The Goblin Forest is one of the brighter areas on the 2nd floor.
It's dark, but the starlight that fills the sky provides some illumination.
Well, it's not usually this bright, though.
Whoosh!
Dozens of light orbs are floating in the air, illuminating the surroundings as if it were daytime.
It's like a stadium at night with the lights on.
'Just how much surplus mana does he have?'
The difference in our levels is clear just from this, and it makes my heart pound…
…but that's not what I should be thinking about right now.
"Yandel, those guys…"
"The Ruin Scholar and the Corpse Collector. And I don't know about the other one."
I briefly share information with the warriors who followed me through the portal, but my eyes are fixed on the front.
"Oh, so he didn't come alone?"
The beastman, whose identity I haven't figured out yet, chuckled.
He seemed to be in a good mood.
"We'll earn quite a bit even if we split this three ways."
His greedy gaze sweeps over us.
It's like we're just trash mobs in a good hunting ground.
Ha, I was hoping they might let us go if we congratulated them.
"How low-class."
The old mage with white hair, the 'Ruin Scholar', clicked his tongue in disapproval.
"Why? Isn't this why you decided to stay behind?"
The beastman asked, but the Ruin Scholar didn't answer as if he was annoyed.
That's when the Corpse Collector chuckled and interjected.
"Pfft, you still don't know that old hag? He just wants to go back quickly, loot or whatever."
"Hmm, is that so? Then it's just the two of us who are low-class."
"Ha, what are you talking about? You think I stayed behind just to get some equipment?"
"…Then what is it?"
The beastman tilted his head at the Corpse Collector's words.
I also pretended not to know and listened closely.
I judged that if I knew each individual's motivation and goal for staying here, it might increase our options.
Hmm, right, but…
"Of course! It's because it seems fun!"
The Clown shouted exaggeratedly, just like he did at the Round Table.
"To be able to kill explorers who barely made it here after going through all that hardship with just a sliver of hope! Isn't that the best?!"
The Ruin Scholar frowned again.
"What's with that tone? You're suddenly acting."
"Ah, that? It's because I thought there might be someone I know here! Pfft."
"Someone you know…?"
"Tsk, there are. I've always wanted to kill them, but it wouldn't be fun if I just killed them, right? It's more fun if they at least know who I am before they die!"
"You're talking nonsense. Do whatever you want. I'm going to rest."
Although the Ruin Scholar had a confused expression, I was different.
'This crazy psycho bastard.'
He was hoping that if there was a Round Table member among us, they would recognize him.
That's why he even bothered wearing a mask and revealing himself.
It was a gesture that showed his resolve.
That he wouldn't let anyone here leave alive.
"Hmm, but there are a lot more than I expected?"
The beastman, who had been chatting casually while my companions were entering through the portal and forming a line, looked at us and expressed his doubt.
But there wasn't a shred of nervousness in his expression.
The leftovers abandoned by the royal family's core forces.
He must be confident that he can handle them, no matter how many there are.
'This is better.'
I decided to think positively.
In the first place, the situation would have been much worse if they had attacked us as soon as we arrived on the 2nd floor.
It's a good thing that the enemy underestimates us.
So…
"Pfft, it seems like this is the end since no one else is coming."
…we can use that to our advantage, whether it's arrogance or not.
"It's a good thing they didn't send more people, it would have been troublesome."
"Pfft, troublesome, my ass."
The Corpse Collector, a high-ranking Necromancer who's also called a one-man army.
The Clown snapped his fingers.
Whoosh!
A giant subspace pocket opened in the air.
And…
[Groaaaaaaaaar!]
…he unleashed an army of hundreds of corpses.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
It's time to start the final battle we've been waiting for.
____________________
An army of corpses is charging towards us from the front.
They're even properly equipped, as if he diligently collected them.
The pressure is immense.
But…
"Hey, we can go back if we just win this battle, right?"
…no one is running away.
At least not around me.
"Phew, I can finally fight properly."
The warriors, who are exhausted, smile and take out their weapons.
"I can finally save face. I'm even one rank higher than you."
It's different from when we were clearing the path on the 1st floor.
Various weapons like swords, hammers, axes, maces, and flails emit a bright light.
「Alexandros Bell has cast [Fury of Fire].」
「Ralph Kel has cast [Gale Blade].」
「Milton Teterud has cast [Banner of Struggle].」
「Stamina consumption greatly reduced during battle.」
The skills they couldn't use because of the field effect.
"Waaaaaaaaaa!!"
"Let's gooooooo!!"
The warriors charge towards the corpse army, unleashing their skills as if they've been waiting for this moment.
I also activate [Gigantification] and join them.
Right, we might be out of stamina, but are we out of MP?
Kwaaang!
An explosion occurs as the vanguard clashes with the corpse army.
It's a sound that should accompany an explorer battle.
[Grooooowl…]
Support follows from the rear as soon as the corpse army's charge is stopped.
Arrows fly towards us.
Attack magic of various attributes.
And ranged abilities.
Of course, they're not just watching.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Stone Curse].」
Bodies turn into stone statues during battle.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Corpse Explosion].」
Corpses modified for self-destruction charge in and explode.
Boom!
The power of the explosion is about that of a 6th-grade fire spell.
It wasn't strong enough to instantly kill the warriors, who were tougher and more agile after using their active skills.
But…
Sizzle.
…as expected of corpses handled by a Poison Necromancer, the bodies of those who were splashed with blood at close range melt away in an instant.
"Aaaaaak!!"
And in the midst of that…
"Hey, barbarian! Are you the leader here?"
…the beastman, one of the three, leaps high and lands in front of me.
His appearance is completely different from before.
Sharp fangs protruding from his mouth.
Fur covering his entire body and a blue mane.
His height and build are similar to mine in [Gigantification] state.
He's transformed into a beast that resembles a werewolf.
'No wonder he didn't have any equipment.'
I scan him and quickly analyze.
'Enhancement type.'
'Spirit Beast', a beastman's unique ability.
It seems like this guy is an enhancement type like Misha. He must have a transformation skill among the abilities he obtained by raising his Spirit Beast level.
'I wonder what essence he absorbed.'
I dismiss the question, which I'll naturally find out later, and cover my face with my shield.
He's swinging his giant paw at me.
Kwaaang!
A heavy impact that shakes my bones.
'His Strength is higher than mine.'
As expected, it's going to be a tough fight—
Whoosh!
Just as I'm retreating to avoid a strength contest, a sword swings.
Towards the wolf bastard, not me.
"I'll take care of this guy, you step back!"
It's Melter Pend, the leader of the Nartel Clan.
"You'll take care of him?"
"It's Kyle's order."
Then it's fine.
I readily yield and step back.
There's a saying, 'the right person in the right place', right?
Melter Pend is the only 3rd-grade explorer in our expedition party. And he's been conserving his strength with his clan members for the 2nd-floor battle.
'He said he was an apprentice knight before.'
He's much better at PvP than me.
[Yandel, can you hear me?]
Kyle's voice comes through the message stone as soon as I turn around after leaving the wolf bastard to Melter.
"I can hear you."
[Sorry, I was a bit late because I was dividing the forces.]
"Skip the apology, just get to the point."
[You focus on leading the people and fighting the Corpse Collector. Melter Pend and his companions will take care of Blue Mane.]
"Blue Mane?"
[Ah, you didn't know? He's the one who became famous during the Noark subjugation. He was the successor of the Blue Wolf tribe, but it seems like he committed a crime and escaped, and then he was hiding in Noark.]
Hmm, so he wasn't a member of Orculus.
No wonder I couldn't think of anyone when I saw him.
"Okay, I'll take care of this side."
[That's reassuring. Then I'll focus everything on blocking that old man.]
By old man, he must mean the Ruin Scholar, right?
Maybe the person Kyle wanted to take revenge on was that old man.
"Right, then I'll trust you with that."
I say it as if ending the conversation and swing my mace at the surrounding corpses.
That's when I hear another voice.
[Ah, and one more thing.]
"…?"
[Your companions will be arriving soon.]
"What?"
[....]
There's no answer.
Kwagic!
