Grabalt's Collapse
"So this is Grabalt’s forces, which we’ve gathered as much as we can…"
A woman wearing a white coat, who had climbed atop a high tower that could see far into the distance, muttered to herself.
In front of her line of sight, there were probably about 1,000 beastmen with ears and tails of various kinds, such as wolves, tigers, dogs, and rats, forming a beautiful formation.
The reason why they were able to form a uniform formation even though so many different races had gathered together was probably because, unlike Fonteau and Lishlua, they had actual combat experience, as they were constantly running through the forest, expelling the remnants of monsters.
(Maybe this is all... There may not be any strength left on this continent that can fight against the slimes.)
Seeing how small the number was, she let out a sigh.
A genius who learned about the otherworldly knowledge of science from Jenna, the [Saint] who fought alongside the hero, and admired it, eventually completing the holy water [Valhari Water] that can kill slimes.
Her waist-length chestnut-colored hair and the white coat she wears are impressive, and the long hair and the hem of the long white coat are swaying wildly in the wind.
It was a windy day.
She feels depressed because she feels like it foreshadows the turmoil to come.
"Can we stop the slime invasion?"
A beautiful silver-haired girl who was also on top of the tower keeping an eye on the surrounding area muttered.
Meltia is the older sister of the hero Mariabelle, the princess of Fonteau whose mother was a great mage who was said to rival the Demon King.
She's about the same age as Kara, but even at times like this... well, it's precisely at times like this that she smiles softly and warmly to reassure those around her, and her short stature, which is just like Kara's, makes her seem like the younger sister.
However, there is one thing that makes her look like an adult... or rather, she has grown up for her age, and that difference is pleasing to the eyes of men.
Her voluptuous breasts look like two large fruits have been forcefully stuffed into them.
Perhaps because the slime’s abuse had increased its size and tension even further, the green-based adventurer uniform that was said to have been inherited from her mother had a pitiful stretch of the cloth on her breastplate
"I don't know... the report said that the slimes that were left in the forest were gathering."
Kara's voice was depressed as she answered Meltia's question.
Of course, she feels fear, but the fear of not knowing the full extent of the enemy makes that fear even stronger.
The cause is the deep forest of Grabalt―― even if you build a tall tower, the trees in the forest will get in the way and you won't be able to see deep into the area.
Looking around, it was surrounded by a thick wooden fence built to prevent monsters from invading, and it would be able to withstand attacks from giant ogres for a while.
The surrounding area is shaped like a small hill, so even if an enemy attacks, you can attack from a high position.
It was thanks to Meltia that the terrain was suitable for such an interception.
"But magic is amazing. I never thought it could lift the ground and create a natural fort."
"I think Mother could have raised the ground a little higher."
"This is enough."
If they were to build a fort of this size, it would have taken a month of human labor.
Even Kara, who has no experience in building a camp, can clearly understand how good Meltia's magic is.
Still, she's worried.
Even if she made all the preparations she could, she was afraid that the slimes would overwhelm them with even greater power.
(Slimes use magic and have wisdom. When we recaptured Fonteau, there were slimes larger than a two-story building.)
Even this fortress won't last long if attacked by something like that.
...The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, so Kara took a deep breath to calm herself down.
If a giant slime appears, the only thing they can do is use magic to burn it down before it destroys the fort.
There is no point in thinking about the worst.
"Speaking of things to see, what about Fenelieka-san?"
"She's been flying around all the time. As expected, this time, that female demon also seems to be feeling a sense of crisis."
"Finally."
"Fufu―― her optimistic personality made me feel at ease."
Fenelieka―― A succubus, a female demon who became an ally when subjugating the Black Ooze, the giant slime that stole Fonteau.
Although she has little fighting power, she can fly and has a strong tolerance for pleasure, so both Kara and Mariabelle trust her.
Meltia, who was always ridiculed for her seriousness, was still concerned about Fenelieka's actions.
Even Fenelieka is working seriously this time.
...Kara and Meltia were made to realize how critical the situation was right now.
"Even though we were able to rescue Fasalina-sama and Akane-sama…"
"I agree"
Fasalina, the goddess who is said to have created this world, and Akane Shinomiya, who was summoned by Fasalina from another world.
As a result of the operation to rescue the two, Mariabelle was captured by the humanoid slime, and the new slime born from Fasalina acquired a [perfect human form] and began collecting monsters.
