Chapter 14

"Thank you for waiting!

I'll keep updating today ('ω')!

I hope you enjoy it today as well.

(Here it comes…!)

As soon as she sensed its presence, she switched 'Gopro-kun' to 'live streaming' mode.

As if waiting for that moment, it slowly appeared.

As expected, but I hoped it wouldn't be this way.

Moreover, the opponent was completely unexpected.

The beast that appeared was a creature with a large, bear-like body and muscular limbs, its front claws sharp like large knives, capable of slicing through leather armor with a single swipe.

Its head resembled a horse, but its mouth was filled with jagged, gleaming fangs, clearly indicating it was not a herbivore.

"Grrrr…"

Shaking its black, long mane that reached halfway down its back, it stared at us with horizontally slit, goat-like eyes.

It was being cautious, carefully looking for an opening. This indicated it was quite intelligent.

"It's a Zalnag…!"

Truly, a beast among beasts.

Encountering a wild Zalnag near a city like this is not just unlikely, but almost impossible in my opinion.

I had only expected to see something like an owl bear or a killer leopard. This is bad.

If it were a guild bounty, it would be a B-rank difficulty.

We, the 'Clover,' are completely outmatched.

"Yuk, what about this one?"

"It's a Zalnag! Normally found in the northern wilderness or deep in dungeons, and to be honest, it's quite strong! We might not stand a chance!"

I've only fought a Zalnag twice.

Once, deep in a dungeon during my 'Thunderpike' days.

Even with a party of five, including three A-rank members, it was a tough fight. For a new party, it's way too much to handle.

"Got it? I'll hold it off, so retreat immediately. The situation should be streaming to the guild… they can issue an emergency bounty!"

"What about you, sir!?"

"I said I'll hold it off! Silk, you're the acting leader from here on. Prioritize the safety of the members!"

I drew my short sword and faced the Zalnag, locking eyes with it.

It probably fought and was repelled by adventurers somewhere. It shows a slightly wary attitude towards us.

In other words, it understands that picking us off one by one is effective.

The best choice would be for me, the one with the most combat experience, to stay behind.

"No way."

Marina stood next to me, her red hair fluttering.

"Marina, stop…!"

"I can hold it off. If I can cut off its head in the meantime, we win. I'm good at that kind of thing!"

Marina drew her bastard sword and held it with both hands.

Behind her, Silk and Rain were already casting their spells.

"I'll use the strongest one to kill it…!"

"I can hold it off in the forest too. Sir, let's finish it."

None of them are listening!

This could end in more than just injuries!

"You guys! It's dangerous! That thing is dangerous!"

"You're in danger too, Yuk."

Marina exhaled deeply, and I could feel the intense, crackling aura she was emitting.

Her concentration is commendable, but I wish she would run.

…But it seems we're out of time.

"Grrrr!!"

"Ugh!"

The Zalnag, which had crouched, leaped forward at high speed.

Reacting to this, Marina twisted her body and swung her long sword horizontally to intercept it… but the difference in weight and strength was too great.

Though she avoided a direct hit, she was knocked back and lost her balance.

"Ugh!"

"Marina!"

The beast aimed its snout at Marina, ready to attack.

However, vines suddenly sprouted from the ground, hindering its movement.

"I called for the aid of the tree spirits!"

The Zalnag, tearing through the vines, forcefully closed the distance.

But the brief moment of restraint gave me the opening I needed.

"Rozaj folioj, hurlantaj nigraj hundoj, la maro glutanta la sunsubiron, blanka miksaĵo kun nigro, stagno kun helaj koloroj!"

I chanted, constructing the spell.

Even as a red mage, I need to chant for this.

It's just the way it is… no, it's the only way it can be.

I don't usually show this in my streams, but in this situation, there's no time for hesitation.

"–〈Distorted Light Arrow〉!"

A seven-colored light projectile shot from my fingertips, striking the Zalnag like an arrow.

It didn't pierce or explode; it didn't even cause an impact. It simply vanished as if being absorbed. The effect soon became apparent.

The Zalnag, just about to attack Marina, gradually slowed down and eventually stopped, as if walking in place.

"What… what happened…!?"

Marina, who had been on guard, looked surprised.

Probably, only I, the caster, understand what happened to the Zalnag.

And I can't afford to miss this opportunity.

"Rain!"

"Got it!"

Responding to my signal, Rain brought down her staff.

The clear sky suddenly darkened, and immediately after, a purple lightning bolt struck the Zalnag from the heavens.

The thunderclap and shockwave hit the beast.

"GAHHHHHH!"

The Zalnag roared.

Despite taking both my 〈Distorted Light Arrow〉 and Rain's lightning spell, it didn't die…!

It's incredibly tough.

But now, I can do it…!

"Go, Marina! Cut off its head!"

I imbued Marina's bastard sword with 〈Killer Sword〉.

A single strike, but with the power of a holy sword, it's the highest-ranked enchantment spell I can use.

"Leave it to me…!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Marina, with the 〈Sword of Magic〉 effect on her sword, leaped forward and delivered a fluid, single strike.

The beautiful, swift blow cut through the air with a sharp whistling sound.

In the next instant, the vicious horse-like head, severed, fell to the ground with a thud.

How was that? ('ω')

It's been a while since I wrote a battle scene, so it might have been a bit too intense!

If you enjoyed it and want to read more, please change the ☆☆☆☆☆ below to ★★★★★ to support me. It would be a great encouragement!

Thank you very much!