Chapter 3: The underground cavern (2)

It’s quite dark in the cavern, so Mashiro summons a Destroyer that resembles a large bee with a huge sac at the end of its abdomen. The Destroyer opens up its sac and lets out lots of tiny fireflies-like organisms. The fireflies float around the place and illuminate it, giving us a clear view of the cavern.

The fireflies may not seem like much, but they have the ability to disrupt electromagnetic waves and render electronic devices useless. Many a times, this type of Destroyer has caused more trouble than the physically or magically strong Destroyers due to it ability to cause chaos and confusion.

‘Impressive summoning skills as always, Fuyukaze.’ Ichika compliments Mashiro.

‘It was nothing.’ Mashiro says modestly.

In this anime, you can summon a Destroyer much like how you can summon demons in certain animes. Here, you would need to draw two pentacles: one for you, the summoner, and another for the Destroyer that you want to summon. The pentacle will acts as a shield to protect you from harm while acting as a cage for the Destroyer.

Next, you call out the name of the Destroyer that you want to summon. Like humans, every Destroyer has one, and Academies around the world have spent centuries to collect the names of tens of thousands of Destroyers. It will usually takes five to eight seconds for the Destroyer to appear from wherever they were before you call out to them.

After the Destroyer appears at the pentacle, you have to restrain its actions with something similar to a contract. You need to specify how long will the restrain last, what is the Destroyer’s task(s), and everything that it can and cannot do while it is being restrained. Destroyers are known to twist your words around to fit their benefits, therefore summoners need to word their phrasings very carefully.

Needless to say, summoning a Destroyer is very dangerous, no matter their rank. Just draw the pentacle slightly crooked, or stutter on a single word at the wrong time, and the Destroyer will harm you for your mistake.

Mashiro is considered a prodigy when it comes to summoning because she could bind a Destroyer within a few seconds after she summoned it and word the contract so precisely there is no way it could twist it around, all without the security of pentacles.

After the cavern is lit, we find ourselves to be inside a wide tunnel with lots of holes at the ceiling and tons of tiles at the floor. Upon closer looks, there are words like “honor” and “betrayal” written on the tile. At the end of the tunnel is a huge two-sided door made of metal.

‘I think we are supposed to solve a puzzle to pass through. And if we did it wrong, we will get into trouble with whatever that comes out of the holes.’ Sakuya says while looking at the tiles.

I nod in conformation. ‘That’s how it works.’

‘Since this cavern was built by King Arthur, the most honourable of knights, I think we should walk on vile words like betrayal and murder, to symbolize that we detest these concepts and therefore trample them under our feet.’ Ichika suggests.

Sakuya nods in approval. ‘Nice deducing, Ichika-chan.’

Mashiro says nothing as usual, but nods too.

You might think that we could have just fetch a ride with the Destroyer that Mashiro had summoned, but that’s against the rules here. Violate that, and you will become a porcupine from all the arrows that fly out from the holes.

‘Vice president, you got the detest and trampling parts right, but we’ll be doing the opposite of what you said.’ I said while reaching out my foot to the tile with the word “honor”.

‘Wait, what are you…’

I step on the tile. Nothing happens even after waiting for a full minute. I didn’t turn around to look at the girls’ reactions, but I’m pretty sure that they are dumbfounded.

In the original tale, King Arthur and Mordred killed each other after a fierce combat, and that was the end of that. In this anime, however, after killing Mordred and suffering from a mortal wound, King Arthur used his remaining energy to come here, where he had it built in absolute secrecy to hide Excalibur when he deemed that it no longer serves any purpose.

When he reached this part of the cavern, he somehow switched the safe tiles with the dangerous ones, probably with the help of Merlin, who was accompanying him in his last moments.

‘Lancelot and Guinevere, the king’s best friend and beloved wife, had betrayed him by having a secret affair with each other. Mordred, his own flesh and blood, betrayed him and wished for his death. After all these betrayals, do you think he still values love and friendship?’