Just like the Demon King from a few years ago.
The humanoid slime absorbs most of the surviving monsters and splits, creating a [slime shaped like a monster].
This time, they are gathered together by the slime who controls them like a Demon King.
Kara feels depressed when she thinks about what that means.
(I want to go save Maria, but that isn’t going to work Are we more in danger?)
Once again, she looked at the elite of Grabalt forming a beautiful formation below her.
This is probably the last strength of this country.
They will now fight on the front lines under the command of Fornelis, the princess of this country and a warrior who travels with the hero and whose sword skills alone are said to be close to the hero.
But there are only 1,000 people.
(What will happen if reinforcements don't come from Fonteau... no, even Fonteau is under threat from the new slime)
They should assume that reinforcements will not come.
At the very least, they should give up their baseless hopes.
There is a higher possibility that Lishlua, where the slime invasion has not yet headed, will send reinforcements.
"According to Fenelieka, the new slime looks just like a human. I wonder what will happen to this world."
"Still, I can’t give up."
What answered Kara's depressed voice was a dignified, strong voice.
Meltia grasps Kara's hand with a strength that cannot be imagined from her calm appearance.
"Please don't give up. We have Fasalina-sama."
"……Yeah."
Goddess Fasalina.
Even though a portion of her power was simply housed in a person on the same wavelength, it's okay because the goddess is on their side.
――It's unsettling to have to cling to such baseless hopes.
Rather than having the goddess with them, Kara feels like she's been given some of Meltia's energy, and her voice returns a little.
The hand she held was hot.
At the same time, she noticed that her hands were shaking.
(Her mana has barely recovered due to the aftereffects of her sister being captured and her mother being attacked... I guess she feels the pressure of having to protect them.)
Magic is one of the few ways to fight the slimes.
Meltia, who inherited the powerful mana from her mother, is a valuable fighting force for humanity.
There must be some pressure from that―― but Meltia still acts bravely, and Kara clenched her hand in return.
"I won't give up. I'll help Maria... that's what I swore to do."
"Yes"
Hero Mariabelle.
A black-haired hero who inherited her father's.
She is alive. Kara and the others were sure of that.
The slime doesn't kill women.
Because in order to increase their numbers, they need women.
That's why.
"If we survive this battle, we will definitely rescue Maria. Maria and Akane-dono. If we have these two heroes together, we won't even lose to the slime."
There is no basis.
But now, she has no choice but to cling to that hope―― she has been cornered to such an extent. Humanity is.
"They're here!! A huge horde!"
It was at that time that a tense voice rang out from the sky.
When she looked up, she saw a winged woman wearing a flashy red dress flying around, warning of danger.
"Fenel!! What's the number and direction!?"
"A lot! From the other side!!"
"You can take the others with you, just count them as accurately as you can! But please don’t be reckless!! ――Fornelis-sama!!"
Kara gave instructions to Fenelieka, who was flying in the sky, and turned her gaze to the ground as she leaned forward from the tower.
"The monsters are coming after all! From the north!! From now on, I will let Fenelieka count the number!!"
After saying that, Kara grabbed the edge of the ladder hanging on the tower and slid down to the ground.
When Meltia followed suit and tried to get off the ladder, her skirt flew up and her cute pink underwear was exposed.
Meltia became embarrassed and slowed down while holding down her skirt with one hand as she descended.
By the time she set foot on the ground, Kara had slung the sword she had left on the ground to her waist and was preparing for battle.
"S-skirts are not good in high places."
"You don't feel nervous."
However, she also thinks that Meltia is the typical Meltia.
(I guess this is what makes Fenelieka so interested.)
She feels like the tension has eased just a little before the battle.
Kara inspected the equipment with a soft expression on her face, and Meltia also checked the condition of the adventurer clothes she had inherited from her mother and the large wooden staff.
"As I told you beforehand, slimes are weak to fire! We will mainly attack with fire arrows!!"
"Yes!"
Fornelis takes about 1,000 warriors and places them in the positions she had envisioned.
Bows and arrows were held in everyone's hands.
If there are many enemies and they come from far away, long-range attacks are the basics.
(I hope that will reduce the number even a little)
"Still, that's a bold plan―― setting the forest on fire."
"From the perspective of the people of Grabalt, the forest is their home. Still, they would burn down the forest in order to attack with fire, which slimes are weak against…"
At first, the difference between the expected number of monsters and the force they could prepare was too large, so there was a plan to retreat from Grabalt.
