Takelan Arvenon couldn't believe it.
What am I doing?
He was brandishing a sword. With all the strength he had left in his body, he moved his arms to kill the enemy. Still, he constantly wondered why. His most precious wife was dead, so why would he live?
To that question, the barbarian had responded: «Because someone has to break the news».
«Yes, I had forgotten about that...»
In a state of desperation, Takelan embarked on this arduous journey because of those words. Pass the news on to grieving families? I knew very well that was not the case. The barbarian, unlike him, managed to protect everything.
«I repeat again! Let everyone stop!» With a foolishly unbreakable voice, he prevented a mad tragedy.
«I am the commander of the Nartel Clan, Melter Fend.»
«I'm Lacey Nareth from Heindel Church.»
«I am a battle mage from Rafdonia.»
It was recognized by renowned explorers.
«Behell-ahhhhhhhhh!»
Leading the arduous journey from the most dangerous vanguard, the great barbarian led them to their destination. This man was a born leader. Just as Takelan first thought, he had the power to move people's hearts. But because of that, Takelan wanted to see this great man fall into despair of losing something precious to him.
That alone could ease his mind just a little. Yes, what happened was inevitable. Even that man couldn't do it. It was only natural that he couldn't save those guys. With an unhealthy motive of seeking solace through misfortune, Takelan continued this journey.
Cut!
Yes, that's how it was, but now he wielded a sword to save people who weren't himself.
«Oh, thanks. It was Takelan, right?»
Did not answer.
«You're a quiet guy».
As someone who had lost his comrades of many years, he was fighting with all his might for someone he didn't know. Takelan couldn't understand it at all.
Slide!
Why do I keep fighting? Why haven't I seen that barbarian despair yet? No. If so, why?
«Ha, reinforcements in this situation?»
«We're going to die, right?»
«Ha, this is driving me crazy. And we have come here.»
«Enough chatter, fight!»
«Yes, I refuse to die like this!»
How did these people continue fighting until the end even though they sensed their own death?
«Woahhhhhhh!»
Taking a look at the gazes of these scouts, Takelan soon realized the reason.
Kaboom!
Beyond the place where continuous explosions sounded, the place where numerous enemies came out in droves, a giant man was fighting who was still clinging to hope.
«Behell-aaaaaahhhhh!»
***
The situation was bleak, but the bleaker it became, the more I remembered the positive aspects.
The team is on the second or third floor.
There were many of them, but their individual strength was considerably scarce. If they were that talented, they would have gone up a long time ago. Noark's remains attacked us in the middle of the army of corpses, but they didn't pay much attention to us right away. At our level, a corpse summoned by Clown was more threatening.
The problem is just that it will take us a little longer to clear the way.
Actually, this was the most problematic. Time was not on our side. We had to screw Clown and group up in Blue Mane or Fallen Scholar to have a chance to win. Noark's bastards showing up right now?
The rear formation will collapse at this rate...
There was less and less time left. As impatience increased, I grabbed my mace tighter.
Crunch!
Once again, it was a one-shot shot.
«Ahhh!»
As I passed through the enemy, even at this moment, the number of my allies decreased. In the face of death, people were more sincere than ever. Some cried out for their families and proclaimed their love, others cursed the emperor, and some even revealed an identity they would never have had otherwise.
«Look... your face... Hey, I'm an evil spirit».
«...What? W-What are you...?!»
«Sorry for lying...Thank you for everyone! Finally home...a-ahh, mom...I'm late...»
Yes, it was impossible that there were no players among all those people.
Boom!
It occurred to me that everything was illogical. We overcame all those adversities to get to this place. Was it really going to end like this in vain?
No, it can't be.
I recomposed my wavering heart. It wouldn't be too late to get discouraged after I collapsed. My arms and legs were still moving, after all. Until my lungs stopped breathing and my blood cooled, the right thing to do was to fight and fight again.
Crunch!