Right on time, I see the exact two words written on two separate tiles at the front. I stepped on them with two quick successions.

‘He must have felt so angry, and bitter, and empty.’ I hear Sakuya’s voice right behind me, so she must be the second one the step on the tiles.

‘Do you want to go first, Fuyukaze, or should I?’ I hear Ichika asking behind us.

‘I’ll go first.’ Mashiro says.

‘All right. I shall go last then.’

It only took us a few minutes to cross the tiles and stand right in front of the door. Rather than the tense atmosphere we had when we first came in, it now became very melancholy.

‘So, what’s the next challenge?’ Sakuya asks me.

‘Well…’

The next challenge involves fighting animated armors. The number of armors is equivalent to the party, and their strength is directly proportional to their enemies’, and this is the reason I didn’t want a huge number of people to come here. The Lost Children lost most of their numbers in this fight.

‘No offense, Akira, but I think that the moment the fight starts,there is a high possibility that the armors will target you first.’ Ichika says.

‘None taken, and you’re right of course. So, what I plan is…’

‘We will not be using you as a decoy.’ Sakuya interrupts me before I could finish my sentence.

‘But…’

‘No buts.’ the usually-cheerful Sakuya looks very serious now. ‘We’re not going to give you the worst job just because you’re the weakest here.’

‘No one gets left behind here.’ Mashiro says in a firm voice.

I look at Ichika to get support, since from the way she spoke just now she looked like she has the same plan as me, but nope.

‘I was going to say that since you might get targeted a lot, we will take extra care in guarding you.’

Great. Now I’m the weak and pathetic harem main character that needs to hide behind girls when a fight starts. I try not to let my frustration show on my face.

In the end, we settled with having Sakuya and Ichika at the front, while I’m a few steps behind them. Meanwhile, Mashiro will stand even further behind.

The reasoning behind this formation is that our two strongest members will fend off attacks from the armors, while me, the one with the longest reach, will look for openings and sim for their weak spots. Naturally, Mashiro with weak combat skills will act as the support, so she will stay way out of harm and concentrates on summoning Destroyers.

Having decided the formation to use, I open the door, and the bee Destroyer and the fireflies go inside first to illuminate the place once again. This time, the tunnel is circular in shape and very spacious, just like an arena, while the door to the next area is at the opposite side.

Not long after we went in, four suits of armors materialized out of nowhere right in front of us. The armors are the full armor type what completely cover up the body of the wearer. In this case, the armors are just empty husks, but still. As for weapons, they are holding the classic long swords and rectangular shields often used by knights.

The number of armor is the same as the number of human challengers, but any additional familiars did not increase their numbers. One might argue that a team full of summoners would have made this much easier. Unfortunately, it would not.

Summoning multiple familiars will drain the summoner’s stamina, and overdoing it will kill the summoner. Even Mashiro the prodigy could only summon three mid levels Destroyers at the same time.

If the summoner is killed while the summoned Destroyers are still around, they will not disappear. Without the summoner to dismiss them, the Destroyers are free to rampage, and things will become much worse.

Upon seeing them, we got into the agreed formation. Right on time, the armors come charging at us, or more precisely, at me.

At once, Sakuya and Ichika intercept them and manage to hold them off even though they are outnumbered two to one. To make things easier for them, Mashiro summons two Destroyer that resembles  Japanese Oni, and orders them to attack the armors with their spiky clubs.

As for me, I’m just standing like an idiot with my spear pointed at the front. (Sigh) I simply hate this.

Sakuya dances around the arena with grace, her Morifuji Tessen fully opened to strike and take blows. Her strongest magic creates a storm that contains the power of four elements, Wind, Wood, Fire and Earth, but it will hit both friends and foes alike, so she is restraining herself from using it.

Ichika, who was well trained in the Kurogane Sword Style, is fully utilizing the style’s specialty of parrying and countering at the same time. Unlike most of the anime characters out there, she does not shout out the style’s name that she is using, which is kind of refreshing.

