Atofe before us.
Black clad soldiers surround us.
Our retreat blocked, Atofe eagerly brandishing her sword.
"Alright, come at me, all four of you."
Atofe did not attack.
Carefully wielding her sword, she is diligently observing us.
Her eyes are her real weapon.
With her strength, devastating us is not out of the question.
"... I won't be so naive this time. I remember well."
With that said, her glare alternates between Zanoba and me.
Vigilant.
Zanoba's special strength, and my lightning strike.
Even a Demon Lord cannot avoid our attacks.
But she now looks completely unscathed.
She completely recovers even after taking a Zanoba punch to the face and having her face smashed.
"Alright, do that again. I will dodge this time."
Plenty of confidence.
It feels like she'll dodge it.
This world's sword art can even reflect magic.
Not sure about North God Style, but since she's a Demon Lord, I think she can avoid magic of my level.
Open my demon eye for now, but would a second of foresight really make a difference?
What now?
... First, find a opening.
But if we do, then what?
Would my magic even do anything?
My strongest Stone Cannon couldn't kill a defenseless Badigadi.
Much less when Atofe is poised.
As long as she guards it, no matter what kind of magic...
"Rudeus. If it's just Cliff, then he can make it to the magic teleportation circle and escape."
I look over to Cliff after Elinalise said that.
Cliff, his eyes focused at Atofe.
But his legs are shaking.
And no battle ability.
"Tea, plant, and notebook. Take all three with him, and Nanahoshi will be saved."
"Right."
Right.
Yeah, this is why we came in the first place.
Save Nanahoshi, that was the goal.
If we have a goal, then accomplishing it is the most important.
If we lose here, we won't die. But we won't see family for 10 years, which sucks.
"And find reinforcements. Perugius and Atofe have a history. He can definitely get help."
Perugius and his 12 Familiars.
True, if it's him, maybe he'll come to our aid.
No matter what, he's the hero that sealed Laplace.
If he can do that, he should be able to take on Atofe.
"Fine. Then, let's do that... Can you convince Cliff?"
"Watch me."
Elinalise retreats next to Cliff.
Zanoba, Elinalise, and I will create an opening.
Cliff will break out, run into the magic teleportation circle.
Cliff convince Perugius. We'll try to hold out.
Will it work?
Can we handle it?
Also, can Cliff convince Pergius?
While Cliff tries to convince Pergius, would we lose and be forced into contract?
No matter what, if Cliff escapes, then Nanahoshi is saved.
Save Nanahoshi.
That was the goal.
But, I want to return too.
Eh, damn, I am going in circles.
Calm down.
First, we need to restrain Atofe.
At that moment, use magic to disperse the black clad soldiers and let Cliff escape.
Then, if the situation allows, we will also take a chance and dive for the magic circle.
Okay.
Let's do that.
Atofe cannot be defeated, but the surrounding black clad soldiers can.
Take it seriously this time.
Destroy them all.
Okay.
I can do this.
Do it, do it.
Kill.
Kill them all, and I get to go home. Okay.
Yes, I can do this.
I'm not just saying it this time.
"Don't worry, Shisho. Demon Lord Atofe, I would stop her even if it cost me my life."
Not an ounce of hesitation from Zanoba.
Calm.
Reliable.
Why is he so manly in a situation like this?
Like a line out of the movies.
If I'm a girl, it wouldn't be weird if I fall for him.
[But can I really get away? I don't run very fast, and the luggage too...]
[If they give chase, Rudeus and I will stop them. Don't look back, don't think, just keep running. And don't trip.]
[I should fight as well...]
[We won't win even with the four of us. You leaving for reinforcements is also a serious battle.]
[In that case... Oh, I get it...]
Cliff's voice passes by my ears.
From here, to the magic circle entrance, takes about thirty steps or so.
Not close nor far.
But he has to run the whole distance.
"Persuasion successful."