…
Time returns to the present.
In the pitch-black forest, several figures like demonic gods flickered faintly in the darkness. Beneath the oppressive silence, an atmosphere capable of driving ordinary people insane slowly spread.
The figures stood quietly in place, yet their gazes were all drawn toward the same spot.
There, a skeleton clad in a mage's robe was speaking with a Slime whose body constantly oozed viscous fluid.
In the next moment, the two who had been conversing fell silent in perfect unison, turning their eyes to the side.
A pitch-black Gate appeared soundlessly. Footsteps followed as two figures stepped out.
At the front was Naohara, though his appearance had changed drastically. Jet-black scales covered his entire body. His human traits had faded, replaced by those of a dragon.
Fully formed Dragonoid!
"What's Momonga's situation right now?"
After stepping out of the Gate, Naohara cast a sidelong glance around him, mildly surprised to see so many gathered.
Cocytus, Shalltear, Sebas, Albedo, even Aura and Mare. Aside from a few Guardians who couldn't arrive in time, nearly all who could be present had gathered.
Moreover, almost every Guardian was equipped with a World-Class Item.
Mare wore a pair of gauntlets, one black and one white, one of The Great Tomb of Nazarick's World-Class Items: [Avarice and Generosity].
Aura carried a massive scroll on her back, the World-Class Item [Depiction of Nature and Society].
As for Cocytus, aside from the God Slaying Emperor Blade held in one arm, his other arms gripped a strange blade, the World-Class Item [Billion Blades].
Sebas held a small cup in his hand, the World-Class Item [Hygieia's Chalice].
Together with Albedo's own World-Class Item, Ginnungagap, the Floor Guardians alone already wielded five World-Class Items.
If the three of them were included, the total rose to a staggering twelve.
With a lineup like this… as expected of Momonga. Truly cautious. Or perhaps just overly careful.
"Your subordinates greet Naohara-sama!"
Sensing Naohara's arrival, the Floor Guardians immediately lowered themselves in a respectful bow.
"At ease."
Naohara waved a hand casually, then glanced toward Aura and Mare. Meeting their bright, delighted eyes, he gave them a slight nod.
"Naohara, you're finally here."
"Shalltear's Familiar has already uncovered most of their background. Other than that World-Class Item, they don't seem to have any additional trump cards."
Momonga and Herohero walked over. The three of them looked toward the forest as Momonga spoke calmly.
"Herohero and I plan to take their World-Class Item."
"World-Class Items are far too dangerous. It's safer if the three of us keep it stored in the Mausoleum of The Great Tomb of Nazarick."
"And these people might know about the existence of Players. I think it's necessary to have them cooperate with our investigation."
Herohero's gaze rested on the figures currently under attack by Shalltear's Familiar, his tone low and deliberate.
Whoever they were, they would not be allowed to leave today.
"That's a good plan. I have no objections."
Naohara readily agreed with Herohero's proposal. As he said, the power of a World-Class Item was too dangerous. It was better for the three of them to keep it under their control.
As for whether the other side would agree, that had never been a concern.
"Right. First, we wear down their stamina. Then we wait for an opening and suppress them immediately."
Momonga nodded as he laid out his plan.
"Why not just have the Guardians equipped with World-Class Items rush them all at once? Why go through all this trouble?"
Naohara shook his head after hearing the proposal.
"For safety's sake," Momonga replied at once.
"It may be troublesome, but it's the safest option. None of us can be certain they don't have some hidden trump card."
"Naohara, I agree with Momonga," Herohero said with a nod. "When it involves Players and World-Class Items, it never hurts to be cautious."
Even if it felt like overkill, it was better to assume the worst.
"Alright."
Naohara looked at his determined friends and said nothing more. If he didn't know the plot, he would probably have agreed without hesitation.
After discussing a bit longer, the three of them began their operation.
To prevent any chance of escape, Momonga acted first.
He raised his pale skeletal hand, and a brilliant magic circle flared into existence.
[Greater Dimensional Lock]
In an instant, invisible magical runes spread outward, blanketing the entire forest. The space itself was sealed like a prison, cutting off any possibility of escape through teleportation magic.
At the same time, Naohara walked over to Aura and Mare. He gently patted both of them on the head before giving his instructions.
"Aura, summon magical beasts and assist Shalltear in exhausting their stamina."
"Mare, seal off the entire forest. Don't let them escape."
"Yes, Father-sama!"
Aura and Mare answered in unison.
Mare raised his hands, clad in [Avarice and Generosity], and a massive triple-layered magic circle lit up beneath him.
"Triplet Maximize Magic: Earth Prison!"
As the tenth-tier spell activated, the ground began to tremble. Earth-elemental particles gathered rapidly, and towering stone walls rose one after another, encircling the entire forest.
At the same time, dense earth-elemental energy condensed in the sky. The flight-restricting effect of Earth Prison took hold, completely cutting off any chance of escape through flying magic.
If the enemy wanted to break out, they would have to smash their way through the Earth Prison by force.
"Well done, Mare."
Naohara praised him as he looked over the now fully enclosed forest.
"Hehe… it's only natural, Father-sama."
Mare replied shyly. Beside him, Aura had already begun casting her own spells.
Strange and varied magical beasts burst forth from one summoning circle after another, charging deep into the forest alongside Shalltear's Familiars.
While continuously summoning more beasts, Aura shot a provocative glance at Shalltear, her eyes full of challenge.
Influenced by Bukubukuchagama's character settings, Aura often found herself competing with Shalltear.
Shalltear noticed the look and returned it with a disdainful sneer. The tension between them thickened instantly, and both of them began increasing the pace of their summons without a word.
In moments, a flood of magical beasts surged forward, roaring as they charged toward the Black Scripture.
Flying magic was sealed. Teleportation magic was nullified by Momonga's [Greater Dimensional Lock]. And now, with an endless tide of magical beasts bearing down on them…