After a while, I more or less know which armor is the replica of one of our own. Its the way the armors moves, their speed, their reaction in being attacked or having their attack blocked or dodged. Naturally, so do the others, which is why Sakuya, Ichika and the Destroyers (after ordered by Mashiro) attack the armors that have the strength of Mashiro and I more than the others, while suffering a lot from the attacks of armors that have the strength of the duo from the student council.

The armors are using a tactic similar to our own, where they are also protecting their weaker ones and at the same time try to hurt Sakuya,  Ichika and the Onis.

Only ten minutes have passed since we got into this tunnel, but it seemed like forever. Sakuya and Ichika have started to get tired, and as a result they got wounded quite a lot. The Destroyers are barely hanging on as well. Even I have some cuts and bruises, although the four of them are still doing their best in protecting me.

Ah, screw this. I might get slapped after this, but I don’t care anymore.

‘GÁE BULG!’ I yell loudly and slam the butt of the spear at the ground.

A huge wave of water appeared and swept the armors away. Before they could get up, I ran to the armor that replicates my strength and thrust Gáe Bulg downwards, thereby pierce its chest armor. Even though I’m not that powerful, Gáe Bulg was sharp enough to pierce through the thick armor.

The armor did not let out any blood-curdling wail or any sorts of sound, merely disintegrate into ashes. I look at the other three armors and find that two of them have already got up while taking up a defensive stance, while the third one just got up, its sword and shield at its side.

I waste no time in charging towards the clumsy one and manage to pierce its chest armor, making it disintegrate. Its comrades did try to help it, but was interrupted by my comrades.

The wave I conjured out of nowhere should have knocked me out cold due to the huge amount of stamina it took, but for some reason I’m not tired at all. It’s probably due to an adrenaline rush.

Anyhow, after miraculously defeating two armors in a row, I have become much more aggressive. I’m still hiding behind the four of them, but compared to before I’m more active in looking for the armors’ openings and take advantage of them, even if it means I almost got stabbed.

Then, another chance came. One of the armor, I think it was the one that has Ichika’s strength, was busy blocking one of the Destroyer’s club with its shield and had no time to focus on anything else. Wasting no time, I step forward and thrust Gáe Bulg towards it helmet and manage to turn it into ash.

It was not long before the last armor disintegrated after having its helmet sliced off by Ichika’s side-way swing.

Knowing that it’s finally over, I let out a huge sigh of relief. The adrenaline is gone and my whole body hurts a lot, but at least I’m still alive. Seeing my reaction, the others have also relax their shoulders. With its job done, the Oni Destroyers were dismissed by Mashiro. After a brief rest, I start to brace myself for the slap I know was coming.

‘Akira-kun.’ Sakuya folds her Morifuji Tessen and beckons me over.

Uh oh. Here it comes. I walk to her meekly, expecting some scolding before the slap.

‘The way you conjured up the waves and charging forward without having a care for the surroundings, you were bring very reckless, you know? You could have gotten yourself killed.’ Sakuya says sternly.

I just nod, not trusting myself to speak.

‘But still, you manage to defeat three armors! So, good job!’ Sakuya’s angry frown turns into a smile, and she reaches out her hand to pat my head.

Okay, totally not what I was expecting. Ichika, then.

‘Indeed, the recklessness should be dealt with before you lose your life. Even so, a job well done should still be complimented.’

I look at Mashiro. She gives me a thumbs-up.

Still, just because no one is berating me, it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t reflect on my actions. However, now is a bad time for it. After a short break and a briefing, we head for the next area. That said, my legs are trembling, so I needed some more time just to calm myself.

‘Is fatigue kicking in?’ Ichika asks anxiously.

‘No, it’s just that… I’m scared of height.’ I confess lamely.

‘But you were fine when we were inside the helicopter.’ Ichika points out.

