Case 227: Buezrith, once again.
Considering how things have been recently, Ravenous Moon's attack this time can be called 'timely.'
Right when the world line fluctuations settle, when the population is utterly confused and governments are fumbling, they launch a full-scale raid on major cities.
Hearing reports of casualties across the countries, I can't help but frown.
How did they amass such a large force when I have been diligently eliminating them over the year? I thought I had done a decent job, but apparently, I was overestimating myself all along. This organization runs its roots much deeper than I had imagined.
Either way, we can't sit by and let them get what they want.
Besides terrorist purposes, their goal is probably to recruit more members and overwhelm the systems. At least, if my ultimate wish is to bring forth the birth of the Heavenly Demon, I would start with killing the opposition.
''What should we do, Lady Aurora?'' Skely inquires, clearly restless.
''...''
Turning around, I meet my subordinates' expectant gazes. Aside from Buezrith and Neveah, who have already left to help the people, everyone is waiting for my order.
''...Going by Neveah's reports, it seems we don't need to work together to defeat the enemies. Even the cult can't mobilize so much power.'' I reason. ''Nonetheless, we can't split our forces too thin either. So, Kyomu and Ash will stay to guard Zircon, while the rest will form pairs to act. I will act on my own.''
Kyomu is indeed a powerhouse at a grandmaster level, but he isn't as proficient when it comes to clearing out scattered enemies. Ash, on the other hand, cannot move as easily in cities where there are countless people present. If someone discovers its weakness, it will be over.
As such, my judgment faces no objection, and we promptly begin the retaliation.
Obviously, dealing with the internal threat comes first, so our members spread to the outskirts of Astra's capital, while I head straight to the imperial palace. By the time we finish with our hunt, the empire's territory might be clear of cult members. After all, there is still Neveah and her automaton network on this continent, not to mention my powerful future self.
As I roam the night sky, the situation below gradually comes clear.
Cult members, mostly in their everyday outfits, indiscriminately attack other civilians using some sort of dark magic. Plundering, looting, and assaulting—anything to instill fear into the common folks. As if controlled by their own demons, those people's eyes are bloodshot, their facial features contorting.
A possibility that they are being controlled briefly flashes through my mind, but even if that is true, I don't have the capability to restrain all of them in a short time. I can do my best, of course.
Thankfully, with my overwhelming control of the ice element, it works out quite decently.
Conjuring thousands of little ice shards in the air, I aim them at the assailants and propel them forward, most hitting non-vital points on their bodies. Then, I manipulate my magic to spread, essentially freezing their movements.
After contacting my teammates to try for the same strategy, I continue on my path toward the heart of the empire, gradually clearing out the enemies as I proceed.
''...''
I briefly consider my options.
The imperial palace should be the focus of this raid, which means it will be under the most stress. Still, four grandmasters are guarding that place and the academy. They should be able to hold for a while.
Choosing to believe those four, I take some detours to help other parts of the city first.
By the time the police and the imperial guards can seize control of the streets again, it is already past midnight. Without feeling particularly exhausted, I fly toward the palace.
Sensing some strange premonition, I crank up my speed, covering hundreds of meters in a mere second. Soon enough, the majestic imperial palace comes into my vision.
Even at a glance, it doesn't look fine at all.
A faint layer of dust looms over the castle, melding with the pitch-black smoke pillars that rise high in the sky. Several large areas are already in rubble, with fire blazing fervently.
Clearly, this has been made a battlefield.
''...!''
And, it doesn't take long for me to spot the participants either.
In the palace's front yard, the grandmasters are gathered in a formation. Ulaika, with her shield propped up, stands at the front. The two attackers, Ivan and Graham, closely cover her flanks, while Bianca, the mage, stays some steps behind.
Facing them are three female figures, seeming much more at ease than their opponents.
In the middle is a tall woman wearing a black gothic dress, her face obscured by a veil. On her sides, two more women in nun habits maintain their stances, black magic eagerly swirling in their hands.
Even though they are wearing masks, I'd recognize that magic anywhere. It's Buezrith.
This time... two of them.
Without hesitation, I shoot toward the enemies, brandishing my Sword of Nihility. Like a snowball rolling, my momentum fuels exponentially with gravity. My target—the woman in the middle.
''Not so fast!''
One of the two Buezirth immediately reacts, firing her magic to cancel the force. Yet, my blade smoothly rips through them, proving its superiority. Following its path, the sword cuts a long arc in the air before slicing through the woman's neck.
''You...''
But I soon realize that something is wrong with the ambush. The cut just now... I didn't feel any resistance.
Taking a few steps back, I observe my opponents. Even though that block has failed, Buezrith remains composed, while the woman in black only shifts her eyes toward me. Her severed neck, like a dullahan's, emits black smoke across the surface of the cut, then promptly merges with one another.
''Be careful! That woman is an Advent!'' I hear Graham shout from afar.
''Advent?''
So she is the other Advent aside from Valstein. But... why is Buezrith with her?
It seems there are some connections between the two forces that I don't know about. It doesn't matter either way, since their goal is basically the same.
''Aurora Heathcliff...'' The woman mutters, a charming smile blooms under her veil.. ''I've been wanting to meet you once''
''And you are?'' I ask back.
''Darkness. Nice to meet you.''
''What an edgy name.''
Darkness calmly takes my provocation. Then, as though a conductor, she elegantly opens her palm toward me, ''Now, let's dance with me, Miss Heroine.''
Some sort of power surges from her dress, pouring onto the ground like dark ink. I also swell my power, coating my sword densely. As the tension rises...
''Hey, who allowed you to steal my prey?''
...One of the Buezriths intervenes. Darkness visibly freezes at her words, a bit timidly, which makes it apparent that she is not the leader of this bunch at all.
Seeing my puzzled gaze, Buezrith's magic nearly explodes, ''Don't tell me... you've forgotten our fight?! I'm here to return to humiliation, Aurora Heathcliff!''
...Seems like she's an acquaintance.