That's when, as I'm crushing a corpse that was protecting its head with a shield, shield and all…
Slash!
…an Adamantium greatsword is embedded in the temple of a corpse that was aiming for my side.
"We'll help too from now on!!"
Ainar.
And…
"Bjorn!"
…Misha.
The melee damage dealer duo naturally takes their positions behind me, ready to fight.
It's the formation that Team Apple Nark usually uses.
"You're not going to try to fight alone again, are you?"
I turn around and see Raven riding on the bear-like man's summon, Woongie.
'Wait, if Woongie is here…'
As expected, I look around and see the bear-like man.
"Why are you guys here when you should be in the rear…?"
I can understand the melee damage dealer duo, but why did these two come all the way here?
It would be much safer in the back.
The bear-like man answers as he loads an arrow into his large crossbow,
"Indirect fire isn't my specialty."
Hmm, that's true.
But I don't think that's the real reason.
'I should give him the [Leap Shot] essence later when we go up to the 6th floor.'
I think about the essence I'll give the bear-like man later and swing my mace.
But the corpse collapses before it even reaches it.
Whoosh!
An arrow of fire embedded in its forehead.
"Mister!!"
Right, you came too.
Her sister, Daria, is also next to her.
She was just trying to protect herself with her sister, but did she suddenly change her mind?
I don't know, but it's not bad.
"Protect the leader!"
Melter Pend and his clan members are diligently fighting the wolf bastard, creating their own territory within the battlefield.
"These leftovers…!"
Judging by the compliments that are erupting, it seems like they're successfully clearing it.
Although the Ruin Scholar is still quiet…
'Let's trust them.'
Kyle will take care of it if he tries anything.
I just have to do my job.
Therefore…
"...."
…I scan the front.
It's not difficult to find the Clown since I'm in [Gigantification] state.
He's sitting on a giant corpse monster, watching the battlefield.
As if he's truly enjoying the show.
'Geez, there's a limit to looking down on people.'
I can't help but laugh.
Come to think of it, that Dragonslayer bastard also had that kind of look in his eyes when we first met.
"Misha, Ainar, we're breaking through."
I then start advancing through the corpse army.
My target is the Corpse Collector.
And my goal is to smash his head and see if there's anything wrong with his brain.
"Yandel! Yandel is doing something again!"
"Don't tell me, is he aiming for the Corpse Collector?"
"Follow the great warrior!!"
"Let's gooooooo!!"
Explorers start gathering around me.
-x-X-x-
We avoided the worst-case scenario.
Although there were veteran players whose names were known to everyone, it wasn't an army of thousands.
There were only three enemies we had to deal with.
And they didn't even focus fire on us, perhaps out of overconfidence, while we were entering through the portal and forming a line.
But…
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Puppet].」
…that didn't mean the situation was positive.
Although we were currently fighting without being pushed back, the longer this battle dragged on, the more disadvantageous it would be for us.
That's what Necromancers are.
[Groaaaaaaaaar!]
Casualties were appearing in real time in this large-scale battle.
The corpses were tearing our flesh and beheading our companions, and then those corpses would get up and attack us.
Kwagic!
Although I'm diligently crushing their heads…
…we'll eventually be outnumbered if this continues.
'Ha, what a combination.'
I can't help but groan.
Although there were only three of them, their balance was too good.
The Corpse Collector's overwhelming numbers.
Blue Mane's PvP combat prowess.
And the Ruin Scholar, a top-tier mage with AoE spells and the ability to create unexpected variables.
Our chances of winning would have been much higher if they were just three strong players who were good at fighting.
'No, they probably left only three behind because of this combination.'
I dismiss my brief regret.
Just like how there's no one without flaws…
…it wasn't all bad.
Actually, there was an advantage for me since our opponent was the Corpse Collector.
「Character has used [Outlaw of the Wasteland].」
I didn't expect to use this item I obtained in the Doppelganger Forest here.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I unleash my battle cry with all my might at the forefront of the battle, doing what I've done countless times today.
Clearing the path.
Kwagic! Kwaaang!
Corpses, clad in various equipment, are swept away like fallen leaves every time I swing my mace.
The reason is simple.
'Outlaw of the Wasteland' is one of the ultimate counter items against Necromancers.
「Melee physical damage temporarily increases in proportion to the number of humanoid monsters.」
Increased melee physical damage proportional to the number of enemies.
I don't know for sure, but the increase rate must have already reached its maximum.
Hmm, so the maximum was…
「Current increase rate 1,000%.」
…10 times, right?
Kwagic!
Is this what Lu Bu from Romance of the Three Kingdoms felt like?
I don't even need to use [Swing] since they're exploding with every casual swing of my mace.
Well, it would be more helpful if I used it…
…but it's a better judgment to conserve my limited MP and invest it in [Gigantification].
"Huh, for a 5th-grade explorer…"
"He's a great warrior!!"
"Follow him!"
A breakthrough formation naturally forms as explorers follow me after I start my mindless charge.
Okay, then I don't have to worry about getting backstabbed.
"Suicide bomber!"
We're also starting to deal with [Corpse Explosion], which inflicted countless casualties in the beginning.
After all, they're veteran explorers who are used to raiding.
They naturally figured out the countermeasures without me having to give instructions.
"Mage!"
"Dertu Tayran!"
The 8th-grade support spell, 'Gale'.
Kwaaang!
As soon as a suicide bomber's body starts to swell, they're pushed away with a spell or skill that has a knockback effect.
Of course, even then, some of them exploded within our formation, causing damage, and I was the one who took the most hits.
Sizzle!
The suicide bombers' poison clings to my body.
But it doesn't sting that much.
Although I didn't invest much in Poison Resistance…
…[Dungeon and Stone] is a team game.
「Arrua Raven has cast the 7th-grade support spell [Neutralization].」
A buff spell that halves poison damage.
「Rebecca Izel has cast [Share].」
An active skill that allows her to take 1/3 of the damage received by the target.
「Kan Argon has cast [Group Immunity].」
An aura-type skill that shares half of his resistance stats with everyone within a 15-meter radius, regardless of friend or foe.
「Polton Casel has cast [Blood Spring].」
「Healing orbs are generated when the character takes damage.」
And healing tokens even burst out of my body when I take damage, healing my companions who pick them up.
It's literally a situation where there's no skill we don't have, with hundreds of 5th-grade explorers gathered—
Whoosh!
That's when the dozens of light orbs that were filling the sky above the Goblin Forest disappear simultaneously, and the surroundings darken.
I instinctively know.
[Be careful, he's about to move.]
The Ruin Scholar.
Right, he wouldn't just watch forever.
Whoosh!
The sky darkens as if there's a solar eclipse.
And a crimson sphere appears, rapidly increasing in size.
[It's the Orb of Ruin.]
Orb of Ruin.
It's an attack spell I've never seen or heard of in the game.
Well, it's only natural.
It's the Ruin Scholar's signature spell, something he created from scratch, from the formula to everything.
'He said it's a 2nd-grade spell.'
My heart clenches.
I know how unrealistically powerful high-level attack magic is.
Of course, it doesn't really matter.
I would have guessed even if I didn't know.
Just how dangerous that spell is.
"This crazy old man!! Are you trying to kill me too?!"
The wolf bastard, as soon as he sees the thing in the sky, shudders and tries to escape.
The Clown, who's far away, is no different.
He's shouting something with a flustered expression.
Although I can't hear him, it's not difficult to guess what he's saying. The corpse army he stationed on the outskirts is retreating.
'Damn it.'
They, the Ruin Scholar's companions, judged…
…that everything, friend or foe, would disappear without a trace when that spell landed.
But so what?
[I'll block it, you guys keep moving!]
I overcome my anxiety and focus on clearing the path for now.
"What are you doing! Keep moving!"
"Bu, but if that falls…!"
"Where are you going to go if you run away? Fight!"
The explorers encourage each other and gather their resolve, as if they've been waiting for this moment, without me having to do anything.
"It's coming…!"
I look up at someone's mutter.
The ominous sphere, which has grown large enough to fill the entire sky, is finally falling towards the ground.