Brandishing my mace, I thought, like the first day I got here, what should I do to survive? First, understand the situation.
«Kyle! How are things going on your side?»
«We are managing to resist so far, but it doesn't look good».
It seemed that the damage was also great in the rear, where mages, archers and long-range fighters gathered. I assumed it was natural. He was sure that Noark's scouts also ambushed his side. Since most of the warriors were on this side, it must have been difficult to deal with.
I guess we're surrounded on all sides.
Surprisingly, there was an escape route: the portal we climbed. Kyle hadn't mentioned it to boost morale, but he was sure some had escaped to the first floor with it. Running away was always an attractive option, especially if your life was at stake.
«Yandel, how about you go down and do some maintenance?», a warrior shouted at me as if advising me.
Did Kyle hear it through the message stone? «Of course not. We'll have to go back up to avoid the monster, but these guys won't be kind enough to give us time to take the formation again». Kyle spoke loudly to get rid of any meaningless thoughts.
It was a senseless act, because I didn't even think about doing that in the first place. Zero was not the same as one. If Kyle's judgments and mine were correct, no matter how you look at it, one was this side. We had to finish the game here, no matter what the cost.
«How's Melter Fend doing?» I asked about another battlefield that could potentially become a variable.
But this time there was no positive response either. «He's holding up well, but it looks like a quick win will be difficult».
In that case...
«Bjorn!» I looked to the side in surprise and saw that a suicide bomber had approached a short distance away. «Dertu Teiran!» Fortunately, Raven used Burst magic to drive the soldier away.
Boom!
The soldier exploded with a loud sound. The other corpses were not really affected, but the situation was different for the Noark scouts who came as reinforcements.
Chhhhhh!
Those nearby melted on the spot. A single drop of their body fluid was enough to turn their faces white and make them stumble. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. Rafdonia or Noark, treated people like consumables in the same way.
«So what about the Fallen Scholar?». The conversation continued without a moment to catch my breath. This was the information that might be most important in this current situation. «Can you kill him?»
«Now that the magic circle is complete, I'll try it. But...» Kyle interrupted himself. It seemed like he wasn't sure. «I'm sorry. I thought I had reached it, but the gap between us has widened since then».
I had no intention of reprimanding him. If this man had escaped through the portal, we wouldn't have gotten this far in the first place. Furthermore, Fallen Scholar was a madly insane wizard even from my point of view.
«But like I said before, I should be able to buy some time. I'll make sure I deliver a blow in that time, no matter what the cost. Even at the cost of my life». Those words suddenly reminded me of Dwalkie.
«Do you mean that magic of awakening?»
«...Something similar.»
«Will you be okay?»
«If I feared the price, I wouldn't have stayed in this place. This is a moment I've been longing for. And since I've been improving it for a long time, I won't necessarily lose my life.»
«...I see.» I didn't say empty words and I said there was no need for me to do that. Not only was it just a pretense, but who among those present wasn't struggling with their lives at stake right now?
«Ahhh!»
Even me. For example, if it collapsed right now, people would be sad but not surprised. That was our battle.
«So what will you do now?»
I laughed at Kyle's cautious question. Did I really have to ask that?
«It would be better if you came back and fought here now-«.
«Not necessary». I cut off his words sternly. Although they were pushing us back in even numbers now that Noark's scouts had arrived as reinforcements, I responded: «The plan remains the same». Kyle Pevrosk had the Fallen Scholar, and Fend Founder, that bastard wolf. «We will face the Corpse Collector».
«I thought you would». I could hear a giggle through the message stone.
«Why are you laughing? Do you think we can't do it?»
«No, I didn't mean that. I just remembered something you said before. You said warriors laugh when they're tired. Please also add the magicians».
Hmm, we warriors laugh more animatedly than that. «If you show a more manly laugh next time».
«Next time, huh?» Ah, maybe a joke wasn't necessary in this situation. I regretted it a little, but soon a much lighter voice sounded again. «Yes, having a next time is not a bad thing. Do you know something? If I come back, I'm going to start writing a book. A book about my life. It was my childhood dream».
