Chapter 53

Thanks to Leord's efforts, the number of monsters had drastically decreased. The monsters that had been appearing one after another were now down to a countable few.

However, the surviving monsters were all formidable, and Leord was struggling with them.

"Damn... A High Orc and a Red Goblin."

The two higher-level monsters were cornering Leord. Although his magic power was still intact, his physical strength was nearly depleted, and he was lacking in vigor.

(Fuck!

I've reduced their numbers so much, but the remaining ones are all higher-level. This is ridiculous!

I'm already exhausted as it is!

If I could just sweep them away with magic, but I'm worried about the magic power that's being detected by the exploration spell.)

While fighting the monsters, Leord calmly analyzed the battlefield. He was also using the exploration spell to track the movements of the monsters with one hand. The number of magic powers Leord was currently sensing numbered in the hundreds. Although they were moving, they were not heading towards Zeato, so he could leave them alone, but he wanted to eliminate any uncertain factors.

However, casting a large-scale spell would consume a massive amount of magic power. Even though he shared it with many knights, he couldn't afford to be reckless. Magic power was, after all, Leord's lifeline.

"Annoying!!!"

Leord lashed out at the Red Goblin, which had been toying with him with its quick movements. He created a small pit under the Red Goblin's feet, causing it to lose its balance, and then attacked it in one swift motion. The Red Goblin, known for its quick movements and proficiency in close combat, was a troublesome monster. However, it couldn't withstand Leord's sword, which was reinforced with physical strength.

While Leord was focused on the Red Goblin, the High Orc charged. It swung its club at Leord.

Leord, who was focused on the Red Goblin, didn't notice the High Orc's club and was crushed by it.

"Boo?"

However, the High Orc felt no resistance and lifted its club to find nothing there.

"Did you think I wouldn't notice? Fool!"

Leord had moved behind the High Orc and slashed its neck. He glanced at the High Orc's head rolling on the ground and sighed at the monsters still eyeing him.

"Phew... No time to rest."

Muttering to himself, Leord attacked the monsters surrounding him. He cut them down with his sword and pierced them with magic. It was a simple but highly efficient method.

Still, the number of enemies was still large. Fortunately, the number of new arrivals was decreasing. At this rate, he might be able to finish them off by the end of the day.

However, something shattered Leord's faint hope.

"Huh? The magic reactions are decreasing?"

The magic reactions he had been sensing with the exploration spell suddenly vanished. Leord, puzzled, cleared the surrounding monsters and focused on the exploration spell.

(There's a magic reaction that wasn't there before. It's huge...

Oh... More have disappeared. Is this huge magic reaction the cause... friend or foe?)

Realizing that an uncertain element had emerged, Leord considered rejoining Gilbert when a massive magic reaction approached him at high speed.

"What!?"

Leord turned to the source of the massive magic reaction and saw a huge shadow breaking through the trees.

Leord slowly looked up and saw—

"A Basilisk!?"

He quickly averted his eyes as beads of sweat poured down his face.

(No way, no way, no way!!!

Why is a Basilisk here!?

No, that doesn't matter.

The question is whether I can defeat it...)

Leord was anxious about the Basilisk's combat power. It had the strength to easily dispatch a General Ogre, and its fangs carried a powerful poison. Moreover, it had a petrifying gaze that could turn anyone who met its eyes to stone.

In the game, the Basilisk served as a mid-boss in an event where Siegfried, upon hearing that people had been turned to stone, went to slay it.

Its strength was as described, and it was too much for the current Leord. There was no way he could win. That's why Leord was so anxious. He was already exhausted, and now a powerful monster like the Basilisk had appeared. Anyone would be anxious.

(The best course of action is to retreat and join up with Gil...

But it's tough to run from a Basilisk with my back turned. If I meet its gaze, I'll turn to stone... What should I do!)

Leord observed the Basilisk without meeting its eyes and slowly backed away. At that moment, the Basilisk, perhaps affected by the Monster Panic, swallowed a monster that was trying to attack Leord.

Seeing the Basilisk engrossed in its meal, Leord judged it a good opportunity and ran.

However, the Basilisk pursued the fleeing Leord. Leord's heart sank as he sensed it approaching from behind, but he soon felt relieved.

"A Basilisk is rare. I won't let it touch the young master."

Gilbert leaped over Leord and delivered a flying kick to the Basilisk. The impact was so powerful that the Basilisk, which was many times larger than Gilbert, was sent flying, knocking down trees as it went.

"Hmm..."

Gilbert let out a sigh, disappointed that he couldn't finish it with one blow.

"Getting old is not a good thing."

With a sigh, Gilbert shrugged his shoulders.