The Eminence of Not-Shadow

Chapter 15 - Tangotistic Appears! Phase II

[Tangotistic POV]

Divide and conquer. A very simple strategy used in ancient times long ago. Even today, it is still being used to divide large groups of people. In our case, it is just two versus four. Divide in half, and it gets easier to squeeze out of a victory. Well in our case, it might be somewhat difficult regardless.

So far, we split Shadow Garden into two groups thanks to the power of the Sanctuary, a location once used by the Cult of Diablos, which if I may say even after hearing it many times, sounds evil. I guess that is why the higher-ups called themselves Knight of the Rounds instead. One group is being handled by me while the other will be handled by John Smith, who is acting slightly suspiciously lately. He once moved robotically and usually never utters a single syllable. Now, he moves normally and laughs randomly once in a while, uttering the words 'All-Star show'. Is he going insane? 

Anyways, as I wait here in this empty room for their arrival, I mentally go over the equipment I currently have on-hand and the extra effects of this place.  Some restriction of mana on our opponents, as well as extra usage of mana that is still stored within this place. About 50% of the mana is being used by Not-Shadow's final plan. The rest can be used by us for whatever reason if he announces it. A durable lance, sword, staff, destructive playing cards, bulk supply of mines, and guns of some varieties are in my bag. Some other items are already placed within this area of the Sanctuary, like the mines. Looking at the empty room again, I decide to start simple by taking the lance out of the bag and holding it with one hand. I barely have any experience wielding melee weapons, but... it'll do.

-----

[Crack]

Out of nowhere, two people appear within this blank room.

"Where are we?"

"This is interesting...and fascinating."

I stare at the new arrivals. One has blue hair while the other has violet-like hair. If memories serve from the paper I read regarding Shadow Garden, they are named Epsilon and Eta.

"Hello and welcome heroes of this world!"

I proudly shout to them, repeating the same spiel I've said many times before.

"Heroes? Then what would you describe yourself? You are no evil villain."

 Epsilon quickly responds, staring at me while Eta continues to look around the white empty room.

"Hm... how does it turn from white into something... real?"

"Eta! You can research all you want once we defeat him!"

 "Defeat him? Okay..."

Eta instantly turned towards me, stared at me for a few seconds, and by simply moving her hand, summoned slime spikes from the ground that were directed towards me.

I quickly block using my spear, but it easily breaks apart into pieces. Luckily, it was enough time for me to quickly teleport away. As I refocus onto them, more slime spikes appear on the ground, heading to where I just teleported.

I teleport again just before one directly hit me.

"Woah! You do not want to have... a friendly conversation first?"

I say, continuing to dodge the spikes by teleporting around. Although...

I thought their mana was restricted.

"Conversation later... if you survive. I want to know first... how your powers work... And how this place works."

Eta simply says, continuing to shoot out slime spikes from the ground.