[Swing].
It's a skill that doesn't require intense visualization like other skills, you just swing it hard.
Whoosh!
This skill doesn't even have common effects like a glow on the weapon or a gust of wind.
When I played the game, I was a bit dissatisfied with this part.
High-level skills usually have flashy effects and cool names, but why is this skill so plain?
Today, I realize the answer.
'Ogres are also efficiency freaks.'
In reality, effects don't actually help. They just make you stand out, and if your opponent is experienced, it just reveals your information.
This is actually more practical.
And as if to prove it…
「Regal Vagos has cast [Dark Veil].」
…he uses a defensive skill.
I don't know what his reasoning was for making this decision.
Maybe he thought it would be enough.
Or maybe he judged that it's more rational to maintain distance and aim for a vital point with his sword rather than retreating.
But…
Kwagic!
The 4th-grade skill [Dark Veil] shatters in less than a second as soon as it comes into contact with my mace.
It's only natural.
Although it doesn't have a grand name like [Earth Tremor] or [Avatar's Wrath], [Swing] is a high-tier attack skill even among level 3 skills.
"...!"
He twists his body, finally realizing the situation.
Geez, if he was going to do that, he should have dodged from the beginning.
Thwack!
Although it's not the head I was aiming for, my mace successfully lands on his shoulder.
He lets out a short groan as I land a clean hit and hurriedly creates distance.
Tadat.
His dislocated shoulder is drooping at an unnatural angle.
He quickly puts his sword in his mouth and moves his remaining hand towards his pocket.
It's probably a subspace pocket.
And he's probably trying to take out a potion.
'Who does he think he's fooling?'
I have no intention of giving him time to recover.
"Dwarkey! Use Voice Control!"
I shout as soon as he dodges my mace with his agility-based character movements.
And I quickly give orders.
"Hikurod, Rotmiller! You two protect Dwarkey. Misha, stick close behind me!"
Of course, there's no time for long explanations, so I first rearrange the basic formation…
…and then give detailed instructions one by one.
Fortunately, my companions accept their respective roles without a word of complaint.
Dwarkey is the first to act.
Whoosh!
The moment he dodges my mace with his agility…
…a curse spell seeps into his body.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 9th-grade curse spell [Slow].」
Actually, with just this, Dwarkey is doing his part.
After all, this guy is specialized in agility.
"You pathetic bastards…"
He doesn't hide his anger and starts using his full strength.
It's the 5th-grade essence [High-Grade Acceleration] and [Afterimage].
His agility must have doubled in an instant.
Tadat-!
It's so fast that my eyes hurt just trying to follow his movements, even with my decreased Perception.
'This fast even with the stat adjustment and the Slow curse…'
I'm reminded once again that he's a monster, but I calmly do what needs to be done.
'His arm isn't healing, so it seems like he doesn't have any regeneration essences or Numbered Items.'
I narrow down the possibilities based on the newly acquired information.
And I focus on my role.
Ah, of course, my role is simple.
Slash! Clang, thump!
To stand in the middle of the passage and get beaten up.
"Give up on surviving."
He sneers at me.
Indeed, with him using his full strength, it's impossible for me to dodge or block with my current Agility. And blocking his Akro longsword with my shield is practically meaningless.
So as a result of just tanking with my body…
Sizzle!
…my whole body is quickly slashed, and acidic blood flows out from the open wounds.
Since the Vampire essence is gone, the wounds don't heal on their own anymore.
But it's not a problem.
Have I ever devoured an enemy with my teeth intact?
Clang!
Rotmiller, who was restraining the enemy from afar with his crossbow, throws a potion he took out of his [Treasure Vault], checking my condition in real time.
「Body regenerates due to [Moderate Healing] effect.」
It's the classic Barbarian Beginner Mode.
'It's been a while since I've done this.'
Unlike me, who's feeling a strange sense of nostalgia…
…he's looking at me with disbelief.
But did he realize that I'm not completely immune to pain after checking my expression?
He mutters incredulously,
"…You're insane."
It seems like he's never encountered anyone like me, even though he's been in and out of the labyrinth for years.
'I've received an unexpected compliment.'
Of course, I'll repay him with my mace.
Whoosh!
As soon as he nimbly dodges…
…the dwarf's support follows.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Discharge].」
A ball of electricity is shot at the perfect moment as he's in mid-air.
He dodges it by stepping on the wall and jumping again.
However, I'm not particularly disappointed.
Because that's not the dwarf's real role.
I only asked the dwarf to do three things.
"Do you think anything will change just because you pathetic bastards gathered together?"
To provide ranged support with 'Lightning Discharge'.
To protect Dwarkey in case of an emergency.
And…
「Regal Vagos has cast [Fear Engraving].」
…to use the item at the right time.
「Hikurod Murad has used [Guardian's Bracers].」
The 4th-grade monster Nightmare's ability, [Fear Engraving].
It's a skill that temporarily inflicts a strong sense of fear on the enemy and then recovers physical stats in proportion to the amount of fear inflicted.
「Strongly pushes back enemies and temporarily grants immunity to all harmful effects on allies.」
A gust of wind blows, and my mind clears up before the skill can even take effect.
As expected, 'Guardian of Balance' isn't dispelled.
Because it's not a harmful effect.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
I quickly charge towards him as he's pushed back, even using [Wild Release].
And I swing my mace down.
Whoosh!
I don't use [Swing].
Because he'll definitely dodge it.
Tadat-!
He twists his body to the side and swings his sword at me.
But at that moment, Misha, who was sticking close behind me, aims for his side.
Thump!
The blade pierces his skin, shallow but definitely.
He flinches and immediately turns towards Misha, but she quickly moves and hides behind me.
'Nice.'
It's the exact movement I was hoping for.
He grits his teeth and mutters,
"Don't get ahead of yourselves."
Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any other problem with my tactic, seeing him praising me again.
Therefore, I maintain the current situation.
「Body regenerates due to [Moderate Healing] effect.」
I take the role of a meat shield.
Dwarkey, Rotmiller, and the dwarf provide ranged support.
And Misha jumps out and stabs him with her sword whenever there's an opening, such as when he's electrocuted or dodges my attack.
Clang, slash, thump!
Damage steadily accumulates as the battle drags on.
"Don't think you'll return alive."
He eventually uses other Numbered Items and essences that aren't known to the city.
However, nothing changes.
The frequency of potion use increases, but it's not enough to turn the tide.
Geez, all talk and no action.
'…Anyway, he was 9th grade after all.'
All nine of his essences have been revealed.
The only 3rd-grade essence he had was the one that was already known.
Well, it's only natural since even at 9th-grade level, it's not an item you can easily obtain.
"Bjorn! That glowing blade is coming again!!"
I sense that it's time to go for the win.
We've confirmed all his cards in the 30-minute battle. If this continues, he might retreat for a moment, bring the priest, and come back.
Therefore…
'Now.'
Now that they've become accustomed to the situation due to the prolonged battle…
"...!"
…I dash forward with all my might and reach out.
Tadat.
He steps back slightly and creates distance.
It's not much different from that psychopath bitch.
Moving just enough to dodge when you think they've gotten used to it.
Thanks to that…
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
My body expands, and my arms lengthen accordingly.
I grab his neck without missing the opportunity.
"...!"
A look of urgency appears on his face for the first time.
He must not have known about [Gigantification] since I intentionally didn't use it until now.
It feels like all the hardships I've endured have been rewarded.
'Red light.'
I subtly check his Traffic Light Ring, and the red jewel is glowing.
Therefore…
…I raise my mace and shout without holding back,
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
For this one chance.
The trump card I've been patiently waiting for.
It will be my ultimate move from now on.
In other words, with my stats boosted by [Wild Release] and in [Gigantification] state, I put all my strength into—
'Swing.'
I swing my mace down towards his head with all my might. I'm certain that if I land this one hit, it will all be over.
That's why I was able to see it.
"Na-undejeu Aunjo."
All the changes that occurred the moment his lips parted.
「Character's Soul Power is insufficient.」
「[Gigantification] ends.」
Strength drains from my body.
And my vision narrows as my height suddenly decreases.
Kwaaang!
The mace swings normally and hits the ground.
"Keuheuk."
He's escaped from my grasp and is vomiting blood. And I can only think about one thing as I see this.
This damn bastard…
…what the hell did he just do?
The answer comes quickly.
'Damn it.'
The unique skill that all Dragonkin are born with.
