"I understand... But out of selfishness, I actually designed the final stage so that only my daughter could open it."
Achiu took a deep breath and slowly began to explain.
"There's also a mechanism in this room. If a second person is present, the door won't open. 'Trustworthy people and brave companions' was just a trap I set."
"Hmph."
Sephiroth had yet to say anything, but Torega gave a derisive snort. Apparently, he understood that kind of "underhanded selfishness" all too well.
"Then, Ms. Olga, if you please."
That little complication did not affect Sephiroth.
The restraints on Olga melted into liquid metal and flowed back onto Sephiroth.
Olga flexed her wrists, then glanced back at her father with a complicated look. Afterward, she walked to the center of the hall and picked up the only key.
Everyone else waited at the entrance, watching her walk into the stone crocodile's mouth.
"I'm sorry... Olga..."
With that, Achiu slapped the stone pillar beside the entrance. The stone surface immediately flipped over, revealing a lever.
Achiu yanked the lever down. The floor inside the crocodile's mouth suddenly opened, and Olga fell through.
Then the crocodile's mouth snapped completely shut, sealing off the entrance. It appeared to be a one-use mechanism.
Underground, out of sight of those above.
Olga landed on a soft cushion, then sat up.
Liquid metal began emerging from beneath her clothes, then transformed into a simple, compact suit of Power Armor.
With that, she ran into the laboratory.
... Meanwhile.
"I see... Things are getting interesting."
Sephiroth leisurely "led" the others into the hall.
"For these past two hundred years, I've never managed to take proper care of my daughter. At last, it's my turn to protect her."
Achiu followed him inside, looking "at peace." He faced "Bondrewd" with