Episode 128: Crumbling Formation
Tennoji wiped the sweat from his cheek.
No matter how strong the Monsters appeared to be, if the “Roar of the Raijuu” fought with all his might, he could always defeat them. Moreover, this time, Ishikawa, Elceed’s best Water Magic user, had come to help.
There was no way they could lose. Tennoji had that kind of confidence.
However, he realized that it was overconfidence. The enemy before him was stronger than he had imagined.
“Ishikawa… do you think we can defeat that guy?”
Tennoji asked Ishikawa, who was standing next to him, with a self-deprecating laugh.
“I don’t know. I can’t believe my axe didn’t work.”
Ishikawa turned his gaze. There was a wound on the Monster’s left shoulder made by the [Water Vein Battle Axe].
He had slashed at it with all his might, but it had only resulted in a small wound. Even that wound was gradually healing, emitting smoke as it did.
Originally, if a Monster was attacked with a weapon imbued with Magical Power, its [Regeneration] would be inhibited, making it difficult to heal easily.
Especially a wound inflicted by [Water Magical Power], which [Fire Monsters] were weak against.
Naturally, it was thought that [Regeneration] would not activate, but the Ogre’s wound was healing rapidly.
That meant the difference in Magical Power was too great.
“To this extent… could it be a Unique Monster?”
Tennoji nodded silently at Ishikawa’s words. An unseen Monster with abnormal strength. If they were to compare it to past examples, it would be natural to think of it as a Unique Monster, as announced by the International Dungeon Research Organization.
Of course, there was also the possibility that it was an undiscovered [Abyssal Monster].
However, even in the Russian [Red Dungeon], which was deeper than Japan’s [Red Dungeon], a “Red Ogre” had not been confirmed.
Tennoji looked at the Monster before him again.
Over two meters tall, a muscular physique, and the released flames could easily melt the earth. If it was truly a Unique Monster, Tennoji thought it would be extremely troublesome.
–Red Dungeon Monsters are attack-specialized. Moreover, their Regeneration is second only to the White Dungeon. If that’s the case…
“A Red Dungeon Unique Monster… this might be tricky.”
Ishikawa, who had taken a step back, muttered, “Should we retreat for now?” while still holding his weapon.
Tennoji glanced back. The Seeker Clans of “Farmel” and “Kagurazaka Pharmaceuticals” were struggling against the Hell Garm.
“No! If we fall back, the situation will only get worse.”
Tennoji called out to Misaki and Rui, who were standing behind him.
“Misaki, Rui! Go and support Farmel and Kagurazaka!!”
Misaki was confused, saying, “B-but…” but Rui said, “Yes!” and ran off. Misaki and Rui were Fire Magic users. They would have a hard time against this Ogre.
Rui immediately understood that Tennoji had made that decision.
Misaki also had a dissatisfied expression, but she didn’t complain and chased after Rui.
“Well… I can’t let this guy go any further. No matter what, we’ll stop him here!”
Tennoji put his fists together and released Lightning Magical Power. Ishikawa and Taizen, who were standing behind him, responded with “Yeah!” and put power into their weapons.
◇◇◇
“Whoa!?”
Something grazed Yuma’s cheek. It fell to the ground and looked like an arrow made of wood.
“This is…”
Yuma turned around in surprise. There were several Goblins nocking arrows there. The bows and arrows seemed to be handmade.
“President! They have those things!”
“Huh? Bows and arrows, huh… they must have made them themselves. Be careful, they can attack from a distance!”
“You’re too smart!”
The two of them worked together to scatter the Goblins. Looking around, it seemed that the small and medium-sized Seekers were putting up a good fight. The initial goal of separating the weaker Monsters from the [Depths Monsters] was generally going well.
Even so–
“Uwaaaaaaaah!”
“D-don’t come here!!”
The Hell Garm broke through the encirclement of the higher-ranking Seekers and attacked the B and C-rank Seekers. The ones targeted were the Seeker Clan of IBI, led by Okawara.
They were engulfed in the flames spewed out by the Hell Garm, screaming and desperately trying to escape.
“Is that them again… aren’t they just running away every time! What happened to their proud Lightning Magic user?”
Kanzaki spat out in amazement. Yuma asked him worriedly, “What should we do?”
“Sorry, Yuma, but can I ask you again?”
“Yes, no problem!”
Yuma immediately ran out, slipped past Tanaka and Minazuki, who were fighting desperately, and headed towards Okawara and the others.
He pulled his parka’s hood down low, put strength into his whole body, and activated his Metallization ability.
–I’ve fought that dog once before. No matter how many times I blow it away, it regenerates, but if I attack it with Water Magic…
Yuma channeled Magical Power into the [Water Vein Club] he held in his right hand. The club gradually took on a bluish tint and began to shine.
“Bloodstained Ore (Bloody Ore)!”
Red veins ran through Yuma’s body, which was hidden by his clothes. The moment the Flame Hell Garm was about to bite Okawara– Yuma’s swung club struck the Hell Garm’s head directly.
It screamed, scattered flames, and fell to the ground, writhing. Looking at it, the Hell Garm’s head was crushed, and half of its face was gone.
“Oh… it’s working after all.”
The Monster growled and slowly stood up. The wound would not heal easily, but it still seemed to be regenerating gradually.
When Yuma looked, Kanzaki had rushed over.
“President, that’s”
“Yeah, Water Magic is effective, but it seems like your Magical Power is too low to completely destroy it.”
Tanaka and Minazuki also rushed up from behind, cautiously taking their stances. Seeing that, Kanzaki nodded once and gave instructions to everyone.
“We’ll take care of this guy! Get your act together, you guys!!”
“Yes!”
Hearing Yuma and Tanaka’s replies, Kanzaki glared at the Monster with stern eyes. At that time, Okawara was reflected in the corner of his vision.
He was sitting on his butt, the hand holding his weapon was shaking, and his face was dyed with fear.
“Hey, Okawara. You guys are in the way! Get out of here!!”
When Kanzaki shouted, Okawara snapped back to his senses.
“D-d-don’t be ridiculous! I don’t need you to help me–“
In response to Okawara’s bravado, the IBI employees strongly retorted.
“What are you saying, President! We’ll die if we stay here!!”
“That’s right! There’s no way we can win against that thing!!”
“Let’s run away! Let’s run away! That’s all we can do!!”
“I agree! I’m tired too!!”
Okawara was indignant at the pathetic employees’ excuses, but in the end, he was forcibly taken to the exit by the employees who had him in a hold.
Only a grudge could be heard from afar, saying, “Damn you guys~”
“What did those guys come here for? They’re not helping at all.”
Kanzaki turned to face the Hell Garm again, pointed the tip of the Hexagonal Rod he held in both hands at the enemy, and took a battle stance.
The Hell Garm’s face was almost healed.
“It’s coming.”
Kicking off the ground, the Monster covered in flames came straight at them. If it spewed out the embers it had accumulated in its belly all at once, the area would be swallowed up in a vortex of flames.
“Leave it to me!”
Kanzaki slammed the Hexagonal Rod into the ground. The ground cracked, and a large amount of water gushed out from the gap.
The rising water collided with the flames, instantly evaporating and exploding. The water vapor that scattered as mist turned the entire area white. As the Hell Garm, whose vision had been taken away, was bewildered, Yuma jumped out from the mist.
“Eat this!”
He swung the club up from below, hitting the Hell Garm’s jaw. The jaw cracked open, and a tremendous amount of blood spurted out.