Chimeras.

They are vicious creatures, twisted abominations of demonic magic. It is said that no two equal chimeras exist in this world, but all of them are borne with the same hate for all races, men or not. However, it is another trait that made them infamous during the war – regeneration, power to heal any wounds as long as their central core remains intact.

Although I call it “central core”, it’s position can be easily changed by chimera’s whim, making it extremely hard to kill one by yourself. Usually, warriors of old somehow cornered them and attacked from all directions in hopes of accidentally damaging the core.

“Marie, I need you to distract it for a moment. A usual will do fine”

Ah, I am relieved: Alan reverted to his “battle” mode. He may act like a dunce, but when pressed, he shows his smart, even cunning side. His tactics are top-notch, and his battle analysis is always on the spot. It’s even scary how much his usually goofy personality changes.

So, he wants my “usual”, huh? I will oblige for now, but don’t mind if I accidentally kill it.

[Fireball]

I shot a spell from my staff at the chimera, aiming at its head, or what I presume to be head. Yeah, those creatures are nasty like that. And, if rumors are true, undead chimeras are somehow even worse. Fortunately, we have a regular one. Just our rotten luck.

[Fireball]

I continue my assault, while Alan carefully eyes our target. I wish I could know what is happening in his head. Chimera staggers, it’s charred flesh reconstruct at in incredible speeds, but the pain from getting your head blown over and over must be extreme. 

And yet, it moves in our direction.

“Marie! Make it double! I need you to do that”

That, huh? You asked for this, Alan! I plant my staff at the ground, and continue firing, but this time, instead of using any tools, I send projectile from both of my hands. It’s a practice that no self-respecting mage from capital would use, but I am not from capital and I will use any opportunity I have. Even Goku can fire Kamehameha with legs, you know?

[Dual Fireball]

What? Don’t you dare to accuse me of spamming the same spell over and over. It’s all fair in war and love. Or, in my case, only in war. Chimera continues to move, but even slower now. I feel a bit winded now, and Alan must’ve seen it, judging by the concerned look he sent me.

He leaps before me and starts slashing with his sword. His moves are graceful and perfectly controlled, a far cry from his hot-blooded nature. He slashes and stabs. I guess, it’s impressive from a swordsman’s point of view, but it simply doing this and that with a pointy sword to me.

While Alan and chimera are entangled in the fierce dance of violence and blood, I ready our secret plan. A small gem at the tip of my staff, planted into the ground shines as I pour my mana inside. Normally, it would be impossible to chant three spell at the same time, but I cheated.

You see, staff are generally used to control a magician’s power output, but some them have something called ‘memory gem’ inside. Memory gems, as their name might imply, can store pre-made spells inside to shorten the time needed to evoke the spell. However, they are restricted to only one spell at the time, so it’s ideal for attack-spamming bots like me, and not so much for experimenters like my adopted father.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

I stored a particularly nasty spell this time.

[Frozen Moment]

Chimera’s legs were instantly locked with a thick layer of ice. Its movements are sealed, and since Alan attacked it without stopping, all of its attention was on him. Now, it’s time for the finishing move.

[Mastery! Anger!]

[O, Fiery Heaven!]

As I said, you need to destroy the central core of chimera to kill one, but those cores are usually made of pretty sturdy stuff. That said, it becomes weaker when chimera starts to heal. It’s a lesson Percival-san taught us very thoroughly. In short, if you manage to hurt it, and then blast…

After finishing his mantra, Alan starts to move his sword, creating thousands and thousands of shallow cuts on the creature’s hide. Even though chimera’s regeneration speed is fast, he is faster. Let’s end of this charade!

[Descend and Crush! Inferno!]

I have no qualms about ending this abomination’s life, so this time my spell is at its best. I incinerate the body until nothing’s left. I hear something shatter and lower my staff. Hopefully, there is nothing left, not even an ugly corpse.

“Whew! That was pretty close!”

I am beat. I use my staff as a makeshift pole to support my weight. I totally used all of my mana. Damn, that last spell was too much even for me. Suddenly, I feel someone lifting me up, and Alan’s face gets really close all of sudden.

“Yosh! Now we can go back home! Right, Marie!”

What…

“Hey, you okay?”

What in the world…

“Marie?”

What in the world are you thinking, idiot? Is your head actually a decoration or something?! Putting flags all of sudden! Don’t you dare to princess carry me! I am no princess, so find yourself a harem and pull such stunts on them, dolt! Imbecile! Pervert!

“Ah! Stop pinching my cheek! Why are glaring at me?! I am helping! Helping!”

However, Alan still insisted on carrying me back home, much to my dismay. I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. It hurts! The disappointed looks both boys and girls send our way hurt! Percival-san and Martha-san’s merry gazes, as if they just know something, hurt as well! 

I won’t allow myself to be humiliated further!

With such thoughts I fell asleep in Alan’s arms. 

Author's Note: I feel so sweet inside~