Chapter 157
◇◇◇
Needles of light fill the sky.
I find myself captivated by this somewhat mystical sight.
It’s a high-level magic spell cast by him—Holy Knight Yamada.
If I’m not mistaken, I heard him chant 「Rain.」
This is actually one of the original spells that inspired my own 「The One」 magic, specifically 「Fire Rain,」 a spell that shares a similar name with his.
The moment I wonder why he knows that spell—a sharp headache strikes me. Though brief, the pain is incredibly intense, and I struggle to maintain my concentration. Somehow, I clench my teeth and continue chanting the spell as instructed by Holy Knight Yamada, without interruption.
Here again, the same sense of unease that has occurred countless times before resurfaces.
—Instructions from Holy Knight Yamada?
Why am I following his orders without question?
No matter how much I think about it, there are too many questions, and it feels like my head might explode.
The headaches too—suddenly, I’ve started experiencing these piercing pains.
I think the first time was… after I left Hero’s side and confronted Holy Knight Ashley—
Following Holy Knight Yamada’s orders, I unleashed 「Fire Rain,」 and he praised me saying 「Perfect!」
What I felt in my heart at that moment is indescribable.
Despite what should have been a desperate, critical situation, I almost couldn’t help but grin.
I don’t understand myself anymore.
All I can do is hide my face under my hat so no one notices my expression.
○○○
The Liquid Dragon’s three heads release a combined vomit blast that collides with Purume’s Hellgate. Though it disperses upon impact, the endless stream of vomit continues pouring from the three-headed dragon’s mouths—at that exact moment—just as my Stinger is launched at the dragon—and right as cracks begin appearing in the Hellgate—Orphe, sensing the situation, springs into action.
「Leave it to me!」
She quickly arrives in front of the flaming gate and declares:
「Demon’s Eater!」
With her dual swords, she slices through and eliminates the residual vomit.
Right then, the flaming gate crumbles and vanishes. It was truly a split-second save.
My Stinger is a deadly technique that penetrates the target’s body, infusing it with destructive power that causes internal collapse.
The Liquid Dragon, hit even just in its hind leg, writhes with movements resembling peristalsis. Its entire body shakes violently before it loses its form completely, turning into pure liquid and creating a large stain on the ground.
Voices call out from behind:
「Ichiro!! Did we do it?!」 「Hmm, not bad!」 「We did it!!」 「It’s over now!」 「When I get back, I’m going to propose to my girlfriend!」
Oh crap (eyes widening)
This is bad! This is really bad!!
From the way these massive death flags were instantly constructed, I can already predict what’s coming next.
The change occurs about ten seconds later.
My prediction is spot on.
As if time is rewinding, the stain disappears, and what looks like steam rapidly rises into the sky.
◇◇◇
He asks me, 「Can I count on you, Angelica?」
Contrary to my thoughts and inner turmoil, I somehow find myself nodding twice in immediate agreement.
It takes all my strength just to acknowledge with minimal words, trying not to reveal the chaos in my heart.
As I begin chanting according to his instructions, I can’t help but wonder when this lingering sense of unease first appeared.
Before my eyes, Holy Knight Yamada charges toward the Liquid Dragon.
The three-headed dragon stands as tall as four average guild buildings stacked on top of each other. No one has ever seen a monster of such enormous size—it should be something that would fill anyone with despair upon encountering it.
And yet—
That’s right.
That’s how it was.
He always puts himself in front, never thinking of himself, never afraid of getting hurt—and there, the familiar sharp headache interrupts her thoughts.
I think I heard someone say 「Just stop already.」
But, but I can’t stop.
I try once more to look back at memories I haven’t revisited since that day.
○○○
The vapor that rose into the sky condenses, becoming a sufficient volume of liquid before raining down upon us.
Despite its massive size, my inability to finish it in one hit shows my lack of strength. Sena or Sensei would have surely achieved a stronger, faster penetration. I could guess that those writhing movements were meant to escape the penetration.
But,
「Puru, I knew this would happen.」
I tell them to provide reassurance.
「We’re still feeling things out, but I’m starting to see ways we can defeat this monster.」
「Ichiro, I’ll continue following your lead. Please give us your instructions.」
Following Puru’s statement, Orphe nods in agreement.
「Then—」
I share my thoughts and make my request.
And right at that moment, Angelica, who had begun preparations immediately after Fire Rain, speaks words of power:
「THUNDER CLAW!!!」
Following her voice, storm clouds rapidly form.
From these clouds comes a rumbling that makes human instincts tremble in fear, and then a massive lightning bolt flashes in an instant. Leaving the thunderous roar behind, it pierces through the three-headed monster.
If you enjoy it and wish to see more, please consider giving it a 5-star rating for the series on NU. Click Here.
Check out my Patreon for early access to upcoming updates. Patreon Link