Main Course

Higashino Makoto narrowed his golden eyes at that figure.

"Pandora, you finally showed yourself."

"Mr. Higashino Makoto."

Her voice came from the top of the tower, calm and composed.

"Welcome to the Pleiades Watchtower."

"The trap you set can't be limited to just this, can it?"

"Of course not."

Higashino Makoto fell silent for a moment.

Then, he smiled like a hunter who had finally spotted his prey.

"Then I'll go in and take a look."

He changed direction and charged toward the Pleiades Watchtower, his speed suddenly surging.

The Great Rabbits were like ants before him, collapsing at the slightest touch.

The White Whale's mist could not come near his body within his domain.

Shaula's beams of light shot toward him, but he dodged them at extreme speed.

Like a streak of golden lightning, he tore through the battlefield, across the dunes, past the Great Rabbits lunging at him, and rushed toward the Pleiades Watchtower.

Pandora stood atop the tower, watching that golden light draw ever closer.

"It's here. This time, either you die or I live."

She raised a hand and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Excessive use of her Authority had left her somewhat weakened, but her eyes were full of determination.

"Then come!"

Higashino Makoto rushed into the Pleiades Watchtower.

The door slammed shut behind him.

The wind and sand stopped, the Great Rabbits retreated, and the White Whale's mist dispersed.

But the battlefield inside the tower was denser, more dangerous, and more unknown.

The space inside the Pleiades Watchtower was far more expansive than it appeared from outside.

Gray stone walls stretched out on either side, and spiral staircases extended so far that their ends were almost impossible to see.

Higashino Makoto stood at the entrance, his golden eyes sweeping across the empty hall.