Chapter 62: Mountain King Part 1

The boss’s skill I was wary of was, needless to say, [Command]. Having the skill [Command] meant having subordinates who were unequivocally commanded.

Now, what kind of creatures served as subordinates for the Twin-Headed Wind Eagle, our opponent? When I was thinking about this, I recalled its job.

The Mountain King. In other words, all the monsters on this mountain were its subordinates. So, what will actually happen when the Twin-Headed Wind Eagle calls its subordinates?

“”””Keeeee!””””

“”””Geeee! Geeee!””””

The answer was a massive flock of birds swarming in. Undoubtedly, even from a distance, the sheer number was staggering. It was a force that covered the far-off sky!

“Activate magic circle, spell adjustment, Black Field!”

Before the enemy horde drew near, I began to take action, aiming to create a more advantageous situation for us. First, I enhanced my [Dark Magic] and ourselves through the Black Field spell, which had its effect raised to the maximum through spell adjustment. This was the initial preparation.

“Summon: Will-o-Wisp, imbue with Dark Element, Physical Boost, Physical Boost, Physical Boost, Physical Boost!”

Furthermore, I summoned as many Dark Attribute Will-o-Wisps as possible, strengthening them to their maximum vitality through [Summoning Magic] and [Enchantment. In addition…

“Undead Boost!”

A surge of energy echoed through the air!

I further fortified the Will-o-Wisps using [Necromancy], causing the flames of their inanimate fire to flicker with newfound intensity. It was reassuring to see the enhancements take effect.

At this juncture, my remaining magic power had dwindled below half. Just one task remained. The timing was crucial… now!

“Star Magic Circle, remote activation! Evil Spirits Summoning!”

“””””Kyahahahahahahahaha”””””

Just before the flock of birds converged with the Twin-Headed Wind Eagle, I summoned evil spirits that indiscriminately attacked anyone other than myself into the heart of the gathering. The spirits would assail any nearby living beings they could find, but this strategy ensured they wouldn’t purposefully harm my allies.

“Go forth, Will-o-Wisps!”

As the evil spirits sowed confusion among the enemy ranks, I directed the summoned Will-o-Wisps toward them. Once my minions infiltrated the flock of birds, there was only one thing to do!

“Self-destruct!”

“”””Kiyeeeee!?””””

All the Will-o-Wisps simultaneously exploded, casting dark elemental damage around them equivalent to their remaining vitality. Against the already dimmed sky due to the Black Field spell, black fireworks danced in a chaotic display.

“This is the final push! Magic Stone Absorption, Star Magic Circle Remote Activation, Spell Adjustment, Dark Wave!”

With almost all of my remaining magic power channeled into it, I strengthened my staff with the magic stones and then unleashed five strikes of the Dark Wave spell, which had been amplified through spell adjustment.

My relentless barrage of magic attacks appeared to have a significant impact. Barely twenty birds remained, and the Twin-Headed Wind Eagle itself was in a sorry state. Could this be considered a satisfactory outcome?

However, this marked the end for me as well! My magic power had been depleted completely. Left as I was, I’d be nothing more than a mere black skeleton. I need to hurry and recover!

“Magic Array! Everyone, I’ll leave the battle to you for a while!”

“We’ve got more than enough to handle them!”

In order to replenish my depleted magic power, I deployed a Magic Array. Iris and Genjuro would protect me while I focused on hastening the recovery of my magic power. Until then, I would rely on Jigoro and Ruby to hold their ground.

“Let’s go, Jirgoro!”

“Got it!”

The two of them unleashed long-range attacks against the battered birds. Since my magic had inflicted considerable damage, many of them couldn’t evade and plummeted to the ground. Good, we might be able to pull through like this!

“”Kiiiaaaah!!””

“””Kikii!?”””

Ah, it couldn’t be that easy! A single cry from the Twin-Headed Wind Eagle restored order to the chaos. Moreover, it seemed to have given instructions to the remaining birds, as they swiftly reformed their ranks into a neat formation once again.

