Chapter 61 Interlude Nineteen – The Prison Of Hot Sand, XI
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Get ready!”
Shimaki (The black hair), wearing plate mail, rushes up the stairs with a sword in hand.
”Ice Burn!”
Tomoko, looking down from the landing, raises her Nectar Staff, causing frost to cover the stairs.
”Whoa!?”
Shimaki slips and falls, sliding down the curved stairs. The metal armor covering Shimaki’s body makes the slide smoother, and Shimaki helplessly slides all the way down.
”Wind Fang!”
”Water Mirror Shield!”
Sendou’s (The blue magician) magic is repelled by Hiromi’s (Maekawa) spell.
”Darn it! Fujisaki, can you do it!?”
”If it’s not a ghost, I’ll be fine!”
Fujisaki starts running in a low stance, zigzagging.
”Ice Burn!”
”Ahh!”
Despite being cautious, Fujisaki, suddenly faced with a situation akin to sprinting at full speed on an ice rink, crashes into a stone pillar unable to change direction.
After a while, Fujisaki, who had recovered, tried to climb up the stone altar, but an ice arrow flew towards her. Fujisaki hid in the shadow of the stone altar, waiting for an opportunity. Meanwhile, Shimaki (The black hair) carefully climbed the stairs, placing his hand on the railing. As he tried to knock down the ice arrow with his sword, he slipped and slid back down to the bottom.
”What is this… it’s like a fortress!”
Realizing the strong defense of the enemy’s base, Sendou (The blue magician) finally understood that it would be difficult to conquer it quickly with just these three people.
”Sagara! Finish it quickly and come back here!”
Sagara (the blond hair)’s gift was extremely effective against opponents who relied on magic. It seemed like they had prepared thoroughly, but with Sagara around, breaking through this defense would be easy. However, as Sendou (The blue magician) looked around for Sagara, an unbelievable sight caught his eye.
”Sagara!?”
Through the holes lined up on the wall like windows, Sagara, covered in blood, was seen lying spread-eagled. He didn’t seem to be breathing anymore. It had only been about three minutes since Sagara burst into the room.
Even if that man named Tsuchimiya had something beyond his level, Sendou (The blue magician) believed it was due to Magic. Sagara could nullify any Magic and bring the fight into close combat. If that happened, there was no way he could lose to a beginner level.
”…Impossible! What happened!?”
As Sendou (The blue magician) was in a panic, some kind of Magic was activated near the entrance of the room, and a streak of lightning shot upwards, scorching the ceiling.
”Sandstorm!”
As if that was the signal, a woman’s voice echoed, and a tornado filled with sand appeared in front of Sendou.
Sendou’s gift, the ‘Thousand-Mile Magic Eye,’ can see through the strength and attributes of magic. It can even sense magic from far away, but when there are too many, it perceives it as a jumbled noise. However, it can still discern particularly strong magic within that. If it carries a divine aura, there’s a high chance that some sacred artifact has been activated.
”What are you up to!”
The magic in front of them is of intermediate class, but since the caster is a beginner, its power is weak. Fujisaki is caught within the range of its effect, but it will likely only cause a slight dizziness.
At that moment, a small burst of magic at the edge of their field of vision made Sendou aware of the enemy’s intentions.
”Are you trying to isolate me!”
* * *
’Congratulations, Master! You really defeated an expert level!’
Tina’s voice sounded excited.
”Oh, I can defeat that boss too. I’m still at level 1 but I can clear the deepest part of the dungeon.”
’Yes! At first, I thought you were a bit weird, but you’re amazing! Maybe you can do it as Master! I’ll stick with you until the end!’
”Oh, I’m counting on you. It’s no fun without Tina.”
’Hehe…’
After confirming that Sagara’s marker disappeared from the auto-map, I picked up the torn bag and stored it in the storage room. I’ll repair it later.
’The Phoenix Temple Spear Technique (Hououin-ryu) has ranked up from beginner to intermediate. Also, Master has acquired the skill ‘Secret Phoenix (Houou) Circular Battle Formation’.”
It must be the move used to defeat Sagara.
”Is this a secret technique… Was this also a technique that exists in the Phoenix Temple Spear Technique (Hououin-ryu)?”
’No. Secrets are like hidden techniques that cannot be learned through regular channels, but this is registered as Master’s original skill. Other players won’t be able to learn it as long as Master is alive.’
It’s convenient to learn it as a skill so you can use autopilot, but be careful not to rely on it too much. Since I don’t level up, if I stop making an effort, my growth will stop there.
From the next room, I can hear Shimaki (The black hair) shouting and the loud sound of her sliding down the stairs. Maekawa-san and the others seem to be doing well too.
Sendou (The blue magician) is alone at the back. It seems Fujisaki isn’t using the concealment skill either, as the automap confirms they are huddled around the center of the room. It’s the best position and timing to separate the vanguard and rearguard.
”Alright, let’s do this!”
I bent down and activated the Lightning Bolt magic while moving. The flash of lightning struck the ceiling of the next room from around the entrance of the current room. Right on cue, Satou-san (the lockpicker) activated the Sandstorm magic as we had planned beforehand. At this moment, Sendou was blocked from view by the sandstorm, just as we had anticipated.
