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Ancient Dark Castle (2)
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(POV switch – Shia)
As the five of us infiltrated the castle, we first felt a sense of discomfort. There were too few monsters. We proceeded through the quiet corridors of the castle.
“What is this…? Is this really the place that was said to be the challenging 30th layer? I’m a bit let down.” (Irene)
Irene-san raised her voice in disbelief.
“When we came here before, didn’t we fall into traps and a horde of Black Corpses appeared?” (Taurus)
“Considering how much we hunted outside the castle, it’s not surprising that the inside is empty.” (Alba)
Taurus-san and Alba-san were also saying whatever they pleased.
“In any case, this is convenient for moving forward. I’ll guide you, so this way.” (Sylphid)
The small Sylphid-sama glided through the air.
She looked like she was having fun. I wondered if I could move like that too if I mastered the Air Pressure Control skill.
—
Thus, we dashed through the castle’s corridors and quickly arrived at the pedestal room of Aquaram Volga. The hall was made of glasswork. In the dimly lit hall, the blue floor reflected our shadows. Perhaps due to Sylphid-sama’s accurate guidance, we arrived so quickly that it felt anticlimactic. The last time I had strolled here with a picnic mood, I had wandered around for a week before finally finding my way.
In the dim hall, the pedestal glowed a pale blue. Below the carving of Undine-sama, a glass tube protruded from the pedestal. I had seen that tube many times. It was the Aquaram Volga that Yustin-san had used repeatedly during the expedition to the Baila Volcano.
“…What a beautiful room.” (Irene)
“It seems there are no guards in this icy chamber. Let’s hurry while we can!” (Sylphid)
Encouraged by Sylphid-sama, we rushed toward the pedestal. However, that relief was short-lived.
“―――Oh… heh, Anfan is amazing. You’re really here.” (Colin)
The enemy with a light tone suddenly appeared.
All of us turned in surprise at the same time. In the direction of our gazes, two members of the Holy Knights entered through the hall’s door.
“I expected some rats would come in, but a foolish little squad like this… how ridiculous.” (Colin)
The Fourth Rank Colin and the Sixth Rank Giovanni Battista. They were two villains who stood with brutality, despite the title of “Holy Knight”.
“Hmm? Shia Randall… you’ve managed to stay alive. It might suit you to have the curse of immortality.” (Colin)
The loquacious blonde spearman sometimes said things that I couldn’t understand. However, I could grasp that most of his words looked down on us.
“Moreover, the strongman South Bullet, and the ambusher Stride… oh, and… hmm, just a mixed-breed of a jester.” (Colin)
“Mixed-breed jester? Are you talking about me?!” (Taurus)
Taurus-san complained about his unfortunate title.
“What… ambusher? I’ve thought for a while that you were a strange person, but I don’t get it.” (Irene)
“…” (Alba)
While Irene-san casually shrugged, Alba-san had a face like she had bitten into a bitter bug as she glared at Giovanni Battista.
“Well, well. I have no interest in tormenting brats like you. Get out of here before you get hurt.” (Colin)
Colin, slouching, waved his arms as if to shoo us away.
“It is you who should leave. We will retrieve Volga and put an end to this chaos.” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama declared resolutely.
Yes, we will not yield any longer. We will resist this unreasonable situation until the end.
“Oh? You’ve got some nerve for a sage, especially after losing in your favored forest warfare…!” (Colin)
A murderous intent emanated from Colin. His previously carefree demeanor transformed, and his sharp gaze glared at us. He readied his fists and took a step. His footwork seemed light. Every time he shook his clenched fist, white light enveloped the surrounding area, casting a bright glow.
That was the technique he had shown during the Urban Fraternity… surely a form of enhancement magic.
“I’ll say it again. If you don’t want to get hurt, then get lost.” (Colin)
“The answer doesn’t change. As a spirit that governs this land, I cannot allow you, who do not know the terror of Rhizomata Volga, to run free.” (Sylphid)
Feeling the murderous intent, Sylphid-sama thrust her palm forward, preparing wind magic.
