The army of Bigdareio consisted of a fifty-member elite unit. Every member was above level 50. This group included the nation’s strongest, His Majesty Salman the Boar-Orc Warlord, and Mahd the Chief Court Mage. It was clear that they were marching with their maximum combat strength.
On the other hand, we couldn’t quite claim to match this elite strength. We had become stronger for sure, and our weekday hunts had allowed us to upgrade to better equipment. Still, it was undeniable that Eiji, Usaji, and Iris, who was in a production job, were a step behind still. Yet, each of us had been assigned a crucial role.
Speaking of Iris, she had reached level 50 and had splendidly evolved into a Big Roper Master Artisan. While her appearance hardly changed from that of a Big Roper Artisan, her performance significantly improved. She had become adept at manipulating her tentacles, adding considerable enhancements to item and equipment creation.
In fact, when I asked her to repair my armor, the speed at which she completed the task greatly increased, and the weapons of Eiji and Usaji that she made were of a quality comparable to those crafted by Bigdareio’s craftsmen. Having a skilled producer in our ranks was a real cost-saver.
But leaving that aside, our assigned role was to harass and restrain the enemy from behind and above while His Majesty Salman and his army were engaged in battle. In the beginning, Karl, Iris, and I would attack from the air, while Jigoro, Eiji, and Usaji would fire away with the ballista mounted on the war chariot. Then, at the right moment, these three would also approach from behind to pester the enemy.
Although we were inferior in terms of level, it wasn’t a problem. The three ground fighters, Jigoro, Eiji and Usaji had established impressive coordination through their weekday play. Furthermore, they had demonstrated their strength in duel battles with the warriors of Bigdareio, earning recognition as first-class warriors.
Moreover, the more Jigoro and the others engaged the enemy in close combat, the more opportunities they would have to eliminate the chance of the enemy to [Eject] its thorns. If that were to happen, His Majesty Salman and the others believed that they would be able to defeat it through numerical advantage, or at least repel it.
Should we be forced into a retreat, we were designated to act as the rearguard. This was because, even if we died, we were players who would simply respawn. While I doubted that a single war chariot and our lives would guarantee enough time for everyone to escape, there was no point in dwelling on the possibility of defeat before the battle even began. It was enough to keep it in mind.
“His Majesty Salman~!”
“Soldiers! Come back alive!”
“We’re counting on you to reclaim the Oasis!”
Such thoughts crossed my mind during the parade before our march. The citizens all hoped for the retrieval of the Oasis, which was a crucial part of their livelihood. The extravagance of the parade and the volume of the cheers certainly reflected their expectations.
“Hey, brother. You know, I just realized I never asked you this.” Jigoro said.
“What is it?”
“What ‘Secret Art’ did you choose?”
While I was riding Karl, Jigoro, who leaned out from the back of the war chariot, asked me this question. Ah, now that I think about it, I didn’t have the chance to use it yet and had forgotten to mention it. The decision had been delayed due to the commotion caused by the [Floating Skull] that was still hovering beside my shoulder even now. Huh? Come to think of it, I didn’t ask Jigoro about his either.
“What about you, then?”
“Me? I chose [Demon God’s Sturdy Body].”
[Demon God’s Sturdy Body] was an “Ultimate Technique” exclusive to demon-type creatures, offering a straightforward benefit: a temporary great boost in all stats except intelligence. The saying “Simple is Best” comes to mind, and for Jigoro, with his high natural combat skills, it seemed like the perfect “Ultimate Technique” to acquire.
However, there were two drawbacks. One was that it rendered the user unable to use magic while it was activated, which wasn’t a concern for Jigoro. The other drawback, though, was more troublesome.
The drawback of [Demon God’s Sturdy Body] was its continuous drain on health. Each second, a maximum of one percent of the user’s total health would be depleted. Due to this characteristic, the effect’s duration was precisely one hundred seconds. However, during activation, it was impossible to restore health through potions or magic. If one fought for the maximum duration, it would result in their death. Fortunately, the effect could be ended at any time, preventing self-destruction.
