C226, 227, 228
Chapter 226: Turning the Tables (2)
We avoided the worst-case scenario.
Although there were veteran players whose names were known to everyone, it wasn’t an army of thousands.
There were only three enemies we had to deal with.
And they didn’t even focus fire on us, perhaps out of overconfidence, while we were entering through the portal and forming a line.
But…
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Puppet].」
…that didn’t mean the situation was positive.
Although we were currently fighting without being pushed back, the longer this battle dragged on, the more disadvantageous it would be for us.
That’s what Necromancers are.
[Groaaaaaaaaar!]
Casualties were appearing in real time in this large-scale battle.
The corpses were tearing our flesh and beheading our companions, and then those corpses would get up and attack us.
Kwagic!
Although I’m diligently crushing their heads…
…we’ll eventually be outnumbered if this continues.
‘Ha, what a combination.’
I can’t help but groan.
Although there were only three of them, their balance was too good.
The Corpse Collector’s overwhelming numbers.
Blue Mane’s PvP combat prowess.
And the Ruin Scholar, a top-tier mage with AoE spells and the ability to create unexpected variables.
Our chances of winning would have been much higher if they were just three strong players who were good at fighting.
‘No, they probably left only three behind because of this combination.’
I dismiss my brief regret.
Just like how there’s no one without flaws…
…it wasn’t all bad.
Actually, there was an advantage for me since our opponent was the Corpse Collector.
「Character has used [Outlaw of the Wasteland].」
I didn’t expect to use this item I obtained in the Doppelganger Forest here.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
I unleash my battle cry with all my might at the forefront of the battle, doing what I’ve done countless times today.
Clearing the path.
Kwagic! Kwaaang!
Corpses, clad in various equipment, are swept away like fallen leaves every time I swing my mace.
The reason is simple.
‘Outlaw of the Wasteland’ is one of the ultimate counter items against Necromancers.
「Melee physical damage temporarily increases in proportion to the number of humanoid monsters.」
Increased melee physical damage proportional to the number of enemies.
I don’t know for sure, but the increase rate must have already reached its maximum.
Hmm, so the maximum was…
「Current increase rate 1,000%.」
…10 times, right?
Kwagic!
Is this what Lu Bu from Romance of the Three Kingdoms felt like?
I don’t even need to use [Swing] since they’re exploding with every casual swing of my mace.
Well, it would be more helpful if I used it…
…but it’s a better judgment to conserve my limited MP and invest it in [Gigantification].
“Huh, for a 5th-grade explorer…”
“He’s a great warrior!!”
“Follow him!”
A breakthrough formation naturally forms as explorers follow me after I start my mindless charge.
Okay, then I don’t have to worry about getting backstabbed.
“Suicide bomber!”
We’re also starting to deal with [Corpse Explosion], which inflicted countless casualties in the beginning.
After all, they’re veteran explorers who are used to raiding.
They naturally figured out the countermeasures without me having to give instructions.
“Mage!”
“Dertu Tayran!”
The 8th-grade support spell, ‘Gale’.
Kwaaang!
As soon as a suicide bomber’s body starts to swell, they’re pushed away with a spell or skill that has a knockback effect.
Of course, even then, some of them exploded within our formation, causing damage, and I was the one who took the most hits.
Sizzle!
The suicide bombers’ poison clings to my body.
But it doesn’t sting that much.
Although I didn’t invest much in Poison Resistance…
…[Dungeon and Stone] is a team game.
「Arrua Raven has cast the 7th-grade support spell [Neutralization].」
A buff spell that halves poison damage.
「Rebecca Izel has cast [Share].」
An active skill that allows her to take 1/3 of the damage received by the target.
「Kan Argon has cast [Group Immunity].」
An aura-type skill that shares half of his resistance stats with everyone within a 15-meter radius, regardless of friend or foe.
「Polton Casel has cast [Blood Spring].」
「Healing orbs are generated when the character takes damage.」
And healing tokens even burst out of my body when I take damage, healing my companions who pick them up.
It’s literally a situation where there’s no skill we don’t have, with hundreds of 5th-grade explorers gathered—
Whoosh!
That’s when the dozens of light orbs that were filling the sky above the Goblin Forest disappear simultaneously, and the surroundings darken.
I instinctively know.
[Be careful, he’s about to move.]
The Ruin Scholar.
Right, he wouldn’t just watch forever.
Whoosh!
The sky darkens as if there’s a solar eclipse.
And a crimson sphere appears, rapidly increasing in size.
[It’s the Orb of Ruin.]
Orb of Ruin.
It’s an attack spell I’ve never seen or heard of in the game.
Well, it’s only natural.
It’s the Ruin Scholar’s signature spell, something he created from scratch, from the formula to everything.
‘He said it’s a 2nd-grade spell.’
My heart clenches.
I know how unrealistically powerful high-level attack magic is.
Of course, it doesn’t really matter.
I would have guessed even if I didn’t know.
Just how dangerous that spell is.
“This crazy old man!! Are you trying to kill me too?!”
The wolf bastard, as soon as he sees the thing in the sky, shudders and tries to escape.
The Clown, who’s far away, is no different.
He’s shouting something with a flustered expression.
Although I can’t hear him, it’s not difficult to guess what he’s saying. The corpse army he stationed on the outskirts is retreating.
‘Damn it.’
They, the Ruin Scholar’s companions, judged…
…that everything, friend or foe, would disappear without a trace when that spell landed.
