Published: January 24, 2026
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—Tsutolairu, Somewhere: Basement—
Having received the activation key for the teleportation circle from Christopher, Orun and the others immediately used the teleportation circle at the Downing Trading Company Main Store to move to Tsutolairu.
As the scenery before their eyes changed, they found themselves in a relatively spacious room with no windows.
"This is Grandpa’s general store basement...? Why are we here...? No, thinking about that can wait. Mr. Haruto! What’s the situation on the surface!?"
"...It's pretty bad. The city is in ruins, with only a small part still recognizable. Cult members are rampaging through the streets, and a massive number of demonic beasts have emerged from the Second Dungeon and Fourth Dungeon. Most of the seekers are fighting outside the city to hold back the demonic beast invasion, while the soldiers are scrambling inside the city—but both sides are at a disadvantage."
Orun listened to Haruto’s report, who was using bird's-eye vision to survey the surroundings, clenching his teeth as he struggled to suppress his emotions.
"The non-combatant residents have taken shelter, right?"
Orun asked Haruto again in a flat voice, his restraint obvious.
"...Yeah. Almost everyone left on the surface is dead. But it looks like some kind of red membrane is covering the grounds around the silver rabbits of the night sky. Even my supernatural ability can’t see inside it. What the hell is that?"
"! Then I’m heading straight to the silver rabbits of the night sky! You handle everything else!"
Upon hearing about the anomaly at the silver rabbits of the night sky from Haruto, Orun told the three others and dashed up the stairs leading outside, disappearing from their view.
"Isn’t that a bit too obvious? If it were the usual Orun-sama, someone would have noticed by now," Telshe, who had taken off her glasses after Orun left, shot a critical glance at Haruto.
"Shut up. I said that because I expected there’d be no room for error. I’m just bad at this kind of thing," Haruto grumbled, also removing his glasses with a slightly sulky expression.
The reason they wore glasses was to perceive Titania, the fairy.
In other words, they had foreseen this outcome in advance (........).
"Haruto. More importantly, what about the enemy?"
Fuuka ignored their exchange and urged Haruto to focus on what mattered.
"The enemy, as expected, has the war demon showing up. The location is near where the Seeker’s Guild building used to stand. ...Fuuka, can I leave this to you?"
Responding to Fuuka’s words, Haruto mentioned the war demon’s presence and whereabouts.
Though conflicted, he entrusted Fuuka with dealing with the war demon.
Fuuka nodded firmly.
"Got it. I’ll go then."
"…Fuuka, I’m sure you know this, but the situation is nearing its endgame. To avoid interfering with Titania and Grandpa’s adjustments, you won’t be able to use demonic energy or future sight. You’re going to fight the war demon under those conditions. Be careful."
"I know. I’m probably going to die this time. But I’m Orun’s sword. I’m going."
While Haruto frowned with a troubled expression, Fuuka said calmly as usual and began ascending the stairs.
"…Haruto, we can’t waste much time. We’re going too," Telshe said, pushing Haruto’s back.
"Yeah, I know. We’re backup for the seekers fighting the demonic beasts outside the city. I’m heading to the Fourth Dungeon because I’m worried about Kati and Huey. I want you to take the Second Dungeon, Telshe. Is that okay?"
"No problem. For reference, what’s the strength of the seekers handling demonic beasts in the Second Dungeon?"
"The stronger seekers seem to be slightly fewer in the Second Dungeon. But Selma and Rain, who are among the top fighters in Tsutolairu, are there, so overall strength should be about the same. From my impression, both teams look quite inferior compared to the main forces of Amuntzarse."
"Understood. I can’t expect much when that fool of a little sister is counted among the main forces."