And…
「Kyle Pebrosk has cast the 3rd-grade attack spell [Piercing Steel].」
…Kyle's spell, which he was preparing to counter the Ruin Scholar, is completed at that moment.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
An intense gray light erupts from the back, as if he had drawn a magic circle beforehand.
Flash!
A giant arrow pierces the giant meteor as the light flashes for a split second and then fades.
Kwaaang!
An earsplitting sound of impact.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
A powerful wind blows, sweeping across the ground.
And…
"Do, dodge!!"
…hundreds of large and small fragments, engulfed in crimson flames, rain down like hail.
Although the explorers scatter in panic, not many of them actually reach the ground.
It's Kyle's doing again.
Bang! Kwaang! Kwaaang!
Hundreds of falling fragments are blocked by a translucent barrier and explode in midair, disappearing.
Even a 3rd-grade mage wouldn't be able to create a barrier over such a wide area…
'…Did he control them all?'
He read the trajectories of the fragments and blocked each one with minimal mana.
That's the rational guess.
Indeed, Raven is gaping in disbelief as she watches.
"Is, is that even possible…?"
As a mage, she can feel it more clearly.
Just how high-level that technique is.
But unfortunately, the mage on the other side wasn't an ordinary human either.
No, the Ruin Scholar was an Archmage belonging to Orculus, considered to be even more skilled than Kyle.
[Damn that old man.]
The falling meteors, like curveballs, change their trajectories and bypass the barrier, crashing into the ground.
Thud!
The meteors didn't discriminate between friend or foe.
They fell on the corpse army, behind and next to me, crushing my companions.
And they transformed into golems and got up.
'5th-grade summon magic, Flame Giant.'
Raven shouted in disbelief,
"Mr. Pebrosk! How is this possible? He didn't have any summoning formulas…!"
[He used his remaining mana to create new formulas and imbue them into the remaining fragments.]
"In that short amount of time, a 5th-grade spell… and dozens of them…?"
Raven's astonished mutter.
But it seemed like Kyle didn't have time to answer her kindly.
[Yandel! I have to prepare for the next attack, I'll leave the rest to you!]
The call ended abruptly.
Phew, he said he would take care of the Ruin Scholar…
So the cleanup is my job again.
'Well, even he wouldn't be able to handle that monster alone.'
And Kyle was also low on mana after using Mass Teleport on the 1st floor.
I'm reminded once again that we're still at a disadvantage.
Melter Pend is dealing with Blue Mane.
Kyle is dedicated to the Ruin Scholar.
And I'm in charge of taking down the Corpse Collector with hundreds of explorers.
It's game over if even one of us loses.
The precarious balance will collapse, and we'll all be swept away in an instant.
But conversely, it's the same for the other side.
Therefore…
Swoosh.
…I charge towards the Flame Giant, which has completely risen and is looking down at me.
With my giant mace in hand.
Tadat.
I use [Leap]…
'Swing.'
…and swing my mace down, even using MP.
One hit was enough.
To smash the core of the 5th-grade summon, Flame Giant.
Kwaaang!
The Flame Giant disappears into particles of mana.
I looked straight ahead, beyond it.
The Clown was far away.
'He's still laughing.'
If I can just kill him, we'll have the advantage.
____________________
I'm moving forward one step at a time, slowly.
Smashing, trampling, and sometimes pushing corpses aside with my shield.
Kwagic!
I'm opening a path for survival.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
Rains of fire, unleashed by the Ruin Scholar, are pouring down from the sky.
Kwaaang!
Kyle is diligently casting defensive magic and fighting back, but it's not enough to block everything.
"Aaaaaak—!"
Screams echo from everywhere.
The bodies of those who desperately reached this far, longing for life, collapse on the damp ground, charred black.
And…
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Puppet].」
…they get up in that state and swing their weapons at us.
Looking at them, I can't help but think…
…that if there's a hell on earth, this is it.
Kwaaang!
A pile of corpses flies towards us like a cannonball and disrupts our formation.
It's a change that's been happening for a few minutes.
The Corpse Collector started summoning more creatures from his subspace pocket.
Damn it, I thought we were almost there.
'Just how much did he stockpile?'
Curses escape my lips.
But my feet don't stop.
Although we're surrounded by the corpse army, far from the main force…
…I continue to charge forward.
I don't know how many are left.
Many must have died.
But even so…
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
…Ainar shouts as she cuts down a corpse, and a chorus follows from behind and beside me.
"Right, Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
It's not from barbarians.
Humans, dwarves, or beastmen.
Right, it's quite addictive.
Thud!
A pile of corpses flies towards me and gets up.
It's a grotesque figure formed by combining five corpses.
I frown at its appearance, but then I recognize a familiar face among them.
'Hansen Kelders.'
I met him on Day 1 while wandering through the passage.
It was before we even knew what was going on, and before we met the Clown.
He offered to join forces, but I refused.
Because I couldn't trust him.
[The cautious ones survive longer. I hope we'll see each other again.]
He smiled and left, even after being rejected.
And…
[Grooooooooowl…]
…we've reunited like this.
'…He really was one of us.'
A gruesome sight that would have made Lee Hansu vomit just by looking at it.
I swing my mace at it and think.
If I had trusted him back then…
And if we had decided to move together…
Would he be fighting on our side, not as an enemy?
Kwagic!
Well, maybe.
But only one thing is certain.
I was wrong back then.
It wasn't even the best choice.
I didn't try because he was a stranger.
I could have found evidence to trust him if I had tried harder.
"I'm sorry."
I dash forward, stepping on the pile of corpses.
And I briefly think.
What kind of person was he?
What could he have done if he were alive?
"...."
I can't know now.
Maybe he had great potential and could have been a big help to me.
Actually, even Dwarkey wasn't that impressive at first.
I just thought he was a weirdo.
But what was he really like?
He was the kindest among us, and he was a greater mage than anyone I've ever seen.
[Yandel, are we almost there?]
I dismiss my thoughts at Kyle's voice.
"Almost."
We're really almost there.
Just a little further, and we'll reach where the Clown is.
Although close combat won't be easy since he's an Agility Poison Necromancer…
…a Necromancer's weakness is obvious.
And even he must have consumed a lot of MP after summoning such a large army.
If Kyle can hold off the Ruin Scholar, and Melter Pend can keep that wolf bastard occupied, there shouldn't be any variables—
[Hurry up.]
Huh?
[I have a bad feeling.]
A bad feeling?
Is this also a mage's intuition?
That's when, as I'm swinging my mace…
[Groaaaaaaaaar!]
…a group of explorers I've never seen before appears among the corpses.
One team, two teams, three teams…
There are too many to count.
"I came to see what the commotion was about, and what the hell is this…"
"We'll help too!"
"It's the Lafdonia remnants! Kill them!!"
"Waaaaaaaaaa!!"
They were explorers from Noark, who were hunting on the 2nd floor.
-x-X-x-
Takelan Arbenon.
He couldn't understand at all.
'What am I doing?'
He swings his sword.
He moves his arm with all his might, to kill the enemy.
But he keeps asking himself,
'Why?'
His precious wife was dead.
Then why should he live?
The barbarian answered that question.
[Someone has to deliver the news.]
[Right, there was that…]
Takelan, who was in despair, joined this arduous journey after hearing his words.
To deliver the news to his companion's family?
He knew that wasn't the real reason.
The barbarian who protected everything, unlike him.
[I repeat! Everyone, stop!]
He stopped the tragedy that was consumed by madness with his foolishly persistent voice.
[Melter Pend, the leader of the Nartel Clan.]
[Lacey Naret from the Heindel Church.]
[I'm a military mage of Lafdonia.]
He was acknowledged by renowned explorers.
[Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!]
The great barbarian who led that arduous journey at the most dangerous forefront and guided them to their destination.
This man was a natural-born leader.
He had the power to move people's hearts, just like how Takelan was drawn to him at first.
But that's why…
…he wanted to see this amazing man lose his precious things and drown in despair.
Then he would feel a little better.
Right, it couldn't be helped.
Even a man like this couldn't do it.
It was only natural that he couldn't protect them.