But so what?
[I’ll block it, you guys keep moving!]
I overcome my anxiety and focus on clearing the path for now.
“What are you doing! Keep moving!”
“Bu, but if that falls…!”
“Where are you going to go if you run away? Fight!”
The explorers encourage each other and gather their resolve, as if they’ve been waiting for this moment, without me having to do anything.
“It’s coming…!”
I look up at someone’s mutter.
The ominous sphere, which has grown large enough to fill the entire sky, is finally falling towards the ground.
And…
「Kyle Pebrosk has cast the 3rd-grade attack spell [Piercing Steel].」
…Kyle’s spell, which he was preparing to counter the Ruin Scholar, is completed at that moment.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
An intense gray light erupts from the back, as if he had drawn a magic circle beforehand.
Flash!
A giant arrow pierces the giant meteor as the light flashes for a split second and then fades.
Kwaaang!
An earsplitting sound of impact.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
A powerful wind blows, sweeping across the ground.
And…
“Do, dodge!!”
…hundreds of large and small fragments, engulfed in crimson flames, rain down like hail.
Although the explorers scatter in panic, not many of them actually reach the ground.
It’s Kyle’s doing again.
Bang! Kwaang! Kwaaang!
Hundreds of falling fragments are blocked by a translucent barrier and explode in midair, disappearing.
Even a 3rd-grade mage wouldn’t be able to create a barrier over such a wide area…
‘…Did he control them all?’
He read the trajectories of the fragments and blocked each one with minimal mana.
That’s the rational guess.
Indeed, Raven is gaping in disbelief as she watches.
“Is, is that even possible…?”
As a mage, she can feel it more clearly.
Just how high-level that technique is.
But unfortunately, the mage on the other side wasn’t an ordinary human either.
No, the Ruin Scholar was an Archmage belonging to Orculus, considered to be even more skilled than Kyle.
[Damn that old man.]
The falling meteors, like curveballs, change their trajectories and bypass the barrier, crashing into the ground.
Thud!
The meteors didn’t discriminate between friend or foe.
They fell on the corpse army, behind and next to me, crushing my companions.
And they transformed into golems and got up.
‘5th-grade summon magic, Flame Giant.’
Raven shouted in disbelief,
“Mr. Pebrosk! How is this possible? He didn’t have any summoning formulas…!”
[He used his remaining mana to create new formulas and imbue them into the remaining fragments.]
“In that short amount of time, a 5th-grade spell… and dozens of them…?”
Raven’s astonished mutter.
But it seemed like Kyle didn’t have time to answer her kindly.
[Yandel! I have to prepare for the next attack, I’ll leave the rest to you!]
The call ended abruptly.
Phew, he said he would take care of the Ruin Scholar…
So the cleanup is my job again.
‘Well, even he wouldn’t be able to handle that monster alone.’
And Kyle was also low on mana after using Mass Teleport on the 1st floor.
I’m reminded once again that we’re still at a disadvantage.
Melter Pend is dealing with Blue Mane.
Kyle is dedicated to the Ruin Scholar.
And I’m in charge of taking down the Corpse Collector with hundreds of explorers.
It’s game over if even one of us loses.
The precarious balance will collapse, and we’ll all be swept away in an instant.
But conversely, it’s the same for the other side.
Therefore…
Swoosh.
…I charge towards the Flame Giant, which has completely risen and is looking down at me.
With my giant mace in hand.
Tadat.
I use [Leap]…
‘Swing.’
…and swing my mace down, even using MP.
One hit was enough.
To smash the core of the 5th-grade summon, Flame Giant.
Kwaaang!
The Flame Giant disappears into particles of mana.
I looked straight ahead, beyond it.
The Clown was far away.
‘He’s still laughing.’
If I can just kill him, we’ll have the advantage.
____________________
I’m moving forward one step at a time, slowly.
Smashing, trampling, and sometimes pushing corpses aside with my shield.
Kwagic!
I’m opening a path for survival.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
Rains of fire, unleashed by the Ruin Scholar, are pouring down from the sky.
Kwaaang!
Kyle is diligently casting defensive magic and fighting back, but it’s not enough to block everything.
“Aaaaaak—!”
Screams echo from everywhere.
The bodies of those who desperately reached this far, longing for life, collapse on the damp ground, charred black.
And…
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Puppet].」
…they get up in that state and swing their weapons at us.
Looking at them, I can’t help but think…
…that if there’s a hell on earth, this is it.
Kwaaang!
A pile of corpses flies towards us like a cannonball and disrupts our formation.
It’s a change that’s been happening for a few minutes.
The Corpse Collector started summoning more creatures from his subspace pocket.
Damn it, I thought we were almost there.
‘Just how much did he stockpile?’
Curses escape my lips.
But my feet don’t stop.
Although we’re surrounded by the corpse army, far from the main force…
…I continue to charge forward.
I don’t know how many are left.
Many must have died.
But even so…
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”
…Ainar shouts as she cuts down a corpse, and a chorus follows from behind and beside me.
“Right, Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”
It’s not from barbarians.
Humans, dwarves, or beastmen.
Right, it’s quite addictive.
Thud!
A pile of corpses flies towards me and gets up.
It’s a grotesque figure formed by combining five corpses.
I frown at its appearance, but then I recognize a familiar face among them.
‘Hansen Kelders.’
I met him on Day 1 while wandering through the passage.
It was before we even knew what was going on, and before we met the Clown.
