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The others seemed certain that Ashbringer was not misleading them for some reason, but it did not make any sense. Even if the red-haired monstrosity gave them time legitimately, why would she actually want to make them stronger? The more she thought about it, the graver the picture became in Ember’s mind as she drew associations between Miseria, Negative Emotions, Dark Magical Girls and Giga Miseria, coalescing into a frightening picture. Which would be too much to share in the open.

Tsubomi’s Relevation further deepened the web of uncertainty around them. In the first place, how did Ashbringer convince Michi to side with her? And why, if she was certain of her victory, did she start to gather a team of individuals by her side? The [color=red]schemer[/color] felt her revelation become muddled by those questions. She would share her concerns anyways.

[color=red]”I have also been approached by Regina,”[/color] she lied without blinking or pausing, choosing to cover for Roche’s lack of admission with one of her own so they could start building a profile. She did not even know how close she was to the truth.

[color=red]”But I couldn’t get a read on her or what drives her forward, nor what forces she has at her command at the moment. And as Hananami-san pointed out, we are risking something either way. So I want to propose something unusual.”[/color] She took a breath. Prepared herself.

[color=red]”I have recently gained more command over the extra bodies I create. There are only twelve, however, I can send out the more magically potent of them,”[/color] in other words, the ones controlled by herself or Hotaru, if she was willing to cooperate, [color=red]”to scout the nearby cities that seem to be suitable locations for hunting grounds. If Kuroki-san is willing to lend some of her creations to aid my cause, I would be capable of a reconnaissance-in-force and gathering much-needed information without risking too much of Hibusa Town’s security.”[/color]

[color=red]”And then, building on Oyama-san’s idea of only striking out for a night, or a day at most given our limitations, not to mention the situations of some of the members of the group, I propose that only a given number of members leave Hibusa Town. If worst comes to worst, one of my spares can inform the group of the situation and they can come back to us.”[/color] It was not the perfect plan. Travelling between cities, even at night, would likely take an hour at least, which was plenty of time for opportunists to dig into Hibusa Town.

[color=red]”As hard it is to swallow, those who remain will likely have to hide while the others are returning,”[/color] Ember nodded towards Nyxia, acknowledging she would likely be opposed to not taking the fight head on. [color=red]”I also acknowledge that if Kana-san is right about us being monitored, this creates the worst possible situation for us, because an enemy can strike at our weakest point. However, it also means that our home is not undefended.”[/color]

[color=red]”Even if I do admire Ishiko-san, she will likely not lend a hand unless it is interesting or challenging enough. We have to rely on ourselves for this one.”[/color]

She had also noted Tsubomi's strange behaviour along with Kiyo's tension, but there was precious little she could do about those out in the open.