“I see… then, I’ll erase you here!!” (Colin)
Tension filled the air. The murderous intent of a madman crackled in the atmosphere.
This might be the true form of the Holy Knight Colin. Despite our side being more numerous, we were paralyzed by his intimidation, like a frog staring down a snake.
— In an instant, Colin’s shadow flickered.
“Wind Blast!” (Sylphid)
Only Sylphid-sama was able to respond.
She unleashed a gust of wind toward Colin, reducing his charge’s momentum. However, Sylphid-sama herself was significantly weakened. While she could diminish Colin’s force with wind pressure, she couldn’t stop him.
The dashed punch unleashed in his charge hit Sylphid-sama’s abdomen directly. It sank into her small belly like a body blow.
“…Ah!!” (Sylphid-sama)
With incredible force, Sylphid-sama was hurled to the far end of the hall. She crashed into the wall behind her, causing the glasswork wall to shatter with a loud noise, and shards scattered everywhere. However, Colin’s fierce assault didn’t stop there. He lowered his posture and placed both hands and feet on the ground, swiftly sweeping my legs, which stood beside him.
“…!?” (Shia)
Caught off guard, my vision blurred. My body fell sideways. Time felt unusually slow. Then, another leg struck my face as I fell. It was like the head of a snake. Its supple movement made it seem as if it had no joints, striking in all directions.
I quickly crossed my arms to defend against that snake-like attack. I protected my vital spots, but I couldn’t completely halt the force. I was blown back just like Sylphid-sama. I felt something reverse flow from my stomach as I hit my back.
It hurt… close combat is my weak point.
“This is bad! I’m fighting!!” (Taurus)
As Taurus-san’s command rang out, I heard the crackling sound of electric shocks coming from the door.
“Then, I will enjoy this as well.” (Giovanni)
Giovanni Battista drew out his lightning spear. Keraunos Volga, a Volga imbued with lightning magic. It seemed to have been unlocked already, and he pulled it out immediately.
Perhaps he didn’t want to let go of that lightning spear?
As I gripped my longbow tightly with my left hand, I pulled several arrows from the quiver. This wasn’t a situation for coughing.
I brushed aside the glass shards and surveyed the scene. The chaos was intense.
Colin, who slithered like a snake, and the large Giovanni Battista, who charged like a bull. Their fighting styles were horrendously indiscriminate. Anyone nearby would be blown away by the two beasts.
“Hah… hah… hehehe!” (Colin)
The slithering Colin kicked Irene-san into the air.
“That hurts!” (Irene)
“Get out of the way!!” (Colin)
So fast…!
Ignoring Irene-san, who was easily tossed into the air, Colin continued to attack Taurus-san nearby. His long legs shot up from the ground, shattering Taurus-san’s jaw.
“Ugh! Ugh, ugh!” (Taurus)
Then, he performed a backflip to stand up, and his supple fists aimed to break Taurus-san’s shoulder, solar plexus, and waist.
“Goh―――!” (Taurus)
He was systematically targeting his vital spots. I had heard that his hard-to-hand technique was called “Snake Flow”, characterized by irregular movements, making it difficult to counter once drawn into his rhythm. The gap in our strength was too wide.
I also attempted to aim with my arrows, but he was moving too fast to follow with my eyes.
“South Bullet, your grandfather fought much better.” (Giovanni)
“Ugh…!” (Alba)
Meanwhile, further away, Alba-san had become the prey of Giovanni Battista’s lightning spear. A tempestuous thrust imbued with electric magic. Even though it was called “tempestuous”, each strike was heavy.
She was parrying it with the “Demon Exorcism Shield” that had been specially given to her by Gnome-sama, but it was evident to those watching that she was being pressured.
