Chapter 1047 - ........................
"...Even if you tell us to face it, what are we supposed to do?"
We could understand the situation without words. Even with a green light to go ahead, our current selves couldn't even manage a proper reckless charge.
I was the first to mutter bitterly, as my usual tactic was a full-speed assault. Tora-kichi, who shared my preferences, did the same.
We couldn't simply step forward lightly.
"Ah, well... anyway, Nia, step back a bit. Sora, stay with her."
Kendy-dono himself had led us here.
In that case, based on experience and intuition, I could surmise there would be no danger as long as we didn't cross the line visible to us. Still, there was no reason to keep them close.
It was more for the peace of mind of those in charge of combat. It was the consensus of Ashe, Tora-kichi, and myself.
"Un... understood..."
The non-combatants had no reason to refuse. Nia nodded and fearfully backed away, which was fine.
"........................"
"Once your power returns, you'll be the pillar of the party. Rest up until then."
To my partner, who looked frustrated to be grouped with the non-combatant Nia, I simply stated a plain fact, not a shallow comfort.
There was no need to think. Our power would return as we continued the conquest.
Even a little at a time... or rather, the fact that we were regaining it was proof. I didn't understand the logic of the connections, but both the atmosphere and meta-logic suggested it wouldn't be lost forever.
So, Status and skills would surely return. Once that happened, Sora, who was more than just versatile, wouldn't have a moment's rest.
There was no need to be reckless now. My partner understood this without being told, and swallowed the dissatisfaction that lingered despite her understanding.
"...I understand."
She covered her expression with a modest smile and followed Nia back.
With that settled...
"Now... what should we do?"
"........................"
"Doesn't matter what we do."
Three people plus one remained before the standing shadow doll.
The area from the Wedge at the maze entrance to here was likely a safe zone. Instead of guarding the two fragile members, the knight stayed by our side, spouting meaningful words. His blue eyes watched us.
"At least for me, I don't feel like I can win. Not like this."
"Well, yeah... about fifty, maybe?"
"...Yes. It feels about that level."
We had too few cards to play. Thus, this wasn't a grand strategy meeting, but a constructive discussion at best.
"Trakky, what about your title's ability? How are the four arms looking?"
"It scales off my own strength stats. I can use it, but it's not very reliable right now."
"Ah... I see. Hmm..."
"How about you, Princess? Your gift is still active, right? If you combine the effects of the name activated by the hair ornament, can't you barely reach it?"
"...Impossible. My original power is too weak. Even if it doubled, I wouldn't reach at all."
"That's also true... man, isn't this impossible?"
Yet, we couldn't look away from the wall before us. Was it a player's nature? Pride as a rank-holder? Or a sense of duty as representative conquerors?
"Wait, what about you, Haru?"
"Hmm? What about me?"
"Don't play dumb. Some of your stats have returned, so can't you use it?"
We wouldn't kneel, and we wouldn't stop thinking.
"Ah, well, yeah. But like you two, my base is tiny... so the usual brute force usage is impossible. Therefore..."
"...Therefore?"
The reason common to us all was...
"I've been spinning it for twelve hours straight."
That was the reason behind everything.
When I confessed my backup plan, there was a moment of silence. Then came a look of utter exasperation and a smile that seemed to say just as expected.
Turning aside, I met the gaze of the knight, who wore a pleasant smile.
"Kendy-dono, a question. If we die... if we lose our strength here, what happens? Can we assume it's the usual for Travelers?"
I asked for the information I had deferred until now. In this ultra-special environment, I needed to know if death would lead to something terrible.
I wanted to know if we could be reckless.
"Indeed, it will be as usual."
I secured peace of mind from his answer. Even if it was game over here, we could respawn as per the rules.
Then, there was only one more thing to ask.
"Kendy-dono."
"Yes."
"Does advice count as assistance?"
"Please forgive me."
"Heh, right... understood."
In other words, no studying beforehand.
The result was exactly as I imagined. A smile that was half-bitter and half-acceptance. Looking at both sides, Ashe and Tora-kichi had similar expressions.
With that, the cards and materials were all out.
Our current individual specs were Level 10 at best. In contrast, the pressure from that shadow doll suggested a threat level of at least 50.
To be blunt, I was certain we wouldn't be a match even if we were at full strength.
However, for us who had lost our power, it was a dauntingly high wall. Status was scarce, and we couldn't rely on skill benefits. We had to face an unmistakable superhuman with bodies that barely remained between reality and story.
It felt like an impossible game. Truly excellent. The usual for Arcadia.
"...Mm. Haru."
"Yeah, play nice."
At this stage, talking more wouldn't constitute a strategy meeting. There were too few things we could do, so there was no point in exchanging useless words.
Responding to the request I knew was coming, I summoned the [Alv Stella] and handed it to Ashe, who had lost her sword since the start of the conquest.
"It might be like pouring water on hot stones, but I'm going all out. I'll hold the wall as much as possible."
"Please."
"Leave it to me."
There was no hesitation in playing our few cards in this situation. With me in the center, Tora-kichi on the opposite side of Ashe bestowed a non-refundable blessing upon his ring.
And so...
"Let us go."
"Yeah, let's give it our all."
Two stepped forward. One remained.
Because currently, it was too heavy. I placed my hand on the hilt of the katana I couldn't swing properly, and a few seconds after the two stepped past the line...
As if breathing life back into it, as if frozen time had begun to move...
The long hair of the shadow doll swayed gently.