"Close the gates! Close the gates!"

The soldiers yell as we came through the city gates with a horde of Dragonbrood [Demons] running after us without regard for the arrows and magic flying at them. Their confidence, however, are not unfounded as so far, we were only doing very little damage to their draconic hides.

"They'll overrun us at this rate. Aurelius, think you can summon Michaela?"

"Yeah... Just give me a minute..."

While I would more than love to help as soon as possible, at the moment, my body, it feels as if it's burning from the inside, as if my bones had been turned molten and is eating through my flesh.

"Aurelius!? Don't tell me, that [Bind Circle], just that one spell took that much of a toll?"

"Guess I should have taken that advice about casting spells. Then again, this is hardly the time to hold back. Just give me a moment, just a moment and I'll have Michaela out."

That being said, right now it's difficult to even stand. The pain makes me what to just fall to the ground and roll up in a ball.

From my side, apparently realizing that I am about to fall over, Corona takes my arm and lends me her shoulder. Even through her partially scale-covered skin and her blood-red eyes, her concern for me is clear. We're all friends here, even though we look somewhat different, even though we can't understand what one another is saying, we're still friends and guildmates that hung out together. At least, I want to believe that. However, apparently there are those that aren't so convinced.

"Unhand him, [Demon]!"

Once we made it inside the city walls, soldiers surround us, or more specifically, Corona. With spears and swords raised, they glare at the Sorcerer with both hostility and a clear sign of fear.

"Stand down! She's not hostile."

I try to wave them away but they appear to not acknowledge my words as they continue to surround Corona with their weapons pointed at her.

"What are you doing to him!?"

"Unhand the Champion right this instance!"

"It's going to kill him!"

The soldiers shout out in frustration and anger, acting as if Corona is doing something to me when all that's happening is her letting me lean on her shoulder.

"Stand down! Can't you see she's not hostile!?"

Descending from the stairs leading up to the top of the walls, Cecilia shouts at the troops, trying to get them to disperse.

"Lady Cecilia, what are you saying? Can't you see how she's sinking her claws into him?"

"Claws?"

At the soldier's words, Cecilia slows down her footsteps and gazes over to Corona and me. She then frowns, likely due to seeing nothing like what the soldier described.

"I don't see such a-"

A clash of steel drowns out the rest of Cecilia's words as one of the soldiers had approached Corona and I from our blind spot and lunged at Corona with his blade. The attempt failed, fortunately, thanks to Six moving in with sharp timing and deflecting the blow.

"W-what are you doing, Sir Six!?"

"I could ask you the same thing. He said to stand down!"

"But, but..."

The soldier's eyes are dilating as his eyelids twitch uncontrollably, a symptom that can be seen from the soldiers surrounding us. It's almost as if they're afraid, terrified out of their minds. Is Corona's appearance so terrifying to them? Or, perhaps these are the effects of the [Corruption]? No wait, remember, something similar happened before, didn't it? The Warrior Champion, Oro, back at the eastern fort, when he used his [Warcry] skill, it made all of the effected soldiers fear him and think of him as an enemy that must be taken down no matter what, causing them to attack him recklessly. However, on me, the effects only extend to being unable to look away from him. The body is affected, but not my mind. Why? Is this because my mind and this body are separate? Is that why neither myself nor the rest of us Champions fear and see hostility in Corona in spite of our [Corruptions]?

From the outside of the walls, a loud explosion can be heard as a metallic mass crashes into the massive wall, generating yet another loud wave of unpleasant noises alongside a tremor that can be felt through the ground. From all around me, I see the Beastkins' ears twitching wildly and from their eyes I can tell that they are becoming increasingly unnerved.

I get it now, that's what the cannons are for. Most of the Beastkins have strong senses, and for those not used to it, the loud noises cannon fire can be a rather frightening thing. Combine it with the impacts against the wall, no doubt the Dragonbroods plan to cause fear and panic with the cannon fire. This is bad for us, not merely in regards to this battle, but in dealing with the already sufficiently disturbed soldiers with their weapons pointed at us.

