Chapter 36
(Natsumi's POV)
After darling left and headed straight to where the loud roar came, me and Sheryl then spilt up and went to each of our respective station, where I took the south area, and her on the west area.
"Bless me, [Slyph]"
"Protect me, [Tempest Demeanor]"
"[Gales Embrace]"
After casting my blessing, I then activated [Glaes Embrace] to help me boost my speed, and let me observe my surrounding area. With the boost of my speed from my blessing - as it help me become lighter - and my skill, I was then able to catch up where the adventurer were.
I then saw a lot of monsters in the vicinity, a {Sand Snake}, {Dessert Serpent}, {Horbed Dog-Kobold}, {Red Horned Dog-Kobold}, and some {Sand Boar}. With the help of darling's powerful flame, that took a great amount of monster into a burned charcoal by its scorching wave, the fight between the adventurers and monsters were lessen, to the point where the monster are getting overwhelmed.
I then jump towards one of the half-burned building - the one who took a great damage from darling's flame. I then jump till I reach the top - which didn't taken so so long, as thanks to my blessing. After I arrived at the top, I then dashed forward to position myself, where I could overlook the whole vicinity, and assist all the adventurers, and also check for any unforeseen attack.
After I positioned myself between a thoroughly burned building, and a building that only took a minimal burnt, I then took 3 arrows from my quiver. I took sight, and aimed at the 3 upcoming {Horned Dog-Kobolds}
"Combine them, [Meld]"
"[Gales Embrace]+[Sparrow Shot]+[Swift Shot]"
I then released the 3 arrows, as I release my hold of my bow's string. As I combined both [Sparrow Shot] and [Swift shot], it then reached the 3 sighted enemy, and pierced through to their head. I then took another arrows - 2 - and aimed at the dashing {Dessert Serpent} - 2 - at the 2 adventurers - man and a woman - who were fighting against a 2 {Sand Snakes}, and a {Horned Kobold}.
"Combine them, [Meld]"
"[Gales Embrace]+[Sparrow Shot]"
Swish
I then took my shot, as I fired the arrows from my bow. I then took another arrow from my quiver, and aimed at the 2 dashing {Dog-Kobolds}.
Swoosh
I then took my shot, as I fired the arrows from my bow. I then took another arrow from my quiver, and aimed at the 2 dashing {Dog-Kobolds}.
"Combine them, [Meld]"
"[Sparrow Shot]+[Curve Shit]"
I then fired the arrow.
Swoosh
As I used [Curve Shot], it then went to the side and took a curve to the left, and directly hit both the {Dog-Kobolds} at their head - behind them - and impaling them both. As I took another arrow from my quiver - thanks to Isabelle who has a [Storage Ring], she was able to carry some spare quiver with arrows in it - I then took sight to my vicinity, and of course some of the monster there weren't all my targets. Those monsters that could easily be subdue by the adventurers, I left them alone, and those {Sand Boar} that has a piercing resistance - even though they are still at peak silver - so I avoid them. Rather wasting some arrows hunting them, I focused on those monster that were doing a pincers move.
I then located 3 {Horned Dog-Kobolds} that was rushing towards a cornered adventurer, by a {Red Horned Dog-Kobold}. I then took aim as I sighted them
"Combine them, [Meld]"
"[Gales Embrace]+[Tempest Storm]+[Curve Shot]+[Sparrow Shot]"
I then released a storm like shot at the 3 rushing monsters, perfectly timing it towards the {Red Horned Dog-Kobold}, that took the young man a great time to deal with. Aiming at their head, the arrow swiftly pierced through and drilled from one head to the other, killing the 3 {Horned Dog-Kobolds}, then rushingly, without stopping, hit the {Red Horned Dog-Kobold} at its neck, breaking it, which caused the monster to be carried by the swift force and killing it on the process.
After the 4 monsters stumble down, fallen to their death, the young man then fell down and roughly took a breather. A young woman adventurer with a bow on her arm then came, and helped the young man to stand up
'A group mate maybe'
After seeing he already has someone to rely on, I then took an arrow from my quiver and aimed at the {Humid Falcon}. As this monster is specialize in aerial and speed attack, so I took a great time to snipe it. Thankfully, unlike back from the [Village of Portch], where I needed to jump from one building to another, this time, I was simply staying in one place. Sniping monsters after monsters, as they all were greatly occupied in dealing with the adventurers below, all 77 men and women.