The Dragon Speech, which he's supposed to be unable to use because of the 'Dragon's Curse'.
「Regal Vagos has cast [Dragon Speech: Soul Silence].」
It was Dragon Speech.
______________________
'Guardian of Balance'.
This field effect equalizes the total stat points.
But we still have to fight one against many.
One of the 4th-grade essences is also sealed.
I found a way to deal with his Akro longsword thanks to the Ogre essence, and I even used all the consumable items I obtained from the hidden rooms.
And I even aimed for the decisive moment with my ultimate move.
Even a 9th-floor explorer should be able to defeat him with this much, I thought.
How pathetic.
Despair can come to anyone, anytime.
In short, getting diagnosed with a rare disease at a young age. Losing a loved one in an accident on the way to a trip.
A fire breaking out in the house of a relative you're living with.
Your mother, who said she would be with you tomorrow, suddenly disappearing.
These are all things that can happen in real life.
Without any warning.
Whether it's raining or sunny.
Suddenly.
It's something that comes to find you.
Just like this moment.
"Tsk."
He spits blood onto the ground.
And he picks up the Akro longsword that fell to the floor.
However…
Crackle!
…sparks fly from the sword as if rejecting his touch.
He frowns and tries to grip the sword, then puts it back into his subspace pocket.
And…
Thud.
…he slowly takes a step towards us.
I lift my mace with difficulty.
The mace, which felt as light as a feather a while ago, is now as heavy as a steel bar.
Thud.
I don't even have time to think as the information about this phenomenon comes to mind.
「Character has entered a state of Soul Exhaustion.」
Soul Exhaustion.
It's a status effect that's inflicted when your Soul Power reaches 0%.
Even in the game, I've only experienced this a handful of times. No matter how much you spam skills, your Soul Power doesn't usually reach 0%.
「All stats temporarily decreased by 70%.」
I realize…
"Suddenly everyone is quiet, did I win?"
…that New Plan A has failed.
And the price for that…
Well, I'll find out soon enough.
Thwack!
My body is thrown back by his kick.
I blocked it with both arms, but the impact reverberates through my bones.
"Bjorn…!"
Misha hurriedly swings her swords and charges towards him, but she's too far away to reach him.
He grabs her wrist with his arm and disarms her, like a master martial artist.
And…
"You pathetic bitch."
…he kicks Misha in the stomach, sending her flying.
The crossbow bolt that Rotmiller shot just in time?
It's cut in half by his sword before it can even reach him.
"Because of these insignificant things…"
He mutters coldly, looking at us.
His words send shivers down my spine, and my heart pounds as if it's malfunctioning.
But even in this situation, my mind habitually combines the clues available.
"You probably… don't know."
He's also not in a good state.
Although he vomited blood earlier, if he were at 100%, my arm would have already been broken.
It seems like he can't even use his sword right now.
"Just how much time I've wasted in this shithole."
There are several positive factors.
But it's still nothing compared to us.
"Mi, Miss Misha! Co, come to your senses!"
I hear a whimpering voice from behind, and he takes another step towards me.
"Barbarian, don't even dream of a peaceful death. Even death won't be able to save you."
It's not just a threat.
I know what his only 3rd-grade essence is.
Thud-
The situation is truly desperate.
What should I do?
It seems like it will be difficult to even run away at this rate.
That's when…
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
Ice Spears with the same power as before are shot.
Two of them.
And with 'Trajectory Control' on top of that.
Whoosh!
He twists his body hurriedly.
And he barely manages to deflect one of them with his sword and dodge the other. He would have easily blocked or shattered them with [Dark Veil] or his sword if it were normal.
He had to struggle this much to block the spells.
"...!"
That's when I realize it.
I don't understand why I didn't think of this sooner, but…
Mages don't use Soul Power.
In other words, he wasn't affected by the debuff from Soul Exhaustion.
That means…
"Right, I should kill you first."
…I have to protect Dwarkey.
"Everyone, get a grip!!!"
If we want to live.
-x-X-x-
Hector Ludwig.
A respected high priest of the Leathlas Church, but a tragic old man who was kidnapped by the Dragonslayer in his later years and forcibly became a follower of the evil god.
"May the star that rises at twilight guide them…"
He stops as he habitually makes the sign of the cross.
It's because of the evil god's voice echoing in his head.
[Hypocrite, do you still harbor futile hope?]
He knows without having to be told.
That it's futile hope, nothing but hypocrisy.
No matter what excuses he makes, all of this is the result of his choices.
'If, that day…'
…he hadn't succumbed to evil.
If he had stood by his convictions and shouldered all the sacrifices like the heroes in legends…
…that man wouldn't have reached this place.
Countless people wouldn't have disappeared into despair, and the explorers he met today would have also finished their expedition without incident and returned to the city.
But…
Clench.
Ludwig clenches his wrinkled fist.
It's a meaningless assumption and regret.
Even if he went back to that day, he would definitely make the same choice.
And as if to prove it…
Whoosh!
…he's still standing in front of the shimmering portal.
To follow the Dragonslayer's single order.
To be precise, to protect his precious grandson, whom he can't even bear to look at.
He's guarding this place in case they try to escape here.
While thinking inwardly…
'I hope they don't come here.'
…that's his only hope.
It's a meager hope, a mere fragment.
But even this, the evil god is not satisfied with.
[Mature further.]
His will, worn down by prolonged despair, has been chipped away, and now he's even lost the will to solve problems.
Like a slave rejoicing that he was only whipped once today, he's resigned to this miserable reality.
He chose the lesser evil and consoles himself that it was the best he could do.
He deliberately ignores the fact that he has the means to end all of this.
But as if it's still not enough, the evil god speaks.
[Hypocrite, watch. This is the despair and pain caused by you.]
A single voice that echoes as if engraved in his mind.
Soon, a scene appears beyond his tightly closed eyelids.
A barbarian and his companions are fighting against a great evil.
In a situation where there's no chance of winning, no matter who looks at it.
[Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!]
Unlike himself, who submitted to fate…
"So, you're not running away."
He laughs mockingly as he looks at me.
I force the corners of my lips up, not wanting to lose the battle of nerves.
Geez, it's not like he's going to let us go if we run away.
The situation is simple.
[Survive using the mage until the Soul Exhaustion status effect ends.]
If it were a kind game, a message like this would have appeared.
The duration of Soul Exhaustion is about 20 minutes.
I have to endure until then.
Ah, for reference, running away is impossible.
Because there's nothing easier to bite than prey that shows its back.
"Protect Dwarkey!!"
I shout with all my might.
Tadat!
As if he's not going to give me any time, he kicks off the ground.
His figure accelerates in an instant.
He's holding Viper's Fang, which he took from Misha.
Tsk, even if he was going to steal something, why that?
I suppress my frustration and focus on his every move until the very end.
Kwaaang!
I block the sword with my mace and make a judgment.
My feet slide back.
It means I'm being overpowered in terms of strength, which I was most confident in.
Whoosh!
The sword swings again, drawing a smooth curve.
I hurriedly retreat, but it's not enough to keep up with his movements.
It means he also has the upper hand in agility.
Slash.
Acidic blood splatters from the open wound.
As expected, even [Iron Hide] doesn't work.
I thought there might be a chance since he doesn't seem to be able to use the Akro longsword, but well, it's a skill whose effectiveness increases with higher physical resistance.
Whoosh!
I dismiss my complaints and swing my mace.
Slash.
It doesn't even reach him, and I just get another wound.
But I swing my mace again.
To buy time for my companions by taking hits.
That's my role.
"Dwarkey, when's the magic coming?!"
"It's ready. But, you two are too close—"
"Just shoot it!"
The Ice Spear I've been waiting for is finally shot.
As expected, he quickly retreats.
He must have judged that it would be disadvantageous to get hit along with me.
How kind of him.
Tadat.
I also retreat quickly, getting out of the Ice Spear's radius.
However, without even taking a breath, I reach behind me and take out my shield from the backpack.
I can't even use [Gigantification] anyway.
Unless it's the Akro longsword, having a shield is much more helpful in battle.
Although I want to put on the breastplate too…
'He won't give me the time.'
I try to let go of any lingering thoughts about things I can't have.
Not out of resignation…
…but to focus everything on what's more important.
Discard what needs to be discarded, and take only what's necessary.
In that sense, there's one piece of information that I need to check first.
"What happened to Misha?"
