But just then, the bells used to signal emergencies rang throughout Andouward.
Both girls stood up. "Could the Giant Race be attacking again?"
Immediately afterward, thunderous tremors rose from the underground city.
Yō had only been slightly uncomfortable before, and it had not affected her movements, but now it seemed she had to find a way to overcome these minor injuries.
The two girls then rushed toward the source of the sound.
Just as the group left the infirmary, Gry—the Griffin who had become friends with Yō earlier—flew over from above.
It descended from the sky. The feathers on its wings were disheveled from the many battles it had endured, and there was a deep blade wound on one of its hind legs.
It spoke anxiously. "Yō, take your companions and run while you still can."
"What?"
"The enemy's main force has appeared—an overpowered monster completely different from the ones before. This place is about to be wiped out. Run. Head east and ask Lord White Night Yaksha for support!"
The music of plucked strings rang out, and Yō suddenly raised her head.
"This music is the same as when that thick fog appeared."
Yō recalled the earlier battle, but she had not had time to pass on the information then.
As the string music sounded, their companions on the front lines collapsed one after another. Even Yō and the others, far from the music, had nearly lost consciousness.
"It's that person. The guards in charge of surveillance had their consciousness stolen by this kind of music. That's why the enemy's surprise attacks succeeded twice.
"Right now, only a masked knight is supporting the battlefield. We don't know how much longer she can hold out."
Gry's voice was filled with grief. After all, those who had died were its comrades,