Valkyrie's arrival quickly turned the tide of battle. The Dragon Beasts and Giant Tribe members that had fallen into the town were swiftly killed, and after Fang Zheng summoned Queen of Shadow Realm Scathach, the situation underwent an earth-shaking change.
That was why he finally had some free time to check on the girls at home.
"Alright, don't look so dejected."
Looking at the listless girls sitting before him, Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.
"The other side had clearly planned this in advance. It isn't your fault."
"B-but, it was my fault..."
Yet upon hearing Fang Zheng's consolation, Yao spoke sadly, her expression on the verge of tears.
"If I hadn't taken back that Golden Harp, this wouldn't have happened, and Laeticia wouldn't have been controlled by the enemy..."
That was right, it was Kasukabe Yao's responsibility. Although no one present blamed her, she was already tormented beyond recognition by the guilt deep within her heart. To Yao, Laeticia was a companion, a comrade, and a friend within the community. Yet now, because of her mistake, her friend had been taken away, and something like this had even happened... For Kasukabe Yao, it was pain she simply could not bear.
"Alright, don't make this more complicated than it is. I don't think the problem lies with you. In fact, I can tell you all that this Demon King's Game wasn't issued after Laeticia was controlled by the enemy."
"Huh?"
Hearing this, everyone froze. Then the girls raised their heads and looked at Fang Zheng.
"Really, Mr. Fang Zheng?"
"Because of this clause, right?"
At the same time, Shokuhou Misaki raised the parchment in her hand.
"...If the Beast Banner disappears, the game will be suspended indefinitely?"
"That's right."
Fang Zheng nodded, then looked once more at the night and lightning