Chapter 27 - 20 - Face to Face (1/2)

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”Th-This...is... ...Bell-kun's...”

”They are not here anymore.”

”They lost most of their equipment here, and suffered casualties too. I doubt they are wandering around the dungeon anymore. A party that stupid would have already been wiped out a long time ago. Which means... ...--”

”The most likely possibility...is that they have given up on returning to the surface, and are heading down towards the safe zone on the Eighteenth floor.”

”There are many holes in the dungeon floors. It's far easier to go down than up.”

”But still...go down...?”

”That's what I'd do. And they would too. Now that he's survived a true adventure, he'll keep moving forward.”

”I agree with her completely.”

”Me too. Bell-kun is below. I've got that feeling.”

”Then it's decided--”

”Let's head for Floor 18.”

”Please be safe...--”

”Bell-kun!”

This place is--

The first thing Sasuke's sight landed on--

Were Trees.

Large and abundant forests populated the surroundings, with occasional lakes covering the ground.

Sasuke looked up to witness an exceptionally high ceiling filled with brilliant shining crystals of two colors; white crystals in the center that resembled the sun and blue crystals surrounding it that resembled the sky.

This area--

Sasuke laid the three people down as he surveyed his surroundings.

There are many human presences here.

Sasuke shifted his sight towards the forest, which was illuminating a pale blue light before raising his head again.

So that's it's purpose...

I have to get more information here.

Sasuke looked down at the people he had carried along with him.

One was a male with short spiky red hair.

The other was a petite girl with ċhėstnut colored hair.

And the last--

Was the male who had asked Sasuke to save his friends.

A young teenager with white hair.

Sasuke started to examine their wounds.

Sasuke clasped his hand over his left eye.

[Partner?]

It will take some time before my left eye power returns--

Until then, I have to figure out where I am. I need to find out if there is any other way out of this place.

[There should be a reason why we came here. Although, I am slightly worried.]

Worried?

[We left without a notice. Most of the factions would have found out about it. They would certainly think that the Sekiryuutei was kidnapped by terrorists or in the worse scenario, killed. Your skills during the Loki fight have most probably been captured down even by the other factions. Now that you are gone, enemies may take this chance to initiate an attack. Especially the Khaos Bridgade. There is no knowing how and what they will do once they figure out your disappearance.]

After hearing Ddraig's words, a tugging sensation could be felt in Sasuke's heart.

His mind slowly drifted--

[I don't wish to be tied down by such a fate.]

[This is also a trial that the Lord gave me. Since I'm a clumsy nun, the Lord gave me this trial. So I have to endure.]

[Will we see each other, Sasuke-san?]

[Sasuke, you arranged this battle with Raiser? But why? Why do this for me?]

[So, like how I just explained, I, Rias Gremory, will also be living in this house. I might be inexperienced but please take care of me.]

[You said some killing words. After hearing that, how can I possibly not...I have decided. Arigato, Sasuke-kun. Really, thank you.”

[Thank you, Sasuke-kun. If not for you, I don't think I will have the courage to face my father again. Thank you.]

[Sasuke, thank you for protecting me--]

The unease in Sasuke's heart felt heavy.

However--even so, Sasuke noticed.

Even if his mind and heart was currently preoccupied and overflowing, his subconscious was sharpened to the limit.

Preferably, he didn't want to notice, but Sasuke noticed it completely.

Something was approaching him fast--

*GIN!* *GIN!*

Sparks of clashing swords were scattered.

Sasuke softly redirected his opponent's simple powerful downswing with an Instant positioning.

Just like that, he sidestepped his opponent's stance and promptly slashed diagonally below with his returning blade.

His opponent was blown back but Sasuke felt a slight feedback.

Through this simple exchange, he knew that his opponent had already trained in swordsmanship.

His opponent landed a few meters behind him with the force of a bouncing rubber ball and drew out a weapon while in the stance of turning back.