With two people who could fly and a flying creature, we descended from the rocky mountain where Birdy Perch was located, while supporting Jigoro. We immediately began our journey south, retracing the path we had taken.
“So, what do you think the boss of the forest will be?” Jigoro asked.
“…You’re bringing that up again,” I replied.
“Huh? Again?”
“Oh, actually…”
I felt a sense of déjà vu at the topic Jigoro casually brought up. This stemmed from the time when I accompanied Shio and we speculated about what the boss of the “Oak Forest” might be.
I summarized the conversation we had at that time for the two of them, and they exchanged glances before smiling wryly. It seemed that, no matter what, everyone had the same curiosity.
“But this will be a battle against a formidable opponent after a long time. Let’s not underestimate them.” Genjuro said.
“Challenging strong foes is what it’s all about!” Jigoro added.
“Indeed.”
The two of them seemed excited. It appeared that they couldn’t be satisfied without thrilling battles. I could understand them, but I couldn’t empathize with them because I would always think about “how to defeat enemies easily and without risk.”
The two who sought battles for the sake of battle itself and I, who sought items and experience points gained from battles, had fundamentally different values. Values vary from person to person, and I didn’t mind as long as I thought of it as part of their personalities.
“Alright, we’ve arrived at the forest,” I said.
“In that case, let’s warm up and head to the boss!” Jigoro said.
“That’s right. I want to sharpen my combat instincts.” Genjuro added
“Kyukyu!”
…Is this a pattern of seeking out enemies to defeat at all costs? And there was not a single person here trying to dissuade them. Well, experience points might be nice, but I had a feeling that supporting them would be quite a challenge…
◆◇◆◇◆◇
――――――――――
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The race level of your familiar has increased.
The job level of your familiar has increased.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Scythe Mastery] skill has increased.
Newly learned the martial technique “Rotating Slash” of [Scythe Mastery].
The level of [Black Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Black Eye” spell.
The level of [Curse] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Confusion” and “Reverse” spells.
The level of [Necromancy] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Summon Abyssal Beast” spell.
――――――――――
Hmm, it was battle after battle. Although my levels in various skills were also increasing, thanks to the notifications being set every five levels, the frequency had decreased significantly. I appreciated that.
“Gogaaaaaa!”
“Hahahaha!”
Let’s check out the new martial techniques and spells I acquired. First, there’s the “Rotating Slash” martial technique of the [Scythe Mastery]. This technique attacks enemies in all directions by swinging the scythe while spinning.
It would be most effective when surrounded, but wasn’t I already in a situation where I was surrounded…? I could only see myself using it when I would be forced into mock battles with Jigoro and Genjuro and got cornered from behind.
“Hmph!”
“Goge!?”
Next up is the [Black Magic] spell, “Black Eye”. This spell creates an eyeball made of magic that’s about the size of a human head. When someone is stared at by this eyeball, opponents with lower levels than myself become immobilized. It’s like maintaining the effect of Jigoro’s [Roar] for an extended period of time.
One drawback was that maintaining the eyeball required a constant expenditure of magic power. Well, it was a spell primarily meant for picking on weaker enemies, so it didn’t really have much utility in my playing style.
“Kyuoh!”
“Geha!?”
Next up were the [curse] spells: “Confusion” and “Reverse”. Confusion would cause monsters or NPCs to start attacking each other, while players would turn on their party members or engage in self-harm if there were none. It was a surefire way to create chaos.
As for “Reverse,” this spell would completely invert the movements of the target, flipping everything from front to back, left to right, and even up and down. If you knew about it beforehand, you might be able to adapt, but encountering it for the first time would undoubtedly be a bewildering experience.
“Short Teleport, Big Slash!”
“Gugaaa…”
Lastly, there was the [Necromancy] spell, “Summon Abyssal Beast”. This allowed me to call forth ferocious beasts from hell to attack my enemies. Only one beast could respond at a time, but the beast was said to possess unparalleled strength compared to the undead and hungry spirits I summoned so far.
Furthermore, the summoned beast appeared to be random, with a low chance of calling forth a terrifyingly powerful monstrosity. The description mentioned this, but the extent of their strength remained unclear.
