In the air, Astolfo rode the Hippogriff toward the Matou Family. Luvia and Bazett sat on the Hippogriff's back, while Luvia took out a pair of binoculars made of gemstones and observed the Matou Family.
This was a Mystic Code imbued with Clairvoyance magecraft, one of Luvia's little collectibles.
The three of them and the Hippogriff drew closer. Then Luvia suddenly spotted a familiar figure standing atop the castle!
"Over there! Is that Archer!?"
It was Red Archer! Luvia saw him standing on the castle roof, seemingly completely unharmed.
"Let's get closer and take a look."
"Okay!"
The Hippogriff approached the castle. Luvia continued surveying the surroundings, wary of an enemy ambush. When they were about two kilometers from the Matou Family, Luvia suddenly saw Red Archer draw his longbow!
"Watch out!"
"Boom!!"
Luvia cried out in alarm! The next second, a streak of light shot toward them! It was so fast that it even produced a sonic boom!
"Shriek!"
Fortunately, Astolfo and the Hippogriff had remained fully alert! They immediately veered aside to evade it! But that was followed by a rapid barrage of shots!
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"
"Ah! That bastard!"
Astolfo lowered his body and guided the Hippogriff through a series of difficult evasive maneuvers. Thankfully, they were still far away, giving him enough time to dodge. If they had been any closer, he might have been forced to use the Hippogriff's special ability.
"Retreat, Astolfo! Put some distance between us!"
"Yes!"
Astolfo pulled on the Hippogriff, rapidly ascending and retreating to widen the distance.
Seeing this, Red Archer sighed in relief. But a cold, sinister laugh suddenly came from behind him.
"Hehehe~ You really did hold back. What disgusting sentiment! Have you forgotten the order I gave you?!"
At the same time as that voice