Koutarou and the others left the underground aqueducts passage and entered the castle. They were currently hiding themselves between the second and third floors of the stairs that had been nearby. They hadn't run into anyone at all until now. Moreover, there weren't many signs of people being in the castle. It was impossible to tell from the outside, but while there was an absolute minimum amount of guards there wasn't enough to be called a force. The castle was practically deserted.
“This is bad... they've already left”
This place didn't have the peculiar atmosphere of a base ready to go to war. Koutarou could tell as he had experience with that. Combined with how quiet the castle was, it was most likely that the soldiers had already moved.
“They are most likely already advancing on the capital. We must have missed each other on the way”
While Koutarou and the others chased after Crimson and Green, the main forces had left on a different route. Koutarou and the others had gotten all the way here without noticing that. It wouldn't be strange if the capital was already under attack from Darkness Rainbow. Not being able to confirm the current situation was painful.
“But since Crimson-san and Green-san returned here, the attack still shouldn't have happened. We can still make it if we hurry!”
Yurika still hadn't given up hope. There was still a chance to prevent this war. It was hard to imagine that Darkness Rainbow would challenge Rainbow Heart to a decisive battle without Crimson and Green. And since those two had returned here, there should still be some time before the battle begins. It shouldn't start until they recover and regroup with the rest.
“Koutarou, Yurika is right! There is still a chance if we can seize control of the automated weapons!”
“Yeah, you're right. Let's just continue as planned!”
Koutarou and the others nodded and began moving again. They carefully stepped forward on the third floor. The stairs they had been using only connected floors one through three. This was to keep a single set of stairs from reaching all the parts of the castle in the case of an attack. If they wanted to go further up they would need to find another set of stairs. In order to reach the seventh floor, the top of the castle, they would need to climb one more set of stairs after that.
“... I wonder if things will go that easily”
However, just as Koutarou and the others had left the stairs and were trying to pass through a hall, someone's voice echoed throughout it.
“Who's there!?”
Koutarou instinctively raised his voice and unsheathed his sword. The voice in question laughed in response.
“Fufufu, that's my question, Mr. intruder”
The voice belonged to Dark Purple. She stepped out from the shadow of a thick pillar and stood in front of Koutarou with a cheerful expression. Besides her were the five other leaders. With the exception of a Dark Navy, it was all of the leaders of Darkness Rainbow. Having noticed Koutarou and the others approaching, they had waited for them here.
“... To think the leader would greet us personally”
“The soldiers are all out after all. We're running short on hands. Once we defeat you, we'll be heading to the battlefield as well. Being low on manpower really is unpleasant”
”Then I'll repeat what you said. I wonder if things will go that easily”
“Oh, did I say something like that?”
Even in front of Koutarou and the others, Purple was still confident. She didn't even seen to be even slightly fazed by Koutarou's remark. She shouldn't be all that different from Koutarou and the others in terms of age, but she was very mature. Her confidence came from that maturity.
It's not as bad as Maya, but... she's a troublesome opponent...
Koutarou forced a confident expression as well, while sensing that Purple was a powerful enemy. In fighting and war, those who remained calm at all times would win.
After Koutarou's and Purple's short exchange, Yurika stepped up next to Koutarou. Speaking to Purple was originally her job.
“Purple-san, can't you stop this battle?”
They were the words Yurika had repeated whenever she faced Darkness Rainbow. She would always ask that before a battle. And these words made the calm Purple very irritated.
“How many times do you people have repeat the same discussion before you're satisfied!? We've decided to fight a long time ago! Yet why do you keep asking the same thing!?”
Purple gave words to her irritation, as if she was disgusted with this entire discussion.