Nevertheless, it was clear that Jigoro had not chosen an offensive “Ultimate Technique”. He rarely used martial techniques and relied instead on his exceptional hand-to-hand combat abilities. A strengthening “Ultimate Technique” like this would further enhance Jigoro’s strengths.
“That’s interesting. My ‘Secret Art’ is called [Specter’s Mire],” I said.
[Specter’s Mire] was a “Secret Art” that could only be learned by those who could use both [Earthen Magic] and [Water and Ice Magic], along with [Curse] and [Spirit Channeling]. It was the most difficult to acquire among all the “Secret Arts” available to me, which was why I chose it.
I haven’t used it yet, so its power remains to be seen, but I’m sure it’s strong given the stringent learning requirements …At least, I hoped so.
“I’m looking forward to seeing it in action!” Iris said.
“…It’s definitely going to be a horror-themed technique, right? I’m honestly not great with those.” Eiji said.
“As long as it’s strong, it doesn’t matter, right?” Usaji added.
The responses from the remaining three varied. Iris, who was a craftsman, had chosen [Craftsmanship], which was an “Ultimate Technique” exclusively for production jobs. This made it easier to create items of high difficulty, and items crafted within the effect’s duration were more likely to have improved quality and rarity. Quality and rarity directly correlated to performance, making this “Ultimate Technique” a staple for producers.
“But I can’t wait to be able to use ‘Ultimate Techniques’ soon too. They seem fun.”
“I agree with that.”
Since we were trailing at the end of the troops, we did not attract much attention from the residents of Bigdareio. This was likely because we hadn’t performed any heroic feats in the city-state yet. This anonymity allowed us to chat freely and without reservation. In this relaxed state, we continued our march.
◆◇◆◇◆◇
During our march, we were attacked by monsters on several occasions, but we managed to subdue them all. The primary reason for this was to conserve the strength of the Bigdareio army.
However, this wasn’t a source of dissatisfaction for us. Eiji and Usagi were pleased with this arrangement as they gained experience points, and Jigoro seemed in a good mood, perhaps finding it all to be a good warm-up. Karl was delighted to have the chance to snack. Iris and I were happy too, as we were able to gather materials. This was particularly beneficial for Iris, who consumed a considerable amount of items during her normal activities.
From what we have learned in our play so far, it seems that certain environments could induce unique status ailments. In desert or wasteland areas, a condition called “Severe Heat” could arise. This only caused discomfort to those without resistance, but people who didn’t like hot weather in real life would feel extremely tired. This explained why Iris had been feeling unwell.
As we moved southward from Bigdareio, the condition would escalate to “Extreme Heat” and start affecting those without [Fire Resistance] or [Status Resistance]. Without proper precautions, their fullness meter would decrease rapidly and cause continuous damage. The damage aside, the rapid decrease in the fullness meter was perhaps akin to dehydration. Either way, you need to take precautions against the heat.
“This will be our last break. Everyone should eat well.”
“Ooh… But it’s a shame, brother. Just when we’ve got a meal that actually tastes decent.”
“Ahh, I couldn’t agree more.”
There were restrictions on taste when eating in VR, but it was said that using high-quality ingredients or having a meal prepared by a chef with a high [Cooking] skill level could impart flavor. While the taste wasn’t necessarily exquisite, the importance lay in the special effects that such meals provided.
Therefore, for the impending major battle, the Bigdareio army had prepared a special meal. It was preserved food, but eating it could temporarily increase one’s strength. As a mage, this wasn’t very relevant to me, but as an undead who couldn’t benefit from food-induced enhancements, this was a disadvantage.
“I think there’s an ‘Ultimate Technique’ that allows even those like me to eat. If possible, I’ll acquire it.”
“Heeh? What’s this ‘Ultimate Technique’ called?”
“It’s known as [False Body]. It seems to allow skeletons like me and ghosts to temporarily acquire a physical form.”
[False Body] could actually be learned by any undead without a physical body, and in a sense, it was an ultimate technique with the most lenient requirements. While I was curious about eating in VR, I thought I would definitely regret using my once-per-ten-levels opportunity to unconditionally learn an “Ultimate Technique” or a “Secret Art” for only that.
