Chapter 367: Fight First, Talk Later (1/2)

“If you serve us, why would you prevent us from leaving?”

Though he was unsure why he was identified as an ally, Edward did not ask about it directly and asked instead about something else. “Since we are guests, it is our own freedom to decide whether we stay or go!”

“That is because Project Tinder has been activated after I have not received new orders from outside over a hundred years. At present, I am trying my best to bring in any surviving high elves and their allies until the Synchronized Intellect Nation (SIN) is destroyed.”

Even as it spoke, Iron Commandment’s tone became stiff. “Please follow the procedure and my instructions to take refuge.”

“What if we refuse?” Princess Leah asked unhappily, frowning.

“Then I could only subdue you with force. Relax, even if your limbs have to be dismembered, the medical facilities here in Steel Earth would ensure you stay alive.”

At those words, Iron Commandment’s human sentiment seemed to vaporize away. All at once, the air between the party of Players and the teapot automatons turned to a standoff.

Still, although they were being wary of the teapots on the surface, the Players still could spare their attention to chat on the forums.

(Leah: Edward, how did you know that thing won’t let us go?) While everyone had more or less sensed that something was unusual after arriving on Steel Earth, it was not only Edward alone who had a hunch that their enemy was watching them. That being said, Edward was the only one who determined that their adversary would not let them leave.

After all, according to the experiences they had over the last few floors, their foes should be wary against allowing them to go forward rather than preventing them to leave.

(Edward: It was just a feeling. We have to either go to the next stratum or return to the last stratum to force our foe to reveal itself, but from how it allowed us to move around freely, raising a ruckus wouldn’t work.]

(Edward: And since we don’t know how we are supposed to go to the next floor, there is only one choice. And since it did not know how we arrive here, we could trick it by pretending to go back up.)

Like any question with only two choices, it was nice to pick the right answer, although there wouldn’t be anything major even if one got the wrong answer—aside from Edward failing in showing-off.

(Joe: Well, what should we do now, Edward?]

(Edward: Fight first, talk later.]

Joe immediately became focused-like how many other believers gave up on thinking after experienced the convenience of being Players, instead of cracking some code and mystery, Joe preferred fighting directly with his heavy fists!

“Resistance is futile. Please take refuge accordingly…”

“Refuge this!”

Before Iron Commandment finished, Joe swung his Giant’s Toe. The greatsword which was now embedded with multiple runes was much more powerful than before, and not only did it break one teapot with one swing, the shockwave from the blow knocked the other teapots off balance.

However, even though they were attacked preemptively and they began to organize a flustered counterattack, the name over the teapots’ heads were still yellow, remaining neutral rather than becoming an enemy.