However, if they run away, they want to retaliate.
If they don't do anything here, there will be no place for them to escape.
This idea came from that idea.
"But slimes can use magic. Water magic will probably take them out."
(I hope we can kill as many slimes as possible by then)
More than ten minutes have passed since Fenelieka's report.
They can't see the slimes yet.
"Is it true that the slimes are coming?"
"Akane-sama!? Thank you for coming."
As she stiffened with the tension, Akane Shinomiya, a woman with short black hair unlike Mariabelle, came running towards them.
Nearby is Fasalina... a goddess who borrows the body of her devout believer Angelica.
Meltia, who noticed Kara's voice, and the dozens of beastmen lowered their heads in a panic.
Akane, who isn't used to having them do that, stiffens as if she's more troubled by it than the slime's appearance, and hurriedly says, [Please raise your head].
Fasalina took this attitude as a matter of course and walked naturally.
"Fasalina-sama too. ――However, this will be a battlefield. It would be better to stay in a safe place..."
"There is no safe place. Everything in this world is a battlefield."
It was exactly as she said.
No matter what people say, the slimes have already spread throughout the continent.
Kara knows.
Even Lishlua, the holy city protected by the goddess's barrier, has been invaded by slimes.
However, the reason for not telling this is to leave people with hope.
Rather than confronting the truth that [there is nowhere on this continent to escape to], she believed that people could become stronger if they believed that there was still a safe place to escape.
"Fasalina-sama…"
"It's okay, Kara, Meltia. ――Focus on what's in front of you now, Akane."
"You mean to fight and gain experience?"
"That's the thing. You're the only one who can fight that thing."
Kara and Meltia thought that it must be the slime that Fenelieka reported that mimics a human.
In reality, they don't know how strong it is, but based on the slime's changes so far, they don't think it's [weak].
In addition.
"The slime with Maria's holy sword..."
"She has been using the power of the holy sword for several days. It probably waited for the holy sword to gather power before taking action."
"...I see. Does that mean that that power is now directed towards us?"
Kara and Meltia know the power of the holy sword used by Mariabelle... the power of light that even the Black Ooze, which had grown so large that it filled the throne room in Fonteau, was obliterated in one blow.
This time, it would be directed at them―― When she heard that, she felt her mouth twitch.
"I will defend against the holy sword’s power. I’m sure I will use up my power, but... After that, Akane, you will fight."
"I-I understand."
Fasalina's strategy was clear.
If Fornelis and the others burn down the forest to reduce the number of slimes, the slime, which mimics a human, will blow away the most vulnerable people with a single blow.
The light of the holy sword destroys monsters.
The effect extends to the surrounding slimes, and Akane defeats the slime who is left alone. That's what it is.
(If it goes well, that would be great. Even if it fails, we will make a way...)
For that reason, the goddess went so far as to say that she would use up all of the power within Angelica.
That's probably the best.
Kara, Meltia, and Fornelis had no objections.
"Mother……"
Others who were poisoned by the aphrodisiac, like Leticia and Jenna, have already been evacuated to Lishlua.
As she looked up at the World Tree, so huge it could hit the sky in the distance, she began to realize that she was participating in a battle to protect the entire continent.
Yes.
This isn't just about fighting the slimes.
This is a battle to fight alongside the goddess and protect the future of this continent.
"They'll be here soon."
"Ha!?"
Fornelis said, and several of the warriors responded.
Immediately after, a block of ice is launched into the sky at a distant location.
Slime's magic―― The target was probably Fenelieka and the others who were scouting from the sky.
"Everyone, light your arrows!!"
Fornelis pulled out an oversized sword from her back and raised it toward the sky while giving instructions.
Akane felt her whole body stiffen with tension.
(I-It's my first time actually fighting with so many people...)
To begin with, for Akane, who has very little experience in combat, fighting is terrifying... and that's how it should be.
However, as her heart pounded, thick blood flowed into her fingertips, and she felt as if the power was spreading to every corner of her body.
She grasps the hilt of the sword at her waist.
She can feel the fabric wrapped around the handle in her palm, and the tighter she grips it, the more it feels like it's clinging to the shape of her hand.
She feels calmer.
Her brain processes the battle cries from those around her as noise, and she feels like she's turning into a sword.
Slash the enemy.
Just for that.
"Akane. When it comes to sword skills, you can't lose."
