“Ooooooooo!!”
“Dugogaaaaa!!”
The thunderous clash of the Gravekeeper’s and the Ratman King’s roars reverberated through my bones, despite their seemingly simple sounds.
Not only I, but Iris, Ruby, and even Jigoro and Genjuro, were frozen in place. So, this was the result of the level difference!
“Oooh!”
“Djuah!”
The Gravekeeper swung the sword he held in his right hand and made a sharp advance. In response, the Ratman King unleashed a fire-element magic… most likely a Fireball spell.
Although it was a basic-level [Fire Magic], the Gravekeeper had the vulnerability of [Fire Weakness]. A direct hit would undoubtedly inflict significant damage.
“Humph!”
“Wha!?”
“He actually sliced through the magic!?”
To our astonishment, the Gravekeeper managed to slice through the incoming fireball with his raised sword! Ruby and I couldn’t help but let out cries of surprise. It was such a shocking sight.
“Jiji!”
However, the Ratman King showed no signs of being shaken. Anticipating the Gravekeeper’s moment of slashing the magic, he released a [Light Magic] while swiftly dodging to the side.
“Oraaa!”
Yet, the Gravekeeper, too, was no ordinary opponent. This time, he sliced through the light magic with his left-hand axe. So, he could deal with magic even using an axe. I can’t help but feel envious, but I definitely don’t want to be his enemy. There’s a risk of having my magic completely sealed off by him!
However, despite a considerable level difference, the battle between the Gravekeeper and the Ratman King remained evenly matched. Although the Ratman King seemed to have the advantage due to exploiting its opponent’s weaknesses, the Gravekeeper, with his superior close combat skills and a 15 level advantage, should be clearly favored in a one-on-one fight. So why is the situation like this?
“What should we do, Isam?”
Jigoro asked me. Our best strategy is to reap the benefits of their confrontation. The wisest choice is to leave them be until one of them falls and then defeat the other who is severely weakened. However…
“We’re going to intervene.”
“That’s what I’m talking about!”
Well, that’s boring. Why should I passively watch NPC monsters killing each other without any reason? If it has come to this, we’ll team up with one side and then beat down the other.
“While intervention is desired, which side are you going to support?”
Right. Regardless of logic, the one-on-one battle between the Gravekeeper and the Ratman King has reached a stalemate. Therefore, our intervention will tip the balance in favor of one side.
I think anyone can understand which side is the wiser choice. Of course, it’s the Ratman King. It’s easier to take down a stronger enemy together and then deal with the rest.
“Obviously, it’s the Gravekeeper.”
“Yeah, I thought so~~.”
“…I knew you’d say that.”
However! I can’t allow someone as insignificant as a rat to be using [Light Magic] and live! Besides, after beating down the Ratman King’s army alongside the Gravekeeper all this way, it goes against my aesthetics to say, “Heh, let’s switch sides for efficiency.”
“All right! Let’s go!”
As soon as I made my decision, Jigoro dashed forward. Choosing a position to flank alongside the Gravekeeper, it seemed he had learned from his previous moment of carelessness.
“Djuuu!!”
“Hahaha! You won’t hit me anymore!”
The Ratman King hesitated as it swung its staff, clearly apprehensive about Jigoro’s approach. However, Jigoro managed to narrowly evade the attack and swiftly retaliated with a powerful kick aimed at the Ratman King’s right knee.
“Djuah!”
“Oh, that was close!”
Although the kick landed, it was evident that targeting a non-vital area wouldn’t cause significant damage. The Ratman King, frustrated by this turn of events, swung its staff once again in an attempt to drive Jigoro away.
Jigoro retreated and distanced himself without pushing too hard. The Ratman King seemed to convey that it would kill the fool who dared to come at it despite being weaker. It aimed its staff at Jigoro.
It seemed like the Ratman King intended to unleash some kind of magic. But is it worth pursuing Jigoro further?
“Hey, hey, over here!”
“Dju…!”
When the Ratman King became distracted due to Jigoro, Genjuro took advantage of the opportunity and approached the monster with his sword drawn. He swung his blade, aiming to slay the creature. However, the Ratman King’s armor was designed to protect its neck, making an instant kill impossible. Genjuro’s strike merely tore through its back.
Furthermore, the armor itself seemed to possess remarkable durability. Despite Genjuro wielding his sword, the only result was a grating sound as the blade scraped against the armor, failing to cut through the flesh. Nevertheless, Genjuro managed to inflict some minor damage with his attack. It appeared that the impact of his strikes couldn’t be fully blocked!
“Djuuu!”