«I'll read it if I have the chance.»
«It will be an honor. If I write the book, can I use your words in the passage?»
«What words?»
«That warriors laugh when they are tired. Curiously, those words are still running through my head».
I said it without thinking.
Since he was taking it so seriously, I felt a little embarrassed. But what couldn't he allow if we could go back? «Write it or not, do what you want».
Kyle laughed out loud at my response. «Haha, is that so? Then there will be no problem». It was a much happier laugh than before.
***
The current structure of the battle was a bit complicated. First, the expedition's long-range damage distribution line was concentrated around the portal. The warriors protected them nearby. At first we only had to defend ourselves from the corpses army at the front, but this had happened because Noark's scouts ambushed us from the rear.
That side must also be living hell.
As we regrouped, Fend and his clan members stayed in the middle of the battlefield as they raided Blue Mane. I was sure they were having as bad a time as we were. Since we were also separated from the main team to capture the Corpse Collector, it could be said that we were some sort of featured unit. In that sense, it was time for a mid-course checkup.
«Raven! How many people?»
«Excuse me? Oh, I think it's about forty!»
Ugh, many have died. I'm pretty sure there were over a hundred of us at the beginning.
Shaaaaa!
Just then, a light emanated from the ground. A gigantic red magic circle covered the entire battlefield in an instant.
«...It's a space magic formula!» Raven was the first to read the formula, but that's all she found out.
Kyle's calm voice rang from the message stone. «Don't be surprised. It had to happen over time».
«So there's nothing wrong with the plan?».
«Yeah, I knew that old man would use this spell».
I was relieved at those words. Apparently, if Fallen Scholar used space magic, Kyle could use that guy's mana in reverse and cast another spell. That was the approximate plan, but I didn't know the detailed principle since I wasn't a magician. This was also not implemented in the game. It must have been a limitation of the game's 2D format.
I should prepare too.
In any case, I had to move around hoping it would work. Otherwise, there was no other way.
Shaaaaa!
Soon, the light emitted by the magic circle reached its peak and everything in sight turned pure white. Just then, I heard Kyle's voice once again. «I'll be back».
Flash!
A dazzling flash fell on the battlefield.
[Kyle Pevrosk has launched the space-time magic of rank 2 Parallel Universe].
There was a ringing in his ears. When I opened my eyes, the battlefield appeared unchanged through my blurred vision. I murmured dryly: «Kyle, has it been a success?».
There was no response. That must have meant that the spell had been successful. Kyle would have started a one-on-one fight with the Fallen Scholar right now in a virtual space that recreated the Goblin Forest.
I hope he comes back victorious... but I will have to prepare for the other case.
Kyle thought he could at least buy some time. Something also had to be done on this side at that time.
«What are they doing?! Run!»
Stopping for a moment at the pure white flash, I led the detached unit once more and continued the advance. Without the Fallen Scholar's controls flying at every turn, the march was much easier.
This should be enough.
After who knows how long, we finally reach the target destination. It was no longer necessary to risk our lives to move forward. I entrusted the featured unit to Teterud, who was clearing the way with me. «Teterud, take the rest back now».
«Then I'll leave it to you». The road was already clear and communication was over.
«Have you heard? We stop here and come back!»
«But that doesn't seem so easy either».
«Well, I'm sure Yandel will take care of this side!»
«Come on!»
Soon, Teterud withdrew the remaining group towards where Fend was. The main formation could be difficult, but he was sure they would make it there. As long as they got there it would also help catch the wolf.
«Come on, everyone upstairs».
As soon as I said that, Missha quickly jumped up and landed on my shoulder in Gigantization. «Are we really going alone?»
Then came Ainar. It didn't fit on my shoulder, so I put my left arm around his waist. «Oh! I see why Aruru rides on top of me now!»
