The path’s split into two.
“Furutsu, we’re the only ones that can see that,” Grida said.
Right. We see a T-junction here, with the roads split to the right and left. The other three only see the path to the right.
“Fresa-san, we’re safe. Nothing’s here,” Datil said, as he put his back against the wall of the right path. He slowly peeked down the end of the hallway.
Since this is an L-shaped path to him, this is theoretically the correct way to confirm his surroundings. But since we can see the left path, he looks wide open to an attack from behind.
“The left path looks like it’s blocked off by a wall to them,” Grida said.
Yeah. It’s odd, but I think you’re correct. We can see this wall too, but it’s so faint that it’s almost transparent. Of course, the others aren’t able to hear the announcement we’ve been hearing as well.
Ring! Ding! “Welcome to Gaokerena Palace. The Audience Room is to your right. If you would like to go to the Nursery, please proceed to your left.”
Wait, isn’t the Audience Room the place where the king usually is? And he says something like, “I have been expecting you. Please defeat the Demon Lord.” So this palace has a room to meet the king? If that’s the case...
“Do you think we could meet the World Tree?” Grida asked.
Maybe. I think Gruszka’s subordinate didn’t see the left path either, and headed to the right, where they saw the large tree.
“Yay! Then let’s go right!”
Wait. I’m a bit curious about the left path actually.
“Huh?”
Only we can see this path. What lies in the Nursery? Normal humans wouldn’t go this way, so Gruszka’s subordinate probably went down the right path, where they were mortally wounded and died at the exit. I hopped off Fresa’s hands and rolled to the left.
“Huh? Apple-san, where are you going?” Fresa said.
Even if something dangerous was lurking beyond this invisible wall, I’m sure Datil and Fresa could handle it. Uh, no guarantees for Gruszka though. I proceeded toward the left path.
“Hey, that’s a wall!” Datil said with surprise. He chased after me and gently put his hand against the wall. However, as there was nothing physical there, it went straight through.
“Huh?! What’s going on, Datil?!” Fresa exclaimed as she followed him over.
“Ack! Hey, d-don’t leave me behind!” Gruszka cried, running toward the left path as well.
“How is this possible?! Look, we can pass through this wall!” Datil said as he put his hand on the illusion.
From my point of view, it just looks like you have your hand in the air.
“How interesting!” Fresa said.
Now’s not the time to be excited. I just heard a new announcement.
Ring! Ding! “All weapons will be confiscated here. Please immediately place your weapons, armor, and any other dangerous items on the ground. Should you proceed while equipped, you will be treated as a trespasser and will be removed immediately.” Ring! Ding! “I repeat, please immediately place your weapons, armor, and any other dangerous items on the ground...”
Now wait just a second. There’s no way we can just get rid of all our weapons in this dangerous place! Besides, only Grida and I can hear these announcements! How can I explain to them that they should drop all of their dangerous items?
Ring! Ding! “Warning! Please place all of your weapons and armor on the ground, or turn back.” Ring! Ding! “Warning! Warning! It is prohibited to proceed any farther with your weapons!” Ring! Ding! “Warning! Warning! Warning! Please do not proceed any farther. You will be risking your life!” The announcements had steadily grown more urgent. But of course, there was no way to stop the three that couldn’t hear them.
Beep! Beep! “Confirmed [3] trespassers. We will prepare our gatekeeper.”
So we’re finally trespassers. But there’s no use warning people if they can’t hear your announcements.
Beep! Beep! “Creating gatekeeper. There are [3] trespassers. Creating gatekeeper. There are [3] trespassers.”
Creating?
Beep! Beep! “Gatekeeper has been created. Trespassers have been confirmed. Commencing removal.”
From the end of the dark hallway, a large shadow approached us.
“Fresa-san, something’s coming!” Datil warned.
“Is that...a human?” she asked.
No, it’s too large to be a human, and it also has this unusual smoothness to it. Is that the gatekeeper?
Creak. Creak. Creak.
“Huh?! It’s fast!” Datil yelled. In an instant, three enlarged mannequinesque beings, like the kind you’d see in department stores, stood right in front of him. In the next moment, a large booming sound echoed in the hallways, as he was blown backward down the hallway.
“Datil!” Fresa shouted.
He’s fine. It looked like he was blown back, but he definitely jumped back of his own accord. But I can’t believe he had to retreat there! He left Fresa and Gruszka behind.
“I’m fine. Please be careful! I had planned to lure them all, but one is headed straight toward you! These things are really strong!” Datil yelled.
Creak. Creak. Creak.
I see. I’ve heard that experienced fighters can use space to direct an opponent’s attention as they please. He had jumped back to goad the three mannequins into chasing him. But as he says, these things are strong. That speed was on par with the queen ant.
“Eek! It’s coming!” Gruszka cried, hiding behind Fresa.
Come on, at least act like you’re gonna fight. Whoops, I shouldn’t be so laid-back myself. I’ll help! This place might not work either, but let me give it a shot. One hundred percent, unchain...
Beep! Beep! “Detected magic manipulation. Activating Antiphase Field. Magic will be neutralized and nullified.”
...the wind, entreat the moon.
Ding! “The spell is incomplete. Please recite the full spell to activate magic.”
Ugh, dang it. I guess I can’t use magic here either.
“Furutsu, what should we do?” Grida asked.
Can’t help it. Worst case, I’ll try to tackle this thing. Let’s watch Fresa fight for now.
“Ahhh! I-It’s creepy! What is that?!” Gruszka yelped.
“Hey! It’s dangerous, so stand back! Activate King of Apples!” Fresa said.