We were guided straight into the center.
I was in the middle, there were members of the [Defense of the Holy Sepulcher (Anastasia Keep)] to my front, back, left, and right.
They aren't wearing their helmets anymore.
They're all firmly walking on two feet, they must have received healing magic.
Although I remain on guard, it doesn't seem like they intend to attack me.
I easily broke through the king class barrier they boasted about.
Then, crushed them head on.
But I didn't kill anyone, they should clearly understand that I was holding back.
The difference in strength was obvious.
Moreover, I have the Miko.
They shouldn't be stupid enough to challenge an opponent they lost to only a few hours ago and jeopardize the Miko.
I mean, these guys should be completely embarrassed.
Especially Mr. Dust.
He's been deliberately avoiding eye contact for awhile now.
But I don't sense any malice.
No hostility either.
He doesn't even seem that guarded towards me.
Rather, he's positioning himself as if he were protecting me.
"...."
We've been walking through the center for a few minutes.
Before I noticed it, I lost my sense of direction.
The passages almost felt circular, but we also went around a few 70 degree turns...
When I came here before, I thought these passages were tricky.
They're like a labyrinth.
"It's like a maze."
"Yes. In case of emergency, these halls were designed so people like the Pope and I could easily escape."
The Miko answered.
The walls also seem to be covered in a kind of barrier.
For a moment, it was almost quiet enough that you could fall asleep.[8]
"Yes!"
"Miko-sama knows all these passageways!"
"We used to run through here playing tag!"
Then all at once, her lackeys started boasting.
So, it really was designed to let important people escape.
However, I can't help but feel lost.
There's no way I could find my way out of here...
I'd probably have to blow a hole through the ceiling.
The walls... since they're covered in a barrier, I wonder if the magic absorbing stone would work?
Yeah.
I may have come in here nonchalantly, but I'll be OK.
"We're still not there? I'll be troubled if we have to go much further."
"Only a little further."
Carlyle responded without looking back.
Really?
This doesn't feel like a trap.
I'll be cautious, I'm keeping an eye on the guys behind me as well.
Then, suddenly, those guys start shouting.
"Carlyle! Don't be impolite! At the very least look at him when you speak!"
"Rudeus is holding Miko-sama's arm!"
"What if he becomes angry and harms Miko-sama!"
"Please look, look at the dents in this armor! Only someone with superhuman strength could do this to the Temple Knights' armor!"
"Even if he becomes a little displease, if Miko-sama is bruised..."
"Everyone be quiet!"
Therese had to scold them to shut them up.
At the same time, Carlyle paused and faced me.
"It is only a little further."
"... Very well."
I nodded again, and resumed following him.
It couldn't have been more than ten steps later...
Carlyle stopped in front of a door and knocked.
"We have brought Rudeus Greyrat."
It really was just a little more.
Sorry, I didn't mean to rush you.
Come to think of it, even though I completely lost my sense of direction, we only made two turns.
I might be able to find my way back.
"Please, enter."
I heard the Pope's voice from within the room.
Carlyle murmured a light prayer towards the door, and then opened it.
While holding the door open, he motioned to invite me inside.
"Please enter."
"Yes, excuse me."
I entered the room holding the Miko's arm.
Well, I kind of feel like I should have let go of her arm by now...
No, no.
I can't relax my guard.