He offered to join forces, but I refused.
Because I couldn’t trust him.
[The cautious ones survive longer. I hope we’ll see each other again.]
He smiled and left, even after being rejected.
And…
[Grooooooooowl…]
…we’ve reunited like this.
‘…He really was one of us.’
A gruesome sight that would have made Lee Hansu vomit just by looking at it.
I swing my mace at it and think.
If I had trusted him back then…
And if we had decided to move together…
Would he be fighting on our side, not as an enemy?
Kwagic!
Well, maybe.
But only one thing is certain.
I was wrong back then.
It wasn’t even the best choice.
I didn’t try because he was a stranger.
I could have found evidence to trust him if I had tried harder.
“I’m sorry.”
I dash forward, stepping on the pile of corpses.
And I briefly think.
What kind of person was he?
What could he have done if he were alive?
“…….”
I can’t know now.
Maybe he had great potential and could have been a big help to me.
Actually, even Dwarkey wasn’t that impressive at first.
I just thought he was a weirdo.
But what was he really like?
He was the kindest among us, and he was a greater mage than anyone I’ve ever seen.
[Yandel, are we almost there?]
I dismiss my thoughts at Kyle’s voice.
“Almost.”
We’re really almost there.
Just a little further, and we’ll reach where the Clown is.
Although close combat won’t be easy since he’s an Agility Poison Necromancer…
…a Necromancer’s weakness is obvious.
And even he must have consumed a lot of MP after summoning such a large army.
If Kyle can hold off the Ruin Scholar, and Melter Pend can keep that wolf bastard occupied, there shouldn’t be any variables—
[Hurry up.]
Huh?
[I have a bad feeling.]
A bad feeling?
Is this also a mage’s intuition?
That’s when, as I’m swinging my mace…
[Groaaaaaaaaar!]
…a group of explorers I’ve never seen before appears among the corpses.
One team, two teams, three teams…
There are too many to count.
“I came to see what the commotion was about, and what the hell is this…”
“We’ll help too!”
“It’s the Lafdonia remnants! Kill them!!”
“Waaaaaaaaaa!!”
They were explorers from Noark, who were hunting on the 2nd floor.
--------------------------------------------------
Chapter 227: Turning the Tables (3)
Takelan Arbenon.
He couldn’t understand at all.
‘What am I doing?’
He swings his sword.
He moves his arm with all his might, to kill the enemy.
But he keeps asking himself,
‘Why?’
His precious wife was dead.
Then why should he live?
The barbarian answered that question.
[Someone has to deliver the news.]
[Right, there was that…]
Takelan, who was in despair, joined this arduous journey after hearing his words.
To deliver the news to his companion’s family?
He knew that wasn’t the real reason.
The barbarian who protected everything, unlike him.
[I repeat! Everyone, stop!]
He stopped the tragedy that was consumed by madness with his foolishly persistent voice.
[Melter Pend, the leader of the Nartel Clan.]
[Lacey Naret from the Heindel Church.]
[I’m a military mage of Lafdonia.]
He was acknowledged by renowned explorers.
[Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!]
The great barbarian who led that arduous journey at the most dangerous forefront and guided them to their destination.
This man was a natural-born leader.
He had the power to move people’s hearts, just like how Takelan was drawn to him at first.
But that’s why…
…he wanted to see this amazing man lose his precious things and drown in despair.
Then he would feel a little better.
Right, it couldn’t be helped.
Even a man like this couldn’t do it.
It was only natural that he couldn’t protect them.
He followed this journey with the disgusting motivation of seeking comfort through others’ misfortune.
Right, that must have been the case…
Slash!
…but he’s swinging his sword.
To save others, not just himself.
“Ah, thank you. You’re Takelan, right?”
“…….”
“You’re a quiet one.”
He’s fighting with all his might to save a stranger, even though he lost his companion of many years.
Takelan couldn’t understand it at all.
Slash!
Why was he still fighting?
Because he didn’t see that barbarian despair?
No, then why…
“Phew, reinforcements at a time like this.”
“We’re probably going to die, right?”
“Ha, this is crazy. We came all this way.”
“Stop chattering and fight!”
“Right, I can’t die with this much regret!”
Were they fighting until the end, even though they sensed their own deaths?
“Waaaaaaaaaa—!”
Takelan scanned the explorers’ eyes and soon realized the reason.
Kwaaang!
Beyond the constant explosions…
…a man with a giant back was fighting.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
He still hadn’t given up hope.
_____________________
The situation was grim.
But the more that was the case, the more I focused on the positive aspects.
‘Their equipment is just 2nd or 3rd-floor level.’
Although they were numerous, their individual strength was quite low. Well, they would have been hunting on the upper floors if they were skilled.
Indeed, the Noark remnants attacked us, mixed in with the corpse army, but it didn’t make much of a difference to us.
One of the corpses summoned by the Clown was more threatening at our level.
‘The problem is… it takes longer to break through.’
Actually, this was the most troublesome part.
Time wasn’t on our side.
We had to defeat the Clown as quickly as possible and then gang up on the wolf bastard or the Ruin Scholar to have a chance of winning.
But those Noark remnants had to appear now.
‘At this rate, even the rear formation will collapse…’
I gripped my mace tighter as my impatience grew.
Kwagic!
As expected, it died in one hit.
But even as I was defeating the enemy…
“Aaaaaak!”
…our numbers were decreasing.
People were at their most honest in the face of death.
