After a winding set of stairs, scattered with further demon bodies, we enter a high ceilinged ritual chamber of sorts. This is clearly the apex of the tower. There is an exterior lip-like catwalk going round the towers main wall, where we have emerged, and a central platform mostly removed from this and secured to the outside gangway only by two large access ramps on either side.

It gives the impression of a chasm-like expanse between the two, though in fact the actual drop is probably only twenty metres or so. Still enough to break ones legs, if you were constrained by normal limits and dropped off one of the ramps or fell off the sides.

This is only a threat because it seems that this space is the ground for the electricity. As we arrive, a pulsing surge of purple lightning, enough to give you a permanent flash to the retina, hits the central platform and runs down the side.

The 7 foot, imposing figure in black full plate with horns and wings stood there appears without care that it had just been struck with such a massive stroke of electricity. It was even folding his arms, unimpressed.

Across the central platform, crouched down with one gloved hand outstretched, was a short figure in a flowing Maroon robe decorated in arcane symbols. The large, covering hood gave an appearance of a wizard from a certain 4 player action co-op game of over-the-top magic, where one could not discern the contents of the robe.

"Futile." Said the armour, and in the space of a quarter-second, they had closed the gap with the robe and swung a great-sword from somewhere in a massive arc.

The robe was cut in two.

Or not? An afterimage was cut in two and exploded with more sparks. The real robed wizard was another 20 foot distant, now on the exterior catwalk, breathing heavily and crouched down.

"Tch..." went the armour, clicking its tongue.

It was pretty clear that it was as I expected. The plate-mail was presumably the leader of the demon force. Although the last one here, the Sage was being pushed back because of ineffectual attacks and looked exhausted. I bet an old jii-san would have stamina issues in a situation like this.

I didn't need to say anything to indicate to the girls about engaging, but even so, it looked like they were waiting on me.

So this is what being in charge is like? It seems Aria and Kiku have come to trust my judgement, possibly, and Kaede is just the obedient type to begin with? Or maybe it was the cockup last time from me not understanding the plan, though the noise was a contributor in that case.

"Let’s go!" I shout, gulping down.

Like an unwound spring, Aria, Kiku and Kaede explode forwards.

The armour is about to jump forward to make a killing strike at the Sage, but shows an instant change in plan to swivel acrobatically on one foot to swat aside the incoming thrown short sword with its own blade, and moves its helm slightly to receive the stream of six kunai on the tough side part rather than through the visor. It’s clear it has guts to do think of doing that.

There is nary a gap as it then catches Kiku's dual wielding strike on the great-swords blade and actually punches at Aria's spear with the off-hand gauntlet, knocking the thrust off course, whilst back-stepping to ignore another kunai at the neck.

Not wasting a moment, it stomps forwards again, clashing sparks with Kiku, and forcing her to stagger back with the greatsword still in one hand!

This guy is crazy! What hike in difficulty is this? He even just casually punted aside Aria's super strength stab!

Just to add to insult, Kaede got behind him, and attempted a sliding disabling swing with her wakizashi to the back of his knee joint, but he honest to god cartwheeled away. IN FULL PLATE. Whilst sweeping the blade one handed again, making all three girls leap away as well.

The battle pauses momentarily as I grimace, and he self-rights about ten feet from his previous stop. The girls are naturally wary to proceed in engagement considering what just happened.

His helm sweeps over the girls, and settles in my direction, looking past them. I almost get the impression of a gentleman patting down his suit nonchalantly.

"Monster..." Is all I can manage to say.

If a helm could smirk...

"The new Etranger hero, then. Terribly rude as normal. Ordering a sneak attack and not even fighting himself, so a coward. Or a weakling."

I don't react to his deep and resonant, yet surprisingly polite sounding voice taunting me. After all, to deny his accusation would be hypocrisy, and there is little I hate more.

"Maybe not a total fool? At least you lack a fool’s temper. And you have an eye for budding talent, perhaps, in these guardians of yours."

Though he has not lowered his guard for even a second, he doesn't seem eager to chop up the girls and me, either. Why is he negotiating... or speaking at all? Did the girls actually truly threaten him just now? I guess I have to hope so, and do the only thing I can, and speak.

"I am Elijah, the Etranger of Earth. Who are you?"