He followed this journey with the disgusting motivation of seeking comfort through others' misfortune.
Right, that must have been the case…
Slash!
…but he's swinging his sword.
To save others, not just himself.
"Ah, thank you. You're Takelan, right?"
"...."
"You're a quiet one."
He's fighting with all his might to save a stranger, even though he lost his companion of many years.
Takelan couldn't understand it at all.
Slash!
Why was he still fighting?
Because he didn't see that barbarian despair?
No, then why…
"Phew, reinforcements at a time like this."
"We're probably going to die, right?"
"Ha, this is crazy. We came all this way."
"Stop chattering and fight!"
"Right, I can't die with this much regret!"
Were they fighting until the end, even though they sensed their own deaths?
"Waaaaaaaaaa—!"
Takelan scanned the explorers' eyes and soon realized the reason.
Kwaaang!
Beyond the constant explosions…
…a man with a giant back was fighting.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
He still hadn't given up hope.
_____________________
The situation was grim.
But the more that was the case, the more I focused on the positive aspects.
'Their equipment is just 2nd or 3rd-floor level.'
Although they were numerous, their individual strength was quite low. Well, they would have been hunting on the upper floors if they were skilled.
Indeed, the Noark remnants attacked us, mixed in with the corpse army, but it didn't make much of a difference to us.
One of the corpses summoned by the Clown was more threatening at our level.
'The problem is… it takes longer to break through.'
Actually, this was the most troublesome part.
Time wasn't on our side.
We had to defeat the Clown as quickly as possible and then gang up on the wolf bastard or the Ruin Scholar to have a chance of winning.
But those Noark remnants had to appear now.
'At this rate, even the rear formation will collapse…'
I gripped my mace tighter as my impatience grew.
Kwagic!
As expected, it died in one hit.
But even as I was defeating the enemy…
"Aaaaaak!"
…our numbers were decreasing.
People were at their most honest in the face of death.
Some confessed their love to their families, some cursed the King, and some revealed their true identities that they had never been able to reveal before.
"That look… Hey, I'm an evil spirit."
"…What? Wh, what does that—!"
"Sorry… for deceiving you… Thank you… Keugh! I'm finally… ho, home… Ah, ah, mom… I'm… la, late…"
Right, there's no way there wouldn't be a single player among this many people.
Thump!
I felt a sense of injustice.
To die so meaninglessly after overcoming so many hardships to get here?
'…No, that can't be.'
I gather my wavering mind.
It wouldn't be too late to break down after I collapse.
My arms and legs were still moving.
I had to struggle until my breath stopped and my blood ran cold.
Right, so…
Kwagic!
…I swing my mace and think.
Just like the first day I came here.
What do I have to do to survive?
Hmm, first, I need to assess the situation.
"Kyle! How's it going on your end?"
[We're barely holding out, but it's not good.]
It seemed like the rear, where the ranged damage dealers like mages and archers were gathered, was also suffering heavy losses.
Well, it's only natural.
Noark explorers would have attacked them too. And it would have been difficult for them to deal with it since most of the warriors were here.
'So we're surrounded.'
But surprisingly, there was an escape route.
The portal we came through.
Even Kyle, who didn't say it out loud to maintain morale, probably had some people escape through it to the 1st floor.
Escape is always a tempting option.
Especially in a life-or-death situation.
"…Yandel, how about we go down and reorganize?!"
A warrior shouted advice at me.
But did Kyle hear it through the message stone?
[Absolutely not. We'll eventually have to come back up to avoid him, and by then, they won't give us time to form a line.]
Kyle firmly rejected the idea.
It was pointless.
I wasn't even thinking about it.
0 and 1 are different.
And if Kyle and my judgment is correct…
…this was definitely a 1.
We had to settle things here.
Therefore…
"How's Melter Pend doing?"
…I ask about another battlefield that could be a variable.
But again, there was no positive answer.
[He's holding out well, but it doesn't seem like it will end soon.]
Right, so that's how it is.
"…Bjorn!!"
I look to the side in surprise, and a suicide bomber is right next to me.
"Dertu Tayran!"
Fortunately, Raven casts 'Gale' just in time and pushes the suicide bomber away.
Boom!
The suicide bomber explodes.
The other corpses aren't affected, but the Noark explorers who came as reinforcements are different.
Sizzle!
The ones who were nearby melt away, and even those who were just splashed with a single drop turn pale and stumble.
I feel a bitter taste in my mouth.
Lafdonia or Noark, they're both treating people like consumables.
"Then what about the Ruin Scholar?"
I continue the conversation without a moment's respite.
It's information that might be the most important right now.
"Can you kill him?"
[I'll try now that the magic circle is complete. But…]
Kyle trails off.
It seems like he's not confident.
[I'm sorry. I thought I had caught up, but the gap is even wider than before.]
I didn't feel like blaming him.
In the first place, we wouldn't even be here if he had escaped through Dimensional Gate. And besides, even I thought the Ruin Scholar was an insane mage.
[But like I said, I can at least buy some time. I'll try to land a hit within that time. Even if it means sacrificing my life.]
His words reminded me of Dwarkey.
"Are you talking about that Awakening spell?"
[…Something similar.]
"Will you be okay?"
[If I was afraid of the price, I wouldn't have stayed here. This is the moment I've been waiting for. And I've improved it over a long time, so it's not like I'll definitely die.]
"…I see."
I didn't tell him that he didn't have to go that far.
It would just be hypocrisy…
"Aaaaaak!!"
…and besides, who wasn't fighting with their life on the line in this situation?
Even I was.
For example, even if I collapse right now, people would be sad, but they wouldn't be surprised.
It was that kind of battle.
[Then what are you going to do?]
I smiled at Kyle's cautious question.
Why does he always ask this kind of thing?
[It might be better to come back here and fight together—]
"No."
I firmly cut him off.
Although we were now outnumbered even in terms of quantity because of the Noark explorers who came as reinforcements…
"Nothing changes."
Kyle Pebrosk is in charge of the Ruin Scholar.
Melter Pend is in charge of the wolf bastard.
"We're in charge of the Corpse Collector."
[I knew you would say that.]
I hear a chuckle from beyond the message stone.
"Why are you laughing? You think we can't do it?"
[No, that's not what I meant. I just remembered something you said earlier.]
Something I said?
[Didn't you say warriors laugh when they're in pain? Now include mages too.]
Hmm, our warriors laugh more heartily.
"I'll show you a more manly laugh next time."
[Next time…]
Ah, was that a bit inappropriate in this situation?
I felt a bit regretful, but a lighter voice soon came through.
[Right, it's not bad to have a next time. You know? I'm going to write a book when I get back. A book about my life. It was my childhood dream.]
"I'll read it if I have the chance."
[It would be an honor. Can I include what you said in the book?]
"What I said?"
[About warriors laughing when they're in pain. It keeps lingering in my mind.]
Uh, I just said that casually.
I'm a bit embarrassed that he's taking it so seriously.
But I would allow anything if it meant we could return.
"Do whatever you want."
Kyle laughed out loud at my answer.
[Haha, really? Then it's settled.]
It was a much more hearty laugh than before.
___________________
The current battle situation is a bit complicated.
First, the ranged damage dealers of the expedition party are concentrated around the portal.
And the warriors are protecting them.
Originally, we just had to block the corpse army from the front, but now we're surrounded since the Noark explorers are also attacking from behind.
'They must be having a hard time too.'
Melter Pend and his clan members were left in the middle of the battlefield, still raiding the wolf bastard, as we were forming a line after coming through the portal.
I'm sure they're struggling as much as we are.
After all, we're also a separate unit that broke away from the main force to kill the Corpse Collector.
It's a kind of special task force.
Hmm, in that sense, time for a mid-battle check.
"Raven! How many are left?"
"Yes? Ah, I think there are about 40 of us!"
Phew, so many died in that short amount of time.
I think there were well over a hundred at first—
Swaaaaaaaaa!
That's when a light suddenly erupted from the ground.
A giant red magic circle instantly engulfed the entire battlefield.
"…It's a spatial magic formula!"
Raven was the first to read the formula.
But that was all she could figure out.
