“Darn it. The royal guards are everywhere. How do we proceed any further?” Suna asked the question as she ducked behind the pillar once again.

The trio had reached the train station about an hour ago but their situation had not improved even a single bit ever since then.

It was partly because of the royal guards but more so because of the absence of magic. Maria had known that a device to stop magic had been in the prototype stages but she was not aware that it had progressed this far.

“We can take the device out easily enough. It stops magic but physical attacks still work. The core was also weak enough to shatter with any application of force but the problem would be the resulting explosion” Nao summarises the situation for the pair in front of her.

Maria was aware of this possibility but Suna looked like she needed a few more minutes to come to terms with what she had just heard.

“You’re joking, right? The royal soldiers would not bring something like that in here just like that. Even if the princess wanted to bring it here, surely the court would object to it” Suna was asking the right questions but they had no answer.

Maria, especially, had no answers for her since even she did not know.

“I don’t think you’re aware of the lengths the Empire would go to have the oracle in their hands. I was not aware of the specifics since Lady Silvya never told me, but apparently, the elder nobles had a plan centered around the Oracle’s sacrifice. As for the princess, I’m sure she has her reasons” Nao explained. She sounded pained to admit this and Maria felt shocked at the admission.

Why was this the first time she was heard about this from Nao? Sure, she knew that the elders wanted to sacrifice her and would even go behind the princess’s back to achieve this but having a whole plan?

“You knew all that and you never told me? Why am I not surprised?” Maria did try to stop herself from uttering those words but she underestimated the bitterness she felt.

Nao’s expression looked bitter as well and her tone was biting when she spoke.

“I did not tell you because it was not important. We had it all handled and we did get you out” Nao explained and that was the wrong thing to do.

“Not important? How was it not important?” Maria could not but feel as if she was a hypocrite. She had hidden things from Nao as well under the assumption that they wouldn’t matter in the long run.

But being the one to do it and being the one to have it being done to were different things. It sucked being the latter in this situation.

“Ugh, I’m sorry to interrupt but can this wait for some other place? Our current scenario is not something I think of as safe” Suna interrupted that pair with a nervous smile.

She was either very brave or a complete fool. And to Maria, it looked like an unhealthy combination of them both.

“Quick, climb up” Maria followed Suna and quickly pulled herself up on the platform. Nao followed a few seconds after.

They made it in time to avoid the patrolling guard below and then exhaled a sigh of relief at being safe once again.

“You alright? You looked spooked” the first guard was accompanied by a second guard and it was only a stroke of luck that they did not look up toward them.

“I thought I heard someone argue here. No, I’m sure I heard someone argue. We should alert the guards about it-” that could not be allowed.

Maria shared a look with Nao and a calm agreement passed through their gazes. They would prioritize their safety first and once they have a safe spot for themselves, they would come back to their conversation.

The guards did not even have a second to themselves before Maria and Nao jumped down and took them out. The armor made a heavy noise as it hit the ground but it seemed like no one was around to hear it fall.

“Wow, how did you both do that? You got a drop on them at the same time which was unbelievable. Do you think I can learn to do it as well with time?” Suna asked as she made her way down as well. Her landing was flawless and made no noise.

It reminded Maria of a graceful yet overexcited cat and she couldn’t stop the chuckle that left her mouth.

“A lot of group practice would lead to this result kid so don’t worry. Besides, we need to think about what we should be doing next” Nao kneeled in front of the guard and disarmed him in an instant.

There was not a lot of stuff with the guard, much less a weapon to work with. It made their future planning much more difficult to execute.

“Nothing we can use to fight or distract them with. Looks like we will have to risk it” Maris observed and instantly felt the daggered. glare being aimed her way.

She turned around and sure enough, there it was. Nao was looking as unhappy as she had the first time Maria had suggested this plan.

“You cannot use your chains to break a path fit us. You know what happens when you do and not to mention, it would give you away as the Oracle. We don’t need that kind of pressure” Nao complained.

Suna looked confused so Maria knew she would be no help in this situation. Though Nao did have some valid points, that did not make their situation any easier to deal with.

“I can handle it. My master made sure I knew how to use my chains in a way to not get recognized. Give me a hood and be fast. I’ll meet you at the train once you get the device shut off” Maria made sure Nao knew she was not taking ‘no’ for an answer.

Maria was out before Nao could complain or offer an alternative. Her inventory had a hood for emergencies and Maria took it out.

It was well worn and a beloved piece of garment Maria had owned. It might not survive this fight but Maria was willing to take this chance.

Her chains responded to her command and condensed in the form of a spear. It was a weapon Maria had never been good at and that was why she knew it was going to work for this.

“Please make it quick. I don’t think I can handle Neah today as well” Maria whispered before she took off.

[P*atreon will go live today ]