It's far too close to the end of my loop.
I have tried creating a scenario where he is revived earlier, but it was impossible."
After a deep breath, Orsted continued.
"I can't reach Hitogami if I have to go through a war.
This loop, it's a failure."
Failure.
Those words rang in my head like an echo.
Then why didn't you come to Shirone?
Part of me wants to curse and scream, but nothing comes out of my mouth.
The work I was entrusted with, I failed.
Now, I wonder if I'm useless. This job really proved the measure of my worth.
I wonder if I'm a disappointment.
Orsted seems to have completely given up on the loop now.
If that's the case, I... what should I do now?
"Don't just assume this is a failure, it's too early."
And then Zanoba spoke up with a vibrant voice.
I wonder just how much of the story just now Zanoba understood.
Suddenly it was a story about the future, that didn't confuse you?
"When war breaks out, if you say you have to bring down Laplace and his subordinates. Starting now we can begin to prepare our own forces."
"...Ho?"
"Creating an army... even not going quite that far would be sufficient, don't you think? The forces to defeat Laplace, if we start gathering them now, we'll have plenty of companions when the time comes."
Ah, Zanoba said something good.
It's like that.
If using up his magic power is the problem, if Orsted doesn't have to fight then everything is fine.
"Orsted-dono, as your curse prevents you from collecting comrades, Shishou... and Myself, leave that to us."
Then Zanoba stepped forward and took a knee, lowering his head, before Orsted.
"The current proposal, it's just an idea based on my limited understanding.
I'm not sure whether it's even relevant."
I don't know whether it can be realized, however it seems like a good idea.
The revival of Laplace... wasn't it not until 80 years from now?
If his revival is approximately set, then it should be within a several year time frame.
By that time we could have gathered plenty of strong allies like Perugius and the Death God, and be ready to strike when Laplace resurrects.
That way we can preserve Orsted's magical power.
"I do not know the detailed circumstances, but I have heard that you are fighting a two man war against Hitogami. And that Hitogami is -- "
There Zanoba abruptly stopped his speech, then raised his head to look at Orsted.
After that he placed his hands on the ground.
"He is the adversary who killed my little brother."
Zanoba went prone.
He was prostrating himself with his head on the ground.
It's not the usual way in which he just throws his entire body on the ground.
Slowly, gracefully, he shows his respect.
"Would it be possible to, please, accept Myself as another subordinate under Orsted-sama."
" .... "
"I want to make our enemy pay!"
I think Orsted cast a glance in my direction.
His vision should have been blocked but...
But, does he want my opinion?
Well, am I even qualified to give an opinion?
"Because of Zanoba's addition, the Magic Armor was able to progress.
Also, just now, that idea seemed pretty good.
In this last job, without him, I would have faced much harsher challenges."
"I understand."
Orsted did not bother listening to the end.
He nodded, stood up, and looked down at Zanoba.
Then he declared,
"In that case, then you shall be attached under Rudeus, look to him for instructions. If you say you can gather allies, then show me what you can do."
"...Y-yes sir!"
Orsted is still wearing the helmet.
Zanoba remains fallen in the prone position.
Like that, Zanoba became my co-worker under Orsted.