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While the mages were gathering, Veradin gathered the researchers in Kozec.
"Dante, while the spell is being dispelled, you won't have anything to do. So take the researchers outside."
"There might be an ambush when you dispel the spell."
"That's possible. But why would they set up an illusion spell to buy time if they didn't expect that? Moreover, we need to find clues about large-scale teleportation no matter what. Since we're stuck, it's better to divide and conquer. We need to find not only teleportation clues but also other strongholds."
"I understand."
"After the dispelling is finished, I'll give a signal, and you can rejoin us then. If, as you said, we get separated due to an ambush, let's meet at the destination."
***
At the same time, the western border of Rikalton.
What blocked Kinzelo was an actual military force.
"There are... many enemies… Grand Duchess."
"Where did they suddenly come from? They weren't there just a moment ago."
Bianca and Ranke spoke. The previously empty sky in front of them was suddenly filled with a swarm of chaos forces.
It was impossible to estimate the number of airships and chaos dragons. Not only in the front but also on the sides and rear, it was the same.
"It must be a large-scale teleportation or an ambush using illusion magic. Probably the latter since we didn't observe any dimensional portals being opened."
It was as Zephyrin had predicted.
The chaos forces had been continuously building a siege line since Kinzelo's entry into Rikalton.
However, the siege line was too extensive, and their vision was deceived by illusion magic, so they didn't notice it.
The executives turned their gaze to Zephyrin. Since Orgal hadn't returned to the fleet yet, the decision was up to Zephyrin.
"Our goal is not to break through to the target area but to annihilate the entire enemy force. This land is already cursed, so if we leave any remnants, we'll meet them again. Prepare for a full fleet battle. Our gathering might be delayed, but I don't think anyone among our allies would be unprepared for unexpected circumstances."
"Understood, Ms. Zephyrin."
"Sir Owal."
Zephyrin locked eyes with Owal.
"It would be better for Nameless and Hidden Palace to go to the surface. One side should search for the stronghold and gather information about the large-scale teleportation, while the other side should rescue the Cold Joe."
"I understand what you mean."
"Cold Joe is someone we must rescue from our standpoint in Kinzelo. Of course, in the worst-case scenario, we may have to give up, but I hope you pay attention to avoid such a situation. And Sir Berakt."
"Speak, Ms. Zephyrin."
"It would be better if you participated in the rescue of Cold Joe with these people."
Berakt wanted to shout, "Are you telling me to save that guy?" But he managed to keep his mouth shut.
"...Understood."
"Sir Berakt, I am well aware that you despise Sir Joe, but he is still the most important figure for our great cause. I hope you won't let your emotions get in the way of your work."
"Our hidden palace is missing a few members, so we should infiltrate the destination first. Sir Owal, it seems we'll need to extract personnel even from the nameless."
Syris, who had been listening, opened her mouth.
"I agree with the opinion of the hidden palace's acting master. When Jin is in danger, there is no better contingency plan than toad Mort."
Zephyrin nodded in agreement.
"Very well, then."
***
Southern waters of Rikalton.
The fleet of Cosmos safely emerged from the steel gate and formed their formation on the sea.
"Well, well, now that all the global transfer gates are closed, even more advanced forms of transportation have emerged. If the spatial teleportation used by the Red Owl is mass-produced, the Black Crown Prince said he would share its benefits with us. I hope it develops quickly!"
Cosmos said as he watched the disappearing steel gate.
[Noisy pirates. And the fact that Jin is willing to share the technology must be thanks to Mary Runcandel, not you guys.]
"Heh, our one of ten great knights is angry again. Let's get along nicely. If we want to save people, we need to work together."
Pirate King Cosmos skillfully dealt with Bale who was hard to handle.
Bale didn't genuinely dislike Cosmos, although she found him annoying.
"Cosmos, I think Sir Bale has become sensitive because he can sense some energy since we arrived here."
Valkas looked at Bale, speaking in a low voice.
He had been feeling the dark aura unique to Padler Runcandel from a distant land. Of course, Bale was more aware of it than Valkas.
[That bastard is probably waiting for us as soon as we arrive... Orgal, that bastard betrayed us, didn't he? He seems to have known in advance that we would enter this way.]
"That's unlikely. Since the sea entry route is limited, they probably just deployed their forces in advance."
Usually, Bale would be eager to quickly finish off Padler.
But now there were too many targets to watch out for. It wasn't a situation where he could exclude the possibility of other enemies besides Padler.
[Hmph, when we first met, he couldn't use much power at sea. Now it's his territory. This snake-like guy... But still, I will let him know that our class is different. Valkas, you stay here and guard them while I flank and enter. It's better for me to go alone for now. If there's a problem, fire a signal flare immediately.]