“Phew~ The Cyclops wasn’t that weak, but its movements are way too predictable,” Jigoro remarked.
“Indeed, the Green Wind Wolf felt more challenging,” Genjuro replied.
“Hey, didn’t I talk about how it would get really tough when we’re up against a group of these monsters with just the three of us and my familiar?” I reminded them.
“Kyu?”
We continued to discuss our battle results while easily dispatching the Cyclops. As Jigoro had pointed out, the Cyclops was straightforward in its attacks, making it relatively easy for even me to anticipate its movements.
But even though they suggested that I engage in a melee fight against the Cyclops monster, I could foresee an untimely demise due to some kind of accident, so I decided against it. There was simply no way I could survive blows from its melee attacks, whether it was fists or club strikes.
However, the real issue was the two of them, who weren’t satisfied with the battles yet. Um, could you guys please cut me some slack? If I get surrounded, I might end up being killed by the Wind Wolves, too, you know?
“Vent your frustration on the boss. I’ve told you the same thing at least five times already.” I said.
“I know, but…”
“Hmm? Can’t you guys hear a sound like flowing water?”
Genjuro interrupted me as I was lecturing Jigoro. Intrigued, I momentarily closed my mouth and listened carefully, and indeed, there was a sound resembling flowing water.
“Maybe there’s a water source nearby. Let’s go check it out. There might be different monsters there.”
“Sure!”
“Agreed.”
“Kyuu!”
◆◇◆◇◆◇
We proceeded forward, guided by the sound of water. Along the way, we had an encounter with a Cyclops, but apart from that, we were able to proceed smoothly.
“Wow, this river is much larger than I expected!” Jigoro exclaimed in amazement.
Indeed, there flowed a river with a surprisingly wide span. We couldn’t know the source of this river unless we headed back north, but we decided to continue along its banks for now. Would new monsters emerge along this river?
“Swimming in the river is… a giant Evil Fish. Nothing particularly new.”
“Kyuuuu! Kyukyu!”
“…No, it seems like Karl has found something.”
A huge turtle emerged from the water a short distance from us. In its mouth, it held the same giant Evil Fish. With its numerous protrusions and an aggressive form reminiscent of a snapping turtle, it was an intimidating sight.
“Gaaargh…”
The opponent seemed to have noticed us as well. Without letting its guard down, it issued a low, menacing growl.
Judging by its size and imposing presence, it appeared quite formidable. But since I had two battle maniacs in my party who were aching for a fight, a battle with this new monster was inevitable. Thus it was time for an [Appraisal].
――――――――――
Race: Forest Beast Turtle Lv41
Job: Hunter Lv1
Skills:
- [Sharp Fang]
- [Robust Shell]
- [Water and Ice Magic]
- [Health Enhancement]
- [Strength Enhancement]
- [Defense Enhancement]
- [Spirit Enhancement]
- [Ambush]
- [Sneak]
- [Aquatic]
- [Physical Attack Resistance]
- [Poison Resistance]
- [Water Resistance]
- [Lightning Weakness]
――――――――――
It was as tough as it looked! I knew for sure that its size indicated durability, but it was clearly built for defense with its [Robust Shell] skill. Moreover, it had boosted stats with [Health Enhancement], [Strength Enhancement] and [Defense Enhancement]. On top of that, its [Physical Attack Resistance] nullified the effectiveness of our vanguard attacks. So, what about magic? Well, it had at least countermeasures with [Spirit Enhancement].
It was like a moving fortress. Fortunately, its movements were slow, so we could easily escape if we chose to. However, my companions wouldn’t be giving me the option to run away.
“It has [Physical Attack Resistance], but It also has [Lightning Weakness], so it’s not a problem. Let’s start with that.”
“I don’t need that enchantment,” Jigoro said.
“I’ll be taking it then,” Genjuro added
“Kyuu!”
Jigoro, the Blazebollt Bereserk Ogre, could manipulate his own magic power to enter an electrical state similar to lightning magic. Therefore, my need wasn’t needed this time…. no pun intended!
However, Genjuro and Karl, who lacked any skill related to the lightning element, needed my enchantments. I imbued the lightning element onto Genjuro’s spear and large sword, as well as Karl’s claws and tail tip. With this, it should have made it easier to deal damage.
