The closer they drew to their destination, the more the forest was swallowed by deathly silence.
The once lush green trees had turned an unnatural shade of violet.
This was corrosion. Erosion. Poison.
At times like this, animals and plants were the first to react. Being the most fragile and lowest forms of life, they were also the first to succumb to the spreading decay.
"This is serious."
Even Ais, whose face rarely showed emotion, now looked grim.
As they walked, she came to understand just how dire the situation in this forest was. If this continued unresolved, the corruption might spread across the entire world—or worse.
"After gaining divine power, the beast's corruption of surrounding life becomes far more severe. And a creature that's devoured a god isn't something that can be dealt with easily. If left alone, this contamination will eventually engulf the whole world."
Surveying the forest and sensing the black mist's corruption and pure malice, Bell immediately thought of the "Evil of This World."
Though he doubted it posed a danger on that same level, eradicating it as soon as possible was still the best course of action.
The fact that the beast could devour a god was something that demanded attention.
The ability to consume a god alone proved that this monster was far from ordinary. If he could, Bell would have preferred to capture it alive.
Unfortunately, that wasn't an option.
To free the goddess Artemis from the beast, they would have to shatter its Magic Stone. She was almost certainly sealed within it by now, and the beast was likely continuing to consume her.
"Judging by the situation outside, things inside aren't looking any better."
Suddenly, Bell stopped. He could hear multiple footsteps approaching.
Not the steps of animals or monsters—these were human.
He extended his senses and quickly located the group, confirming their identities.
A reconnaissance squad from Hermes Familia.
Bell pondered briefly, then began walking toward them.
Ais followed quietly behind, unaware of the details.
She didn't need to question him. If Bell's plans required her parents' strength as a foundation, then he would never lead her into danger before that time came.
Ais trusted that much.
Before long, they arrived at a camp. It was ringed with traps and alarm devices—proof that Hermes Familia had been cautious in their preparations.
This time, Bell made no effort to hide his presence.
"Who's there!?"
The adventurers on watch quickly surrounded them, weapons raised, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
But then, the frontmost few froze—their eyes locked on the blonde girl standing behind Bell.
"The Sword Princess?"
One of them rubbed his cheek in disbelief, wincing at the sting.
Only after confirming it wasn't a dream did he realize that the girl before him was indeed the Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein herself.
Then his gaze shifted to the man in the trench coat walking ahead of her. Because of the coat, he couldn't make out who Bell was.
"Ah! It's you!"
The adventurer in front hadn't recognized Bell, but a Chienthrope girl behind him did.
That Chienthrope from before?
Bell recognized her too, though he had been careful to keep his presence hidden. How had she seen through him? Just from the trench coat?
The Chienthrope girl quickly pushed past the others to the front.
"Falgar, he's fine. He's the one who saved me back then."
"Him?"
Falgar looked surprised. He hadn't expected the person Lulune had said had saved her life to be someone so unfamiliar.
"That's right. I met him before when I accompanied Hermes-sama and Asfi. You can trust him."
"Understood. Everyone, put your weapons away. My apologies for the misunderstanding."
After a brief moment of surprise, Falgar signaled his Familia to lower their weapons and then turned to Bell with a respectful apology.
"No need. You've done well investigating this area and buying time for Hermes and 'Perseus' to secure the key item. You've fulfilled your mission admirably."
"Now, I'm here to deliver Hermes's order. Gather your things and withdraw from this forest immediately."
The command stunned everyone present.
Falgar frowned slightly, studying Bell. The trench coat blocked much of his view, but one thing was clear to him—Hermes-sama would never give such an order.
"Withdraw...?"
Lulune's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Withdraw immediately. That's the order."
Bell didn't need them to stay here as bait. In fact, their presence was more troublesome than helpful. Sending them away was simply more efficient.
It wasn't an act of kindness—it was dismissal.
He couldn't risk having them become a burden at a critical moment.
Falgar immediately understood the implication. The seasoned warrior straightened his back.
"Yes. We obey Hermes-sama's command."
He turned to his men.
"Everyone, prepare to evacuate!"
"Yes, sir!"
The members of Hermes Familia looked confused, but with Falgar taking command, they had no choice but to follow orders and begin preparations to withdraw.
Bell gave a small nod. At least they had a capable leader—otherwise, it would have wasted more time.
"Falgar, Hermes-sama—"
Lulune tried to say more, but Falgar, the muscular and imposing warrior, raised a hand to stop her.
"That's enough. This is Hermes-sama's command."
Then he bowed deeply toward Bell.
"Thank you very much."
Bell accepted the gratitude but replied evenly,
"If you want to thank someone, do it when you return to Hermes."
He then walked past them, his gaze fixed on the ruins standing on the island at the center of the lake.
"Sword Princess, it's our turn now."
Ais looked at Bell's back and quickly followed.
Once the two had completely disappeared into the distance, Lulune finally muttered in protest,
"Falgar, that definitely wasn't Hermes-sama's order."
"I know."
Of course he did. Otherwise, he wouldn't be the one leading this squad.
"But what comes next is beyond us."
"If we stay here, they'll just have to waste energy protecting us. Better to leave before we become a burden."
Falgar had always believed everyone had their role to play—and theirs now was to leave this place before those two began what came next.
...