"They're still a bit rough around the edges, but they've exceeded my expectations regardless. Just don't ever tell them I said that."
Cosmo remarked as he stepped away from Blue's side.
"Where are you going?"
"It's about time I intervened. I doubt our general intends to toy with them any longer."
The dust blanketing the area from Yon's attack dispersed soon after, revealing the armored man standing there with scarcely a scratch, save for a small nick on his breastplate.
"Is that all?" he asked, glancing at the minuscule damage they had managed to inflict.
Red sighed at the man's words and smiled begrudgingly.
"I had a feeling."
"Damn it, what gives?" Yon leapt back alongside Tyson until the three stood shoulder to shoulder.
"Ever since we started attacking, he hasn't taken a single step. It's sad to admit, but he's been toying with us."
"Do not lament too much. For your respective levels, you are quite exceptional. However, you do not truly grasp how utterly dwarfed you are in every aspect of battle when standing before me."
"It's reasonable, considering they're facing an Apostle's servant."
Cosmo strode into the fray and tapped each of his officers on the forehead in turn.
"Tyson, you still haven't learned to use your eyes before your hands. It was wasteful to keep attacking until you stumbled upon a way in."
"Tch." Tyson looked away after shooting him an aggressive glare.
"Yon, learn to anticipate an opening rather than waiting for one. If you ask your teammates to carve a path, then you must step forward the moment they affirm it. You acted too late."
"Gotcha." Yon sheathed his sword.
"Red, you're still playing it too safe. Not everything that happens in a battle requires your intervention. Sometimes, there are more direct means of fighting while remaining observant."
"...Alright."
He didn't need to say it outright, they understood. It was time for them to withdraw.
"I take it you're their leader. How do you know who I am?" the armored man asked as Cosmo finally turned to him.
"First Lieutenant of the Lambert Branch, Veil‑0057. You're Artoria, servant of Desolation. Anyone who's heard of you could tell at a glance."
Yon and Red exchanged glances at Cosmo's blatant lie, but neither betrayed it.
"I see. Dogs of Veil, do you intend to face me alone? You'll need all the help you can muster if you're truly nothing more than a lieutenant."
"Actually, there's no need for that. We won't need to fight."
"Is that so?"
"Surely you've noticed it, that's why you spent so long toying with my officers. That awkward sensation won't leave you."
Artoria stared at his palms for a moment before looking up again.
"That's right. Do you know the cause?"
"Of course. It's simply because you're not real. Nothing in this zone is. It's merely a recreation crafted by a Shadowbeast."
"A Shadowbeast, you say? You mean to tell me a mere abomination attempted to recreate my being? No wonder I feel so shackled. It couldn't even replicate a notable fraction of my true level."
"Sure, whatever. The point is, the current you is about an orbital age out of date. So why don't you do us a favor and terminate that vessel before the beast weaponizes you against us?"
The others were stunned by the audacity of the suggestion. Taken at face value, it sounded as though Cosmo was deliberately provoking him despite the request.
"What nerve you have. Even as a mere replication, I am still more than enough to destroy you along with this zone."
"Even if you attempt it, keep in mind that the real you is somewhere out there in the Conmundia. Would it be wise to draw attention to yourself or act recklessly without knowing his intentions?"
This was a servant of an Apostle. Those beings whose power lay far beyond mortal comprehension.
To witness even a servant of one at all meant that catastrophe was imminent. Which meant they had to meticulously control who could observe them and when.
If even a trace suggested that a servant of an Apostle had acted against Veil officers without provocation, countless affairs would be overturned.
And without knowing the implications after an entire orbital age, there was no reason for him to attack them again. It would be foolish.
"Would you risk it for a situation where you gain nothing?"
After a long moment, Artoria's armor clinked as he pressed a fist against his helm.
"The thing is… I'm aware you're exploiting me."
Cosmo smiled innocently.
"But you are right."
That was the optimal outcome.
For the man to erase himself without a fight. Then they could move on to matters of actual importance.
With his hand still pressed to his head, they waited for him to shatter.
But the moment never came. Instead, he lowered his hand.
"I just remembered something."
"What is it?"
"Almost four orbital ages ago, the most unprecedented event ever recorded in the lower axis occurred."
Damn it…
"Eyes fell upon the Boundary of Bane after the anguished cry of an Apostle resounded across the Conmundia."
Artoria began walking forward as he spoke.
"To heighten the absurdity, the perpetrator was a mere human child. A ward of the Nebula, with silver hair and silver eyes. Even if it were a fluke, it was determined that the child must be eliminated to prevent another upheaval that could shatter the already fragile cosmic balance."
He stopped just short of Cosmo.
"Tell me again, Earth child, who are you?"
Now Cosmo was at an impasse.
It would be easy to maintain the lie, and there was no reason to change his answer. So why would an Apostle's servant ask such a question, expecting the truth?
Unless Cosmo had failed to hide a seething rage. That anger toward the one responsible for the torment he saw in his officer's pale red eyes.
It was wholly uncharacteristic of him to harbor such a feeling, especially toward a soulless construct like Artoria. There was no reason to indulge it.
Even if he wanted to defeat this warrior for simple satisfaction, it would be a waste of time.
He had no choice but to deny it.
So he smiled and opened his mouth to answer.
"Third‑generation Captain of the 57th Nebula Branch, Cosmo ■■■■■■."