Chapter 70

Chapter 70 \n\n 

“UAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

 

After screaming, pounding against the transfer circle on the platform, rolling on the floor crying, letting out all my pent up emotions, I finally regained enough calm to face reality.

 

“Kenzaki Asunaaaa… that, damn bitch… ”

 

There it was, betrayal in plain sight.

Due to Souma-kun entering the scene, I let my guard down thinking I was safe. With him there, I would be relieved from continuing with this ridiculous farce of a party play and having to make all those last minute strategies with those wonderful harem girls. No longer would I need to engage in that bullshit.

Heck, from their perspective, with Souma Yuuto, they could just steamroll through this dungeon without worry. They’d no longer need to alienate me, nor need to be afraid of Mei-chan anymore. Everyone working together, with Souma-kun as the center, this was how the dungeon capture was supposed to be. There was no motive to commit such an act of practically murder like leaving me behind… Well, that’s how it should have been.

 

“Dammit, is this what I get for driving a proud sword girl into a corner!?”

 

Most likely, Kenzaki Asuna had done it in the spur of the moment. She might not have realized what she had done.

Apparently, Mei-chan’s beating her into what was essentially becoming my puppet had brought her mind to the brink.

After being saved by Souma-kun, and placed in a situation where teleporting away from this wretched cave was moments away… She’d finally relaxed. That moment was the perfect chance, and she knew it. Because that was exactly how Souma-kun had been separated from them.

By pushing someone out during the transfer process, it was certainly possible to separate said person from the party. In order to be rid of me, that was the perfect chance. The berserker, Mei-chan, would be hard to push, but a frail shaman like me? She could do it easy, with a light push even.

 

“Mei-chan’s gonna be totally pissed right around now”

 

Even without Mei-chan, there was no way Kenzaki Asuna would be let off without blame. She had a lot of grudges against me, but even then, we were still in the same party for a time and I had helped them out a lot. So she knew it was a bad idea, but still did it.

Her notion was a clear act of betrayal towards an ally. A criminal act I could claim. Since it was as if she’d pushed me in front of a moving train.

 

“Just hope she doesn’t up and kill Kenzaki”

 

Well, with Souma-kun around, I doubt it’d turn out like that. Even for Mei-chan, it wouldn’t be a good idea to turn Souma-kun and his whole party into enemies, she would be easily subdued. Preferably, I’d like if Class rep did some of her top-class mediating, peacefully resolve the issue… Though I feel like she’d first collapse from stomach cramps under all that stress. Maybe I should have made some antacid for her.

 

“Not like I’m in any position to worry about others…”

 

Right, I should be focusing about bigger problems, namely, myself.

Everyone else had already transferred over to the new zone. And as the only person left behind, I naturally had no monster core big enough to start up the circle again.

From here on, I’d have to proceed through the dungeon alone. Yup, alone, solo capture as a frickin’ shaman.

 

“I’m, so screwed…”

 

It’s just like when I was first thrown into the dungeon. Seriously, I’m gonna have to go solo this late in the game?

Totally unfair. It’s like a Dark Souls no hit run.

 

“No, I gotta calm down, don’t give up… Even if it’s me, I can at least do something”

 

First, let’s make a quick check. My full status.

 

Red Fever : Puts the target into a slightly feverish state. C’mon you, can’t you be like, kinda, I mean…

Pain Return : Returns the damage that the target has done in full. The injury remains. It’s useful in battle and for threats, literally a double-edged sword as the description implies. I tend to use this guy more at the endgame.

Intuition Pharmacy : Provides information about ingredients’ effects and such, also gives me the ability to make various concoctions with said ingredients. My lifeline. The very skill that makes a shaman, a shaman. Kinda want to concoct some poisons soon.

Blackhair Bind : Shadowy tentacles that are capable of twining around an opponent’s feet. Can be braided into a makeshift rope. Has a wide range of use. Though, I wish it had some more strength.

Vile Mud Doll : A doll that moves according to the owner’s will. Absolute obedience. Rem is such a good kid.

Black Bloodline : Is that blood a curse or a blessing? Even though there’s nothing inherited from any predecessors, blood is still life. The body, curses, magic, faith―― it influences all. Also seems to taste delicious, depending on the person.

