Azure was searching for Rasona in a place filled with corpses. However, in this lake of blood and bodies, she could not find Rasona; instead, she was being killed over and over again by attacks whose origins she could not understand.
Azure let out a deep sigh.
— You play the game well, but how much longer are you going to keep this up?
A burst of laughter rose from the lake of corpses.
— You don't need to know that. Just let me know when you're ready to give up.
Azure's facial expression did not change at all.
— I don't have the luxury of making a choice. Now, either do what I say... or die.
Rasona burst into laughter.
— Look at you. Where is that patient strategist now, huh?
In an instant, all the body parts and blood vanished. Azure turned her back and looked calmly at Rasona.
— You... are finished—
It was as if she had heard something before she could even finish her sentence. Not a single muscle moved on her face.
— Bravo, Peeper. I'd be surprised if you actually finished a job quickly for once.
She turned back to Rasona. As the purple violets on the ground turned green, Azure smiled for the first time.
— Farewell for now... Next time, I will definitely kill you last.
Then, Azure turned into purple violets and vanished. At that moment, Rasona opened her eyes. She was lying on the ground in the room she had entered moments ago.
— An interesting technique.
Rasona stood up and turned toward the sound of approaching footsteps.
When she saw Yuko, Chicot, Frenzy, and Jax, she scrambled to her feet, straightened her clothes, cleared her throat, and tried to look "cool."
— Hello Yuko. It seems you've become friends with the enemies.
Yuko gave her a "are you serious?" look.
— Oh, come on, Rasona-senpai. I know Frenzy and Chicot were with you.
Rasona stood frozen, like a little kid caught stealing cookies by their parents.
Frenzy immediately tried to snap Rasona out of it.
— I'm sorry, Rasona-senpai. When I heard your screams, I dropped the act and explained everything to Yuko.
Rasona let out a deep sigh.
— I was going to look so cool. Bravo, Frenzy.
Yuko looked at Rasona with a giggle.
— Oh, Rasona-senpai. There was no need for that. You're already the coolest person I know. Well, at least the top four, to be more precise.
Rasona was looking at Yuko with pure happiness until she heard that last sentence; then, that grumpy expression returned to her face.
She walked up to Yuko and gave him a smack on the head.
— How many people do you even know that you're putting me in 4th place?
While Yuko held his head, Jax, Chicot, and Frenzy burst into laughter.
Rasona shifted her gaze from Jax to Yuko.
— Well, look at this. You've only been a Ritualist for three months and you've already adopted a pet.
Jax suddenly fell into a coughing fit.
Meanwhile, Yuko smiled while stroking his own head.
— Actually, Jax is my friend.
— What? Your "friend"?
As Yuko wondered how to explain the situation to Rasona, Jax stepped in front of Yuko and spoke seriously.
— I met Yuko when he was about to die, and I saw that he isn't like you Ritualists. If it's necessary to stay by his side—
Rasona cut Jax off and waved her hand dismissively.
— Ugh, whatever. If Yuko didn't kill you and says you aren't a pet, then that makes you one of us, Goat-man.
As Rasona gave Jax a mischievous smirk, Jax looked at her grumpily and spoke with slight irritation.
— My name is Jax, little lady.
Rasona was stunned.
— W-What?
Jax repeated calmly.
— My name is Jax. Not Goat-man.
Rasona flew into a rage and tried to attack Jax, but Frenzy and Chicot held her back.
While Rasona was grumbling angrily:
— I'm trying to have a dramatic moment here! You're just like Yuko. Just let me get my hands on you! Let me go!
Frenzy took a slap to the face but remained determined.
— I'm afraid I can't do that, Rasona-senpai, even if I wanted to as much as you do.
After Rasona calmed down, she turned to Yuko.
— Alright Yuko, after this unfortunate 'meeting party,' you're coming with us to Khorveth, right?
Yuko didn't quite understand what was happening, but he adopted a serious facial expression anyway.
— I understand... (I don't understand!)
Chicot giggled.
— Oh, come on. You might have just woken up, but don't you know the greatest kingdom in the world?
Frenzy patted Yuko lightly on the back.
— Don't worry, you'll get used to it soon, Yuko.
They had finally emerged from the dark sewers. Yuko's eyes were dazzled by the light, but this sky was truly worth seeing.
Chapter 13 – End