Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World
Case 357: Racing toward the end.

''Huu...''

After confirming her target's death, Sylvia slowly exhales, feeling strength slipping away from her body. Truthfully, it isn't easy keeping herself sharp and aiding in two battles simultaneously while in a state of exhaustion. 

'So lucky Sariel is strong enough...'

''Sylvia, are you okay?!''

''I'm... fine.''

For a moment, Sylvia's eyelids feel heavy, and just as she is about to collapse, Christina rushes toward her. Holding Sylvia in her arms, Christina rests the elven girl's head on her chest, propping her face up so that she won't suffocate. Slowly, the two move into a nearby vehicle, where Christina lays her lover on her lap.

Thankfully, Sylvia only seems drained, her face lacking a bit of color.

With her robust regeneration and absorption, it won't take much to nurse her back to health. The problem, however, is how to get Sylvia back to her peak. After all, time is of utmost value at the moment, and they need to ride on the momentum, striking the demon king at the earliest possible.

''Phew...''

First, Christina dials the captain, Ariel, for a strategic meeting. Just in time, Anastasia and Sariel also return from their fights. Amidst the constant popping of gunfire and explosions outside, the four huddle in the vehicle.

Still with her eyes closed, ears drooping, Sylvia speaks up, ''All commanders are out. We need to get to the demon king as quickly as possible.''

''Leave that to us, Sylvia,'' Sariel says, caressing her lover's forehead. ''You can rest in the meantime. Once the demon king is taken care of, we can all move on to the corrupt goddess.''

''But it's dangerous...''

Right then, Anastasia cuts in, her ears twitching, ''I understand that it's dangerous, but you can't overexert yourself like this. Besides, we absolutely need you with us to deal with Eve! You need rest, Sylvia!''

''...''

The elven girl grumbles, but even she knows she can't argue against such sound logic. Caught between the desperate desire to recuperate and to help her companions, Sylvia feels her head aching.

''Excuse me.''

But just as swiftly as when they retreated, Ariel's group has appeared again, with the captain himself knocking on the window.

''Let us return to our vehicle. We can talk then.''

''Understood.''

Christina, followed by Sariel and Anastasia, carries Sylvia inside a spacious armored vehicle, where intelligence officers and other relevant members are already gathered. More noteworthy, however, is the presence of an otherworldly beauty.

''Luna...!''

''Welcome back. Good job eliminating those commanders.''

Since time is tight, everyone quickly gets seated. Sylvia leans on Christina's shoulder, silently taking in the meeting's content. In her eyes reflect the strategic map at the center of the table, vividly glowing a blue shade.

The first to present is Lunaris, who bears a serious expression, ''I have found Goddess Eva's location through divination.'' She says, to which many respond keenly, ''Originally, she must have been somewhere quite obscure—perhaps in an alternate dimension. Just now, I have confirmed that she has gotten out of there.''

''Do you know her precise location?'' Ariel inquires, ''We can attempt to contact her, at least.''

''Eva's divinity is fluctuating greatly, which means she is in an intense battle,'' Lunaris replies, ''Besides, her signals are lingering near the fallen star's crater. No ordinary life should enter that area.''

Sensing the tenseness in Lunaris's voice, none dares to oppose. Eventually, the goddess finishes up her part, ''The best we can do is give it our all and eliminate the demon king. Only then should we be concerned with assisting Eva.''

The men and women in the vehicle exchange affirmative nods, but ultimately, they turn to Sylvia, who has the biggest say in this operation. The elven saint's face still retains a certain composure, ''Let's go with that. I believe Eva can handle it well.''

Deep inside, she just feels relieved, knowing her goddess is still alive.

''...Then, I'll talk about the demon king's subjugation plan that Miss Lunaris has mentioned.'' Ariel smoothly takes over, building on Lunaris's section, ''Based on the reports I've gathered, it appears our forces are advancing smoothly. Ammunition is still abundant, morale is high, and our soldiers are willing to make every effort for victory. By the afternoon, I believe we will reach the castle's base.''

Raising his voice, the commander tightens his fist determinedly, his eyes fixed on a figure, ''Your Holiness, the demon king must be subjugated before sunrise. Even if we have to get through the palace's tough defenses, we cannot let the rest of the demons pour in and corner us.''

''...''

Nominally, this so-called meeting is nothing more than a procedure. After all, everything has already been sorted out, plans have been made, so all that is left is getting the Saint's decision.

Sylvia falls into deep thoughts.

'I have to focus...'

Now is the hard part of the operation.

Indeed, the main castle must house countless elite demons, and breaking in with soldiers who have fought an entire day might be somewhat risky. Yet, the most pressing question is whether Anastasia and Christina, whose aid is indispensable, can hold up properly for the entire duration.

With Eva, they might have easily swept through the battlefield and gotten straight to the end.

'It's no use thinking about it right now, Sylvia. Focus.'

And... as Ariel points out, it'll only get more difficult once the entire demon population comes pouring in. Everybody is eager to fight. Everybody is ready. She has to believe in them.

Gritting her teeth, Sylvia finally gives a nod, ''Go ahead. I'll contact my father for additional artillery and support. We'll strike them first before getting the people in.''

''Understood!''

Clearly fired up, the officers begin to frantically give out orders to their respective departments, putting into action what they've already planned beforehand. In the meantime, Sylvia dials up her dad's phone number.

[...Alright. I'll see if we can summon more manpower to hasten production.]

''Thanks, Dad.''

[Sylvia... good luck. I believe in you.]

''...Mhm.''

Cutting the call, the elven princess lets out a sigh. Amidst the storm of people strategizing, she feels as though her consciousness is sinking into the vast ocean.

''Sleep well, Hanako,'' A gentle voice caresses her ears, ''We'll take care of it, so don't worry.''

''Mhm...''

In her vision, the lingering faces of her companions stand out. They all seem exhausted, but brimming with vigor at the same time. It is quite... reassuring.

''Raeliana and Emilia are coming back.'' Someone says, putting down their phone, ''They've stabilized the machine, it seems.''

''That's a relief.''

Slowly, Sylvia drifts into a slumber, familiar voices lulling her deeper.

''Oh, there she goes.''

Lunaris sheepishly smiles, receiving the dozing Sylvia from Christina.

''Leave her to me,'' She affirms, ''I'll assist with commanding the army from behind. You guys can directly help the soldiers... or rest. Do what you feel necessary.''

But of course, none of the Saint party members is content with resting now. After all, they can still give much more.

It's the final stride—the final sprint to the end. The race has long started, and they cannot afford to stop for even a moment.