Chapter 31

While waiting for the knights to have their health checked by Hiro, Allen seems to be suspicious of Eruna. His hunch was that the wavy brown-haired woman was hiding something. The two knights named Ron and Sal didn't even notice there was something strange about their friend. Allen also had time to think about requesting specifics about this site. Unfortunately, it's futile for him to ask. Until Allen had an idea.

"Have you found your way out of this place yet?"

A head shakes from Eruna. He handed her a map of the labyrinth they were exploring on their own. Allen muttered long. His two fingers touched the chin of the white-haired old man. His arms were folded. Half the sole is moved. The sound of half steps in the cowboy boots worn. His eyes were fixed on the current situation. Allen turned around, took a chair in the corner. The chair is turned to face the opposite direction. Allen's sitting position is also opposite. Showing the back of the chair in front of them. Allen's two palms opened [Storage], reloading the bullets he had. The white-haired old man asked for a magazine and a revolver-type bullet. For otherworlders like Hiro, this is commonplace because filling a bullet in a gun is a calming activity according to Allen. But for the others, such actions were torturing the ignorant knights. Including Eruna, Sol, and Ron who were shocked and scared at the same time. A deathly pale face emanated from Eruna's face especially.

"If not, let me help you guys," Allen suggested.

"In what way are you helping us?"

"Of course using my newest skill. [Body Double] is his name," Allen replied.

Of course, only Allen can access the skill. The white-haired old man didn't tell Hiro not out of distrust of the brown-haired youth. But something was preventing him from being honest. Hiro himself is a typical loner since his parents and grandfather died. No one wants to take care of him except for relatives who intend to send him to school for himself. But that's all it helps. No less no more. The rest of Hiro is treated as a stranger in the eyes of the family. Allen, who was guessing at his character, could only surrender.

Hiro had finished checking. Inquired about his condition and distributed some food supplies from Allen. He estimated that only two to three days would be enough. It was also shared rationally. Just like what Eruna did. Hiro glanced at the condition of Rina and Yumi who had not yet realized.

"In any case, I have to find some food soon."

"It's useless," said Ron appearing behind Hiro.

"How did you know?"

"When we searched, there wasn't any food to eat. Just a book and scribbles. Nothing useful."

"Nothing useful you say?" Hiro asked frowning.

Eruna turned around, handed a book to the brown-haired youth. The wavy brown haired woman was in no mood to continue reading. Besides the writing is not very clear, Eruna needs something to eat. But that doesn't mean she hates reading. She can't concentrate since her stomach was always rumbling. So, it is difficult to compromise to think or concentrate fully.

"Are you sure?"

"Why would I give this to you if you're not completely sure. Besides, something is bothering me about that note."

"Which notes?" Hiro asked opening the contents of the writing and showing the contents to Eruna.

'Monday, the 14th of mercury 745, I was trapped in a room. It was a very scary place. The party members had been killed by a terrifying sharp object. Curved. Glide fast. Until it splits someone in two. The blood splatter that hit me, immediately panicked and entered the room without thinking. I tried various ways to survive. However, there is nothing in there. I'm afraid I'll end up just like them.'

"This one?"

A response like shaking head from Eruna. But on a torn piece of paper in the middle of the page. And a date 16 mercury 745. It just says 'Don't look for me.' According to kanji. He turned to Eruna. Hopefully, they have some answers.

"Eruna, maybe the words after 'Don't look for me.' There will be new clues later."

"Are you sure about what you said Hiro?" Eruna asked confirming Hiro's words.

The firm nod of the brown-haired boy. The palms rummage through the page towards the end. Again the writing is not very clear. However, one thing is sure to lead to getting out of here. The kanji were shown to Eruna and the two knights.

"Heikōshihenkei no ishi wa, sōkō shite inai dōro ni tsunagarimasu. That is, the parallelogram Stone will lead to a path that has not been traveled. If, for example, any of you have such a stone, please show me."

"Parallelogram stone? There it is!"

Eruna quickly rummaged through the pockets on her armor. Then showed it to Hiro and Allen. When Hiro touched the stone, a bright light emitted with colorful light particles. He frowned. Can't believe what Hiro and Allen saw. Meanwhile, Allen took his diary.

"Lapis viam veritatis aperiet et homines ad libertatem ducet. Looks like we really need to get them out of this room."

