In a distant place, a secret meeting was held between the kingdoms of the world.
Arthur said seriously,
"Today, I have gathered you to discuss matters concerning the Underworld."
Ren replied,
"I believe we should send soldiers to explore it."
Kudo added,
"Or we could summon the Seven Emperors to confront any danger within the Underworld."
Arthur shook his head.
"The Seven Emperors will not agree unless the mission is extremely dangerous."
Ryo asked,
"Then what is the solution?"
Taki said calmly,
"I think we should send soldiers to scout the area first."
Arthur looked around and asked,
"Who agrees with Taki's proposal?"
Ryo answered,
"I agree."
Kudo nodded.
"I agree."
Ren said,
"I agree as well. But where are the other kings?"
Arthur replied,
"They did not attend this meeting. Since we are all in agreement, each kingdom will prepare its soldiers."
After the meeting ended, Arthur left the hall and boarded his carriage.
"Ken, hurry back to the kingdom," Arthur ordered.
"At once, my lord!" Ken replied.
They headed toward the Kingdom of Himiko in the southern continent. Upon arrival, Arthur exited the carriage and made his way to the royal palace.
"Kento," Arthur commanded, "gather five thousand knights immediately."
"At once, my lord!"
Kento shouted,
"All knights assemble at once! This is an order from the king!"
The knights gathered at the designated location.
Arthur said,
"Prepare many carriages."
"Yes, my lord!"
The army departed toward the meeting point. Upon arrival—
"I have brought five thousand knights," Arthur announced.
Ryo said,
"All kingdoms have brought their soldiers."
Ren ordered,
"Mount up. We head toward the Gate of Hell."
Taki added,
"The one who opens the Gate of Hell must possess royal blood."
Ryo said,
"We are kings. We will open it ourselves."
Arthur replied,
"True royal blood belongs to ancient and powerful kings. I know someone who carries it."
Arthur boarded a carriage and traveled for several days until he reached a small house. He entered.
"We need you to open the gate," Arthur said.
"I will not open it," Ichii replied.
"We need you now," Arthur said.
"If you open the gate, we will try to bring your sister back from Hell."
"Do not remind me of the past," Ichii said angrily.
"I will help you, but only under one condition."
"What is it?" Arthur asked.
"Find my sister and my mother," Ichii said.
"Your mother is dead," Arthur replied,
"but your sister still has a small chance of being alive."
"Do not say that!" Ichii shouted.
"She is not dead!"
Arthur said firmly,
"Help us first. Open the Gate of Hell."
"…Let us go," Ichii said.
They left the house and headed toward the Gate of Hell to uncover the secrets of the Underworld.
Upon their arrival—
"We have arrived," Arthur said.
"Bring the dagger."
The dagger was handed to Ichii. He cut his hand and let drops of blood fall onto the gate.
The gate slowly opened.
"Enter quickly!" Arthur shouted.
They all stepped inside.
Ryo asked quietly,
"Do you think they will return alive? During the last exploration, we only discovered 0.1% of the Underworld and lost one hundred thousand knights."
Arthur replied,
"Do not be afraid. This time, we will