Armand Nation.

Armand Estate.

Armand Command Center.

Garius sat in his chair, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the massive screen displaying real-time Sky Eyes footage. His mana portable computer hummed beside him, projecting layered data and strategic overlays. The room hummed with quiet activity as Armand officers worked diligently, jotting down notes, analyzing data, and monitoring multiple live feeds from the Sky Eyes surveillance system.

Alf and Erinette sat nearby, their postures relaxed but alert.

Garius watched the Sky Eyes view displayed on the screen, showing a live feed of Amazarak with stunning clarity. The new function Javier had installed allowed for an unprecedented level of detail, zooming in on specific individuals with crisp, clear imagery.

"Alf?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

Garius smirked, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "The new function Javier installed is quite impressive. It allows us to observe these outsiders with a level of detail we couldn’t achieve before. Their movements, their structures, even their expressions and every weapon they carry... all captured in crisp clarity."

Alf nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Prince Javier’s inventions continue to surpass expectations. With this level of clarity, we can read their lips, track their formations, and anticipate their strategies before they even move. The enemy has no idea that every step they take is being watched."

Garius nodded before his eyes focused on the screen, pointing toward one of the figures.

"That one, Alf."

"Ah~ The one currently talking to one of the Amazarak people." Alf leaned forward slightly, studying the image.

"Yes... he looks like he’s in charge." Garius assessed the man’s posture, his commanding presence, and the way others around him reacted. "Notice how the other outsiders carry themselves around him. Some seem wary, others keep their heads slightly lowered, as if they’re deferring to him. He’s not just a leader, he’s someone they respect or fear."

"True, Your Majesty. His demeanor suggests authority. He’s likely a high-ranking officer or strategist among them."

Garius rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder if there’s a way to hear what they’re saying and discussing. Lip-reading is useful, but it’s not always accurate."

Alf glanced at him. "Shall I contact the Shadow Unit stationed near Amazarak? Some are officially positioned in the Beastkin Nation and several in the Elven Nation. They could infiltrate and gather intelligence directly."

"No." Garius’s face turned serious as he glanced up at the screen, crossing his arms. "We don’t know if any of them have detection abilities, tracking magic, or the means to detect invisible units. I don’t want to risk our personnel. I’m sure there’s another way to gather the information we need."

He turned to one of the officers seated nearby.

"Magron?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Show me the Sky Eyes view of the Elven Northern Border Town."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Magron pressed a series of runes on the console, selecting one of the many available views. The main screen shifted, displaying a live feed of the Elven Northern Border Town.

Garius watched intently as the image focused on the town square. In the center, near the fountain, a huge orange pekko rested lazily, its feathers gleaming in the morning light.

Beside it, a young man sat on the stone edge of the fountain, dressed in ragged, patched beggar’s clothing. His hair was messy and unkempt, and he wore a pair of mana glasses perched on his nose, casually leaning back as if he had nowhere else to be.

Garius shook his head, a faint, amused smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"If I didn’t know it was him, I would have believed he was a real beggar. The way he carries himself, the way he blends into the surroundings... he’s fully committed to the role."

Alf smiled faintly, his voice carrying a note of admiration. "Prince Javier is truly talented. He can blend into any situation, adapt to any role, and maintain such a convincing disguise. He doesn’t just wear the disguise, he becomes the character. It’s a gift. Observation, mimicry and a touch of genius, all wrapped into one. It’s impressive."

Garius chuckled softly, a rare, faint smile crossing his usually stern face.

"Well... now is not the time to be impressed by his talent. We have more important matters to focus on. And judging by my youngest son’s appearance and the way he’s wearing his mana glasses, I’m sure he’s already monitoring the outsiders as well."

Alf smirked, nodding in agreement. "Knowing Prince Javier, he’s likely already analyzing their movements, their strategies, and their weaknesses. He wouldn’t waste a single moment."

"Mm..." Garius nodded, reaching for his mana talkie and slipping it into his ear. He channeled his mana, the device humming to life.

"Javier."

Meanwhile.

In the Elven Northern Border Town.

Javier leaned back against the stone edge of the fountain, his mana glasses displaying a live feed from the Sky Eyes street view. He watched the new figure moving through the Amazarak base with calm authority.

Hmm... this new guy... just by looking at him, he’s not someone ordinary. His weapon, his posture, the way he speaks and carries himself... he’s not the main leader, but he’s definitely someone important.

He zoomed in on new guy movements, studying his gestures and interactions.

He might be strong among them, or perhaps he has a sharp mind. From the way he moves, the way he assesses the situation, the way he commands others without raising his voice... it reminds me of Father’s style. He’s thinking ahead, planning, strategizing.

This guy might be their brain. The strategist and their tactician.

Lucky I sent my micro bug drone into their camp. It’s a tiny audio device that records sound and transmits the data via a mana link through the Sky Eyes and mana satellite.

Javier smirked, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

All their conversations from before have already been recorded.

He tapped his mana glasses, pulling up the audio logs.

Hmm... perhaps I should set up a live voice feed alongside the recording setting. That way, I can hear their plans in real time and also have the recordings stored for later analysis.

He glanced up at Buddy, who was resting lazily beside him.

"Buddy?"

"Cuquawked?" Buddy squawked softly, tilting his head down to look at him.

"Cover me with your wing so I can use my backup mana portable computer to set up the new live audio relay."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy smirked with his beak, lifting his massive wing and draping it over Javier, shielding him from view.

"Thanks, Buddy." Javier muttered in a low voice, already pulling out his compact mana computer. "Later tonight, we’ll eat the ready-cooked meat I have stored in my dimensional storage."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy’s eyes lit up, his tail feathers twitching with excitement.

( End Of Chapter )