Chichen Itza, located in the central region of the third layer of Mictlan, is a city built by the dinosaur-humans known as Deinos.
Compared to Uruk City from the Seventh Singularity, its overall scale is much smaller. The city carries a strong Central and South American atmosphere.
Around 2,400 Deinos live here.
Originally, the Deinos were scattered across Mictlan. But as Ocelomeh intensified its slaughter of the dinosaur-humans, they gradually gathered in this city for the sake of survival and safety.
Even so, the Deinos of Mictlan are already approaching extinction.
Because Ocelomeh deliberately prioritizes hunting and killing female individuals, the Deinos race has been unable to produce a new generation.
Even if Chaldea had never arrived in this Lostbelt, the destruction of the Deinos would have been inevitable.
"Even so, despite the crisis they're facing, the Deinos of Chichen Itza seem to be living quite peacefully."
Kirschtaria observed the streets as he spoke his thoughts aloud.
"The mental structure of the Deinos is fundamentally different from ours," Kadoc said. Then he muttered under his breath,
"Still... why did we have to come out here too? If they want to go shopping, that's their business. Why do we also have to…"
"Well, there's a lot to carry. Even I, the doctor, got dragged out," Romani said.
The three of them chatting were each carrying a pile of things in their arms, all taken from the streets of Chichen Itza.
This city had no concept of currency like human societies did. The resources available here far exceeded the needs of the Deinos themselves, so goods were simply laid out on stalls for anyone passing by to take freely.
However, considering Ocelomeh's appearance, they had followed Tepeu's suggestion and used Magecraft to disguise themselves.
To the Deinos, they appeared as Deinos who had recently arrived in Chichen Itza from other areas.
At the moment, Ophelia, Mash, Ritsuka, and Sakura were walking ahead, while the male members of Team A followed behind with Romani, carrying the items.
Kadoc's complaints stemmed precisely from that.
"Then why does that guy Peperoncino get to walk up front?" Kadoc asked.
"Well, he's better than us at blending into conversations among women," Kirschtaria replied calmly. "Kadoc, if you're tired, I recommend reinforcing your limbs with Mana."
"I'm already doing that..." Kadoc grumbled.
But his skill in that area wasn't as refined as Kirschtaria's. Even with Mana reinforcement, he still felt exhausted.
By comparison, Kirschtaria looked far more relaxed.
Such was the ability of the Clock Tower's rising star.
Meanwhile, Romani, despite having no Magic Circuits, looked just as relaxed, demonstrating his impressive physical stamina.
"Hand me that red melon over there. It's great for hydration and tastes pretty good too. Do you have mint that repels bats? Ah, perfect. I'll take two."
At that moment, a familiar voice was asking the Deinos running a stall for items.
"You really do pick out the rare stuff, kid. Something like oxidized membrane... this is the first time I've even taken it out," the stall-keeping Deinos said in surprise. "I think it was something the previous shopkeeper Deinos stocked. What exactly is it used for?"
"It can be used as a substitute for a spacesuit. Though it still needs some improvements."
Hearing that exchange, Kirschtaria and the others slowed down and looked toward the stall around the corner.
The one speaking with the Deinos was none other than Daybit.
Just like them, he had also used disguise Magecraft specifically designed for Deinos.
In other words, the spell only worked on Deinos. Any other species could still see the caster's true appearance.
"Well, well... if it isn't Daybit."
Peperoncino, who had been chatting happily with the girls, also noticed him. He stopped and greeted Daybit in surprise.
"So it's you all. You've already broken through the First Underworld and made it here?" Daybit said. "Tezcatlipoca lost that fight and retreated back to Mexico City with Izcalli and Tlaloc. I figured you'd be arriving around now."
As he spoke, a faint smile appeared on his face.
It was the expression of someone relieved to see his companions and friends safe.
"You're missing one Command Spell," Kirschtaria noted calmly, showing no sign of caution.
The others who weren't original members of Team A simply watched Daybit.
"Something happened," Daybit replied briefly. Then he added, "I don't see that man."
"Father is currently acting alone because of something else," Sakura answered honestly. "Why are you here?"
"Just preparing for a trip. Don't worry about it," Daybit said calmly. "The goods in Chichen Itza are high quality. The markets in Mexico may look lively, but they've only existed for less than a year. When it comes to reliability, long-established places are better."
Kirschtaria nodded in understanding.
"So you're planning to move ahead of us, go deeper into Mictlan, and reach the Ninth Layer first."
"Even though you already failed, accepted their conditions, and returned to their side," Daybit said. "I haven't. I will reduce Chaldea to nothingness."
"You mean Chaldeas, right?" Romani said. "We've also realized that's the true cause behind everything. Is there really no possibility of cooperation?"
Daybit fell silent for a moment.
"On a personal level, cooperation would be possible. But you've met my contractor. Tezcatlipoca is troublesome."
"Troublesome?" Sakura asked.
"The trial to strip him of his authority was arranged by Tezcatlipoca," Daybit explained. "After all, Shiomi-sensei is the kind of human Kirschtaria hoped for. A human born for this planet. A form of humanity that should never have existed."
"A path of evolution humanity abandoned in ancient times."
"An old god testing the god of a new era. Quite a romantic story," Kirschtaria said with understanding. "We have no intention of fighting you on Deinos territory. Though capturing you here would certainly be a meaningful outcome."
"Heh..." Daybit let out a rare laugh.
"Then enjoy your sightseeing. The next time we meet will probably be on the battlefield. Don't hold back, just like when we used to play chess."
Kirschtaria smiled confidently.
"To be honest, the chances of victory I see this time are even greater than when I served as the captain of the Crypters."
"Then how about we make a little bet on who will win?" Peperoncino asked with a gentle smile.
"That answer will only be known at the end."
"I'll take my leave now, everyone."
With that, Daybit gathered the items he had chosen and left the street, heading off in another direction.