Though we had already reduced their numbers to sixteen, an organized enemy was not to be underestimated! I’ve heard that a flock of sheep led by a single wolf is mightier than a pack of wolves led by a single sheep. The same principle applied even more to a group of raptors led by a single boss monster!

The birds charged towards Jigoro, led by the Twin-Headed Wind Eagle… but in an unexpected turn, they suddenly changed direction, leaving only the Twin-Headed Wind Eagle and three Aerial Eagles coming our way! They were shifting their focus to the rear guard!?

I cursed under my breath. While I had considered the possibility of being targeted, I hadn’t anticipated such a thorough approach!

I must have drawn too much attention with my flashy spellcasting. However, if I hadn’t made the decision to reduce their numbers in that critical moment, we would have been overwhelmed by sheer number by now…

“Tch!”

“Sorry! I lost my position!”

Right now, I need to address the immediate crisis at hand. I could hear the voices of Jigoro and Ruby, driven by their anxiety. Thirteen birds were a formidable challenge, even for Iris and Genjuro combined. And now, with me being a liability, the situation was significantly stacked against us!

That Twin-Headed Wind Eagle, it was definitely intent on reducing our numbers, huh? But it wouldn’t be so easy for them to take us down!

“Dispel! Defense Boost!”

With the bit of magic power I recovered, I lifted the [Enchantment] I had cast on myself before the battle using a “Dispel” spell, nullifying its effects. Then, I bolstered my physical defense with Defense Boost and readied my scythe. While moving would cause the effects of the magic array to dissipate, I was committed to a defensive stance to buy us more time!

“I’ll manage on my own! You two focus on reducing their numbers!”

“Please don’t do anything reckless!”

“Understood!”

In contrast to Iris’s concerned expression, Genjuro’s voice was full of energy. That old man! He’s not even trying to hide that he finds more enjoyment in defeating the enemies than protecting me! Well, I suppose it’s rare for someone to derive joy from protecting a skeleton in the first place…

Anyway, I had to take matters into my own hands to defend myself. I never imagined I’d find myself demonstrating the results of Jigoro and Genjuro’s rigorous Spartan training so soon.

“Now… It’s better than doing nothing. Activate [Abyssal Aura].”

I unleashed the [Abyssal Aura] skill, which I usually kept turned off because its flashy effects drew too much attention. A dark aura, unsettling to merely gaze upon, began to emanate from my body.

Huh? The amount of aura seems to have increased slightly, and it’s become darker than before. Could this be because my skill levels have gone up? Yeah, it looks cool, but it makes me stand out quite a bit.

With the level increase, the probability of inducing various status abnormalities has gone up to 6%. It’s not a zero chance, so I want to believe it has some effect! Could it work just once, please?

“Kiiiyaaah!”

“Heh!”

I deflected the [Charge] from an Aerial Eagle that swooped down from above using my scythe. It takes quite a bit of courage to directly confront an Aerial Eagle charging at high speed. It’s impressive how melee fighters manage to endure this!

However, while it might be scary, that didn’t mean I couldn’t handle it. The trajectory of its [Charge] was straight, so as long as I watch closely, I can defend against it. As long as I don’t get greedy and attack from my end, I should be able to manage.

“Hooah!”

Seizing the opportunity while I was dealing with the Aerial Eagle, a Forest Owl emitted a wave, carried by its screech, from behind. I remember this; it’s the effect of the [Sleep] skill. This sound makes you feel drowsy.

It was quite a challenge when we first crossed paths. I took a massive hit from a surprise attack and Genjuro fell into slumber from the [Sleep] effect… Truly, there were no pleasant memories associated with this opponent.

“It’s not working!”

“Ho!?”

Yet, the opponent had miscalculated. I possessed [Status Resistance] skill. Effects like [Sleep] wouldn’t work on me!

