Watergate City, District One.
After the Archbishop of Greed and the Archbishop of Wrath appeared together, it signaled yet another escalation of the crisis. Large numbers of Witch Cultists began assaulting the plaza.
To deal with them, Shendu had no choice but to deploy the Shadowkhan as expendable shields to cover the civilians' retreat.
It took several hours to escort the remaining citizens to a relatively safe area—another district at the edge of the city. Under the reconnaissance of her Shadowkhan, she discovered that several familiar faces had already gathered there.
Along the way, Shendu gathered stragglers, ultimately bringing over several thousand refugees with her. Perhaps sensing that Shendu was not someone to provoke, the Witch Cultists only besieged them heavily at the beginning. After that, their path was mostly unobstructed, allowing them to reach the city's outskirts smoothly.
The moment she arrived, a familiar figure wearing a steel helmet appeared before her. Seeing Shendu return safely and escort so many civilians, he finally let out a breath of relief.
"Miss Shendu, welcome back. Most of the people are here, along with a large number of refugees."
Al spoke respectfully upon seeing Shendu.
"Where is Priscilla?"
Shendu stopped and asked in confusion. She was rather curious about that.
"We've temporarily lost contact, but we heard she's with Miss Liliana."
Al replied without hesitation. As her knight, he was not particularly worried about his lady's safety. After all, she was a great mage.
She also wielded the divine weapon Yang Sword. Ordinary Witch Cultists were no match for her. It was a supreme weapon Priscilla had obtained from the previous Archbishop of Pride.
"Ah! Is that Miss Shendu? Meow, it's such a relief to see you! I heard earlier that the plaza was suddenly attacked. The fact that you managed to withdraw safely and even brought refugees with you—that's a tremendous help, meow!"
Felix clasped his hands together, looking at Shendu with admiration. His face was still as cute as ever, though his body was inevitably stained with blood.
Behind the cat-eared youth stood a small building. From time to time, wounded individuals were carried inside for emergency treatment. Calling it a hospital would not be an exaggeration.
"Felix, has Crusch returned?"
Looking at the cat-eared youth before her, Shendu asked thoughtfully.
"She has. At the moment, she's discussing countermeasures and solutions with Lady Anastasia."
Felix answered respectfully. If anyone had a chance of resolving this crisis, it was most likely Shendu.
That said, Felix had noticed something strange. Emilia, who was usually inseparable from Shendu, was nowhere to be seen.
He had also heard earlier that Emilia had been captured by the Archbishop of Greed. Yet seeing that Shendu showed no sign of anxiety, he could roughly guess that things were not so simple.
Before long, Shendu and her group of five entered a reception room. There, she saw Crusch and Anastasia engaged in discussion. Hearing footsteps, the two turned their heads at the same time.
"Lady Shendu!"
"Miss Shendu!"
Seeing Shendu lead such a large group inside, both Anastasia and Crusch felt a surge of relief and greeted her with surprise.
"How is the situation now? From my reconnaissance, the entire city seems to have fallen into varying degrees of battle."
Shendu got straight to the point the moment she entered.
"Yes. Nearly the entire city has fallen into the Witch Cult's hands. Aside from this small area beneath our feet, the rest has been overrun."
Crusch's expression was grave. The scale of this disaster far surpassed the previous one.
"Moreover, occupying the city hall is the Archbishop of Lust. Aside from the Archbishops of Greed and Wrath, he is yet another troublesome Sin Archbishop. After taking the city hall, he has been spreading panic through magical devices."
Anastasia added from the side, clearly outlining how unfavorable the current situation was for them.
It was only natural. Watergate City had originally been their territory, yet they had been driven to its fringes in an instant. It was a humiliating blow, and the Witch Cultists were acting without restraint.
News of Shendu's return and her successful escort of refugees had already reached Anastasia.
She had not expected that Shendu could confront two Sin Archbishops and still withdraw unscathed. Most astonishing of all, even Natsuki Subaru at her side was completely unharmed.
"The situation grows more severe by the minute. The forces I dispatched here have begun gathering scattered soldiers and regrouping them. We are waiting for the right moment to launch a counterattack."
Crusch's expression was resolute. This was one of the largest battles she had faced in recent times, so she took it extremely seriously.
"Very well, Miss Shendu. Please, have a seat first. Let's have some tea and discuss what to do next."
Now that she knew Shendu had returned safely, Anastasia gestured toward the modest reception room and spoke politely.
Under Anastasia's guidance, Shendu sat at a round table. She quickly realized that the forces of the other Royal Selection candidates were also gathered in this area.