In terms of strength, even Alba-san, who was considered the strongest in this party, was struggling.
Even with five of us here, we could not bridge the gap in strength at all.
Lost-san, Yustin-san…
I was painfully aware now of how superior those two were as warriors and mages.
I knew that these two ferocious beasts were part of the famous Melpeque Church’s Holy Knight squad. But seeing the disparity in strength firsthand, it was clear that a mere adventurer could not match them.
“Shia Randall…! You must not give up.” (Sylphid)
“Sylphid-sama!” (Shia)
Sylphid-sama placed her hand on my back, casting a healing spell on me.
“Wind magic, especially “Air Pressure Control” is an ancient Elf’s secret art. The protection of the previous generation will become your strength.” (Sylphid)
“Air Pressure… Control…” (me)
That’s right. I have a unique skill that others do not possess. It is the “power of spirits” that Sylphid-sama granted me.
“I will help as well. With your current self… you can win.” (Sylphid)
—
I felt cold sweat running down my cheek.
“You have quite a good shield… but all I can feel from your fighting is arrogance. In a life-or-death battle, only those who have transcended death are allowed that kind of fixation. If you cannot cast aside your shame, it will only become the pride of a fool.” (Giovanni)
Alba-san was leaning against the wall, collapsing in a state of injury.
“……Haah… haah…” (Alba)
She was breathing heavily. Blood was dripping from her head, and her glossy brown skin was dirty. Her obsession and pride in being the strongest. It seemed like all that determination had been shattered, as she wore a face of despair. I stood close to that comrade, drawing my bow.
However, Giovanni Battista couldn’t see me. I desperately tried to suppress the sound of the bowstring being drawn…
―――Air Pressure Control.
That skill was a wind magic that makes objects invisible and increases acceleration. The reason Sylphid-sama had wrapped herself in a veil of wind was that she was doing the same thing with my invisible arrows.
Right now, I was hiding myself.
“It seems that the granddaughter of that man has lost her potential due to her precocity. —Die here without achieving ‘the strongest’.” (Giovanni)
Giovanni Battista glared at me with a demonic expression, raising his lightning spear.
“Now!” (Sylphid)
Then, from a distance came Sylphid-sama’s signal.
At the same time, I loaded air pressure into that one arrow. The sound of air condensing focused on the arrow’s fletching. If I made a sound, it would be over. All that was left was to unleash this bullet at close range…!
“What?! The presence of a little girl――――?!” (Giovanni)
Giovanni Battista’s spear, his eloquence, was sealed by confusion. The bullet I released pierced through his large frame with incredible speed.
―――But, had it been dodged?
The aim was the heart. Because it was a deadly ambush, I had to take him down in one strike. However, perhaps due to his high physical abilities, even at this close range, Giovanni Battista shifted his body to evade the shot. The arrow pierced through his shoulder, blasting away his powerful arm.
“Ugh………!!” (Giovanni)
His robust right arm and the lightning spear Keraunos Volga drew an arc in the air. At the same time, the spear discharged electricity, and Keraunos Volga reverted to a mere pure gold tube.
“You… used the ancient Elf’s invisible skill…! You’ve traced the bloodline of cowardice…!” (Giovanni)
For the first time, Giovanni Battista directed what seemed like real anger at me. It was a knight’s expression who had lost his composure. With his remaining left arm, he lunged to grab me.
But I manipulated the power of the wind, sliding on the ground to evade that arm. Although I had just learned it from Sylphid-sama, I was accustomed to the Air Pressure Control skill. Once I knew how to apply it to myself, controlling it became easy.
“Shia!” (Alba)
Alba-san struck Giovanni Battista’s left arm with the Demon Exorcism Shield, breaking it, and then stabbed him with her Bastard Sword.
