Next day, I went to visit Nanahoshi.
I thought I would be refused entry, but I was let through.
Perugius might fear Orsted, but he's rather lenient here.
"I thought I would be barred."
"Perugius is generous towards those about to die. Of course he'll allow you to say your last goodbyes with Nanahoshi."
Sylvaril answers like a matter of fact to my question. They really consider me a dead man walking. I guess this is just fulfilling my last wishes.
Well, that's fine. I accept their generosity.
Nanahoshi has since regained her old energy.
Seems like she brought out a few more personal items in her research lab. It feels less sterile than before.
A Ruijerd figure decorates the window. Must be a present from Zanoba. And the cross must be from Cliff.
Count on God when hardship comes. It won't hurt. Even though I didn't believe in God before coming to this world, but right now I can appreciate it.
"This is the situation. My prep work is mostly complete. All that's left is how to lure him in. I was hoping to discuss this with you."
"... I understand. But, I should have you know, Orsted is incredibly strong."
"Yes."
"He will show no mercy. I don't know how he selects his targets, but he won't hesitate to kill."
"..."
"During the several years I spent with him, I have never seen him struggle in a fight. Even taking gigantic dragons in one shot..."
"Please don't say anymore. You're scaring me."
"Sorry... but would you please reconsider? About killing Orsted..."
"I already..."
"Ah, sorry, I understand."
I'm a bit uneasy now. Can I really... win?
"Basically, I don't recommend you a straight fight."
"Right. Even with augmented strength, I don't think I can win."
"Lure him somewhere, then... while hiding you attack with magic. I think that's your best chance."
"Yes. Anything else come to mind?"
"Let me think... Ah!"
"Thought of anything?"
"... I only say this because I want to help you."
"Go ahead."
Nanahoshi swallows before continuing.
"Poison. It might work."
Poison.
Even though Detoxification Magic exists in this world, but there are poisons and diseases that those magic cannot treat also.
I don't know how well versed Orsted is in this area. Still, it won't hurt to try.
If I ask Ariel about this, will she help? As royalty, she should be familiar with this.
"Poison, traps, and attack from a distance... Oh yeah, Nanahoshi, will you be my hostage?"
"Hostage... that's not impossible, but whether Orsted will actually come for me, I don't know."
"That's true too... and if he found out you're in on it, then even Nanahoshi might get in trouble..."
"Ah, yeah, right. I haven't thought of that."
Well, forget it. Looking from her perspective, right now I'm basically acting like Hitogami would.
Even though I know it might be effective, I don't want to give the other side too much motivation.
In battle, suppressing the enemy's morale is important too.
"Any other ideas?"
"Let's see... in our old world, how do fights against a strong opponent in manga usually go again?"
"Don't bother. I doubt consulting manga will get you anywhere.."
...
...
After meeting with Nanahoshi, we come up with a few ideas.
Even I thought they're rather sly.
Although I don't think these little tricks would really work on Orsted.
No, even if they're basically pranks, but enough of them together might do something.
I don't think they'll all be pointless.
"Well... then... do your best."
"Yeah."
"If you don't come back, I might not either."
After talking with Nanahoshi, the plan to lure Orsted was ready too.