“Wait, let’s calm down. For now, let’s organize the information we have. Got it?”

Hearing the content delivered with great anticipation by Felix, Subaru’s ability to process the information was reaching its limit.

As Subaru raised his hand to make a suggestion, Felix and Ricardo both leaned back and decided to organize and share the information, including the current broadcast.

“Changing location… might be tough because there are so many injured.”

“Yeah. Most people have received first aid, so there shouldn’t be any sudden changes, but still…”

Respecting Felix’s strong sense of professionalism, they decided to hold the discussion in the same place. The first thing Subaru noticed was this battlefield hospital.

With minimal lighting and a chilling stone ground, Subaru determined from the unusual atmosphere that this place was underground—likely a location close to a department store’s parking lot.

“Where is this refuge-like place? It’s definitely in Pristella, right?”

“It’s definitely a refuge. Remember the broadcast from the magical device this morning? Because of the structural issues with the waterways in Pristella, flooding is always a concern, so shelters have been set up throughout the city. This is one of the shelters located in the main street area.”

“This is close to the plaza where you guys got flipped over. After that obnoxious initial broadcast, I found you all and brought you here with the safe evacuees!”

Taking over from Felix, Ricardo thumped his chest and answered loudly. Felix glared at Ricardo, who never lowered his voice despite being warned multiple times.

“It was full of injured people, but it was lucky that Fel-chan was here. That old dog man can carry the injured, but he can’t treat them.”

“Right?! I’m glad I didn’t have to deal with that nasty aftertaste! Haha!”

Ricardo laughed heartily, not forgetting his usual attitude even in such a situation. It was hard to argue that it could be inappropriate in a place full of injured, but seeing even one person who wasn’t wearing a serious face made one feel better.

“Now, about why you, Subaru-kun, collapsed…”

“Ah. The Archbishop of Sin appeared in the plaza. Two of them, the ones for ‘Greed’ and ‘Wrath.’ The one who gouged my leg was ‘Greed’ and he took Emilia… However, it wasn’t ‘Greed’ who hurt the people around. That was the power of ‘Wrath.’”

“What do you mean?”

“The Archbishop of Wrath… it’s tough to explain, but it has the ability to make others feel the exact wounds or experiences someone else has.”

Choosing his words carefully, Subaru struggled to convey Sirius’s powers. While Ricardo tilted his head, Felix instantly turned pale as the danger dawned on him.

He looked at the injured and then at the bandaging on Subaru’s right leg.

“I get it… So, the reason why your wounds look so similar to those of others is that. I thought it was a bad taste to inflict wounds like that, but… maybe that’s better after all.”

“…Yeah.”

If it were just a twisted personality, it would end with physiological disgust. But with Sirius, not only is the power troublesome, but the personality is twisted as well.

Subaru wished he didn’t have to convey such unpleasant content.

“And ‘Greed’ is also a problem.”

“Ugh, to be honest, I don’t want to hear more trouble along with that!”

“Sorry, but there’s no way around it. —‘Greed’ has a power that nullifies attacks, though I don’t know how the mechanics work. Whether you burn them, whip them, or punch them, zero damage. On top of that, it seems it can be applied not just to themselves but also to anyone they touch.”

Emilia, who was unconscious in Regulus’s arms, should have been vulnerable. She was subjected to Sirius’s fiery attacks, but Regulus managed to protect both himself and Emilia. The result wasn’t just Regulus’s fighting back, but it would be more accurate to say that Emilia was also made invincible due to that inexplicable ability.

But in that case, it would lead to an outrageous situation.

“To have someone who can transmit injuries to others and then an invincible guy… Haha, how absurd!”

“The previous Archbishop of Sin, Petelgeuse, had the ability to wield many invisible hands. I thought that was quite something, but as for this one, the wickedness is off the charts.”

After all, Petelgeuse’s ambush capability had no effect on Subaru.

As the powers and capabilities of Petelgeuse as an Archbishop didn’t work, Subaru was left with a strong impression of Petelgeuse not as an Archbishop but rather just a madman.

This would be the first time he truly battled an Archbishop of Sin.

“Since they also bear the title of Archbishop of Sin… should we assume the ‘Lust’ from earlier is just as troublesome?”

“That’s the worst… We’re already facing the possibility of there being five Archbishops of Sin.”