“Ugh…!” (Giovanni)
“I may be inexperienced, but I won’t forget South Bullet’s pride!” (Alba)
“That arrogance… I will not forgive!” (Giovanni)
The blonde spearman had lost his lightning spear and strong arms, but it seemed he had not lost his fighting spirit. With just his nearly incapacitated left arm, he was launching an attack at Alba-san.
“Shia, I’m sorry! Please protect Taurus!!” (Alba)
“Alba-san is……” (me)
“It’s fine now. I have a grudge against this blonde. I want to deliver the finishing blow.” (Alba)
“……Understood!” (me)
I slid across the ground.
While flying above with Higasa Volga was nice, this low flight seemed to be quite addictive as well. I spotted the pure gold long tube rolling on the blue floor.
Keraunos Volga……
I caught it while sliding and turned to support Taurus-san and Irene-san. Behind me, the heinous holy knight and the strongest swordsman were engaged in their final duel. However, the battle situation had shifted in our favor. Now, I would leave it to the strongest warrior.
—
Even though it was two against one, they were struggling against Colin in close combat. In the first place, it seemed that Irene-san was not very accustomed to fighting. lthough Taurus-san had a long adventurer history, his fighting ability was average compared to Alba-san. With Sylphid-sama’s support from wind magic, they were somehow managing to buy time.
But it seemed that Colin was the one buying time. His expression showed a relaxed smile that did not seem appropriate for facing three opponents. He was toying with them, fighting like a poisonous snake…
“I said I don’t have a hobby of tormenting women and children!! But hey, it’s actually quite fun once you get into it!” (Colin)
His movements were still snake-like. He swiftly approached his opponents, diving into their range from the outside, and struck with his arms and legs wrapped in light. Lost-san had taken down an opponent like him almost in one blow, so I really thought that he was the biggest monster of all.
“Kyah!” (Irene)
Irene-san was kicked in the stomach and finally knocked down. At the same time, the short sword she had been using somewhat was sent flying. Colin slowly folded his outstretched leg and then glared at Taurus-san. It was as if his leg had stretched and contracted in an instant.
“This is… the most desperate situation yet…” (Taurus)
Taurus-san’s light banter was nearing its limit. I quickly slid over to Irene-san.
“Irene-san!” (Shia)
“Ugh…” (Irene)
She had done her best considering she was a noble lady. For her, there was no reason to be killed here. This was a survival competition for us adventurers. She had come here to “play” following Lost-san, and there was no reason for her to struggle here. But she helped. Even when I was on the verge of death, she desperately helped me.
…What a brave girl. She may have a sharp tongue towards me, but she is strong at heart.
“Shia Randall… I ask you to assist Taurus for a while.” (Sylphid)
A voice called out to me from behind. It was Sylphid-sama. At the same time, a healing spell was cast on Irene-san. However, her consciousness did not return.
“Colin Brigg’s movements are unsteady. He can be taken down quickly once he is held back.” (Sylphid)
“……What should I do?” (me)
“Please buy some time. Heal Taurus and provide covering fire.” (Sylphid)
“Yes!” (Shia)
Sylphid-sama was reliable. She calmly analyzed the situation and provided accurate advice.
“Get out of the way!!” (Colin)
“Ugh…!” (Taurus)
“Haha! You’re getting old and still can’t stand firm! Don’t you feel pathetic for not being able to protect the ladies!” (Colin)
“Shut up…!” (Taurus)
Taurus-san was being toyed with. His swordsmanship, loyal to the basics, could not suppress Colin’s irregular fighting style. Furthermore, he was already in a battered state from the initial assault. Some bones must have already been broken.
“Heh! Putting on a show, huh? If you bow down in front of the ladies, I might just let you keep your life――!!” (Colin)
His writhing left fist struck Taurus-san’s old wound on his forehead. A dull sound echoed in the room, almost as if a hole had been made in his skull.
“―――Aaaah!!” (Taurus)
Yet, Taurus-san still did not fall. I continued to urgently cast healing from behind, but the recovery could not keep up with Taurus-san’s depleting stamina.
