As they were walking, something moved in the bushes. From it emerged people fighting. Astrea tried to intervene, but Masaki signaled her not to get involved. The bigger one choked the smaller one to death.
The one looked at the group. Inazuma opened his cloak, revealed a weapon, and said, "Get lost."
When the bigger one still didn't move, Inazuma added, "Unless we have some other business." The criminal went away.
Anew vomited at the sight of people who had been cannibalized from lack of food.
Masaki said, "Let's go, Ragnus."
As they reached near the center, they saw it was crowded with people fighting animals just to survive. Here, magic was weakened, as if it didn't even exist.
Ragnus said, "My magic feels so weak."
Inazuma explained, "The central Obsidian Tower is built for that. It lowers the magic power of everyone in this dimension to one-fifth of its actual value. That's how Rubues and the Black Ops keep everyone in line. The uniforms they wear aren't just clothes—they're special equipment that ensures they can still use their full power. That's why everyone has no choice but to obey them. Try not to get separated."
Ragnus asked, "But what are those collars?"
Inazuma replied, "Death collars. If anyone here acts out of line, those collars make sure others don't follow."
Aira asked, "But how?"
Masaki said, "Because it kills them instantly. Basically, here you can do whatever you want except revolt."
Orion said, "We should get going then."
Suddenly, a bright light appeared—it was a flame attack from Duce.
Inazuma shouted, "Everyone, scatter!"
Then Duce stood before Inazuma and said, "I will kill you for the humiliation!"
Inazuma smirked, "Hey, bucket face, how the hell do you plan to do that?"
Duce fired another attack. Inazuma thought to himself, Right now I don't have enough magic power to summon Tertium. The only hope I have left is my thunder.