......

Figures, it's still there...

Do you think it followed us here?

I don't know.

But either way, it's definitely a major annoyance.

So, what do we do now?

Well, normally...

And while that might work in most situations...

...I'm not so sure it would work right now, judging by our last fight.

Hmm...if Lugi were here, he'd probably come up with a battle plan for us.

Of course he would, a crafty little snake like him is full of plans.

But enough about that jerk. There's just not enough of us to stand a chance in a fight.

If Lord Grahdens had come with us, I'm sure things would be different, though.

Huh? Hey, Seria? Did you say something?

Hm? No, I didn't say anything.

No? Am I hearing things?

...!

You heard that too, right, Hans?

That voice...

What's the matter, Tilith?

Seria, come with us!

Huh? Wh-What's going on?!

......

I knew it! There you are, Reda!

You two haven't changed a bit, have you?

You bet! Hans and I are totally the same as ever!

Wait... Are you sure that's the response you want to go with?

So, um... We haven't met, so I guess I should say it's nice to meet you.

My pleasure.

You're Commander Seria, right? Of the 19th Demon Slayers Division, the Bloody Roses.

You've heard of me? As I should have expected, Lord Grahdens's direct subordinates are very well-informed.

I've heard of you, too.

You are...Reda, right? Scarlet Wanderer Reda, was it?

Please, not that nickname. It's so embarrassing...

Just Reda is fine.

O-Okay, got it.

Elder Grah told us that you were in this world. I'm glad we got to meet up after all!

Has that enchanted armor been giving you trouble, too?

Yes, more or less.

...I'm not the only one, though.

It took you a whole five minutes and 32 seconds to get here from the time we called you.

You people from the Summoners' Hall really are pretty slow on the uptake.

......

Hey, I know you guys!

Uhh...you're with the Abel Faction, right?

Yes.

The Abel Faction!

Wait, isn't that the name of the group that opposes the Summoners' Hall?

Are you saying they're members of that Faction?!

......

Indeed, we belong to the Abel Faction.

We are enemies of the Akras Summoners' Hall, and of yours.

Even so, do not worry. This isn't the time to be fighting with the likes of you.

What does that mean?

It means exactly what you might assume, that stone doll has been giving us trouble as well, naturally.

......

I...uh, no, I mean we were waiting on you guys.

To be precise, we were waiting to get the manpower to take down that enchanted armor quickly.

If you've fought that enchanted armor too, then you know how strong it is, right?

Err, yes, I guess we do.

I hate to admit it, but it was a pretty tough fight.

In that case, how much help would it be to have just me join you?

Well, it would still be a pretty tough fight, I guess.

I'm not saying we couldn't win...

...but it wouldn't make the fight any less of a struggle.

When you consider the enchanted armor's incredible firepower, and the need to keep our injuries to a minimum...

...the most we'd end up doing is getting into a long, drawn-out battle, where we chip away at the enemy slowly.

You're right.

With just the Summoners' Hall members we have here...

...much as I hate to say it, we could never finish off the enchanted armor very quickly.

......

But the same could also be said for these two from the Abel Faction.

...though it pains me to do so, I must agree.

I see. I think I get the general picture now.

Basically we're declaring a temporary truce, fighting together, and taking down that enchanted armor?

Yes, that's right.

Our master, Lord Rahnas, has gone on ahead. We need to catch up with him as swiftly as possible.

Not to mention, I'm sure you are not willing to stand by and allow us to remain ahead in the search for the Sealed God?

You've got that right.

Hey, did he just say that their master has gone ahead?

Unfortunately, he was telling the truth.

That's why every second counts for us, and for them.

......

Hehehehe...

Surely even someone as dense as you lot understand now.

We are undeniably enemies...

...but right now, it's imperative we fight on the same side.

...

I understand how you both feel, but please try to bear with it for now.

Sure, fine. Count me in for this battle.

Yeah. We need to get moving soon.

Hans, you don't have any complaints, do you?

It looks like we're good. Not that we have a choice, mind you.

With that settled, let's get this fight started and deal with that enchanted armor!

Do you have a plan?

Yes. We'll split into three teams of two...

...and close in once we've surrounded the enchanted armor.

And then we all attack at once, right?

Exactly.

We have no objections, either.

A crude plan like that will likely be more effective against such a mindless oaf.

I...concur.

So, what are the teams?

...I'll go with the monocle guy over there.

Oh? Isn't this a surprise?

I don't intend to let you two work together.

You get my meaning, I assume?

If you insist, so be it.

In that case, my companion, Mel, will work with...

...the Summoner Hans.

This is a splendid opportunity to explore the true power of the Summoner that defeated...

...both the Sealed God Lucius and the Holy Emperor Karna Masta.

......

Sure.

Guess that leaves me and Tilith together.

Well, if I'm honest, I would've preferred to work with Hans...

Tilith, I need you to work with us on this.

Yeah, I know.

All right, let's get moving! Tilith, follow me.

Hey, wait!

Well, see you later, Hans!

Even if you are not our equal, I hope to see a decent performance from you today.

......

...Commencing...mission...