Steven Greyrat, this Steven actually wasn't bad at all. He's a promising young holy knight who already achieved level 3 Super Warrior strength in his young age, but he still didn't have many experiences, this mission is the first time for him to be deployed far away from the church's headquarter. Hence, it's too early for him to become a leader.
While Rionne herself is rather capable for being a leader, she's the Saintess candidates, after all, the one who would become the next Saintess, but comparing herself to Melissa is still too far, furthermore, she too didn't have that much of an experience. Thus, it is a correct action to give up the team leader position to Melissa, because they know Melissa's battle and command prowess.
Since young Melissa already experiencing in leading people to do missions, especially since she's joined, the SAD few years back, and this is a publicly known fact so it was not surprising at all if the church's people know about it.
But of course, Rionne would never reveal the real reason ever, because it will be too embarrassing if people know about the church's high-level members incompetency.
Melissa didn't register Rionne's word at all as she still in a stupefied state, Rionne become even more uncomfortable because of that, then she quickly tries to divert the topic.
"Ehem... so lady Melissa, do we have an agreement?" Rionne coughed a little and she asked Melissa again.
Melissa snapped out from her silly state "I..i.." but she stills unably to answers as her minds are still very much in muddle state.
"You don't have to worry about anything lady Melissa since we propose this ourselves then we have no problem from being under your command. We will follow every of your order, how's that sound?" Rionne persistently keeps suggesting, from the looks of her. She wouldn't take a no for an answer.
The other members of her team also agreeing with Rionne's word and nodding their head.
Melissa wanders her eyes around seeking an opinion from her team members, but her team members didn't have any of it at all, they leave it for her to decide since she's the team leader. Even Arno only slowly nods to her. Melissa knew what Arno's nods meaning, it is not to give an approval towards Rionne suggestions but he's implying it was Melissa's decision whether to agree or not.
For Melissa's team members this is a good occasion as agreeing to the suggestions means that they will be in the same team as Victor Assange, and it would be a great opportunity for them to journeying and fighting side by side with the exalt Saint rank expert. So they are secretly hoping inside their mind for Melissa to agree with Rionne suggestion.
Only Arno, who thought otherwise, in fact, he thinks nothing of it at all. The only reason he's tagging along with the team is to observe his destiny connections with both Melissa and Alfred as well as to enjoying the view, so it didn't matter to him whether the team will cooperate with the church's team or not.
Since it's like that, then Melissa is convinced, beside it is a good thing for her too, not only that the team overall strength would be boosted but she would also be still to retain her position as the leader. In summary, everyone is happy.
Thus, Melissa shift her eyes back to Rionne and she nods "Very well lady Rionne, let us work together then." her lips were curved upward while agreeing.
Seeing that Melissa is accepting her proposal, Rionne letting out a dazzling smile "Yes, thank you lady Melissa, let's cooperate from now on." and she quickly replies.
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.
-------------------------------------
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.
"Cooperation? But why? Melissa is confused because of what reason did the church's team want to cooperate with her team."Well, I'm sure you also know that our mission objective is basically the same, right?" Said Rionne as she still maintained her gentle smile.Melissa slowly nodded "Yeah.""Then, why can't we cooperate together? My church's team had strong members and so is yours, if we work together, it will increase our chance of survival once we stepped inside the Deadlands." Rionne continues suggesting Melissa enthusiastically.Upon hearing her, Melissa lowered her head and pondering soundly.She also agrees with Rionne's opinion. The Gobi Deadlands is an extremely dangerous zone. Even the barbarians who themselves is the natives of the Deadlands also avoiding the innermost region as much as possible. That region is filled with high-rank demon beasts and any other dangerous things.Although at first, she's rather confident when she proposed the mission, her conviction now it began to waver. She is not optimistic as before.But Rionne suggestion to joining both of their team is bringing hope to Melissa. This cooperation definitely would increase the team chances to not only succeeding the mission but also to return from the Deadlands alive, especially when Rionne's team had Victor Assange in their rank.He is a certified Saint rank expert, his powerful strength would be a major help for the team. But Melissa still hesitates because Victor is rather rude earlier during his entrance.In the end, Melissa thought it didn't matter if he's rude or not. Besides, it appears that he didn't mean anything earlier, he just wants to scare Melissa's team a little for making him wait outside before. They need a huge strength to safely traversing the Deadlands, and Victor's Saint rank strength is perfect for