Rotten Bog : Just one step inside, and it’ll corrode your flesh, an extremely acidic swamp. My only ace in the hole.

Contra-Beat Butterfly : Pick a concoction, and these butterflies will cause the reverse effects through its scales. This one’s a resource consumer, can’t fire willy-nilly.

 

These 8 were the curses that I could use.

Next would be equipment.

 

Red Knife : A knife created from a Cerberus’ fang. Blessed in fire, this blade can really heat things up.

Iron Dagger : A normal quality dagger.

Box cutter : Something I had since before the incident. Has a couple of spare blades.

Stones : Stones I gathered for throwing. Perfect for making Rotten Bog on walls and ceilings.

 

My main weapon, the iron spear, was lost during the fight with Yokomichi (truly a pity), but I did hold on to Natsukawa-san’s Red Knife. A blessing amidst misfortune, as they say.

 \n“Don’t think I can advance past this cave without this”

 

When I unsheath this knife out of its leather scabbard, a thin coat of flames would ignite, clinging onto the red hot blade. It should work as a light source for now.

 

“This place actually goes deeper huh… Gotta start somewhere”

 

This transfer circle room was a part of the dungeon’s stone ruins zones but, for some reason, this room was here, in what was clearly insect cave dominion. It was like a sudden offshoot to a teleport in the middle of the cave system.

In other words, aside from the path we used to get to this cave, there was also a path forward that Souma-kun took to get to us.

 

“Since Souma-kun said he came through a boss room, the ruins area shouldn’t be so far off”

 

At least, the distance was supposed to be close enough that his Lux Elemental could detect his sister. Well, at least I hope it is.

Right now, I couldn’t activate this transfer circle, so my only choice was the other route. I should first backtrack through Souma-kun’s path into the ruins area, then search for another way forward. Before that though, I should find a fairy square to take a breather.

 

“Ok ok, no time like the present”

 

Even if I just sit around here, help won’t come. Mei-chan will surely try to find me, but since she’s been transferred away already, she can’t possibly come back. The only possibility is if we manage to cross paths at some point, on our way to the collective destination that was the transfer gate located deep within this dungeon. Because of that, I had no choice but to continue alone.

Will I be able to meet up with Mei-chan, or will I meet other classmates first? Or will I die from one of the latter’s or a monster’s assault? The latter conclusion felt awfully likely to happen, but I guess it’s all a matter of luck.

I’ll just have to do as I do.

 

“Oh yeah, about time I start building Rem”

 

I gathered mud from the area, molded it into a humanoid figure, and without using any monster parts, made the weakest specs mode of mud doll Rem.

 

“Hmmm, not very reliable”

 

Rem, who was built only from mud, was small like the first time I’d summoned her. Now, even with just mud, I felt like I could make her human sized, but it made no sense to enlarge that already fragile body. It’d only consume more mana, and worst case, might even break at the seams while moving around.

So, I kept it at doll-sized.

The resurrected Rem, appeared to be somewhat frustrated? Well, I don’t mind really, she did a good job in that fight against Yokomichi.

Besides, having Rem here will alleviate the loneliness somewhat. For that peace of mind, I was super grateful.

Anyway, can’t stay in this room forever. It’s no fairy square, so ants might wander in. The rook spider pit that was sealed off might’ve been dug open by now.

Since I’m all set, let’s get a move on.

 

“Rem, you take point and scout for enemies”

 

Acknowledging with a nod, Rem strode forward into the dark cave.

The current Rem could only go slightly ahead of where the light can’t reach, and since she was in her initial state where her body was so fragile, she currently had no firepower. Though she did have good perception which could be used to detect enemies. They weren’t as great as Natsukawa-san’s, but at least provided a little comfort.

 

“Urk, the knife’s giving off light, but not enough”

 

It was totally different from back in the harem party. My distance view was reduced to half of before. It wasn’t like I was blind as a bat, but this cave that I had practically grown tired of, had suddenly turned into a new unknown danger zone.

Leaving the scouting work to Rem, I walked behind her, paying careful attention to my footing.

 

“― ―!?”

 

I literally jolted with every little clicking and crawling sound that passed me by.