"But how? You know it's here—"

"The path to truth and reaching freedom. The essence of this message is that we must use this stone as a guide. No longer relying on maps or anything like that. Because this place is so random."

Instantly, Allen's words bore fruit expressing the attitude of the three knights. Including Sal, Ron and Eruna who seemed flabbergasted. Until now, the three of them were walking according to the map obtained and the plan drawn by Eruna. However, the stone that is picked up is the main clue to getting out.

"That means this stone can detect a trap."

Allen turned page by page to make sure he didn't mistranslate. Since the white-haired old man knew Latin, he was able to grasp the gist of the context. The glances of the two eyeballs were fixed on the contents of the page that Allen was reading. Unfortunately there are no clues except pictures of the desert and the scorching sun. Then, Allen opened his status.

Name: Allen McCarthy

Age: 63 years old

Level: 5

Race: Otherworlder

Job: Adventurer

Ability: [Dual Gun] [Wind Elementalist] [Earth Elementalist] [Fire Elementalist] [Dark Elementalist] [Light Elementalist]

Skills: [Age Resistance] [Body Double]

Weapons: [Dual Pistol Revolver], [Dual Pistol Desert Eagle], [Marlin Model 55 Hunter]

Apparently, the [Body Double] skill had appeared after reaching level 5. Allen's magic energy was overflowing, until the white-haired old man felt all the veins fuse with the magic that sprung up. A circle of magic runes on both revolver pistols. He aimed the shot at the left side wall. The sound of gunfire and two bullets shot fast. Make a hole in the wall even if it's small.

Meanwhile, Rina opened her eyelids. The twinkling of her eyeballs looked up at the ceiling of the dark room despite the surrounding lighting. The black shadows are so visible. Turn to the origin of the shadow. Rina mumbled softly accompanied by coughing up phlegm. Responded with a response in the form of giving a bottle of water from Hiro.

"Are you awake now Rina?"

"Where am I?"

"Take it easy. You are in a safe place."

"Yumi?" asked Rina.

Hiro glanced at the ponytail haired girl. He was still unconscious after using [Abomination Berserk]. After that, Eruna approached Rina who was still lying down.

"You must be called Rina right? You don't have to worry about anything. Now-"

"I don't care about that… Eruna Cosphiart."

"How did you know my name? Even I never told this to anyone!"

Rina explains what happened to her through a dream. It all started when the long-haired girl was unconscious.

~o0o~

The woman in armor said in a strained voice. Anyone else who caught it must have misunderstood. Evidently the two teenagers were surprised to hear a statement from him. Allen approached Hiro and Rina.

"Calm yourselves. He's not done talking yet. I'm sure there's another explanation behind all this," Allen said glaring at the woman in armor.

She clicked his tongue in annoyance. Didn't expect the old man to be so calm while trying to calm her down. Plus, she had been trapped for several weeks. Until one of the soldiers couldn't take it anymore. When he opened the gate, a pendulum appeared in front of the door. Split into two parts. The woman in armor looked at the horror scene and was unable to hide her fear. Since then, she's been trying to solve this problem alone. Without anyone's help or asking help Sal and Ron. Even looking for food and anything to survive. And forbid the knights to leave the door. They obeyed the words of the woman in armor. Until Allen asked her a question.

"Fine if you insist."

The woman in the armor puts the helmet on the table. She also showed a letter in the form of an arrest from the Ars Kingdom to the Grimm brothers. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm have been accused of murdering hundreds of missing people. Not only that. They are suspected of being behind the mastermind behind building the Twin Towers without the knowledge of the King. This cannot be justified by the government. As a result, an arrest warrant was issued.

Allen thought hard to digest her words. Even though it was brief, he still didn't believe the king's orders. However, seeing the situation where the knights lost their motivation to fight made Allen think hard.

"Wait! How do we get out? I don't want to die in such a pathetic state!"

"Me too! What should we do?" said Rina panicked.

The two of them continued to say words until the surroundings became scared and panicked, Yumi woke up from her dream. She rubbed her eyes. Yumi saw a room so quiet and silent. The woman in armor realized that the ponytail haired woman had woken up from her slumber.

"Where am I huh?"

"Yumi!" Rina shouted hugging him tightly.

Suddenly, the tears couldn't be held back anymore. Rina couldn't hold back tears because she had only been left for a few hours. Yumi was surprised by a tight hug indirectly. She hugged her too.

