"So, how are the 'preparations' going?"

As Rey asked this question, Ater's lips broadened and a somewhat sadistic smile formed all over his face.

"They're going well. They should be ready by tomorrow. We can utilize them anytime after that."

"I was thinking of waiting for two or three more days before using them. It's not time yet." Rey responded, rubbing his chin.

"I understand. The beneficiaries aren't ripe yet, am I correct? You desire for them to acclimate a little more."

"Yes. You saw how they were today. They have a long way to go before the plan can be viable."

Ater nodded his head at his Master's wise words.

"You are correct."

While he didn't completely understand the rationale behind his Master's actions, Ater could see the reason behind this plan in particular.

It pleased him that his Master was the one behind it as well.

"I'm quite optimistic about it." Rey added, and Ater couldn't help but give a nod in approval.

They were both on the same page on that matter.

"This is just a tangent, but I guess being in the thick of it with them in today's Raid made me notice a few things about my classmates that I didn't know before." Rey chuckled a little.

He was able to see them very differently since he was paying very rapt attention to them.

It was a somewhat refreshing experience.

"If you so desire, we can create a scenario that will help you explore more of that tomorrow." Ater voiced his opinion, eager to please his master.

Rey narrowed his eyes as he heard what Ater said.

"I promise, it's nothing harmful. In fact, it could end up benefiting them."

"Hmm…" Rey clearly senses that Ater had no malevolent intent with his suggestion, so he knew he could trust him.

"Fine." He sighed. "But you'll have to tell me the details."

"Understood, Master."

They had gone on yet another tangent, and the most important matters were yet to be addressed.

Rey felt like slapping his hand on his head, but he controlled himself while being watched by his loyal Familiar.

He had to keep up some measure of appearances.

"I noticed you didn't Level Up despite killing a fair share of Monsters on the Third Floor…"

Ater raised his earlier bowed head the moment he heard the question.

He gave a slight sigh and shrugged.

"None of those fodder can grant me any kind of meaningful EXP talkless of helping me Level Up."

The Absolute creature sounded disappointed—perhaps a little frustrated—as he voiced the conundrum to his Master.

'I can totally relate!' Rey wanted to cry out, but he restrained himself.

It seemed like they both suffered from the same problem.

They were too strong.

"We both need to find stronger prey, it seems." Rey sadly smiled at his Familiar.

He knew that Ater had intentionally given him the Boss of the Third Floor, perhaps as a means to get the lion's share of EXP, but it was honestly no good.

He barely got any EXP from it.

'That Boss Monster would have been a lot more beneficial to someone else…'

In the end, it was a waste on him.

'I'm honestly concerned about how things will play out in the future. I don't want to end up stuck at this Level.'

Rey had heard there were other Dungeons in a bunch of other regions, so he began to wonder if he should go there after he was done with his current assignment.

'Yeah. I think that's what I'll do.'

Once Rey settled on his thought, he went on to the next topic—

perhaps the most important one yet—with Ater.

"The KariBlanc Group is supposed to set out tonight—at least, that is how it's supposed to be if they're going to get to the Merchant City on time." Rey smiled.

Of course, he wasn't planning on letting them leave so early. He was simply going to teleport them once the time came.

However, they had to put up appearances.

'There's no doubt that there are spies hidden all around who are waiting to see Rebal and Kara leave the Capital.'

They had to fool them by ensuring the two—and a believable number of people serving as their entourage—left before their eyes.

"You can leave everything to me, Master." Ater bowed his head and gave a confident smile.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. While I find it doubtful that they would be attacked if they were to journey to the Merchant City, with or without your help, I understand your concerns."

Indeed… Ater didn't believe Scylla and her New Order would ambush Rebal or try to slow him down.

If that was the case, then this entire procedure was unnecessary.

However, Rey had to disagree.

'Well, it's still better to be safe rather than sorry.'

As a result, the conclusion was to keep Rebal and those who would be going with him to the Dark Gathering in some safe and hidden place while only making it seem like they left the Capital.

"Alright. I'll leave it up to you." Rey nodded at Ater.

He didn't doubt his Familiar's capabilities in that respect, so he left him to it.

"Thank you, Master."

"Ah! I nearly forgot, but remember the rule." Rey raised a finger, and the Familiar nodded almost instantly.

"No unnecessary killing or violence. I understand."

They had to remain as lowkey as possible—at least, until the promised day.

'If I don't give him something specific like that, he might go about the plan in some twisted way.'

Rey couldn't have that.

"Well, I suppose that's pretty much it for now."

"Yes, Master."

"Also, were you able to get more information about Conrad's moves?"

"Yes. The Royal Council is currently gathering their forces in the Merchant City while also strengthening their forces in the Capital and preparing for a full-blown Raid."

As Ralyks, he had agreed to transport the Capital's forces within the Merchant City once the time came, but Rey was pleasantly surprised that they already had troops being gathered there.

"Were you able to find the spies among the forces who leaked information of the Royal Council's plans to Scylla?"

"Yes, Master. They'll be dealt with once the plan is completely in motion and they're not needed any longer."

Rey smiled as he listened to all of this.

'Everything is going very smoothly.' As his smile broadened, his eyes brimmed with excitement.

"That's good."

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Thanks for reading!

I honestly can't wait for the epic showdown that's about to come down.