Editing Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 2 (section)

===Part 8===

「So this is──the Ark.」

There was only one way to board the Ruin──the Ark according to the investigation reports of the New Kingdom.

By standing at the middle of the circle of ancient letters drawn at the center of the deck, people would be pulled in along with light after staying there for a fixed time.

In short, it was the same transfer system as the Garden.

If there was one thing that was different, it was only that there was just one spot that was the exit and entrance.

The Ark came to a stop in the form of running aground the rocky area nearby the lighthouse──at the eastern part of Ries Island, so they embarked towards the deck directly by using the leaping power of the Drag-Rides.

However, the structure’s size was tremendous. Because it was bigger by several dozen times compared to a normal large ship, the Ruin could only be looked down at after climbing up the island’s lighthouse.

「Then let’s go. We will send the signal using dragon voice after confirming that it’s safe.」

First three people including Celis observed the Ruin from the sky above, then they sent the signal that it was safe to board.

And then, the following members flew or jumped and they boarded above the deck one after another.

「Nii-san. It’s time, please.」

Airi who was waiting nearby looked up to Lux and said that to him.

Relie and Airi who weren’t Drag-Knights would come along and enter the Ruin because there were a lot of Drag-Knights to be their guards and in order to investigate the inside of the Ruin in detail.

Of course because there would be danger, Lux told them not to come, but Airi said 「I’m not a child」 and volunteered herself.

「Ah, yes. But, I’ve never really fly while carrying someone so……. That’s, be careful.」

「Nii-san’s feelings towards me will be in question depending on how you do.」

Airi showed a mischievous smile and said bluntly.

Lux smiled wryly at Airi’s words and he flew with her in his arms.

That act in itself was extremely skillful but──

「That’s──!?」

When the circle pattern and the spacious deck that was several dozen times that of a normal ship came into view, even more different things entered their sight.

What they caught sight of was Marquis Dobar and the private force he owned.

「With this, both sides have their forces assembled. It looks like by chance both of us happen to be here at the same timing, so I believe we should enter at the same time……. Is that fine with you, your honor?」

「But of course. If we can enter a Ruin along with Cross Field’s Syvalles, then there will be nothing more reassuring than that.」

Marquis Dobar nodded pleasantly towards the invitation of Headmaster Relie who was standing in the middle of the circle pattern.

Even though Dobar and the others should be the ones that departed later, and yet they were already here. It looked like they were going to charge in without any sufficient preparations but,

「Looks like the force of marquis-sama arrived here only just now. Looks like those people are also quite crafty in their doings.」

Krulcifer, who was observing the course of events from a distance, whispered in a low voice.

「You mean those people also came here with their preparations completely in order?」

「It’s not that kind of proper reason.」

Krulcifer shook her head towards Lux’s question.

「Regarding the Ark, there is only one entrance and exit based on what is known. ──That means that in case there is a swarm of Abyss gathering inside at the transfer destination, it will suddenly become an all-out battle. The enemy’s number, type, and also the terrain condition won’t be able to be predicted. If we fall into such a situation, then even if we don’t get annihilated, there will be a great chance that it will become a hindrance to our later deployment.」

「Then, that means they were waiting here for us to arrive?」

「Yes. Let alone being the advance vanguard, their tactic is to make us become the advance vanguard for them instead. That we ran into them here must be because of bad luck. Of course, the headmaster also noticed this.」

Krulcifer’s matter-of-fact consideration caused Lux to leak out a sigh.

Relie said that their side was comprehensively superior than Dobar’s force, but if they let their guard down the other side might reach the deepest part ahead of them.

Lux judged it to be so and he tensed himself.

「But, for them to try to make us be the advance vanguard, means that that bunch isn’t that strong right? Then there is no problem. I’ll let loose for the first time in a while.」

Lisha grinned and she moved her mixed Drag-Ride that was the combination of two types of Drag-Rides, the <Chimeric Wyvern> to show off.

This time it seemed to be a new type that was the fusion of a <Wyvern> and a <Drake>, it was a specification that was suited for the mission this time where they would search and investigate inside a ship where there would be many passages.

「Airi……. Be careful okay?」

「I understand. Noct is planning to accompany me to protect me, but it’s fine even if Nii-san is a bit concerned for me you know?」

She must be uneasy entering a ruin with her flesh body, but she pretended to be tough instead.

Lux had a complicated feeling seeing his sister who pretended to be all right in this kind of time so as to not worry him.

Right after that, the circle where Lux and other were standing on was tinged with faint light.

「……Everyone! Is your preparations all right?」

When Celis raised her voice as the group leader, the members put themselves on guard reflexively.

Right after that, a blinding light pillar rose up high into the sky, and Lux’s field of vision was enveloped in white.