Section 6: The Battle To Reclaim Area Two

...

...?

BRAAAaaah!!!

They've seen us! All right, let's do it just like we planned!

I'll keep Fujimaru safe for now!

I'm in danger.

Got you!

Waha! Thanks!

It's you again!

Hmm?

As we thought. These creatures are still too fast to dodge, but thanks to this armor...

...they can no longer devour a Con in a single bite.

If anything, now trying to bite the Con stops them in their tracks and gives us a perfect opportunity for a counterattack!

I am sorry to be using them as little more than bait, but this is our best chance to take these creatures out!

Oh, don't worry about it. Facts are facts.

Besides, if they change tactics and start coming after us instead of the Con, we can just drive them off.

Keh heh heh, there is no longer anything we need fear!

And it's all thanks to you making the Cons' armor, Fujimaru.

This has been a huge help. We never could have solved this problem on our own.

？！

Oh no, not at all. I may not be used to this kind of work, but it was very educational.

Besides, these may not be idol costumes, but, heehee, they're still very cute! Ahh, just look how well they fit their little bodies!

By the way, I love your outfits, too. They're simple, but very stylish. I hope you'll let me take a closer look at them later!

Me, I'm always glad to cut my walks short if it means doing needlework like this!

'Sides, I might run into a bride one day who wants to wear a metal wedding dress.

And if that happens, this'll have been a great learning experience!

Still, I'd really like to make a traditional bridal outfit next time!

All right... Let's keep an eye on the Con and wear these things down until they can finish them off!

Just like our first battle.

But our opponents here are going to make the first move, so we'll need to be ready to react accordingly.

That means we'll need to stay in sync more closely than ever, Nhị!

I know. But don't worry. Knowing us, we just can't be out of sync!

I, I, I'm not giving up!

Ahahahaha! Splendid! Now THAT is resolve!

Very well then... Gallop, Houshou Tsukige! Bishamonten's protection is with us!

Bishamonten's Eight Aspect Rotating Formation!

BRAAAaaah!!!

Now! Both flanks, charge!

Ahahahaha! Well done! That was magnificent!

It looks like that was the last bunyip. Which means

？！

Not the most elaborate show, ever since the outfits were changed, but I guess it went well enough.

Oh yes. And we managed to rescue all the Con that got eaten, too.

I think we can safely say we've reclaimed this territory from the bunyip, and peace has returned.

But, we can't let this success go to our heads, either.

Now that things are changing, we'll have more to be wary of.

Yeah. Just because we get rid of the water monsters now doesn't mean new ones won't take their place.

It's great that we've expanded the safe zone...

...but it also means we have that much more territory to watch over.

Indeed. As they say, the larger the land, the harder it is to defend.

At least for most people. I, on the other hand, was the great Empress Regnant who unified all of China's massive territory perfectly.

I know what you mean. It's so hard to watch over the entire underworld all by myself.

The Gallû Spirits can help, but they can't change the fact that my workload only goes up, not down.

True, we'll need to think about how to keep all this territory safe once things have settled down.

But for now, our first priority is setting up patrols and investigating this area. I'll arrange more helpers for that.

In the meantime, why don't you guys head back to your base for a well-earned break?

You have some coconut juice ready to go to celebrate, right? Man, that sounds delicious!

Phew. This may not be as good as my usual postvictory cocktail, but this coconut juice is all right.

...Hm?

What is

...What are you doing?

Wah.

...

You've been skulking about for a while now, haven't you?

But I know why. Go on, let's have it.

Here. I got this for you.

Aww, this is a beautiful flower.

I used to think these kinds of straightforward displays of support were silly, but now, I like them.

Thank you, shy one.

So, you're a fan, hm? Well, I can't blame you. Even the Con must be enthralled by my bright, shining stardo

Yeah, but maybe not?

Hmm?

This is a thank-you. You saved me. Twice.

Without you, I would've been monster chow.

Twice? ...Ohhh.

So you're that Con. I can't really tell you apart, so I didn't know.

Me saving you twice was just a coincidence. But, hey, these things happen.

The important thing is you're still alive.

So here! It's to thank you! You're so pretty, Lam-Lam!

Oh yes. I'll happily take the flower.

Presents from fans are as precious to me as jewels. I'll cherish it.

(...Hehe. These things are no Leviathans, but they're still pretty cute.)

Here. It's not much, but let me thank you for your thank-you.

Wa?

I had a spare ribbon in my parka pocket. Come here.

Um... I'm not too good with my hands, but I should at least be able to manage this...

There. Now I can tell you apart from the others.

Consider it a bonus for being the first member of my fan club on this island.

Much more practical than blowing you a kiss, right?

Waha! This is great! Thanks!

Yes, yes, you're welcome.