We walk in silence through the immense palace, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension.
Welze, especially, seems to feel the strain between me and the pink-haired woman.
I can't help but find amusement in the thought that poor Welze always seems to find herself caught between me and those who oppose me.

In this silence, only the sound of our steps echoing on the stone floors fills the air as I contemplate my next moves.
After descending several staircases, Welze, Xiaikai, and I reach the royal hall where I had previously met with the queen.
The doors stand open as if expecting us, and the guards signal for us to enter, which we do.

Inside, the large table where we had dined is gone, leaving space now occupied by my companions.
A little further away stand the Elfrider and Queen Azherie, both on their feet, observing my companions.
None of her Servants are present.

I had made specific requests, written on a piece of paper, and the queen had fulfilled all of them. Azherie's word holds weight.

I immediately notice the change in my companions. The new Silverdark armors envelop them in a sinister yet fascinating light. Each piece is a masterpiece of Elven craftsmanship, forged with a skill that goes beyond mere functionality.

Sylthrenn explained to me yesterday about the material prevalent throughout this underground kingdom.
It's called Silverdark, a unique metal mined in the Underealm. Its durability surpasses steel, but it's slightly lighter and more flexible.
It resembles silver in appearance but is streaked with dark veins and sparkles in the light.

Although the equipment provided to us isn't magical, it's superior to what we had, which was essentially nothing.

The only one who didn't need better equipment was Deedee, already equipped as a first-rate Venture.
She wears her conjurable magical armor and has her bow and quiver slung over her back.

As soon as they see me, Deedee and Kanna approach me.
"They denied us the chance to see Guli," informs the professor.
"These motherfuckers assure us that the hostages are fine, but I'd prefer to see with my own eyes," adds the Ranger.
"We probably have to trust them. So far, they've accommodated all our requests," I comment, pondering whether to press the queen further. "By the way, Xiaikai Frolich informed me that among the hostages is Chancellor Himmler."

Both women are taken aback by this revelation, their mouths hanging open in surprise.
Kanna then seeks confirmation from Xiaikai's gaze. I believe the professor teaches in the year Frolich attends, so she likely knows her.
"It's true," confirms the pink-haired summoner.

I introduce Xiaikai as the informant, the pink-haired summoner who nods in greeting while keeping her distance from me and the women.
I inform them that she'll be part of the team.

Seeing Kanna's undisguised concern for her friend, I say, "I'll try to make an attempt with the queen regarding Guli."
She thanks me, touching my hand lightly, dressed in her shimmering new medium armor.

Rero approaches.
She's wearing a medium armor that allows for decent agility and speed, without sacrificing too much resistance.
Plus, now she has a real sword, not that junk provided by the Academy. "Strauss, this armor is incredible," she says with a tone of approval. Then she draws the sword and shows it to me happily. "Finally, a proper sword! I'm almost moved!"
I place a hand on her silly little head and stroke it, smiling.
She closes her eyes to enjoy the pleasant sensation of my touch.

Luysia, in her form-fitting armor that enhances her physique, moves towards me.
It's a complete protection, covering almost all parts of her body, and falls into the category of heavy armor, but she doesn't give the impression of being burdened by it with her graceful movements.
"Strauss, these armors... they are like a second skin," she comments, running her fingers over the silver engravings.
Finally, she can use her preferred type of weapon: the halberd. She indeed wields one, made of the same material as the armor, and also has a new sword in its sheath.
"With this equipment, you can realize your potential," I tell her admiringly.
She offers a faint smile, and despite trying to maintain her icy mask, I know she's happy.

My eyes then rest on Bicrista, who is studying her new weapon.
It's not a kitchen knife as she probably would prefer, but a short dagger with a wide blade.
She has two identical ones, and being ambidextrous, she can use both in combat.
Skillfully, she quickly draws them from their sheaths and twirls them, swapping them between hands like a juggler.

Gallo, her brother, wields a similar dagger. The twins wear essential Silverdark protections that cover their vital points.
They don’t want to sacrifice their mobility, so as not to compromise the typical fighting style of an assassin.

The silver-haired man addresses me: "Looks like we're gearing up for war, huh? I just hope these beauties are up to the challenge."
He and Bicrista had similar stats when I first met them, but now the sister has leveled up and received my empowering semen, becoming significantly stronger than Gallo. Nevertheless, together they increase their combat potential, being accustomed to fighting as a team.
"I expect you to give your full support to your sister," I tell him in a low voice so that only he can hear me.
Gallo nods.