Chapter 88
Q: What would you do if a new enemy organization appeared?
A: Wipe. Them. All. Out.♡
Still as strong-style as ever. Is this Xiang Yu? Are we in Xiang Yu’s camp?
“Well, setting aside the matter of ‘Seven Stars’ for now, since you’re all here, does that mean the path ends here? Where’s Scarlet...? And while we're at it, where did Yuri go?”
“Now that you mention it, Yuri’s not around. Where is he?”
“He said he had something to take care of and disappeared. Something about meeting an old friend.”
“He ran.”
“Yeah, he ran.”
“Hey, hey, zero trust? That kinda hurts, you know?”
A breeze blows through, and Yuri appears. As always, he’s got that carefree, unreadable vibe.
“…Where have you been until now? Depending on your answer, this could turn into an interrogation.”
“Didn’t Minato say it? I was just off meeting an old friend.”
“Got any proof?”
“Nope. You’ll just have to take my word for it.”
Albert and Yuri lock eyes. After a moment, Albert sighs and turns to the others.
“…Fine. I’ll get the details later. Right now, we need to figure out where Scarlet is.”
“About that—I’ve got something I want you to see, Al.”
“Something you want me to see? What is it?”
“Well, how should I put this…”
Minato furrows his brows, looking troubled. Maybe it’s not something easy to explain.
“You’ll understand if you just come with me.”
“Got it. Lead the way.”
“Alright. Follow me.”
Led by Minato, they walk down the corridor—and there it is: a massive magic circle. It’s inscribed on part of the mansion wall, easily twice the height of any of them.
“This is what you wanted me to see?”
“Yeah. Also, I found this nearby. Judging from the flow of magic, I think it’s related to the circle.”
Cecilia pulls something from a spatial spell. It’s a small key, just big enough to fit in the palm of her hand.
“Hm. I think my sister’s hunch is correct. Nine times out of ten, this key is meant to open the circle. However…”
Albert trails off, falling into thought. Minato and Cecilia pick up where he left off.
“It’s a trap. Obvious as hell.”
“Totally. Way too convenient.”
Exactly. It’s far too suspicious. A key, conveniently placed right near the magic circle it supposedly opens? It’s practically begging someone to walk right in. And this is enemy territory. Anyone would think it’s a trap.
“Still, if this is the only lead we’ve got, we have no choice but to go in… Everyone okay with that?”
Everyone nods. They know the risks. Even so, they’ve made their decision.
“I’m casting defensive spells and a basic barrier on everyone. If anything seems dangerous, retreat immediately. Got it?”
Again, everyone nods. Even the ever-laid-back Yuri obeys without complaint.
“Alright then. Let’s go.”
Albert unlocks the magic circle with the key. As one, they all step through it.
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