The city of Bertram finally came into view as I flew. Smoke was billowing from several districts across the urban landscape.
"Dammit, we're too far to see anything clearly! What the hell's going on down there, ssu!?"
"It appears to be a battle. Even I cannot quite make it out."
Grimo and Jiriel poked their heads out from my hands, squinting at the horizon. I should probably confirm if Ido is there.
Drawing a circle with my fingertip, I linked the space to the skies above Bertram. While Spatial Transfer can’t take me to places I don't have a strong connection with, the restrictions are much lighter if I’m only opening a small window.
The view inside the circle warped, eventually revealing the central plaza where the Golem Martial Arts Tournament had been held. Several golems were currently engaged in combat with something massive.
"W-What the hell is that...!?"
"A golem? Perhaps... but its form is so grotesque...!"
Both of them gasped in shock at the sight.
Facing off against the few golems left over from the festival was a gargantuan entity, easily twice or thrice their size. Honestly, calling it a golem felt like a stretch. It possessed a massive, contorted frame that resembled a great tree which had endured for centuries. Its limbs were draped in tentacles that spread across the ground like gnarled roots.
I could feel the pulse of Ido’s mana at its core.
—There’s no doubt about it. He’s in there.
"What a repulsive look... it makes even evil gods look cute by comparison, ssu..."
"It resembles a tower of spider silk woven from the wretched souls of hell... How utterly abominable..."
It certainly was impressive. Golems are typically forged from metal, but that thing was constructed by culturing and stitching together the living tissue of monsters. A biological golem, essentially.
I’d found it strange that the base earlier had contained alchemy equipment instead of the mechanical components used for golem manufacturing, but now it all made sense. Though, it felt considerably larger than the remnants I’d seen back at the facility...
"A biological golem, huh? It’s obviously powerful, but..."
Observing the battle, I noticed it was taking the other golems' attacks head-on. With a body that massive, it seemed like it would struggle to maneuver through the city streets. Leonhart might have been a better choice. Well, I was the one who sliced that one in half, so I shouldn't judge.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, the giant golem seized the nearest opponent. Instead of simply crushing it, countless tentacles sprouted from its frame and swallowed the golem whole.
Immediately, the giant golem’s entire body began to writhe and pulsate as the tentacles integrated the new mass.
"Whoa! Is it just me, or did it just get even bigger, ssu!?"
"Its internal mana is surging. Despite being a golem, it is predating and growing like a living organism. ...How truly horrifying."
The giant golem proceeded to absorb the others, one by one. With every meal, its internal mana grew denser and more powerful. Its shape shifted constantly, almost as if I were watching a recording of evolution played at high speed.
"Ah, Lloyd. I see you've finally arrived."
Ido’s voice echoed in my mind. Telepathy.
"Ido. What are you doing? I thought you wanted to fight me."
"Of course I do. But in its current state, Tartarus wouldn't be able to defeat you. If you can just wait a little longer, I promise that we will face you in peak condition this time."
Ido chuckled softly through the link as he continued to assimilate the other golems.
"Tartarus... that’s the name of a deity considered to be among the strongest in the Demon World, ssu."
"An evil god who bears the title of the Gate of Hell. The name is notorious even in the Celestial Realm. To bestow such a name upon his own golem... he must possess incredible confidence."
Evil God Tartarus—a name that popped up frequently in old magic books. An entity that supposedly swallowed everything and expanded for eternity. I see. This golem’s traits were a perfect match for the name.
...Interesting. A rematch for our golem battle, then.
"Fine. If that’s the case, I’ll look forward to it. Make sure you're fully prepared by the time I get there."
"...Yes. This time, Lloyd, I will be the one to defeat you."
"I’ll be waiting."
I cut the telepathic connection and steered myself toward the outskirts of Bertram where Diguardia had been parked. As the destination finally came into view, I realized something was very wrong.
"Diguardia is... gone!?"
The golem that was supposed to be here was nowhere to be found. I scanned the area frantically, but it was missing. There was no way I could simply overlook something that massive... where could it have gone?
"Master Lloyd, look! Footprints, ssu!"