"Why suddenly hug me, Ricchan? It hurts, hurts, hurts your hugs!" she complained.

"Gomenasai!" Rina let go of her hug because it was too much.

The woman in armor smacked her lips. Annoyed that his explanation was cut short by the naivety of the two of them, Allen sighed. Then the old man's footsteps walked towards the door.

"Old Man! What are you doing!" shouted one of the soldiers.

"You want to die!"

Allen heard their refusal. But he did not heed their words. When Allen opened it, a pendulum appeared at high speed, aiming at him. A sharp glance from Allen, dodging to the left. The sharp pendulum failed to hit it. The woman in armor expressed her surprise. For the first time, Allen was able to overcome the first hurdle. During this time, his men died on the spot because of their reckless and dangerous actions.

But Allen realized he couldn't hide forever. The pendulum is in a similar position, after swinging three times. The desert eagle's gun has been prepared. His eyes peeked through the gap in the door. It looks like the mechanism on the outside is a bit more complicated than usual. The pendulums kept swinging non-stop. Allen nodded in understanding.

"So that's why this hurdle is so hard to get through and they're stuck in this room forever. Is that right?" Allen asked the woman in armour.

"Yeah. That's right. You're right. All because of that damn Grimm," said the woman in armor.

The three teenagers turned to the woman. He sat cross-legged. Feel relieved because someone is willing to listen to his complaints. He looked up at the four people he had just met. It could be, they find the right solution regarding the problem that is in front of their eyes.

"The Grimm brothers. We've met them before."

"Really? Where?"

"Lastly in the Guild. Coincidentally, the two of them helped Hiro when he was attacked by one of the adventurers. However, we didn't know that they were behind all of this," Allen said honestly.

The woman in armor nodded slowly. He turned his head to the soldiers who were still muttering to themselves or frightened by reality.

"Your name is Allen, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Allen-dono, allow me to accompany you against the Grimm brothers!" said the clothed woman steadily.

Hiro, Rina and Yumi screamed in surprise. Couldn't believe what he said. Allen took a few steps back, stunned by the words of the woman in armor. They can see his eyes twinkling. Staring at Allen excitedly. The old man turned to Hiro and Rina. But neither of them looked at his face.

"What's wrong with you guys? Why don't you just look at me anyway?" Allen grumbled.

Yumi couldn't help but laugh. Her nose sneezed out. The ponytail haired girl rubbed her nose.

"Allen-san, we should accept the offer. We want to get out of this room anyway, don't we?"

The woman in armor nodded her head slowly. Feeling bad for the girl he just met. In his heart, physically and mentally already exhausted. The woman in armor reached out to Allen.

"Eruna Cosphiart. That's my name."

"Allen McCarthy. Just call me Allen."

~o0o~

Meanwhile, Allen tries to get out of a room. However, the pendulum pointed at the white-haired old man. Allen lowered his head. As well as pulling the trigger on the sharp object of the pendulum. Unfortunately that method didn't work. Allen's heart was pierced by the pendulum so that he was directed to the sky until nothing was left. But what the pierced pendulum is just a piece of paper. The actual body was still in that room.

"I see. It's not in vain that I used [Body Double] to do this."

"But if you keep doing it, it will use up the energy you have. Besides..." Eruna said in deep thought. "Something's bothering me."

"Like what, for example?" asked Rina.

"The pendulum mechanism. Frankly, we had a hard time analyzing the movement of the machine. If only—"

Yumi thought for a moment. The pendulum itself is a mechanical system consisting of a mass bound by a rope that can swing freely in response to the force of gravity. The way it works is in the form of swinging on the part of the load, then being pulled back and releasing it. Then, the pendulum will swing forever if no one is slowing down or accelerating the part of the load.

Hiro took out a coin with the string already tied. Then, swing around while watching the rope spin. Not focused on the coin alias the burden caused.

"Allen, I need your help to use [Body Double] again. This time, run as hard as you can to get to the middle. If it works, then we know what we have to do."

"Isn't that too much, Yumi?" Allen asked looking at the ponytail haired girl.

She shook his head. The ponytail haired girl watched Hiro busy doing experiments.

"All I have to do is study the amplitude. If only there was a pebble or the tip of that sharp object pendulum. I could figure it out," Hiro muttered to himself.