Some confessed their love to their families, some cursed the King, and some revealed their true identities that they had never been able to reveal before.
“That look… Hey, I’m an evil spirit.”
“…What? Wh, what does that—!”
“Sorry… for deceiving you… Thank you… Keugh! I’m finally… ho, home… Ah, ah, mom… I’m… la, late…”
Right, there’s no way there wouldn’t be a single player among this many people.
Thump!
I felt a sense of injustice.
To die so meaninglessly after overcoming so many hardships to get here?
‘…No, that can’t be.’
I gather my wavering mind.
It wouldn’t be too late to break down after I collapse.
My arms and legs were still moving.
I had to struggle until my breath stopped and my blood ran cold.
Right, so…
Kwagic!
…I swing my mace and think.
Just like the first day I came here.
What do I have to do to survive?
Hmm, first, I need to assess the situation.
“Kyle! How’s it going on your end?”
[We’re barely holding out, but it’s not good.]
It seemed like the rear, where the ranged damage dealers like mages and archers were gathered, was also suffering heavy losses.
Well, it’s only natural.
Noark explorers would have attacked them too. And it would have been difficult for them to deal with it since most of the warriors were here.
‘So we’re surrounded.’
But surprisingly, there was an escape route.
The portal we came through.
Even Kyle, who didn’t say it out loud to maintain morale, probably had some people escape through it to the 1st floor.
Escape is always a tempting option.
Especially in a life-or-death situation.
“…Yandel, how about we go down and reorganize?!”
A warrior shouted advice at me.
But did Kyle hear it through the message stone?
[Absolutely not. We’ll eventually have to come back up to avoid him, and by then, they won’t give us time to form a line.]
Kyle firmly rejected the idea.
It was pointless.
I wasn’t even thinking about it.
0 and 1 are different.
And if Kyle and my judgment is correct…
…this was definitely a 1.
We had to settle things here.
Therefore…
“How’s Melter Pend doing?”
…I ask about another battlefield that could be a variable.
But again, there was no positive answer.
[He’s holding out well, but it doesn’t seem like it will end soon.]
Right, so that’s how it is.
“…Bjorn!!”
I look to the side in surprise, and a suicide bomber is right next to me.
“Dertu Tayran!”
Fortunately, Raven casts ‘Gale’ just in time and pushes the suicide bomber away.
Boom!
The suicide bomber explodes.
The other corpses aren’t affected, but the Noark explorers who came as reinforcements are different.
Sizzle!
The ones who were nearby melt away, and even those who were just splashed with a single drop turn pale and stumble.
I feel a bitter taste in my mouth.
Lafdonia or Noark, they’re both treating people like consumables.
“Then what about the Ruin Scholar?”
I continue the conversation without a moment’s respite.
It’s information that might be the most important right now.
“Can you kill him?”
[I’ll try now that the magic circle is complete. But…]
Kyle trails off.
It seems like he’s not confident.
[I’m sorry. I thought I had caught up, but the gap is even wider than before.]
I didn’t feel like blaming him.
In the first place, we wouldn’t even be here if he had escaped through Dimensional Gate. And besides, even I thought the Ruin Scholar was an insane mage.
[But like I said, I can at least buy some time. I’ll try to land a hit within that time. Even if it means sacrificing my life.]
His words reminded me of Dwarkey.
“Are you talking about that Awakening spell?”
[…Something similar.]
“Will you be okay?”
[If I was afraid of the price, I wouldn’t have stayed here. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. And I’ve improved it over a long time, so it’s not like I’ll definitely die.]
“…I see.”
I didn’t tell him that he didn’t have to go that far.
It would just be hypocrisy…
“Aaaaaak!!”
…and besides, who wasn’t fighting with their life on the line in this situation?
Even I was.
For example, even if I collapse right now, people would be sad, but they wouldn’t be surprised.
It was that kind of battle.
[Then what are you going to do?]
I smiled at Kyle’s cautious question.
Why does he always ask this kind of thing?
[It might be better to come back here and fight together—]
“No.”
I firmly cut him off.
Although we were now outnumbered even in terms of quantity because of the Noark explorers who came as reinforcements…
“Nothing changes.”
Kyle Pebrosk is in charge of the Ruin Scholar.
Melter Pend is in charge of the wolf bastard.
“We’re in charge of the Corpse Collector.”
[I knew you would say that.]
I hear a chuckle from beyond the message stone.
“Why are you laughing? You think we can’t do it?”
[No, that’s not what I meant. I just remembered something you said earlier.]
Something I said?
[Didn’t you say warriors laugh when they’re in pain? Now include mages too.]
Hmm, our warriors laugh more heartily.
“I’ll show you a more manly laugh next time.”
[Next time…]
Ah, was that a bit inappropriate in this situation?
I felt a bit regretful, but a lighter voice soon came through.
[Right, it’s not bad to have a next time. You know? I’m going to write a book when I get back. A book about my life. It was my childhood dream.]
“I’ll read it if I have the chance.”
[It would be an honor. Can I include what you said in the book?]
“What I said?”
[About warriors laughing when they’re in pain. It keeps lingering in my mind.]
Uh, I just said that casually.
I’m a bit embarrassed that he’s taking it so seriously.
But I would allow anything if it meant we could return.
“Do whatever you want.”
Kyle laughed out loud at my answer.
[Haha, really? Then it’s settled.]
It was a much more hearty laugh than before.
___________________
The current battle situation is a bit complicated.
