The current scene of battle, was the most intense Ruda Runebeck had experienced until now.
The Wolf Knight swung itâs battle-axe down endlessly in every direction. Gilbert opened his eyes to their limit, whether swinging from overhead or to the side, the purgatory sword was like a red wind as it repelled the attacks. Each time the blades clashed, Gilbert strongly grasped the handle with both hands.
The Purgatory sword was an enormous weapon but the battle-axe of the Wolf Knight, face hidden by human bones, was far larger.
Although the large swings created big opportunities, the power charged in each blow was extraordinary.
Gilbert who had never taken a step back before now, slowly retreated while repelling attacks.
He couldnât receive them directly. Gilbert had a reckless side to him, but at the same time he was a man who had become a hunter after undergoing several years of training. To a certain extent, Gilbert had experience fighting against opponents that were stronger than him.
Sweat showed on his forehead. He was panting in rough breaths but managed to deflect every strike, each which had the power to be fatal if struck head on.
to Gilbert fending off attacks, Greg aimed during a small break in the slashes, and thrusted in. A blow aimed at the hand, arm, or axe handle would only be effective enough to delay the bossâs onslaught for a decimal point of a second.
Incredible toughness, domineering power.
With merely just that, the boss was overwhelming four people. Like a devastating storm, the battle-axe kept Gilbert and Greg busy from the front while also keeping in check Tino, positioned in its blind spot.
The silver wolf knight was truly analysing the capabilities of each member. And itâs greatest priority was not Gilbert with his large sword, or Greg with the biggest body, but on Tino.
It was not until then that Ruda became aware of the horror from facing a Phantom with high intelligence.
And also â The radiance of the Hunters that challenged them.
Tino avoided the swinging axe with minimal movement.
The battle-axe grazed by, and a number of glossy black hairs scattered into the air. The edge had slashed into the beads of sweat on her skin, but her eyes were held open, and showed no trace of fear.
How was such movement possible? How could you act with composure in front of attacks that could kill you in one blow?
Tino was not overwhelmingly fast. No, no matter how fast she was, it wouldnât be faster than the swinging axe.
What was being seen was boldness.
Under huge amounts of pressure, Tino evaded with elegant movements as if dancing. Ruda was deeply moved from that sight.
Ruda who had been acting solo until now, had never seen a higher ranked thief than her except at the Explorers open training grounds. The movements and skill she saw there surpassed her own, but they did not move her heart.
However today, she joined this party and saw Tinoâs form. Tinoâs actions â faced against a higher rank yet not retreating, was something different from others.
A thieveâs specialty was not fighting. Perhaps, for a person in the role of thief, it could even be said to be a mistake.
But still, in that moment Ruda, seeing the girls figure that was the same or slightly younger to herself â her body shook with a strong yearning towards her.
ââŠDamn, itâs movements arenât slowing a bit!â
Gilbert groaned through clenched teeth.
A tremendous blow like it could tear through the world. Phantoms should also have something similar to stamina, but the battle-axe that was swung over and over again showed no signs of slowing.
Although he didnât take them head on, the burden on his arms after warding off blow after blow couldnât be imagined. If he hadnât been wielding a Relic, his sword would probably have broken long ago.
The sounds of violent weapons, metal clashing against each other echoed in the dim burrow. That no one had been seriously injured yet was a miracle. But, miracles didnât last for long.
ââŠEh?â
Sure enough it was someones voice.
A muffled sound resounded. In the air a fragment of blade whirled.
Gilbert and Tino widened their eyes, but the most dumbstruck one was Greg.
What was clasped in his right hand, the long sword he was accustomed to swinging â had become half itâs length. The broken fragment fell slowly to the ground, and made a dry sound.
The ones that realised the soonest, was the person watching from a distance Ruda, and the silver Wolf Knight.
Time had been cut away.
In that moment, in seemingly accelerated stretched out time. Ruda was certain she saw the big protruding jaw warp into a hideous smile.\n
The eyes werenât directed at Tino or Gilbert, but looking down at the expression of Greg that seemed struck stupid. It raised the battle-axe overhead.