Kyle's calm voice came through the message stone.
[Don't be surprised. It's just time.]
"So there's no problem with the plan?"
[Right, I thought that old man would definitely use this spell.]
I was relieved at his words.
He was saying that if the Ruin Scholar used a spatial magic formula, we could use his mana to cast another spell?
That was the rough plan, but I don't know the details since I'm not a mage.
This kind of thing wasn't even implemented in the game.
It was a limitation of the 2D game format.
But…
'I should get ready too.'
I have to act believing that it will work.
Otherwise, there's no hope.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
The light emanating from the magic circle intensified, and my vision turned completely white.
And at that moment…
[I'll be back.]
…I heard Kyle's voice again.
Flash!
A blinding flash engulfed the battlefield.
「Kyle Pebrosk has cast the 2nd-grade space-time magic [Parallel World].」
A ringing sound echoed in my ears.
When I opened my eyes, I saw the unchanged battlefield through blurry vision.
I muttered briefly,
"Kyle, did it work?"
There was no answer.
In other words, it meant the spell was successful.
Kyle was probably starting his 1:1 with the Ruin Scholar in a virtual space based on the Goblin Forest.
I hope he wins and returns…
'But I should prepare for when he doesn't.'
Kyle thought he could at least buy some time.
We have to achieve something within that time.
"What are you waiting for! Run!"
We resumed our breakthrough, leading the task force, after briefly stopping because of the white flash.
The advance was much smoother without the Ruin Scholar's constant harassment.
After some time…
'This should be enough.'
…we reached the target distance.
We didn't have to risk our lives to break through anymore.
Therefore, I left the task force to Teterud, who had been clearing the path with me.
"Teterud, take the rest of the people and go back now."
"I'll leave him to you."
We had already communicated while clearing the path.
"Alright, you heard him? We're going back!"
"But even that doesn't seem easy."
"Well, I'm sure Yandel will take care of it!"
"Let's go!!"
Teterud then led the remaining forces and retreated towards where Melter Pend was.
They might not be able to reach the main force from here, but they should be able to reach there.
And once they arrive, they'll be able to help defeat the wolf bastard.
"Everyone, get on."
Misha quickly jumped onto my shoulder, which was in [Gigantification] state, as soon as I gave the order.
"Are we really going alone?"
Then Ainar.
"Oh! Now I understand why Aruru rides on you!"
I couldn't put her on my shoulder because of her size, so I wrapped my left arm around her waist and lifted her up.
"Excuse me."
Raven, who got off Woongie after he was unsummoned, sat on Misha's lap.
"…This feels very strange."
The bear-like man, who was the biggest, clung to my back, choking me.
And…
"Now it really feels like we're a team!"
…Erwen sat on my right shoulder.
Huh, it really feels like I've become a vehicle.
That's when, just as we're about to leave…
"Wait a minute."
…Daria stopped me.
I knew what she was going to say, so I said it first.
"I told you, I can't send Erwen."
I couldn't give her to them, no matter how much she used her sister's position to pressure me.
Erwen was the core of this strategy—
"That's not it. I'm going too."
"What?"
Right, so you do have a conscience.
"…What's with that look?"
"It's nothing. Come here."
I quickly extended my remaining arm and wrapped it around Daria's waist.
[Grooooooooowl…!]
"Kill him! It's over if we just kill him!"
The corpses summoned by the Clown, as well as the low-level Noark explorers on the 2nd floor, were swarming towards us.
I bent my knees slightly and checked the front.
Over a hundred Noark explorers were between the Clown and me, and even more corpses were swarming…
'It's about 60 meters.'
I checked the distance one more time and then bent my knees further, like compressing a spring.
And…
"Hold on tight."
…this time, I didn't just jump lightly, but with all my might.
「Character has cast [Leap].」
My body soared into the air, and I could see the entire battlefield at a glance.
"We're flying!! We're flying!!"
Melter Pend, who was raiding the wolf bastard with his clan members in a siege formation.
Teterud, who had started running towards them.
The main force in the center.
And the Clown, who was just watching me from a safe distance and laughing.
"Uh, uh…"
That's when, as I reached the highest point…
…someone pulled my hair with all their might.
Geez, should I add something to my armor for them to grab onto later?
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak!!!"
My body, which was drawing a parabola, starts falling rapidly. The Clown, who was sitting on a corpse monster, moved his summon back as he saw me.
No, do you think that would work now?
If you're going to kite, at least do it properly.
Kwaaang!
My body crashes into the ground like a cannonball.
「Character's total weight is over 1,000 kg.」
「The special terrain effect [Recoil] is additionally applied to the damage radius.」
The Noark remnants and the corpse army around the Clown are all thrown into the air by the [Recoil] effect.
Ah, except for the corpse monster the Clown was riding.
It didn't even budge since its weight was over 500 kg.
Of course, it was a minor issue.
"I didn't expect you to have absorbed the Manticore essence. Pfft!"
The Clown was still looking at me with a relaxed expression.
He even seemed to be enjoying it.
Although I wanted to chat with him for a bit…
…I quickly deactivated [Gigantification].
My body shrinks rapidly.
"Kyaak!!"
My companions, who were clinging to me, all fall off, and the Clown speaks in an exaggerated tone as he looks at me.
"Oh my, oh my! You ran out of MP? That's a shame after you worked so hard to get here."
Ran out of MP, my ass.
Well, he'll stop with that stupid tone once he experiences it firsthand.
"Erwen."
"Ah, yes!"
Erwen uses her ability as soon as I call her name.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Spirit Transformation].」
[Spirit Transformation].
It's the 5th-grade monster Evan's ability, and a skill that had a very unique concept even in [Dungeon and Stone].
The effect is simple.
The caster becomes incorporeal and immune to physical damage.
And…
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia offers a 'contract' to the character.」
…they form a contract with one person and temporarily share various powers.
[Mister, hold my hand.]
A voice that sounds like it's not from this world.
I instinctively grab Erwen's outstretched hand.
And at that moment…
Whoosh!
…fierce flames erupt, enveloping and protecting my body.
It's Elemental Barbarian (Fire) Mode.
"Erwen, put out the fire."
[…Yes? Ah, right!]
Did she finally remember what I said before?
Erwen quickly changes the element.
Crackle.
My already thick skin cracks like dry land and becomes even thicker.
「The Earth Spirit has been imbued into the character's body.」
「Fire damage taken is halved.」
「Water damage taken is doubled.」
「Poison Immunity bonus.」
「Strong bonus added to destructive actions when using blunt weapons.」
「Physical Resistance greatly increased....」
「....」
-x-X-x-
There are a few essences in [Dungeon and Stone] that are specialized for certain races.
[Spirit Transformation], which Erwen just used, is a prime example.
If a human who can't handle spirits uses it, they just become an elementless spirit.
And the skill coefficient is even based on Elemental and Nature, the resources used to handle spirits.
It's practically a fairy-exclusive essence.
Rustle.
Dirt crumbles and falls every time I move my arm.
It feels like I've become a rock giant.
Ah, is it even right to call it a giant?
'Phew, I want to use [Gigantification].'
It's a shame that I can't see that majestic form, but it can't be helped.
Tadat.
I dismiss my regret and dash forward.
[Gwaaaaaaaaaaaak!]
That's when the corpse monster the Clown was riding spits poison from its mouth.
I take the hit with my body, without even raising my shield.
Elemental Barbarian (Earth) Mode is immune to poison.
"Ah, so that was the effect?"
As expected, this bastard also cleared the cheat version, as he only realized my status after seeing it firsthand.
But he was still relaxed.
"Well, that's clever. Pfft."
The Clown was smiling, even though his main damage, poison, was blocked.
Well, it's understandable.
He's not just a Poison Necromancer, but an Agility Poison Necromancer.
Tadat.
He gets off the corpse monster and retreats. Although I'm also running with all my might, the distance between us keeps increasing.
It's because of the penalty that comes with Elemental Barbarian (Earth).
「Agility is greatly decreased.」
It feels like my body is moving twice as slow.
Honestly, this was a bigger penalty than the doubled water damage or the significantly decreased magic resistance.