"It seems like she broke a rib and punctured an internal organ. She'll be fine soon, I gave her a potion."
Right, so I have to fight 1:4 until then.
It's a cold comfort, but it's a good thing that the one who's down isn't Dwarkey. If it were Dwarkey, we wouldn't even have a chance—
"Watch out!"
He charges towards me again.
He's not going to give me time to rest.
It's a positive factor, at least.
'Right, you're in a hurry too.'
I was expecting it, but now I'm certain.
He's not under any short-term status effect.
He's charging at me as if every second is precious.
Clang!
He's pushing himself to finish the fight before Soul Exhaustion ends. In other words, if we can just hold out for 20 minutes, we'll have a chance.
But…
'Damn it, 20 minutes?'
Time is not on our side.
He might not know this, but we only have four potions left.
'Excluding the top-grade ones, one medium-grade and one high-grade.'
At this rate, they'll all be used up in a few minutes.
Therefore…
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I shout with all my might and push my shield forward.
And I quickly dash and swing my mace.
I judged that I couldn't endure for 20 minutes just by playing defensively.
Of course, only for the first few minutes.
Tadat.
I chase after him as soon as he creates distance.
And I focus on offense rather than defense.
Whether Rotmiller's arrow support arrives or not.
Whether Dwarkey shoots a spell or not.
"…Are you trying to die together?"
I swing my mace relentlessly, clinging to him as if I'm trying to drag him down with me.
It's Barbarian Leech Mode.
Ironically, this tactic actually reduces the damage I take, and it prevents him from even thinking of approaching Dwarkey.
As if to prove that the best defense is a good offense.
"Tsk."
He stops stabbing me with his sword and twists his body to dodge the Ice Spear. Unfortunately, he's now in the path of the crossbow bolt that was shot.
Thump!
It's a monumental first hit.
Although it didn't go in deep because of his Physical Resistance, it's his thigh, so his mobility must be slightly hindered.
But did he realize something?
'So much for freeloading.'
The look in his eyes changes.
Therefore, I quickly retreat.
Someone who has learned to give up on something to gain something else is dangerous in any field.
"You persistent bastards…!"
A thick killing intent emanates from his swinging sword.
It's as if he's released his shackles.
His sword, which was limiting its attack range for defense, now draws a free trajectory with a single purpose.
Well, the biggest change is something else.
Whoosh!
He doesn't even flinch as the arrow grazes his shoulder and continues to push me back.
And as a result…
Thump!
…his blade pierces deep into my abdomen after a few exchanges.
It's an injury that could be fatal if left untreated since my natural regeneration is gone.
「Body regenerates due to [Moderate Healing] effect.」
Another potion is used at Rotmiller's judgment.
Now we only have one high-grade and two top-grade potions left.
And to make matters worse…
Tadat.
…I failed to restrain him.
He steps on my swinging mace and jumps over me as if performing acrobatics.
'Damn it.'
I quickly turn around and reach out, but it's too late.
He pushes off the ground once more and instantly closes the distance towards the backline.
"Get back!"
The dwarf blocks Dwarkey, but it's meaningless.
How could he possibly block that monster head-on?
Especially when his core skill, [Counterweight], is unavailable.
Kwaaang!
The dwarf is sent flying like a soccer ball from a single kick, even with his shield.
Rotmiller throws away his crossbow and swings his sword.
Of course, there's no way it would work.
Thump!
He easily deflects Rotmiller's sword and stabs him in the abdomen with his green blade.
But just as he's about to pull out the sword…
"This is our item."
Rotmiller grabs his hand and stops him.
Whoosh!
Fortunately, an Ice Spear is shot just in time, and he lets go of the sword and retreats.
Thud.
Rotmiller, losing his support, collapses to the ground. But the sword that was embedded in his abdomen is gone.
It's the Mimic's skill, [Treasure Vault], which doesn't consume Soul Power.
So that he can't use it.
So that he can be of at least some help to this team.
'If we just give him a potion in time, we can save him.'
I maintain my composure despite my companion's injury.
But not everyone can do that.
"You, you did that to Rotmiller…!!"
Misha, who was recovering while leaning against the wall, swings her sword at him, even though she can barely move.
Knowing that it won't reach him.
For one purpose.
"You won't get to Dwarkey… Keugh!"
Misha's body is kicked away and crashes into the wall again. But instead of going straight for Dwarkey, he quickly moves towards the unconscious Misha.
His intentions are obvious.
He's planning to finish her off and steal her remaining sword.
This damn thief bastard.
"I told you, it's our item."
He readily leaves Misha as I swing my mace at him like I'm swatting a fly.
And he chuckles.
"Barbarian, are you still trying to fight?"
What the hell is this idiot talking about? Of course, I am.
I charge towards him instead of answering.
Whoosh!
He easily dodges and retreats, saying,
"Don't tell me you're relying on that trash? He's just a guy whose only skills are curses, Ice Spear, and Cold Burst."
Of course, I am.
So what if they're low-level attack spells?
If they hit his head, he'll die.
I just need to buy time until then, somehow.
"Dwarkey!!"
I shout with all my might, thinking it's about time for the magic to come.
But what is this?
'Damn it.'
The magic doesn't come.
_____________________
Liol Wobu Dwarkey, a mage recognized by the royal family.
It wasn't a coincidence that he submitted an application to join a team with only two warriors.
He wanted to seem special.
So he chose the easiest place.
He thought a mage would seem more valuable if there were two warriors. However, it didn't take long for his true nature to be revealed.
[Hahaha! My name is Liol Wobu Dwarkey, an 8th-grade mage officially recognized by the Lafdonia royal family—]
[I thought it was something, but you're just trash.]
Trash.
A being who's not even considered a mage by other mages.
[Hahaha! So our team is a gathering of misfits? That's good then, we don't have to feel inferior to each other anymore.]
Even so, they told him it was okay.
They said they understood because they were the same.
He felt saved.
He even thought that maybe his 25 years of life existed solely to meet them.
But…
[Don't tell me you're relying on that trash? He's just a guy whose only skills are curses, Ice Spear, and Cold Burst?]
…in the end, his essence didn't change.
The moment came for him to shine, but he couldn't do anything properly.
No matter how much his mana increased…
…he was still a half-assed mage.
A half-assed mage who couldn't even meet the expectations of his precious companions.
But on top of that…
[Get back!]
…he was protected by his best friend.
[This is our item.]
He couldn't save his companion who was smiling with a sword embedded in his stomach.
[You won't get to Dwarkey… Keugh!]
He couldn't protect the woman he loved.
His mind went blank at that realization.
He couldn't breathe from the overwhelming sense of powerlessness.
If he could, he wanted to run away from this cruel reality right now.
But…
"It seems like he's already given up."
…he can't give up.
If he were alone, it might be different…
…but his precious companions are still fighting.
Alone, to protect everyone.
"Barbarian, you know too, don't you? That it's already over."
Despite his taunts, he keeps swinging his mace, spitting the blood in his mouth at his face…
…fighting back until the very end.
[Your face has brightened up. Do you like your companions that much?]
He recalled a conversation from one day as he started chanting.
It was a conversation he had with the instructor of the Magic Tower training center after the troll battle.
[What? You want me to teach you a spell that can defeat a troll? Hmm, well… it's not like it doesn't exist.]
That day, Dwarkey paid a huge sum of money to the instructor and learned one spell.
No, to be precise, he learned a 'spell combination'.
The instructor told him to never use it, even though he taught him…
'Thought Acceleration.'
Perception improves dramatically, and time slows down.
'Mana Amplification.'
The heart's inherent mana is stimulated, temporarily increasing output.
'Heart Acceleration.'
It forcibly increases the heart rate, spreading mana throughout the body, and it's also infamous for its severe side effects. He combines these mental and sensory magic spells.
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
His heart pounds as if it's about to burst, circulating mana throughout his body. But his mind is clearer than ever, and his vision is sharp.
It feels like he can do anything.
[What's the name? There's no official name. It's a combination that people know about through word of mouth. But if I had to give it a name…]
[Hmm, well, 'sacrifice' sounds a bit too strong.]
Dwarkey reaches out his hand.
And just from that…
[Right, 'awakening' seems appropriate.]
…dozens of arrows of light shoot out from the basic attack spell, Magic Missile.
-x-X-x-
It's been three minutes since Dwarkey's magical support stopped.
Well, maybe it was even shorter.
But it feels like at least 10 minutes have passed.