In fact, while the Forest Owl was using the skill, I seized that opportunity to slash at the monster with my scythe. As intended, I managed to wound its wings, causing it to crash to the ground. Without delay, I struck its head with the tip of my staff to finish it off.

These bird-type monsters, which fluttered and toyed in the sky, had a silver lining – they were not very resilient. Even with my physical strength alone, I could somehow manage to defeat them.

“Kee!”

“Kee!”

Ugh! This time, an Aerial Eagle and an Iron Woodpecker swooped down at once. Handling both of them simultaneously was beyond my capacity. Hence, I focused on expertly deflecting the heavier attack from the Iron Woodpecker. I had no choice but to give up on stopping the Aerial Eagle’s attack!

“Guh! Urgh!”

I managed to deflect the attack from the Iron Woodpecker, but the Aerial Eagle’s assault grazed me as I twisted my body. It seemed I couldn’t escape unscathed after all.

Additionally, there was a slight numbness in the arm that deflected the Iron Woodpecker’s attack. This was evidence that I hadn’t fully countered its force. While Genjuro and the others had drilled combat skills into me using their Spartan method, applying them against non-humanoid foes proved to be quite challenging.

However, thanks to [Enchantment] and my scythe, I somehow managed to hold my ground. I had to endure like this until Genjuro and the others arrived…

“Kyaaa!?”

“Iris!?”

“Damn! This is bad!”

Iris’s scream diverted my attention. Had she been struck by the Iron Woodpecker’s beak from behind? The destructive power of that creature was such that even her tough cell walls couldn’t withstand it.

Moreover, it seemed like the arrangement of the Twin Head Wind Eagle was at play here. An Aerial Eagle was descending rapidly from above with impeccable timing! Naturally, its target was the area that had been damaged.

The potential for massive damage was big—a single blow could spell instant death for her! Genjuro was too far away to intervene in time, and Jigoro and Ruby were preoccupied. In that case…

“Uoooaah! Great Slash!”

I had no choice but to take action! I cleaved in between Iris and the Aerial Eagle, executing the most powerful [Scythe Mastery]’s martial technique in my arsenal to intercept the attack!

“Gahh…!”

“Kyeee…!”

However, countering while delivering an attack to a nimble opponent proved to be too challenging for me. Though I managed to land a hit with my scythe, I ended up taking a considerable blow from its attack.

Sent flying, I bounced several times like a ball before finally rolling to the ground. My vision spun, and I began to feel queasy…

…The sense of nausea gave me a clue—I somehow managed to survive. However, my health bar was hanging by a thread. Was there even a fraction left? It felt like I had less than a minute’s worth of health remaining.

One strike was enough for this… yet, thanks to the evolution and the bone reinforcements I added, at that crucial moment, my defense had slightly increased. Additionally, had it not been for the armor that Iris made, I would have undoubtedly perished.

Truly, tears threatened to well up at my own weakness. After all, the excessive damage from bouncing on the ground—was that due to [Blunt Attack Weakness]? This is unbearable.

In the corner of my vision, I could see an Aerial Eagle closing in, moving in slow motion as it aimed to finish me off. It was probably the same one I attempted to intercept. Damn it, didn’t I finish it off? It felt less impactful, so I thought I did, but it seems bad expectations often hit the mark.

Oh well, dying for the first time in a place like this, huh? Unable to defeat the enemy and barely able to protect my friends. How uncool. This made me keenly aware that the road to becoming a cool villain was still far away.

…But wait, why am I still alive? Shouldn’t it be over by now… huh? Wait a moment. Is the opponent really in slow motion? Could this be that thing you often see in fiction, where the surroundings appear in slow motion right before dying?

“Oh yeah. Now I remember…”

A certain realization came to my mind. A skill of mine that I hadn’t used even once since acquiring it; it had completely slipped from my memory.

“Gyaa!?”

“First time activating it, huh, [Dragon Force].”

As the Aerial Eagle came charging with its [Charge] skill, I muttered such words casually before grabbing the monster with my own hands.