“…Five?”

In front of Subaru, who chewed his lip, Felix voiced an exceedingly bad feeling that exceeded imagination.

What led to such a thought?

With wide eyes, Subaru looked at Felix as he spoke while inhaling deeply and raised a finger.

“Listen carefully. Do you remember what was said in the earlier broadcast? At the end, ‘Lust’ said this: ‘I have secured control towers for the four waterways in this city.’”

“Ah, yeah, I remember. Something about if those waterways are manipulated, this city will sink underwater… So, that’s why it’s dangerous.”

“Though there’s a possibility that the Witch Cult has occupied them… already, three Archbishops of Sin have gathered in this city? This is unprecedented, and while it’s a worst-case scenario only based on imagination but… there are four control towers.”

“Four… wait.”

As he mouthed the numbers, Subaru finally understood what Felix was implying.

There was one control tower for each of the four cardinal directions controlling Pristella’s water gates. So, if they’ve secured those control towers—

“Are you saying there’s one Archbishop of Sin for each tower…? That would mean there are four Archbishops of Sin in total! But even if that’s the case, it should be only four of them…”

“Subaru-kun. That’s based on the earlier broadcast. —The magical device that delivered that broadcast could only operate from City Hall in the center of the city. It means that the enemy has occupied five critical bases, including the city’s central functions.”

“—!”

As the anxious imaginations mounted, Subaru held his breath.

Felix was right. Since they owned City Hall, they were able to make that broadcast. Two Archbishops of Sin besides the one named ‘Lust’ had been confirmed.

There was no reason to conclude otherwise than that it was a coordinated attack from the current Witch Cult.

“Besides us in the plaza… was there any disturbance for the others? Were there any injuries reported elsewhere?”

“—”

When assuming the Witch Cult’s massive offensive, it was difficult to fathom that such a disturbance happened only in that plaza. Avoiding the use of ‘casualty’ while praying the bad imaginations wouldn’t materialize, Felix went silent.

With Felix looking down, Subaru’s heart raced but instead, it was Ricardo who cleared his throat.

The dog-faced beastman opened his mouth to Subaru, whose eyes were wide with realization.

“To be honest, we don’t know what our situation is. We have no clue what’s happening at the other shelters. But wandering outside isn’t a wise move.”

“Why’s that? Wouldn’t it be better to coordinate with other places somehow? You’re also worried about your comrades, aren’t you…That’s right!”

Talking to the folded-arm Ricardo, Subaru hurriedly glanced at Felix.

It felt strange that besides Felix and Ricardo, there weren’t any familiar faces in this shelter filled with injured. Especially with Felix around—

“Where are Crusch and Wilhelm? It’s too unusual for you to be without them. Aren’t they in this shelter with you?”

“…You’re asking a question that’s tough to answer. As you can see, the only familiar faces here are Fel-chan and this old man. About the others—”

“—You shouldn’t trouble Lord Subaru too much, Felix.”

Rather than Felix’s unsettling response, Subaru’s insides churned with anxiety. Just then, a soft voice with a sense of strength broke the tense atmosphere.

Startled by the sudden voice, Subaru glanced around but couldn’t find the owner anywhere. Then—

“I apologize. It seems I surprised you instead. Felix, please make sure Lord Subaru can see you properly.”

“Yes, ma’am. You’re just too mean, Crusch!”

“What? Huh?”

Subaru’s eyes widened as Felix exchanged words with the invisible master. Felix rummaged through his pocket and pulled out something, making Subaru’s eyes grow even wider.

And then, he connected the point of this trick.

“Wait, is that—”

“Yes. It’s one of the spoils from a year ago. It seems bringing it this time was a good call, right?”

What Felix held in his hand was a palm-sized hand mirror.

At first glance, it looked like an entirely unremarkable object, but reflected within it was a beautiful woman with gentle features and long green hair—without a doubt, it was Crusch.

That device, known as a communication mirror, was like a fantasy world’s version of a mobile phone, allowing conversations with the owner of its paired mirror. It seemed this device, which had been useful during the confrontation with the Witch Cult a year ago, had been brought into the city now as well.

In front of the speechless Subaru, Crusch on the other side of the mirror slightly furrowed her brows.

