Chapter 455.1: Star God's Miniature Garden

Chapter 455.1: Star God's Miniature Garden

It goes without saying that Treasure Hunters have good night vision, but I, Saya, have eyes that can see through the darkness as if it were daytime. I carefully observed the classroom’s door――The space we passed through to arrive at the Haunted Classroom.

The distortion that had been opened when we entered is nowhere to be seen. It is likely that the girl-type Phantom closed it.

“We are trapped…… We need to find a way out.” (Saya)

This is definitely a Treasure Shrine. The type of Treasure Shrine that exists in a different dimension from the real world.

It is often the case that the interior of a Treasure Shrine is actually far larger than it appears from the outside. Although the scale may differ, it is not entirely impossible.

That is what exploring Treasure Shrines is all about.

At least now we know how the Spirited Away happens. Intelligent Phantoms are generally dangerous. That girl-type Phantom is likely the ruler of this world.

Then, at that moment, Lucia, who has taken a deep breath, takes a step closer and checks with me in a low voice.

“Fuh, fuh……………… Saya. Where is this?” (Lucia)

I dragged Lucia into this. I should have at least said something to her before forcing my way in. I don’t know how I was able to force my way in. However, maybe the nature of this Treasure Shrine is similar to what my Magic Eyes perceive.

That is why I was able to interfere with the entrance to the Haunted Classroom, which (Probably) only appears when trapping a prey. And also why I was able to deal damage to the Phantom that has been behaving incomprehensibly.

And, it is surely because 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 has noticed this that he sent me to resolve this case.

Just how far has he predicted this, his reputation as a Divine Strategist with near-clairvoyant foresight may not be a mere empty boast.

However, the problem now is Lucia. Even though I thought we could become friends, in my haste to show off, I dragged her into it.

There is likely, an exit. A place connected to the outside――Because if it were not connected to the outside, the supply of Mana Materials would be cut off, and it would no longer be able to maintain its shape as a Treasure Shrine. However, this is merely a speculation.

How could I explain myself? My hands are starting to get sweaty.

Then, Lucia, who has been silent up until now, suddenly lets out a loud cry.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, moh!! Moh! Moooooooooh!!” (Lucia)

“!?” (Saya)

“I have been tricked again…… I cannot believe he would even use Saya who just arrived!!” (Lucia)

Lucia stomps her feet like a temperamental child. As I am stunned by her behavior, Lucia looks at me and says.

“I am sorry, Saya. Our leader…… Tends to do this a lot. He always goes after people’s weaknesses…… I cannot even count how many times that has gotten us into trouble……” (Lucia)

To think she would apologize to me instead…… I am momentarily speechless at this new experience.

Lucia Roje doesn’t think for a second that I am to blame for being locked up in this Treasure Shrine. On the contrary, she believes that I am the victim.

To call 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》, who is feared in the city and treated like a sore spot, a victim. What a kind-hearted child she is.

“Lucia, it is alright. I don’t have any weakness.” (Saya)

I say this with conviction so that she wouldn’t worry about it anymore, and for some reason, Lucia nods repeatedly as if to convince herself.

“………… Is that so. I see, I see…………” (Lucia)

“Lucia, don’t you blame me? Even though we got locked up……” (Saya)

“It’s okay. It’s okay, Saya, calm down. This is a Treasure Shrine, there’s no way there’s no way out. Absolutely impossible. It’s because they can’t cut off the supply of Mana Materials, so calm down.” (Lucia)

Says Lucia while *panpan* slapping her cheeks. I would say that the one who is clearly not calm is Lucia………… But well, whatever.

Even if there was no exit, all we have to do is find the Phantom we encountered earlier and hit it.

That Phantom is definitely controlling the entrance through which we entered. It seems to understand language too, so if we catch it, we will probably find out what happened to the Spirited Away victims. Although I doubt any of them are still alive, though.

The problem is whether we can defeat that Phantom――Indeed, that Phantom is no ordinary foe, but the way it desperately avoids my attacks makes it seem like it is a type that is not good at fighting. The fact that the Foreigners are visible to them makes them different from the Monsters and Phantoms I have fought so far, but if Lucia provides cover and we strike with a surprise attack, we should be able to capture it.

I messed up in Code and made a fool of myself in front of Cry. I can’t let his Imouto see the same thing. Instead, if we are going to become friends, I would rather have her see my good points.

However, Lucia also has a request that she must complete. That is, to investigate the cause of the Spirited Away and search for the whereabouts of those who have disappeared. Usually, if the victim is already dead, proof of death is required.

“Lucia, Cry and I were acting separately in Code――” (Saya)

“Let’s move together! This is an unknown Treasure Shrine, after all.” (Lucia)

“……………… Right. Got it.” (Saya)

I was thinking of suggesting that we move forward separately to explore more efficiently, but my suggestion was quickly rejected.

Well, it is common sense to avoid acting alone when exploring an unknown Treasure Shrine…… A Magi as skilled as Lucia would be able to act alone, but she is being very cautious. Perhaps my actions, having always acted solo, are out of sync with the norm――.

“Alright. Who should be in front?” (Saya)

“Saya should be in front………… No, wait. Would it be better if I were in front? But………………” (Lucia)

“…………?” (Saya)

Lucia *butsubutsu* mutters something to herself. Lucia, who seems to be lost in thought, doesn’t seem like a highly skilled Magi. No, it is true that the enormous Magic power hidden within her body is something to behold――. Lucia mutters for a moment, then nods vigorously and says to me.

“Let’s line up side by side.” (Lucia)

“Side by side………… That is fine with me.” (Saya)

It is unusual to be exploring a Treasure Shrine side by side. Normally, you would split into front and rear guards, but maybe this is common practice in the Imperial Capital? However, it might not be so bad. It would be easier to talk to her than standing in front or behind her, and I could see Lucia’s expressions too.

Thanks for reading! Haha, Lucia is freaking out so much Good thing Saya is a little bit airhead and doesn’t notice it