"Ritual?" Laplace gave the guard an indifferent glance. "What ritual?"
"Th-this... I'm not too sure either." The guard had not wanted to say anything, but under the gaze of Laplace's heterochromatic eyes, a chill ran down his spine. After swallowing hard, he finally spoke.
"Only the elders know the details of the ritual. We're merely responsible for carrying out the lockdown... I don't know anything."
Laplace looked deeply at the guard without commenting on his words, merely saying softly, "No need."
Guard: "???" No need for what?
Seeing the guard's utterly baffled expression, Luigi sighed and explained, "She means we won't be going to the VIP room. But we hadn't planned to stop here anyway. Our destination is the main station of the Encircling City Gathering."
The guard froze for a moment before finally understanding. "Oh... oh! The guests intend to take Passage 003 to the Encircling City Gathering? Th-then, this way, please."
When he saw that no one moved, the guard scratched at his temple beneath his crystal cap. "I mean, I'll lead the esteemed guests there."
The guard's duty was to ensure that no outsiders remained in the current Ring Fortress. As long as Laplace and the others did not stay in this Ring Fortress, it did not matter whether they went to the VIP room or Passage 003.
Watching the guard's attentive display, Laplace fell silent for a moment and glanced at Angel from the corner of her eye.
Angel had clearly noticed Laplace's sidelong glance. With an almost imperceptible movement, he gave a slight nod.
Only then did Laplace say, "Fine."
The guard let out a long breath of relief and took the initiative to lead them toward the next passage.
Only after Angel and the others had completely vanished into the dark corridor did the