Dark Fantasy: Super Coward Mode

“Hmm, this seems like a mistake, doesn’t it?”

The Princess’s voice trembled slightly, revealing her unease. She seemed as startled as I was.

Up until now, we had assumed this massive structure was the true form of the Second Princess.

But an ice statue?

If that’s the case, we’ve come all this way for nothing.

“Aphta, if you knew, why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

Aphta, who had spoken nonchalantly as if she had been aware of this all along, hadn’t warned us beforehand. She should have told us not to bother coming here in the first place.

At my question, Aphta averted her gaze diagonally, appearing deep in thought, before returning her eyes to me and answering.

“Because we needed to come here anyway.”

“Needed to?”

“She’s inside.”

Aphta pointed at the statue as she made the declaration.

The Princess and I stumbled, momentarily losing our balance at the revelation.

If that’s true, why did she make it seem like this wasn’t the right place?

For a second, I’d thought we’d have to retrace our steps entirely.

So, the Second Princess is inside this impenetrable-looking statue?

Oh.

Suddenly, the difficulty of this mission skyrocketed.

“Is there no way to get through it?”

The Princess asked Aphta, who closed her eyes briefly before stepping closer to me.

Her hand pressed against my chest, and she stood still.

“It’s time for you to come out.”

“…”

After her murmured words, a sudden surge of energy within me began to stir violently.

It felt as if needles were piercing every inch of my skin.

My strength was draining rapidly, and I could feel the flow of blood in my veins slowing down.