At this rate, if I ever get surrounded by a swarm of ants, it’ll be over. A swarm, no, even if it’s just more than two, I’m fucked.

 

“C-c-calm down… If any ants come out, first, make bog, then, use bind and…”

 

I felt so desperate, to the point where I kept going over simulations where I had to fight solo against multiple enemies, over and over, repeatedly in my head.

I felt suffocated. All this tension was weighing down hard.

I was keenly made aware of how great it was to have reliable teammates.

How long have I been walking? I felt so exhausted. But this cave wasn’t easy to walk in at all. I didn’t feel like I’d made any progress. I was tense too, which needlessly expended energy.

Dammit. In my current condition, I’ll be completely exhausted soon, and if a crisis comes up――

 

“Ah, Rem! You’re back meaning, it can’t be good news”

 

Ahead of me, I caught sight of Rem, running back in a big hurry.

 

“Ants then?”

 \nAlthough she heard me, it’s not like Rem could actually reply. But she shook her head, so apparently, it wasn’t ants.

 

“If it’s not ants, then…”

 

It’d be a way out of the cave? That naive idea was immediately denied.

VMMMMM, by that despair inducing sound again.

 

“Motherfff… Goddamn Mantis right off the bat!”

 

Soon enough, it’s silhouette was revealed coming from the path ahead. With the Red Knife’s weak flames only dimly lighting the cave, the Knight Mantis appeared much bigger than it was. I’ve never felt more afraid of encountering one since now.

 

“SHAAAAAAAA!!”

 

It also noticed me, and assumed an intimidating pose, raising both scythes high. Right after, its wings gyrated as it came after me.

I can’t win. Just me alone, I’m no match at all.

My head was going blank―― but, my survival instincts kicked in. I’m so fucking scared. But, my body could move. I knew for a fact that I couldn’t win, but that shouldn’t be the case for running away.

 

“Spread out! Rotten Bog ”

 

Invoking the curse using the bloodseal on my palm, Rotten Bog started to expand out in front of me. The mantis moved by slightly hovering, so obviously the stagnant bog on the floor was a non-issue for the monster.

But, it was the greatest offensive I had on me. Well, this is just for the initial set up.

 

“―― Blackhair Bind”

 

From the mantis’ shadow, tentacle-like blackhairs sprung out. They started wrapping around its limbs―― But the mantis was faster.

 

“SHAAA!”

 

With a swipe of its scythes, the monster cut down my tentacles. This is why we need actual vanguards like Mei-chan vanguarding people like me. The mantis continued towards me like it was nothing.

Likely because it was wary of the poison swamp under its feet, rather than running over on its 4 legs, the mantis really did hover right above.

The mantis flew as if it was gliding over the floor of the cave, not a square inch of its feet touching the surface of the acidic swamp.

 

“Pull it down”

 

Blackhair bind, once more. This time, the hairs came out from within the Rotten Bog.

However, they were also cut by the scythes. The mantis shortly paused, hovering above the swamp, and with an accurate slash, cleanly dealt with the braided Blackhair Binds that had slithered out of the swamp like a tentacle monster.

It wasn’t enough. I couldn’t slow its approach since it could cut them down instantly.

In that case, how’s this.

 

“Rise from chaos, bind in foul blood, stand on stained earth――”

 

The incantation barely finished. The mantis was already done slicing apart the rest of the tentacles, it was soon approaching the bog’s perimeter. But, I made it.

I practically threw the drops of blood from my bloodseal, aiming right at the Rotten Bog.

And there, stood Rem, submerging her body fully into the bone-melting bog; she was melting apart in a rapid pace.

 

“――Vile Mud Doll!!”

 

Re-summon? No, it was more of a restructuring.

I’d remake Rem’s body, not with mud, but instead the toxic solution of Rotten Bog. A human figure was a necessity in the creation of mud dolls, so I had Rem’s initial body fulfill that requirement. Now I’m just hoping I finished the canto and the curse activated before the original body went to mush――

 

“Hold it off, Rem!”

 

Responding to my cry, bulky, poisonous sludge rose up from the bog acid.

Its limbs were as large as logs, with an all-around thick, massive body. Despite that, the muddy creature was dripping constantly as if it was about to collapse in on itself.

However, Rem kept together that humanoid form, and grappled the mantis.

