◆ Outside the Gates of a Town Southeast of Avangarde Royal Capital ◆
I wasn’t using any skills, and their attacks seemed to move in slow motion. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I could win even with my eyes closed. Although I was impressed by the wave attacks from Ritta’s squad, in the end, what mattered was the level. Would a veteran over level fifty struggle against a Cave Rabbit? I could catch them barehanded.
But right now, the situation was even worse. I felt like a fledgling Adventurer challenging a Calamity Class monster. In other words, this wasn’t even a contest. A simple swing of my spear sent them flying dramatically from the wind pressure. They tried to regroup, but I could have killed them countless times in that interval. When I attempted to flank them, a move said to be the specialty of the Flash Strike Girl, they didn’t even notice me for several seconds. It was pathetic.
“Irene! Shuri! One more time!”
“Yes, this time it’s that, right?”
Yet, why didn’t they give up? They kept changing their tactics, but none of it made any sense. Even if they caught me off guard, their attacks barely left a scratch. If I had to give them credit, it would be for Rash’s Illusion Magic. It was annoying how it distorted my sense of distance, but it didn’t serve as a decisive factor. Moreover, his attack magic didn’t inflict any damage on me either.
“Enough already! Why are you challenging me so desperately?”
“This is a party battle, Nikka-san!”
“A party… battle?”
A sharp pain pierced my chest. It was something I had felt all along, but it was made clear through their party tactics. I was alone, wielding this power. And against that, they were persistently challenging me as a team.
“Blaze Shot!”
“Ugh…”
Had Rash found the perfect moment when I was lost in thought? He mercilessly struck me with a fireball. This Illusion Magic was troublesome because if I didn’t keep my thoughts focused, I could easily be deceived. I was so flustered that I didn’t even notice the real threat had circled around me.
“Even if that hits, it won’t hurt me at all. Don’t you understand?”
“It’s not like it doesn’t hurt at all, right?”
“Aren’t Adventurers always fighting like this?”
Ritta’s exaggerated politeness pierced my heart this time. Yes, to them, I was akin to a monstrous beast. They were challenging an opponent they could never defeat alone, engaging in a party battle. I was getting carried away with this power. All I had been doing was relying on brute force dictated by my level. No, that part was fine. The problem lay in this situation.
“I…”
Overwhelmed, I finally dropped the spear I had been holding. It was an act unforgivable on the battlefield, akin to wishing for death. But even though they were coming at me seriously, they lacked the power or intent to kill me. I should have known that.
“This is monstrous behavior, Captain Baste.”
“What…?”
Captain Baste’s stern expression and gaze were mirrored by Lester, Donboss, and Fenfuu. They weren’t comrades. Their expressions were harsh, filled with a curiosity that was distinctly different from a human’s.
“Merely wielding power recklessly isn’t the essence of humanity.”
“Is that a violation of orders?”
“Are you saying to continue until they are killed? That’s not something a human would do.”
“Once you have power, you can wield it however you want. The Flash Strike Girl has done the same.”
“But unlike Big Sis Lua, you guys just look like you’re rampaging.”
Rash spun his staff skillfully on his fingertips as he shot back at Captain Baste. Perhaps he didn’t like that gesture, as Captain Baste immediately unleashed Weakening Magic. As Rash lost his balance and fell, Captain Baste approached him slowly, as if to instill fear.
“I can’t… exert any strength… This is Weakening Magic…”
“Don’t meddle in adult matters. You say you admire me? You speak as if you know everything…”
“But it’s amazing… to be A-Rank without using attack magic…”
“I can only use that. For some reason, I can’t handle any attribute or type of magic. Because of that, I’ve been ostracized from a family of top-tier wizards and have suffered miserably.”
“But you climbed back up…”
“It was my limit. All I can do is support. The one who gets to shine in the end is the front line. No one praises the pillar that supports the house.”
Captain Baste’s bloodshot eyes seemed to gaze into the void. His intensity was enough to make Ritta and the others, who had been fighting fiercely just moments ago, stop in their tracks. I couldn’t help but think it was childish to be so unkind to a fallen child, but I had been doing the same until now.
“I see… then I guess nothing I say will matter…”
“Is there anything else you want to say?”
“Ah…”
Ritta was the first to spot the dragon landing with a powerful flap of its wings. When the wind generated by the golden wings hit me, an inexplicable anxiety sprouted within. It was an invisible, sharp blade that always conveyed itself as an instinct when facing formidable foes. The greater the gap between us, the more it tore at me, transforming that feeling into fear.
Of course, neither the dragon nor the girl riding it intended to kill me at this point. Still, I had become sensitive enough to feel it because my level had approached theirs. If they truly attacked me with intent…
“I thought I sensed someone, and it’s Ritta… and Rash too. What are you all doing here?”
“Ah, haha… as expected, Rua-san is my hero…”
“What’s going on?”