"Combine them, [Meld]"
"[Gales Embrace]+[Sparrow Shot]+[Swift Shot]"
I then fired the arrow from my bow, and shoot the flying beast on its flight, piercing through to its left wing towards its right abdomen
KRAAAA!!
After the monster cried and stumbled down from a great height, I then took another arrow from my quiver and continued shooting from the distance.
(Sheryl's POV)
After I split up with Natsumi, I then dashed forward towards the west area, to assist the adventurers that was stationed there. They were the 2nd group that was ordered to be deployed in the west area, to prevent any enemies that were trying to ambush, or do any pincer moves, towards the group that raided the south area.
"Bless me, [Araneae]"
"Protect me, [Phantom Dress]"
"[Shi'en no Shuen]"
Casting 2 skills additionally after using my blessing, increased my speed as I dashed forward, and used the building's shade for my blessing's buff. Dashing forward with haste, I then stumble upon monsters after monsters in my way. None of them were able to notice my presence, but as to not let them roam around freely, I then took my dagger out and slit the 4 monsters - 2 {Horned Dog-Kobolds}, and 2 {Dog-Kobolds} - that was separated with a meter or so from each other
AOON!!
AWAAA!!
The 4 then, without them realizing, had their neck cut. I then leave the 4 monsters that I just killed, and continued dashing forward
....
"[Shadow Slash]"
A long blackish blade then cut through the necks of the 3 monsters I just meet - 2 {Dog-Kobolds}, and 1 {Sand Snake}. Beheading them in silence, I then moved forward. After a minutes came as I rushed towards the west area - which took me a great time as I went from the south area, then headed straight to the west, with additional confrontation of some monsters in the way - I then arrived at the west section, where the adventurers fought against some monsters.
As I headed there, there were a lot of inevitable confrontations with some monsters in the way, even how many times I took turn and turns, I still unexpectedly faced some of them in the way. As I got there, my double then came back as it appeared before me, from the shade of the building beside me
As my double is creation created from my shadow, additionally with the blessing of my [Araneae], she can easily walked through the shade, or in a sense, merge into them and become one, which is something I wish I could do so. I then canceled her out to not waste any of her remaining time, and dashed forward.
As I got where the adventurers were, the battle was already started, though it wasn't in a situation where the adventurers are having a hard time to deal with them, so it was still a good news. Seeing the 2nd group, I then dashed forward and directly assisted them as I headed towards the battle.
As I dashed forward, I then saw 3 {Dog-Kobolds} in the way, so I aimed at the first and rush myself in. With my boosted speed, I then dive into the darkness and went into their side without them noticing. I then swing my dagger vertically towards the 3, swiftly cutting the 3 monsters in one swoop
"[Void Increment]"
"[Shadow Slash]"
With the help of [Void Increment], my daggers edge became sharper and deadlier, cutting the 3 necks with one swing didn't even took a sweat to take. With their head fallen without them knowing they have died, I then went on, and started massacring monsters after monsters until
ROOOOAAAARRR!!
BOOOOMMMMMM!!
A sudden waking explosion then came. Turning my head towards my side, I then saw a giant wave of flame that in a form of a sword slash, overlapping the other buildings in the vicinity, even I was stunned to how massive it was, even though I was at the west side, with a lot of tall buildings around, but even that massive reddish-orange flame still high above the others.
And one thing about that flame is
'Darling'
(Creeper's POV)
After I propelled myself forward using [Combustion Impact] - an upgraded tier of [Flame Boost] - I was then able to arrive at the north gate, or once was. The past gate was now carved with a giant hole. Its defensive walls were now turned into a collapsed, crumbled debris, making a way for monsters to enter.
And at the distance from the pulverized north gate - inside - were giant Boars standing atop of all the tall buildings. With their thick dark reddish-brown shade of skin, a huge size barrel-shaped body, huge shape horns that which are upturned lower canines, a disk-like snout, and a hairy top head - its mane - that stretch above its body till - a meter away from - its butt. (Note: search for visayan warty pig or baby ramo, that's the reference)
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
`It's bigger than the {Giant Sand Boar} I know, and..... Its not alone'
At the side of the unknown beast - upfront to be precise - that was leading the other Boars was a much taller than the other boars around, with a dark grey skin, taller upturned tusks, with a gigantic barrel-shaped body, a rounded disk-pole snout, and a much hairy top and a tuff of hairs between its ears then below it. With its glowing red eyes, this monsters speaks about its power with its aura alone.