«Please excuse me». Coming down from Bear, whose summoning was released, Raven sat on Missha's lap.
«...This feels very strange». The biggest Mr. Bear wrapped his arms around my neck and hung himself.
«Now it really seems like we're a team!». Finally, Erwen sat on my right shoulder.
Ha, now I had become a means of transportation.
Just as I was about to leave, Daria stopped me. «Wait».
I guessed what he was going to say, so I nailed it beforehand. «Like I said before, I can't let Erwen stay». No matter how she used her big sister status, she couldn't give it up. Erwen was the key to this strategy.
«It's not that. I go too.»
«What?»
So you know the shame.
«...What is that look?»
«Nothing. Come here.» I extended my remaining arm and wrapped it around Daria's waist.
«Geuuuu...!»
«Kill him! Kill him and it's over!»
Besides Clown, the Noark amateur scouts on the second floor were quickly gathering. I bent my knees slightly and looked forward. More than a hundred Noark scouts stood between Clown and me, and an even larger number of corpses were lined up.
There must have been about sixty meters.
Completing the distance check once more, I bent my knees even more as if I were going to press a spring. «Hold on tight». This time, instead of jumping low, I jumped as hard as I could.
[You have launched Jump].
My body flew upwards in an instant and the entire battlefield entered through my eyes.
«Flying! I'm flying!»
Fend was attacking the wolf in siege formation. Teterud was running in that direction. The main team gathered in the center. The finishing touch was that bastard Clown cackling from a safe place in the distance.
«U-uh...» The moment I reached maximum height, someone pulled my hair as hard as they could. Geez, I'd have to make a handle on my armor for next time.
«Kyaaaaaaa!»
My body flew in a parabola and crashed quickly. Sitting on top of a corpse monster, Clown saw me and turned his summoned beast around.
Do you think that's going to work now? If you are going to try kiting, try harder.
CRASHHHH!
My body fell to the ground like a cannonball.
[Your total weight is more than 498.951607 Kg. The Retracement terrain special effect is applied to the damage range].
Due to Recoil, Noark's remains and the corpses of nearby soldiers flew into the air at once, except for the corpse of the monster Clown was riding on. His weight must have exceeded 1,100 pounds because he didn't even move. Of course, this was a minor problem.
«I didn't think you had the essence of a Manticore. Pshehe!» Clown still looked at me with relaxed eyes. Rather, he seemed to be enjoying this. If I could, I would want to exchange a few words with him, but I rushed to finish the Gigantization. My body shrank briefly.
«Kyaa!»
Seeing the companions clinging to me fall, Clown spoke in an exaggerated tone. «Oh wow! Have you run out of PM? And you have only managed to get here. What a shame».
Yes of course. Well, as soon as I give him a good beating, I'm sure he'll stop using that stupid voice.
«Erwen.»
«Ah yes!» As soon as his name was called, Erwen released her special ability.
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has launched Elementalization.]
Elementalization was the rank 5 monster Evan's special ability, and an ability that had a fairly unique concept even in Dungeon and Stone. The effect was simple. The caster entered a spiritual state and became immune to physical damage.
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has proposed a contract with you.]
They could then hire someone else to temporarily share multiple skills.
«Sir, take my hand.» His voice didn't sound from this world. Like a man possessed, I grabbed Erwen's outstretched hand. That was the moment.
Whoosh!
A strong flame burst out and swallowed my entire body as if it wanted to protect me: Elemental Barbarian Mode (Fire).
«Erwen, put out the fire».
«...Sorry? Oh right!»
Only then remembering my previous words did Erwen quickly change attributes.
Crackkk!
My already thick skin cracked like dry earth and became thicker.
[The spirit of the earth dwells in your body. Damage taken from fire attribute attacks is reduced by half. Damage taken from water attribute attacks is doubled. Poison immunity bonus. By using blunt weapons, strong customization is added to destructive actions. Physical Stamina has increased significantly].
A real man chose the rock.