“Felix. Lord Subaru seems to be in distress.”

“I’m sorry! But still, I didn’t expect to get the next update this quickly, so I pushed the explanation back. The communication mirrors aren’t infallible, you know!”

“Wait, I get it. So it means we can thank the communication mirror. Does that mean Crusch and the others are contacting us from a different shelter, is that good?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Hearing the exchange between the master and servant, Subaru tried to organize the chaotic thoughts in his head.

It turned out Felix was quite calm since he could confirm Crusch’s safety through the communication mirror.

For now, it was a relief to know that Crusch was safe. Subaru leveled his gaze with Crusch through the mirror.

“I’m glad… although it’s far from a good situation, it’s a stroke of luck that we can stay in contact at a time like this. Are you alright? No injuries?”

“Thank you for your concern. Fortunately, I was unscathed until I managed to take refuge. Are you alright, Lord Subaru? I heard you were brought in with serious injuries.”

“I can’t say I’m 100% fine, but I’ll manage. I can’t just lie here, either. As soon as my wounds heal, I’ll take action. …Hey, Felix, stop glaring at me.”

As Subaru tried to dismiss the doctor’s orders right in front of him, he felt Felix’s sharp glare digging into him. But, to be fair to him, Subaru wasn’t expressing this reckless statement thoughtlessly. The situation was dire enough that any moment, anyone could meet an unwanted fate.

He couldn’t lie around quietly, awaiting the worst-case scenario.

“Let’s discuss that later. Crusch, what’s the status of your shelter? Who else is with you?”

“Yes. Here with me is…”

“I’m here too, Subaru. Luckily, I was able to bring out those who were left in the inn.”

Cutting in from behind Crusch was a voice recognizable at a glance, one that belonged to a charming fellow.

For an instant, Subaru paused in thought at the sound of that voice, but he quickly shook his head. Given the current situation, he couldn’t allow himself to be foolish enough to not comprehend how reassuring it was for him to be there right now.

“If you’re there, I’m a bit more at ease, Julius.”

“I was worried to hear you were brought in unconscious. I’m glad to see you seem to have recovered enough to talk. Is it true that Emilia has been kidnapped?”

“…It’s true. Sorry. I was useless.”

“Two Archbishops of Sin teamed up against you. I’m not the kind of man who would blame you for a lack of strength. Alongside me and Crusch, we have Anastasia and a few members from the ‘Iron Tooth’. Also, Felt’s retainers joined us as well.”

He briefly confirmed Emilia’s circumstances and gave no more inquiries.

Julius’s consideration from across the mirror touched Subaru, but it further pricked at the guilt within him.

Listening to the rest of his words, Subaru turned to check the injured in the shelter. There, he spotted a familiar face he’d been looking for.

“Pass the word to the two from Felt’s party on your side. The other member of your group is safe with us. They’ve been injured but their life is intact.”

“I see, that’s fortunate. They were obviously putting on a brave face, but they seemed concerned. I’ll let them know. —Now, Subaru.”

Upon relaying the message to the two who were hard-pressed with the situation, Julius lowered his tone. The atmosphere shifted. Waiting for his next words, Subaru heard Julius’s voice drop further.

“What should we do?”

“…That’s quite a vague way to ask, isn’t it?”

“Remember that time with ‘Sloth’. When it comes to the Witch Cult, I was hoping you might be able to speak from a place of expertise. Maybe you’ve got insights or come up with ways to break the situation that I hadn’t considered.”

“What a ridiculous request. Apologies for disappointing you, but I’m not specialized in the Witch Cult.”

“That’s unfortunate, but considering Emilia, it’s clear that you have the most urgent feeling about this, no doubt about that. So I want to ask frankly what you plan to do.”

Though not the answer he wanted, Julius showed no signs of disappointment. He understood that Subaru being referred to as a Witch Cult killer was merely an unrealistic expectation.

Rather, he quickly grasped that the real subject had been saved for later.

“…’Greed’ was the one who took Emilia. Even thinking about that self-righteous, hair-raising theory of his makes me shudder. There’s no way I’m leaving Emilia with that jerk for another second.”

“So that means you will be responsible for retrieving Emilia from ‘Greed’.”

“Of course… Wait, did you just say ‘responsible’?”

