Chapter 21: Armand Duchy 12
At the bottom of the stairs, there was a passage wide enough for people to pass each other.
From its depths, an unsettling, miasma-like presence, clinging and foul, drifted towards us as if blown by a wind. However, there was no sign of monsters or the like for now.
I nodded to the others and then proceeded deeper into the passage.
The underground passage was dark, but the far end was faintly illuminated. It seemed there was a light source further ahead.
As we went deeper, the miasma-like presence grew even denser. It was so unsettling that I was convinced whatever lay ahead was undoubtedly something terrible.
“Soushi-sama, there is something terrifyingly wicked ahead. And as I thought, something is there. It seems to be a single entity, but it’s a darkness deeper and denser than anything I’ve ever felt.”
“If that’s really Sarasa, then we’re in luck.”
I quipped, partly out of bravado.
Well, calling it lucky wasn’t entirely a lie. If an opportunity to directly strike a leader of the Netherworld Candlestick had finally arrived, nothing could be better.
The passage grew brighter, and it became clear there was a large room at the end. Several light-emitting Magic Tools were set up in the room, illuminating it.
I took out the Immovable Bulwark and entered the room, ready for anything.
I’d expected a rough welcome, but there was none, and all five of us were able to enter the room smoothly.
The room was larger than I’d thought. The ceiling was about five meters high, and the floor space was perhaps the size of a basketball court. The floor and ceiling were covered with a hard material, which looked like the same treatment used in the underground passage at House Armand.
Light-emitting Magic Tools lined the left and right walls at regular intervals, and a strange painting adorned the far wall. It depicted a large number of people kneeling before a single woman. What was strange, however, was that all the kneeling figures were Skeletons, those with decaying bodies, or those impaled by swords—in short, they appeared to be the dead.
Seeing that painting reminded me of the story His Holiness Pope Modorl had told me before, about the “Lost Princess of the Underworld.”
According to the scriptures of the Ashram Church, in the ‘Netherworld’—that is, the world of the dead—there is a ‘Princess’ who heals the dead, and the dead are said to wander the Netherworld endlessly in search of this ‘Princess’. The mural on the far wall likely depicted exactly that.
Since the Netherworld Candlestick was said to be searching for this ‘Lost Princess’, this painting seemed to corroborate that story.
“Soushi-sama, the person sitting over there seems to be the source of the wicked presence.”
As I was distracted by the eerie painting, Freynil-san came up beside me and said so.
Where she pointed, a desk and chair were placed sideways, and a man was sitting in the chair.
He looked young from his profile, but when the light from the Magic Tools flickered faintly, there were moments he appeared terribly old.
His gray hair was neatly arranged, and his features were well-defined, but the smile on his lips was an unsettling one that couldn’t help but evoke disgust in onlookers.
His build was hidden by a gray robe, but he appeared to be a man of average physique.
The man had been writing on a piece of paper on the desk, but he suddenly stopped, placed his brush on a rest, and let out a sigh.
“How did you find this place?”
His voice, though the tone was the same as Young Momentarl’s or Viscount Dolmat’s, was terribly hoarse.
“It seems someone saw your power flying this way from the Viscount’s body.”
“I see… It seems the Saint is more capable than we thought. No, perhaps your Saint is particularly exceptional. I didn’t expect her to possess such power.”
“You’re Sarasa himself, correct?”
In response to my question, the man turned his face towards me. His face was like a Noh mask, devoid of expression. Only the smile on his lips felt terribly out of place.
“Yes, I am indeed Sarasa, one of the ‘Three Candles,’ leaders of the Netherworld Candlestick.”
“In that case, as an inspector of the Kingdom of Vermilion, I’m placing you under arrest. Are you willing to come quietly?”
Sarasa slowly stood up and spread his arms with a theatrical gesture.
“Of course, I will resist. For the sake of our dearest wish, I have no time to stand still.”
“Then we’ll have to use force. Frey, Lani, Sphenia, don’t let him escape, no matter what.”
“Yes, Soushi-sama.”
“Okay.”
“Understood.”
As I readied The Great Equalizer and the Immovable Bulwark, Freynil-san prepared ‘Goddess’s Prayer,’ Lani readied ‘Sh狼,’ and Sphenia-san prepared ‘Bifrost.’
Sarasa also took out a short staff from his breast pocket. It had a rose-like ornament at its tip, with a purple crystal embedded in the center. I could tell intuitively that it was a powerful staff, comparable to Bifrost.
“Fighting directly goes against our doctrine, but it can’t be helped this time. I shall show you the power of the ‘Three Candles.’ And then, all of you will become our pawns.”
“I refuse.”
“Don’t say that.”
When Sarasa waved his staff, a cylindrical light enveloped his surroundings. It seemed to be something similar to Freynil-san’s Barrier Magic.
Sphenia-san’s Ice Spear, launched just before, was blocked by the Barrier and shattered.
At the same time, Lani had attacked with Dash, but her blade was also repelled with a high-pitched sound.
“It’s tough!”
“It seems to be a very powerful Barrier.”
“Then I’ll try hitting it.”
As I was about to step forward, Sarasa waved his staff again.
“That would be problematic. These shall be your opponents. The fate of brave fools who protected their country, only to be betrayed by it.”
Multiple ominous Magic Circles appeared on the floor. He must have summoned Undead, without even waiting for Freynil-san’s confirmation.
Four Skeletons emerged from the Magic Circles on the floor as if gushing forth.
Their physiques seemed to be based on ordinary humans, but their equipment was extremely well-appointed.
One was a warrior equipped with a Longsword, Shield, and Armor; one was a swordsman with a greatsword and Armor; one was a cleric holding a large silver staff, wearing a white robe and a silver circlet; and the last one was a mage with a black short staff, clad in a blue robe. Moreover, the swords and Armor were clearly made of Orichalcum, and the staves also held magical power—in short, they had the air of an Undead Rank A Adventurer party.
“I see, something like a hero and his companions, huh?”
The Skeleton at the front, holding a Longsword and Shield, didn’t look like an ordinary Adventurer given the flamboyant decorations on its gear. It probably wasn’t a hero, but it was undoubtedly someone renowned.
“Ukuku, they too were special individuals, just like you all. Unfortunately, they were betrayed by those they trusted and fell into such a state. However, their former power remains intact. I believe they will make fine opponents for you.”
“You have bad taste.”
Still, they seemed like somewhat troublesome opponents. If this were above ground, my Crushing Wave might have settled it in one shot, but using Crushing Wave in a basement was too dangerous. I absolutely had to avoid this room collapsing and us being buried alive.
While instructing Young Nielsen to hide in the passage, I readied my Mace and Shield again.
I am very sorry.
The next update on the 12th will be suspended due to personal business.
We will resume on the 15th, so thank you for your understanding.