“I have none as well. But Unglaus-sama, once we go inside, what then? Should we conduct a search together?”
“Please call me Brain, same goes for Sebas-sama. Anyway… though we should stick together to be safe, there could be a secret passage even the assassins didn’t know about. I think we’re going to have to search quickly while Sebas-sama is distracting the enemy head on.”
As if he was recalling something, Brain muttered how it’s common for there to be a passage that only the boss would know of.
“Then how about we split up once we get inside?”
“… As long as we’re prepared for the dangers, we have to act and hope for the best.”
At Brain’s words, Sebas and Climb nodded their heads.
“Then since you are stronger than me, could I leave searching the interior to you, Unglau— Brain-sama?”
“I believe that would be best. I will leave Climb-kun with securing the exit over there.”
Needless to say, searching the interior carried a high risk of running into the enemy. Since Brain was much stronger than Climb, the task would fall to him.
“Then this will be it for our final confirmation.”
Although they held a general discussion before arriving at the brothel, because they had not yet seen the actual location, there were parts that were still uncertain. Now, all of that had been decided and there were none who objected to Sebas’ plan.
Sebas placed a foot forward and approached the thick metal door. The door that Climb thought he himself would never be able to open no matter what he did, when compared side by side with Sebas, looked like a thin piece of paper.
The front was where the defenses were naturally the highest. Even though they were about to attack such a place, it was not a concern. Brain Unglaus, who fought on equal footing with Gazef Stronoff, the strongest in the surrounding countries, such a person stated that ‘both of them together would not be able to win’. The being who could only be described to be in a different league was now stepping forward.
“Then you should be off. According to the assassins, four knocks on that entrance should be the signal to show that you are an ally. I do not think that you’ve forgotten, but just in case.”
“Thank you.”
He did not forget, but regardless, Climb thanked Sebas.
“And if possible, I will try to capture them alive. But should they resist, I will kill them without mercy. I assume that will not be a problem?”
Both Climb and Brain felt a shiver down their spines as Sebas spoke with a gentle smile.
He was not wrong, his was the obvious response. Both of them knew that if they themselves were in that same situation, they would opt to do the same. The reason that they grew fearful and felt a chill down their spines was because Sebas’ face looked as if he had an alternate persona.
A kind gentleman and a cool-headed warrior, the extremes of kindness and heartlessness were coexisting with one another. They felt a premonition; if Sebas were to go in as he is now, everyone inside would die.
Climb nervously spoke to Sebas.
“If it is to avoid needless bloodshed as much as possible, then it can’t be helped. After all, we are few in number. But if you spot someone who seems like a high-ranking member, could you capture him alive? Interrogating that person could prove to be more beneficial in the future.”
“I am not a murderer, Climb-kun. Please rest assured, I did not come here to purposefully slaughter them.”
Climb felt relieved by his gentle smile.
“I apologize. Then I leave myself in your care.”
♦ ♦ ♦
“Now then, allow me to swiftly destroy this place and buy some time.”
If Sebas destroyed this brothel, it should stop their dealings with him, albeit temporarily. If he was lucky enough to find confidential papers and the like, they would have to focus on how to retaliate and may even forget about Tsuare completely.
In the worst case, even if the result ended up only buying some time, it could provide an opportunity for him to let Tsuare escape. He may even be able to find a better way.
“Now that I recall, there was a merchant in E-Rantel who spoke to us amicably. Perhaps I can ask him for assistance.”
Even if Tsuare’s mind were to make a full recovery, she would be happier if she had the support of someone she could trust.
Sebas turned and looked again at the thick door. He touched it while remembering the scene of Tsuare being thrown away. The door was imposing, with iron lodged into the wood. A single glance was all that it took to know that it would be difficult for a human to destroy it without using tools.
“I worry about Climb…”
He did not have to worry about the man named Brain Unglaus. Even if he faced off against Succulent, his chance of winning was high. But Climb was different. He would not stand a chance.
Climb was the one who volunteered to take part in the raid— seeing how he offered his aid, Climb seemed prepared. However, the loss of a young life who tried to help him would be regrettable, especially if it was the life of such a good person.
“I wish for that boy to live a long life…”
His words were suited to be spoken by those who had lived a long time. Of course, Sebas was created as an old man so considering the time from when he was born to now, he would be younger than Climb.
“At the very least, it would be best if I am the one to defeat Succulent. I only hope that Climb-kun will not run into him.”
Sebas prayed to the 41 Supreme Beings for Climb’s safety.
If Succulent was the strongest in this facility, then it was likely that Sebas would be the one to face him. However, if he was working as someone’s bodyguard, there was also the possibility that he would flee while protecting him. With a worried heart, Sebas grabbed the handle on the door and turned it.
He could only turn it halfway through. Considering the kind of business this was, it was obvious that the door would be locked.
“I am not skilled at picking locks… no choice then. I will have to try and open the lock my own way.”
Sebas muttered in annoyance and lowered his body. He pulled back his right hand as he held out his left hand in front of him. It was a splendid stance, as sturdy as a deeply rooted thousand year old tree.
“Hm!”
What happened next was impossible.