"What? You didn't expect this?"
He starts kiting as soon as his poison is blocked, abandoning close combat.
It's something a proud person would never do.
But…
'Why do you think I deactivated [Gigantification]?'
A top-tier explorer with the title of Corpse Collector running away from a 5th-grade barbarian?
I knew you would do that, you bastard.
'Leap.'
I mutter the skill name inwardly and push off the ground.
[Kyaak!]
Erwen, who's in spirit form and can't be more than 5 meters away from me, is pulled along as if her hair is being grabbed.
I feel a bit sorry…
'The maximum distance seems to be about 30 meters.'
…but I calmly assess the situation.
It's a ridiculously short distance compared to the 70 meters I jumped while in [Gigantification] state.
It makes me realize how heavy this body is.
It would have been less than half if I were in [Gigantification] state.
But the speed itself is similar.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
The distance closes in an instant, as expected of a movement skill.
Kwaaang!
The ground shakes around the landing point.
Although the effect itself is the same as before, there's a clear difference.
The corpse monster, which didn't even budge before…
[Gwaek?]
…is thrown into the air.
「Character's total weight is over 1,000 kg.」
Right, it seems like I'm heavier than you now.
And the Clown, who looks weak, is needless to say.
"...!"
His body floats in the air, still in his backpedaling stance.
I waddle towards him before he can land and then take a stance as if I'm swinging a baseball bat.
That's when I make eye contact with him in midair.
He doesn't seem to be smiling.
Geez, how disappointing.
"Laugh."
There's no answer.
Right, if you don't want to, then I have no choice.
I'll have to make you laugh.
Whoosh!
I swing my mace as if to smash his head at the right time.
Thick bones sprout from his skin.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Bone Armor].」
[Bone Armor].
The one that blocked the bear-like man's ultimate move without taking much damage when we first met.
But I'm not too worried.
'Outlaw of the Wasteland' is still active.
And the blunt weapon destruction bonus from Elemental Barbarian (Earth).
And [Swing], imbued with the Ogre's soul.
There's no way he can block this with a 4th-grade skill, even with all the synergy.
Kwagic!
[Bone Armor] shatters like a walnut being cracked with a hammer as soon as my mace hits it.
And his soft flesh is revealed.
"Erwen!"
Erwen, who's following me in spirit form, shoots an arrow.
The target is, as always, between the eyes.
Kwaaang!
The fire arrow embedded in his mask explodes.
But could it be that even his mask is considered equipment?
The first hit is blocked by the mask and doesn't deal much damage.
Thud.
The Clown, who was sent flying, regains his balance and lands.
And at that moment…
Crack, crack.
…the mask, which was covered in spiderweb cracks, shatters into pieces.
I chuckle, looking at him.
Ah, so that's what your face looks like.
It's a face that would make Pen, the Dragonkin child, faint.
But could it be that this is his weak spot?
"Those damn NPC bastards who don't know anything!"
__________________
He explodes.
He stopped playing the clown.
He abandoned his exaggerated tone and spoke like an ordinary trash explorer.
"Don't think this will end with just death."
Hmm, that's what the Dragonslayer bastard said.
He babbled on about how even death wouldn't be able to save me.
"I'll make you suffer in ways you can't even imagine."
Is this kind of line popular in Orculus?
I don't know, but the battle is progressing smoothly, as expected of the constant compliments.
It's only natural.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Puppet].」
A Necromancer's true strength lies in numbers.
But most of his corpse army is fighting the main force, and many of them have already died.
He probably doesn't have much MP left.
And most importantly, I have a type advantage.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Stone Curse].」
A curse spell that stops my charge?
It's meaningless since the skill's attribute is Earth.
'Yeah, I'm Elemental Barbarian.'
Even though my magic resistance has decreased significantly because of the penalty, I easily resist it with my Earth Resistance.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Bone Armor].」
I counter [Bone Armor] with [Swing].
Kwagic!
Erwen, who's following me in spirit form, shoots an arrow every time I break the shell.
Thump!
Damage steadily accumulates as the battle continues.
[Groaaaaaaaaar!]
The Clown bastard starts summoning elite corpses with high individual combat power from his subspace pocket and attacking Erwen.
It's a good judgment.
If Erwen takes a certain amount of damage, Elemental Barbarian Mode will be deactivated.
Then he'll be able to deal poison damage to me too.
But…
'Okay, so there's no mage?'
His summons are all focused on 'poison + physical damage'. Therefore, it's impossible for them to damage Erwen, who has a physical damage immunity bonus.
Well, there are some elite corpses with elemental weapons…
Kwagic!
…but I smash them before they can get close.
Of course, it's difficult for me to block them all alone.
But I'm not the only one here.
"Dertu Tayran!"
Raven pushes the enemies back with the 'Gale' spell, or if that doesn't work, she casts Mana Shield to protect Erwen.
'As expected, mages are the best for utility.'
For reference, the other members are focusing on protecting Raven from afar.
It's ideal teamwork where we protect each other.
"How long do you think you can hold out?!"
The bastard spits out a compliment, his voice laced with blood.
But it's a compliment that's too sincere to just laugh at.
'…You slippery bastard.'
Although the battle itself seemed to be going in our favor, we were actually the ones who were in a hurry.
Even if we minimize the damage Erwen takes, Elemental Barbarian Mode will eventually end.
And I don't know how long Kyle will be able to hold out.
'Phew, we have to finish this before the Ruin Scholar arrives.'
My impatience grows as time passes.
Although my Physical Resistance has increased significantly after becoming an Earth-type barbarian, my magic resistance has decreased proportionally.
If I get hit by a proper magic spell, I won't be able to endure, let alone Erwen.
And it would be even worse if it's a water-type spell, which deals double damage.
In the first place, if it weren't for the Ruin Scholar, I would have already arrived here with just my team, without having to form a task force of over a hundred people.
"…The corpses are retreating!"
To make matters worse, he starts putting the corpses around him back into his subspace pocket.
It's a big problem.
Well, thanks to that, the burden on my companions who were following me has decreased significantly…
Kwagic!
…but the [Bone Armor] that used to shatter in one hit is now enduring up to two hits.
Because the damage increase rate from 'Outlaw of the Wasteland' has decreased.
"Right, so it was because of that?"
Ha, this is why players are…
He noticed, even though I hid it so well that light couldn't even escape.
The corners of the Clown bastard's eyes curl up.
"Don't laugh. You're ugly."
"…I'll rip your tongue out when this is over."
Try me.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I shout and push him back even more aggressively.
His resistance is fierce.
He's even using an essence that's not known to the public, as if he's acknowledging me as a worthy opponent.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Momentary Immortality].」
The 3rd-grade monster, Death Lord's skill.
Whoosh!
His clothes and skin are engulfed in black flames and burned away, leaving only bones.
He looks like a lich.
'No wonder he wasn't wearing any armor.'
I thought it might be the case, but I can't believe he actually has this skill.
The effect of [Momentary Immortality] is simple.
He can't die for 1 minute, no matter what, and his Mental and Ability stats are converted to Physical stats.
'A top-tier explorer with all his stats in Physical…'
I gulp but speak calmly,
"You look much better now."
He doesn't answer.
He just charges towards me, clicking his bony jaw in annoyance.
Kwaaang!
It's just a push.
But my body, which was able to throw even a corpse monster into the air with [Recoil], is pushed back.
Phew, just how much did his Strength increase?
But the good news is that I didn't take any damage because of my Physical Resistance…
'Damn it.'
…but my companions are different.
It's obvious that they'll be easily defeated if he just hits them with normal attacks.
Therefore…
"Everyone, get back!"
The situation is reversed in an instant.
I have to block him now, instead of him blocking me.
Tadat.
The Clown bastard starts charging mindlessly, pushing me aside.
The distance between us widens in a split second.
It's like a max-level skeleton.
Tadat.
I quickly use [Leap] to catch up.
Kwaaang!
He's thrown into the air by [Recoil] as I land, but it doesn't even buy me much time.
He easily breaks free and continues charging even while he's falling.
A split second is enough for an accident to happen.