With Fasalina's voice, Fenelieka ran through the sky.
"It's coming soon!!"
"Prepare your bow!!"
The battle begins.
The final battle in Grabalt, the land of beastmen.
・
・
・
The fourth day of the battle was about to begin.
"Carry the injured to the capital! Those with mild injuries should help replenish weapons!!"
After three days of battle, the number of the 1,000 warriors was reduced to 200, and many of them were injured.
They were cornered to the point where no one was left unscathed.
White smoke rises from the area around the fort, and the stinging sensation in the nose conveys the devastation of the forest.
"I knew it would use magic, but I never thought it would be able to put out a forest fire..."
"That's already a disaster. There's nothing we can do with its magic alone."
Meltia says with her shoulders slumped beside Fornelis who gives instructions to those remaining in the fort.
First day.
Fornelis and the others set fire to the forest and tried to burn down the slimes as per their plan.
Oil had been sprinkled on the forest beforehand, and the force could be described as a flaming hell.
The flames that were supposed to consume the slimes, which were disguised as goblins, orcs, chimeras, and large monsters like the multi-headed snake hydra, were extinguished by the water magic released by thousands of slimes.
It could be described as a great flood that occurred in the forest.
The fire was extinguished without being able to burn out even a few slimes, and on the contrary, part of the fort was washed away by the flood.
As expected, Meltia was unable to respond to this, and hundreds of warriors lost their lives at once.
Part of the fence surrounding the fort was also destroyed, so it was supposed to be a one-sided overrun from there.
"As expected, the hero is amazing. Mariabelle was the same, but that strength is truly encouraging."
――Akane broke through that situation.
She cut various monster-shaped slimes that poured in through the broken fence, buying time to rebuild the fence.
On the second and third days, she continued to fight on the front lines, and Fornelis and the others looked like they were fighting to protect her back, but now, it was a situation where they were [relying on someone from another world]. They don't feel any regrets.
In fact, they even felt pride in being able to fight together.
"It's been about ten days since we sent out fast horses to Fonteau and Lishlua... reinforcements should be arriving soon."
"Yes"
Other countries must also have limits to their military strength.
However, a swarm of slimes is attacking them―― it's clear that the slime that imitates a human perfectly is here.
"We'll end it here. Absolutely."
"Yes"
(Maria, wait. Once we defeat the slime here, we will definitely come to your rescue.)
Fornelis and Meltia looked around inside the fort, checking for injured people, and they felt a little lighter as they felt hope.
And in another place.
"Oh dear... Maria was amazing, but Akane is also pretty amazing. Do all people from other worlds train their bodies that much?"
"No, not at all. It was only after I came to this world that I became able to fight."
Inside Akane's exclusive tent, Kara was helping Akane prepare, as she had not sustained any apparent injuries even after three days of battle.
Her rather shattered tone was proof that the distance between her mind and body had closed over the past few days
"Kara is small but extremely strong."
"I'm just being careful not to get attacked from the front like Akane. With such a small body, if I get attacked by a large monster, I will just get blown away."
Akane was bad at wearing armor.
It's natural since she has never worn it before, but that's why Kara is helping her put on the armor.
"What's more amazing than that is Akane. You can block attacks from large slimes in the shape of minotaurs and chimeras head-on, and you can easily find the weak point [core] of a hydra."
"Well, my body has been in good shape since I came to this world. I can somehow locate the [core]."
(Maria was too, but being a hero is such a mess...)
With a wry smile, Kara fastens the metal fittings on Akane's armor.
...She noticed that her body was trembling a little.
"Even if you're that strong, are you still scared?"
"…………Yeah"
(I see. From yesterday's story, Akane's world seems to be extremely peaceful. It's a world where no one's risking their lives, where they can solve things by talking things out...)
To be honest, Kara didn't quite understand the situation in the [World of Heroes] that she told her about yesterday.
A peaceful, bright world without monsters.
It's an ideal world that everyone dreams of, but that's why she wonders if such an ideal even exists.
(It really is a far away world―― I think Maria would be happy if I told her about it.)
Kara chuckled as she remembered her dark-haired best friend, who admired her father.
"What's wrong? Oh, you laughed at the fact that I couldn't wear the armor by myself, right?"
"No. It's about Maria."
"Ah. She's the daughter of the hero before me."
"She doesn't know anything about her father. So I thought she would be happy if I told her what I heard from Akane."
