Unital Ring III: Rebellion In the Underworld

Flight of the Chaos Drake

The recording fades, and I'm left in a state of conflict for the third time today.

Do I stay here and help Eydis and Sylvie hunt down the Cult of Primus? Or do I go back to my original plan and head to Admina for the purpose of finding out what they're planning, how it's connected to whoever accessed the server in my world, and find the second half of the Deep Freeze art to awaken Ilia, Mia, and Selka?

Actually, I already made my choice. While the cult poses a threat to my former kingdom, I can return to that task at a later time. Even if I embarked on that quest, I would only get so far as the preparations and return to it tomorrow. The Admina quest is full of unknown progression too, but Kirito is taking that on now. There's no tomorrow for that...and the fulfillment of that quest is of the highest priority. If Eydis' hypothesis is right, Admina might have a connection to her enemies, so I can nail two tasks at once.

My decision is finalized as the four of us return to the hanger, the sight of the Chaos Drake tempting me with the ride of my life, and the human between us and it. Eydis had caught up to us. As soon as our eyes meet, a silent line of communication occurs between Eydis and I. Before we even reach the empress, she turns and begins ambulating, using the scabbard and hilt of her sword as a cane.

I split from my group and catch up to her as we head for the front of the Chaos Drake. "Eydis, did you know about the Deep Freeze art?"

"Of course. I knew the spell we learned couldn't work, and I did know you left something behind in the vault. I just didn't know what, nor did I ever look. Of course, this would be unnecessary if you could wield Falchion's full power."

"Mhm. The first half of the spell, we already know. But the second half, the part Hersyrian modified...why don't you know it?"

"Remember? I was banished from the Human Empire, so I couldn't learn if I asked...and they didn't share that knowledge with us. It wasn't until Mia and Ilia asked to be left behind in the palace did we learned that Ahuya and Selka were successful in restoring it. Obselete as the Hersyrian version was, we had no use for Deep Freeze here, so we didn't learn Administrator's version before it was sealed and hidden away... Let me guess, it's on Admina."

"Yep." I turn my attention to the cockpit, the triangle-shaped top opened to receive three passengers at maximum. I reach out for it, almost using my flying incarnation to climb in, then I realize I have one last bit of business left -- Kureha. I look over to her, as she joins Eydis and I. "Hey..."

"Go on. I'll hold the fort here."

"You're fine being left here?"

She nods and glances up at the Chaos Drake. "As much as I'd like to ride this bad boy, you and Kirito can handle Admina. I'll oversee things here until we have to leave. I'll watch over Eydis and figure out the next step. Wouldn't you agree, Your Majesty?"

Eydis chuckles while looking to Kureha. "I must admit, there's some information only you two know and it may answer some questions. This shall suffice."

I feel like I should take Kureha with me, if nothing more than to stop the potential damage my reputation will suffer if they trade stories about me. But Kureha wishes to stay and help out. With a sigh, I climb into the cockpit of the Chaos Drake, but before I could settle in the pilot's seat, I find its already occupied by a pale blond-haired girl and one of the passenger seats claimed by a redhead girl, both dressed rather quickly in flight suits. "S-Sylvie, Cordelia, what the--"

Cordelia grins and hugs Sylvie from around the pilot seat. "This was Sylvie's idea! We're coming along for the ride. You did promise us, after all."

"G-get off me! And do you know how to pilot this thing? Didn't think so."