"Miss Ainar!!"
Ainar, who blocked his punch, is sent flying with her Adamantium greatsword and crashes into the bear-like man.
And…
Kwaaang!
…Misha collapses after being punched in the stomach.
Raven hurriedly summons a stone wall with her magic, but it shatters with a single punch.
His goal is obvious.
He's trying to eliminate the mage, who's the most troublesome, in the remaining time.
"Protect Raven!!"
He charges towards us again, ignoring the unconscious Misha, as soon as I shout and use [Leap].
Thud!
Iron Bear, the tank summon, is unsummoned by a single punch.
"Kyaak!"
Raven's body, who was riding on Iron Bear, floats in the air. He swings his fist again before she even hits the ground.
"...!"
The bear-like man grabs Raven by the scruff of her neck and pulls her back just in time.
And at that moment…
Kwaaang!
…I land, and he's thrown into the air again.
I activate [Gigantification] and lie down on top of my collapsed companions.
The bear-like man and Daria quickly get under me, as if they understand what I'm trying to do.
Kwaaang! Kwaang!
He lands and punches my back repeatedly as if trying to crush us.
I wonder if they're okay?
"Ugh…"
No, it seems like they're not.
I thought this might work…
'Plan B.'
I change my mind in less than 5 seconds and quickly get up, punching him in the head.
He's sent flying, as if he didn't expect the blow.
Right, the best defense is a good offense.
I dive towards him.
And…
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!"
…I pin him down with my overwhelming weight.
He struggles to push me off after a few seconds, as if even he finds the weight of a giant Earth Barbarian burdensome.
But how much time is—
"…Damn barbarian."
Right, it's over now.
Ha, I thought we were all going to die.
I chuckle, looking at him as flesh starts to grow on his bones and he becomes naked.
"Small."
Although it would be a lie to say I don't feel any pity…
…that doesn't mean I'll show him any mercy.
Tadat.
I immediately dash forward and swing my mace at him.
As expected, [Bone Armor] activates.
Kwagic!
It shatters in one hit, perhaps because I'm in [Gigantification] state, and Erwen shoots an arrow in that gap.
"...!"
She aimed for his head, but he rolls and dodges, as expected of an agility-based character.
But the arrow hits his leg.
'Nice.'
Now that his leg is pierced, he should be slower.
I quickly dash towards him again.
And at that moment…
「Character's Soul Power is insufficient.」
「[Gigantification] ends.」
My body shrinks as my MP runs out.
Well, it was about time.
I used [Leap] and [Swing] a lot.
But it's not a problem.
It seems like this bastard is also almost out of mana.
[Mister, the corpses near the portal have all collapsed!]
The corpse army that was maintaining its [Puppet] state while fighting us.
But he deactivated it?
It means he's cornered.
'Just a few more times.'
I charge towards him as he runs away like a rat.
Although I don't have [Leap], it's similar to the battles we've had so far.
He activates [Bone Armor] when he's caught while running away.
I smash it with my mace, and then Erwen shoots an arrow.
After some time…
'Just how big is his MP pool?'
That's when, as I was about to smash him again after catching him and activating [Bone Armor]…
[Ah, Yandel, can you hear me?]
…good news and bad news arrived simultaneously.
[We defeated Blue Mane. We'll be there soon.]
Melter Pend and his clan members finally succeeded in raiding the wolf bastard.
The disappearance of the corpse army was probably the main reason.
It's great news.
But…
[And one more thing, it seems like… Mr. Kyle lost.]
Kyle was defeated.
[Be careful, the Ruin Scholar might be heading towards you.]
Melter Pend's warning was meaningless.
Because he was already here.
"Huhu, Mr. Nekrapetto, you're also in a sorry state."
-x-X-x-
Kwagic!
The Clown bastard's face is revealed as his [Bone Armor] is stripped away again.
His expression is filled with panic.
Based on my experience, this expression is a sign that this long battle is nearing its end.
But just as I'm about to swing my mace down with all my might…
Whoosh!
…a cool breeze grazes me from the side.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has taken damage exceeding the allowed amount.」
「[Spirit Transformation] is deactivated.」
My body suddenly feels lighter.
My rock-like skin has returned to normal.
My hearing, sharpened like an animal sensing danger, picks up every sound.
Thud.
I hear something collapse behind me.
"Erwen!!"
Daria's urgent shout follows.
It's not difficult to deduce the situation.
Erwen was attacked.
So Elemental Barbarian Mode ended.
But why?
I see the answer before I can even turn my head towards where the wind came from.
"Huhu, Mr. Nekrapetto, you're also in a sorry state."
Thick white hair and a white beard.
Kind-looking features.
An old mage with the typical appearance of a mage.
'The Ruin Scholar.'
He's here.
'How? What happened to Kyle?'
Countless questions erupt in my mind as I face that reality.
But…
Swoosh.
…I suppress my questions and move my arm.
It was an instinctive judgment made in a split second.
'If not now…'
…there's no chance.
Elemental Barbarian Mode is over.
I can't block poison damage anymore, so if I miss this opportunity, I'll have to face both the Clown and the old man at the same time.
So…
"You're in a hurry."
Damn it.
My left arm loses strength, and the mace I was holding falls to the ground.
Thud!
A red light pierces my wrist.
I feel like I'm going crazy.
'Crazy, what kind of normal attack…'
There was no casting time.
It means the spell he just used is no different from 'Magic Missile', a basic attack spell for the Ruin Scholar.
But my body was pierced by a normal attack?
My magic resistance should have returned now that Elemental Barbarian Mode is over.
'No, I'll think about it later.'
I dismiss the question again.
That's not what I need to do right now.
I lost my mace?
Then I can just use my shield.
A K-barbarian's spirit is to use their gums if they don't have teeth.
Thwack.
I smash the Clown bastard's face with my shield as soon as I drop my mace.
He won't die from one hit, so I hit him again.
Thwack!
I'm not reassured with two hits, so one more time.
Whoosh!
That's when, as I'm about to slam it down for the third time…
"You're an interesting one."
…my body stops.
It's like something invisible is pressing down on my entire body with immense pressure.
"I told you I'm in a hurry."
I roll my eyes and look to the side.
The Ruin Scholar is staring at me.
Although he has an expressionless face, he seems amused.
As if he's discovered something interesting.
"What's your name?"
Right, so you're curious about me.
"You put Mr. Nekrapetto in that state, so you can't be a nameless explorer."
His voice is devoid of any malice.
[Don't tell me he's already there…!]
Melter Pend's voice comes through the message stone, and the Ruin Scholar frowns as if annoyed by the interruption.
Right, that's all he did…
[Just wait a moment. I'll be there soo—!]
…and the message stone on my waist explodes.
Boom!
No, what kind of mage is this?
He didn't even swing his staff or wand, and there wasn't even the hand gesture unique to mages when they manipulate mana.
Just how high-ranking is this old man?
I heard he was 3rd-grade before being exiled.
"Aren't you going to answer?"
"I'm Bjorn, son of Yandel."
I quickly answer.
I judged that I had to buy time by talking to him until Melter Pend arrived with the main force.
"Title?"
"Little Balkan."
"Hmm, I've never heard of it. Then what's your rank?"
"…I was promoted to 5th grade a few months ago."
"5th grade, I'm even more interested now."
The Ruin Scholar looked at me with a strange glint in his eyes and then waved his hand as if manipulating mana.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
Multicolored lights erupt from the ground.
Ah, I know this spell.
The 5th-grade unique spell, 'Memory of the Earth'.
It's a spell that replays the events that took place in a certain area.
'He's just using unique spells from other schools.'
'Memory of the Earth' is a unique spell of the Earthlin School.
And according to the information I gathered, the school that the Ruin Scholar belonged to before being exiled pursued a completely different type of magic.
"Pfft."
The Ruin Scholar, who was looking into the distance as if watching the replay, chuckled.
"You're even more interesting than I thought. To say that to Mr. Nekrapetto."
That…
I don't know if he's talking about my appearance or the fact that I called him 'small'.
But what does it matter?
"What happened to Kyle?"
I asked what I was curious about since he seemed to want to talk.
