Chapter 43

"Fast...!"

Before Orphe could react, Reibhardt's sword caught his back.

"Orphe...!"

The moment Orphe was cut down, Sphi launched her attack.

She fired slime bullets, but they were all deflected, and she was blown away by the magic Reibhardt released.

"Roar!"

Gorga charged at Reibhardt, shoulder first.

Reibhardt slashed through his hardened body with his longsword.

Damn...!

I forced my aching body to move, kicked off the ground, and approached Reibhardt.

I used my skills simultaneously.

The Dark Knight's enhancement, Shadow Techniques, and all my Assassin and magic skills.

I cast spells while closing the distance, but Reibhardt nullified them with his sword and magic.

I weaved through the chaotic spells and entered Reibhardt's range.

My strike was dodged, and Reibhardt's longsword swung at me.

I narrowly avoided it, activated my Shadow Techniques, and attacked his body.

I rained down shadows, sharpening their tips to attack, but Reibhardt was nowhere to be found.

"Too slow."

Reibhardt's voice came from behind me.

I turned around, and his longsword attacked.

"Lady Crest! This...!"

With a shout, Rivia swung her sword at Reibhardt.

Reibhardt blocked Rivia's strike with one hand, and I received the blow of his sword.

Fresh blood spurted out, and with a burning pain, I fell to the ground on my back.

Rivia tried to call out to me but was struck by the hilt of Reibhardt's sword.

Rivia lost consciousness from the blow and was carried away by Reibhardt.

"Release... Rivia...!"

I felt the pain.

But I couldn't lose consciousness here...!

There was still a way to enhance myself.

Just as I was about to take the enhancement magic stone given by Maarnas, Reibhardt's body overflowed with magic.

Could he be planning to release the same sweeping magic again...!

I hastily cast the Black Shield, but it was too late.

A black sphere was released from Reibhardt, and it exploded, engulfing us.

The shockwave blew me away, and I rolled on the ground.

In the fading consciousness, I heard Reibhardt's voice.

"Those who have survived in the lower world may change their minds. I will wait for you in the upper world."

I tried to get up, but my body wouldn't move.

My body was enveloped in a gentle light.

When I opened my eyes, reacting to the light like the sun, Elise's face came into view.

It seemed I was on my bed in my room.

Elise, who had been looking at me with tears in her eyes, hugged me tightly when our eyes met.

"Crest! You're awake!?"

"...Elise. Um, I think—"

I spoke to confirm what had happened before I lost consciousness.

Reibhardt and his group attacked, and we were helpless, and Rivia was taken away, right?

"Rivia was taken away, right?"

I asked for confirmation.

Elise, perhaps intimidated, looked at me in surprise for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"...Yes. She was taken away by that man, Reibhardt."

"...I see."

That was enough to hear.

Thanks to Elise's healing magic, my wounds seemed to be completely healed, and I had no trouble moving.

With this, I could chase after Reibhardt and rescue Rivia.

As I stood up from the bed, Orphe, who had been watching from the entrance, turned to face me.

"Crest, are you going to rescue Rivia?"

"Yeah. Sorry, but I have to leave this base for a while."

"...Are you going alone?"

"The others are not involved."

Rivia being taken away was partly due to my lack of strength.

Besides, while the goblins might, I doubt the other races would go to such lengths to help.

As I thought this, Orphe grabbed my shoulder.

"Crest, calm down. Rivia being taken away isn't your fault alone."

"Maybe, but still... I can't involve everyone."

"That's not true. Everyone is preparing to help. They are even planning to go to the upper world."

I was surprised by Orphe's words.

"I've talked to everyone. I asked for their cooperation to bring Rivia back. They all agreed willingly. They want to fight for Crest too."

"...I see. But—"

I recalled Reibhardt's power.

To be honest, I'm not sure if I can win in a direct confrontation.

And taking everyone with me would likely result in casualties.

"The power gap with Reibhardt is clear. The outcome would be the same if we challenge him now, right?"

When he said it so clearly, I understood but shook my head.

"...Maybe, but I haven't used the enhancement magic stone yet. Elise's support magic is also an option. There should still be a chance."

"You can't send them off without being certain. You are our precious leader. We want you to come back alive."

Looking into Orphe's serious eyes, I nodded slightly.

...I understand.

I can't engage in a reckless battle.

New series. ↓ Please read from the link below!

While helping with my sister's dungeon distribution, I accidentally went on a rampage against an S-rank monster and ended up going viral.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9783ig/

The Dark Knight who time-looped uses future knowledge to go on a rampage—From the bottom, I rise to the top after being exiled as an unfortunate job.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9795ig/