First, the ranged damage dealers of the expedition party are concentrated around the portal.
And the warriors are protecting them.
Originally, we just had to block the corpse army from the front, but now we’re surrounded since the Noark explorers are also attacking from behind.
‘They must be having a hard time too.’
Melter Pend and his clan members were left in the middle of the battlefield, still raiding the wolf bastard, as we were forming a line after coming through the portal.
I’m sure they’re struggling as much as we are.
After all, we’re also a separate unit that broke away from the main force to kill the Corpse Collector.
It’s a kind of special task force.
Hmm, in that sense, time for a mid-battle check.
“Raven! How many are left?”
“Yes? Ah, I think there are about 40 of us!”
Phew, so many died in that short amount of time.
I think there were well over a hundred at first—
Swaaaaaaaaa!
That’s when a light suddenly erupted from the ground.
A giant red magic circle instantly engulfed the entire battlefield.
“…It’s a spatial magic formula!”
Raven was the first to read the formula.
But that was all she could figure out.
Kyle’s calm voice came through the message stone.
[Don’t be surprised. It’s just time.]
“So there’s no problem with the plan?”
[Right, I thought that old man would definitely use this spell.]
I was relieved at his words.
He was saying that if the Ruin Scholar used a spatial magic formula, we could use his mana to cast another spell?
That was the rough plan, but I don’t know the details since I’m not a mage.
This kind of thing wasn’t even implemented in the game.
It was a limitation of the 2D game format.
But…
‘I should get ready too.’
I have to act believing that it will work.
Otherwise, there’s no hope.
Swaaaaaaaaa!
The light emanating from the magic circle intensified, and my vision turned completely white.
And at that moment…
[I’ll be back.]
…I heard Kyle’s voice again.
Flash!
A blinding flash engulfed the battlefield.
「Kyle Pebrosk has cast the 2nd-grade space-time magic [Parallel World].」
A ringing sound echoed in my ears.
When I opened my eyes, I saw the unchanged battlefield through blurry vision.
I muttered briefly,
“Kyle, did it work?”
There was no answer.
In other words, it meant the spell was successful.
Kyle was probably starting his 1:1 with the Ruin Scholar in a virtual space based on the Goblin Forest.
I hope he wins and returns…
‘But I should prepare for when he doesn’t.’
Kyle thought he could at least buy some time.
We have to achieve something within that time.
“What are you waiting for! Run!”
We resumed our breakthrough, leading the task force, after briefly stopping because of the white flash.
The advance was much smoother without the Ruin Scholar’s constant harassment.
After some time…
‘This should be enough.’
…we reached the target distance.
We didn’t have to risk our lives to break through anymore.
Therefore, I left the task force to Teterud, who had been clearing the path with me.
“Teterud, take the rest of the people and go back now.”
“I’ll leave him to you.”
We had already communicated while clearing the path.
“Alright, you heard him? We’re going back!”
“But even that doesn’t seem easy.”
“Well, I’m sure Yandel will take care of it!”
“Let’s go!!”
Teterud then led the remaining forces and retreated towards where Melter Pend was.
They might not be able to reach the main force from here, but they should be able to reach there.
And once they arrive, they’ll be able to help defeat the wolf bastard.
“Everyone, get on.”
Misha quickly jumped onto my shoulder, which was in [Gigantification] state, as soon as I gave the order.
“Are we really going alone?”
Then Ainar.
“Oh! Now I understand why Aruru rides on you!”
I couldn’t put her on my shoulder because of her size, so I wrapped my left arm around her waist and lifted her up.
“Excuse me.”
Raven, who got off Woongie after he was unsummoned, sat on Misha’s lap.
“…This feels very strange.”
The bear-like man, who was the biggest, clung to my back, choking me.
And…
“Now it really feels like we’re a team!”
…Erwen sat on my right shoulder.
Huh, it really feels like I’ve become a vehicle.
That’s when, just as we’re about to leave…
“Wait a minute.”
…Daria stopped me.
I knew what she was going to say, so I said it first.
“I told you, I can’t send Erwen.”
I couldn’t give her to them, no matter how much she used her sister’s position to pressure me.
Erwen was the core of this strategy—
“That’s not it. I’m going too.”
“What?”
Right, so you do have a conscience.
“…What’s with that look?”
“It’s nothing. Come here.”
I quickly extended my remaining arm and wrapped it around Daria’s waist.
[Grooooooooowl…!]
“Kill him! It’s over if we just kill him!”
The corpses summoned by the Clown, as well as the low-level Noark explorers on the 2nd floor, were swarming towards us.
I bent my knees slightly and checked the front.
Over a hundred Noark explorers were between the Clown and me, and even more corpses were swarming…
‘It’s about 60 meters.’
I checked the distance one more time and then bent my knees further, like compressing a spring.
And…
“Hold on tight.”
…this time, I didn’t just jump lightly, but with all my might.
「Character has cast [Leap].」
My body soared into the air, and I could see the entire battlefield at a glance.
“We’re flying!! We’re flying!!”
Melter Pend, who was raiding the wolf bastard with his clan members in a siege formation.
Teterud, who had started running towards them.
The main force in the center.
And the Clown, who was just watching me from a safe distance and laughing.
“Uh, uh…”
That’s when, as I reached the highest point…
…someone pulled my hair with all their might.
Geez, should I add something to my armor for them to grab onto later?
“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak!!!”