“Ugh… The girl I like is doing her best… I have my own pride, you know…!” (Taurus)
He was already on the verge of death. Even so, he swung his sword and endured the punches and kicks, relying solely on his willpower.
“You idiot!! Just die already because you’re annoying!” (Colin)
“I’ll keep standing for that idiot…!” (Taurus)
Taurus-san headbutted Colin’s punch coming from the right. Even though there was no way he could compete with that magically enhanced fist against his nearly shattered head, the heat from their clash radiated toward us.
— After a brief silence, that bravado faded away. Taurus-san slowly crumbled down.
“Heh heh heh… ha-ha-ha!! This is what it means when they say a fool won’t change even when dead!!” (Colin)
“――――!” (Shia)
Without a moment’s hesitation, I shot an invisible arrow into that large mouth. But that arrow too was evaded by Colin’s supple movements.
“―――Oh… so it’s just you left?” (Colin)
With a light tone, he targeted me. But my sense of fear had already dulled. That twisted, hunched back, the despicable grin, those fists and feet imbued with light magic… nothing felt frightening. I aimed my longbow at Colin in a rapid-fire stance. Using four fingers for a triple shot, I loaded three arrows simultaneously.
However, by the time I realized it, Colin was right in front of me, shimmering like a heat haze, and before I knew it, that snake had approached me to hunt its prey.
“You’re too slow.” (Colin)
“……!” (Shia)
— But for some reason, I could track that punch with my eyes.
I used Air Pressure Control to conceal myself while simultaneously dodging that serpentine arm.
“You dodged it…!” (Colin)
I quickly moved behind him to create distance and aimed my arrow again. He looked bewildered in front of me.
“―――Huh?! What is this?!” (Colin)
His confusion stemmed from seeing the glow of his own fists and legs fading away.
The light magic was dissipating. The reason I could track that punch was that the enhancement magic had worn off…?
“Hey! What’s happening?!” (Colin)
“―――It’s mana exhaustion.” (Sylphid)
The one answering his question was Sylphid-sama, looking down on him from the air.
“Are you an idiot…? There’s no way a Fourth Rank holy knight like me could experience mana exhaustion!” (Colin)
“No, your mana has been depleted. Did you not notice during your fight with Taurus?” (Sylphid)
“……?!” (Colin)
Colin suddenly looked down at his arm and then hurriedly checked the surrounding floor, as if searching for some sign…
“This is… a mana absorption skill…?” (Colin)
The repeated acts of torment and the arrogant jabs had gradually drained the magic power from this overconfident fighter.
“You underestimated him as just an adventurer. Did you really think that an average swordsman like him would only have average skills?” (Sylphid)
“………Tch… you annoying fool…!” (Colin)
His furious glare turned toward the already fallen warrior. That warrior’s expression was somewhat satisfied. Taurus-san had never shown us his skills. He recognized that showing off Managram would be a breach of manners. So, we did not know about his special abilities.
I had heard that there exists a skill to absorb mana, which can be applied to magic trap circles. However, even if he could absorb mana, it wouldn’t mean much without the skills of a mage to utilize it. Skills can sometimes be obtained inappropriately, but Taurus-san had finally been able to showcase that power here.
“Now then, the tables have turned. Your punches without enhancement are below those of an ‘average warrior’.” (Sylphid)
“………Don’t underestimate me…!! Even without enhancement, I can still knock you all away!” (Colin)
“I see. Then, shall we see?” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama slowly descended. Her white dress drifted gently as she set her small feet onto the floor.
In that instant, the snake began its charge. While its momentum was inferior to the earlier enhanced attacks, the relentless speed remained the same. I doubted whether even a sage could suppress that force without the power of the spirits.
“Banshee the Cry!” (Sylphid)
With that one command, the air vibrated violently. Sylphid-sama shook the atmosphere, producing a discordant loud sound.
