Chapter 8
「Why the hell aren’t those two there!?」
「Where did they run off to!?」
「Damn it! Let’s search quickly! If we can’t find them, it’ll be our heads!」
Whether it was good luck or bad, I’m not sure. But it seems I won this gamble.
I open the iron door and, almost simultaneously, voices of confusion arise. Members of Al-Reten, who were supposed to be inside, are nowhere to be found. They must have set off looking for me, leaving the door wide open.
「They’re gone.」
Within the range my magic can detect, there are no enemies left. I retract the blood that was covering us back into my body and release the girl whom I had been holding tightly.
「Huff… huff… hii.」
「I’m sorry for being rough. But now that the door is open, we need to escape while we can.」
「Wha!?」
I grasp the girl’s hand and begin to run.
■■■■■
The map of Al-Reten’s headquarters was in the game, and I’ve already confirmed its layout by spreading my blood.
I’m familiar with everything, from secret passages to hidden rooms.
「Um…」
「Hm?」
「You don’t… need to hold my hand. I can manage on my own.」
「Oh, sorry.」
I realize I had forgotten about holding her hand all this while and let go upon hearing her voice.。
「So far, we’re moving without any issues. But it’s only a matter of time before we run into some enemies. This place is vast, and the number of adversaries is overwhelming. I doubt we can get away without encountering someone. Be ready for a fight.」
「G-Got it!」
She nods vigorously.
「I’m really counting on you.」
「Yes, I understand!」
She replies with determination. This is good. She seemed a bit out of it earlier, but now she’s focused.
「…I’m sorry. I said I would handle things, but I’ve been relying on you for everything.」
「Infiltration, hiding, escaping – these are my specialties. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. From here on out, I’m counting on you.」
「You’re… counting on me. Fuhehe. I’ll do my best!！」
「Thanks.」
The girl, Millia Francklow, should be quite formidable by now.
While it might be hard for me to take down Al-Reten alone, I truly rely on her strength.
「We’ll get out of here together, alive.」
「Un!」
She nods energetically at my words.