'A peak platinum rank....?'
I though, but as I closely gaze at it, I then frowned a bit and stated.
'An early or mid emerald rank, perchance?'
And that monster was not just alone, as there were 2 of them leading the horde. And as I remembered, I felt 25 of them - excluding that unknown individual and that {Wrym} - with 2 early or mid-emerald rank beast, and 23 peak platinum ranked Boars following them, made my situation-no, made the kingdom's situation, unpredictable. With their hooves stumping the ground that quake the kingdom's vicinity, made the whole situation truly unforeseeable
"I guess it can't be help"
As I said that, a magic circle with a 2 triangle attached to each other - the one is upside down - forming a 6 edges star, appeared at my chest. At the upside down triangle, at its edge, formed 6 small spheres. 1 sphere that was overlapped by the 6 edges star was placed at the back of the edges star, with another thick sphere circling it, and an eye symbol at the center appeared with a small 12 edges star, and a thick sphere behind it.
A similar magic circle also appeared below me, but rather than a 6 edges star that formed combining 2 triangles, this one isn't, as it has 12 edges with 12 spheres - 6 were blank while the other is coated white - circling around the thick sphere. The eye symbol at the center was replaced with a figure of a tiger in a black ink, chasing a serpent type of a {Dragon}. (Note: just imagine a yin and yang), giving off a power of balance, might, and wisdom
As the magic circle completely manifested itself, I then spoke
"Transcend, [Overdrive]"
Its an ability that boosts all of my skills, abilities, reflexes, body, and senses into a full 100% throttle, without breaking myself. I then casted.
"Engulfed it, [Transmission Magic] [Touche a Tout]"
"[Multi-weilding: Weapon Master]"
"Summon, [Cast-Transfer] [Runa di Cresta]"
"[Regne de L'mpereur]" (Note: French for emperor's reign)
After I casted those, I then added
"Guard me, [Armure de Flame]" (Note: French for flame armor)
A flaming transparent reddish aura then engulfed me, forming a full plated knight armor that fitted my structure build. From my gauntlet till my breastplate, from my pauldron till my sabaton, fully equipping me with a suited flame armor
After my armor manifest, I then summoned my sword from my [Rune Sphere], revealing a smoldering sword
"[Flame Glaive: Fier Asprins]"
"Boost me, [Combustion Impact]"
After I took a sword out from my [Rune Sphere], I then boosted its flame with [Combustion Impact], causing the sword to show an intense heat of raging flame. I then swung my sword from my left towards above my right, making a vertical long cut
"Scorch them, [Respiro Ardente del Drago]"
A rampaging hot flame then released from my sword edge, making a vertical wave of flame, burning anyone it touches
ROOOAAAARRRR!!
BOOOOOMMMM!!
"Ohhh"
And before my flame could scorch those Boars up like a roasted meat, a strong thundering cry yelled, coated in a light shade of red-yellow, with a hint of yellow blast then came after, colliding to my flame that I was planning to use to end the battle in one sweep, blasted and made an earth shaking explosion
"That damn worm just got in the way"
I stated irritatedly. After seeing my attack was blocked, though it had, the collision still did a great impact towards the surrounding area, causing some of the building and monster to be burned. The Boars that was about to be scorched alive was protected by the 2 bosses in front, leaving only a minimal to a bit serious burns to their skins.
GROOOOOOWWWWWLLLL!!
The 2 beast then roared a mighty yell, pissed as they stated at me with murderous glint. I then grinned at their determination, and bend over
"Boost me, [Combustion Impact]"
Boom!
I then propel myself forward. I then change my sword to a spear - [Flare Blanzet: Os Lance] - and spin to my left and stomp my left foot forward and
"Spear them, [Severing Flame]"
And released a strong wave of flame, towards the monsters before me. After I made sure that there were no civilians around, I then maximize the output of my flame without holding back, and released a heated wave. Thanks to [Multi-weilding: Weapon Master], I could easily weild all my weapon with the maximum output, like a true master of all weapon is.
"Hmmmmm?"
After I got closer, I suddenly realized that among the Boars - except for the 2 boss - has a creature atop of them, riding them. I then tilt my head to my right, avoiding an arrow that was fired at me by that creature above the Boar. After one of the Boar boss defended its horde with its body against my flame, the damage this time wasn't minimal as it greatly burned its thick skin.
GROOOWWWWLLL!!