After speaking honestly, Akane's mood softened.
"You really are close. Really."
"...My first friend."
"Is that so?"
"Because I'm an oddball. I was curious about the science of a different world that I had never seen before, and even though I had subordinates, I didn't have any unusual people who would befriend me."
"I see."
"That’s why I was so happy when she showed interest in science even though it was our first time meeting… I really did."
After Kara says that much, she moves away from Akane.
The armor has been put on.
"Thank you for your continued support today, Hero-sama."
"I'll do what I can―― the slime that mimics a human still hasn't shown itself yet."
"Yeah"
Yes.
Contrary to Kara's expectations, the slime that mimics a human perfectly has not yet appeared.
The only ones that attack them are slimes imitating as monsters.
Perhaps it is hidden among them... but in the current situation, Kara and the others have no way to tell.
・
・
・
The fourth day has begun.
The slime, which mimics a monster, seems to have the same ecology as a monster, and retreats at night to rest.
They haven't carried out a night attack because it might be a trap, but if this situation continues, they'll have to consider carrying out a night attack as a way to recover.
"Haa!!"
As before, Akane will be at the forefront and cut down the slimes.
On the left and right, Fornelis, Kara, and warriors specializing in close combat solidify and protect, while the rest fire arrows and magic from a distance.
...However, Meltia is the only one who can use magic here.
The elves have returned to guard Fonteau, and she is the only one left here.
"――Okay!! Preparations are complete, please give instructions!!"
"Notify the front lines!! Let's unleash magic!!"
From there, she counted the number 30 in her head――.
"Flame, explode, swirl, burn everything around!!"
In an instant, she raised a wooden staff with a jeweled tip, and a ball of flame was created that emitted scorching heat like a small sun.
When Meltia waved the jeweled staff that sparkled with the brilliance of the flames, the ball of flame landed on the front line, following the trajectory that Meltia had imagined―― and exploded.
The impact shakes the surrounding air, and all of the blast and heat is directed towards the slimes.
Due to the shock and heat, the slimes were unable to maintain their monster forms, and half collapsed on the spot like molten iron.
"Now, destroy the [core]!!"
With Kara's shout, the warriors swarm towards the slime whose shape has collapsed, and destroy the [core] that has been exposed.
This alone killed dozens of slimes at once...
"The next one is coming! Don't push yourself too hard, just step back!!"
The same amount of slimes are heading to them.
It really is a tsunami.
The sight of the number of enemies not decreasing no matter how many times you defeat them makes you feel like you are literally fighting an infinite number of opponents.
However, Fornelis encouraged the warriors who were about to wilt, gripped her beloved oversized sword tightly, and engulfed it in flames.
Mythril magic sword.
It is a valuable magic sword that even those without mana can emit fire from the characters engraved on its blade.
"I’ll cut you down!!"
To protect the country where she was born and raised.
Fornelis slashed at the slime that came towards her.
The mucus burnt by the heat gives off a strange odor and gives off white smoke.
Fornelis was well aware that the only way to temporarily dull its regenerative ability without destroying its weak point, the [core], was to burn it with heat or freeze it.
"Fuu!!"
When it stops moving to regenerate, Kara's slash is released with a sharp exhalation, precisely shattering the [core].
This is enough for small monsters.
Even a medium-sized one can be somehow handled.
But the problem is large ones.
Chimera, Hydra, Worm, Golem.
They have the mobility and durability to believe that they weren't a mass of mucus, so they decided to stop them and blow them away with magic...
"Oops!!"
A shadow jumped up due to the impact, avoiding the golem's strong arm that had been swung down to the muddy ground due to the great flood a few days ago.
It's Akane.
She adjusted her posture in the air and used the fist that had been punched by the golem as a foothold to run over its arm.
Once she reaches a certain spot, she stabs the slime with an iron sword in her hand.
Normally, the stab wound would have healed quickly, but the golem could no longer maintain its shape and melted to the ground.
She struck the [core] with such precision that it was as if she had seen through the interior, which was too dark for anyone else to see.
A hero's intuition that is close to predicting the future.
That is Akane's greatest weapon, the power to kill her opponent no matter how large they are.
"Don’t let your guard down, something amazing is coming!!"
After saying that, Akane ignored the other slimes and readjusted her iron sword.
The fourth day.
Finally, a slime that mimics a human perfectly appears.
