“……!”
In a flash, everyone in their group had heightened their level of alertness.
The four of them had also released their murderous intents that seemed to press down thickly upon the castle to intimidate any lurkers that might have infiltrated inside.
The ancient castle that was crafted out of stone was giving out creaking noises but it would seem that there weren’t any enemy presences.
At least, there shouldn’t be any other people inside the Castle keeps. For no one would have been able to keep their composure or not react to this wave of killing intent.
Rin lowered her voice as she said to His Highness:
“……If anyone finds out about me, Aura-san or Gra-Ojisan, it’s not a big deal for it’s still within our calculations. But if Your Highness were to be found out by the enemy, it would be troublesome for you, Your Highness, is our trump card. We cannot allow you to have your identity revealed in this kind of game so as a precaution, I hope that Your Highness will go down to the ground to hide.”
His Highness nodded in agreement as he turned to Aura who was maintaining her level of alertness as she sighed.
“Aura, do you know the current statuses of the tōchūkasōes?”
“The tōchūkasōes aren’t shikigamis……So even if they were to be defeated, I wouldn’t know when or who they are.”
“What about the shikigamis for surveillance?”
“Um, very sorry about that. I’ve sent them all to the ground below. For I thought to gather as much information from the place that seemed bustling with activities……”
His Highness gave a sigh before scratching his head. But this could only be said as an oversight of theirs. Recomposing his thoughts, His Highness instructed Rin and Aura:
“I understand your concern, Rin. If the Participants were to infiltrate in here, things would be problematic. I will leave things here to Gra-Oji-chan while you two should meet up with the Titan tribes quickly to prepare them well for the attack on [Underwood].”
“Yes sir!”
“Mhn. Please take care, Your Highness. Don’t let anyone notice your identity.”
“Who do you think you're fretting about? Even if you do not say it, I will also enjoy this show before the end of the game…… but on the other hand, Rin, you better not trip up the plan due to negligence.”
Rin and Aura waved their hands in farewell as they disappeared into the darkness of the cloisters.
Seemingly tired, His Highness sat at the stairway while a wry smile floated to his lips.
“…… That person’s technique in creating Games is getting much stronger.”
“Yeah. And in addition to the Gift that she possess, Rin will surely become a dependable Game creator. The day that I will fall from my position as strategist will be soon.”
“Why do you think that……But, oh well, it’s not impossible either. Rin’s Gift can be called the ultimate Gift in a sense for there’s no way to counter it even if it were to be seen through by opponents.”
“Yep. Leaving the Ground to them would be enough. The castle keep will be guarded by me so may Your Highness go into hiding.”
“I got it……Oh, right.”
Seeming to have thought of something, His Highness turned back to smile at Graiya.
“About the person who holds that [Genome Tree], it’s possible that the person might have unsuspectingly infiltrated into this Ancient Citadel.”
“…… How can that be?”
“My guess is without grounds but I felt that it would be very interesting if it were to be true…… Don’t you think so too? Graiya Greif.”
His Highness walked around the back of the pillar. And appearing in the shadows was---A Jet black Gryphon that had a huge single horn on his head while a similar [Genome Tree] carving hung before his chest that depicted the Phylogenetic Tree.
“So how is it? The man who defeated your brother Draco Greif and the one who holds that same gift now becoming your opponent…... Do you have any thoughts on it?”
“It’s impossible. The Phylogenetic Tree that he had created has already been carved on my chest. Even if the opponent uses a similar Gift, he or she wouldn’t be able to match up to me.”
Graiya proudly displayed the [Genome Tree] carved upon his chest as he stated it plainly. Hearing that, His Highness seemed to have lost all interest and showed a bored expression but he managed to squeeze out a fearless smile.
“Ah forget it. Anyways, as I’ve already mentioned to Rin and Aura, if the current possessor of the [Genome Tree] appears, I will allow you guys to drop whatever plans we had to make the securing of that Gift the biggest priority.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
And with that, His Highness silently melted into the shadows while Graiya unfurled his jet black wings, which seem unthinkable to belong to a Gryphon, as he flew away from the cloisters that led to the throne room.