Naturally, the Ratman King swung its staff, intending to drive away Genjuro as well. However, the latter managed to avoid the attack with a sliding maneuver. But wait, there was more!
“Whoa!”
“Humph?!”
Seizing the opening created by Genjuro’s evasion, the Gravekeeper leaped in and intercepted the Ratman’s staff with his sword. This was our chance!
“Now, Iris!”
“Yes!”
“Don’t forget about me!”
I unleashed a “flying slash” with my scythe, while Iris drove her wooden hammer, grasped by her tentacles, into the Ratman King’s vulnerable torso. Meanwhile, Ruby thrust a dagger into its right leg. Each attack amounted to little more than a drop in the bucket, but it was enough. We managed to divert the Ratman King’s attention.
“Oraa!”
“Djii!”
Jigoro, keeping his posture low as if crawling on the ground, closed in on the Ratman King once again. Then, employing a sweeping kick, he targeted the monster’s right leg. It seemed that both Jigoro and Ruby had devised a plan to concentrate their attacks on its right leg. Well then, let’s join in on the action!
“Iris, restrain it! Aim for the left leg! Star Magic Circle Remote Activation! Thorn Whip!”
“Yes!”
Five thorn whips materialized at my command, while Iris’s tentacles tightened around the Ratman King’s left leg. Although there was indeed a difference in level between us and the Ratman King, our full-force restraint should hold for several seconds!
“Jijiji, aah!”
“Uuu! Sorry!”
“Tch! Can’t even last five seconds!”
I chose the Thorn Whip to prevent it from moving and inflicting damage, but the monster simply ignored it and tried to tear free! Iris’s tentacles seemed to be on the verge of breaking, but that wasn’t enough.
“That’s enough.” “That’s it.” “Quite enough!”
No, it was only five seconds, but those five seconds seemed to make a difference. Jigoro, Genjuro, and Ruby closed in once again, attacking with kicks, great swords, and daggers aimed at the Ratman King’s right leg. It didn’t appear to cause significant damage… or so I thought.
Bogii!
A dull sound echoed from the Ratman King’s right leg. Could it be that it was fractured?
“Djuuuuu!?”
The Ratman King lifted its right leg slightly, as if protecting it. It seemed that its right leg had indeed been crushed.
“Ooooh!”
“Dju!?”
Hmm! Will the Gravekeeper move at this moment? Ah, he intentionally rushed in from the front? However, thanks to that, the Ratman King, now occupied with blocking the Gravekeeper’s sword and axe that were held in both hands, was left defenseless.
…Did the Gravekeepr create such an opening for us? If that’s the case, I’ll gladly take advantage of this opportunity.
“Now! Everyone, attack with all your might! Activate Star Magic Circle! Thunder Arrow!”
“Osshaa!”
“Seiyaaa!”
“Eeii!”
“Take this!”
My magic, Jigoro’s fists, Genjuro’s greatsword, Iris’ large axe, and Ruby’s dagger all worked together to inflict wounds upon the Ratman King. Despite its exceptional armor, the relentless onslaught of our attacks steadily accumulated damage.
Initially, during its one-on-one clash with the Gravekeeper, the Ratman King had already lost around twenty percent of its health. But now, with our persistent strikes, its remaining health had fallen below thirty percent. If we could continue pressing on like this, victory would come easily.
“Djugaaaaaa!!!”
“Gwoah!?”
At that moment, the Ratman King’s body seemed to grow in size, and with sheer brute force, it forcibly pushed back the Gravekeeper! It gained strength while on the verge of death!
Under these circumstances, we couldn’t recklessly approach. However, times like these are when we, the mages, truly shine!
“Everyone, retreat!”
As soon as they realized I was about to do something, the vanguard and guerilla fighters of our party immediately created distance between themselves and the Ratman King. Our teamwork had been honed to the point where this reflexive movement was possible!
“Star Magic Circle Remote Activation! Magic Bomb!”
Bobobobobokaaan!
I deployed a magic circle, encompassing the head of the Ratman King, and triggered the explosion of the Magic Bomb. Surely, it wouldn’t emerge unscathed, right?
“Djuguaah!?”
As expected, the Ratman King staggered back. Five bombs had detonated at point-blank range. Not only the damage from the magic itself, but the impact on the vestibular system caused by the sound, flash, and shockwaves would be significant.
This is what makes it so realistic—FSW (free species world) allows for a wide range of tactical possibilities! It’s amazing to be able to utilize almost all forms of magic. However, Black Sword, please wait a little longer for your time to shine.
“Djugagah!”
“Whoa! Activate Crescent Magic Circle, Magic Shield!”
