"Boom!"
The hard, thick composite metal gate slammed down over the sewer connected to the Gate of the Foundation, completely separating Kurumi from Aoba Asagi and the others.
"Mm—!" Xiao Na turned back, reaching desperately toward the air with her tiny hand.
Tears glimmered faintly at the corners of her eyes.
"Mommy, Mommy! Sob, sob, sob~"
"What did you say?" Aoba Asagi stopped in her tracks. Her guess had been right—this little girl really was connected to Tokisaki Company!
But Tokisaki... Aoba Asagi gritted her teeth. "Monster, open this gate! Let Tokisaki in!"
The monster swaying about among the phone icons remained especially rational. "Little girl, I do not recommend doing that. Otherwise, the one sacrificed will not be only that brave young lady."
"Mommy~ Mommy~ Can someone save Mommy~? Sob, sob, sob~ I want Mommy! Xiao Na wants Mommy! Sob, sob, sob~"
Tears poured down Xiao Na's little face like a burst dam. Scalding teardrops continually slid down her pretty cheeks; aside from those wiped away by her hands, most splashed onto the ground.
Unfortunately, Xiao Na's tears did not possess the power of "miracles" like those in certain anime.
Aoba Asagi hardened her heart and swept the petite Xiao Na into her arms in a princess carry.
Ignoring Xiao Na's crying and struggling in her arms, Aoba Asagi only wanted to escape this place as quickly as possible.
Fortunately, she worked out regularly and belonged to her school's badminton club, so her stamina was fairly good. That was why she could run so swiftly while carrying a little girl.
But Tokisaki...
Aoba Asagi clenched her teeth and sped up.
From the bald lama elder's earlier actions, it was clear that Xiao Na was his target. As for Tokisaki... he probably would not care much about her, right?
Aoba