Retreat
Phew...
It just keeps going. This place never ends.
Nothing but ashes as far as the eye can see.
Yeah. When we first got here, there were collapsed buildings here and there.
...If this really is the [Counterside] I know, then yes.
I heard the Counterside consists of other worlds that perished long ago.
Well, either way, Rosaria's flames turned it into this mess...
But the undergroudn facilities the Replacers built are still intact.
That's where we are headed now.
Replacers?
The Replacer Syndicate.
They're the terrorists we were up against.
Kidnapping, murder, human experimentation...
They pulled every kind of atrocity, claiming they were creating a new kind of humanity that could live in the Counterside.
That's horrible...!
They're completely evil!
Exactly. That's why we chased them all the way here.
...Though in the end, both they and we were buried beneath these ashes.
Omega can't walk anymore... Omega's tummy is growling...
Are we there yet?
We still have a long way to go.
Eh? We've been walking nonstop already!
It's common to travel on foot for days out in the field. You'll get used to it.
Uuugh... Omega's gonna die at this rate...
We should rest for a bit.
...Very well.
Once we pass that ridge, there should be a place to rest.
Follow me.
Ooh... The shade here makes it feel nice and cool...
Don't let your guard down.
Those things you call [Voidborns] are spread throughout this area.
I didn't expect Voidborns here too.
Indeed. It means your world is not the only one being affected.
You are really calm, Hilde. Even in a situation like this.
You're just like one of those veteran mercenaries.
That's exactly what she is. A veteran mercenary.
Huh? Then Mina, are you a mercenary too?
...I guess you could say that.
Our job is to hunt monsters called [Corrupted Objects]. That's how we get paid.
More importantly, how long are you guys planning to tag along?
Until Hilde's gear is repaired.
So you're still planning to fight that Demon Lord?
Well, that's why we came here.
You should give up and look for a way back to your own world.
I'm not interested in dying for nothing.
Mina, come on...!
Living with your nerves on edge all the time is bad for your health.
Excuse me?
Getting angry at us won't solve anything.
Kgh...!
They got you good, rookie.
Are you siding with them too, Commander?
I have no intention of getting involved in childish squabbles.
But I also don't much care to watch my squad member vent her anger in the wrong direction either.
And one more thing.
Yeah?
Whoa...?! The ground is shaking really hard!
No, Omega! This is...!
These things were hiding underground?!
It seems they decided wandering around aimlessly was a waste.
Even so, it's nothing more than an ambush. All units, prepare for combat!