The road is made of fine stones, and on the left and right sides there is thin grass. The splashing of water, the chirping of birds make the atmosphere more peaceful, the flower fields on the west side look colorful, and the rest is a green scenery.
However, the world they stepped on was so quiet. It was so quiet, the sound that was far within range was clearly heard in the ears.
There are no signs of meaningful life anymore, even though the rays and the sky have become friendly. All of that can be considered a melody of silence.
"Un?"
However, when walking a few meters, a large house that stood alone there began to be seen.
In his heart Kato said, "No way. I think the house is more deserving of being called a mansion. The mysterious woman earlier... Is she the resident?"
In addition to the mysterious woman who disturbs his mind, Kato has another assumption, namely, that the house is an information center.
"... We should go there."
"Manda-sama is right."
The situation changed after they almost reached the mansion. The wind felt different, the chirping of birds was no longer heard, the flowers that were blown by the wind suddenly became silent.
"..."
"It seems like the game is about to start," said Manda in a moment's silence.
Kato stared at the mansion intently. "My guess is not wrong. Stay careful."
But.
"!"
The presence of magic quickly caught and pushed Kato further into the flower field.
The attack revealed itself in the form of a long black hand.
"Kato!"shouted Manda.
While Masha focuses on the attack it came from. That mansion. Cause. There is no mistake.
Masha cleared her throat. He will speak before he is caught. "I don't know who you are. But, can you get out?" she said, though his words didn't sound loud.
"..."
"..."
"Try to attack me," Masha offered.
As she said, a long hand headed towards him. However, Masha pulled the trigger and managed to punch a hole in the attack with a pistol shot.
"It's really troublesome," Masha quipped, she was almost wore.
Instead of stopping, the attack will continue. Now, the long black hand grew more and more and towered
"Like the same form and a term. Your hands love to steal. No wonder Kato was suddenly arrested," said Masha.
Manda, who was next to her sister—chuckled. "We'll have a good time, Sister."
"You change your mood so quickly."
"Hehe, I was indeed surprised when Kato was suddenly attacked, of course I shouted."
"..."
"Then, what plan do you have?" asked Manda.
"If only there was room for me to strategize."
"Isn't it easy? Earlier, Sister in one attack... Oh no, I was wrong. One dies, the more it grows," she said, referring to several plants.
"You realized it late."
"I see? It means that the main key is to kill the roots there," said Manda, at the mansion.
"Yes. Therefore, you need to..."
"I don't have a problem, but the long hand will definitely attack you too."
"I have my own way, don't worry, do what you should do."
Masha takes advantage of her sister to distract and attacks the black hand as much as possible.
Meanwhile, she will focus on moving to the mansion that is the source.
Manda with a slight smile, and pointed the gun towards the black hand. "Let's get started!" she shouted, pulling the trigger.
Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, and shoot.
"Not yet, but... I am ready to serve you," said Manda, many times punching holes in the roots that were trying to reach her.
They are growing slowly.
Masha, she walked lightly. She took advantage of the mess created by his sister.
Meanwhile, Kato, who was thrown into a flower field, also joined in fighting the threat nearby. Then, he jumped up and ran to Masha's side.
Masha didn't glance, but knew of her presence.
"Masha-sama, are you alright?" asked Kato.
"I should have been the one who asked."
"Oh, yes, forgive me," Kato replied respectfully.
"... Then, Masha-sama," continued Kato while turning to the black root that was becoming more and more.
"I want to detonate a bullet," Masha said, pointing his gun forward.
"Alright, I'll protect you."
"Maybe I only have one chance."
"Best for you."
However, before starting, Kato acted to attack the approaching long hand.
"Thank you. If that's the case..." said Masha.
She pulled the trigger. The shot exploded in the air and spread energy.
An explosion occurred.
The roots begin to stop growing and slowly disintegrate.
But, the mansion remained undamaged in the slightest.
"..."
"Should we get closer to that... no, I don't think it's necessary," Kato said in doubt.
"Eeeeeeeh~"
That voice. The woman. It appears again.
"I expected it."
"Great~"
"Thank you, but can you show yourself now?"
"That no~"
"Why?"
"I'm ashamed of my situation~," she said in a sleepy tone.
"Should we play your game again to see who you really are?" asked Kato.
"No need~. Enough to get here."
"That is, you admit defeat, but, it feels like you're not satisfied."
The woman was breathing heavily. "..."
Kato frowned, wary of action. "Be careful, Masha-sama, Manda-sama."
"Huh? Don't worry~, I won't do anything. But your anxiety is high too."
"It's obvious. I put the safety of the Princess first."
"Mmm~"
"Now what?"
"... There's something I want~" the voice asked.
Knowing this, Manda pulled Kato closer and whispered to Kato, that, just accept it. With a record of requests that they can work on.
"Request, huh? What is it?" asked Kato at the voice.
"It may sound impossible, but what I want is... the red jewel of the Vampire Queen~" she said, raising the volume of his speech.
His eyebrows went up. Kato is no stranger and has heard of the Vampire Queen who has slept for many years. "You're kidding?"
"I already said it's impossible, but that's the only request I want~"
"Don't tell me that the result is not worth it," Kato replied lowering his eyebrows.
"Take it easy~ I didn't betray you. I will return the favor according to your wishes~"
"It's free. Our desire is only to trace the truth of the mysterious magic that is destroying the infrastructure. But, it seems that the mastermind is clear."
"Then, are you curious about my form?"
"Okay, I don't force either, because after this we return to the palace."
"... Really?~ In that case, all I can give you is this mansion. I mean, you guys are free."
Kato thought. It is not in vain if the favor that will be received is so deserved. Because, this mansion could be the main headquarters for a new organization that wants to be formed.
Kato reversed himself. He wants to ask for opinions. "Masha-sama, how's it going?"
"Accept it," she replied briefly.
"Although it was accepted, the request he wanted was very risky."
"Accept it."
"Alright," said Kato, facing the mansion again.
"I receive your favor in return," he said to the woman there.
"Good~ In that case, I'll tell you the location."
Kato was silent for a moment after the mysterious woman told him the location of the red gem they were going to look for.
He was also told that, in order to return home, Kato did not need to use the same doorway. Because, there is an alternative door or road that is faster to get to the starting point of the wooden bridge.