After completing our reconnaissance of the other teams' Crest Mark distribution patterns, I turned to Elen with specific instructions.
"Elen, you need to leave this area and find a secure hiding place. No matter what happens, you are not allowed to show yourself or leave that position. After the examination has passed, you're permitted to move - but even if you hear my voice telling you to come out before then, don't do it. Understood?"
She looked confused by the seemingly paranoid instructions but nodded her agreement. "I understand, but why?"
I explained the tactical reasoning to my assembled team. "With you hidden safely away from the battlefield, we won't have to worry about losing our accumulated Crest Marks during the fighting. The other teams have been too desperate for additional firepower, or they simply didn't consider this approach. We don't need to risk our existing resources while simultaneously fighting for new ones."
