An Ex-Machina on a Dimensional Journey

But no amount of surprise would change the Xiu Ers' original goal. Since Karna had made his choice, they would make full use of such a powerful fighter and deal with him afterward.

Against Karna, who had gained an unlimited supply of "energy" by forming a new Master-Servant bond with Number Four, Achilles' fate was already sealed. He had been beaten half to death before Karna even arrived.

As Xiu Er considered this, the opening to the surface came into view.

Whoosh—

A golden streak shot out of the dark opening and flew straight into the sky.

Only after clearing the treetops did Xiu Er stop abruptly and hover in midair.

The Red Archer had withdrawn before Karna arrived. It seemed Atalanta had realized he had defected and, seeing no hope of victory, had made the wisest choice: retreat.

She had been helping Achilles fight Xiu Er with dogged persistence moments ago, yet now she had abandoned him without hesitation.

Xiu Er had to give the green-clad archer credit for her judgment of the battlefield.

But credit was one thing. She had no intention of letting Atalanta escape.

Target pursuit in progress... Distance to target: ◇3460m

...4300m

...5164m

...

Atalanta had fled quickly and at the right moment, but she could not escape Xiu Er's "eyes."

Direction confirmed. Propulsion at full power.

Boom!!

A violent sonic boom erupted as Xiu Er became a golden meteor and plunged into a golden Teleportation Gate that had just appeared ahead of her.

Atalanta raced through the dense forest, cold sweat covering her brow as she retreated along the route she had taken in.

She had begun her retreat the instant she heard Karna declare his betrayal.

"Damn it! How could he betray us?"

Even as she ran, Atalanta cursed Karna's