"I admit it, barbarian. You're the first one like you I've ever seen."
I didn't look back, not even once.
Whether it was his attempt to sow discord or not.
Even if Dwarkey was actually panicking in a state of mental breakdown.
I judged that nothing would change.
But did he find my unwavering attitude boring?
"I'll put your soul to good use. So just die."
As if the game was over…
…he thrusts a dagger he took out from his waist towards me.
It came in at such a perfect angle that it seemed impossible to block or dodge.
The best I could do was choose the lesser evil.
Twisting my body as much as possible to offer my lung instead of my heart.
It would be a near-fatal injury, but I still have a top-grade potion, don't I?
After drinking it and healing…
Let's somehow endure.
Misha and the dwarf will wake up soon.
And Soul Exhaustion won't last forever either.
Just as I'm making a plan in a split second and about to put it into action…
…a blinding light pours down from behind me.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
Dozens of Magic Missiles, bending and twisting, shoot out with a brilliant white light. He's flustered and steps back at the sight, which resembles a heavy downpour.
But just like Dwarkey, Rotmiller, and Misha before…
…it's not a meaningful response.
Whoosh!
Each arrow of light chases after him as if it has a will of its own.
He stops running away and starts deflecting the arrows one by one with his small dagger.
It doesn't look much different from trying to scoop out a river with a single gourd…
'Crazy.'
…but surprisingly, his actions work.
Although he's become a porcupine with arrows of light piercing his entire body, he's succeeded in protecting his vital points.
Thud.
Suddenly, I hear footsteps from behind, and I come to my senses.
Honestly, I was expecting it to some extent…
…but Dwarkey is standing behind me.
In other words, he's the one who cast that magic just now.
"Sorry for making you wait. It took me a while to make up my mind."
"Make up your mind? More importantly, how did you—"
"That's… let's talk after we take care of him."
Dwarkey averts his gaze as if avoiding the question.
Seeing him like this, he's definitely not someone else…
'What the hell?'
I can't understand it at all.
A dense magical energy that even a barbarian with 0 magic aptitude can feel is emanating from his body.
And it's not just me who's curious.
"Mage, what the hell did you do?"
He asks, even though he's bleeding profusely.
Geez, if it were me, I would have run away—
"You already know, don't you?"
What? He knows?
He looks at him coldly, and the guy becomes speechless.
What the, does he really know?
"If you're trying to buy time, I'm sorry. I'm the one who knows that we don't have much time."
What? What the hell is going on?
No, wait, was he always this articulate?
It's been a long time since I've been so confused.
But I can still judge one thing.
That it's a very positive variable for me.
'I can ask him how he did it later…'
I focus on the situation.
Tadat.
And Dwarkey speaks to me.
"Step back. You might get hurt."
"Ah, uh, okay."
I follow his instructions, even though I'm not used to the change in his character.
But what is this again?
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
An Ice Spear is shot.
A giant Ice Spear that fills half the passage.
And twice in a row.
Whoosh!
They're shot towards him with overwhelming force.
But is he experienced in dealing with magic of this scale?
He calmly looks at the Ice Spears and then quickly takes out his Akro longsword from his subspace pocket.
Crackle!
Sparks fly from the sword as if rejecting his touch. His hand, gripping the hilt, is red and steaming. But he manages to hold onto it and swings.
Kwaaang!
As expected of an Akro longsword, which has the property of countering magic, the giant Ice Spear shatters into pieces and disperses into mana as soon as it comes into contact with the blade.
And in that state…
Tadat.
…he pushes off the ground again and closes the distance.
Dwarkey's eyes waver slightly, so it seems like even he didn't expect this.
But it doesn't last long.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 7th-grade attack spell [Blizzard].」
He finishes chanting and casts another spell in less than a second.
Swaaaa!
At this point, it's more like small Ice Spears are pouring down, not just ice shards, but…
…that damn Akro longsword is the problem again.
His figure, approaching through the blizzard, becomes visible.
He's deflecting the large chunks of ice with his sword and advancing.
'Right, he's not going to make it easy until the very end.'
I let out a silent sigh and prepare for what's to come.
There's nothing special.
My life has always been far from easy…
…and it's a tank's duty to protect the damage dealer.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
First strike wins.
I swing my mace, aiming for the moment he emerges from the blizzard.
But was he also paying attention to me in the midst of all that?
Despite my surprise attack, he reacts quickly and blocks the mace with his sword.
The clash of 1st-tier steel and 6th-tier Akro.
Slash!
The mace is cut in half like tofu, regardless of its thickness or density. But he's not satisfied with that and aims for my neck.
However, at that moment…
Crackle!
…sparks fly from the sword, and he flinches.
His hand, gripping the hilt, is red and steaming. I don't know the details, but I wonder if his burns are related to this sword. He must have judged that he can't push it any further, as he puts the sword back into his subspace pocket.
And…
Tadat.
…he draws his dagger again and closes in on me.
His intentions are clear.
Right, I was wondering why he was so desperate to break through the magic, so this was his goal.
"Bjorn, get away from him!"
It's a similar strategy to the Barbarian Leech Mode I used earlier.
To use me as a shield and suppress Dwarkey's magic.
Phew, I didn't expect to be on the receiving end of this.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 9th-grade curse spell [Slow].」
Although curse spells are stacked on him instead of attack magic, it's not easy to shake him off as he clings to me and swings his dagger.
Therefore…
'Alright, let's do this.'
I thrust the mace, which has become like a spear, into him.
It's not like you can only die from magic, right?
Thump.
Thanks to the enhanced 'Slow' effect, he's not as difficult to deal with as before.
And Dwarkey is also meticulously controlling small Magic Missiles instead of Ice Spears or Blizzard to provide support.
It's clearly a situation that's advantageous to me.
But that's why I'm even more alert.
'There's no way he doesn't know about this.'
He knows that Dwarkey can't maintain this state for long.
So why did he charge towards me?
[I'm the one who knows that we don't have much time.]
The answer is time.
The time that Dwarkey can maintain this state is limited.
Maybe this bastard knows more about the remaining time than Dwarkey does.
"Dwarkey, use Blizzard!"
I make a decision.
"...!"
Judging by his expression, it was the right call.
However, Dwarkey hesitates.
"But…!"
He's changed a bit, but he's still Dwarkey.
"Just do it!!"
As soon as I urge him again, Dwarkey casts the spell.
Cold air swirls above his hand.
"Are you good with cold?"
"You're insane."
Geez, he's praising me again.
I raise my shield and create distance between us.
I'm planning to somehow endure by blocking the ice chunks with my shield.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
The blizzard then engulfs the passage where we are, and my skin freezes.
But what's this again?
He thrusts his dagger through the blizzard that's so thick I can't even see an inch ahead.
Thump!
The blade pierces deep into my lungs.
"Keuheok!"
I can't breathe.
And in the meantime, ice chunks are flying towards me and hitting my body. The sharp shards graze my skin and pass by.
But I can't just stand there and take it.
Thump!
My body reacts first, and I thrust the spear that used to be a mace with all my might.
And at that moment…
Swaaaa-
…the blizzard ends earlier than expected, and my vision returns.
I quickly check the surroundings.
Surprisingly, three unexpected things have happened in that short time.
"...."
First, Dwarkey is kneeling, blood pouring out of his nose, mouth, ears, and even his eyes.
"...."
Second, the spear I randomly thrust pierced his heart.
「The activation condition for Regal Vagos's [Second Heart] has been met.」
And third, there's another Numbered Item that he hasn't used yet.
Ha, I was really trying to stop cursing, but…
You crazy son of a bitch.
「The character receives absolute protection until the heart is healed.」
_____________________
Something red that resembles muscle covers his body.
Looking at it, I think…
How the hell can I kill this guy?
Is he even mortal?
I don't know, but I vomit blood.
"Kueeeek! Keuk, keuheuk!"
The heart-shaped shell doesn't even corrode despite being covered in acidic blood.
I turn around without hesitation.
No. 3120 Second Heart.
It's a consumable Numbered Item that activates when the heart takes fatal damage.
There's no way I can break through that barrier at my current level.
So I have to do what needs to be done first.
Thud, thud.
I drag my body, which can barely breathe, and slowly take a step forward.
It's a good thing Dwarkey is an ice-type mage.
If it weren't for the 'Frostbite' effect, blood would be gushing out by now.
"Dw, arkey."
Dwarkey, who has lost consciousness and is kneeling, is in a state beyond description.