“Ugh, damn it…!” (Colin)
Colin’s movement slowed momentarily as he covered his ears. But the relentless assault did not cease. With bloodshot eyes, he lunged at Sylphid-sama.
“Dieーーーー!!” (Colin)
“――――Aquaram Volga, grant me your blessing.” (Sylphid)
Immediately afterward, Sylphid-sama flicked the blue glass tube with her left finger and pulled it out. She switched it to her right hand and summoned her ice staff. It was sharper and more refined than when Yustin-san used it. A long rod had formed. It seemed that the ice staff reflected the wielder’s mana.
The previous time-buying was to extract Aquaram Volga from its pedestal…?
“In the name of the Sea God Lir… grant me the power of sea!” (Sylphid-sama)
From the ice staff that Sylphid-sama held, a massive geyser erupted. It shot forth like it was causing a flood, and the pressure of the water mercilessly pushed Colin back.
“Shia Randall! Use Keraunos Volga!” (Sylphid)
“What…?!” (Shia)
I took out the pure gold tube that I had kept in my pocket. I was confused by the sudden turn of events, but Keraunos Volga stuck to my palm as if it were absorbing mana.
Once I poured mana into it, that lightning spear effortlessly appeared. It was smaller than the one created by Giovanni Battista. Having only seen it as the enemy’s weapon until now, seeing it up close was a bit intimidating…
“The lightning spear is, as the name suggests, a mass of electric magic.” (Sylphid)
Electric magic… up until now, I had played around with Higasa Volga’s railgun plenty. I was used to its use. In a low stance, like an archer, I readied the lightning spear. I felt as if it was buzzing and growling.
“I’m going!” (Shia)
I aimed the spear at Colin and launched the lightning strike with flair. The lightning surged along the water, attacking the snake.
“Ah, aaaaaah, guaaaahhh!!” (Colin)
Colin screamed as he was electrocuted. However, it seemed that Sylphid-sama did not intend to end the attack there. She would return cruelty with cruelty.
“This is the end―――Icicle Grassland.” (Sylphid-sama)
The torrent of water she had continuously poured was now frozen by Sylphid-sama. From the tip of Aquaram Volga, ice surged towards Colin, who was soaked. Unable to resist due to the electrocution, Colin began to freeze from his feet.
“………A, aaah… damn it…!” (Colin)
Thus, his entire body froze. The frozen Colin resembled the statue of Undine-sama that stood in the center of this hall, as if he had turned into a stone statue of this room. Colin would never again be able to display his stretching punches or twisted footwork.
“…………Hah…” (Shia)
It was over. For us now, they were far too strong an enemy. But we had won. It wasn’t a complete victory, but――――.
“Taurus…!!” (Alba)
From behind, Alba-san rushed over. Behind her, the dismembered torso and head of Giovanni Battista rolled on the ground… It seemed she had taken him down quite brutally as well. Even a formidable figure like Giovanni Battista would not survive after having his head severed. Alba-san lifted Taurus-san’s body and cradled him in her lap.
“Is he dead?” (Alba)
“………Ugh… ugh…” (Taurus)
“Is he alive?!” (Alba)
Taurus-san was alive. His collapsed state had truly worried me, but it seemed he had managed to survive. However, the Alba-san supporting him also seemed to be in a battered state. She staggered.
“…A… Alba… I’m sorry, I’m… weak…” (Taurus)
“That’s not true! That’s not true, Taurus…!” (Alba)
Alba-san held Taurus-san’s right hand tightly with both hands and rubbed her cheek against it. Alba-san smiled like a girl of her age, and seeing that, Taurus-san smiled back as he usually would. Tears from Alba-san flowed onto his right arm. Without Taurus-san, we wouldn’t have been able to defeat Colin.
He was definitely not a weak man. The strongest couple was right here. Their compatibility was enviable. Watching them made me want to quickly reunite with that monster of a guy.
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