Jeremy gazed at Bonnie's sullen expression, momentarily at a loss for how to comfort her.
Consequently, he decided against saying much more to Bonnie, instead wearing a smile as he addressed the group.
"Let us conclude for today! Although I am unaware of the exact timing for the operation devised by Howard, it is imminent—likely within the next few days. You may all return and make your respective preparations."
After delivering this statement, Jeremy stepped outside his home, accompanied by Claire and Emma.
He needed to escort Claire and Emma back to their residence.
After all, it was the only way he could ensure the safety of both Claire and Emma.
Ritchie and Bonnie, on the other hand, no longer required Jeremy's escort, as their levels had significantly increased.
Thus, the group parted ways, each individual leaving Jeremy's home in their own direction.
Jeremy spent approximately half an hour transporting Claire and Emma to their dwelling.
"Make sure to follow the steps I previously outlined to you! Under no circumstances should you act impulsively or deviate from the plan!"
Before departing, Jeremy made a point to remind Emma and Claire.
Claire smiled and replied, "Rest assured, both Emma and I will diligently remember what you've said. Even if she considers straying from your instructions, I will ensure she promptly alters her course of action."
Claire's response provided Jeremy with a sense of reassurance.
"That's good to hear, then I shall return!"
After bidding farewell to Claire and Emma, Jeremy swiftly made his way back to his own home.
Jeremy also needed to undertake certain preparations for the upcoming endeavors.
Although he had gained a high level of mastery over his talent, The King of Time and Space, after enduring a series of trials.
The difficulty of the instance he was about to enter was not to be underestimated.
If Jeremy wished to excel in his performance, he would have to devise a strategy in advance.
Jeremy meticulously selected his weaponry, ultimately deciding to carry only the Longsword of the Undying.
Although he possessed several other formidable weapons, they did not synergize well with his talent, The King of Time and Space.
With the acquisition of The King of Time and Space, Jeremy gained the ability to unexpectedly appear in locations undetectable by his enemies during combat.
In such scenarios, employing the most lethal weapon was essential to achieving optimal combat effectiveness.
Naturally, the Longsword of the Undying was the most powerful weapon at his disposal.
Once he had completed all his preparations, Jeremy retired to rest.
Though Jeremy's condition had nearly returned to normal, it had nonetheless exhausted all his energy.
He needed to rest as soon as possible to ensure he could regain a vigorous state before Howard's plan commenced.
Aside from Jeremy, the others were also engaged in their respective preparations.
Upon returning to his home, Ritchie carefully stored away his most treasured weapon, the Ravager's Gloves.
"Since you have made this decision, I will not oppose it. However, I expect you to be thoroughly prepared before the operation commences."
Benjamin's response exceeded Bonnie's expectations.
She had not anticipated that her father would be so easily persuaded.
However, the current situation filled Bonnie with immense joy.
Bonnie exclaimed in an excited tone, "Father, rest assured! I will absolutely ensure that I am thoroughly prepared before the operation begins! I will make sure to bring all of the equipment I possess!"
"It is reassuring to hear your confidence! As your father, I will, of course, support your endeavor. There is nothing more to discuss, you should quickly get ready for the upcoming mission."
Benjamin's voice sounded exceedingly weary.
Although Bonnie found this somewhat peculiar, she chose not to press the matter further.
"Goodbye, Father!"
"Goodbye!"
After Benjamin hung up the phone, Bonnie swiftly adjusted her emotions.
"I must expedite all my preparations. I absolutely cannot allow myself to bring shame to my father during this mission. If my performance in this operation is subpar, it is possible that my father may no longer support my participation in similar endeavors."
Bonnie swiftly retrieved all the weapons and equipment she possessed.
After a considerable amount of deliberation, Bonnie ultimately decided to carry the most powerful staff along with two pieces of defensive gear.
"I cannot carry too much equipment, an excess of gear would significantly hinder my mobility. This would be an exceedingly dangerous situation within a high-difficulty instance."
Although Bonnie had never actually entered a high-difficulty instance,
her previous experiences had afforded her some insight into the unexpected situations that might arise within such challenging environments.
Maintaining a sufficiently high level of agility is imperative in a high-difficulty instance.
If one's speed of action is inadequate and one's reflexes lack sharpness, then one will inevitably encounter almost unavoidable dangers within a high-difficulty instance.
Once she had completed her preparations, Bonnie promptly went to rest.
After all, it was already the early hours of the morning.
If General Howard moved swiftly enough, he would inform Jeremy of his plans by morning.
Should Jeremy agree to General Howard's plan, both Ritchie and Bonnie would need to be fully prepared for action within half an hour.
In addition to Jeremy and the others' preparations, General Howard was also ensuring that his subordinates made their final arrangements.
"The upcoming operation is of utmost importance! We have never entered a high-difficulty instance before, so our understanding of these instances is exceedingly limited.
You must be prepared for the worst possible scenarios. Only then can we maintain a sufficiently high margin for error during the course of our mission."
Howard's admonitions were naturally taken to heart by all of his subordinates.
In order to ensure the success of this mission, Howard had made a point of bringing all of his precious weapons and equipment along.
Despite having made ample preparations, Howard still felt an overwhelming sense of unease.