With three minutes left before the General Election began, Cheng Yu narrowed his eyes slightly. He had two questions.
First, the final task. Big Sis had said she would handle it, but there were only three minutes left.
Second, neither Doggy nor Belial was among the monsters and people surrounding the tower.
Three minutes felt unusually long at a time like this, yet two minutes soon passed.
The final countdown began. Just then, Miss Puppet said softly,
"It's begun..."
Miss Puppet's words drew Cheng Yu's attention. Begun? Could she mean the final task...?
Let us turn the clock back a little.
Eastern District Seven, the deepest part of the military fortress.
Grete and Belial had been escorted into the deepest part of the fortress.
A group of shelled monsters aimed a massive, slime-coated chitinous spike at Grete and Belial.
Looking at the Mechanical Ouroboros binding his hands, Belial said softly,
"About three minutes until the game's final moment arrives, isn't that right?"
Grete said expressionlessly,
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Belial smiled languidly.
"Then it wouldn't be like us not to join in."
Still expressionless, Grete said,
"As you please, Your Majesty."
Belial shook his head with a smile.
"You really are no fun."
As he spoke, Belial abruptly vanished from sight-the chitinous spike had pierced his body. White smoke rose from where the spike passed through him, accompanied by a sizzling sound.
Belial hunched over, seemingly killed by the spike.
Whoosh! Bang!!
Another spike shot toward Grete, only to be shattered with a casual wave of his hand.
The shelled monsters seemed ready to fire more spikes at Grete.
Just then, dark green flames began burning over Belial's body.
Massive, crownlike horns grew from Belial's head.
Sizzle...
The dark green flames melted the chitinous spike into liquid, which also burned