Mistress Of The Evil Forest

The situation at the palace has somehow been resolved.

''...I can't believe it. We actually got that thing.''

''You'd better believe me from now on, uncle.''

''Are you finally revealing your identity...?''

''What? No way. If I were Silaerob, my grand reveal would be much, much more dramatic than this.''

Grandmaster Graham has just defeated the main entity, ■■■, the Glitch, bringing down the other entities related to it at the same time. The glitchy ghosts haunting the palace have vanished.

More than anyone, Graham is the person most surprised.

''You. Who are you?''

A much-intended question, one that Graham is also meant to ask, is uttered. That question is directed at the blonde beauty, Amelia Luminous, and the asker—Sierra Alaina Astra.

Amidst the chaos still going on outside, 'Amelia' smiles politely.

''Why, I'm just me, Your Highness.'' She replies.

Yes.

Has it always been this exciting? Certainly not.

Even when she has the chance to manipulate mana as she likes, experiencing the true essence of a fantasy game in real life, even when she has the chance to predict the plot, something just isn't right.

The feeling of constraint. Having to adhere to the spine of the original story... is boring. Instead, jumping around and messing things up like this is way more fun for her, an adventurous gamer.

At this point, Sierra has become strangely frustrated.

The palace—the heart of the empire is breached, and now, another variable has appeared. Sierra hates taking chances. If she wants something, she will eliminate all potential routes to failure before going in. 

'Now, more annoying guys will appear...'

It's already been vexing with Silaerob and the demons, yet the moment the national emergency card is pulled, the playboard will be engulfed in total chaos.

The Crown Princess, feeling the need to at least control the new variable before her, speaks.

''Just me, huh?'' She coldly sneers. ''Why do you know so much?''

''Why, because I taught Uncle Graham how to defeat Glitchy?''

''Because you know its name. That thing's status screen was incomprehensible.''

''Ah, you mean ■■■? Hahah... no need to talk about trivial things like that.''

Seeing 'Amelia' shrugs as if innocent, the blue blood within the Crown Princess begins to boil. The most important thing to figure out is whether this 'Amelia' is on her side—humanity's side or not.

One simply can't just know an ancient demon's name and weaknesses like this.

''Don't be ridiculous, Amelia Luminous. One last time, are you working with the demons?'' 

''Hm...''

Following his princess's will, Graham also readies his fists, preparing to strike upon receiving the order. In response, 'Amelia' simply raises her hands, carrying the same leisure attitude.

''Like I said, I'm not colluding with demons. I don't know everything; I just know what I know.'' She says. ''More importantly... don't you need to secure the palace first?''

'''' ... ''''

Considering that 'Amelia' has helped to defeat the glitchy demon, Sierra decides to let her go for now. There are more urgent matters to attend to, namely verifying the imperial family's whereabouts.

As the two retract their hostility, 'Amelia' simply smiles.

On the shattered glass that once used to be a window, reflections of a robed figure perching on a tree branch outside can be seen. 

Once Aurora has confirmed her best friend's safety, she drops her main body onto her bed in the Backrooms before shoving her consciousness into Peln's body.

Right after Aurora's vision is refreshed, the sight of a ravaged Evone Hall greets her.

'No, she didn't run away...?'

Somehow, it seems Peln has hidden herself on the top of the stadium's right wing instead of evacuating with other people. Thinking it must have been due to her not reminding the doppelganger, Aurora does just that and briskly walks toward her destination.

At the temporary shelter, one maintained by the faculty members, heavy sighs can be heard at every corner. Being a recognizable figure in the academy, Aurora is let inside right away.

After combing through a few different groups, she eventually finds the small camp that has her friends in it.

Nydia, Luxia, the real Amelia, Scarlett, and Claire.

''Aurora!''

''Pretty maid!''

Immediately, Scarlett and Claire run toward Aurora, expressing their concerns.

''Sorry... we couldn't go out and find you.'' The heiress of Heisenberg utters. ''The professors didn't let us.''

''They didn't even let me out.'' Claire sighs. ''Thank God you're fine.''

''...I'm good.''

Glancing around, Aurora notices both Luxia and Amelia grinning meaningfully at her. Since those two know who she is, it's only normal for them to react this way.

However...

''Nydia?''

''...Aurora.''

Somehow, only Nydia is looking at her absentmindedly. Knowing the usual raven girl, she should have gushed over her by now, yet this lukewarm reaction tells Aurora something has gone awry.

''It's good that you're fine. Everywhere is dangerous nowadays, really.'' Nydia lets out an empty giggle as she gently grasps her crush's hands. ''Where on earth were you until now?''

''I was helping the others evacuate.''

''Right. As much as I want you to prioritize yourself... I won't blame you on that.''

''...''

Before Aurora realizes it, Nydia has already wrapped her hands around Aurora's body, pulling her into a tight embrace. When skin makes contact and feathers rub together, heat is transferred—almost too vividly.

The owl girl raises her own hands and begins to caress the raven girl's back, seeking the sunlight outside the window.

*****

March 7th, 1835.

It has been a good while after the incident, dubbed 'The worst demon attack in modern history,' happened. While the infrastructure has been swiftly repaired thanks to the government's effort, which, in reality, is probably just to create a strong front to the public, the issue of security within the capital remains prevalent, perhaps more so than ever.

With four demons, one of which allegedly has the power equivalent to that of a grandmaster, appearing at the same time, it is no wonder people are panicking.

''It's good until this point... but Chloe.''

''Yes, mom~!''

''Why did you do it?''

The problem of the original story screwing itself up is something we have expected, yet I can't help but wonder why Chloe would put herself forward like this.

By letting the world know that she is someone with a prophetic vision, she will undoubtedly attract the attention of that demon.

It's dangerous. No, it really is.

Although only a few know Chloe's real name, there is a chance that the demon already knows it by this point. I won't be surprised if an unknown demon with real prophetic or spying abilities exists.

Fortunately, Chloe's last name has never been uttered. At least, that's one last barrier.

Otherwise... I really don't want to lose her.

''Hah...''

''Hey, let me into the spotlight too, okay? Besides, I saved a few lives by doing that in the palace, you know?''

''Fine, fine.''

''Heheh... well, I mean, it'll get better from now on, hopefully.''

What Chloe means by this is that once the state of national emergency is triggered, the chances of the emperor employing a drastic method to strengthen security skyrocket.

It makes sense in the game, too. As the difficulty ramps up in the later half, it will be logically correct to introduce multiple enemies at once instead of one per fight. But then, the player only has one body, so supporting NPCs will be needed.

And for demon-level threats... ordinary fighters won't cut it.

They'll have to be grandmasters.

In other words, a fleet of powerful grandmasters will soon be arriving at the capital.