‘That’s because I know we will be safe in there. Here? Not so much.’

‘Oh my~?’ Sakuya smirks in an evil way. ‘Did I just grabbed hold of your weakness?’

Great, the one person I did not want to know about my acrophobia just found out about it.

‘President, it is in poor taste to laugh at someone’s fear.’ Ichika says.

‘I know, I know. It’s just that I couldn’t help but wanting to get back at him for bullied me at the helicopter.’

‘President, you sure holds a grudge for a long time, huh?’ I couldn’t help but notice.

‘All women are like that. It will do you well to remember that if you want to become popular, Akira-kun.’

‘I shall keep that in mind.’

The new door leads to a tunnel with a low ceiling, with ropes hanging all around the said ceiling, while below is a pit so deep you can’t see the bottom. There are also anti-magic stones embedded at the ceiling as well, so no Destroyers or flight-enabling magic. Upon seeing those stones, Mashiro dismisses the bee Destroyer. There is no fight involved here, so I put Gáe Bulg back to my room. Sakuya and Ichika did the same with their weapons.

I take a deep breath. ‘Well, let’s get this over with.’

I run and jump towards one of the ropes closer to me, and succeed in grabbing hold of it. While dangling, I jump to another. I want this to be over as soon as possible, so I grit my teeth and ignore my fatigue that’s keep on kicking in.

Thankfully, there are torches here, so we can see quite clearly.

‘Akira, you better slow down or you might slip.’ Ichika calls out to me.

‘I’m fine. Just, let me do it at my pace.’

‘My, it’s really deep down there, isn’t it?’ Sakuya says all of a sudden.

‘PRESIDENT!’ Ichika and I shout at the same time.

‘Sorry~’ she doesn’t sound apologetic at all.

After jumping from one rope to another for what seemed like forever, I finally see a door in front of me.

‘YES! FINALLY!’ I shout in joy.

I jump from a rope to the solid ground ahead. If the others weren’t here, I would have kissed it.

‘I… I got to conquer this fear of mine one of these days…’ I say while bending down and wheezing heavily.

Mashiro, who just landed right next to me, gives me a pat on the shoulder. ‘Don’t worry Akira. Mashiro hates pepper, but she chooses to ignore it.’

‘Well you won’t die whether you eat peppers or not, but this is really bad for my heart.’

‘It is fine, Akira. Just take your time in conquering it.’ Ichika comforts me.

‘Besides, if you did conquer it, I would have one less thing to tease you with.’ Sakuya adds.

I was so stressed out I just ignored her.

And so, our journey continues. Dragging it out might just bore you, so I will give you a summarize version of it.

Fighting mythical creatures while having magic banned. Running away from a huge ball made of stone. Fighting three stone giants.

At last, we reach the final door. Beyond this door lies Excalibur… and the final boss: Merlin, King Arthur’s court wizard himself.

‘This is it. The home stretch.’ I say to the others.

‘At last.’ Ichika says.

‘It was a long journey.’ Mashiro says.

Sakuya looks at her phone and realizes that we only have an hour left. ‘We better make this quick.’

The rest of us nod. I proceed to open to door.

The view in front of us is what best described as a man cave. A part of the cave had been dug out to let sunlight in, and there’s a hammock hanging at the ceiling. At one side, there is a stone table with an exquisite looking chess board with chess pieces made of rubies and sapphires on top. At another lie weapon racks filled with all sorts of weapon. There is also a huge primitive kitchen with a huge oven and all sorts of metallic kitchen tool, which gives me a sudden urge to cook something.

I never understood the point of the animators making this place like a retirement home when it’s supposed to be the tomb of a tragic king, but I always let it slide.

And in the middle of the man cave lies a pedestal made of stone, and being stabbed by our objective: Excalibur.

There it is. The sword of legend that King Arthur either got it from (a) pulling it out of a stone (b) the Lady of the Lake. In the anime, the Lost Children wanted this sword to convince people that by having it, they are the chosen saviors of mankind. As a result, millions have joined their cause to obtain salvation, only to get sacrificed for the group’s disgusting projects.