"Hey Aurelius, what now?"

"Well, it's not exactly what I planned for, but whatever."

I then turn towards the stairway, where Cecilia is positioned.

"Cecilia, plan B!"

Promptly, she nods, and after taking a moment to consider the situation, she releases a mighty roar, forcing the attention of the soldiers towards her. It's her skill, [Warcry].

"Alright, while they're distracted... Six, take Corona!"

"And you?"

"I'll stick with Cecilia, just get going."

Taking the confused Corona's hand, Six pulls her away using [Shadow Step] and they both disappear into a black mist, easily moving through the soldiers surrounding us. The soldiers hardly notice as the two went right through them, their attention taken by Cecilia. As for Six and Corona's destination, that would be the palace, as we have previously planned, though the plan was for when the Dragonbroods had broken through the walls, not when we're being threatened by our own. But well, no matter, as it is, things should still play out as predicted, the only thing in this plan that I am unsure about is the part at the end when the final piece is to fall into place.

***

Running through the streets, zigzagging across alleyways, Cecilia tirelessly moves her legs to avoid capture by our own allies, the Beastkins, all the while carrying me on her back. By the fortune within misfortune, the squad sent to chase us down is relatively small, as most of the soldiers are needed at the wall, defending against the Dragonbrood onslaught.

"This should be far enough. Can you send up the signal?"

"Sure, but will they listen?"

Putting me down, Cecilia pulls out an iron tube with a fuse leading into the opening on top.

"I'm sure to them, it seems like we have gone mad, covering for the enemy Champion and all that. But, we'll send it anyways. If they follow the plan, then good, if they don't, they can't say that we didn't warn them afterwards."

"Fine then, but this will give away our location too so-"

"Don't worry, I should be able to move now."

Pushing against the wall, I try to stand up. My body still hurts, but not as much as before. If I just push a little, I should be able to make it to the palace.

"Just don't push too much. We still need you, I... We'd be quite lost without you."

"Stop worrying and send the signal, I'll be just fine."

At my words, Cecilia sets the tube on the ground and pulls out a match from her pouch. She then drags the match across her leather belt, lighting it up before bringing it to the fuse.

"Alright, let's move."

Together, we start making our way out of the alley, and shortly after that, a trail of red smoke launches into the sky. Then, following the first one, another trail of red smoke shoots towards the sky, and then another, and another. This way, the whole length of the wall facing the north, as well as its surrounding areas should see the signal clearly. Looks like those in charge of the signals are following instructions properly. Now, I can only hope those in charge of the soldiers would follow the plan I laid out to them prior.

Following the launching of the signals, I hear the footsteps of armored troops approaching. It must be the squad sent to detain us.

"Come on, pick up your pace Aurelius, of else you're going to get captured, and if that happens, the plan won't work."

"I know! I know!"

Even so, my legs can only go so fast as pain courses through my body.

"For goodness sake!"

In a single swift movement, Cecilia grabs hold of me and swings my body over her shoulder.

"C-Cecilia!?"

"The palace isn't too far away anyways. I can probably hold out."

And so, with me over her shoulder like a sandbag, Cecilia, our guild leader sprints away at full speed.

***

Upon our arrival at the palace grounds, the guards are quick to come and greet us. Seeing their approach, I have Cecilia put me down. Even I am not so shameless as to hold a conversation while being carried like a sack of potatoes.

"Sir Aurelius, Lady Cecilia, what's wrong?"

Finding the question difficult to answer, I ignore it and ask a question of my own.

"Six, where is Six?"

"He was heading for the throne room with a woman in tow. She had a cloak thrown over her so I can't quite see who she is, but..."

"But?"

"I don't know, I think there is something very wrong with her."

"Well isn't that a coincidence."

"Pardon, sir?"

"The troops, something is wrong with them. They've become extremely hostile and have turned against us as if their minds had been clouded. This must be the [Demon]'s trickery!"

