Whoosh!
The light of teleportation magic flashed, and in the next instant, Megumi and Fang Zheng appeared on a hillside.
"Where are we?"
"One of Eight Fingers' bases."
Fang Zheng closed the Ratziel in his hand and answered.
After returning to the inn, he had investigated with the Ratziel for safety's sake. He discovered that the man had not been exaggerating to fool them. The organization known as Eight Fingers had completely taken control of this kingdom's underworld and had countless ties to high-ranking officials and nobles. However... what did that have to do with Fang Zheng?
"They grow black powder drugs here to control others. That girl was one of their victims too... Megumi, I shouldn't need to tell you what to do, right?"
"Of course!"
Though Megumi was a chuunibyou, she still had a proper sense of right and wrong. She was equally furious over the girl's plight, and upon hearing Fang Zheng's words, she immediately raised her staff.
"Watch me! Evil existences like this shouldn't be allowed to remain in this world! Eternal being hidden within primordial darkness, heed my call! Descend from chaos and grant me your power! Before our might, all things shall become ash! Explode—Explosion!"
With Megumi's furious cry, blazing flames descended from the sky. There was a deafening boom, and the entire village, along with the fields where the black powder was grown, was reduced to ashes. Megumi lay on the ground in utter satisfaction and let out a long breath.
"Hah... that felt amazing."
"Hmm..."
Fang Zheng gazed at the soaring pillar of fire before him and pondered for a moment.
"Megumi."
"Hmm?"
"Why is your chant different every time you cast Explosion? What's going on?"
This question had been buried in Fang Zheng's mind for quite some time. At first, he