"Hiro-san, need help?" Yumi offered.

Hiro looked up at the ponytail haired girl. A sincere smile appeared on her face. Hiro's memories keep replayed during his lifetime. His parents greeted him while hugging him when he was still alive. Hiro felt a resemblance from Yumi's face. He smiled simply, accepting her offer.

"Thank you, Yumi."

Finally, the two of them did a brief experiment. Allen took a deep breath. Putting all his strength into the [Body Double] skill. The old man closed his eyes. Then, reopen with full smoldering. He ran from the side. Ignoring the pendulum that was approaching him. Allen turned his body to the right. Pull the trigger until it cracks the pendulum. In addition, Allen's movements began to be more agile than before. All thanks to [Age Resistance] gained during reincarnation.

Suddenly, the next pendulum pointed at Allen. The old man's two hands rested behind his back. Both legs back to perform the aerobic-style rotation technique. The pendulum begins to approach at high speed. Allen's eyes bulged sharply at the tip of the pendulum. Then the desert eagle's gun managed to bounce and the bullet could destroy the sharp shards of the pendulum. Allen smiled faintly. The strands of hair are cut off by the pendulum. Almost hit his nose. Allen aimed at the tip. Yumi watched Allen who was busy dodging. Then, he just realized.

"I see… I see. Hiro-san, can you measure time on a pendulum?"

"Time?" Hiro asked frowning.

Yumi nodded firmly. Rina, who joined the two teenagers, tilted her head. Don't understand what they are talking about. Eruna widened her eyes in disbelief at Allen's actions. So are the knights. They rejected the fact that Allen's movements were fluid and supple.

"Measuring time? Is it really possible?"

"As for the mechanics, let Allen know. What matters is how long the pendulum will swing. The more we know, the better we can prevent death. This is our chance to go!"

Hiro muttered while deep in thought. He glanced at the coin tied into a pendulum. He held his hand, then swung it back. This time, his lips spoke softly. About two seconds. Now, he saw the pendulum that was outside. Eruna concentrated the attack pattern of the pendulum. Hiro noticed the pendulum in the center. A jagged voice headed for Allen. The speed is getting higher. And Allen was hit by his attack. The old man groaned in pain. Out of breath due to her magic energy being drained. Yumi rushed to help him through [Healing Magic]. On top of that, he gave her a vial of MP Potions. Allen took a sip of the drink. It tastes bitter and unpleasant in the throat.

"Finish it, Allen-san. Because we all need you."

"But is it just relying on me to get through this?"

Rina turned her face away. While Hiro did not pay attention to him. Allen smiled bitterly. He swallowed it until not a drop remained. Allen rose to his feet, stretch the limbs to get ready to do the next phase. What this phase means is that he will finish everything in this floor. Rina and Yumi realize, that a man will finish in no time.

A serious expression appeared on Allen's face. He drinking water, get ready to run fast. The right foot goes first. A small piece of smoke was at his feet, starting to rub against the surface of the floor. Allen had calculated the time and the timing would appear. And Hiro was forced to obey Allen's wishes even though he was reluctant. The young man stood up, carrying paper and pencil. Allen ran to dodge the pendulum many times. One… two… three… pendulums hit Allen. His head and body dodged perfectly. All the knights including Eruna took a deep breath. Afraid something happened to Allen. Unfortunately, their worries were too much.

"How?" Hiro asked.

"Six seconds. The longer, the faster. The mechanical engine is still running."

The ponytail haired girl counts the amplitude pendulum done. Hiro watched carefully. Holding back as much as possible so as not to be angry or resentful. Rina felt the magic pressure inside Hiro. He patted her shoulder.

"Calm down. I know what you're thinking. But can you put your hatred aside for now?" Rina mumbled clutching his shoulder.

"Rina! But—"

"I know he was responsible for your parents' deaths. Even he wasn't able to protect them when it happened. But… why don't you give him a chance?"

"Chance? Have you gone mad?"

Rina shook her head. She gripped his shoulders so tightly that Hiro couldn't concentrate. On the other hand, Allen was still busy dodging. Unlike before, he chose not to use a gun because he wanted to know the amplitude in his own way. The floor shook quite hard. Even the wall on the side approached Allen. Not only that, the upper wall was getting ready to step on it. His legs were lowered to the ground. Pants follow. Right foot slides to the ground. The friction between the floor and the shoes you wear makes the movement slower. After sliding, he took the initiative to advance to a door. That's when Allen realized behind him was a pendulum at high speed.