"The [Demons]!? Then, what do we do?"

"Quickly, we must barricade the palace at once! Do not let a single one in! I will go see Six and figure out a way to calm them down, before then, you must hold the palace ground for as long as possible. Understood?"

"Y-yes, of course, sir! So long as we draw breath, the palace guards will allow no trespasses."

"Good, I am counting on you."

They seem to have brought my lies, though, technically, I suppose it could be all true. Regardless, upon entering the palace, Cecilia and I head straight into the throne room, where we find Six and Corona waiting.

"Good, you guy made it."

Six appears to be relieved, though Corona seems to be very confused and in distress. She must not understand what is going on. After being dragged around by those whose words you can't even understand in a situation that even we could not fully grasp must have been stressful.

"Cecilia, can you shut the doors?"

"Will do."

And while she does that, I sit myself onto the floor, laying down the paper and inkwell I have prepared in advance to communicate with the Corona. Really, I was expecting to use them at a table, where we'd be talking in a much calmer environment. On the paper, I explain as simply as possible the situation we are currently in, about how the Beastkins reacted to her, and how we'll hole up here as part of our plan. I also made brief mention to who's who in here, letting her know that the other two with us are Six and Cecilia, formerly known as xXx_GodSlayer_xXx.

Thankfully, after reading what I have written down, Corona appears to be much more relaxed, though, if she learns what I am about to do, something I have omitted from her, I think she might have a completely different reaction.

Within the throne room, a place located right at the center of the palace, we take our time to rest. Cecilia is leaning against the wall, trying to keep her anxiety in check with the constant tapping of her foot. Six, on the other hand, is rather relaxed, too much in fact, as he leans back against the throne. I'm sure if any of the Beastkins are here to see him, they'd be extremely upset and the very thought of it makes me want to shrink into a corner. However, Six, being Six, simply doesn't give a damn and sat down as if the throne was his personal couch. As for me, I am currently kept busy by trading notes with Corona. The information provided by her confirmed my suspicions. The H.U.D. does indeed appear hide the [Corruption] of the faction we had been summoned into and it does translate only their words. As for how the H.U.D. knows who belongs to which faction, it probably bases it on which Keeper they have. I've heard that each race is intrinsically tied to their Keeper and so it is impossible for a member to go against his or her own race without weighty consequences, for if their Keeper perishes, they too will follow.

During this exchange, I also wanted to ask about Oro, but decided against it. He and Corona played together rather often and I think they are at least good friends. I don't want to open up any wounds by mentioning him at this point, when things are so tense, especially when it was I who killed him. One day, I'll talk to her about it. One day. But, today is not that day.

Eventually, a loud noise comes from the doors. Rather than knocking, it sounds more akin to someone trying to break it down.

"I assume at least one of the generals is behind that door?"

"Sir Aurelius! It is I, Gulford, and I demand that you open this door at once!"

Through controlled, I can hear in his voice frustration and confusion. Rather understandable, considering the situation.

"I am afraid I can't do that."

"What has gotten into you!? First you aid the enemy that I heard was threatening your life, then you abandoned the battle to barricade yourself here, have you gone mad!?"

With the previous confusion and frustration, desperation has been mixed in. The situation must have gotten rather rotten. If my guess is right, the Dragonbroods must have already gotten past the city walls and are making their way to the palace.

"Gulford, I must ask, what happened to the guards I have ordered to stop anyone from getting in?"

"I regret to inform you that they allowed us in after hearing our explanation. Now please, stop this foolishness and come out. Seeing as you still care for those under your charge, I believe you are not as mad as they say. I promise that I will hear you out, so please, Sir Aurelius, come out."

"There's nothing to explain, this is part of the plan, remember?"

"The plan to barricade ourselves in the palace and wait for reinforcements was supposed to be the last resort, and I don't remember the part of plan that includes locking yourself up in the throne room!"

"A slight alteration I've made due to the situation. Worry not, things are still proceeding accordingly. Now then, the Dragonbroods, how far have they made it?"

