After several encounters with demons, sometimes fighting them off, sometimes getting by unnoticed, Allen and his team finally arrived at the center of the forest.

　This is because the moment they arrived there, the forest opened up, and there was something like a cave entrance in front of them.

...... In a sense, it seems to be?
Well, it would be obvious if there was an artifact like that thing in the desert. I think it's the right thing to do, just in case it's found.

　The reason why Henriette looked up at the sky while nodding at Milene's words was probably to confirm her current position.
　I'm sure you've been thinking of walking straight toward the center of the city, but I'm not sure if there was even the slightest deviation.
　There's also the possibility that they hit the right spot by accident, so confirmation is necessary.

I have no objection to that, but is this the right place?　It's too dumb to go to the devil's stronghold and find out that it's not. You don't want to strike out for the second time, do you?
I'm sure it's okay. What I saw looked like the entrance to that cave from around here. With a forest of this size, it wouldn't be surprising if there were other caves, but I don't think there's anything like it.
I'm sure ...... is the center of the forest. If the scene matches the one Allen saw, then that must be the entrance to the base.

　If you have Henriette's approval, then it's safe to say that that place is the gateway to the devil's stronghold.
　However, that's why you need to be more cautious than ever from here on out.

We haven't felt any kind of surveillance from the devil while we've been here. Maybe that has something to do with the nature of this forest: ......
That's why you can be sure that this place is under extraordinarily close surveillance.
"Well, of course. But then what do we do?　Allen's going to attack us all at once?

　Although Akira's words were joking, it felt as if he was somewhat serious.

　Certainly, it's possible or not.
　But the premise is that if you have an understanding of the internal situation and structure, that is if you meet the conditions.
　If you can't meet that condition, it's indeed impossible.

Huh?　Why?　You guys can't use your clairvoyant powers, can you?　So why don't you take a peek inside?
Clairvoyant abilities are not a panacea.
The fact that they can see you means that there is a chance that they will see you. Well, Allen wouldn't have messed up that badly, but there's still a small chance that he'll know he's being watched.

　It's similar to what Allen sensed in the desert stronghold.
　A proper messenger would definitely be able to notice the peeping, and perhaps that demon in the desert stronghold would be able to notice.

　And that is equivalent to announcing an attack.
　If it was absolutely necessary, it was something to be avoided if possible.

I'm sure you're not going to be able to do everything that's convenient for you.
......, but what do you do then?
Hmmm, well, I have a few things in mind before I go to ....... Chloe, are you okay?
".................., eh?

　Chloe responds back a few moments later, perhaps not expecting to be approached.
　Surprise was on her face, but her slow reaction was the reason why Allen called out to her.

"It's okay, what?　As you can see, there's nothing wrong with me?
If that were true, I wouldn't have bothered to check to see if you were okay.
...... Speaking of which, Chloe, haven't you been talking for a while now?
"Ah ...... I see what you're saying. Sure, I'll have to make sure it's okay.
"Ugh ......

　Chloe cowered in fear as they all looked at her.
　Still watching, she couldn't bear to be watched, and she turned her head away slightly.
　Then a resigned sigh came out of her mouth.

Huh ...... How do I know? Well, yeah - I'm not too sure if ...... is okay, but honestly, it's not too okay.
What do you remember?
It's not like that. Look, like I said before we came here, I remember a little bit of what happened inside. I just can't help but think I'm going to go back there myself. ......

　Chloe's body was trembling slightly as she said this.
　I'm sure you'll be able to see that.

It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with your friends.
Hmmm, yeah. ...... So, you want to wait here?
It's a bit of a tough sell. It's not a good idea to have the guts to wait here alone ...... and then leave the rest to them after you've come so far. But if you ask me not to come because I'm a liability, I'll be waiting quietly. ......
"I'm not going to say that, but ...... yeah. Okay, then, I guess I'll let Milene do it.
"......?　Milene?　What?
We'll let Milene figure out how to get in. I'm sure Chloe will feel a little more comfortable if she's in charge.

　At those words, Milene's head remained tilted for a while, but eventually she understood what was going on.
　You will find that you can get a lot more than just a few of them.

...... Okay. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make Chloe feel a little more comfortable.
"...... really know what to do now?　I didn't get it. ......



　It is not a problem because Milene seems to have understood, even though Akira is looking at you with a quizzical look.
　It's easy for Akira to see that anyway.

...... hand
The first thing you need to do is to put your hands out ...... to the side like that, but I vaguely understand that it means to hold them. Does that mean that everyone needs to hold Milene's hand?　Or is it okay to do it indirectly?
"...... indirectly should be okay?
That's where I want you to be confident: ......

　Then with a wry smile, but for the time being, they move as they are told.
　The right hand is held by Chloe and the left by Allen, with Chloe and Akira, and Allen and Henriette each holding hands even more.

　And with that, Milene randomly walked towards the cave.

It's not just a matter of holding hands, but also walking out.　Are you sure you're okay with this?
Well, I know it's unsettling, but if you're ......, why don't you look at your feet?
"Underfoot?　What about your feet--whoa!　My feet are ......!"?

　No wonder Akira was surprised.
　After all, Akira's - or rather, everyone who held hands with Milene's - legs had disappeared.
　How could I not be surprised?

"What?　My feet are also ......, but I can feel them walking on the ground?
...... just can't see it anymore, of course. Also, it looks different from the outside.
I'd be completely out of sight. I guess you could take your hands off of it for a second and find out.
"Let's see, I'm pretty sure you guys disappeared the second you let go of my hand. ...... I see, this is how you get in.
That kind of thing.

　So this was one of the ideas.
　However, depending on the opponent's ability, it could be discovered, so you cannot be overconfident.
　Also, three out of the five of us would have our hands full, making it dangerous when the time comes.

　To reduce the danger, it would have been better if Allen was at the end of the line, but since Milene has designated Chloe and Allen as her handlers, it can't be helped.
　Well, as long as you're well warned, it shouldn't be too much of a problem if you're found out .......

　It's the right time, although there will be another problem then.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. ...... I knew Milene was handy.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier," he said, muttering to himself while looking at Milene.

　It's a very good idea to be able to have a good time with ...... but there's no time to ask questions about it, because the cave is right in front of you.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.

　And.

And. ...... When you say you'll be invisible, you're really just invisible. The voices will be heard.
I guess that means we need to shut up from here on out.
Strictly speaking, you need to do the least amount of talking and when you do talk, you need to do it as little as possible.
Yeah. Now, let's go to ...... and visit the devil's stronghold, shall we?

　With those words, Allen and his friends stepped into the devil's stronghold.