"No time?"
"They had no time to linger here when a war was reaching its most critical juncture," Brando replied quietly. The incomplete puzzle in his mind seemed to be becoming clearer and more complete. "Perhaps there's another, even more crucial battle they need to take part in."
"That is..."
Brando shook his head and said no more. He was still lacking some crucial evidence, and until then, he was unwilling to discuss too many speculations. That would only lead to subjective misjudgments on his part and everyone else's.
Just then, the two passed by Her Highness the Nun Princess, who was breathing slightly heavily. Brando couldn't help encouraging her. "Beautifully done, Miss Magdal. You saved all of us."
Magdal somewhat flusteredly straightened her skirt. Her hands were still trembling faintly. The successive battles had taken quite a toll on her, but a hint of delight still appeared on her pale face. "Really?"
"Of course." Aloz proudly gave her a thumbs-up.
Only then did the Princess of Antobruo relax. She placed a hand over her chest and quietly let out a sigh of relief.
The group followed the passage Magdal had opened. Before long, they passed through the fragmented, smoke-filled district and entered the building.
The swarm soon followed, but the Nun Princess once again used the Book of Earth to raise the street, blocking the entrance and temporarily keeping out those creatures that could infiltrate anywhere.
The surroundings darkened, and even the rustling sounds outside grew faint.
Everyone felt as though they had entered a vast, empty, dark hall.
The entire space fell silent in the darkness. Brando chanted, "Flame." A fireball rose in his hand. Its wavering light illuminated a broad, empty world covered in dust. Not far away stood a platform. A huge crystal panel extended from