Ruda threw her dagger roughly on reflex.
While the dagger spun in rotations, it flew as if it was sucked towards the Bossâs face. To the attacking dagger, the Boss used the side of its axe to repel. It was really just an instant, but it created a space.
The battle-axe was immediately swung downwards, and in that space Gilbert regained his footing and met it with his sword. If deflected, it would hit Greg. If it wasnât deflected like he had up until now, it needed to be taken head on.
To the inhuman strength forced on the Purgatory Sword, Gilbertâs knees folded, and he was sent onto his back, but for an instant there was a gap.
At that time Ruda had already broken into a run, and she pushed into the body of Greg who was twice as large as her.
It was for a time like this, a time where she could follow up, that she had stayed out of combat.
The delayed downward strike of the battle-axe brushed against Rudaâs back, and chopped into the place Greg used to be. The axes bulky edge made a weighty sound, and penetrated into the ground.
Greg and Ruda tumbled clumsily on the ground. While rolling they somehow turned and looked in the Bossâs direction.
A large gap had occurred. And at that time, Tino had leaped.
Using the back of the huge axe sticking into the ground as a foothold, Tinoâs petite body fluttered high in the air. For a moment astonishment replaced the glint of resentment in the Bossâs eyes.
The Boss made an instantaneous decision. It released itâs left hand tightly gripping the axe, and chased after Tino with it. The body of the Boss was massive, and Tinoâs leap took her even further. Claws sprung out of the reaching hand, and as Tino ascended before its eyes, they grasped at Tinoâs foot.
Tinoâs dignified eyes warped in pain. Fresh blood fell from a shallow cut into her right thigh. But her motion continued.
Tino cleared over its head like that, and clung to the back of the Boss.
The crimson short sword held in her right hand glistened. The Boss began to make a large movement.
And without particularly raising her voice, she promptly pierced her sword into itâs neck.
Blood dripped and its eyes rotated around. Itâs arm roamed in the air as if to grab at Tino. But in the end, the claws couldnât get to Tino stuck on itâs back, and the giantâs knees folded inwards.
At about the same time Tino landed on the ground, the huge body of the ăPhantomă disappeared.
§
âWe did itâŠ?â
Gilbertâs shoulders were moving up and down with heavy breaths as he muttered in amazement. The purgatory sword slipped from his hands and tumbled on the ground with a heavy sound. His tone of voice was different to when he had been deflecting the battle-axe, he sounded younger, more appropriate to his age.
ââŠâŠvictory.â
Tino applied pressure to the cut down her right thigh, and spoke with a voice with no emotion put into it.
Like that she sat on the ground, and checked over the large cut.
A long scar over white skin. The wound, as if cut by a sharp sword, luckily seemed to have avoided the artery. It wasnât life threatening, but it wouldnât be good to leave it as it was.
If it wasnât decided with that one blow, she probably wouldnât have been able to even escape.
Tino bit back the pain from the blood that slowly flowed out, and let out a small sigh.
âThat was dangerous.â
Hanging from her belt, from a five slot potion holder, she took out a small glass bottle with light red liquid inside it.
Created by alchemists, a magical wound curing medicine. The fusion of science and magic brought forth medicine that, while not as effective as a Healer, it treated wounds on the spot. It was an indispensable item for a party without a healer.
Removing the cap, and pulling up her short pants to reveal her bare thigh, she poured the potion directly on the open wound.
Pain similar to poking at the wound, it made her groan for a moment. But the wound running from near the groin down to the back of her knee was immediately closed.
Some internal pain remained, but that would also heal over time.
Greg had got up after he had tumbled, and looked at the splendidly broken blade in his hand. Fully understanding his situation just now, his face turned pale.
âHoly⊠I thought Iâd die. Shit, for my sword to break at a time like that.â
âYou only just lived, old man.â
âGahaha, it wasnât âonly justâ.â
He laughed like always, but his voice was slightly off.
