Chapter 513: Audience in the Underground

Chapter 513 Audience in the Underground

Having somehow managed to break away from the battle with Freya, Haruna and the others were moving downward, headed further down into the basement of the research facility. Just like what they did when they arrived, they were spraying poison gas around them while diligently cutting holes in the floor and walls. The three of them were desperate to make up the time they had lost by the unexpected detour.

――――BAAM!

「Wow, it looks like they are still having a blast up there.」

「It’s causing concern, but we can rest assured as long as we can hear the sound. It’s a sign that both sides are still staying there. Now, let’s make some distance while we can. If we’re fighting someone as strong as Nell-shishō, we won’t make it in time to clear the trial.」

「Gii!」

「...... Hey, Chinatsu. Why is that bat still on your shoulder? You don’t need it anymore, right?」

「No, Gii-kun is absolutely necessary. Besides, I’ve got Haruna’s permission.」

「If it’s only one Gii-kun, it won’t consume MP that much!」

「I-I see.... Still, how can that bastard Kira keep receiving attacks like that? Is it his ability or something?」

「If you don’t destroy his head that’s hidden somewhere, his body will be immortal! ...... Something like that?」

「In that case, I think Nell-shishō would want him as a training partner.」

「「You’re right.」」

It was unanimous without a doubt.

「We ignored one and defeated five, so... there are two remaining Great Eight Generals, huh? Both of them are in this underground facility, right?」

「Hey, hey! If we see them, I want to fight them!」

「No, it’s my turn next. That bugged-head bastard was killed by the white wolf, so I can’t feel refreshed. I was holding back, letting him say what he wanted to say, you know?」

「Sure, sure. Whatever the order, you two can fight them.」

「Of course! Then, Touko-chan will fight first and I’m next! Hmm?」

「Oh, this guy looks like a king. Hey, isn’t he the emperor? We will win if we defeat him, right?」

「Wait a minute. Excuse me, we are Carmine’s representatives in this war. Are you the Emperor Titos Elderado?」

「...... Indeed, I’m Titos Elderado.」

The man who called himself Titos stood up from his chair and drew his sword from the scabbard at his waist.

「There are only a few hours left until the time limit, but it seems that I was unable to escape. Still, to think that you could bring down my country in half a day or so... I’m amazed by your extraordinary strength. You completely look like human, but are you really undead?」

「I’m sorry, but we are not here to have a chat. In this war, we Carmine will win if we take your head. Prepare yourself.」

「Heh, even I have some military experience. Don’t think that you can take my head so easily.」

Chinatsu and Touko prepared their weapons, and the man also pointed his sword in front of him. The air in the room suddenly becomes tense, and the sense of tension dominates the place.

「...... Sigh. Time out.」

Chinatsu suddenly sighed, put her sword back in her scabbard, and made a ‘T’ sign with both hands.

「Whoa!? H-Hey, Chinatsu. Why don’t we just beat this guy already!?」

Touko, who thought they would go straight into battle, fell forward.

「Now, now. We’re going to talk about it now. Your Majesty Titos, this arrangement is a bit strange, isn’t it?」

「What are you talking about?」

「I mean, on this level, there were some soldiers wearing gas masks, just like in the upper lab, but we didn’t find Elderado’s greatest forces, the Great Eight Generals. Isn’t it strange that the Great Eight Generals are completely absent from this place, which should have been the most heavily guarded?」

「...... What are you trying to say?」

「To put it bluntly, I want to ask if you are really His Majesty Titos. You see, we haven’t met the generals who have the nicknames of wind and ice. If you are a body double and the real emperor is acting together with a user of wind teleportation magic, it will be quite troublesome.」

「A body double!? There’s really such a thing!? That’s amazing!」

「.........」

While the man was silent and Touko was being impressed, footsteps were heard from behind Chinatsu and Touko.