The Night of Collapse Without Light

Standing on the seawall battered by waves, Kamikage Family's Maid gazed from afar at the battle between Tsukuyomi Fuyu and that ancient Calamity Beast.

She pressed a hand to her earpiece and reported to the Young Lady.

Professor Tsukuyomi was an extremely important figure to Tokyo.

Most importantly... Professor Tsukuyomi Fuyu was an important person to Lord Yuzu.

At this critical juncture, she had to stake everything on ensuring Professor Tsukuyomi's safety as her top priority.

Beneath the dark seawater, a snake-like shadow swayed slowly and silently. It looked like seaweed ripped out by the roots and tossed about by the waves, or perhaps some other piece of trash.

Then—

Just as the maid was reporting the battle situation to Divine Remains Pupil, shhk-shhk-shhk-shhk—

A long, narrow Whip Blade suddenly swept out from beneath the water, stabbing diagonally toward the maid's chest.

But... bang—

A gunshot rang out.

With one hand still pressed to her ear as she reported the battle situation to the Young Lady, the maid drew a pitch-black handgun from beneath her maid's skirt.

No... Given the shape of that muzzle, hand cannon might have been a more accurate description.

Ssssss—

The severed Whip Blade writhed on the ground. Thick green fluid sprayed from the break and easily corroded several holes in the seawall.

The maid continued firing at the sea without changing expression.

Gloop, gloop, gloop—

A cloud of green "smoke" spread beneath the black seawater. After more than ten seconds, a black corpse slowly floated to the surface. It looked like the remains of some kind of crustacean monster.

"Yes—"

"I understand."

"There haven't been any incidents for now."

"It was just a bug."

"Yes—"

"I'll stake my life... to protect Professor Tsukuyomi's safety."

The maid slid the black handgun back beneath her skirt.

Beneath