I wonder how many “Ultimate Techniques” and “Secret Arts” exist based on the combination of race, job, and skill? And how long would it take for all the “Ultimate Techniques” and “Secret Arts” to be unlocked?… It was impossible to estimate.
“…Ah, it’s getting noisy. Does that mean the break is over?”
“That’s right. Well then, let’s start moving.”
“”””Roger that!””””
◆◇◆◇◆◇
At the oasis located south of Bigdaleio. From there, the elite troops of Bigdareio were aligned just out of the monster’s attack range.
They knew they were about to engage in a life-threatening battle. Yet, not a single one of them showed any signs of fear. This courage stemmed from their long-standing resolve to risk their lives for their nation and, most importantly, their unwavering trust in the strongest warrior of Bigdareio, who was leading them into battle.
“Is that the sandstorm in question?”
The person who made this remark at the head of Bigdaleio’s army was King Salman XIII. As the ruler of the nation, this was his first time witnessing a sandstorm in person. Rather than appearing annoyed, he looked on with a deep sense of curiosity.
“Your Majesty, you can’t really criticize the Prince right now, can you?”
“Ah, Mahd…”
The one who admonished Salman was Mahd, the chief court mage. He had served the royal family since Salman was a prince and had known the king since he was a child. Naturally, he was also aware of the king’s more mischievous younger days.
“Alas, I am no match for you.”
“That’s quite alright. Now, Your Majesty, the first strike is yours to command.”
“Indeed.”
Salman nodded his head and received his favorite greatsword from his attendant. The sword fit his stature, which set him apart from the average Boar Orc, and its blade length alone was over two meters long. Intricate patterns etched on the blade shimmered like a mirage. It was clearly a powerful weapon by any standard.
This sword was called the “Bigdareio’s Flaming Fang” and it was one of the “Inherited Weapons” passed down among the kings. These weapons, carried by those who bore the weight of their nation, would change shape to best suit their wielders. In fact, the sword had been an axe during the reign of the previous king of Bigdareio, and a staff when the mage king ruled two generations prior.
This sword was one of the “Noble Phantasms” that was a symbol of the prestige of the nation. If all these Noble Phantasms were to be taken away, it would mean the seizure of control over the kingdom. Such was their importance, and they were powerful weapons at the same time.
“Fuuuuuu…”
When Salman readied his greatsword, the atmosphere around him transformed. His subjects knew what their king was going to do, and knew that the battle would soon begin.
Salman closed his eyes and exhaled. This act served to heighten his concentration and was also a preparatory gesture before unleashing a powerful technique.
“Ultimate technique… Boar King’s Blazing Fang! Nnnngh…”
As Salman opened his eyes and swung his sword, it suddenly became enveloped in flames and it took on the form of a boar. This “Boar King’s Blazing Fang” was an ultimate technique exclusive to the reigning king of Bigdareio and it was only possible to execute with “Bigdareio’s Flaming Fang”. According to legend, the sword’s material was said to be linked to the ancestral boar of the Bigdareio royal family, and it could produce a powerful flame in the shape of a boar.
“Buuoooooooooooooooooo!!!”
This was not merely a flame shaped like a boar. Within the flames was the will to mow down everything standing in the way of the wielder of “Bigdareio’s Flaming Fang”. And now, the target of this attack was, of course, the Thornshell Scorpion Highlord.
“Bugaaaaaaaaaa!!!”
“Igyaaaaaaaaaa?!!”
The flaming boar charged furiously towards the sandstorm. Although countless thorns flew from the storm, they were meaningless against the incorporeal flame boar. The flaming boar plunged into the sandstorm without losing any of its momentum and, upon colliding with the Thornshell Scorpion Highlord, triggered a massive explosion.
The blast forced even the Thornshell Scorpion Highlord to scream out. The monster suffered serious damage, and the sandstorm that had been protecting it was blown away from the inside by the blast. This was the moment when Isam and the other players witnessed for the first time the power of an “Ultimate Technique” that only a ruling king could wield.
“Charge! Let’s go, everyone! Follow meee!”
“””Oooooooh!!!”””
Led by Salman and his elite troops, they charged with a ferocity that matched the flame boar itself. The battle had truly begun.
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