The girl smiled at Ritta and the others as if she had run into acquaintances on the roadside. At the same time, it was a sign that she didn’t regard our existence at all. She merely glanced at us, treating us as if we were just something there. This would surely not sit well with Captain Baste and the others.
“So, Ritta is here to wake up her big brother?”
“Wait, Rash! You don’t have to explain everything!”
“It’s fine, isn’t it?”
“Rua-chan, those people are from the Avangarde Special Operations Unit.”
With Rash’s explanation, Lua grasped everything. The one who recognized us was Roel, who had transformed from the dragon into the girl, or rather, Kurinka. Her slender figure, with golden hair flowing, was hard to believe as the same being that had exuded such overwhelming pressure just moments ago.
“Um, you’re Baste, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“It seems Nikka has reflected on his actions, so I’ll send Ritta and the others home. I’d like you to withdraw as well.”
“Don’t be foolish. Nikka is a member of the Baste Squad. Now, Nikka, are you going to defy orders?”
“I—”
◆ Outside the Gates of a Town Southeast of Avangarde Royal Capital ◆
“I can’t… obey orders.”
Nikka’s voice, finally squeezed out, was truly frail. Perhaps he was terrified of the Baste Squad, or maybe he didn’t want to leave the Special Operations Unit. In the tense atmosphere, Platiu tugged at my hand.
“That one over there is over level 1000.”
“R-Really…”
Platiu’s Seraphim had the same function as the Detect Ring. A laser-like beam shot from the head of the Seraphim, projecting numbers onto the white arm section.
【Baste Lv: 1430 Class: Wizard HP: 9414】
【Lester Lv: 1299 Class: Flame Wizard HP: 9003】
【Donboss Lv: 1103 Class: Warrior HP: 20655】
【Fenfuu Lv: 1200 Class: Swordmaster HP: 14101】
She was eager to create something similar for us soon. So for now, I had to settle for watching, but it was somewhat irksome when she glanced at me proudly while I peered in. It was childish behavior, indeed.
“Why is everyone’s level so high?”
“That’s a rather snide remark. It’s proof that you think you’re special.”
“I-I didn’t mean it that way…”
“This HP varies depending on individual differences and class.”
At that moment, Platiu began explaining something. I appreciated it, but I wanted her to stop for now. Look, that person with blades on their fingers is clicking them. Fenfuu, huh? So she was an Adventurer. With a head like a hedgehog and a black mask covering her mouth, she looked more like someone from the Comet Wolf Brigade.
“Nikka, I’ll report the matter of your disobedience to Captain Argil. I hope it only results in a discharge.”
“I’m prepared for that…”
“Wait! What will happen to my big brother?!”
Captain Baste narrowed his eyes, lifting only his lips in response to Ritta’s outburst. That wicked expression was unimaginable from the last time I saw him. He was a completely different person from when we fought in the Combat Tournament preliminaries.
“That will be revealed in a military tribunal. Disobedience could lead to discharge and torture… or worse, execution.”
“You were Adventurers once, right? What are you trying to achieve by imitating a military force?”
“It’s not imitation. We can’t keep pretending to be Adventurers forever. Conversely, what are you looking toward?”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“The Neo Demon Lord Army, the Comet Wolf Brigade, and Vandalsia’s rule—what can we do in the face of such a crisis?”
I could somewhat grasp what he wanted to say. However, it felt like there was something deeper behind his words. The expression on his face just moments ago was too grotesque. It was as if he were possessed by something.
“We couldn’t do anything. In fact, if it weren’t for that girl, Rua, over there, everything would have been over.”
“You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Be quiet. What we can do… is to strengthen our unity and prepare for the impending threat.”
“That’s why I’ll handle it.”
“Shut up.”
A wave of sadness washed over me. I didn’t care about being laughed at by Platiu. It wasn’t even the fact that Kurinka had patted my shoulder and shook her head. It was the realization that my actions had inadvertently irritated these people. Not everyone is grateful for being saved. There are those who experience helplessness. When I think about it, I was one of them. That’s why I became stronger—to avoid that feeling.
“As you know, we currently exceed Level 1000, except for one person. If we unite, even the greatest calamity can be repelled. Ritta and her subordinates, the Avangarde soldiers, need not take action. Just leave everything to us… Heh, heh heh.”
Even I could sense that something was off about what he was saying. I didn’t know how, but these people were intoxicated by their newfound power from leveling up. It wasn’t a monster that possessed them; it was power itself. They were consumed by it, ultimately just wanting to showcase their strength.
“…Anyway, if Nikka is going to be tortured or executed, I can’t just stand by.”
“Is it interference with the Special Operations Unit?”
“Yeah.”
It was as if they had been waiting for this moment. It wasn’t just Baste; I could tell the other three were itching to flaunt their strength as well. Each of them took unique stances, clearly locking onto their targets.
“Good grief… I never expected our squad to fight the Flash Strike Girl.”