 

“KYOWAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

 

The Rotten Bog monster held the large insect in its embrace, the latter’s carapace melting under the bog acid enveloping it; The mantis screeched in pain.

Now!

Now, finish it off? No, it was now the perfect chance to run the hell away.

 

“Keep stalling it!”

\n 

“SHAAAA!!”

 

The mantis screeched again. It was once again back in action; it’s patience had run thin.

 

“ Rotten Bog!!”

 

I plopped in a bog on reflex.

Although not large, the Rotten Bog suddenly appearing in front of it did cause the mantis to grow cautious and it backed away.

Good, that was all I needed. Rather than a physical wall, the bog had become a psychological barrier, successfully keeping the mantis away.

Now, my turn. I’ll kill it first, before it can think to jump over or bypass the small bog.

 

“――Blackhair Bind ”

 

I conjured up two braid-acles of hair from my own shadow. I then proceeded to have them grab the Red Knife and dagger respectively.

Ugh, I felt so stupid. It was only at these last minute showdowns, that I came up with these clearly obvious applications.

That’s right, my arms themselves can’t stretch, but Blackhair Bind could do that all day long.

 

“Go!!”

 

The two knife-tipped blackhairs flew out like arrows straight towards the mantis.

Blackhair Bind had, at first, had a length that was just barely enough to bind around the target’s ankles, but after continuous usage, binding monsters and dragging them down into the bog, it could now extend to quite a few meters. The strength and speed had both been improving little by little.

If I attach a knife to one of these tentacles, I essentially create a ranged weapon with a reach much longer than any spear. It’s like the scythe and chain, but not as technical in its usage. Well anyway, since I could move the tentacles at will, I could freely attack every which way I chose. It was extremely easy to handle.

 

“KYYOAAAA!!”

 

I took aim, stabbing the two blades straight towards the mantis’ torso. Though one of them was an ordinary blade, the other was blazing. On impact, a plume of flame burst out.

 

“Nice, it hit――oops, that was close!”

 

It raised a painful groan, confirming that damage had been dealt, which is when I immediately drew back the knife-tentacles.

The mantis brandished its scythe fiercely, whether intentionally or acting out in desperation, I didn’t know, but my tentacles would be easily severed if touched by that. And by obvious consequence, the knives tipping said tentacles would then be dropped. I couldn’t afford to let that happen.

 

“In that case, I’ll aim somewhere your scythe can’t reach… Like your back and hind legs”

 

Making use of my overwhelming advantage in reach, I’d take my time cutting it up until it dies. I dub it: the pin-cushion maneuver.

Although it was frustrating that I couldn’t kill it in a single blow, then again, I’m supposed to be a support role. Who’s big idea was it to make a Shaman fight melee?

 

“Take thiiis!!”

 

I wanted to take better aim, but it wasn’t like the mantis was going to take this lying down. It realized how it was being targeted, and took action to desperately defend itself. In other words, it started moving around like crazy.

Finding my target had become a lot harder now. I should just aim at the general location of its back. Anywhere was fine, as long as it hit.

 

“Uwa! Wait jus-, NO NO NO!?”

 

The mantis didn’t even try to register the feeble amount of damage and madly dashed towards me. This was bad, this was so bad, I was done for if it got in range.

I had to expand the Rotten Bog. Make it so that the mantis wouldn’t want to approach me.

 

“KYOAAAA, KISSSHHHHAAA”

“Shit, shit, shit! Ahhh, too close, stay away, stay away, dammiiit!”

 

I kept retreating from the mantis, putting down more bog, all the while trying to find a chance to stab it with my tentacle knives. I barely edged by as the creature almost cut my body, this happened over and over again. I was desperately running around the boss room, screaming, crying all the way――

 

“Kyooo, kiaa….”

 

Under my repeated attacks and the bog’s poison, the mantis finally stopped. That terrifying scythe too, just hung there powerlessly, it looked like it won’t move anymore.

 

“Die, DIE!–”

 

The mantis was immobile. I stretched my bog under its feet, restrained it with Blackhair Bind, cast Contra-Beat Butterfly to add additional damage, and finally, pin-cushioned it with my knives.

Check and mate.

 

“DIEEEEEEEEE!!”