Having nodded in enthusiasm, Subaru saw Julius fiddling with his bangs on the other side of the mirror. He then opened his palm to clearly display five fingers.

“Listen, Subaru. If you’ve talked with Felix, you understand the stakes. The Witch Cult has occupied five key locations in Pristella. Assuming each of those has an enemy the caliber of an Archbishop of Sin, distributing our fighting forces becomes paramount.”

“…If even one location is manipulated, it could sink the city.”

“That’s exactly it. To repel the Witch Cult would mean our goal must involve taking down all five locations at once. Though, it’s also acknowledged that gathering our forces from the various shelters is going to be tough…”

With communication between the shelters cut off, it would be hard to execute Julius’s proposal of a united assault throughout the city. Rules of engagement no doubt would have had the magical device in City Hall facilitate communication.

This time, since the City Hall was in the enemy’s hands, the shelters remained isolated. Each shelter had to judge the situation and take action accordingly.

“By the way, the information I gathered was that the Witch Cultists were scuttling around the city. There are also reports of those who seem to have lost their minds turning into mobs.”

“…The Witch Cultists and that fool Sirius. Damn, this just keeps getting more desperate.”

Scratching his head at Felix’s unwanted addition, Subaru had no choice but to gnash his teeth at how the situation kept deteriorating. If only there were a method to contact all existing forces—

“Among those missing are Garfiel and Otto. Emilia is also unaccounted for, which means she’s missing in the sense of ‘Greed’ having taken her. Things are looking bleak…”

“On my end, it’s Joshua and also three members of ‘Iron Tooth’—Wilhelm, Felt, and Reinhardt are also missing. As for Priscilla and the others…”

“I don’t know about Al and that old geezer, but Priscilla was definitely in the city park near the main street just after the ruckus broke out. Where she sought refuge from there… Oh crap! Liliana was likely with her. I hope those guys are okay.”

While Subaru wasn’t entirely comfortable with Priscilla and had mixed feelings about Liliana, he felt something for them, wishing they wouldn’t have been caught up in any mess.

He still thought they were safe, being the lucky women they were, and he trusted that the clever Patrasche must have remained at the Water’s Feather Robe Inn without drawing attention.

Collecting such worrying factors made it feel like hitting five locations simultaneously would lack viability this time.

It was too reckless. With current fighting forces, they could barely send one strong fighter to each spot. Not to mention their opponents were Archbishops of Sin—engaging in a fair fight with them was nothing more than wishful thinking.

“…Wait. Why exactly do we have to attack five places simultaneously?”

“What are you talking about? I already said. If any one of the control towers is taken, it can cause considerable harm to the city. If we miss capturing even one of the four…”

“That’s not it! Yeah, that’s correct, but it doesn’t explain why it has to be simultaneous. Where’s the necessity in that?”

“If one location is disturbed, the other three will obviously move to act. That’s why they’re launching such a vast offensive against this city.”

As Subaru’s puzzlement lingered, Julius systematically shot down his doubts.

While hearing Julius’s words, Subaru began to suspect whether that logic truly held. He certainly understood the reasoning behind Julius’s points. He knew it logically translated right, but the problem was the enemy was not the type to act logically.

Indeed, Sirius and Regulus had been fighting to kill each other in that plaza.

Although it was lucky Regulus wasn’t going all out, Sirius was definitely intending to roast Regulus alive. If left unchecked, Regulus had a high probability of tearing Sirius apart.

Did that type of crowd really coordinate to take this city?

“…Maybe they aren’t truly collaborating in the sense you imagine? Of course, they’d casually threaten with manipulating the watergate using the control towers, but I don’t think they’d be coordinating with each other closely enough to take mutual orders. Just my intuition.”

“Do you have anything to base this on?”

“Back in the plaza, I saw the two Archbishops of Sin trying to kill each other. They interrupted halfway because the new instructions from the gospel came down, but if that hadn’t happened, one of them would have been a goner.”

“It’s hard to believe those kinds of fellows are collaborating… huh?”

In response to Subaru’s answer, Julius’s stance remained hesitant. His foreshadowing couldn’t help but cling to an optimistic avenue of possibility—something Subaru understood clearly.

However,

“Have you done any external checks?”

“We’ve dispatched lookout members of ‘Iron Tooth’ to confirm the control towers from positions where they’re visible, but… have you got an idea?”