I leaped into the room from the left opening with momentum, and with a blast jump, I shot towards Sendou like an arrow.
”Fly!”
Thinking I had caught him off guard, Sendou immediately noticed me and activated his magic. His reaction speed might have sensed my magic power, but even without that, his reflexes were quick. He must have been through tough situations as well.
Sendou (The blue magician) kicked the ground and soared high diagonally, moving away from my trajectory. A smirk appeared on his face as he looked down at me, but I changed my trajectory at a right angle with Blast and pursued him.
”What!?”
My speed is faster, but Sendou immediately changes his trajectory horizontally to close the distance in a straight line, moving away from my trajectory. I can’t control the fine movements of Blast’s jump yet. If I lose balance, I’ll end up spinning like a top right there.
However, after the battle with Sagara, I somehow see the surrounding situation clearly. It’s as if I’ve awakened.
I didn’t miss the heavy-looking leather bag hanging from Sendou’s waist.
”Take this!”
As we pass each other, I thrust out Kondou Spear with one hand, cutting the rope connecting the leather bag to the belt hook. The bag separates from Sendou and falls.
”Oh no!”
That panic was spot on. Those were the four orbs they were collecting and spinning around.
Sendou heads towards the leather bag that fell to the ground with a dull thud. I, who was flying in the opposite direction, had just managed to stabilize my posture. I won’t be able to catch up with this.
However, in my field of vision, Satou-san came running towards the leather bag. At this timing, Satou-san should have been hiding behind the railing of the stairs just in case of an emergency. It seemed quite bold of Satou-san to move towards it.
Satou-san quickly reached out towards the leather bag. At the same time, she aimed the pointed end of the spear, which was leaning against the floor, towards Sendou, causing Sendou to hurriedly change his trajectory to avoid being skewered.
I landed forcefully next to Satou-san a moment later.
”Tsuchimiya-kun!”
”Satou-san, nice!”
While still on my knees, I smirked at Sendou floating in the air with ease, but my legs were numb from the impact of landing. It seemed impossible to run immediately. If my physical abilities hadn’t been enhanced by the Warrior title, I might have broken a bone upon landing.
As the sandstorm that was fading past its effective time was cut through, Fujisaki was heading towards me. Seeing me stumble and stand up with the support of the Kondou Spear, Satou-san, understanding the situation, moved away from me.
”Over here, Fujisaki!”
Satou-san raised a leather bag, inviting Fujisaki.
”Give that back!”
Fujisaki drew her sword and lunged at Satou-san.
”Satou-san!”
”It’s okay! Leave it to me!”
Fujisaki lightly dodged the spear thrust out by Satou-san and swung hiser sword down.
”──!?”
However, Fujisaki’s sword came to a stop right in front of the leather bag that Satou-san held up like a shield.
Without hesitation, Fujisaki dodged the spear thrust by Satou-san with one hand, but immediately caught the leather bag that was swung down with the sword’s belly. With a dull sound of “Gagoo!”, Fujisaki was shaken.
”Wait a minute──!”
Without hesitation, the swinging leather bag struck Fujisaki’s temple, causing Fujisaki to recoil and create distance involuntarily.
”Fujisaki! Don’t damage the orb!”
”I know! But, what am I supposed to do in this situation?”
As Fujisaki retorted back at Sendou (The blue magician)’s scolding, a trickle of blood ran down Fujisaki’s face.
”Is it effective even from above the defensive barrier?”
’It’s because Valeria-san’s powerful magic is infused in it. It seems to break through half-hearted barriers.’
It’s quite excellent as a weapon. As Sendou attempted to use magic, I aimed a blast at him, but Sendou hastily interrupted his magic and dodged. He can sense magic after all.
”What kind of skill is that!?”
Sendou seems unable to comprehend non-incantation magic, but it can’t be helped. In close-range magic battles, the one who activates their magic first wins, even if the power is inferior. With my ability to use non-incantation magic, I can unilaterally pressure Sendou as long as my magic lasts.
”That crazy guy!”
Shimaki (The black hair) noticed the commotion and rushed over. I immediately activated my Gain Speed Magic.
This guy’s speed is insane. It wouldn’t be surprising if he pierced through my body in the blink of an eye. If I hadn’t gotten used to Himeno’s speed last time, I wouldn’t have been able to react. If I can’t defeat him within three minutes of the effect, it’ll get pretty tough, but the battle will likely be over in an instant.
”Hey, Tsuchimiya!? What’s Sagara up to!”
”I killed Sagara.”
”What!?”
Shimaki (The black hair) kept his eyes on me, readying his sword. As I blasted him head-on, Shimaki (The black hair) staggered back dramatically, blood flowing from his nose.
”You bastard…”
Seems like he can take a hit or two with bare hands. He’ll probably want to make this a short-term fight now.
Based on the usual movements, that stepping speed seems like a skill or a gift. I expect it can only move in a straight line. Will it come straight at me to strike, or will it surpass my expectations?
”I’ll kill you!”