My body, which was drawing a parabola, starts falling rapidly. The Clown, who was sitting on a corpse monster, moved his summon back as he saw me.
No, do you think that would work now?
If you’re going to kite, at least do it properly.
Kwaaang!
My body crashes into the ground like a cannonball.
「Character’s total weight is over 1,000 kg.」
「The special terrain effect [Recoil] is additionally applied to the damage radius.」
The Noark remnants and the corpse army around the Clown are all thrown into the air by the [Recoil] effect.
Ah, except for the corpse monster the Clown was riding.
It didn’t even budge since its weight was over 500 kg.
Of course, it was a minor issue.
“I didn’t expect you to have absorbed the Manticore essence. Pfft!”
The Clown was still looking at me with a relaxed expression.
He even seemed to be enjoying it.
Although I wanted to chat with him for a bit…
…I quickly deactivated [Gigantification].
My body shrinks rapidly.
“Kyaak!!”
My companions, who were clinging to me, all fall off, and the Clown speaks in an exaggerated tone as he looks at me.
“Oh my, oh my! You ran out of MP? That’s a shame after you worked so hard to get here.”
Ran out of MP, my ass.
Well, he’ll stop with that stupid tone once he experiences it firsthand.
“Erwen.”
“Ah, yes!”
Erwen uses her ability as soon as I call her name.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Spirit Transformation].」
[Spirit Transformation].
It’s the 5th-grade monster Evan’s ability, and a skill that had a very unique concept even in [Dungeon and Stone].
The effect is simple.
The caster becomes incorporeal and immune to physical damage.
And…
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia offers a ‘contract’ to the character.」
…they form a contract with one person and temporarily share various powers.
[Mister, hold my hand.]
A voice that sounds like it’s not from this world.
I instinctively grab Erwen’s outstretched hand.
And at that moment…
Whoosh!
…fierce flames erupt, enveloping and protecting my body.
It’s Elemental Barbarian (Fire) Mode.
“Erwen, put out the fire.”
[…Yes? Ah, right!]
Did she finally remember what I said before?
Erwen quickly changes the element.
Crackle.
My already thick skin cracks like dry land and becomes even thicker.
「The Earth Spirit has been imbued into the character’s body.」
「Fire damage taken is halved.」
「Water damage taken is doubled.」
「Poison Immunity bonus.」
「Strong bonus added to destructive actions when using blunt weapons.」
「Physical Resistance greatly increased…….」
「…….」
Damn right, a man is a rock.
-----------------------------------------------
Chapter 228: Turning the Tables (4)
There are a few essences in [Dungeon and Stone] that are specialized for certain races.
[Spirit Transformation], which Erwen just used, is a prime example.
If a human who can’t handle spirits uses it, they just become an elementless spirit.
And the skill coefficient is even based on Elemental and Nature, the resources used to handle spirits.
It’s practically a fairy-exclusive essence.
Rustle.
Dirt crumbles and falls every time I move my arm.
It feels like I’ve become a rock giant.
Ah, is it even right to call it a giant?
‘Phew, I want to use [Gigantification].’
It’s a shame that I can’t see that majestic form, but it can’t be helped.
Tadat.
I dismiss my regret and dash forward.
[Gwaaaaaaaaaaaak!]
That’s when the corpse monster the Clown was riding spits poison from its mouth.
I take the hit with my body, without even raising my shield.
Elemental Barbarian (Earth) Mode is immune to poison.
“Ah, so that was the effect?”
As expected, this bastard also cleared the cheat version, as he only realized my status after seeing it firsthand.
But he was still relaxed.
“Well, that’s clever. Pfft.”
The Clown was smiling, even though his main damage, poison, was blocked.
Well, it’s understandable.
He’s not just a Poison Necromancer, but an Agility Poison Necromancer.
Tadat.
He gets off the corpse monster and retreats. Although I’m also running with all my might, the distance between us keeps increasing.
It’s because of the penalty that comes with Elemental Barbarian (Earth).
「Agility is greatly decreased.」
It feels like my body is moving twice as slow.
Honestly, this was a bigger penalty than the doubled water damage or the significantly decreased magic resistance.
“What? You didn’t expect this?”
He starts kiting as soon as his poison is blocked, abandoning close combat.
It’s something a proud person would never do.
But…
‘Why do you think I deactivated [Gigantification]?’
A top-tier explorer with the title of Corpse Collector running away from a 5th-grade barbarian?
I knew you would do that, you bastard.
‘Leap.’
I mutter the skill name inwardly and push off the ground.
[Kyaak!]
Erwen, who’s in spirit form and can’t be more than 5 meters away from me, is pulled along as if her hair is being grabbed.
I feel a bit sorry…
‘The maximum distance seems to be about 30 meters.’
…but I calmly assess the situation.
It’s a ridiculously short distance compared to the 70 meters I jumped while in [Gigantification] state.
It makes me realize how heavy this body is.
It would have been less than half if I were in [Gigantification] state.
But the speed itself is similar.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
The distance closes in an instant, as expected of a movement skill.
Kwaaang!
The ground shakes around the landing point.
Although the effect itself is the same as before, there’s a clear difference.
The corpse monster, which didn’t even budge before…
[Gwaek?]
…is thrown into the air.
「Character’s total weight is over 1,000 kg.」
Right, it seems like I’m heavier than you now.
And the Clown, who looks weak, is needless to say.
“……!”
His body floats in the air, still in his backpedaling stance.