“Here we go!”
“Got it! I’m ready!”
“Kyuuoo!”
By the way, it seemed that Genjuro had been following the recent trend of fighting with various weapon combinations. This time, it appeared to be a combination of a spear and a large sword. It seemed quite challenging to handle, but the fact that he could fight proficiently with this combination was truly remarkable.
“Gah?”
The Forest Beast Turtle instantly withdrew into its shell, but Jigoro’s punches cracked the shell, Genjuro’s large sword sliced through both the shell and the creature’s body, and in the gap, Karl’s claws and tail dug in. Their attacks were undeniably causing damage.
Although I didn’t further enhance their stats, it seemed they had sufficient firepower. No matter how sturdy its shell was, relying solely on its performance wouldn’t be enough to stand against two individuals wielding weapons with even greater capabilities.
If this were to end without any clever strategies, it would be convenient, but… there was absolutely no way it would be that easy. This monster must have some hidden ace up its sleeve.
“Gaahhh!”
Gyurugyurugyurugyuru!
Just as I was thinking that, the Forest Beast Turtle suddenly began spinning rapidly while still inside its shell! It looked like something out of an old sci-fi movie!
But seriously, how was it even spinning like that? It wasn’t spewing fire from the retracted limbs like the giant turtle Gamera in a certain sci-fi film. The most plausible explanation was that it had a sub-martial technique under the [Robust Shell] skill, maybe?
Putting that aside, spinning like that would not only allow the rugged shell’s shape to deflect the enemy’s attacks but also turn anyone trying to touch it into a radish in no time. A defense that seamlessly incorporated offense through spinning. Was this its hidden move?
“Whoa! It’s freezing!”
“Ugh!”
“Kyuuu!?”
No, let me correct that. Its hidden move exceeded my expectations. Despite its spinning, the three of them didn’t ease up on their attacks, but I noticed that Jigoro’s gauntlets and Genjuro’s spear tip were freezing. This was due to a magic skill.
Its skill was [Water and Ice Magic]. It must have been using the very first spell one learned with this evolved skill, the Ice Hand.
This spell froze anything it touched, and I had never used it before. However, it seemed that the Forest Beast Turtle was making clever use of its properties. Combining rotation with freezing upon touch… it had taken thorough precautions against physical attacks.
“Everyone, step back. Magic circle, Remote activation, Earth Change.”
“!?”
In that case, it was time for me as the party’s mage to take the stage. First, I altered the quality of the ground beneath the Forest Beast Turtle using [Earthen Magic]’s Earth Change. The cobblestones that covered the riverbed began to transform into sand as if they were melting.
Yes, that’s right. What I transformed the ground into was sand. The Forest Beast Turtle sank further and further like a drill, thanks to its own weight and rotation. The resistance of the sand visibly slowed down its spinning speed, and eventually, it came to a halt.
“Spell adjustment, Sandstorm.”
“~~!!!!”
To press our advantage even further, I cast the [Sand Magic] spell, Sandstorm, with spell adjustment, expanding its range to envelop the entire body of the Forest Beast Turtle. This unleashed a sandstorm that swept up even the now sand-turned stones.
Trapped inside, the Forest Beast Turtle was completely immobilized, with no way to move. Yes, its movements had come to a halt.
“Activate Star Magic Circle, spell adjustment, Thundercloud!”
A thick black cloud formed directly above the sandstorm. It rumbled with deep, ominous sounds.
“Fall!”
In the next moment, the energy that had been raging within the black thundercloud was suddenly unleashed. Countless bolts of lightning poured down like a torrential downpour, striking the Forest Beast Turtle repeatedly.
Wow, so this is what happens with the Thundercloud spell! I’d never used it before, so I had no idea, but it had quite the impressive effect!
“Gugyaaaa…”
The Forest Beast Turtle, already vulnerable to lightning, was struck by countless bolts and met its demise. Indeed, striking with its weakness made things much easier.
However, at the same time, I couldn’t help but wonder if the quality of the materials that would drop might have deteriorated. I hoped that didn’t happen as I proceeded to harvest the materials.
Leave a Reply to IsinN Cancel reply