Chapter 88

Titiya was startled by the explosion and her eyes widened.

"Tart...!?"

Her face was one of firm conviction that Tart had definitely thrown the <Flame Bottle>. She might be a sommelier of explosion sounds. Titiya hurriedly looked at me.

"What should we do, Sharon? They might be in danger...!"

"That's true, but we can't leave in this situation—"

We can't just abandon the captured knights and join up with Tart and the others. We could take a few knights with us, but not this many.

As I was wondering what to do, Blitz took a deep breath.

"Form up!!"

I was surprised by the sudden loud voice, but the knights quickly moved to form a line. Despite being completely exhausted, they were moving their bodies with determination.

...Amazing. This is what knights are like.

"I will give the orders. The <Cathedral Knights> will split into groups of five or six and escape. The sixteen <Holy Knights> will assist the <Cathedral Knights> and escape together, then regroup."

"Y-Yes, sir!"

Everyone saluted Blitz and immediately started moving. They were so well-organized that it was impressive to watch.

...I can't be left behind.

"<Area Heal> <Body Strengthening>!"

I cast support spells on the knights as they came out of the cells. This is all I can do right now. Titiya, seeing my support, is also healing the knights with <Mercy>.

Suddenly, Cocoa's panicked voice echoed through the cells.

"It's bad! Because of the explosion, knights are coming this way!!"

"—! We need to get out of here quickly!"

"I'll go!"

Blitz drew his sword and ran up the stairs, defeating the approaching enemies with a single strike. It was more like he casually swung his sword and they were defeated.

"S-So strong...! As expected of Sir Blitz, the <Holy Knight>!!"

"Amazing!!"

The knights who arrived from behind were praising Blitz, but considering our level, it's not surprising... It seems he's become too strong.

—But, I didn't have time to think about that.

We ran towards the epicenter of the explosion to join up with Tart and the others.

We arrived at the top floor of the Crystal Cathedral. It was originally Titiya's room, but it seemed Rodney was using it now—though the room was in a mess.

Standing in the center of the room was Roi, holding a <Flame Bottle>, with enemy <Cathedral Knights> lying around him.

...Could it be that he got angry because Titiya's room was being used by a greasy old man?

Just as I was thinking that, Roi noticed and said, "No, that's not it." ...Even though I didn't say anything.

"Kent, what's the situation?"

While keeping an eye on the surroundings, Cocoa asked Kent, who then glanced at the wall. There, a dark Luluyé magic circle was drawn.

"I was trying to destroy that magic circle, but I was discovered in the middle of it... So, as a last resort, Roi threw the <Flame Bottle>."

"I see."

Nodding at Kent's explanation, I approached the magic circle. A tingling, unsettling feeling emanated from it. I couldn't tell what it was, but my instincts told me it was not good.

Looking around, it seemed that Titiya, Tart, Cocoa, and Blitz also felt the unpleasant aura.

...But, if a <Flame Bottle> can't destroy it, it must be a very powerful magic circle.

It might be related to Rodney trying to welcome Luluyé. I hope we can dispel it as we progress through the quest...

"For now, we don't have time to think, let's retreat!!"

"—That's the only option."

When I gave the order, everyone, including Roi, immediately agreed.

But then, the sound of footsteps echoed, and a large number of <Cathedral Knights> arrived. This felt like the start of a chaotic battle! As I was breaking out in a cold sweat, one knight knelt down, and soon several others followed.

"Lady Titiya, please escape immediately!"

"Unfortunately, not all the <Cathedral Knights> under Rodney are few."

"I feel useless, only able to wait for your safe return."

"You all... I understand. I will definitely come back."

Not all the <Cathedral Knights> who followed Rodney's orders were on his side.

...Titiya is a beloved Pope.

Thanks to the help of the knights who supported us, we were able to escape the Crystal Cathedral safely.

***

After escaping the Crystal Cathedral, we used the gate to return to Snowtia's inn. It had been about three hours, and everyone was exhausted.

"Good job, everyone. I'm glad we all made it back safely."

When I looked around and said this, everyone, despite their fatigue, smiled and responded. But they looked like they could fall asleep at any moment.

In the midst of this, Titiya was still standing strong, clasping her hands in front of her chest with a relieved expression.

"We were able to free the captured knights. Thank you so much, despite your exhaustion...!"

"We're comrades, right? This is the least we can do!"

"Yeah! But, the knights are escaping on their own... We don't know if they're all safe yet, right?"

In response to Titiya's words, Kent and Cocoa replied. As they feared, we still didn't know the safety of the knights.

...But, if Rodney isn't here and there are allies on his side... It shouldn't be that hopeless. As I was thinking this, Blitz stepped forward.

"I will confirm the rest. We have a communication method for the knights."

Blitz's words were met with a nod from Roi.

"Communicating with the knights should be left to the <Holy Knights> Blitz and Mimosa. We need to think about what to do with Rodney. That magic circle in the room... I don't think we can leave it as it is."

"That's right. We should leave the knights to them. Not only Rodney, but also his son we saw at the <Sleeping Volcano> is a concern."

As I continued, everyone nodded.

"Also, we need to level up quickly. We need to awaken our classes soon."

"「「「「「Huh?」」」」」"

"Meow?"

...Huh?