“Baste, I understand you’re happy to be stronger, but there are still plenty of powerful foes in this world.”
“Shut up. From what perspective are you speaking? Nonsense. The Flash Strike Girl will end here… Weakening Area!”
“Whoa!”
Just after drawing Disballade, my arms lost strength, and I dropped it. Weakening Magic—it’s his specialty. Moreover, it seemed to have a wide range, as even Kurinka was struggling, letting her staff roll away. Fenfuu seized the opportunity, closing in for close combat while brandishing her blade.
“Ahhh~! Fire! Fi! Fi! Fi! Fu! Fuh! Fai! Itt!”
Lester unleashed a barrage of fire-like laser magic. He weakened us further while ensuring we had no escape route. If I carelessly tried to roll away, I’d become prey to the flames. I see. By the way, what was that dance?
“Lester seems to be in top form! At this rate, no one can stop him!”
“Ah… Faaai! Hiiit! Hiiit! Fai-fai-fai-yaaan!”
Heat! My heartbeat is boiling, burning heart! Heat!
From the depths of my belly, from the bottom of my limits, unleash the inner impulse, heat!
Break the chains of society, tear them apart, heat!
Don’t hold back for anyone, unleash that impulse, heat! (high-pitched)
Boo-chi-chi, make it! (3-second pause) Roooaah!
Let love and heart blaze! Ignite with that girl! Make her feel it!
Everything belongs to you because you unleashed it.
A heart that explodes with desire! In other words, heart! Heat!
Unbeatable, all-consuming, blazing—my heat!
Heat! Heat! Heat! Heat! Heat!
(repeat high-pitched voice 16 times)
Lyrics and composition by Lester.
He started singing some weird song. I couldn’t help but think he was going crazy, shaking his head up and down. He kept repeating the same thing, and I wondered what this song really was. I bet Platiu’s muttering about his lack of skill went unheard.
“Is Lars and the others in danger…? Oh, they’re already escaping. As expected.”
I was relieved they understood their position. This was a battle of over Level 1000. Fenfuu’s blade was aimed at me, who couldn’t rise from the ground. She was fast, and dodging while weakened was impossible. Even if I got hit, it probably wouldn’t be fatal, but they were already confident, including Baste.
“Heehee! This is the end! Heehee!”
“Whoa!!!”
After taking a deep breath, she let out a full-throated scream. Fenfuu’s attack, which had come close due to her excitement, faltered, and I instinctively covered my ears and lay down.
“Wha…!”
“Ugh! My ears…!”
Baste and Lester over there didn’t suffer as much as Fenfuu, but they were also covering their ears. Of course, they couldn’t attack now; one wrong move, and they could have lost their hearing for a while.
“Alright then. Kurinka, can you stand?”
“Yeah. I cast Enhancement Magic.”
“Platiu is… fine.”
No matter how much Platiu was weakened, the Seraphim would still act. Even if Platiu fainted, she would automatically fight and protect us, which was convenient. Unlike Enhancement Magic, Weakening Magic’s effectiveness varies depending on the opponent, which I think is a drawback.
“No matter how much your level increases, there are still things you can’t train, huh…”
“Hee, hee! You little brat!”
“Is it okay? If you don’t cover your ears, I’ll scream again.”
“Hee!”
Fenfuu quickly covered her ears with both hands. I had thought of this tactic after witnessing a monster in the Abyss Cave let out an incredible roar. Of course, this wouldn’t work on someone of the Dragon God or Metalican’s caliber, so I usually don’t use it. Ritta and the others were also affected over there, so I would have to apologize later. This tendency to involve allies is a drawback.
“Baste and the others, what’s important isn’t just the level.”
“You really are a monster, aren’t you…!”
“Those who exceed Level 1000 are monsters in the eyes of ordinary people.”
“I won’t let myself be humiliated here again! The Baste Squad will take down the Flash Strike Girl! I refuse to feel miserable ever again…!”
Though they were faltering, the Baste Squad was still eager to fight. The effects of the Weakening Magic had worn off, and it wouldn’t work on them again. My abnormal attacks wouldn’t affect them either. Still, they were at that level, and a mere punch wouldn’t knock them out. What should I do? And soon, that Donboss guy, who had burrowed into the ground, would be coming. Well, that didn’t really matter.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Four people over Level 1000.
They are over Level 2000.
1000 times 4 equals 4000, overwhelming 2000!
Not that it works like that.
If 2400 Level 1s gather, can they defeat Rua?
It’s something you can figure out with a little thought.
Level, level, level.
Because of such things, people are deceived.
Shin isn’t foolish enough to be swayed by such things.
He doesn’t care if his level is 1.
Levels don’t determine victory, do they?
Rather, being trapped by such things is foolish, right?
He doesn’t care, so it doesn’t matter.
That damn brat, Platiu—why did she measure Shin’s level?