Chapter 387 - Dawn Breaks White, and the Beginning Sings a Dirge: Part One
Well then, let's begin.
"—Damage report…!"
Somehow managing to escape the crimson raindrops that were easily dozens of meters in diameter, the General Commander was the first to shout. Immediately, replies from each party leader flew back to him.
Even from the sidelines, I could hear a constant stream of reports about dropouts. Thankfully, it seemed we had suffered zero casualties from that brutally nasty surprise event.
"…Goldow, you should prepare."
"Yeah—all units, form groups of nine and spread out to the 'carcasses'! Be ready to move whether it's teleportation or isolation!"
Our two leaders instantly came to an agreement, and Gossan's command roared across the battlefield.
It was as if they had planned this from the start… or rather, they had probably arranged the field with this very development in mind. All ten of the evenly spaced 'carcasses' had been left in a formation that encircled the massive crater. If that was the case, then being wary of what was to come was the correct call.
We were down a few members, so being ordered to gather in groups of exactly nine per squad should have been a recipe for chaos—but everyone moved with terrifying speed.
As the ranked players, including myself, took our positions at a distance from each other… the other players began to gather under the ten newly formed 'heads,' communicating with brief words and glances.
They must have all memorized the raid roster. They moved with a swiftness and order that seemed to say, we know exactly who we're supposed to follow.
"…This is like a real army."
"It's amazing… isn't it?"
I exchanged a look of slightly exasperated admiration with my partner next to me, then gave a simple nod to the seven players who had joined my group. 'Ah, thanks for coming, I appreciate it'—oh, wait. I hadn't properly thanked him yet.
Leading the group that followed me in perfect lockstep, I headed for a distant 'carcass' while offering a belated salute to the one-armed warrior.
In return, I received a genuinely kind smile.
"Looks like my partner was in your care. Thanks for the backup."
"You should watch the archives later. It was us who were in her debt."
"…! …………"
Ooh, I see. Now I have something to look forward to. I feel a bit bad for Sora-san, who's looking rather embarrassed, but I fully intend to enjoy the show—now then…
"…………It's not moving."
At the edge of the battlefield, where we had stopped. One of the mages, carefully observing the dragon carcass we'd reached, let out a doubtful mutter.
"Could it be that was the last phase?"
"And now we're in the middle of the ending event?"
"No way."
"I'll bet a hundred million Luunas it's not over."
"The odds are 1.0. You sure about that?"
"A money-back guarantee, lmao."
Were the lighthearted remarks that followed a sign of their confidence… or just a small act of bravado to mask their tension?
"Haru-kun."
"Yes?"
I myself was in the middle of 'memorizing' the positions of all the scattered raid members, ensuring I wouldn't rush to the wrong place no matter what happened.
The defensive commander who called out to me patted his missing right shoulder and laughed lightly.
"Look at me. If the time comes, I'll do some 'recon' for you, so use it as a reference."
"…………Understood. Thank you."
"As long as the raid wins in the end, that's all that matters. I'm here to be useful."
Seriously, what is with Arcadia? This virtual world is filled with nothing but cool guys—
"—Haru."
"Yeah, I see it."
We exchanged words, easing our tension and trying to forget our fatigue. The eyes of the players, all waiting in anticipation for the next anomaly, couldn't possibly miss it.
An abrupt silence fell as every gaze turned not to the motionless 'carcass,' nor to the 'hole' in the center of the depression that seemed to lead to hell… and not even toward the fate of the 'Red Circle' that had vanished as if dissolving.
They were fixed on what had begun to spill from the ominous vortex of clouds still covering the sky—a red rain.
Not from within, but from without. Raindrops fell from clouds now dyed a blood-like 'Red,' descending only along the outer perimeter, like a curtain enclosing the vast battlefield.
It fell, and fell, and fell, and kept falling—until the resulting puddles, like a river of blood, became large enough to be seen even from a distance… and began to bubble. Gurgle.
And then…
"…………Um, I—I've seen that before."
"Yeah… I've seen it recently, too."
And to top it off, it was on the exact same stage. If there was any difference at all, it was whether the area was already filled to the brim from the start… or whether it was about to be.
"………………What's the plan, Lord Crown?"
I was already staring down a future that was unfortunately all too clear. I had no energy to spare for a witty retort to that unwelcome nickname.
"…Sora-san. I know this is a big ask, but I need a favor."
"…! …………"
My partner's expression shifted through a whole spectrum of emotions—or at least five of them—at my unspoken request, before she finally gave a resigned nod and summoned her sand command baton.
"Alright, then… Inadequate as I may be, I will take command."
"Understood, Leader."
Seeing the exchange between Sora and Mr. Elephant Three, the other players instantly understood and formed a battle line. With their commander as the pivot point—they faced the crimson horde.
Perfect. I could entrust my back to them without a shred of doubt… In that case, time to get to work.
As if urging me on, the [Rabbit Dagger: Parabellum] trembled and rattled. I drew it with my right hand, passed it to my left, and got my dagger and shield ready.
The look and combination were a bit odd, but in game terms, this was a perfectly valid form of 'dual-wielding'—I'd just have to slice with my left and bash with my right. No problem there.
Should I charge, or wait for them? After a moment's thought…
"—[Rocket]!"
Victory favors the bold.
As if targeting the players positioned in the center of the battlefield, the Remnants of the Red Circle began to pour in like an avalanche. I moved to intercept them—crushing the ground beneath my feet, I launched my own assault.
White Throne Subjugation Battle, Act Three (Finale), begins. Please stay with me.