I waddle towards him before he can land and then take a stance as if I’m swinging a baseball bat.
That’s when I make eye contact with him in midair.
He doesn’t seem to be smiling.
Geez, how disappointing.
“Laugh.”
There’s no answer.
Right, if you don’t want to, then I have no choice.
I’ll have to make you laugh.
Whoosh!
I swing my mace as if to smash his head at the right time.
Thick bones sprout from his skin.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Bone Armor].」
[Bone Armor].
The one that blocked the bear-like man’s ultimate move without taking much damage when we first met.
But I’m not too worried.
‘Outlaw of the Wasteland’ is still active.
And the blunt weapon destruction bonus from Elemental Barbarian (Earth).
And [Swing], imbued with the Ogre’s soul.
There’s no way he can block this with a 4th-grade skill, even with all the synergy.
Kwagic!
[Bone Armor] shatters like a walnut being cracked with a hammer as soon as my mace hits it.
And his soft flesh is revealed.
“Erwen!”
Erwen, who’s following me in spirit form, shoots an arrow.
The target is, as always, between the eyes.
Kwaaang!
The fire arrow embedded in his mask explodes.
But could it be that even his mask is considered equipment?
The first hit is blocked by the mask and doesn’t deal much damage.
Thud.
The Clown, who was sent flying, regains his balance and lands.
And at that moment…
Crack, crack.
…the mask, which was covered in spiderweb cracks, shatters into pieces.
I chuckle, looking at him.
Ah, so that’s what your face looks like.
It’s a face that would make Pen, the Dragonkin child, faint.
But could it be that this is his weak spot?
“Those damn NPC bastards who don’t know anything!”
__________________
He explodes.
He stopped playing the clown.
He abandoned his exaggerated tone and spoke like an ordinary trash explorer.
“Don’t think this will end with just death.”
Hmm, that’s what the Dragonslayer bastard said.
He babbled on about how even death wouldn’t be able to save me.
“I’ll make you suffer in ways you can’t even imagine.”
Is this kind of line popular in Orculus?
I don’t know, but the battle is progressing smoothly, as expected of the constant compliments.
It’s only natural.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Puppet].」
A Necromancer’s true strength lies in numbers.
But most of his corpse army is fighting the main force, and many of them have already died.
He probably doesn’t have much MP left.
And most importantly, I have a type advantage.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Stone Curse].」
A curse spell that stops my charge?
It’s meaningless since the skill’s attribute is Earth.
‘Yeah, I’m Elemental Barbarian.’
Even though my magic resistance has decreased significantly because of the penalty, I easily resist it with my Earth Resistance.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Bone Armor].」
I counter [Bone Armor] with [Swing].
Kwagic!
Erwen, who’s following me in spirit form, shoots an arrow every time I break the shell.
Thump!
Damage steadily accumulates as the battle continues.
[Groaaaaaaaaar!]
The Clown bastard starts summoning elite corpses with high individual combat power from his subspace pocket and attacking Erwen.
It’s a good judgment.
If Erwen takes a certain amount of damage, Elemental Barbarian Mode will be deactivated.
Then he’ll be able to deal poison damage to me too.
But…
‘Okay, so there’s no mage?’
His summons are all focused on ‘poison + physical damage’. Therefore, it’s impossible for them to damage Erwen, who has a physical damage immunity bonus.
Well, there are some elite corpses with elemental weapons…
Kwagic!
…but I smash them before they can get close.
Of course, it’s difficult for me to block them all alone.
But I’m not the only one here.
“Dertu Tayran!”
Raven pushes the enemies back with the ‘Gale’ spell, or if that doesn’t work, she casts Mana Shield to protect Erwen.
‘As expected, mages are the best for utility.’
For reference, the other members are focusing on protecting Raven from afar.
It’s ideal teamwork where we protect each other.
“How long do you think you can hold out?!”
The bastard spits out a compliment, his voice laced with blood.
But it’s a compliment that’s too sincere to just laugh at.
‘…You slippery bastard.’
Although the battle itself seemed to be going in our favor, we were actually the ones who were in a hurry.
Even if we minimize the damage Erwen takes, Elemental Barbarian Mode will eventually end.
And I don’t know how long Kyle will be able to hold out.
‘Phew, we have to finish this before the Ruin Scholar arrives.’
My impatience grows as time passes.
Although my Physical Resistance has increased significantly after becoming an Earth-type barbarian, my magic resistance has decreased proportionally.
If I get hit by a proper magic spell, I won’t be able to endure, let alone Erwen.
And it would be even worse if it’s a water-type spell, which deals double damage.
In the first place, if it weren’t for the Ruin Scholar, I would have already arrived here with just my team, without having to form a task force of over a hundred people.
“…The corpses are retreating!”
To make matters worse, he starts putting the corpses around him back into his subspace pocket.
It’s a big problem.
Well, thanks to that, the burden on my companions who were following me has decreased significantly…
Kwagic!
…but the [Bone Armor] that used to shatter in one hit is now enduring up to two hits.
Because the damage increase rate from ‘Outlaw of the Wasteland’ has decreased.
“Right, so it was because of that?”
Ha, this is why players are…
He noticed, even though I hid it so well that light couldn’t even escape.
The corners of the Clown bastard’s eyes curl up.
“Don’t laugh. You’re ugly.”
“…I’ll rip your tongue out when this is over.”
Try me.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
I shout and push him back even more aggressively.
His resistance is fierce.
