Finally, Fritz was able to have Silvana talk some sense to Claude. The latter has his doubts. However, without solid proof and his respect for the general, he would always put the thoughts at the back of his mind.
"There's only one way for us to find," continued Silvana. After slapping some sense to her boyfriend, Claude was still hesitating and casting the possibility aside. Irritated at her lover's foolish personality, Silvana grabbed him and forcibly dragged Claude out of the cabin.
"I've found a sewer that leads to headquarters," added Fritz.
The couple knows that the sewerage leads to the general. They have been down there once when a thief they were chasing ran off down the drainage.
"That sewer is full of underground monsters," spoiled Claude. "Wait, why did you even suggest going down there?! Don't tell me you're planning on sneaking in?!"
Night shift guards take turns in roaming around the oh-so-called city. Although they don't care about the abduction incidents, they are active in other crimes, which they don't condone. Why are they not taking part in the incidents? It is simple. It is because Silverwar is the third prince of the Iloutopia Kingdom and, he is paying the general not to intervene with their illegal activities.
"Were you thinking that we would politely ask them if they are involved in the kidnapping incidents and have them tell us where the kids are?! God, Mister Claude."
The way Fritz talked towards Claude was like that of someone on equal footing or that of the same age. Even though Claude didn't pay mind to his tone.
"Additionally, why do you think that sewer is now swarming with monsters? That is because it's Astra's work. They captured monsters and have them lurk down there."
Of course, Fritz knew that his words would be unbelievable for the couple. But he also knows himself that his calculations and conclusions are always correct. He came up with that theory with just a little information he had.
"How are you so sure of things?!"
"Intuitions, sir!" The kid saluted with no mockery on his tone. Not so long after their conversation, the sewer Fritz told them came in sight.
The red moon shone brighter than the normal white, yellow moon every night. Somehow, the surrounding seemed crimson and, it was as though blood mist was floating in the air.
Houses from houses are all quiet and, dim lights from their magic-induced lamps fade as the night went on.
"This place gives me the creeps," Fritz muttered to himself. "Not even a sight of townsfolk."
Claude leads the way inside the sewer. The smell was nothing compared to the sickening stench of the dead forest. The couple looked just fine;
Silvana covered her nose. Whilst Claude paid no mind.
Using a magic torch as they plodded towards the narrow steps, Fritz's theory about the monsters lurking beneath the town became a truth. Underground types of monsters revealed themselves from the dark alley of the sewerage.
[Spirited Burrowing Rats]
High-spirited rats kept on gnawing on the walls of the sewer. Their unusual large body was capable of eating rocks and soil about three squared meters per day. If these monsters are left forsaken, they will bury the whole town after a year, considering their number.
"Alright!" Roared Claude, unsheathing his sword. A two-handed, long sword dimly reflected the light that was coming from the magic torch.
"Let me take care of this really quickly!"
'Claude is so stupid! How are you going to swing that sword around when this sewer is cramp—!'
The long sword shudders as the tip of the sword scrapes the wall, repelling his strike.
"What?!" If it weren't for Silvana's quick response to Claude's stupid actions dashing in and majestically executed the voles, the rats would be swarming him by now and feasting upon his clothes and flesh. "T-thanks!" He said, scratching the back of his head.
"Use this instead," Fritz offered a spare sword. It is not too heavy and too long but, the durability and sharpness are noteworthy.
"But how about you? You need a weapon to protect yourself."
"I've got a weapon of my own." Fritz showed the Severance Blade, which he had just brought out of his inventory.
"Huh, since when?"
"Enough with the idle talks! I need a hand here." Being fast is not enough.
There was little space to move around, limiting their actions. If they want to move around freely, they would need to prepare themselves to get wet and stink.
The rat's large front teeth clatter against Silvana's sword. Another monster jumped and tried to bit her feeling the danger. She punched it with her left arm as she tore the other one to pieces.
Alerted by the three's dangerous presence, the high-spirited rats gathered. Simultaneously attacking at the same time, Claude pulled Silvana away by her collar.
Tanking the swarm of hungry rats, Claude activated a defense-type skill. The more prideful the user is, the thicker the barrier will be.
"I'm waiting, Silvana!"
"You don't have to tell me!"
'She's a magic swordsman?! Damn, I'm feeling chills!'
Icy flakes rained on the rats when Silvana extended and pointed her sword forward. In an instant, the countless number of the voles froze, rendering them unable to move.
"What about sir Claude?" Asked Fritz appealingly, childishly.
Parts of her clothes and body left traces of ice. "Don't worry about him.
He's fine."
From the middle of the frozen rats, Fritz heard a yell. "Ex...plosion!"
'What a weird fellow I've got here.'
Loudly, Claude erupted from beneath the rats, shattering the frosted rats to pieces.
"Huh? Did you hear that?" Asked cloaked men.
The other cloaked men he asked shrugged his shoulder, "I didn't. What did you hear?" He asked instead.
"I think I heard something blew up."
"You might be dreaming."
The horde of spirited rats was instantly cleared by the dynamic duo of Claude and Silvana.
"Easy-peasy! Alright, come follow me!"
~