Blood is flowing out of every hole in his body.
I check his pulse, and I can feel his heart pounding.
As if its speed limiter is broken.
"Pl, ease… hold on."
There are no external injuries, so I pour half of the top-grade potion into his mouth.
Just half.
Because there's another person who's dying.
Thud, thud.
I quicken my pace as much as possible.
My stomach churns and I feel breathless with every step, but I use the spear as a cane and increase my speed.
"Rot, miller…"
Fortunately, he's alive.
Well, at least for now.
He's heading towards death in a completely different way from Dwarkey.
His heart is beating faintly, as if it's about to stop at any moment.
I pour the rest of the top-grade potion on his wound.
Sizzle!
The wound starts to bubble and heal.
I lean against him and focus on his breathing.
He keeps coughing, and blood splatters.
But all I can do is endure and wait for Rotmiller to recover.
Because the remaining two potions are both in this man's [Treasure Vault].
After about a minute…
"Bjo, Bjorn…!"
The dwarf, who was unconscious after hitting his head against the wall, comes to his senses.
"Dwarkey? Where's Dwarkey?"
Geez, even I'm dying here.
So his best friend comes first, huh?
I point in Dwarkey's direction, too exhausted to even speak.
"What the hell happened…!"
He rushes over to check on Dwarkey and then carefully carries him back to us.
That's when…
"Keugh…"
Misha, who was collapsed about 4 meters away from the wall I'm leaning against, raises her head with difficulty.
"…Bjorn."
"You're alive."
"That's a relief…"
Right, as expected, she's the only one.
Misha struggles to get up, clutching her broken ribs.
And she approaches me and sits down next to me.
"Rot, miller…?"
"Po, potion… keugh… I gave him one."
Phew, this isn't a gathering of the sick, is it?
Just as I'm trying to rest, the dwarf, who has finished transporting Dwarkey, approaches me and wraps a bandage around my wound.
"Bjorn, what happened! What's with that strange shell over there?"
I don't want to explain.
I don't have the energy, and what would change even if I did?
I close my eyes, focusing on my breathing.
"I'm sorry. You must be tired too, so rest. I'll try to handle the rest."
The dwarf apologizes and then goes back to check on Dwarkey.
About a minute later…
「Soul Exhaustion status effect is removed.」
My stats finally return to normal, and it's a bit easier to breathe. Even without natural regeneration, the durability of my body itself is different.
I slowly open my eyes.
"...Hey! Friend, hang in there!"
"Bjo, Bjorn…? Rotmiller is trembling, he'll, he'll be okay, right…?"
We're on the border between life and death.
-x-X-x-
In survival, choice and focus are important.
What to give up, and what to choose.
The more rationally you solve this dilemma, the higher your survival rate.
But this time, I failed to do so.
"Keugh, keuheok!"
Three injured people and one top-grade potion.
The best course of action was to give the entire bottle to Rotmiller.
I should have revived him as quickly as possible to get the potions in his [Treasure Vault].
Then I should have treated myself with the high-grade potion and given the remaining top-grade potion to Dwarkey.
However…
'If I had done that, Dwarkey would have died.'
It was difficult to make a rational choice.
Although I knew it in my head, my body gave half of the potion to Dwarkey without a moment's hesitation.
As a result…
"Both of you, please hold on! We're going to get out of this damn place alive!"
…the certain future disappeared.
Because I couldn't give up on Dwarkey, I could no longer guarantee Rotmiller's life.
Half a potion would have been enough if I had given it to him right away, but the problem was that I was too late.
In short, it's high risk, high return.
I made an irrational decision that could lead to the death of the entire team because I wanted everyone to survive.
"Bjo, Bjorn…"
I approach Rotmiller.
And I keep checking his pulse and breathing.
I hope he holds on.
If this man dies, all five of us will die.
'10 minutes.'
That bastard Dragonslayer will also wake up in about that much time. And right now, the only one who's in good condition is the dwarf.
If he can't hold him back, it's game over.
"Ah, right! The stone chamber! Bjorn, what was that stone chamber?!"
The dwarf, who was watching over Dwarkey, looks at me. And he asks about the identity of the stone chamber that we spent 12 hours searching the labyrinth for.
His words are filled with hope.
"Elixir? Potion? Is that what's inside? Ah, if that's the case, you would have taken it, right? Then could it be a healing spring or something like that?"
"…That stone chamber isn't for something like that."
"Then what is it! We searched so hard to find that place! There must be something there!"
The dwarf asks, hoping for an answer.
I know that it's best not to answer this kind of question…
…but after a brief pause, I open my mouth.
"That stone chamber is a trap room."
"Trap room…?"
"Yes, if you open the chest, you'll be sent back to the starting point."
I was planning to use it to escape through the portal if the bastard and the priest appeared at the same time.
Because there's no chance of winning in that situation.
"Ye, yes! Then! Let's use it to go back! That would work!"
"Hikurod Murad, get a grip. Even if we can go back to the tower, nothing will change."
Potions won't magically appear just because we go back to the tower.
And in the first place, even going back is impossible.
If it were just a matter of looting an empty room, it might be different…
But to head towards the portal while injured?
It's suicide.
The priest of Karui, who's probably changed his class to a high priest with divine power, will be guarding it.
"Ah, right! The priest! Wasn't there an old man who looked like a priest with that guy? Let's find him."
"Stop it."
"I think that guy was also following that man out of necessity. If that's true—"
"Stop it, Hikurod."
"How can I stop! Two of them are dying, we have to do something!"
The dwarf shouts in despair at his own helplessness, and I say calmly,
"There's nothing we can do now. We can only watch."
"Really… is that really all we can do?"
"Yes."
There are three possible outcomes.
Either everyone lives.
Everyone dies.
Or someone dies, and someone survives.
Seemingly eternal seconds pass.
And…
"…What… happened to him…?"
Dwarkey regains consciousness.
___________________
"Dwarkey! Don't talk!"
"Yeah, just stay quiet. We'll give Rotmiller a potion as soon as he—"
Dwarkey asks again, looking at us as we shower him with words.
"He…"
"…?"
"What happened to him?"
As if it's more important than his own life…
…he repeatedly asks about it as soon as he opens his eyes.
I hesitate for a moment.
Should I tell him the truth?
My contemplation doesn't last long.
"He's not dead."
"Ah…"
"But thanks to you, we overcame the immediate crisis. Leave the rest to us and get some rest."
"I, I can't do that."
Dwarkey shakes his head desperately.
"Ti, time… we don't have ti, time…"
"Didn't you hear me? We'll give Rotmiller a potion as soon as he—"
"Th, this… can't be he, healed with… a po, potion…"
A brief silence falls, and I calmly accept the reality.
"…I see."
I don't know what method Dwarkey used.
But it's Dwarkey who knows his condition best.
It's Dwarkey who desires life more than anyone else.
So there's no point in denying it.
"What do you mean! It's a, a top-grade potion!"
"That's right! You, you know, right? What kind of item this is. So, so stop saying weird things—"
"Miss Misha."
Dwarkey opens his eyes and looks at us.
"Hikurod, and… Bjorn."
He just calls out our names one by one.
But I, who spent my childhood in hospitals and witnessed countless deaths, can tell…
…what Dwarkey is about to do.
"Tell me. I'll convey it to Rotmiller."
"…Thank you."
A candle that has burned out flickers.
As if wanting to leave something behind in this world.
As if wanting to become a memory.
Emitting the brightest light at its final moment.
"I have something to say to you guys."
The tremor in Dwarkey's voice disappears.
_____________________
My mother loved the sea.
An unknown thing that I had only heard about, never seen.
I couldn't understand it when I was young, but I gradually learned as I grew older.
"There are things that… you want even more because you can't have them."
There are things like that in the world.
Because I don't know, because it's not allowed to me…
…it appears even more dazzling.
"You guys were like that to me."
I was lucky.
More than I deserved.
I met good people, and I explored.
We shared many stories and comforted each other. The empty space that I thought would never be filled was finally filled.
Therefore, I had to say it.
"Thank you all… for being my companions."
Words that I couldn't say because I was embarrassed.
Words that I always put off, promising to say them later.
But words that would be buried in my heart forever if I didn't say them now.
Swoosh.
Dwarkey looks ahead with blurry eyes.
"Waaaaah! Don't say that! Please, Dwarkey…"
The woman he loved is crying.