He’s even using an essence that’s not known to the public, as if he’s acknowledging me as a worthy opponent.
「Abet Nekrapetto has cast [Momentary Immortality].」
The 3rd-grade monster, Death Lord’s skill.
Whoosh!
His clothes and skin are engulfed in black flames and burned away, leaving only bones.
He looks like a lich.
‘No wonder he wasn’t wearing any armor.’
I thought it might be the case, but I can’t believe he actually has this skill.
The effect of [Momentary Immortality] is simple.
He can’t die for 1 minute, no matter what, and his Mental and Ability stats are converted to Physical stats.
‘A top-tier explorer with all his stats in Physical…’
I gulp but speak calmly,
“You look much better now.”
He doesn’t answer.
He just charges towards me, clicking his bony jaw in annoyance.
Kwaaang!
It’s just a push.
But my body, which was able to throw even a corpse monster into the air with [Recoil], is pushed back.
Phew, just how much did his Strength increase?
But the good news is that I didn’t take any damage because of my Physical Resistance…
‘Damn it.’
…but my companions are different.
It’s obvious that they’ll be easily defeated if he just hits them with normal attacks.
Therefore…
“Everyone, get back!”
The situation is reversed in an instant.
I have to block him now, instead of him blocking me.
Tadat.
The Clown bastard starts charging mindlessly, pushing me aside.
The distance between us widens in a split second.
It’s like a max-level skeleton.
Tadat.
I quickly use [Leap] to catch up.
Kwaaang!
He’s thrown into the air by [Recoil] as I land, but it doesn’t even buy me much time.
He easily breaks free and continues charging even while he’s falling.
A split second is enough for an accident to happen.
“Miss Ainar!!”
Ainar, who blocked his punch, is sent flying with her Adamantium greatsword and crashes into the bear-like man.
And…
Kwaaang!
…Misha collapses after being punched in the stomach.
Raven hurriedly summons a stone wall with her magic, but it shatters with a single punch.
His goal is obvious.
He’s trying to eliminate the mage, who’s the most troublesome, in the remaining time.
“Protect Raven!!”
He charges towards us again, ignoring the unconscious Misha, as soon as I shout and use [Leap].
Thud!
Iron Bear, the tank summon, is unsummoned by a single punch.
“Kyaak!”
Raven’s body, who was riding on Iron Bear, floats in the air. He swings his fist again before she even hits the ground.
“……!”
The bear-like man grabs Raven by the scruff of her neck and pulls her back just in time.
And at that moment…
Kwaaang!
…I land, and he’s thrown into the air again.
I activate [Gigantification] and lie down on top of my collapsed companions.
The bear-like man and Daria quickly get under me, as if they understand what I’m trying to do.
Kwaaang! Kwaang!
He lands and punches my back repeatedly as if trying to crush us.
I wonder if they’re okay?
“Ugh…”
No, it seems like they’re not.
I thought this might work…
‘Plan B.’
I change my mind in less than 5 seconds and quickly get up, punching him in the head.
He’s sent flying, as if he didn’t expect the blow.
Right, the best defense is a good offense.
I dive towards him.
And…
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”
…I pin him down with my overwhelming weight.
He struggles to push me off after a few seconds, as if even he finds the weight of a giant Earth Barbarian burdensome.
But how much time is—
“…Damn barbarian.”
Right, it’s over now.
Ha, I thought we were all going to die.
I chuckle, looking at him as flesh starts to grow on his bones and he becomes naked.
“Small.”
Although it would be a lie to say I don’t feel any pity…
…that doesn’t mean I’ll show him any mercy.
Tadat.
I immediately dash forward and swing my mace at him.
As expected, [Bone Armor] activates.
Kwagic!
It shatters in one hit, perhaps because I’m in [Gigantification] state, and Erwen shoots an arrow in that gap.
“……!”
She aimed for his head, but he rolls and dodges, as expected of an agility-based character.
But the arrow hits his leg.
‘Nice.’
Now that his leg is pierced, he should be slower.
I quickly dash towards him again.
And at that moment…
「Character’s Soul Power is insufficient.」
「[Gigantification] ends.」
My body shrinks as my MP runs out.
Well, it was about time.
I used [Leap] and [Swing] a lot.
But it’s not a problem.
It seems like this bastard is also almost out of mana.
[Mister, the corpses near the portal have all collapsed!]
The corpse army that was maintaining its [Puppet] state while fighting us.
But he deactivated it?
It means he’s cornered.
‘Just a few more times.’
I charge towards him as he runs away like a rat.
Although I don’t have [Leap], it’s similar to the battles we’ve had so far.
He activates [Bone Armor] when he’s caught while running away.
I smash it with my mace, and then Erwen shoots an arrow.
After some time…
‘Just how big is his MP pool?’
That’s when, as I was about to smash him again after catching him and activating [Bone Armor]…
[Ah, Yandel, can you hear me?]
…good news and bad news arrived simultaneously.
[We defeated Blue Mane. We’ll be there soon.]
Melter Pend and his clan members finally succeeded in raiding the wolf bastard.
The disappearance of the corpse army was probably the main reason.
It’s great news.
But…
[And one more thing, it seems like… Mr. Kyle lost.]
Kyle was defeated.
[Be careful, the Ruin Scholar might be heading towards you.]
Melter Pend’s warning was meaningless.
Because he was already here.
“Huhu, Mr. Nekrapetto, you’re also in a sorry state.”
Damn it.