"That one……"
A human walks towards a lot of slimes mimicking large monsters.
No, it's a human-shaped slime.
Kara braces herself as she grabs the only two remaining bottles of Valhari Water hidden behind her white coat.
"……"
No, she didn't mean to get caught off guard.
Her whole body became stiff and she couldn't move.
Her body is heavy. Her legs don't move. She's having trouble breathing.
"This is, the one……"
He was truly human.
First, there is the [face].
Two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and ears. Beautiful skin.
The appearance of a human being, not a slimy monster.
His hair color is blonde and his gender is male.
His body is slender, but he is tall, and if he were a real human, he would have a certain appearance that would be liked by women.
If Kara had looked into this person more, she would have known his name.
One of the slime's victims, Alfred. The missing adventurer.
"Haa... haa..."
(It's hard to breathe―― that's really human... huh)
But no.
It has the same appearance and facial expressions as humans, but it is different.
――But if you don't clearly realize that [this is the enemy] on the battlefield... it's impossible to tell them apart among the crowd of humans.
"I'll act as a decoy. Akane-dono, Kara... either of you, please kill him."
Fornelis said as Kara was absorbed in the atmosphere.
...Her voice was trembling.
Even though she traveled with the hero and even fought against the Demon King, she was also overwhelmed by Alfred's appearance.
Even so, the reason why she grips her beloved oversized sword tightly and keeps the flame burning in the blade is because this, this land, is the country where she was born and raised.
(I won't let this country be trampled on anymore!!)
That strong feeling moved her.
The enemy is off guard.
The [Sword of the Hero] that Fornelis was familiar with was attached unsheathed to his waist belt, and his hand was hanging loosely at his side.
He wasn't in a position to draw his sword.
Taking advantage of that opportunity, she decided to win the battle before the enemy pulled out the holy sword―― by chance or by miracle, Meltia's magic was released and the slimes nearby were blown away.
"Oooohhhh!!"
Fornelis closes the distance using the explosive flames as a cover.
If you raise your voice, it will be ruined―― but she’s a sacrificial pawn And she was shouting loudly with that determination.
"――――"
The slimes react. They show hostility towards Fornelis.
The gray-haired beastman understood that all the slimes around him were conscious of her.
"Uu―――― aaaaahhh!!"
However, she did not flinch at all and mowed down with her oversized sword.
With one swing of the magic sword wrapped in the magic of flame, it released a heated shock wave, scaring the slimes surrounding the blonde man.
But it's only for a moment.
But that moment is enough.
Tentacles wrap around Fornelis's body, which jumps out defenselessly.
Her joints were fixed over her military uniform, and she dropped her oversized sword.
"Go to hell..."
From now on, she will be toyed with by the slimes―― she should have understood that, but Fornelis didn't flinch or be frightened in the slightest, and declared so.
...By that time, Kara was already coming from a different direction, and Akane was kicking the ground and flying high through the dust cloud generated by the still-lingering magic explosion, from above.
They were within reach of each attack.
"Haaaa!!"
Akane was the first to set it up.
She is in the air and cannot stop moving.
When she swung her sword down towards the blonde man, she accurately cut the [core]―― it was supposed to.
"Why!?"
It certainly felt like the [core] had been cut.
However, Alfred's appearance does not change.
――Of course.
He is different from the small fry who always have only one [core].
He had multiple [core] inside his body.
"You!!"
In that case, Akane swings her sword as quickly as possible, trying to crush all the [cores] inside his body.
However, there was no way he would allow such a thing to happen, so Alfred transformed his left half into the shape of countless needles―― and stretched them out like a mountain of swords
"No way!? To change only half of your body――"
Akane jumps back in panic.
At that time, the other slimes also reacted and extended their tentacles towards her.
"It’s late, but!"
(You can't fight while worrying about your surroundings.)
She instantly understood that she had the best reaction speed.
She thinks she can fight one on one.
However, she understands that this is probably why the slime that mimics a human will never be alone.
Because it has become known.
Akane is stronger.
"With this, please end it!!"
As Akane bit her lip at that fact, Kara threw a bottle filled with [Valhari Water] from the other side.
"――――"
The slime, which looks like Alfred, immediately wraps its tentacles around the bottle.
It was a gentle hold that wouldn't allow it to break.
But.
"It's the end!!"
Akane threw her sword and broke the bottle.
