94. Escape

What was that? There is red light gathered on top of the Dragon Orchid, but...

Hm! How come nothing's happening? I got nervous because you said you were going to activate it! You're just bluffing!

Okay, everyone, let's try again and continue the battle! Ready?

... Uh?

Xen? What's wrong?

Ah, no, it seems that something's wrong with my weapon.

Xen, are you having the same problem? Actually something's wrong with my weapon, too.

All the weapons won't work... How... could it be...

... It doesn't matter! Just switch to a different weapon, and the problem will be solved!

...! How... can this one also be unavailable...!?

All our weapons use Echo Crystal technology... Could it be that...

... It is true.

Sova, did you find anything?

Awakener, look at this.

Echo Crystal particles are gathering towards the Dragon Orchid... So those red lights just now are...

That's right, they're Echo Crystal particles. In other words, the Dragon Orchid is able to strip out Echo Crystal particles and absorb them.

This is the truth of the disappearance of Echo Crystal particles that our observation device has captured.

In other words, for the first time, the particles didn't disappear. Rather, they were sucked away by the Dragon Orchid, right?

Exactly. And by this, we can also draw another conclusion.

Although there are some differences individually in Relics, in principle, the power that they contain can counteract Echo Crystals and eliminate their influence.

The nature of the Dragon Orchid is using the power of Echo Crystals, but the power of Relics is completely different!

Is the Dragon Orchid not a Relic?

Ridiculous. So that's why you planned all of this? If you directly asked me, I would've given you an answer.

That's right. The Dragon Orchid is a divine weapon made of Echo Crystals.

So it's good news for all of you from Teslovik, right? At least you can destroy the Dragon Orchid without any scruple!

Yes, that's true. And perhaps we've got a head start at the moment.

If the Dragon Orchid can absorb Echo Crystal particles around it, then Firentia will be affected, too. Now, our fight with her will become a purely physical one.

Huh, I see. Then, we might have a chance to win!

Oh, you guys are underestimating me? Do you guys think that you can defeat me as long as no one can use Echo Crystals?

What a huge insult. Just watch as I beat you all down.

... Firentia.

Yes yes, I understand. Today is the debut of the Dragon Orchid. I won't steal its thunder.

It seems that you're quite sure about yourself. However, we've figured out that the nature of the Dragon Orchid is absorption.

That's right. Once we know its properties, there is nothing to be afraid of!

Hee hee. How optimistic you are. Ignorance is really sad, dear chairman.

Yes. You must have conducted a thorough investigation about the Dragon Orchid, right?

Raeon, what are you... Oh, no...

Xen, what happened to you? Why do you look so pale?

Guys, do you remember how the literature describes it?

The Dragon Orchid will endow the emperor who uses it... with superhuman strength!

Wow, I must admit that you have done a great job researching this time.

Then get overwhelmed by the power of my Dragon Orchid!

What was it just now? The... red light dragon?

I've never seen it before. What the hell is it...

Heehee. I just used the energy stored in the Dragon Orchid to strengthen myself.

I can manipulate the absorbed energy as I wish. This is the real power of the Dragon Orchid: Release.

The Dragon Orchid can absorb power from a specified object. It can also endow others with power as it did just now. Moreover, the receiver of the power is not limited to the owner themselves.

Red light begins to converge on Firentia.

Hehehe, now I can fight as I wish.

How could it be...

In the distant past, the Dragon Orchid could do nothing but absorb the energy left on the earth after the cataclysmic disaster.

To put it more straightforward, it could only absorb the dregs of Echo Crystal particles.

Even so, releasing that power into human body was able to make the emperor at that time a paramount hero.

Today the density of Echo Crystal particles is lower than it was. Thus, the power endowed by the Dragon Orchid today, naturally, is also lower.

Furthermore, the modern weapons that rely on Echo Crystal technology are no match for this power. All power in the world will be within my control.

Do you understand... now that the Dragon Orchid has been resurrected, nothing can stand in the way of my ambition!

(Well... we must fight now. But the problem is, our levels of strength...)

(Whether to deprive the power of a person or endow them with more is all at Raeon's whim.)

(We don't even have a choice now but to be manipulated by Raeon.)

(If... this is the power of the Dragon Orchid...)

Then how can we win...

Have you finally figured it out? That's right. You've had no chance of winning since the beginning.

People of Eastrise! You've seen it, haven't you? For so many years, we have been deprived of our rightful power and have had to keep a low profile. However, today is the end of our humiliation!

The Dragon Orchid has revived! Let's... prepare for the real revival of royal power and wait with anticipation and joy for this sacred moment!

Hm...

Can you unlock it?

I'm afraid... it's a little difficult...

The lock is specially made, and I have never seen such a strong fence even after being in the business for so many years. If I can get a sample of it, I'm sure it'll be a top seller.

Damn it, you think about nothing but money! When can we get out of here?

...So, why did Pan Pan capture us alive?

Of course it's for our public execution. The troopers on guard just said so.

But, up until now, I haven't felt that they tend to execute us...

... Perhaps, their plan has already succeeded.

What? What the hell are you talking about? We are still alive.

The execution itself is not important, right? What's important is that if the news is released that we will be publicly executed, then Miss Chiraha and the others will certainly not stand by...

You mean, if our enemies intend to kill all people who go to save us, then it doesn't matter whether we are present, right?

Yes. And the troopers who keep an eye on us today seem to be a little distracted, and their numbers are lower than usual... Maybe it's just my in my head.

So I am wondering if the public execution has already begun. Maybe I am just thinking too much.

No, I think you're right. Judging from the personality of Awakener, they would have come to rescue us by now.

Well, it seems that now it is not a good time to be prisoned here. I have no choice but to show my trump card.

Snezhana, why are you taking off your clothes?

Hehehe, just wait and see. I have my ways.

Emmm, my dear, could you please come over here...

Hush! Hey, you, what are you doing! This isn't appropriate!

It's hot in here.

Shut up! Stop this nonsense and put on your clothes...

... (Stares)

Hee hee. Why did you care so much about my body, dear?

Stop the nonsense! Who... would be interested in your body?

Oh?... What a pity.

What?

I was hoping that you could touch me...

...!

Please, dear, come closer... I can't bear it anymore...

Hey, hey, hey, so I...

Hee hee, thanks. It's time for you to get off work.

Uh!

Well, we can't keep waiting. We have to hurry up and meet Awakener and the girls.

Oh! How smart! Why didn't you show us your skills before?

A honey trap will only ever work once. After that, no matter how you plan, in the end, you must still rely on your fists to solve the problem. So this is our last resort and it's a big gamble.

Attention! Someone escaped!

Ah, it's been barely any time and we've already been found out!

Ha! It's better to keep it simple now! Just beat them down and that's it!

Hoo! Cool!

It's a bit of a relief.

Finally, we got out. The next step is just to find our partners.

Let's get out of here before their reinforcements arrive!