I swear I did not blink, but next thing I knew, a transparent figure is standing right next to the pedestal. The figure is of an old man, with long white hair and even longer white beard, wears a pointy hat and a simple robe and holds a long staff.

Merlin.

The figure turns to us and smiles. ‘Welcome, children. I take it that you are here for the sword?’

‘Uh, yes sir.’ I answer him.

‘Well then, you are welcome to it.’

‘Huh? Just like that?’

‘What’s going on, Akira?’ Ichika whispers right beside me. ‘I thought you said that he’s the guardian of the sword.’

‘I have no idea. This is not what I expected.’ I whisper back.

‘If you are wondering why I am not stopping you, the reason is simple. You are not using the sword for evil purposes, only to protect it from being misused.’ Merlin tells us.

‘If so, you could have just leave the sword here.’ Ichika says while looking confused.

‘True, but I foresaw a future that another, shall we call them unsavory, group will come here in the near future and use the sword for their own selfish purposes. The sword is better off with you all.’

‘Please wait, does that mean that…’

‘Yes, I will lose to them.’

Ichika’s eyes become very wide. ‘Impossible.’

‘Oh my child, but it is. So go on. Pull out the sword.’

The girls look at me. I shake my head.

‘President, can you do it?’

Sakuya nods ‘Leave it to me.’

She goes in front of the pedestal to pulls out Excalibur. It is a simple looking four-foot long sword with a golden hilt. Such a plain sword that will cause a huge calamity.

I was seriously expecting to a big fight to get it, and now this is kind of anti-climatic. Not that I'm complaining, considering the fact that the team is quite badly hurt from the previous fights.

‘Yay, now I’m the ruler of Britain!’ Sakuya exclaims happily.

‘I am sure that you will be a wise queen.’ Merlin says with a smile.

‘President, please don’t play around with that. Lord Merlin, there is no need to humor her.’ Ichika tells the two.

‘Aww, you’re no fun, Ichika-chan.’ Sakuya pouts.

‘Excuse me but where is the King’s, um, body?’ Mashiro asks Merlin.

‘Ah, I buried it somewhere deep inside this dungeon. He would have wanted to stay right beside the sword and rot, but I will have none of it. After all that’s happened to him, he at least deserves a proper burial.’

That’s something all of us here could agree on.

‘Well, you should get going. I can just teleport you to the entrance, so just say the word.’

After Sakuya wraps Excalibur with a cloth, we take up on Merlin’s offer and find ourselves to be at the entrance once again, with fifteen minutes to spare.

‘Shall I call the pilot and asks him to come now?’ Ichika asks.

‘Please do.’ Sakuya answers with a nod.

And so, our pilot came to fetch us earlier than scheduled. The trip back to the Academy was nerve wrecking, to say the least. All of us were extremely jumpy, and were constantly looking outside the windows to kook for enemies who are not there. Coupled with the fatigue we got from the cavern, it was very tiring.

The helicopter lands on the helipad without any problems, and we are escorted by lots of high ranked students and teachers with their weapons out. Even Principal Morifuji is here to ensure that nothing happens.

After Excalibur is safe at the most secured vault in the basement of the school, we could finally breath properly. Sakuya and Ichika stayed back to give a report to Principal Morifuji, while Mashiro and I are dismissed.

It took me quite a while to get to my room, and the moment I did I land on my bed to get a good rest. At least, I tried to. Not long after I lied down on my bed, someone knocks on my door. Once again, it was Mashiro.

‘You know, vice president will chew us out for sure this time.’ I tell Mashiro.

Mashiro shrugs. Her uniform is new, so she probably changed into it before coming here. ‘It’s not a crime if you’re not caught.’

I sigh and let her in. There’s no point in arguing with her. I cook some simple beef bowls and enjoy a late lunch with her.