However, Felt and Reinhard were nowhere to be seen. In addition, Garfiel and Rem—who served under Shendu—had yet to regroup with her and were considered missing.
This location functioned as a conference room. Sofas and chairs were arranged around it, with Anastasia seated at the head. By any standard, the environment was rather shabby.
Compared to the previous inn, it was several levels inferior.
But with the city in a state of war, no one could afford to be picky about their surroundings.
"Everyone, you're all aware of the city's current condition. Many people are missing. Miss Shendu's maid and my vice-captain, Mimi Pearlbaton, are not here either."
Anastasia spoke uneasily. This incident had caught her completely off guard. She had never expected the Witch Cult to act with such boldness.
"At present, those of us who remain have formed a temporary combat force—called the Witch Cult Disaster Response Headquarters."
Al, standing at the side, added the explanation.
"I've been here before. I never expected we'd meet under such circumstances."
Shendu glanced around, already aware of who controlled this place.
"That's right. This is the territory of Kiritaka-san's company. We requisitioned it temporarily."
"Moreover, that gentleman is quite capable and is one of the Ten Councilors who manage the city."
Anastasia supplemented, clearly satisfied with the arrangement.
"As for understanding the city as a whole, Kiritaka-san is very familiar with it. With his detailed information, our operations will proceed more smoothly."
Crusch nodded thoughtfully, her gaze growing increasingly solemn.
The last time they fought two Sin Archbishops at once, she had already felt tremendous pressure. Now the situation was even more dangerous.
There might very well be more than just two Archbishops involved this time. The possibility that all of them had mobilized made Crusch's heart tighten. Fortunately, a heavyweight like Shendu was still on their side.
Creak!
After they had conversed for a while, the door was suddenly pushed open.
Wilhelm entered, his coat hanging loosely over his shoulders. The bandages wrapped around his shoulder were stained faintly with fresh blood. The famed Sword Demon wore a solemn expression.
"Lady Crusch, the refugees gathered here have been arranged within the shelter area. They will remain there to avoid being caught in the crossfire."
Wilhelm reported seriously, fulfilling his duty with unwavering diligence.
"Thank you, Old Master Wilhelm. What happened to your shoulder?"
Crusch nodded before asking in surprise upon noticing his injury.
"An old wound. It reopened somewhat recently."
Wilhelm replied with a complicated look in his eyes.
"Please, have a seat. Once you've recovered some strength, join the other patrol teams and continue investigating the surrounding situation."
Looking at the renowned Sword Demon, Anastasia spoke politely, just as she had to Shendu.
When facing true powerhouses, Anastasia never sought trouble. Instead, she did her utmost to make use of the limited resources available to strengthen their side. That, in itself, was of vital importance.
"At present, Felt-san and Reinhard are not here. We're missing more than half of our key combat power. Even that princess is absent. Al, as her knight, shouldn't you give us an explanation?"
After Anastasia finished speaking with Wilhelm, she turned her gaze toward Al and asked curiously.
"My apologies. The princess is the freest person alive. She does whatever she pleases. I cannot stop her."
Al frowned and spread his hands helplessly.
As Priscilla's knight, although Al possessed decent strength, he had no real control over that woman. At times, he was even scolded by her rather harshly.
"That truly is troublesome."
Anastasia sighed in resignation. She knew she could not control that woman either, so she could only let her do as she pleased. At the very least, her safety was not a concern.
Those capable of defeating Priscilla were limited to a handful of Sin Archbishops. Ordinary opponents stood no chance.
"Then what is your plan?"
Shendu, seated to one side, looked seriously at Anastasia.
"First, we wait for reports from the outer forces. However, the Witch Cult is using magical broadcasts to spread their voices, which may continue to incite panic."
"More importantly, the city's four control towers have indeed been seized. You all know what that means. If the control towers cease functioning, the water will flood the entire city."
After Anastasia finished, Shendu understood just how dire the situation had become.
Through the window, they could see one of the towering control towers at the city's center, radiating magical light. To the east, south, west, and north stood three others.
As the renowned Watergate City, everything depended on those four control towers to regulate the water levels. A single miscalculation could result in the entire city being submerged.
Ironically, atop each tower fluttered a banner bearing the Witch Cult's emblem—blood-red and strikingly grotesque.
"It's rare for them to openly display the Witch Cult's emblem. It seems to be a direct provocation."
Crusch said in surprise, her eyes filled with vigilance.
"Seizing the control towers to release the water—how despicable."
Akane muttered, though she did not seem overly concerned.
Watergate City housed roughly one hundred thousand residents. If the waters were unleashed, the casualties would be unimaginable.
As the fifth largest city in the kingdom and a uniquely structured one at that, its fall would cause even greater consequences.