“This is just a guess, but if they were trying to maintain periodic contact, the most straightforward way would likely involve shooting magic up into the sky, right? The control towers are distanced apart and with the city laid out complicatedly, it’d be troublesome to try and traverse on foot. If they wanted to communicate verbally, they’d need to have a communication mirror or something on hand, which would take time.”

“It’s safe to say the Witch Cult likely doesn’t have communication mirrors. If many were brought, spirits would respond to the interference caused by all the communication mirrors. None of my semi-spirits have caught any such signs. —I see, that’s what it means.”

As they spoke, it looked like Julius had reached the same conclusion as Subaru.

Subaru prefaced it with an “Uh-huh” before continuing.

“If they aren’t regularly making noticeable contact, then if one location is attacked, they’re unlikely to act unless there’s visible chaos. They wouldn’t be able to notice the disturbance, meaning they won’t act. In that case, we would need to spread our forces less.”

“…However, that plan has one issue. There’s one spot that’s different; it has a means to convey that it’s under attack.”

“—City Hall. That magical device is the only building able to broadcast voices and convey the happenings at hand to the other control towers. So it must be the first one we need to take down quickly.”

The priority must be to concentrate forces on the center of the city, City Hall, and if they could repel the Witch Cult there, they could methodically destroy the control towers one by one.

It would still become a question of speed, but they could reduce the danger level compared to simultaneously attacking five spots. Or so he hoped.

“——”

As if confirming the heavy silence, Subaru could sense Julius deep in contemplation through the magical device.

The proposal from Subaru right now was also merely based on the hopeful notion that the ‘Witch Cult’s cooperation was shaky’ from noticing the earlier scuffle between Regulus and Sirius.

If the gospel’s description ordered that “They all cooperate to slaughter everyone,” then if they followed that directive, this whole train of thought would collapse before him.

“Damn it, if only I could have at least gleaned the gospel’s contents back then—”

“—I apologize for the delayed communication. Can you hear my voice now?”

Just as a heavy silence overtook the discussion, another voice unexpectedly interrupted the conversation.

That deep, weathered voice resonated, and during this current situation, it felt extremely reliable, causing Subaru to whip his face up.

Reflected in the communication mirror was the unmistakable face of a silver-haired old swordsman.

“Wilhelm-san! You’re safe!”

“Old man Wilhelm! I’m so glad to see you! We’ve been worried sick since we lost contact!”

Both Subaru and Felix perked up at the sight of the figure, Wilhelm, causing the gentleman in the mirror to widen his eyes in shock, then nod lightly.

“I’m sorry. We also had our hands full and couldn’t regain our composure. I’ve just recently dived into a nearby shelter with citizens. I’m very relieved to see you, both Subaru-dono and Felix. How is Crusch?”

“I’m safe too. Wilhelm, I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Such kind words… no, it’s utterly regrettable not to be at your side during this crisis. Please remain calm for a while longer. I will certainly come to pick you up.”

“How comforting it is…!”

As they exchanged platitudes through the mirror, Crusch and Wilhelm, Subaru felt an overwhelming sense of reassurance from Wilhelm’s dignity.

While welcoming the news of his safety, he also sought to engage him in the ongoing situation.

However,

“There are many things I wish to discuss, but I must start with the most urgent matters.”

With that, Wilhelm quickly stepped out of view of the mirror. In his place, a small cat beastman wearing a monocle appeared in the screen.

It was Tibby, the vice-captain of ‘Iron Tooth’. It seemed he had also reunited with Wilhelm. However, his expression was anything but cheerful as he spoke.

“Hey, it’s Tibby! I’m glad you’re okay!”

“Captain! I’m glad you’re safe! But we aren’t all fine here. Is your sister around?”

“Mimi? I haven’t seen her. What happened?”

Tibby’s downcast voice made Ricardo squint, sensing something. Just then, someone rushed in from beyond Tibby’s frame.

“D-Captain! My sister! My sister—!”

“H-Heitaro? What’s the matter with you, so shaken up like that!”

Tears brimming, Heitaro, Tibby’s brother, rushed in. Though always looking feeble in his demeanor, today his face twisted in pain.

With his large round eyes shimmering with tears, the trembling boy clung to the mirror.