While he set a cramped smile on his face, he looked in the direction of the one that saved him without regard for her own danger, Ruda.\nâYou saved me, Ruda.â
âYeah⊠it was good I was just in time. Tino, are you ok?â
âNo problem. I should be able to walk. With some time itâll return to normal.â
The potions Tino carried with her were high grade. Although it may take time, if it wasnât fatal most wounds could be cured.
Wiping away the blood, Tino slowly stood up.
Gilbert inwardly sighed in relief to the Leader that seemed to be fine.
A dreadful enemy that he had never faced before. If it was with Gilbertâs previous party at least, even if the purgatory sword was charged it would have been unlikely to win.
It was close to a miracle that they were able to defeat it without anyone being seriously injured. If only one of the party members wasnât here, it was doubtful whether or not they would have won. It was doubtless that this was a victory they had been treading over thin ice to achieve.
His heart had been beating violently from the constant fear of death from the attacks, Gilbert breathed out a sigh.
âBut, the boss⊠he didnât leave anything behind.â
âItâs unlucky. Compared with ordinary ăPhantomsă thereâs a higher chance that something will remain.â
Greg also had a complex expression. He picked up the broken blade of his cherished sword, and carefully stored it in his sheath.
Itâs difficult to restore a sword that had been broken in two. The most that could be done was to melt it down and reforge it. It was a heavy loss considering the reward.
Ruda smiled bitterly and offered some small words of comfort.
âW-Well, itâs better that youâre still alive isnât it? Donât you think? You can always buy a new sword.â
ââŠHmm, I guess so.â
âIâll give you this. Itâs shorter than the sword youâre used to, but itâs better than nothing.â
âOh.â
Greg received the crimson short sword and gave it some light swings to get a feel for it.
The boss had been defeated but they still hadnât achieved what they came for, and there was still the return trip to consider.
Unlike monsters, ăPhantomsă occurred spontaneously. You couldnât be at peace travelling on paths you had already been down once before.
Worn out, Greg and Gilbert sat down and started drinking from flasks they had brought with them.
Ruda spoke while picturing the battle in her mind.
âBut, from what came out just now⊠the requestâs Hunters must also have had trouble with them then.â
âHmâŠOh⊠The level 5? Would they have been done in by that?â
âLevel 5âŠâ
Tino frowned.
Certainly, the boss was considerably strong. Even with three level 4 members it was a narrow victory, it wouldnât have been odd for a Level 5 Hunter to lose.
At any rate, a level was a standard decided by the Explorers. It wasnât always the case that a level 5 Hunter would be stronger than a level 4. Of course, itâs different for statuses such as levels 7 or 8 because they can only be reached by acquiring a large amount of achievements. But level 5 is a category that can be reached without much ability.
Once more, Tino checked over the boss room.
A spacious room. A high ceiling with stones embedded in the walls that give off light. The light faintly illuminates the ground, but no pool of blood can be seen. There are no signs that might indicate something that had gone wrong.
If a Hunter had gotten themselves into trouble, there should be some sort of trace left behind.
The White Wolves Den wasnât a very large Shrine. It was unlikely to become lost and not be able to find a way back. In the case that the strength of the Phantoms became an obstruction, it would be natural for a level 5 Hunter to think about a rescue. It was strange not to be able to find them at all.
This was a trial. A trial that Master deemed fitting for Tinoâs decision making. If so, an inexperienced Treasure Hunter such as Tino Shade should be able to come up with a solution to this situation.
ââŠâŠâŠâŠMaster, I donât get itâŠ-!?â
At the time of the murmuring voice that felt somehow lonely, Tinoâs hearing suddenly caught onto sounds.
Tino raised her face, and looked quizzically at the worn out sitting party members.
âWhatâs the matter, Leader?â
âGet up. Somethings coming.â\n\nThere was no way he would give her an impossible request. Belief in such a Cry held her back from despair.
While being cautious of the bodies in front, she turned her gaze towards the path leading out the right side of the boss room. The silver wolf knights were huge in comparison to the ordinary ones. On the narrow paths with lower ceilings, their movements would be greatly restricted.
Calming her breathing, she gave instructions to the others. From that figure, the faint trembling of the party members stopped.