"I shall use Holy Magic to illuminate the tracks. Let us follow them."
"Good thinking, Grimo, Jiriel."
Under the light of Jiriel’s spell, the tracks became clear. If we followed these, we would find Diguardia.
"But who could have taken it...? Don't tell me... Zerof-niisan...?"
Zerof was the only person besides me who could pilot Diguardia. It wasn't just a hunch; there simply wasn't anyone else. But the tracks were heading straight for the plaza. Was he really intending to fight Tartarus?
"...That’s not like him at all."
Zerof was supposed to be a total misanthrope. He hadn't even waved to the crowd during the golem battle and was such a recluse that he’d skipped the party entirely. I had assumed he’d boarded it to move his precious Diguardia away from the city... Heading toward the center of the conflict made no sense.
"Regardless, let’s catch up."
I couldn't fight Tartarus without Diguardia.
I chased the tracks and, once I’d caught up, leaped onto the golem's back.
"Zerof-niisan! Can you hear me!?"
"! Lloyd!? Why are you here...? Wait a moment!"
Zerof’s voice rang out, and Diguardia ground to a halt. I scrambled up the back and met Zerof as he emerged from the hatch. His expression was one of grim determination. Was he really planning to go into battle with Diguardia?
I couldn't help but raise my voice as I questioned him.
"Zerof-niisan, why are you heading to the plaza in Diguardia!? You aren't seriously planning to fight that giant golem yourself, are you!?"
"...That is exactly what I intend to do. I am heading to the plaza to stop that monster. To protect the citizens of this country."
"What...? For a Third Prince to take such a risk! What are you thinking!?"
It was beyond reckless. As a member of the royal family, he shouldn't be throwing his life away so lightly.
"Look who’s talking, ssu. Does this guy have any idea how much recklessness Master Lloyd gets into every single day...?"
"Well, in Master Lloyd's case, there isn't actually any danger to his life, but even so..."
For some reason, the two of them looked absolutely done with me.
What are they talking about? The lives of the Third Prince and the Seventh Prince carry different weights. Zerof-niisan shouldn't do it, but I can.
"But why? To put it bluntly, Zerof-niisan, you're someone who hates being around people. For you to put your life on the line with the golem you worked so hard on just to save a foreign city and its people... it doesn't make sense! Please, turn back now!"
Zerof considered my words for a moment and then let out a self-deprecating chuckle.
"...Hmph. Lloyd, you’ve got it all wrong. It's not that I hate people. It's just that I find interacting with others incredibly embarrassing. I’m simply prone to being misunderstood."
"Wait... really?"
"Yes. And despite my nature, the people of this city and alchemists like Lugol were kind to me. Because I am so shy, I couldn't respond to them properly at the time... but now is the moment to repay them. So, Lloyd, move aside. Right now, only I and Diguardia can protect this city."
Zerof clenched his fist with conviction.
Good grief. He’s completely serious. To think he was just shy all this time... if Zerof-niisan is determined to fight for everyone’s sake, then I—
"Zerof-niisan... I understand."
"Oh! I’m glad you see reason, Lloyd."
"Yes. Therefore, Zerof-niisan—"
—I promptly shoved Zerof right out of Diguardia.
Of course, I immediately cushioned him with Wind System Magic so he would land gently. Standing on the ground, Zerof looked up at me and shouted.
"Lloyd! What do you think you're doing!?"
"I’ve received your resolve, Zerof-niisan. So, leave the rest to me."
"Ah! Hey! Lloyd! Lloydddd!?"
Ignoring his protests, I slammed the hatch shut. Zerof’s determination was admirable, but I had a promise to keep with Ido. Sorry, but I’m the one who’s taking Diguardia into this fight.
"Lloyd... you realized that my body was trembling with fear, didn't you...? That's why you took my place in Diguardia. ...I am truly a pathetic older brother. But I am proud of you. Go and win, Lloyd! I know you can do it!"
I could hear him muttering something or other on the wind, but it was probably just my imagination.
I slammed the levers forward. Full speed ahead. I left the chasing Zerof in the dust.
Just you wait, Ido. It’s time to settle this once and for all.