Darkflare

As the group in the lobby converse, one of the mecha maids approach them. "Excuse me. Flare-sama has asked me to escort you to his Meeting room." "I am aware that there are still others who have not arrived yet and will notify them when they do."

As Flare continues his escort, he takes the time to reflect on what has happened so far. First was the matter of the mass teleportation of the outsiders to this world. This many at once wasn't just a coincidence. Who brought them here and why? This world was rather unusual to begin with. He had heard Ingrid once mention that it had mixtures of various worlds as well as something of a will of its own. Though, whether she was being serious or just screwing with him again was impossible to tell. Regardless, there were too many questions and little to no answers for them. Until more can be found out, they were at a dead end. And then there's the situation at the slums. The place was pretty bad to begin with despite the efforts to help improve the place. But things somehow got even worse in a hurry. There was Hakumen's speech. His words meant to rally the people of the slums, only question is why? The whole place was swarming with guards everywhere, far more than just for "keeping the peace". They also wore old royal guard equipment. When he overheard Hina mention things were bad for them as well as the casualties, that's when he was convinced that something was going on there. He thought back to Hakumen's speech as he mentioned the terrorists and showed them on broadcast. His escort mission seemed too easy for a place swarming with guards. Though he couldn't confirm it, he couldn't disregard the possibility that he may be lumped with the "terrorists" for helping Hina and Yui out. As the thought about this, his phone began to ring. He noted was one of his mecha maids contacting him. "Flare here." "Flare-Sama, most of the group has returned. They're in the lobby right now." "They might want a quite place to begin planning their next move. Can you escort them to the meeting room while I get back." "Understood. Escorting to Meeting room." He put away his phone. He then realized that they were already at the exit. Though they moved quickly, it didn't feel like that much time passed. He must have been deeper in thought than he realized. He proceeded to climb up and out. "Almost there, ladies."

"We'll head to the Hangout once we get back topside. The rest of you guys seemed to be meeting back there and we're going to be needing to discuss a plan of attack." "And I wouldn't rely on these sewers to sneak into their territory. It's very likely they're guarding the entrances that lead to key areas. We were lucky they weren't covering the one near the slum's entrance."

"In and out clean. Couldn't have asked for a better result." Flare took out his phone again and sent another message before putting it away. "Let's get back quickly. But watch your step around here."

"I suppose in theory, you could analyze and update your battle data to more efficiently deal with different scenarios." "But as a fellow mechanical unit, I cannot recommend that the benefits are worth the cost of registration. You are, of course more than welcome to disregard my suggestion."

"Affirmative, alongside many of my sisters, the clerks and the Robo-Ky unit. This is a training grounds for fighters of all classes. The Warriors hangout provides many commodities to further train people, spar against fellow fighters or simply relax after a training session." "With that said, I am unsure how an android would benefit from this facility."

"My apologies, but I am not authorized to show match videos without the consent of all participants involved or under special circumstances." "However, I can mention that it was a closely contested duel. The conclusion was that Lady Melina forfeited out of pity or perhaps mutual respect. If you'll excuse me..." The mecha maid bowed before heading toward 5T, her method of approach would unintentionally make it seem as if she suddenly appeared next to him. "Greetings....hm? Another android? I don't recognize your model in my database."

"Oi oi, what's with that look? There's no guarantee your presence would have changed anything, you could have even been killed as well. Look at it this way, you were putting your faith in your friends to hold on while you were gone and you did save that woman's life in the end." "We can continue this talk later if you want. Right now, let's focus on getting ourselves out. We haven't been spotted, so there's no need to rush."

"The trial will still be there in the admittedly unlikely event she changes her mind. If you require assistance please don't hesitate to ask me or one of my sisters." She bows before heading off. Slum Village With guards all over the area, Flare couldn't help but feel uneasy. It was impossible to tell how long it would take to find Hinamori's group or if they were even alive. He mentally mapped out the area as he walked. Going back through the sewers would be the best way back, but they would have to make sure they don't get seen entering them. He took out his phone and began to send a quick message. It wasn't much but with limited options, it was all he could think of.

On a sudden moment, one of the mecha maids got in between Agni and Melina. "You two are making so much noise, keep it down." "From what I've heard it appears that you both are jumping to conclusions before having all the evidence at hand. If you would allow me to make a suggestion, might I recommend taking a cooperative trial? I believe Flare-sama would suggest the same."

"Please refrain from making too much noise. This area is for meditation as well."

"There is such a thing as being overprepared." The mecha maid proceeded to begin the massage session.

"Understood. Please lie down and relax. I must warn that there may be some discomfort during the process." "I also advise that you consider packing lighter. Your body clearly cannot withstand so much weight at once."

Once the two arrived in the room, the mecha maid turned toward Kirimuri "Is there a particular method you wanted?"

"I suppose I did mention it. Very well..." "Please follow me." The mecha maid would then proceed to lead Kirimuri to a room.

"The slums.... So Flare-sama must have known something about that broadcast earlier to have headed over there." "I'm certain he'll be fine. He should contact if he experiences any trouble. Now then, I believe you've come here for your massage?"

The clerk takes it and begins to verify it before giving it back. Male clerk: "Everything checks out. Please wait a moment." Not soon after a Mech Hisui enters the lounge. "So my assumption was correct that I indeed saw you earlier. I do believe I have mentioned something about a massage back in the forest." "By the way...." "Did Flare-sama come back with you? I haven't seen him recently."

Male clerk: A massage? Yes, we'll see if we have space available. I will need your pass."

"A back massage? You should be able to ask for one in the relaxation lounge on the top floor."

Flare went along with her taking out another Pocky stick to eat while looking to make sure none of the guards have spotted them.

As if on cue, the Mech Hisui that lead them to the arena would suddenly appear. "Are you done with your duel? If so, I will have to ask you to exit the arena. The infirmary is in the top floor if you require medical assistance."

"Sounds like there has been a change in plans..."

"Let's just hope these guards aren't suicidal enough to try and fight me. Do you remember where you were before? It's our best chance."

"We're going to regroup with the group you were in, right? Let's find them quickly."

Flare proceeded to pick up his pace as well to match hers.