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.

Its causing concern, but we can rest assured as long as we can hear the sound. Its a sign that both sides are still staying there. Now, lets make some distance while we can. If were fighting someone as strong as Nell-shish, we wont make it in time to clear the trial.

Gii!

Hey, Chinatsu. Why is that bat still on your shoulder? You dont need it anymore, right?

No, Gii-kun is absolutely necessary. Besides, Ive got Harunas permission.

If its only one Gii-kun, it wont 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 dont destroy his head thats hidden somewhere, his body will be immortal! Something like that?

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

Youre 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, its my turn next. That bugged-head bastard was killed by the white wolf, so I cant 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 Im next! Hmm?

When they landed on the floor after passing through the shortcut, they found themselves in a place with a different atmosphere than before. The overall flooring is now really sturdy. Theres no nuclear bomb in this world, but everything here is covered with steel like a nuclear shelter. Well, Haruna broke through the steel ceiling and landed here, but from a general point of view, this place can be considered as impregnable.

Is this a shelter for important people? It looks like a straight path here.

Also, I feel like this is the lowest floor.

Hmm. I sent my ki through the floor, but it seems that there are no hollows or man-made object below here. As Haruna said, this is the lowest floor.

Okay, were almost there. Lets do our best!

Oooh!

The three disciples energetically raised their fists. The war with Elderado Great Empire was finally coming to an end.

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At the innermost part of the bottom layer of Elderados underground facility. This place, built as an air-raid shelter for the exclusive use of Emperor Titos, was designed to thoroughly protect the emperor no matter what kind of attacks might rain down on the ground where the imperial capital and castle are located, or whoever invades. Or that was how it was supposed to be. The perfect preparation was shattered in just several hours by four people, who started their invasion from the border. The fortress that had maintained the countrys territorial line for so many years was passed by at the beginning, the army that boasted the worlds highest combat power was rendered incapable of fighting, the impregnable imperial castle was invaded from the throne room, and the underground facility, which collects the best of human technologies, was being breached at an astonishing speed. Since these events take place in half a day, the defenders could only laugh. Of course, the laugh was self-deprecating.

In this innermost room, considered to be the safest in Elderado, a man is sitting, waiting for his death. Hes wearing the clothes thats only the ruler of this country can wear, and hes wearing the emperors crown as proof of his status as the ruler. The man keeps staring at the iron door in front of him.

Its about time.

The roaring sound that has been heard from afar for some time is now so close. The source of the sound is just beyond several iron walls, or perhaps they are already next door. The walls of this room are so thick, so he couldnt quite grasp the exact location. However, he could clearly understand that the footsteps of death are nearby.

Creaaaak

Suddenly, an ominous sound of metal being forcibly twisted was heard from the heavy door. That sound was something you would never normally hear. Then, the man gulped his saliva.

And finally, the iron door guarding this room was completely torn off from the wall. The iron door was sucked into the jet-black end of the passage, and then, sharp black claws grabbed the wall beside the door.

Damn, just how many iron doors they made? Theres no end to them. Chinatsu, I wonder if we can melt the broken iron doors and use them for something?

Touko, before that, look ahead.

Hah?

Two girls, Touko and Chinatsu, appeared from behind the destroyed door. Urged by Chinatsu, Touko looked ahead and met the mans gaze. This was the moment when the mans presence was completely recognized.

Oh, this guy looks like a king. Hey, isnt he the emperor? We will win if we defeat him, right?

Wait a minute. Excuse me, we are Carmines representatives in this war. Are you the Emperor Titos Elderado?

Indeed, Im 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 Im amazed by your extraordinary strength. You completely look like human, but are you really undead?

Im 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. Dont 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 dont we just beat this guy already!?

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

Now, now. Were going to talk about it now. Your Majesty Titos, this arrangement is a bit strange, isnt 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 didnt find Elderados greatest forces, the Great Eight Generals. Isnt 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 havent 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!? Theres really such a thing!? Thats amazing!

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