Chapter 278 Deep Floor Team (Part IX) – After the Fierce Battle
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Every time I dodged the dual-bladed axe, it smashed into the floor, and I drew my sword to slash at its arm.
(As I thought, the skin on the ‘burned area’ of its arm is fragile…)
After slashing the same spot multiple times, the blade finally started to cut through.
(But I need a bit more firepower here.)
Asuka is still down.
Martina and Dorothy stand protectively over her, staring at the Minotaur.
If that’s the case──.
”Rena! Give Aluda ‘Physical Boost’!”
”Got it!”
I shouted to Rena while dodging the Minotaur’s dual-bladed axe and left arm attacks.
(I really need ‘striking power’ here.)
That’s why we need Aluda.
With Aluda powered up by ‘Physical Boost’ and a large hammer, no matter how tough the skin is, we should be able to deal damage that resonates inside.
”With Aluda’s hammer! Focus on its legs!”
Aluda, powered by Rena’s Physical Boost, stepped forward with the hammer ready.
However, there was a worried look in her eyes.
And it’s understandable.
Asuka got knocked away, and I’m struggling to attack this tough enemy.
”Don’t worry! I will definitely protect Aluda!”
I moved around within the Minotaur’s line of sight, trying to draw its attention.
Maybe my words reached her, as Aluda nodded vigorously and charged behind the Minotaur.
Thanks to the Physical Boost, she moved faster than usual.
”Yaaahhh!”
With that momentum, she spun her body right in front of the Minotaur and swung the hammer.
──BAM!
With Aluda’s power enhanced by magic and the centrifugal force, a powerful hammer strike exploded against the Minotaur’s calf.
──Mooo!
The sudden hit made it stagger slightly, but it quickly steadied itself and looked back.
I swiftly moved around to stand in front of Aluda.
”Aluda, hurry and get behind this guy!”
”Got it, Hiro!”
To draw the attention of the Minotaur, I dive into my pocket.
But I don’t attack.
The Minotaur’s kick comes at me since I’m too close.
I immediately jump back to create some distance.
Right now, I just need to gather the Minotaur’s hate.
I absolutely can’t let it attack Aluda.
(But──)
As I create distance, the dual-bladed axe swings down from above again.
It’s still incredibly fast, but I can predict its movement, and with my Physical Boost, I easily dodge it.
The dual-bladed axe crushes the floor.
(──For attacks with this kind of opening, I’ll definitely land my blade!)
I deliver a powerful slash to the arm holding the dual-bladed axe.
(This… landed!)
”Dooryaaah!”
Aluda’s hammer, which had circled behind, also explodes.
The blade of ‘Yamikirimaru’ finally cuts through its skin, severing flesh and bone.
The Minotaur loses its right arm, and a heavy blow to its right calf from Aluda makes its massive body sway.
”One more time!”
Aluda swings the hammer around.
Thanks to the enhancement, her attack speed is fast.
With that swing, the Minotaur’s legs are swept out from under it, causing it to fall sideways.
I quickly kick off the ground to cover Aluda.
The powerful swing of the hammer causes Aluda to lose balance.
As that happens, the Minotaur’s left arm, which is collapsing, attacks.
(Make it in time!)
”Aluda, I’m sorry!”
I body slam into Aluda to push it away, then slash upward with Yamikirimaru against the incoming left fist of the Minotaur.
It was a tough position to draw my weapon from, but my timing is perfect.
As the pitch-black blade of Yamikirimaru cuts off the burned left arm, I take the punch to my body.
”Ugh…!”
I’m blown away and crash into the wall of the hall.
”──!”
Everyone is shouting something, but I can’t hear well.
My consciousness is fading, but I can’t fall here.
I somehow managed to stand up and focus my eyes.
Ahead of me, I could see the Minotaur rising up and charging at me in a low stance.
Maybe because its arms were cut off, its head was facing me.
The horns growing on either side were curved and pointed sharply forward.
(Does it plan to pierce me with those…)
──Mooooo!
I faced the approaching Minotaur with my drawn Yamikirimaru.
(With ‘Dad’s eyes’, I can pierce accurately!)
Summoning my last bit of strength, I charged forward, aiming for its wide-open mouth… and unleashed a full-force thrust.
* * *
Someone was lightly slapping my cheek.
There was a soft sensation on my head…
(Oh… did I fall…?)
As I opened my eyes slightly, I saw Kazumi and Aluda with tear-streaked faces.
”Hiroya… you woke up… I’m so glad…”
”I’m sorry, Hiro! I protected Aluda…”
”What about the enemy? The Minotaur──.”
I lifted my head from Kazumi’s lap.
”It disappeared, leaving behind an axe and a big Magic Stone. You did it, Hiroya!”
Saying that, Kazumi kissed my cheek.
”Ms. Asuka is safe too. Rena’s ‘Healing’ fixed my injuries right away.”
Dorothy came over to me holding the Magic Stone.
Wow… that Magic Stone is about the size of a melon.
I tried to sit up, but my whole body ached.
”After being thrown by the Minotaur twice… Hiroya, you really push yourself too hard.”
Rena, who seemed to have finished treating Asuka, sat down next to me with an exasperated tone.
”But… I’m really glad you’re okay.”
Rena placed her hand on my chest, and my whole body felt a gentle warmth.
* * *
I heard that I had thrust into the Minotaur’s mouth, and that became a blow that reached its brain.
After piercing through its mouth to its head, I tried to twist my body to dodge its charge, but I was apparently knocked away by the demon’s shoulder.
Yeah. I was so caught up in the moment that I don’t remember any of it.
”When I saw you lose consciousness, I really freaked out.”
Liz offered me the ‘Yamikirimaru’ that had apparently fallen along with the Magic Stone.
”I’m the one who was immature. Hiroya… I caused you trouble.”
Asuka walked over, supported by Martina and Meluda.
”No, I’m just glad Asuka is okay.”
The pain was gone thanks to Rena’s ‘Healing.’ But both Asuka and I were completely exhausted.
”‘Healing’ uses the person’s stamina to heal injuries. You’re tired, but let’s hang in there a little longer, okay?”
Rena stood up and brushed off the dirt from her knees.
”We can’t set up a ‘teleportation circle’ here. Let’s do our best to get down to the Fourth Floor.”
Liz encouraged everyone.
”We got some good loot too! That stuff is useful!”
Martina pointed at Uu while lending her shoulder to Asuka.
”What did we get?”
”It looks like we found 4 short swords with magical power!”
”I’ll show them to my grandpa when we get back!”
Aluda and Meluda smiled in response to my question.
”We’re taking this home too!”
Uu peeked out from her backpack, dragging a 2-meter-long dual-bladed axe that looked like it belonged to an ogre.
”Proof of defeating a strong enemy… well, I guess no one can use it.”
I smiled wryly at Uu’s cheerful expression.
* * *
I was being carried by Liz, while Asuka was supported by Martina and Dorothy, as we headed towards the corridor at the back of the hall.
It sloped gently downward, apparently leading to the Fourth Floor.
”I think it should be fine since it’s the corridor to the next floor… can I leave it to you?”
Martina called out to Aluda and Meluda while supporting Asuka at my words.
”Leave it to us!”
The two stood tall at the front.
”Alright then… let’s go! Fourth Floor!”
Liz pointed ahead, and we slowly made our way down the slope.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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