That's not what he wanted.
Swoosh.
He shifts his gaze to the side.
"I'm the one who should be… thanking you for being my friend. For joining… the team I made."
His precious friend is smiling at him.
He's grateful for his friend's sincerity, even though his beard is trembling as he smiles.
And he feels sorry.
They promised to visit the blacksmith's together someday.
He won't be able to keep that promise.
Swoosh.
He shifts his gaze again.
"Liol Wobu Dwarkey."
Lastly, it's his rival and the companion he admires.
The warrior who always fights until the end and protects everyone, unlike himself, the coward.
He's looking at him with calm eyes.
"I apologize. I misjudged you. You were a better mage and companion than anyone else. And the choice you made was noble and honorable."
The warrior, who was always stingy with praise…
…the warrior who never spoke empty words…
…says,
"It was an honor to be with you."
He feels overwhelmed with emotion and a sense of relief.
He was acknowledged by him for the first time.
He was told that it was an honor by the great warrior who lived a heroic life.
He, who was just a half-assed mage.
He was a part of his journey.
This is enough.
Yes, it should have been enough…
'But why…'
He feels frustrated.
He feels wronged.
He feels scared.
He feels empty.
'Why…'
That's what death is.
Being erased from someone's next page.
"Do you have anything else to say? I'll leave you alone if you want."
The warrior speaks, and Dwarkey finally realizes the reason for this emotion.
"Waaaaah! Dwarkey! Don't die! Please!"
There are people who shine in this world.
To me, that person was you.
He hasn't said those words yet.
But…
'It would be greedy.'
He tries to suppress his selfishness.
Although he knows that this might be his last chance…
…her journey doesn't end today.
He shouldn't become a dark shadow in her life that continues. If he truly cares for her, that's the right thing to do.
Therefore, Dwarkey opens his mouth.
"Bjorn."
"…Do you have something to say to me?"
"Yes."
The only thing someone who's leaving can leave behind.
"You're… perceptive. Please don't ignore it anymore."
The warrior doesn't ask back.
He probably already knows what he means.
He's too smart and wise to be called a barbarian.
"An, swer me…"
"Alright."
Dwarkey smiles brightly, having finally received an answer.
But is this all the time he's allowed?
"…He's awake."
The warrior's eyes turn cold.
His fading heart pounds at this.
Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.
A being he couldn't defeat even at the cost of his life.
However…
"Can… we win?"
"Don't worry, I'll save everyone and get us back."
At those words, Dwarkey lets go of all his anxiety.
He also dismisses the worry that his death will be meaningless.
If this reliable warrior said so, then it will definitely happen.
So, let's just let go of everything…
Swoosh.
…and close his eyes.
Sounds fade away, and the darkness deepens.
As his thoughts slowly fade, he thinks to himself…
If he had lived a heroic life…
…and if his life were to be recorded in a book, even briefly…
…what would be the last sentence?
A rather fitting phrase comes to mind.
Although it might not be a very suitable expression for a mage's death…
'It's not bad.'
Liol Wobu Dwarkey, the mage of Team Misfits…
…after protecting his precious companions from the Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos, a member of Orculus…
…died a heroic death.
「Achievement Unlocked」
Condition: First companion character death.
Reward: Mental stat permanently increases by +1.
_________________
There is no paradise where you run away to.
Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos.
This thought became stronger after learning about his identity.
He's a member of Orculus, a group that even looks down on the King. Although we didn't exchange names, it wouldn't be difficult for him to find us.
I judged that even the city wouldn't be safe if he wanted to retaliate.
Therefore…
New Plan A.
I made a plan to defeat him.
While the 'Guardian of Balance' was active.
I judged that this was our only chance.
But what was the result?
Thump!
My warrior's heart beats faintly.
New Plan A has failed.
We still have to fight him, but I couldn't save everyone.
There was no paradise even where we ran to.
I knew it.
That there's no such utopian place in this world.
Thump!
Unlike my faintly beating heart…
…this guy's heart is no longer beating.
But…
"Hikurod, we need to prepare to fight."
"I know."
I use the mace as a cane and get up.
Those who are left behind have their own roles to fulfill.
I catch my breath and look towards the passage.
He's getting up from between the petals of the shell that opened wide.
"...."
It's time to end this goddamn fight.
-x-X-x-
Thump!
Regal Vagos opened his eyes to the sound of his heart pounding in his head.
The surroundings were dark.
His body wouldn't move, and he felt a sticky slime clinging to his skin.
As if he were curled up in amniotic fluid.
'So, he even used this…'
He didn't feel any regret.
If it had pierced his head instead of his heart, even he would have surely died.
He was just curious about one thing.
How did it come to this?
He remembered a conversation he had with a former companion.
A conversation that took place before he abandoned his blood ties and received that terrible curse.
[Should I tell you why you always lose money? You only bet as much as you need to, and then you follow. Even at the moment when you need to make a decision.]
Of course, card games and fights are different.
And the analogy itself is a bit inaccurate for the current situation.
But the context is similar.
He couldn't make a decision until all five cards were dealt.
Thump!
In short, he lacked resolve.
He kept giving in little by little, and that's how he ended up here.
He gave them time because of that item he had been searching for for almost a year.
He had to use Dragon Speech.
And even then, those persistent bastards didn't give up.
He swung Dragonslayer countless times, prepared to recuperate for at least a year, but they endured tenaciously.
And now, he even had to use the Second Heart.
Thump!
Regal Vagos finally admitted it.
He underestimated his opponent, and he didn't fight with all his might as if facing a worthy adversary.
That's how it came to this.
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
The beating of his regenerated heart quickens, and light returns. He shook off the slime clinging to his body and got up.
"...."
He saw the barbarian beyond the passage.
He was already walking towards him.
With a hole in his chest.
With crimson blood flowing from his mouth.
Without even accepting the dwarf warrior's support.
Thud, thud.
He walks resolutely.
With a single goal.
To kill his enemy.
Swoosh.
He reached for the dagger at his waist, then let go.
And he reconsidered.
His heart, cursed by using Dragon Speech, had recovered to some extent. The remnants of the curse remained, but his physical abilities had also returned to a certain level, and he could use his abilities again.
It was a result that wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the Dragonkin characteristic of having their power source located in their heart.
'I can't believe it's this effective.'
Even he didn't expect it.
It was his first time actually using 'Second Heart'.
Should he call it a pleasant miscalculation?
Thanks to that, his chances of winning have increased significantly.
Thud.
Of course, it seems like they've also recovered from Soul Exhaustion, but that doesn't change anything.
Once he takes care of the dwarf warrior, it's over.
No matter how strong that barbarian is, he won't be able to block him alone with those injuries.
That's what he thought.
At least until he met his gaze.
'It's like looking at an immortal.'
He grabbed the Akro longsword instead of the dagger.
Excruciating pain shot through him as soon as he gripped it, a remnant of the curse on his heart. He had a hunch, no, he was certain, that if he used it any further, he might permanently lose the use of his arm.
But…
'If I want to kill that persistent bastard, I need to be prepared.'
He would give up an arm.
To kill his enemy.
To survive.
"Come at me, barbarian."
_________________
I'm staggering as I take a step forward.
The dwarf is next to me, and Misha, who insisted on fighting, is behind us.
"You made the right decision."
Although the dwarf said it as if he left Misha behind out of concern…
…it wasn't the only reason.
Rotmiller hasn't woken up yet.
Someone needs to be behind us to throw me a potion if he wakes up, even for a moment.
"Right, that bastard… Dwarkey…"
"Hikurod, swallow your anger. If you die, we're all finished."
"…Alright."
The dwarf forces himself to suppress his burning emotions.
He knows too.
How important his role is right now.
Thud.
We close the distance with each step.
Soon, we're close enough to see each other's expressions.
There's no need for long words between us.
"Come at me, barbarian."
That bastard is staring at us, holding his Akro longsword again.
Damn it, what are the conditions for him to be able to take it out and use it whenever he needs it? Curses well up inside me, but there's no time to utter them.
Tadat.
He charges towards us first, as we don't move.
But what is this?
Although it's not as fast as before…
…his movements are faster than when I last saw him.
In other words, his body has recovered to some extent.
How? I thought his injuries weren't short-term.
Variables keep popping up from the start.
Slash!
A shield is cut in half like tofu.
It's the dwarf's, who's blocking in front of me.
I thrust the spear, which used to be a mace, to push him away and then give my Laetium shield to the dwarf without hesitation.