Unexpectedly, he answered readily.
"He's alive. He's too valuable to die here."
"…You intentionally didn't kill him?"
"He's achieved a lot through the emotion of revenge. He'll reach an even higher level if he can discard even human emotions."
Although his pronunciation was fluent and accurate, as expected of a mage…
…I didn't understand what he was saying even after hearing it.
Why would that be a reason not to kill him?
Shouldn't you kill an enemy if their potential is high?
I didn't say it out loud.
But did he sense my question even through my gaze?
"What does it matter whether it's an individual or a group, an enemy or an ally?"
The Ruin Scholar said.
"As someone who seeks to see the end of magic, I'm just curious. What kind of magic he'll leave behind when he reaches that level."
"Even if it can kill you?"
"Don't worry. Reaching that level means discarding everything unnecessary. By then, he won't have any human emotions left."
I just decided to give up on understanding.
People said he was an old man who had gone insane from his obsession with magic, and it seemed like it was true.
His way of thinking was completely different.
But that's why…
"Well, then let's end the conversation here."
…I had a sliver of hope.
That his way of thinking might save my life today.
"I went a bit overboard today."
I noticed a bloodstain on the Ruin Scholar's beard.
It seemed like the stain remained even after he wiped it off.
'…This bastard is also not in a good condition.'
It's a positive factor, regardless of the outcome.
That's when, as I was thinking that…
"It's been a while."
…the Ruin Scholar said as if saying goodbye.
"I'll be taking Mr. Nekrapetto with me since I still need him."
The Clown bastard's body, half-conscious from being hit by the shield, floated into the air. I could only watch as his body was paralyzed.
Mixed emotions washed over me.
We were almost there.
Is this how it ends?
No, even if this is how it ends, it's still a good deal if he's letting us go—
"Then die."
Right, there's no way he would.
Swoosh.
The Ruin Scholar extended his hand towards me, and an ominous red mana gathered on it.
I cleanly dismissed my lingering thoughts.
It's nothing new.
It's always been like this.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I have to fight.
To survive.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
My warrior's body grows in size again, as if squeezing out the last of my strength.
Kwagic, crackle, crackle.
I feel the intangible mana that was covering my body shattering as I put strength into my legs.
I roughly expected it.
He's a mage, the embodiment of efficiency.
He would have only used as much mana as necessary since he wasn't in a good condition either.
Tadat.
My body is finally free.
I push off the ground and dash.
Towards the enemy's backline.
"Yandel! I see Yandel!"
Not towards where my allies are running…
Thud!
…but towards where the enemy is.
"Hmm."
The Ruin Scholar looked at me with curiosity.
He must be wondering why I'm not running away even though I dispelled his CC.
But that's only from his perspective.
How long could I last with the MP I recovered in less than 10 minutes?
'20 seconds at most.'
Even [Gigantification] would end by then.
Therefore, the best I can do right now…
Thud!
…is to close the distance and get close to the Clown bastard.
The reason is simple.
That old man, who seemed only interested in magic, said earlier,
[I'll be taking Mr. Nekrapetto with me since I still need him.]
He said he still needed the Clown.
In other words, he can't use magic if I'm close to him.
That's probably the reason why he tried to take the Clown first.
"Clever."
Although the red mana in the Ruin Scholar's hand remained, he didn't aim it at me.
But…
"It's a waste of mana to just discard it."
…his outstretched hand turned towards a different direction.
Not me, but where my companions were.
Flash!
A red sphere shot out from his palm.
And at that moment…
"Barhatun Wiar."
…a dozen stone walls were erected along its path.
It was Raven's magic.
No wonder she was so quiet, she was secretly preparing a spell.
But it was meaningless.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The red sphere easily broke through the stone walls and flew towards us.
"Get down!"
The bear-like man covered his companions with his body, just like I did earlier, and even summoned Black Bear on top of that.
And in that instant…
Kwaaang!
…the sphere exploded in midair, unleashing thousands of flames.
It was the exact midpoint between me and my companions.
No, to be precise…
"No!"
…it was right where Erwen, who had collapsed after [Spirit Transformation] was deactivated, was.
As if he had been aiming for her from the beginning.
Booom!
Countless flames erupt like fireworks, exploding over and over again.
Whoosh!
Hot wind grazed my skin.
Even in the midst of that, the Ruin Scholar muttered in a calm voice, his expression unchanged,
"That young lady is the second most fated after you."
I didn't understand what he meant.
But one thing was clear.
He really was aiming for Erwen.
Crack.
My jaw ached.
It felt like someone had smashed the back of my head with a giant blunt weapon.
Is Erwen really dead?
Thump!
Blood rushed to my heart, and my mind went numb.
But I focused on one thing.
What did I have to do to protect the rest of them?
'At least I have to kill this bastard.'
I reach for the Clown bastard's head, trusting that the allies who will arrive soon will somehow take care of the Ruin Scholar.
This guy, at least.
Thwack!
My shield slams into the Clown bastard's face once more.
But was he still conscious?
"Pfft!"
He spits blood into my face.
Sizzle!
I hear a burning sound.
Although I don't feel any pain, I can feel something flowing down my face, even through my numbed senses.
I open my eyes, but my vision is blurry.
'Venom Hydra.'
It's his passive skill.
It has a similar effect to [Acidic Fluid], but the performance is vastly different. He probably modified his suicide bomber corpses using his own blood.
But it doesn't matter.
I reach out through my darkened vision.
Grab.
I luckily grab his hair.
Okay, I won't miss him now.
Crack.
I bite him like a beast, using my teeth instead of my left arm, which has a hole in it and can't apply force.
"Aaaaaak!!"
Soft cartilage is crushed between my teeth.
Is this his ear?
"Tsk."
I spit it out and lower my jaw.
I'm aiming for his neck.
If I sever the blood vessels leading to his brain, even this bastard—
"You're truly a beast."
A voice filled with disgust.
Slash!
Something sharp cuts through my right arm.
It really hurts for the first time in a while.
And my lips curl up into a smile.
"Now I understand why they call barbarians savages. You're all broken in some way."
The Ruin Scholar asked,
"Aren't you afraid of death?"
He didn't know anything about barbarians.
They're not beings who don't know fear.
They just learned how to overcome it and move forward.
Because they had no choice.
They smile and choose the only option they have.
People called them barbarians.
And they called themselves those who struggle.
Warriors.
「Character's Soul Power is insufficient.」
「[Gigantification] ends.」
[Gigantification] ends just in time.
"Keugh!"
I'm pushed back as I lose my grip.
My body rolls on the ground.
I get back on my feet without any problems, even though I can't see, perhaps because I've been in so many brawls.
The problem is my lost sense of direction.
"Impressive."
Right, you're there.
Tadat.
I charge towards where I heard his voice.
Thump!
Something pierces my abdomen.
But at that moment…
Swaaa!
…a warm energy envelops me.
It's divine power.
"Yandel! Save Yandel!!"
I also hear the dwarf, Teterud, whom I sent to help Melter Pend.
He's quite close.
[Belvev Ruinjenes!!]
I also hear Kyle's voice, amplified by magic.
He's shouting the Ruin Scholar's real name, filled with anger.
Kwaaang!
Something explodes in front of me.
But did he retreat to dodge?
"So even that friend came. I should have just killed him."
The Ruin Scholar's voice is a bit further away.
"You know? I wasn't trying to be lenient. I just miscalculated. I thought that much time would be enough."
His voice is still calm.
"Well, it was like that from the beginning. I didn't think anyone would be able to come up."
His voice fades into the distance.
"Congratulations. You're the only winner."
With that, his voice disappears. And my blurry vision turns black.
I can't even feel a faint light.
It's like I'm alone in space.
Thud.
I sense someone approaching, and I instinctively swing my severed arm to attack.
Thwack.
It's blocked.
But there's no counterattack.
"It's me."
I hear the dwarf, Teterud.
"My friend… it's… over…"
Ah.
"So… rest now."
Ah…
'What about Erwen…?'
I had a question I had to ask, but I couldn't speak.
Thud.
Such a long day.
That was my last memory.