Donlow quickly reported her situation to Luca.
It had been less than half an hour since she set out, and already the two Morning Star members had been forced to withdraw from the operation.
Luca wasn't particularly surprised by the news.
He responded calmly, "It was expected. As long as Fuzzsir and Melania can keep a few of the stronger monsters occupied, that's good enough."
He showed no emotional reaction to Fuzzsir and Melania's failure.
Nova, too, had anticipated that something like this might happen.
So the two of them continued pressing forward toward Lakeside City's urban center.
They were now very close.
"I've spotted some monsters," Nova whispered to Luca.
"They're hiding behind those high-rise buildings."
Luca nodded.
"We'll split up. Take them out quickly, and then we regroup."
With that, he abruptly dashed toward the strongest monster in the group.
The monster, startled by his sudden charge, didn't immediately retaliate. Instead, it turned to flee.