Shimaki’s figure wavers. If I didn’t accelerate my senses with magic, it might have seemed like he disappeared. Shimaki, in a low stance, charged straight towards me while guarding his face with one arm. An attack that relied on speed and armor for defense.
However, my two blasts activated simultaneously struck Shimaki’s armor like a body uppercut from a diagonal angle.
”Whoa!?”
Shimaki (The black hair)’s body lifted off the floor. If his feet weren’t on the ground, that skill would be meaningless. It seems he didn’t surpass my expectations after all.
”Ballista!”
As I activated blast on the tip of the Kondou Spear I thrust forward, the Kondou Spear flew out of my hand and pierced right through the center of the plate mail.
”Shimaki!”
Sendou’s expression changed as Shimaki, pierced by Kondou Spear up to his back, was blown away.
”Come back, Kondou Spear.”
Kondou Spear, stuck in the fallen and motionless Shimaki, returned to my hand spinning.
”Darn it…! That’s so stupid!”
I aimed Kondou Spear at Sendou floating in the air, but Sendou distanced himself from me while using Magic.
”Instant teleportation!”
Sendou’s figure disappeared, and even the marker on the automap vanished.
Did he escape?
”Huh? Sendou? Huh? Huh!?”
Fujisaki, left behind, paled and looked around in confusion. As I slowly approached with my still numb legs, Fujisaki turned to face me.
”Hmph! I understand that you’re strong, but it’s meaningless against me! It’s impossible to kill me!”
Fujisaki smirked menacingly as she inched back.
Bluffing? Or…
Wanting to buy time until the numbness wore off, I stopped and observed the situation.
In the next moment, a dazzling flash occurred in front of Fujisaki, and my vision was completely white.
”Absolute Escape!”
Fujisaki’s voice echoed, and when my vision returned, Fujisaki had disappeared.
’Definitely, it seems impossible to catch that woman who just ran away.’
Tina spoke as I checked the map of the entire floor.
”What was that skill just now?”
’That was “Absolute Escape,” a super rare skill similar to the ultimate Magic ‘Wish’ that fulfills the caster’s desires. It’s the ultimate escape technique that specializes in fleeing.’
It’s a skill that leaves me feeling both impressed and unimpressed, a bit of a mixed feeling. But there’s something more concerning.
”Can that ultimate Magic not cure Higurashi’s illness?”
’Is that the Magic of “Wish”? It’s a lost magic. It was a legendary existence for a long time, but when the ring that sealed the “Wish” was found in the past, it led to a war involving many countries. That skill also imitates the “Wish,” but it doesn’t have the same intensity.’
Lost magic… But the Elixir is somewhat similar in nature. If it existed before, there is a possibility of obtaining it. That magic should also be investigated.
I approached Shimaki (The black hair), who still seemed to be breathing. Shimaki was barely breathing, drooling blood-mixed saliva and breathing roughly and shortly. As I got closer, Shimaki looked up at me with vacant eyes.
”H… help me… I was wrong.”
”…”
I aimed silently with the Kondou Spear.
”W-Wait! P-Please! I still have… things to do… I can’t die here!”
”Ah, yeah, that’s right. We’re in the same boat. But once we clash, one of us has to disappear. You picked the wrong fight.”
”S… stop…!!”
Kondou Spear pierced Shimaki’s throat, and Shimaki’s marker disappeared from the automap.
”Good job, Tsuchimiya-kun.”
”Satou-san…”
When I turned around, Satou-san (The Lockpicker) was standing there with a cool smile.
”You’re so kind to finish him off.”
Even as she watched me kill someone right in front of her, she didn’t seem particularly fazed.
”You can’t let your guard down even if they’re just breathing. Are you okay, Satou-san?”
”Yes. I’ve been through this before.”
Um, does that mean in our original world? What kind of upbringing did she has?
Satou-san pushed a spear into me, then gently placed her hand on my cheek and softly pressed her lips against mine. Just that alone felt so good, my head felt fuzzy. Satou-san’s skills are really something else.
”Hehe, that’s lovely, Tsuchimiya-kun…”
With a flushed face, Satou-san whispered and pressed her lips against mine once more. This time, it was a passionate kiss, intertwining our tongues and pressing her lips against mine as if twisting them in.
My rough edges of the heart seemed to melt away, but it felt so good that it almost felt like my consciousness was melting away too. With a spear in each hand, I was left helpless, unable to do anything.
”Ahh! Akarin, that’s not fair! I wanted to do that first!”
As expected, as we were doing this, everyone started coming down the stairs one by one.
”I-Is it over already?”
Nishina-san looked around nervously.
”Yeah. We lost Sendou and Fujisaki, but it seems they are no longer nearby.”
Fujisaki can use concealment, so we can’t let our guard down yet, but I don’t think she would challenge us alone after losing two vanguard members.
”Tsucchi is amazing! You really defeated opponents of this level!”
”Well done, Tsuchimiya-kun! Congratulations!”
”Yeah, it’s all thanks to everyone. If I were alone, it wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.”
As everyone hugged me, my hands were occupied, and I continued to receive kisses from everyone as a baptism.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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