𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 || 𝐙𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐱 𝐅! 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐂𝟗

➨ There was an eerie silence that passed between everyone. Ryha watched Mereoleona like he was anticipating her moves. Or for another... reason that you don't want to think about. But with the way his eyes are not shy, you would bet on that reason being right.

A surge of power made your blood run cold, and a light blue flame appeared on Ryha's forehead. That's when a third eye appeared on his forehead.

You took a step back, and that same eye locked its gaze onto you. Goosebumps ran up your skin and you cringed. "You are aware that it's a four vs. one, right?" Your voice echod throughout the empty tunnels.

Mereoleona huffed. "Bold of you to assume I'd let you fools get in my way. You're gonna stand back and watch me."

Asta's jaw dropped. "Seriously, why are we here then?!"

She glared a hole right through his head and Asta toned down immediately. "You're here because I chose you to be my teammates. However, right about now, you'll die if you try to get in my way."

But she's been taking the lead this whole time anyway.

"I'm not going to complain. Let's get good seats then." Zora turned on his heel and started walking the other way.

You followed, and Asta reluctantly fell into step beside you. The three of you chose a high tunnel entrance to stand back and... watch. If this was the role of a Royal Knight, then maybe you can get used to it.

"Can you believe this? We went through all that work during the tests just to be on the sidelines." Asta groaned as the two began fighting down below.

"Did you not hear a word she said?" Zora's tone held irritation. "If we were to help her, we would get in the way and be slaughtered. So if you want to be her next victim I say you go right ahead."

"Geez, I know that. But it still sucks!" He said back and crossed his arms stubbornly. "Is there anything else we can do?" He shut his eyes tightly and went into deep thought.

"There's nothing to think about." Zora glanced over. "We just have to sit tight."

"I got it!" Asta completely ignored him. "Y/N, you should use your puppets to scout out the rest of the tunnels! That way, when she's done here, we'll know which ways to go."

That actually wasn't a bad idea. So far you only found your way because of traps being laid out. As well as following the higher sources of mana. But seeing as you weren't currently doing anything at the moment, it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot.

"Yeah, why not?" The entrance that three of you were standing at branched off into 4 separate passageways. You waved your hand out in front of you, summoning your grimoire.

Marionette Roulette.

The pages flipped, and you watched the ground, seeing who would come up this time. In a few seconds, there was a large shadow forming below you. Actually, that was the largest one you've seen in a while since you haven't summoned it for a bit.

"Well that's great." You murmured. "I had a 2 out of 3 chance to get one that was good for scouting. Just my luck that I didn't get either."

Zora's eyebrow raised. "I didn't know you had more than that nurse and gymnast thing."

"I have 3 in total. The Acrobat, Delicate Doctor, and..." You faded out as the third one rose from the abyss. Even taller than Zora when standing at full height. "...The Guardian Shield."

The Shield was the tallest puppet you had. Sylvania's head was probably right up to his chin for a comparison. He had the appearance of a regal statue. Body made of iron, with a full golden robe, and one armed cape flowing from the right side. The pieces were adorned with jewels such as emeralds and rubies. He also had a bronze laurel wreath adorned on his head.