As it roared, 2 Boars then dashed towards me with great speed - [Boar Dash] - and thumping their gaint hooves, cracking the ground with their gaint steps
GROOWWWLL!!
The 2 Boars then roared
"Come!"
I yelled. I then dashed forward at them. Just a distance from them, I then twist my body to the right and change the spear I was holding from my right into a hammer - [Flare Mallet] - and swung my hammer towards the dashing Boar upfront
"Boost me, [Combustion Impact]"
"Smash them, [Burst Impact]"
GRUNNNTTT!!
The Collison of my hammer and its head collided, causing the dashed Boar to bend over by the great impact its head just took. A crackling noise of broken bones could be heard, and its body was then splattered, as flame burst from its body. I then jump atop of the Boar as I saw a creature above it, and grab its neck with my left hand.
AOOONNN!!
Taking a closer look on it, it's another type of monster that I never seen before. The creature is a {Rat-Kobold}, with a pointed snout with no whiskers on it, and a long naked tail. It was wearing a grayish-black robe, with its uncovered long pointed ears, and 2 large frontal teeth. Unlike the usual seen {Rat-Kobold}, this one has a dark reddish eyes and a descending spikes from its back, and long tusk-like teeth at the back of its mouth.
SQUUEKKKK!!
I then unsummoned my [Flare Mallet] and grab the upper side of the creature's neck, while my other hand grabs the bottom part and stretched out the monster apart, beheading it with my bare hands. After I thrown the monster away - the unknown species of monster to be exact - I then summoned my [Flame Glaive: Fier Asprins] and jump from the defeated Boar, and went towards the other rushing Boar - the 2nd one - and hold the hilt of my sword with both hands, and swung it below with great might.
"Scorch them, [Flame Rapture]"
A vertical flame cut was then released from. My sword, slashing the Boar into two. As I landed, I then propel myself again forward. I then altered my [Flame Glaive: Fier Asprins] with [Flame Scythe], and spin it to my right then at my back as I twist myself to the right. I then used my right foot as an archor as I slide it upfront, and slashed my scythe in a horizontal cut.
"Boost me, [Combustion Impact]"
"Slash them, [Blaze Cleft]"
I then spin the scythe at my right, stump my left foot forward and slash it - after I change it into a sword - and made a huge vertical slash
"Scorch them, [Respiro Ardente del Drago]"
I then altered my sword to a spear again as I rotated my body towards the left, stumping my left foot forward and as if I was throwing, I then
"Boost me, [Combustion Impact]"
"Spear them, [Scorching Blast]"
I then released a flaming straight burst, making my 3 consecutive attacks form a deadly combination. Seeing the upcoming assault, the 2 boss Boars then went upfront and tried blocking my attack with their gigantic body
The 2 giant Boars then stump their foot - the other was using the left while the other is the right - and cried
GROOWWWWLLLL!!
Both them formed a defensive shield around them, trying to block my deadly blow.
BOOOOMMMMM!!
The impact then created a massive hole on the north section ground. With scorching burns around and blasted houses, the 2 giant boss Boars was able to hold on, but behind them, some of the Boars weren't lucky enough to withstand the impact of my blast, leaving some of them dead or severely injured.
I then grin. Using [Flame Boost] will multiply my flame's output by 2, with [Runa de Cresta], it will then additionally multiply by 2, making my flame get 4x buff. But with [Combustion Impact], my flame will be multiplied by 4, with [Runa de Cresta] added, it will received 8x boost. But as I used [Regne de L'mpereur], which will boost my flame output by how much buff I added - 8x - my flame power will greatly enhanced by 16x - 8x8 - making my attacks into a deadly scorching heat.
And as I combine 3 consecutive attacks, with 3 boost from [Combustion Impact], making my attack multiplied by 144x - (4x) +(4x)+(4x) x (12) - which caused the other Boars to be driven in a corner. And with [Overdrive] added, which is a skill that boost my skills into 100%, giving me a full power output, it can't be a surprise why such monsters with an emerald rank was getting conrnered
SQQQQUUUUUEELLL!!
GRUNNNTTTT!!
Some of the Boars that was hit by my blast was now incapable of attacking me, while some of them can still fight, but none of them were courageous enough to attack me, so without waiting them to move, I then dashed forward
(?????? POV)
"... This is interesting"
I spoke, as I watched all the short battle that came outside the broken wall, with the {Wrym} beside me, to be exact, it's a {Earth Horned Wyrm}, a peak emerald rank beast. It has mid-tone golden yellow scale like of a {Dragon}, and 2 horns above its forehead
"....."