"Use this."
My shield isn't in perfect condition either, but it's better than a steel buckler.
Clang!
His next attack pierces deep into the shield.
Although it's immediately repaired with [Emergency Restoration], he won't be able to use it many times since he just recovered from Soul Exhaustion.
'Nothing is going according to plan.'
He woke up earlier than expected.
And not just his heart, but other parts of his body have also recovered.
He even uses a skill he couldn't use before.
「Regal Vagos has cast [High-Grade Acceleration].」
A blade that defies the laws of physics, cutting through time. The dwarf dodges instead of blocking, but he's too far away.
Therefore, I sacrifice my left arm, which is already useless.
'Flesh Explosion.'
The hand I stretched out towards him explodes, showering dozens of pieces of flesh.
But he doesn't retreat.
Sizzle!
He groans as he's covered in acidic blood…
…but he still swings his sword and deeply cuts the dwarf's thigh.
Thwack!
Even in the midst of that, the dwarf strikes his jaw with his war hammer.
His body stiffens, as if he took some damage.
I immediately jump forward, grab his shoulder, and roll.
And…
'Flesh Explosion.'
…I shove my mangled left arm into his open mouth and detonate it again.
"Kaaaak!"
He screams and pushes me away.
And then he immediately stabs my neck with his sword…
Crash!
…and a glass bottle hits the back of my head and shatters, spilling its contents.
「Body regenerates very quickly due to [Top-Grade Healing] effect.」
This pain… it's a top-grade potion.
No, wait, Rotmiller survived too!
I shake off the fleeting thought and step back.
Thump!
The sword that pierced my neck is pulled out, and I feel dizzy.
And he's a bastard who doesn't allow even that brief moment of vulnerability.
"Die!"
The sword pierces my abdomen in an instant, ripping through my organs.
I take a step forward, inheriting the dwarf's will, and thrust the spear.
Thud.
He hurriedly pulls out his sword and creates distance, and I use [Gigantification] without hesitation.
Damn it, where do you think you're going?
"Kahak!"
He coughs up a fountain of blood, the spear embedded in his shoulder.
But did this bastard also come prepared for a long battle?
He also takes a step forward and swings his sword again.
It's too late to dodge.
I use my mangled arm to grab the sword.
My exposed finger bones are severed, and I feel the sword stop as it hits my wrist bone.
「Character's health is below 20%.」
「All resistance and defense stats are increased due to the passive skill [Hero's Path].」
The synergy effect of [Iron Hide] and [Hero's Path].
I lift the spear that's embedded in his shoulder and shake it around, and he endures the pain and puts more strength into his hand gripping the sword.
And so, the strength contest begins.
Unfortunately, he wins.
「Regal Vagos has cast [Holy Blade].」
His sword, emitting a white light, cleanly cuts through my arm up to the elbow.
Thud.
My giant arm falls to the ground, and I spray acidic blood from the severed end onto his face.
Sizzle!
"Kaaaaak!!"
Geez, this bastard doesn't even have Pain Resistance.
How dare he try to endure it with—
「Character's Soul Power is insufficient.」
「[Gigantification] ends.」
My body shrinks back to its original size before I can even finish the thought, as my Soul Power runs out. And his foot, which was in mid-air, lands on the ground.
But did I underestimate his resolve?
Tadat.
Instead of retreating, he thrusts his sword again.
'Damn it.'
What kind of 9th-floor explorer has no shame?
Why is he so good at brawling?
If this continues, my head will be pierced, so I quickly twist my body and retreat.
I lose the spear, which used to be a mace, in the process.
And to make matters worse, my body stops regenerating.
'I'm fucked.'
Even a top-grade potion has its limits.
I didn't even drink it, it was just sprayed on me.
With my arm gone and my organs mangled, it's struggling just to maintain the status quo, let alone regenerate.
But in this situation…
"I'm, comi… ng!"
…he charges towards me.
It's truly despairing.
The worst-case scenario is already playing out in my head.
An unavoidable death.
But so what?
I have no intention of accepting it and giving up.
I keep my eyes wide open until the very end, staring at his sword.
And I roll to the side as he approaches.
It's the best choice I can make in the current situation, even if it means being vulnerable to the next attack.
I roll on the ground and use the momentum to get back on my feet.
His Akro longsword looms large in front of me.
That's when…
"...!"
…he's thrown back as if pulled by an invisible force.
What the hell just happened?
I raise my head to find the answer…
…and I see an old man in black priestly robes in the distance.
"Ol, d man! What the hell are you do, ing!!"
__________________
He closes his eyes and covers his ears.
But he can still hear it clearly.
How desperately they're fighting.
[So, you're not running away.]
[Protect Dwarkey!!]
At first, it was painful to watch.
He thought that meaningless resistance would only lead to greater despair and suffering.
But when did it start?
"Why are they…"
The more he watched their desperate struggle…
…the more Ludwig found himself…
[This is our item.]
…asking questions.
Why don't they give up?
[Waaaaah! Dwarkey! Don't die! Please!]
Because they harbor futile hope, ignoring the inevitable outcome?
No, then why…
[Can… we win?]
[Don't worry, I'll save everyone and get us back.]
…can they still move forward so brightly?
The answer was simple.
They were strong.
Unlike himself, who lacked the courage to shoulder the sacrifice.
"...."
Ludwig knew too.
That the day he was hoping for would never come.
A bright future where he returns to the city with his grandson never existed from the beginning.
He just didn't have the courage to accept it.
"May the star that rises at twilight guide me."
Ludwig briefly makes the sign of the cross.
His eyes, now open, no longer tremble with fear.
He just stares straight ahead.
He's more certain than ever.
"I will follow your will."
Leathlas, the goddess of stars.
One of the three gods who govern adventure and fate.
How could he, who once served and followed her, dismiss this as a coincidence?
The appearance of these people with such brilliant light before him, who had abandoned his courage…
…is the last grace given to a lost follower.
Therefore…
"Even if I can't embrace you."
…the old man looks towards the void and shouts,
"Karui, I offer myself to you."
The fickle evil god laughs gleefully at his words.
He knows what he's about to do.
As if he's been waiting for this moment.
[What is your desire?]
"Send me there."
[Your grandson will not be saved.]
His heart clenches at those words.
But he casts aside his weakness.
"It doesn't matter."
He learned from the young mage he met in the labyrinth.
That you can always be noble and honorable.
If you want to.
-x-X-x-
Karui, the ancient evil god.
Unlike the three gods who remain in the world, he demands an infinite price from his followers.
He doesn't give everything away freely.
He just grants wishes.
Regardless of good or evil.
As long as the price is sufficient.
Nothing more, nothing less.
[I grant your wish.]
The moment he hears the long-awaited answer…
…a monstrous arm appears, tearing through space and taking Ludwig's arm.
However, when he regains consciousness, he's standing in the same spot where he was just watching.
It's truly a demonic power and authority.
Especially in the sense that there's always a price to pay.
"I'm, comi… ng!"
Even as he's making up his mind, the desperate battle is nearing its end.
Ludwig hurriedly reaches out.
And…
[I will take it.]
…that's enough.
There's no need to explain to the evil god what he's offering and what he desires.
"Ol, d man! What the hell are you do, ing!!"
The Dragonslayer's body is thrown back as if hit by an invisible force as he was about to stab the barbarian warrior with his sword.
But in return…
Rip!
…both of his ears are torn off.
A permanent injury that can't be healed by any divine power or potion, offered as a sacrifice to the evil god.
Pain that's incomparable to being burned alive erupts.
But Ludwig only thinks about one thing.
Right, they were fighting in this kind of pain.
"You, you… heal me!"
The Dragonslayer orders with black eyes.
His body moves involuntarily, regardless of his will.
It's not just because of his grandson, whose soul is completely under his control, but also because of one of his abilities, [Subjugation].
As long as he's bound by that cursed ability, he can't disobey his orders.
But…
[I'll count to ten.]
…the moment a giant monstrous claw tears off his remaining arm, his body, which was moving involuntarily, stops.
But it's still not enough.
He still desires much…
…and he still has much to offer.
His legs, eyes, heart, lungs…
Anything is fine.
He'll offer his entire, insignificant body.
If he can be of help to the young heroes' path with his twilight body.
He'll even give up his desire to end his weary life and rest in her embrace.
So…
"Give me the strength to kill him."
Ludwig speaks, and the evil god answers.
