Me and Misha are heading up the stairs towards the upper levels of the dungeon.

Catching up? Misha asks.

Sasha tried to use Flight <Fres> but I prevented that. Walking normally we still havent caught up though. Perhaps shes running?

Itll be fine.

I raise my foot slightly and stamp on the floor. With a rumbling noise, the dungeon begins to shake so violently even standing becomes difficult.

Hold on.

Nn

Holding onto my hand Misha is able to stay upright somehow.

After about a minute the shaking finally stops.

You can let go now.

Misha gently lets go of my hand.

What did you do?

I changed the topography a little and made some dead ends. We can catch up now.

After advancing onward for a while a bright space appeared in front of us.

The room where nature magic could be performed.

Sasha was there though she appeared to be at a loss.

The reason was probably the fact that the passage we came through was no longer there. When I stamped my foot the terrain changed dramatically and collapsed the tunnel.

Yo Sasha.

When I spoke she jumped before turning around. She still grasping the kings sceptre.

Is this your doing?

I assume shes on about the dead end.

Why would I tell a traitor?

Sashas eyes take on a grim look.

Shes being cautious since she doesnt know what my aim is.

If you want the king sceptre youll have to kill me.

What? No. Misha wants to make up with you.

Sasha rolled her eyes with irritation.

Are you an idiot? Have you already forgotten what you did to me a while back?

Sharp words but Misha just stares at Sasha.

Im amazed at this idiot doll as well as you Arnos. You take everything this child says so seriously. This child you are so enamoured with does not exist. It has no life and no soul. Its just a trash doll that will disappear tomorrow.

Fumu. Ive already heard about that. So what?

Were my words unexpected? Sasha appears to be at a loss.

..I see. She told you. Doll-san has been behaving like shes alive for a long time now. Is it afraid of disappearing?

Wrong.

What is?

Its decided that I will disappear. Theres nothing to be scared of. Misha said indifferently. But before that, I want to make up with Sasha. Thats all.

Sasha glares at Misha.

I also want to know the truth.

About what?

In a rare moment of hesitation Misha stalls before asking Sasha

Does Sasha hate me?

Sasha didnt answer the question and instead turned to me.

Nee. Do you want to fight again?

Shes a woman who obviously hasnt learnt her lesson.

What kind of match?

I will draw a magic formation. If you can use it on your first attempt you win. If you cant its my win.

Using the magic formation that another person has built is very difficult. You need to know what type of magic it is as well as understand the technique for using it. Normally the side drawing the formation will have an overwhelming advantage but thats only if their opponent is not me.

Thats all? Its quite advantageous for me. You can apply some more handicaps if you want.