Mistress Of The Evil Forest
Case 210: A terrible play.

Buezrith, the Éminence Grise.

As one of [Astra Magical Academy]'s final enemies, this particular demon is quite hard to deal with. As its name suggests, Buezrith's methods of attack are rather similar to Efil's in a way.

But instead of manipulating people's emotions like Efil does, Buezrith wields the power to alter reality itself. At least, that's what it seems like. Not even the dedicated players who tore apart the game's code know what its power really is. Whether it's memory interference or some sort of mental manipulation... Skylar thinks Buezrith can alter living beings' past, but nothing can be sure at this point.

October 14, 1835.

''Uuh... it's already this late...''

Late at night, we gather inside the Backrooms. This time around, in addition to the usual Zircon forces, we also have the girls present. Since they are all central characters in the game, their influence is just as great. So, we absolutely cannot afford to let them be used as pawns by Buezrith.

''I mean, you guys are just so annoying.'' Chloe snorts, folding her arms. 

''What—''

''In the game.''

In a Chloe-like manner, she teases the other girls with a smug face, ''Most of the time, the player has to get through the altered versions of you guys before they can reach the mastermind. I guess there's a shock value to it, y'know, seeing the characters they raise so devotedly turn against them like that.''

''...Never thought I'd be called a character.'' Scarlett groans. ''So? What do you say we do now?''

''Stay still,'' Chloe replies nonchalantly. ''You guys are all nobles and princesses. If any of you turn against us, we'll have no choice but to subdue you, and that's both a waste of time and a waste of energy. The best thing to do is to obediently stay here and let the adults handle it. ''

''Adults, you say...''

At once, everyone's gaze falls onto Claire and me.

I can't help but let out a sigh, looking at the fidgeting heroine beside me.

This episode contains rather unpredictable elements, and knowing how Buezrith does things, the whole world will likely be our enemy this time. For that reason, it is perhaps best that only the two of us will act publicly while the main cast remain safe inside the Backrooms. Ideally, I should be the only one fighting, but Claire insists on accompanying me, saying something like 'It's my destiny!', it can't be helped.

Now, just like in the game, the Buezrith episode begins right on the first day of Claire's second year at the academy. In other words, the opening ceremony... which is tomorrow.

On that day, reality plays out differently than Claire's so-called prophecy dreams, confirming Skylar's words. While that is somewhat reassuring to the heroine, she soon finds out that everyone regards her as an evil being, thus leading to the various events inside the episode.

This time, it probably won't be much different. While I don't possess the holy sword, I have Claire who does by my side, and compared the the game's Claire... I have an army.

If that guy wants to defeat me, he'll have to pull out something far more impressive.

''Well, I'm going now.'' I finish the ice cream in my hand, standing up. ''Even if I'm not back... stay still.''

''Be careful, Aurora.''

''Mhm.''

''W-Wait! I'm also going!''

Nodding at Chloe and with Claire clinging to my arm, I teleport straight to the imperial palace. There's a brief resistance, but it isn't a big deal. A few seconds later, bright golden light flashes before me.

A humanoid figure emerges.

''I told you to enter normally...'' Graham sighs, shaking his head. ''What if I recognize you as an intruder and attack you?''

''Then you should retire,'' I reply. ''No longer cut for the job.''

''...''

 ''Anyway, anyone besides you?''

Although the Buezrith incident might seem unavoidable and unchangeable, that's only from the game protagonist's perspective. She doesn't know what might come, so preparations can't really be made, unlike us now.

And the most important thing is to secure the grandmasters' sanity. In short, making sure they won't turn hostile. Dealing with them is a pain, after all. 

The easiest solution? Throw them into the Backrooms. Buezrith's influence is not likely to reach there, and if something were to happen, I can always respond to it accordingly.

''We got everyone, thankfully.''

''That's good.''

The faint tension in my mind eases as Graham leads me to the other three grandmasters, who have decided to trust me and agreed to stay within the Backrooms during this episode. 

''Heya, masked lady!'' The little grandmaster, Ulaika, waves at me. 

Standing beside her are Bianca Cecil and Ivan Apollo, both with ambiguous expressions. Upon seeing Ivan, Claire shyly snuggles behind me as if to hide... but that only catches more attention.

''...''

Ivan doesn't do much aside from staring at her. Even if nobody tells him the truth, I suppose his grandmaster instincts are still smelling something. Sooner or later, this family will have to hold a meeting.

Well, until Claire feels ready, nothing will be revealed, though.

''We're going now.''

Nonetheless, I extend my hand, preparing to teleport again once they take it. One by one, from the smallest to the biggest, three of the four grandmasters put their hands on mine. Claire is already hugging me from the back. The only remaining one is...

''Ivan? What's wrong?'' Graham questions puzzledly.

''...No.''

Ivan Apollo shakes his head tiredly, then joins the bunch, ''It's just that my daughter is missing. I'm worried, that's all.'' He says.

'''' Ah. ''''

Both Claire and I let out a sound. We stare at one another nervously for a moment, but fortunately, we didn't sound too guilty... maybe. Let's not mention that for a while.

So, we're now in the Backrooms.

Only when surrounded by these endless walls do I feel reassured.

''I'll try my best to take care of everything in the shortest time possible,'' I clarify. ''I've prepared rooms, food, and other facilities here as well. If you need anything, make some noise, and I'll get to you.''

''It's like a field trip!'' Ulaika's eyes sparkle. ''Bianca, you and I stay in the same room!''

''Hm? Fine.''

The two female grandmasters, like sisters or mother-daughter, begin to explore the surroundings.

''Is there a training ground?'' Ivan quickly glances around. ''Preferably, a sturdy one.''

''There is, and it's indestructible.''

''Oh?''

''Telling the truth. Try your best.''

Perhaps taking that as a challenge, Ivan takes directions from me and scurries away. That leaves Graham, who seems somewhat dazed.

''I'll take a walk around here. Is that okay?''

''Okay.''

Done.

Technically, there's the emperor, too, if we want to thoroughly prepare, but since he wields the most power and can't be kept here for long, I'll just let him be.

''Hah...''

The day is almost over.

When the clock turns midnight, this terrible play... will finally begin.