[Impossible.]
Not rejection, but impossible.
Even though he values 'voluntary' sacrifice the most…
…it means that this much isn't enough of a price.
However, Ludwig lets go of all his lingering thoughts.
It's different from the resignation he's been practicing every day.
He already decided to abandon the hope he can't achieve and do what he can.
The freedom the evil god granted him is only 10 seconds.
There's no time to waste on despair.
"Then let me protect them."
Ludwig speaks again, and the evil god laughs.
And…
[I grant your wish.]
…a monstrous arm emerges from the darkness, tearing his body apart and devouring it.
_____________________
The moment of relief from narrowly escaping death is short-lived.
A question arises.
How did the priest of Karui break through the 4-hour distance and arrive here, and why is he doing something that would harm the Dragonslayer?
Does he have another plan?
"Ol, d man! What the hell are you do, ing! Get over here and he, heal me…!"
Judging by the Dragonslayer's expression, that doesn't seem to be the case. In short, it means that even he didn't expect this situation.
But it's hard to see it as a positive variable.
"You, you… heal me!"
Black light emanates from the bastard's eyes as he collapses, having even dropped his sword.
It's obvious what it is without even looking.
[Subjugation].
It's the ability of his 3rd-grade essence.
If you use it on the dead, you absorb their soul and your stats increase. And although there are some conditions for using it, if you use it on the living, you can control them like a slave. It's an OP skill.
Thud.
The priest takes a step forward as if possessed.
However, just as we think it's all over…
Crack.
…the priest's remaining arm is torn off.
As if offering a sacrifice to the evil god hidden in the darkness.
Thud.
The priest, who was moving forward as if possessed, stops.
His appearance is beyond grotesque.
Both of his ears and arms are torn off as if bitten by a beast.
But in that state, the priest speaks,
"Give me the strength to kill him."
Only then do I fully understand the situation.
Who this nameless priest is talking to.
And what kind of deal he made.
If all my predictions are correct, there's a way to survive—
[Impossible.]
The answer to the priest's request is rejection.
A voice that echoes throughout the passage as if speaking to everyone here. The Dragonslayer's eyes briefly flicker with mixed emotions at this.
That's when…
"Then let me protect them."
…the man makes another request without a moment's hesitation.
And I hear laughter from somewhere.
And…
[I grant your wish.]
…the priest collapses to the ground.
It's only natural.
Both of his legs, which were supporting his body, have been torn off.
However, the evil god is a contradictory being who gives both hope and despair.
Whoosh!
In return for that sacrifice, a portal opens.
A portal that appears in the center of the passage, swirling with black light.
Although the color is different, it's a dimensional gate.
A high-level magic spell that can open a gate from the labyrinth to the city.
Whoosh!
The dimensional gate, which was emanating a powerful magical energy, reveals what's beyond.
It's not the familiar gray city of Lafdonia.
It's a dark and gloomy underground fortress.
"Ol, d man! What the hell are you do, ing! Get over here and—!"
The Dragonslayer's body is slowly pushed back as if by an invisible gust of wind.
Towards the portal.
"How dare you do this to my gr—"
"It's something I should have done a long time ago."
The priest answers firmly, even though the Dragonslayer is shouting in anger.
"Damn iiiit!!!"
The bastard, as if finally accepting that there's no way to stop the priest's resolve, roars and looks at me, then shifts his gaze and stares at one spot.
And he reaches out his hand.
Swoosh.
The Akro longsword, which was lying on the ground without an owner, scrapes against the floor. The silver sword moves towards him as if drawn by magnetism.
It's obvious what he's trying to do.
He's going to take this with him even if he has to leave.
'Damn sword-obsessed bastard.'
I force my trembling legs and throw myself forward.
Not towards the shameless Dragonslayer…
Thud.
…but towards the sword. My head spins from the impact of my battered body hitting the ground, but I reach out and grab the sword.
Crackle!
As soon as my hand touches it, the sword emits a scorching heat, as if it has an owner's mark.
Thanks to Pain Resistance, the pain is manageable.
But I can feel my hand going numb in real time.
If I hold onto it for a few more minutes, I might not be able to use this arm anymore.
'…Did he use the sword in this state all this time?'
I immediately dismiss the unnecessary question that crossed my mind.
That's not what I should be thinking about right now.
"You bas—!!"
I endure.
Even if I have to dig my teeth into the ground and use my weight.
So that the blade that will eventually be aimed at me won't be in his hand again.
So that he can't harm my companions.
Clang!
The pulling force suddenly intensifies.
My body starts sliding as if it's lost friction. At this rate, I might be sucked into the portal along with the sword.
Damn it, should I let go now?
Just as that thought is about to surface…
"Keu, keuheok!"
…he coughs up blood, and the resistance disappears.
Right, you've reached your limit too.
"Barba… rian."
He calls out to me and mutters briefly,
"We'll… meet again."
He says we'll meet again.
It's a line that a third-rate villain would say as he's running away, with his pronunciation so bad that even Misha would be embarrassed.
And he doesn't even say what he'll do next time.
But…
Thump!
…my heart pounds at that single sentence.
"...."
The spear embedded in my shoulder.
My half-crushed jaw.
The killing intent that makes my skin tingle.
And his right arm, burning black and emitting smoke…
…they're all telling me…
…that there won't be any lucky breaks like today if that day comes.
They're conveying it to me more clearly than hundreds of curses.
But so what?
Clench.
A member of Orculus?
A 9th-floor explorer with the title of Dragonslayer?
That there won't be a 'Guardian of Balance' next time?
I know all that.
Right, I can't defeat him now.
If he tries something, I'll have to struggle desperately like today.
But…
Swaaaaaaaaa!
…I'll survive.
Because that's what I'm best at.
That's what I've been doing.
That's what I have to keep doing.
I'll survive and become stronger.
And someday, when I no longer need lucky breaks…
"We'll meet again, Dragonkin."
…I'll come find him.
You're not the only one who lost something today.
___________________
Swaaaaaaaaa!
The greedily open portal swallows his body and disappears. And at the same time, a warm light starts to seep into my body.
And not just me, but all my companions.
'…Divine power?'
I stare blankly at my hand.
The wounds are slowly but steadily regenerating.
Unlike with potions, there's no pain, only a sense of comfort.
Swoosh.
I finally come to my senses and check behind me.
I see the priest's mangled body.
No, can I even call that a body anymore?
He's missing arms and legs.
Dark red blood flows from his empty eye sockets, and his nose is cut off like a corpse on a battlefield.
And inside his abdomen, which is sliced open vertically, the things that should be there are missing.
"Why…"
I mutter involuntarily.
Why did this old man sacrifice so much?
And for us, whom he doesn't even know.
"Letter… in my pocket…"
That's when I faintly hear a voice.
It's the priest.
I don't believe it, but I quickly approach him and search his robe.
A single, wrinkled, and stained letter is found.
"Leath… las…"
"Don't worry and rest. I'll make sure to deliver this letter to the Leathlas Church."
"Thank… you…"
The priest then closes his eyes.
Although his entire body is covered in blood, his wrinkled face looks so clean and peaceful.
Looking at it, it's like he's dreaming.
How can he even speak in this state?
I can't hold back and ask.
Because this might be my last chance.
"…Why did you save us?"
Because it was the right thing to do?
Well, if he were that kind of person, he would have had a chance to be freed a long time ago.
So why today?
It can't be a coincidence, and I'm so curious about the reason.
"...."
There's no answer.
Don't tell me, he's already dead?
Just as I'm getting up with that thought, the priest's lips part slightly.
"Ma, gic…"
The sentence is incomplete.
But that's enough.
"I see, thank you for telling me."
I get up without hesitation.
Although I have many more questions…
…I feel like the old man has already left this place.
"...."
I stop for a moment and listen.
An awkward, unusual silence.
I mutter inwardly, as if enjoying the aftertaste of this silence.
'We survived.'
We survived.
The dwarf, Misha, and Rotmiller too.
No one died.
But…
'I can't say I kept my promise.'
I smile bitterly, looking at my companion's corpse beyond the passage.
[Can… we win?]
[Don't worry, I'll save everyone and get us back.]
I confidently said that…
But it was he who protected us.
The fact that we were all able to return alive…
…that miracle, which is beyond luck, like a blessing from God…
[Ma, gic…]
…was a legacy left behind by the mage who fought until the very end.
Liol Wobu Dwarkey.