I shouldn’t have been distracted by irrelevant thoughts. Whether it perceived me as a threat or not, the Ratman King unleashed a Light Magic spell directly at me. Despite its instability, its aim was precise.
Judging from its shape, it seemed to be the Light Lance spell. Damn, I wish I could use it soon too!
Let’s set aside those emotions for now. In response to the enemy’s attack, I layered three Magic Shields and deployed them to defend myself. The first shield was shattered, but I managed to block the attack with the second one.
Oh? Looks like just the Twin Magic Circle will be sufficient from now on, right? It’s great to gather data like this!
“Don’t look away!”
“Don’t forget that we’re here…”
“That’s not good.”
My comrades wouldn’t miss the opportunity when I left an opening by using magic. Their attacks continued to chip away at the Ratman King’s health. If it tried to deal with my magic, it would be exposed to close-range attacks, and if it tried to handle the close-range attacks, magic would rain down on it. I truly understood how challenging it was to face a group alone.
“Hmph!”
“Jugugu…!”
Even when the Ratman King attempted to drive Jigoro and the others away with its staff, the Gravekeeper stepped in to intercept the attack. It seemed that the Ratman King’s stats had increased after reaching near-death, as it always managed to withstand the Gravekeeper’s attacks and counter them. However, having someone specialized in defense was incredibly helpful. It created opportunities for me to use magic!
“Now it’s my turn! Star Magic Circle Remote Activation, Dark Mask!”
“Mogogogogo!?”
For the Ratman King’s field of vision to be obstructed where his attacks would miss, all I had to do was seal its eyes off. That’s where the Dark Mask came in handy.
“Mogaaa!”
Although the Ratman King had lost its sight, it didn’t mean that it forgot about my comrades’ presence on its surroundings. It swung its staff wildly in an attempt to keep them at bay. But my comrades weren’t foolish enough to assign meaning to aimless attacks.
“A swing and a miss!”
Jigoro, who had approached by threading through the gaps in the staff attacks while keeping a low posture, dove deep into the Ratman King’s guard. Seizing the momentum of his rise, he delivered an uppercut to the creature’s jaw.
“Mugugu!”
“Here’s my chance!”
The impact to the jaw caused the Ratman King’s marker to display a “Stunned” status ailment. Taking advantage of its current completely defenseless state, Genjuro aimed for a gap in the Ratman King’s armor and launched a slashing attack. His target was the back of its immobile right knee.
“Mogooo!”
The armor couldn’t fully protect the joints, so this time, Genjuro’s great sword cut deep into the right leg of the Ratman King, unlike before. The leg that was meticulously targeted seemed to have finally exhausted its strength, as the Ratman King knelt down, its right knee touching the ground.
“Finally, a clear shot!”
“That’s right!”
Kneeling meant not only immobilization but also a decrease in height. Seizing the moment, Ruby swiftly sliced through the joint gap in the Ratman King’s armor with her dagger, while Iris, astonishingly, struck its face with a wooden hammer.
“…~~~~!?”
The Ratman King let out an inhuman scream. However, that didn’t mean we would let up on our attacks.
“Shall we bring this to a close? Star Magic Array Remote Activation, Thorn Whip.”
Once again, I deployed the Thorn Whip spell on the floor, binding the battered Ratman King to the ground while it remained kneeling.
“I’ll provide support.”
With Iris’s tentacles joining in, the Ratman King found itself tightly restrained once more. Unlike earlier, Ruby and Genjuro had severed several tendons in the monster’s joints, and the Ratman King was now in an unstable position, kneeling with limited stability. Its strength was diminished, and there was no way for it to break free.
However, for someone who claimed the title of ‘King’, this was a humiliating state. Let’s finish this quickly. But before that…
“Do you want to deliver the finishing blow, Lord Gravekeeper?”
I decided to ask the ally I had formed a temporary alliance with. Without his defense, it wouldn’t have been so easy for us to defeat the Ratman King.
“…”
In response to my question, the Gravekeeper remained silent and shook his head. It seemed that he would let us deal the final blow. Well then, let’s quickly put an end to this.
“Jigoro.”
“Yeah, leave it to me.”
Jigoro approached the struggling Ratman King who was trying to break free from the restraints. He lifted his leg high in the air.
“Divine beast Transformation… Well then, it’s been fun!”
“…!!”
With those words, Jigoro transformed into his divine beast form, surrounded by a golden aura, and delivered a devastating heel drop directly onto the Ratman King’s skull. The impact was enough to dent its impressive helmet, and the Ratman King’s strength finally gave out.
Leave a Reply