âItâs impossible to fight them in this wide Boss room. Weâll manage to escape on the path on the right. On a narrower path we can limit the number of opponents we fight at the same time. The sword and club will also get caught on the ceiling and become unusable. Iâll take up the rear position.â
§ă§ă§
âSo I was struck with a good idea, but couldnât we gather up powerful Relics?â
âLuke⊠No matter how good the equipment, if the body is weak people die when it comes time to die.â
An old conversation with a friend crossed my mind.
At the speed at which Hunters enhanced by Mana Material were called to heaven, my own instincts had already abandoned hope on living.
-Die! Iâm gonna dieeeeee-!
The White Wolves Den was vast. Itâs height and width were too large for a burrow, but for theăDark Wings of the Night Skyăwith no brakes, it was way too narrow to fly around.
It was dim inside the hole, but there were shining stones placed here and there.
There was a Relic attached to my right thumb, the ăOwlâs Eyeă that gave the effect of night vision, giving me good enough visibility.
A wall came into view. I desperately manipulated the Relic to turn the corner.
Within the hole in was dark and gloomy. If it was usual, it was a place I would never enter. But right now the only thing going through my head was how I was going to be able to stop myself.
I had brought a map, but I already had no idea where I had gone.
Turns that were too tight for the Relic, my body was violently knocked against the walls and ceiling. My vision was shaken violently from the impacts. I felt like I had become something like a bouncy ball. I didnât know what was going on anymore.
My face kept on twitching.
If I was thinking calmly, I should have stopped no matter what before entering the Shrine. My speed was getting way too fast. I felt like I would throw up. I was paying for my own mistakes.
At high speed I passed by a huge Phantom that was blocking up the passageway. Although it was far beyond the ability of humans, the Phantom couldnât catch onto my erratic movements at bullet like speed. Even I didnât know what was happening myself, so it was no wonder.
By the time it had turned my way, it was already too late and I was passing by overhead.
Iâm going to pretend that I didnât see a bi-pedal wolf holding a gigantic two handed sword.
âWhere is Tino!?
Unlike Phantoms that vanish upon death, a Hunters corpse remains for a long time. Even in the case that you lose a fight and get devoured, itâs unlikely not a single trace will remain. But I guess itâs not impossible.
I had bad dynamic vision, at least when my vision was getting violently shaken, but there hadnât been the corpses of Tino and her delightful companions yet. Itâs not likely that they are dead.
If I had come this far, and Tino and the others hadnât even left yet and were still mulling about the Imperial Capital, that would be a super funny joke.
Tino, unlike me, had a strong sense of responsibility. So she wouldnât just toss this away. Sheâs Lizâs sole disciple though, so perhaps there was some sort of tricky situation.
With a thump my head hit strongly against the ceiling and my vision swayed.
A long straight passageway â movement at the end from a Wolf-like Phantom. Seeing the sudden appearance of a human missile itâs eyes balked in astonishment. And I passed by immediately. I collided with the shoulder of the Phantom, and the recoil drove me crashing into the wall. The severe impact shook my whole body.
I managed to make a sharp turn while my body grazed against the wall. With my dynamic vision itâs a miracle that I hadnât stuck myself straight into a wall yet. My trajectory was also being altered slightly by Relics. Highest praise be unto Relics.
But although Iâm just holding on, itâs certain that Iâll die if I didnât do something quick.
Iâm certain that Iâll be passed down for eternity as the idiot that rushed into a Shrine using the ăDark Wings of the Night Skyă, which was already known for killing one person, and became the human missile 2.0. No matter how you put it, that would be beyond pathetic, I really hate it.
Itâs already hopeless. Anything is fine, just let me come to a stop. Iâve already crossed over the limit of what I can take.
Before I knew it I had exited into a wide pathway. I immediately saw the back of an enormous Phantom in front of me. In the middle of a life emergency, my sharpened judgement decided that would be a good cushion.
After that was just resolving myself. At my wits end I shut my eyes and prayed desperately.
And then, my whole body underwent a violent impact harder than any so far.
Translator Notes:
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