Even the slimes, who had gained more wisdom by taking in multiple men, didn’t seem to think they’d let go of their only weapon in the middle of enemy territory.
As soon as the bottle containing the water broke, the tentacles began to wave as if they were boiling.
But.
"No way!?"
He cuts off his tentacles in front of Akane and the others.
When he threw away the mucus poisoned by the water, his right arm immediately grew back.
"This lizard!!"
Akane takes the oversized sword from Fornelis, who is trapped in the tentacles and cannot move, and launches an attack―― but her movements are slowed by the unfamiliar heavy weapon.
While being attacked several times, Alfred reached for the holy sword at his waist.
"Damn it!! The surprise attack was a failure!?"
"Akane, Fornelis-sama!!"
"I know!!"
The judgment was quick.
Akane cuts off the tentacles that are holding Fornelis and rescues her, and leaves with one arm holding her, who is large for a woman.
By the time Kara shouted, she had already turned her back and distanced herself from him, regardless of her appearance.
――A blow from the holy sword comes.
Because they know about Mariabelle's attack, they can't even imagine what would happen if it was directed at them.
"Please, Fasalina-sama!!"
Kara closes her eyes in front of the blinding polar light.
A moment later, a shock passed through her entire body, and before she knew it, she had slumped.
"…………?"
She opens her eyes in fear.
Looking at her hands.
Her vision is hers.
Is her whole body weak because she felt weak after receiving a blow from the holy sword, or did she just feel weak?
Anyway.
"I'm alive……"
When she looked up, she saw that the fortress in the distance was covered with a translucent membrane that was many times thicker than the barrier protecting Lishlua.
(Everyone in the fort is safe...?)
They withstood the blow of the holy sword―― Kara thought so and slowly let out a breath.
In any case, they were spared the worst situation...
"Eh?"
That voice came from nearby.
"Fornelis-sama. Akane is safe too..."
"Y-yeah..."
"…Fornelis-sama?"
Her voice was trembling.
Her wide eyes were looking far away, not at the fortress protected by the goddess's barrier.
――Kara followed her gaze and was shocked.
Behind the black-rimmed glasses, she could only open my eyes in surprise, just like Fornelis and Akane.
"No way… the World Tree!?"
A large tree that reaches the sky falls diagonally.
It was an incredible sight.
The great tree, which had room for housing for several thousand people on one floor, was severed with a single blow.
The goddess's barrier did not endure.
By the time they realized from the beginning that the enemy's target was not the goddess or themselves, but the World Tree, it was already too late.
"Aaaahhh, uaaahhh!?"
Fornelis screamed.
The beastmen screamed.
The beastman king remained there till the end.
Injured people were being treated before they could be evacuated to another country.
The huge tree was crushed under its own weight.
――A few seconds later, an earthquake occurred.
The earth shook from the impact of the top half of the World Tree hitting the ground.
"Kuh!?"
Another shock wave hits and tries to blow Kara and the others away.
It was like the World Tree's last stand.
Many of the slimes were blown away and were cornered to the point of being wiped out, but Kara and the others were given a chance to escape.
"You... monster..."
Before she knew it, Kara was saying that.
She doesn't think they can win.
――A monster that can cut the World Tree with a single blow.
"Uuuu!!"
Beside Kara, Fornelis tried to hold back her voice and her shoulders were trembling.
She should want to cry out.
She lost both her father and her country at the same time.
"Uuuuuuu!!"
But she'll hold on. Endure.
...She is a member of this country.
"Everyone―― pack the bare minimum of your belongings!! Let’s retreat to Lishlua!!"
Fornelis wipes her tears and gives instructions.
They've lost the castle they were supposed to protect, and there's no need to stay here and endure it any longer.
So they're heading there.
To Lishlua―― to Kara's birthplace.
To the strongest country protected by the goddess's barrier.
"Join up with Lishlua's soldiers and attack the slimes! Grit your teeth and walk!! We will continue to fight until we destroy the slimes!!"
Kara was unable to stand up while listening to the intensity.
"Kara, are you okay?"
Akane held out her hand to help Kara.
"Yeah"
It must be defeated. They must win.
Even if the opponent is a monster that can cut the World Tree with a single blow.
――That's the only way for humanity to survive.
That's because he is a [Demon King] who kills men and women alike...
"Fenelieka..."
Kara finally muttered that.
Since she couldn’t fight, she’d been in the castle treating the injured.
No comments:
Post a Comment