that.Additionally, the SAD Leader also gives her advice that she can trust the church's people if she encountered them. Therefore, Melissa has decided to work together with Rionne's team, but she needs to ask several things firsts.Melissa lifted her head towards Rionne's face "Before I decide, can you tell me who's gonna lead once our team is merged?" and she asked."Oh, isn't that obvious... of course it's you who would be the leader, lady Melissa" Rionne replies."But why?" Melissa was baffled.Why did Rionne easily surrender the team leader position to her?Even after Melissa glanced at each member of Rionne's team with an inquiring look, they only staring back at her silently as if they don't have a problem with her taking command.But Rionne's reaction became weird after hearing Melissa's questions."This! Hehe...ehem, it's..hehe, let just say it's because we trust you, that's all." Rionne answered awkwardly, she also averts her eyes from Melissa's face.The other Rionne's team members also feel embarrassed, and their face was flushed. Melissa and her team were stupefied, they didn't know why they are like that.Rionne can only sigh helplessly after she saw Melissa's team silly expressions. The exact reason is because all the three men in Rionne's team are extremely useless when it comes to leading.Although Victor Assange is a powerful Saint expert, he's basically a musclehead who only knows how to fight, he was completely different compared to Visser Gallard who, not only an expert in fighting but also capable as a leader. His conduct while being outside is always carefree and shameless.Ryson Gaddras are not much different from Victor, even though he is the Vice Commander of the Order of the Radiants, he wasn't a good vice leader to the Order and he himself acknowledged this.And about the young man in Rionne's team whose name is Steven Greyrat, this Steven actually wasn't bad at all. He's a promising young holy knight who already achieved level 3 Super Warrior strength in his young age, but he still didn't have many experiences, this mission is the first time for him to be deployed far away from the church's headquarter. Hence, it's too early for him to become a leader.While Rionne herself is rather capable for being a leader, she's the Saintess candidates, after all, the one who would become the next Saintess, but comparing herself to Melissa is still too far, furthermore, she too didn't have that much of an experience. Thus, it is a correct action to give up the team leader position to Melissa, because they know Melissa's battle and command prowess.Since young Melissa already experiencing in leading people to do missions, especially since she's joined, the SAD few years back, and this is a publicly known fact so it was not surprising at all if the church's people know about it.But of course, Rionne would never reveal the real reason ever, because it will be too embarrassing if people know about the church's high-level members incompetency.Melissa didn't register Rionne's word at all as she still in a stupefied state, Rionne become even more uncomfortable because of that, then she quickly tries to divert the topic."Ehem... so lady Melissa, do we have an agreement?" Rionne coughed a little and she asked Melissa again.Melissa snapped out from her silly state "I..i.." but she stills unably to answers as her minds are still very much in muddle state."You don't have to worry about anything lady Melissa since we propose this ourselves then we have no problem from being under your command. We will follow every of your order, how's that sound?" Rionne persistently keeps suggesting, from the looks of her. She wouldn't take a no for an answer.The other members of her team also agreeing with Rionne's word and nodding their head.Melissa wanders her eyes around seeking an opinion from her team members, but her team members didn't have any of it at all, they leave it for her to decide since she's the team leader. Even Arno only slowly nods to her. Melissa knew what Arno's nods meaning, it is not to give an approval towards Rionne suggestions but he's implying it was Melissa's decision whether to agree or not.For Melissa's team members this is a good occasion as agreeing to the suggestions means that they will be in the same team as Victor Assange, and it would be a great opportunity for them to journeying and fighting side by side with the exalt Saint rank expert. So they are secretly hoping inside their mind for Melissa to agree with Rionne suggestion.Only Arno, who thought otherwise, in fact, he thinks nothing of it at all. The only reason he's tagging along with the team is to observe his destiny connections with both Melissa and Alfred as well as to enjoying the view, so it didn't matter to him whether the team will cooperate with the church's team or not.Since it's like that, then Melissa is convinced, beside it is a good thing for her too, not only that the team overall strength would be boosted but she would also be still to retain her position as the leader. In summary, everyone is happy.Thus, Melissa shift her eyes back to Rionne and she nods "Very well lady Rionne, let us work together then." her lips were curved upward while agreeing.Seeing that Melissa is accepting her proposal, Rionne letting out a dazzling smile "Yes, thank you lady Melissa, let's cooperate from now on." and she quickly replies.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.-------------------------------------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.