“The… ‘Three-Four Protection’… it’s starting to affect my sister! W-We’re feeling her massive wounds… my sister—!”

“C-Calm down, older brother. …Captain! Wait, listen! My sister’s been injured somewhere, and the influences are flowing into Heitaro and me. So…”

“—Got it. Understood. You two wait here. I’ll find Mimi right now. Don’t cry, just wait here.”

In a voice smoother than ever, Ricardo spoke to the mirror with a calm assurance.

Yet hearing that soothing voice made Subaru tremble, feeling a pressure he had never felt from Ricardo before.

In the dog-faced beastman’s eyes, there was anger, and the sharp fangs became visible through his slightly opened mouth. With muscles rippling, he stood tall, tightly gripping a huge hatchet in his hand.

As if he might immediately set out to search for the girl who was nowhere to be found in the city.

“—Wait, Ricardo. You can’t just run off like that, do you hear me!”

Yet, the voice that called out to stop Ricardo came from the mirror, too.

Turning to look at Ricardo as the words washed over him was Anastasia’s figure within the mirror, now having gained the priority in the conversation.

Scrunching his face, Ricardo wielded his hatchet against the girl he was supposed to protect.

“Don’t stop me, miss! I can’t afford to joke around right now!”

“If you think this is a joke, then our long relationship must not have forged any strong bonds at all, Ricardo. Stop insisting that we do it this way. Right now, I won’t allow reckless actions, even if it’s for Mimi’s sake.”

“Are you telling me to abandon Mimi, you little girl!!”

Ricardo roared loudly, shaking the air in the shelter.

Subaru flinched as the shock wave rippled through, feeling the impact and wildlife emanating from him. A carnivorous beast’s ferocity washed over Ricardo as he glared at Anastasia.

However, it seemed Anastasia was wholly undeterred by that intimidating glare she faced through the mirror.

“You should know, Ricardo. The situation is dire. And you are an important piece of my strategy. I cannot let you act recklessly.”

“You really think I’d be swayed by what you say, Anastasia?!”

“Of course. You should know. Don’t forget that, Dog-man!”

The two of them spun their undeniable past relationship together, catching fire in this tense standoff. As a charged atmosphere hung thick, Subaru seriously debated which side he should support. No, there was no time to ponder.

Emotionally, he wanted to side with Ricardo, yet it was clear Anastasia’s reasoning was the sound one.

And more specifically, it was none other than Anastasia, who had chosen to prioritize the retrieval of the city over a personal connection to Mimi.

There was no aspect for Subaru to interject in such a thought. Ricardo must understand that to some extent.

“—”

For a moment, the staring contest lingered on.

If Ricardo had thrust his way through fully, the injured Subaru and non-combatant Felix wouldn’t be able to stop him. So it was up to the piercing glances shared between the magical device, and those shared between him and Anastasia.

But suddenly, Ricardo averted his gaze from the mirror, looking back.

“Wait, Ricardo!”

“—No. Don’t be rash.”

At that moment, Anastasia raised her voice as Ricardo shifted somewhat.

He turned around and looked toward the shelter’s entrance, snorting.

“Something’s closing in on us. What’s this… the scent of blood?”

“Blood scent…?”

Even amidst this thicket of injuries, the ability to sniff out the fresh scent of blood surfaced.

As the tension in his body became apparent, Ricardo tightened his grip on his hatchet, glaring at the entrance. Both Subaru and Felix held their breath as they observed Ricardo’s judgment.

“—!”

Hard footsteps echoed as a figure rushed into the underground shelter.

For a moment, all the injured present at the shelter also held their breath in unison, but it was Subaru who broke the silence first.

Standing there, shirt soaked with sweat, breathing heavily, was a familiar short-statured man with blonde hair.

“Garfiel!?”

Garfiel quickly noticed Subaru’s shout as he weaved unsteadily toward him. Then, Subaru belatedly recognized the cause of Garfiel’s unsteadiness—

“——”

As everyone fell into silence, Garfiel stumbled into Subaru, then bowed his head as if he were begging.

“I’m sorry, boss… I’m useless! A good-for-nothing…!”

He let out a heart-wrenching cry, tears streaming down his face.

Within Garfiel’s bloodstained arms was none other than Mimi, barely clinging to life.