"Understood."
"Cheer up, one of ten great knights. And don't worry too much about our side. We already escaped from the army of evil god last time. We are the invincible Cosmos fleet!"
Bale's golden wings began to split the dark sky. Those remaining in the fleet turned their heads to see her back.
***
Meanwhile, Jin and his companions who had exited the right steel gate were facing an unexpected darkness.
"It's a strange darkness, isn't it? You can only see the person next to you, and nothing else. Is this the center of Rikalton?"
Sandra grabbed Jin's shoulder and spoke, but Hedo grabbed her hand and pulled it away.
"It seems to be a subspace, my lady. We must not restrict the movements of our companions as we don't know what might suddenly appear."
As Hedo spoke, the others became aware of the darkness and cautiously spread out, guarding their surroundings.
"I didn't hear about this from Orgal. It seems there has been a change in the dimensional gate he opens."
As Jin said so, he wrapped his shadow force around Bradamante.
And as usual, as Jin cut through the spatial darkness, he immediately realized that this place was not composed of a single layer and that space was "reacting" to the attacks.
Shaguk-!
Each time Jin cut through a layer of darkness, chaos awls poured out from all directions. Since the strength of their group was high, it wasn't particularly threatening, but if it continued to happen, the situation would change.
To test it, Jin cut through the subspace darkness a few more times, and each time, awls shot out.
'It feels like the characteristics of boundary magic have been added to this subspace. Why would they play such a trick... It seems like a ploy to buy time.'
The awls only responded to Jin's Shadow Sword.
Although they could penetrate through each layer with attacks other than the Shadow Sword, there was a significant difference in efficiency.
Even when Hedo sincerely unfolded his swordsmanship, he couldn't cleanly cut through them.
The difference stemmed from the unique properties of the Shadow Sword, not just the magnitude of power.
"If it weren't for the Shadow Sword, it would take an eternity to break through."
"Everyone, spread out. Pay special attention to protecting non-combatants like Dr. Qwaul."
"Understood, my lord."
"Understood, young master!"
At Jin's words, the group distanced themselves. And when they swung their weapons, it was evident that the awls only veered away from Jin.
'It seems like the situation is not favorable enough to waste time, elder brother Diphus. Besides, Rosa is unable to move..."
Normally, Jin would choose to proceed cautiously, adjusting more variables as time passed.
But now they needed to break through quickly. Every moment they delayed, the number of potential prisoners they could rescue would decrease, and Diphus could recover.
Even if Diphus had already fully recovered and this subspace was simply a means to confuse them, breaking through was still the only option.
"Let's break through swiftly. The rest of you, maintain a distance where the awls cannot reach you and follow me closely, ensuring that you don't lose sight of me."
"Understood, my lord."
"If their intention is to buy time for recovery, they will undoubtedly try to separate us at some point. They have created this subspace to face us alone since they find it burdensome. When that happens, even if I am separated from you, the prearranged members must stay together at all costs."
Regardless, once the party entered the central part of Rikalton, their plan was to disperse at a certain point, even without such traps.
Valeria and Qwaul had to find clues to teleportation, and the rest had to rescue the prisoners.
Only Jin and Hedo were scheduled to directly confront Diphus.
However, Jin decided to send Hedo towards Qwaul.
"Sir Hedo, if you have to be separated from me, please protect Dr. Qwaul. Until someone like Bale or Orgal comes to support, I believe you should take care of Dr. Qwaul for his safety."
"Understood."
Jin began to move forward, cutting through the subspace.
Countless awls poured forth, but not a single one touched even the hem of Jin's clothes.
After cutting through about three hundred layers of subspace, Jin began to feel that he was nearing the end.
The counterforce transmitted from beyond the subspace was rapidly weakening.
Finally, when he cut through the last layer, the bizarre darkness vanished, revealing the towering form of Rikalton Castle...
And surrounding it, just as massive as Rikalton Castle, were the towering trees that Zipfel and the Empire had confirmed at the northern border.
Moreover, the trees were violently shaking and dispersing the fruits containing the captured prisoners in all directions as soon as the party emerged from the subspace.
Even Jin couldn't help but be momentarily startled by the horrifying sight.
'My companions! I must confirm my companions...!'
Luckily, because it was Ji
Of course, if the subspace trapped his companions, Jin could simply cut through it with the Shadow Sword.
However, Jin couldn't swing the Shadow Sword in that direction. It was because a greatsword was falling like lightning toward Jin's head.
[Welcome, youngest.]
It was Diphus's greatsword, Volgar.
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