Chapter 91
A small crowd had gathered at the entrance to the Catacombs. Thanks to the French government's strict control for a stable subjugation, no one was present except for the members of Lumière Guild.
One of the guild's executives asked in a trembling voice, “Have you pinpointed Libra's location?”
I nodded without hesitation. “Yeah. I know exactly where it is. But there's one annoying problem getting in the way.”
“Pardon? What kind of problem?”
The executive sounded perplexed. He clearly hadn't expected me to run into any issues.
I gazed off into the distance, toward somewhere deep underground where Libra was hiding. “It's not as deep down as I thought. But there's a massive mana field spread out wide. Probably Libra's domain... If we just charge through blindly, it might bolt to somewhere else.”
Judging by depth, about 30 meters down? But that mana field was the real issue. No telling how the space inside was structured, so poking around recklessly could introduce too many variables. If my guess was right, the space within the mana field was likely nothing like the Catacombs—a completely different world, separated by a single sheet of paper.
“So we've got two options. Blast straight through the underground fast and hit it hard, or take the time to find a safe path all the way to the mana field. The good news is, from what I've scouted, Libra doesn't have any special ability to detect mana.”
I could trace it openly, and it never noticed. Meaning it wouldn't sense us approaching until we crossed the mana field.
“Better to play it safe, even if it takes longer, right?”
“We've finally tracked it down. If it slips away, no telling how long it'll take to find it again.”
“And Libra's wariness would ramp up too.”
The choice was theirs. I was just here to assist, after all.
The executive-level players hurriedly made calls to report the situation. As everyone pondered, a timid-looking girl clutching her staff with both hands stammered, “I-Is there a way to... b-breach it without Libra n-noticing...? I h-heard Sertina can h-handle mana... really well...”
I thought for a moment before answering. “I'm good with mana, yeah. But fine control? Not my strong suit. If I tried, Libra would definitely notice.”
Truth be told, I could just slam a Phase 3 ultimate right on top of the mana field. But that would... wipe Paris off the map. Turn over two million people into instant refugees. No way.
Scratch that option. Phase 3 ultimate sealed for now.
“We just consulted with the government and made our decision. We want the safe approach, even if it's slower.”
Lumière Guild leader Elena pocketed her smartphone into her inventory as she spoke. I nodded.
“Alright then. Guess we'll have to go in and find the path ourselves.”
A pitch-black cave where not a single ray of light penetrated. The underground tomb, burial place of countless souls, exuded a chilling cold that sent shivers down the spine. It felt like the wails of restless spirits brushing against the skin.
“Sertina.”
Elena called from behind me. She closed her eyes, then opened them with resolve. Her aura was markedly different from yesterday—fierce determination burning in her gaze.
“I'll come with you.”
I hesitated briefly but soon agreed. I had some things to discuss with her anyway.
“Think you can keep up?”
“No problem.”
Elena's expression was resolute, like a patriot steeling herself before battle. Fighting Libra might get dicey, but I'd throw up a defense spell and it'd be fine.
Perfect—someone to hold the flashlight.
At that moment, guild members rushed in from all sides to dissuade her.
“L-Lady Elena! You can't!”
“Libra's in a powered-up state right now. It's too reckless!”
Elena gently removed the hand her comrade had placed on her shoulder. “It's fine.”
She smiled softly and straightened her collar. The guild member's eyes widened as if noticing something, then bowed their head and stepped back.
“...Please be careful.”
I waited until Elena finished her brief farewells. She approached with lighter steps, looking relieved.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm ready.”
“Alright, let's go.”
“Yes.”
Elena drew her silver rapier and took the lead. The finely engraved dragon motif gleamed brilliantly.
“Nah, not that.”
“Pardon?”
I tossed her the flashlight I'd bought earlier. She caught it reflexively.
“Use that.”
“...Ah, yes.”
And so we ventured into the pitch-dark cave.
The Catacombs interior was damp and musty. Stale air carried the unsettling stench of bones mixed with limestone. The skulls lining the walls evoked a horror movie scene, amplified by the bone-chilling cold like an air conditioner cranked to max.
Every so often, water droplets on the skulls brushed the skin, raising goosebumps.
What’s with her? Doesn't seem scared at all.
Elena followed Sertina's confident strides through the Catacombs, pondering.
·····Truth be told, Sertina was ready to plunge her blood saber into any ghost that popped up, but Elena had no way of knowing that. At least in the real world, Sertina was the strongest.
Her small frame must help. She glides through tight spots effortlessly.
Places that strained Elena were no issue for Sertina, who moved like a cat slipping through narrow crevices. With Sertina knowing the path and monsters possibly lurking, Elena trailed behind, shining the flashlight.
Keeping up with that pace was a bit tough, though.
Guess the rumors were exaggerated.
Elena observed Sertina closely, forming her own conclusions. Maybe the vulnerable act on Sniper Villain's stream was just that—a performance to lower guards.
She swallowed dryly and fiddled with her collar again. A pinhole camera disguised as a button, faithfully recording Sertina's every move.
I can't read her. What's Sertina really thinking?
The footage auto-saved to Elena's cloud. Insurance, in case something happened to her.
Even if I die, the truth must come out. For France... for the world's survival.
Rumors swirled that World #1 Imperium Guild, Damian's outfit, had marked Sertina for elimination. No telling who was right, but something was twisted.
They emerged from a narrow passage into a straight tunnel wide enough for two abreast. Footsteps echoed solemnly on the stone floor, the only sound in the silence.
Then Sertina spoke. “Don't try to shoulder everything alone.”
“Pardon...?”
Elena blinked, not grasping it at first.
“You're pushing yourself nonstop, no rest.”
“H-How did you...?!”
Elena's eyes widened in shock and confusion.
Sertina glanced back. “You look like hell.”
“Ah...”
Elena brushed her cheek with her right hand. Her skin was dull and rough, her once-lustrous golden hair long lifeless. Quick mirror checks in the bathroom after call-ups always showed the same hollow-eyed girl with dark circles.
Sertina's words hit like a fresh shock.
“So... what should I do?”
No answer came. Rounding the corner revealed a black curtain ahead. Sertina extended an arm, halting Elena.
“There it is...”
She stepped forward, staring calmly at the opaque black veil, analyzing it. She extended a hand slowly, sensing the mana waves.
“Pretty dense mana concentration.”
A tingling vibration at her fingertips, intensifying closer. Sertina turned back to Elena and placed a hand on her crown.
“Mind if I?”
“Eh?! W-What...!”
Startled, Elena tried to pull away but was too slow. Mana flowed from Sertina's hand through Elena's body.
A low hum—then a translucent barrier enveloped her.
“Wh-What's this?”
“Protective ward. As long as my mana feeds it, it won't break from ordinary impacts.”
Sertina tapped it with her fist. Ripples spread like heat haze, then faded.
Elena gulped.
“You gonna stand there gawking? We need to go in.”
“Ah, yes!”
Sertina led, Elena scrambling after. An unpleasant warp, like leaping spatial walls.
Soon, they would confront the world boss, the Dream Witch Libra.