kscans

Chapter 54 - Death Battle in the Altered Space and Reboot

The Throne Level, Core Ark.

An information space where the laws of physics were distorted and reality was twisted.

At its center, the artificial eye of the seated Crow Sakakibara flashed red, and a cold voice echoed.

"The error has exceeded the threshold. Therefore, it shall be eliminated as 'noise'."

In that moment, a giant turret deployed from the ceiling.

"Magic Weapon Gatling Cannon, all rounds loaded."

Bachi.

A magic coil began to rotate spirally. What would be fired from it were high-speed magic bullets.

"Dodge!!"

Ares shouted, and Tiris deployed a magic barrier. Gilliam dropped to the floor, and Bolt retreated.

The bullets tore through space. A single blow pierced the barrier, sending Tiris flying, and sparks flew from Ares's shoulder.

"Guh... damn it... is this guy really trying to kill us!!"

"So this is... a next-generation weapon. Its power is on another level," Bolt groaned.

"Prioritize defense! We're not at a distance where we can attack from here, yes we aren't!!" Gilliam desperately analyzed the situation, but the space itself reacted, sealing their movements.

Crow stood up and slowly raised his hand.

"Your tactical formations have been calculated. Especially you, Bolt and Gilliam. Your entry from the dark guild Dreadbind... that movement itself was part of my plan."

"...What did you say?"

Bolt furrowed his brow and readied his lightning rod.

"Now, you two... come here."

As Crow spoke, he moved his hand.

Then, space distorted, and a forced teleportation magic circle activated.

"Damn it!? The ground under my feet is...!!"

Bolt's and Gilliam's bodies were drawn towards Crow's throne as if magnetized.

"Get away! This isn't teleportation magic... is it a coordinate gravitational pull!" Gilliam struggled, but his movements were somewhat sluggish.

"Hey... Gilliam?" Ares's eyes narrowed sharply.

Gilliam, before Crow's throne, grinned.

"Sorry, Hero-san. This was my job from the start, yes it was."

"...You've got to be kidding me."

"Stealth and betrayal are my specialties, yes they are," Gilliam took a dagger from his pocket and readied it.

Tiris trembled with anger. "You, from the very beginning, you were just..."

"...using us, yes I was. All of your movements were calculated by Crow-sama, yes they were."

Crow's artificial eye glittered once more.

"I predict all possibilities. Betrayal and loyalty are nothing more than within the margin of error."

"We're fighting with our souls! You think that can be contained in a calculation!!"

Ares drew his sword and roared with anger.

But the enemy was already among his allies.

Bolt stood there in silence, a slight hesitation in his eyes.

"...Bolt, you... surely not..."

"The options are still remaining," Bolt muttered.

However, his lightning had not yet been unleashed.

Ares and Tiris, on the verge of losing the allies they should have been able to trust, still gripped their sword and bow tightly. The battle would proceed into a final stage of further chaos and confusion.