-1531- The Winged Hunter

"Rumble..."

In the underground city, the ground, walls, and even the ceiling began to shake uncontrollably at that moment.

People cried out in surprise, despair, and even screamed in agony, falling into panic, not knowing how to deal with the situation. They could only turn their backs to the direction of the explosion and run with all their might.

This was the weakness of this underground city — a lack of combat power.

Even though it housed many people protected by or serving the Pope's faction, there were few Sky Wizards, and even fewer Armored Beetles capable of fighting. The only real combat strength was represented by River Endycase and Cris.

The two of them were rushing toward the explosion with all their strength.

Even Annerose Sutherland Vebel had left her residence in the Aries Sanctuary, gazing thoughtfully toward the chaos from the rooftop.

In the midst of this, Emilie Witbern was blasted out from the center of the explosion. Collapse Force still surged around her like a black tidal wave, with waves of uncontrollable power radiating from her.

That power was leagues beyond what Real Nua could produce — it would easily outclass him by miles.

Those who wielded Collapse Force held this kind of terrifying combat strength.

Just as Annerose had said, the only force that could stand against Collapse Force was either Collapse Force itself or an equivalent power.

With Collapse Force in hand, Emilie looked down at the epicenter of the explosion from above, muttering to herself.

"Did I go too far?"

After fighting to this extent, even someone as carefree as Emilie started to reflect a little.

After all, at the beginning, Emilie hadn't intended to use Collapse Force.

"No matter how strong he is, if I hit him with my full Collapse Force, there's no way he'd come out unscathed, right?"

Emilie couldn't help but feel a little regret.

Yet, Emilie was completely unaware of what was happening behind her.

Unnoticed, a figure had appeared behind her.

Just like when they first met.

"Thud!"

A hand suddenly reached out from behind Emilie and tapped her on the shoulder.

"…!"

Emilie jolted awake, and without thinking, she whirled around, her cursed sword transforming into a black blade, slashing behind her at lightning speed.

However, this time, a fist met her strike.

"Clang—!"

With a metallic clash, the iron-like fist struck the cursed sword and sent it flying back.

"So, Armored Beetles can use battle skills too, huh? Consider me impressed."

Hearing this voice, Emilie finally saw clearly.

Standing behind her was Rozen, who raised his gaze and looked at her, a smirk on his lips.

Then, without any warning, Rozen did a backflip and launched a kick.

"Crescent Moon!"

This was a martial skill from SAO, a kicking technique that could be executed during a backflip.

Caught off guard by the sudden close-combat attack, even Emilie couldn't react in time.

As a result, Rozen's kick, resembling a crescent moon, landed squarely on Emilie's abdomen.

"Bang!"

With a heavy thud, Rozen's foot slammed into Emilie, creating a gust of wind.

"Ugh…!"

Emilie groaned, her body sent flying like a cannonball. Amidst the piercing sound of air being torn apart, she crashed into the ground.

The ground trembled again, cracking and collapsing with Emilie's impact. Dust and debris were sent flying.

Having taken a direct hit from Rozen in his Rigid Body state, even someone like Emilie was knocked down, her figure vanishing into the ground, buried beneath the rubble and dust.

Only then did Rozen's figure slowly descend from midair.

His gaze, as though it could penetrate the layers of dust and debris, landed on the buried Emilie, and he smiled slightly.

At this moment...

"Rozen!"

A voice called out to Rozen.

It was River's voice.

Rozen turned his head toward the direction of the voice and saw River and Cris rushing over.

"Yo, you guys are here."

Rozen greeted River and Cris casually as if nothing had happened.

But that casual demeanor only made River furious.

"'Don't you Yo me! Do you think this is the time for greetings...!?"

River rushed up to Rozen, clenched his fist, and without hesitation, smacked Rozen on the head.

"Clang!"

A metallic sound rang out.

"Oww...!"

River clutched his fist, bending over, tears almost welling up from the pain.

"You're way too worked up, don't you think?"

Rozen said, expressionless.

"Worked up? Of course, I'm worked up!" River shouted while nursing his hand, glaring at Rozen. "If I don't get worked up, I won't have the chance to anymore because you guys are going to tear this entire underground city apart!"

River was fuming.

"It's not that bad."

Rozen seemed indifferent.

But deep down, Rozen knew better than anyone that River's reaction wasn't exaggerated.

"You're being reckless, Rorelei," Cris sighed. "With your power and Emilie's fighting here without restraint, the consequences are severe. Not to mention other factors — if something goes wrong, the rights of the Armored Beetles might be revoked."

"Exactly!" River added, fanning the flames. "Humans here already despise the Armored Beetles. If word spreads that Emilie and you fought, causing such a huge disturbance, someone could easily twist the story, saying the Armored Beetles are plotting rebellion and endangering humanity. The trouble that could cause between the two factions would be more than you can imagine!"

If not for that, River wouldn't have been so agitated.

However, Rozen focused on something else in River's words.

"Looks like you both know who I was playing with."

Naturally, they did.

As Annerose had said before:

"There's only one person in our faction who wields Collapse Force."

Indeed.

Among the humans, there was one Collapse Force wielder.

And that person was...

"Well, well, you've finally come."

With a casual tone, a figure slowly floated up from the ground and approached the group.

"Seems like we can't continue fighting anymore. What a pity."

Covered in dust, Emilie smiled lightly, her gaze fixed on Rozen, full of fighting spirit and determination.

Clearly, after the recent battle, Emilie had to admit it.

"As expected of the hero that the Pope has been fixated on. You're truly strong. I can somewhat understand why she's placed all her hopes on you."

Emilie smiled sweetly.

"Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Emilie Witbern, currently affiliated with the human faction as an Armored Beetle."

"Some call me — The Winged Hunter."

"Nice to meet you, little boy."