"Damn it!"

Allen's body is sideways to the right. Almost stepped on the button near the rock. The man had managed to avoid death in sight. Meanwhile, Eruna was surprised by Allen's technique. The two girls took a deep breath. Relieved that his partner, Allen made it to the destination. Not only that, Hiro and Yumi have calculated the available amplitude and time estimates.

"Yumi, you take care of them. Use your latest stat skills and abilities. Most likely, you're the only one with a pretty good chance," Hiro muttered.

Hiro took a deep breath. He ran fast. Apply the results of observations and experiments to coins.

First of all, about the pendulum. There are seven pendulums pointing this way. Beside Hiro, there was an abyss that could lead to death. He guessed, the abyss reached fifty meters. Because the last he felt when one of the pebbles fell. And a voice echoed from below. Hiro found out while in a life and death situation. What a bad timing, he thought to himself.

Hiro continued to dodge. The right foot tries to speed up the movement. Not forgetting his Great Sword he was holding. When there is a pendulum behind Hiro, the sword can deflect it. The wind blew from the left side, he felt the wind elemental pressure from all over his body. Then Great Sword Grandark sucked in the wind. Hiro's sword swings from the side, turning around in a circle.

From a distance, the figure of a monster was behind him. The roar signals all the pendulums to stop moving according to the propulsion engine. Now, the pendulum is free to move. Hiro was surprised by the sound.

"Hiro-san!" shouted Yumi and Rina.

"Hiro!"

"There is no other choice!"

Hiro's sword swing deflected several pendulums. then cut it into two parts. In front of Hiro is also a pendulum. Planning to fend it off. But he reacted too late. His body was hit by a pendulum slash. Blood splattered from inside the body, seeping the clothes worn. And his armor was damaged. He squeezed the wound.

Allen tries to help Hiro. He didn't want to lose the people around him. Hiro bit his lip. When the remaining pendulum swings begin to lunge at Hiro. He screamed loudly, parrying it until the heel nearly fell. Hiro held on to the tip of the pendulum. Then punch it with the earth element, until the sharp surface of the pendulum shatters. The pendulum fragments scattered everywhere. A sharp gaze directed forward. Then looked to the side.

"Hey old man! I'll catch up later!"

"What do you mean-"

Before he finished speaking, the pendulum beside him lunged at Hiro. He deflected it with all his might. But unfortunately, the rebuttal actually crashed. And Hiro fell from the abyss. Allen, Yumi and Rina screamed in fear. Couldn't believe what they saw.

"Hiro!"

~o0o~

"That's why I don't want to tell anyone," admits Rina.

"Since when did you have that dream?" Allen asked.

"If I'm not mistaken, when I managed to stop Yumi from being in a rage."

Allen muttered long. Didn't expect Rina's dream to happen later. Nevertheless, the white-haired old man stared at a tightly closed door. Five feet of Allen's boot, loaded with a revolver. While passing by Yumi, the girl with long hair grabbed her left shoulder. Allen turned to Rina. The two people stared at each other.

"Are you planning to die?"

"How could it be. I will use the [Body Double] skill. Because I wonder if the rock Eruna is holding can guide our way out of here."

Allen's words are true. Rina and Hiro think carefully about the next plan. The rock that Eruna was holding was snatched by Allen. The index finger is swung from behind. Eruna, Sal and Ron frowned. Following Allen and Hiro in the front position. Allen turned to Eruna and the two knights with him.

"I want to try it. You guys wait here."

The words just now even frowned around them. Including Hiro, Eruna, Sal and Ron. Likewise Rina who was just surprised by Allen's recent words. As the white-haired old man stepped away, the long-haired girl approached him. He tapped his shoulder with a sad look. Allen looked at Rina in confusion. Her lips parted, reminiscing about her granddaughter. Imagining when she was grown up and has similar with Rina.

"Grandpa, let's go fishing with grandma sometime. Just like before."

Allen shook his head quickly. The look in his eyes focused on the bitter memories of the past. In a sense, longing for his grandchildren. Both eyeballs were blinked. Smiling as he stroked his head. Prepare to head out of the room alone. Activates [Body Double].