Silently staring at the situation, I then ordered the {Wyrm} to use one of its skill to break this unknown individual's rhythm
'I never knew that there was a man like him in this kingdom, so I completely neglected investigating further, what a mistake I made'
Thinking of such, I then stared at the young man who was causing this ruckus. As he was quite far from where I was, I couldn't clearly see his figure as I don't have any vision type skill in my hand.
'Not just I didn't know anything about him, but his also actually a peak emerald rank, or worst, an early diamond rank, a rank which a kingdom shouldn't be able to obtain'
I then snap my finger which made the monster beside me open its wide jaw open.
'An elusive lone adventurer, or a contractual hidden card? Either or both, if this man is here, he can jeopardize the whole plan I just planted'
SHRIIIIIEEEKKKKK!!
A loud shrieking voice then resound as the monster cried a high pitching tone, creating a wave of dangerous pitch, a [False Cry], a skill where it could hacked the enemy or targeted individuals mind. If the person got hit by [False Cry], they will succumb to their worst nightmare, a past they wish to forget, a mistake they wanted to vanish.
'Even how strong you are, there are memories we wish to let go'
(Creeper's POV)
As I dashed forward, trying to cut some of then enemy upfront
SHRIIIIIEEEKKKKK!!
A high pitching noise then came in
"Ugh!"
But as it was a sound attack, I wasn't able to defend myself from it, causing me to groan at the hideous shrieking tone. I then looked towards the front with a frown, as I glared at the {Wrym} with its friend beside it. But as I was about to rushed towards them
'Darling, I'm sorry',
"What!?"
GROOOWWWLLL!!
Bang!
"Gahhhh!"
Momentarily stopping which I unconsciously did, one of the 2 boss Boars then bashed at me with great speed and power, causing me to be sent flying a distance from where I stood. I then rolled a couple of times before stopping, thanks to my [Armure de Flame], that reduce 80% of any blunt, slash, and piercing strike, I was able to withstand such strong bashed. And as I stood up, a suddenly unknown memory then came in, a horrifying memory of someone dear to me.
"I-Isabella.....?"
'Why her!?'
Confused and quite shaken, I then clenched my right hand as I grab my head, trying to remember, trying to...forget, as I saw her being nakedly tied and surrounded by some {Lizard Kobolds}, that was completely naked
'Ughhh!'
GRRROOOOWWWLLLL!!
As I heard a loud growl, I then looked towards my side with a haggard look, and saw a dashing Boar towards me. With how I was taken back to the sudden mind attack, I was completely defenseless as I took the Boars charge head on.
"Bahhhh!"
Rolling again for a couple of meter before stopping, another memory then came in, and this time, it was much terrible than the first, as I saw a lifeless body of a young woman, butchered, soiled, and completely beaten. Her right arm and lefteg was now gone, her cunt was swollen until it gone black with few blood, and seen covering it. Her face was scartched with her left eye gauge out. Her right breast was cut in half, whole her left breast was now gone. And that young woman that was circled by {Lizard Kobold}, tied and with her body slit and cut, was Isabella
GROOOWWWLLL!!
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Rage and agony filled my mind, every reason and sanity I still had was now gone. As I stood up, a raging anger of hatred swilled on me, and scorching flame of regret and annoyance then came in.
BOOOOMMMMM!!
A large wave of flame, much large than the first I unleash then engulfed the boss Boar whole, burning it alive without any remorse and completely charcoaled the giant whole - as I slashed my sword from my right, as I summoned it from my [Rune Sphere]
"Transcend, [Overdrive:Haul]"
I then gaze at the distance , glaring at the worm bastard and its annoying sidekick as I gritted my teeth
"Fucking insects!"
(????? POV)
'Not good'
I stated as I suddenly realized the mistake I just made.
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Tiger is called the "King of the beast" which speaks about power
Dragon in Chinese myth or in Eastern myth (Asia) foretells fortune, wisdom, wealth, happiness, and fertility, just add longetivity
And both tiger and dragon are monarchs of their own kind, their own place. And it also stated that only a tiger can subdue a dragon, while a dragon can subdue a tiger (correct me if I'm wrong) and in Japanese myth, tiger and dragon gives balance and represent heaven and earth, hence the anime title called "T*rad*ra". Lol, love that anime
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