"At present, the known Sin Archbishops are Wrath, Greed, and Lust. This incident is highly unusual. There is a strong possibility that all of the Sin Archbishops are participating in this operation."
Shendu analyzed calmly, maintaining her composure.
"By the way, I heard Emilia was taken away. Miss Shendu, why don't you seem worried at all?"
After a moment of thought, Crusch asked in surprise.
Hearing this, Anastasia and the others also turned toward Shendu, eager for an explanation.
"Emilia is still safe. I used a special spell to create a duplicate for her. Once the duplicate is destroyed, her consciousness will return directly."
Shendu narrowed her eyes as she explained openly. Then she gave a faint smile.
"We need a spy to understand the Witch Cult's movements. I will share any intelligence I receive."
"Wow, as expected of Miss Shendu. It seems even the Witch Cult has been played by you, meow."
Felix said in astonishment.
"This was an unexpected contingency. Miss Shendu must have anticipated the danger and prepared in advance."
Anastasia's eyes shimmered with surprise.
"It's nothing. As for the Archbishop of Lust—Capella—I know a little about her. She claims to be a royal family member who died fifty years ago. I believe you're all aware of that."
Shendu looked at the thoughtful expressions around the table.
"Yes. Her personality is extremely cruel, the complete opposite of her beauty. She was someone even the royal family avoided mentioning."
"Before you arrived, she issued a threatening broadcast. She claimed to have taken a large number of citizens hostage and demanded that we hand over the remains of the Witch Typhon!"
After a moment of contemplation, Crusch looked at Shendu with a grave expression.
"The Witch's remains... It seems they mean the remains of the Witch of Pride."
Shendu leaned back in her chair, deep in thought.
"Yes, the remains of the Witch of Pride. The Witch Cult's objective is likely to use them for something sinister. If we agree, the city may still be destroyed regardless."
"If we refuse, disaster will also follow. How are we supposed to choose?"
Crusch hesitated. Their next move required serious consideration.
"Hmph. At this point, do we even have a choice? Either we flee, or we eliminate them. Those are the only two options."
Anastasia's eyes burned with fury and resentment. She could barely suppress her anger.
In that moment, she was truly enraged. Her original ambitions had already been disrupted. Everything had fallen apart.
"Lady Anastasia, please calm yourself. There's no need to get angry just yet. My magical device has received a message, meow."
Felix quickly raised his hands in reassurance.
"Very well. Open the communication and let's see."
Anastasia replied politely, refraining from using a commanding tone.
Felix adjusted the mirror toward them, and Julius' image appeared before their eyes. Beside him stood a short cat-eared youth.
"Lady Anastasia, I sense that my sister has suffered severe injuries. Has she returned to your side?"
Tivey, one of the cat-eared triplets, asked anxiously.
"No... How could this be?"
Anastasia's heart sank, her eyes filling with worry.
Creak!
At that critical moment, the door was pushed open again. Three figures hurried inside. As they entered, the room filled with a strong metallic scent of blood.
Rem, Garfiel, and Mimi Pearlbaton—the separated group from Shendu's side—had returned. However, Mimi had suffered a severe abdominal wound and was bleeding heavily.
Garfiel and Rem bore lighter injuries, yet their wounds continued to seep blood, causing Shendu to frown.
"I'm sorry, Lady Shendu. I'm useless... I failed to protect them."
The moment he entered, Garfiel spoke sorrowfully. He hurriedly laid Mimi on the sofa, tears streaming down his face.
"Ahaha! Hoo-hoo!"
"How are you, worthless people of this city? Still alive? Or perhaps not yet dead? How do you like my beautiful, melodious voice? Isn't it sweet? Wahaha!"
After bursting into laughter, the Archbishop of Lust continued coldly, "Perhaps you're captivated by a beautiful girl's voice. But remember the conditions I've stated. You'd better comply—or suffer the consequences."
After spewing a string of meaningless taunts, the Archbishop of Lust finally ended the broadcast, cutting off the citywide transmission.
"Damn it, another provocation. Felix, please—save Mimi."
Seeing how grievously injured Mimi was, Anastasia spoke to Felix with rare seriousness.
"Leave it to me. We are allies, after all. I'll do everything I can."
Felix replied firmly without hesitation.
He stepped forward swiftly, placing one hand over Mimi's abdomen. A powerful green healing spell activated immediately.
Strangely, not long after the wound began to mend, it split open again, fresh blood spilling out.
The sight left everyone shaken.
Shendu walked over to Garfiel and spoke solemnly.
"Tell me everything that happened. Every detail."
"Yes, Lady Shendu!"