"They're upon the palace walls. We're holding them at bay but not for long."

"Good."

That means they're in range.

"Good? Good!? Have you lost your mind!? My men are dying out there while you hide! I can't believe I trusted you, all because the princess said you are our last hope! Now I know, that you're either a madman or a coward!"

Well, I have to say, those words cut deep, but I understand. I have, on more than one occasion, found myself under superiors and bosses that don't know what they are doing yet pretending that they do. The worst ones are those that snap when you call them out.

"I am sorry, Gulford, I truly am, but the doors stay shut. I can't have you or anyone disrupt me. This is an important part of the plan after all."

"What are you saying, I haven't heard of-"

"Wish me luck, Gulford, like your life depends on it, 'cause it does."

I turn away from the door and head to the center of the room.

"From this point on, even I'm not sure what will happen. So..."

"Yeah, yeah, like that's anything new. Still, I guess we're quite something too, for following you all the way here. Ain't that right, Cecilia?"

"Thinking about it, we've had a bit too many close calls, didn't we? Maybe I should appoint someone else as the guild's official tactician."

"Oh, screw you guys! And a guild tactician isn't even an official position anyways! Whatever, just give me some room, alright."

Putting a hand over Corona's shoulder, Cecilia leads the confused girl to a corner while Six does the same. Meanwhile, I prepare myself with my grimoire in hand. Gulford was right about this being the last resort, but given the situation, I have a feeling that I won't be able to get the Beastkins under control without Corona coming to harm. If the effects of the [Corruption] is anything similar to the aggro drawing skills such as [Warcry], then the Beastkins will attack her as soon as I take my eyes off them, something I cannot afford. I would either have to give up on Corona or lose this battle, neither of which I am willing to do. So, to salvage it all, this is the only solution I can think of.

From the grimoire, I pull out the [contract], the one from the [World Devourer Woods].

"Alright, here I go. Are you guys ready?"

Both Cecilia and Six returns me a nod.

"Then... Come forth!"

***

Blasting through the palace structure, an uncontrollable burst of energy exploding from the center of the palace. It was akin to a strike of lightning, lasting for but an instant but caused a great deal of devastation in its wake. However, destruction was not the only thing left behind as out of the sparks came life, and wherever the burst of energy had touched, trees and grass and all sorts of flora sprang forth and began spreading throughout the city. In the center of it all, in the palace now in ruins, is a giant tree reaching heavenward.

"Finally, he's done it."

Beside me stands a phantom, a ghost from a past long forgotten.

"So it seems. However, wouldn't it be faster if you'd just gotten involved directly, former Champion?"

"No, not yet. I can't have the Grand Keeper catch on. Right now, I don't have the strength to deal with her."

"Fair enough. What should I do next?"

"One Keeper has fallen, only three more remains. The next one, I think will be the one we are both very familiar with. Go on the prowl and keep watch, I expect your assistance to be needed soon."

"And what of our feathered friend, what shall I do should she appears?"

"Well, I'm not sure what she's thinking right now, but so far, her actions have only furthered my plans. Leave her be."

"Sure, but..."

"Hm?"

"Is 'that' even capable of thinking?"

For a moment, the phantom of a former Champion remains silent and in thought. I guess even he has something he doesn't know.

"I won't know for sure till I see her for myself, but that's another story altogether. You have your orders."

"Very well, you may count on me, my liege."

The phantom nods and vanishes to wherever he needs to be. He is a secretive one, trusting no one with any more than necessary, not that it mattered one bit. So long as he has that grimoire with him, I cannot go against him.

I let out a sigh, one for my own powerlessness as I gaze down at my hands, or should I say, paws, one with very human-like articulations. In the end, it truly matters not who I serve, so long as I can put an end to this accursed cycle.

Deciding that I shouldn't be loitering in one spot for too long, I cast Feather Weight upon myself and call upon the winds to carry me away, up into the void that is the sky.

***

End of Chapter 51