Black Iron Magician

Chapter 305 Labyrinth of Light

I wonder how many rounds they have played tag? They are currently playing tag in a tropical area with many tall plants, high temperatures, and heavy rainfall, so their view could be blocked easily. Combined with the heat, it’s a difficult field for Haru and the others.

The three except Haru are already reached their limit, but on the other hand, Alezel is completely recovered from her hangover. The more they played tag, the more miserable the results became. However, they’re used to the shame of being undressed, and they are getting less bewildered with showing me their underwear.

…… Err, if I put it this way, it sounds as if I’m a pervert, huh. I’ll state my claim once again. I’m not an accomplice or anything, I’m just a victim of Alezel’s trickery. The main culprit is Alezel alone, and I’m a hostage with a time bomb called Nell. Please don’t forget that.

「What’s wrong~? The pace of your clothes being taken off is increasing, y’know~? I’m here~, try to catch me~」

「Wait!」

「I-I’m almost at my limit…!」

「I’ll kill you, kill, kill, kill――!」

「Haa… haa…! Touko-san’s persistence is amazing! I want to follow her example, but I’m running out of energy….」

Haru chases after Alezel at almost the same pace as when they first started, while Touko’s negative obsession because of being humiliated pushes her beyond her limits. I wonder if Chinatsu and Zeta will fall down in this round. Well, they should be praised for doing their best this far.

「H-Haruna, Touko! I and Zeta-san probably won’t be able to move after the next attack!」

Without stopping her attack, Chinatsu shouted loudly.

「I will kill―― wait, what are you talking about, Chinatsu! You’ll be stripped off naked, you know!?」

「I don’t want that, but my legs are at the limit and I’m out of breath! That’s why I will use up all my power in the next attack! Please cooperate accordingly!」

「I-I’ll also cooperate before I collapse…!」

It was an unplanned proposal that couldn’t even be called a strategy. That’s so unlike Chinatsu, but that’s how extreme the situation is for her. She’s definitely won’t be able to move anymore. In anticipation of that, she’s putting her everything in this one. After that, everything is up to the rest of the girls.

「Oh, it seems that you’re going to do something~. Sure, in consideration of your fighting spirit, I’ll be somewhat lenient in stealing your clothes.」

「Thank you very much! ―― Reflect Fortress.」

A ray of light emitted from the tip of the katana swung by Chinatsu. Chinatsu used all of her magic power and chanted 『Reflect Fortress』, a magic that can be acquired at level 100 Radiant Magic. This barrier is stronger than Hard Reflect, of course, but what is noteworthy is its development ability. It can create a wider, larger, and more flexible barrier. This is the reason why it is very difficult to use this magic, but Chinatsu is capable enough to do it.

「It’s the best I can do right now…. Then, I leave the rest to you….」

Chinatsu collapsed to the ground at the same time as she completed the magic. She was really betting everything on this Reflect Fortress. Setting aside her half-naked state, I want to praise her for doing her best this far.

「Hoho~, what’s this?」

What Chinatsu left behind was a huge labyrinth she built with Reflect Fortress. Alezel is standing in the center of the labyrinth that seems to be the starting point. The walls are semi-transparent, so I can see Alezel’s position even from outside. I see, this way, they won’t be bothered by the trees, and it makes Alezel lose her advantageous position.

…… However, with her speed, it would have been possible to get out before the labyrinth was completed. She was probably enjoying it and purposely stood there.

「Oi, isn’t it…?」

「Yes, it is. Zeta-san, are you okay?」

「Yes, I’m okay.」

Hm? There hadn’t been any strategy meeting, but somehow Haru and the others seem to know about this labyrinth. What’s going on?

「A castle, no, a labyrinth of light, huh. The walls are sparkling and beautiful. I want to install this in the elf resort.」

Alezel knocked on the wall and confirmed the material. Perhaps her merchant soul is ignited, Haru and the others who are approaching have completely become second priority. Chinatsu probably anticipated that―― no, in this case, I guess it’s just that Alezel is stupid.

「Even the ground and ceiling are blocked, huh. I guess I have to find the right route to get out of this labyrinth. I think it’s possible for me to destroy the wall even if I’m powerless, but that would be immature. There’s not much time left anyway, so I’ll go along with it! …… Is what I want to say, but I’m on the side of running away. If it’s like this, they won’t be able to reach me―― hm? Hmm?」

Alezel was willing to stay deep in the labyrinth, but when she saw the girls, she opened her eyes wide. After all, they are steadily closing in on Alezel through the correct route. As far as I can see, there are no markings to indicate the correct route. Nevertheless, the three have no hesitation at all.

「Hmm? Is there someone who’s leading them? No, the three of them seem to know the way….」

I’m sure this is the first time Chinatsu has used her Reflect Fortress in this way. They didn’t know the details of the training until they came here, and they didn’t arrange it beforehand. It’s a mystery that all of them know the way. Goddess Chinatsu, what on earth did you prepare?

「Well, it’s a different story if it’s like that. They will reach me, but I’ll be caught in a dead end many times even if I escape…. Yep, that’s a hassle. They will reach me anyway, so I will just come to them myself.」

While showing a fearless smile, Alezel disappeared from the labyrinth. That expression, depending on the situation, she will strip off even the underwear. It also means that she has high hopes for the girls, but if she really does that, I’m really going to be in danger…! You three, do your best!

「Oh, it’s a dead end again. It’s pretty complicated, huh. But this is the fifth one, and I’m just gonna force my way with my speed.」

Although it was only a few seconds after the start, Alezel had already conquered one-third of the labyrinth. Moreover, she hasn’t taken it seriously at all. As expected of her, even among the Great Eight Demons, she’s the second fastest after Maria.

「As expected of Alezel-sama! But!」

「Yeah! Setting a wide space aside, if it’s in this passage, we have a chance to win!」

「Touko-chan, Zeta-san, let’s intercept her!」

The girls chose to ambush Alezel in a narrow passage. Well, this labyrinth is made up of narrow passages, so it’s the same wherever it is. However, they decided to ambush her in a place that’s quite far from the exit, so even if she could pass through them, they probably still have a chance.

「Well, it would be best if they can settle it here, but I wonder if it will work――」

「Hnn….」

――Nell is about to wake up. On second thought, please settle it there! Also, please get dressed quickly…!