Chapter 65

"Your level has increased. Please allocate your status points."

"The skill level of 《Sword》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《Automatic MP Recovery》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《Automatic HP Recovery》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《Sword of Life》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《Life Force Manipulation》 has increased."

"The level of the tamed monster 《Lumina》 has increased."

Since then, after fighting the monkeys and bees twice each, Lumina’s level has risen again. Although there were breaks in between, it is clear that the efficiency has improved. Indeed, adding Shepherd to our party was the right decision. Although he is not as accustomed to consecutive battles as we are and needed some rest, the break time is quite appreciated as I want to train Lumina during the level-ups. For Shepherd, it is also a good time to focus on recovering Sylph’s MP, which he needs to concentrate on raising.

“Well… after this break, let’s head deeper.”

“Eh… Teacher, are you going to fight them?”

“Them?”

Fushin, who had been checking on Lumina’s condition, turned to me with a strained face. Shepherd tilted his head at her words, but I smiled and replied to Fushin.

“There shouldn’t be any problem. We’ve confirmed our coordination, and we’re definitely in better shape than before. Now, we should be able to fight them sufficiently.”

“Yes… Well, that might be true, but are you really going to defeat them this time? Can you really do it?”

“What, if it’s tough, we’ll just do the same as before.”

“Um… This is a rather eerie conversation, but what are you planning to fight?”

Shepherd, who had heard our story of a tough battle, asked with a wary look. I chuckled at his expression. I can understand his concern, but I have no intention of repeating the boring battles over and over. Besides, our previous battle was almost a retreat. If we don’t have any new strategies, it would be a waste not to try.

This time, let’s show them—those ants—what we’re made of.

“The enemies are a swarm of ants. They will come at us in large numbers, just like the others we’ve faced before.”

“Ah… ants, huh. You couldn’t defeat them before?”

“Reluctantly, no. They are just too numerous. We fought while retreating and managed to finish them off somehow.”

“… Can you really defeat them this time?”

“We won’t lose. At least, we didn’t die when we fought them with three people. But, it wasn’t a victory.”

At least, if we use the same strategy as before, the risk of dying is low. Unlike the first time, we have knowledge about them. It will definitely be easier compared to before. The strength of the ants—Legion Ants—lies in their numbers. Their overwhelming quantity is their weapon, far more than the monkeys or bees. We retreated because we simply couldn’t handle their numbers. With three of us, it was impossible to deal with them all. But now, it’s different. We have twice as many party members, and Shepherd can use 《Cursed Song》 to slow them down. Just slowing their advance will give us more options. There are plenty of ways to handle this.

“We need to consider the party composition… You shouldn’t go in as a front-liner.”

“Why not? If we lost because of numbers, it means we didn’t have enough hands.”

“There won’t be much difference if the front-liners increase from three to four. If you go in, it should be to protect you. A poor front-liner will be swarmed by ants and eliminated quickly.”

Even if their movement is slowed, their numbers haven’t decreased. If multiple ants attach to you, consider it impossible to escape. Considering this, bears with poor mobility or lions with weak defenses are not suitable. The best option would be a tamed monster with long-range area-of-effect attacks, but the fairy is still too inexperienced. Sylph doesn’t have enough MP to endure a long battle, so it’s difficult to use her in combat.

“Well, Fushin and I will handle the front. Lumina… now, it might be okay to take some hits. Ideally, we want to rely on her magic for elimination.”

“That’s quite a serious strategy… Are they really that dangerous?”

“They’re just common enemies individually, but their numbers are overwhelming… However, there are ways to handle them.”

“And my 《Cursed Song》 is necessary?”

“That’s right. It’s not much different from what we did before.”

We’ll have Shepherd use 《Cursed Song》 to slow the ants. Considering the effect it had on the monkeys and bees, this should allow us to eliminate the ants without retreating. What lies in the area we had to retreat from before? Curiosity and the desire to fight them are both part of it.

“Fushin, we’re about to set off. How are you feeling?”

“I’m in good shape. I’ve improved steadily. Well, it’s still too early to use in actual combat.”

“Hmm… Well, that’s good enough for now. Alright, let’s start moving.”

The ants’ habitat is not far from the checkpoint. It won’t take long to get there. With Shepherd, who seems determined, we set off towards the ants’ habitat.

“Lumina’s level is just three away… After that, we’ll head back to the capital.”

“It seems we can make it in time. I thought the weapons would wear out first.”

“You waste a lot in battle. My sword still has half its durability left.”

“Rather, how do you have so much left after such reckless fighting… You’ve killed 1.5 times more than I have?”

I shrugged at Fushin’s sigh. The reason is obvious. Simply, I have more resources. Before I could reply, Shepherd spoke up, seemingly understanding.

“Quon often uses physical attacks. That’s probably why, right?”

“Oh… right, with your fighting style, you can handle these enemies.”

“That’s right. Well, you haven’t learned many highly aggressive techniques yet. The difference is natural.”

The techniques I teach Fushin are mostly supportive. He has less strength and weight than me, so his striking power is lower. Therefore, I’ve taught him more supportive techniques. Although there is a risk of short reach, these techniques are versatile and effective in various situations. I should teach Fushin a few more techniques. Many students underestimate them, but in the end, they are the most reliable.

“Well, I have a spare sword… We can discuss that later.”

“Of course, I’ll teach you various things. But for now—”

I drew my sword and sharpened my focus. We are just at the edge of the ants’ territory, and I want to take the initiative as much as possible. However, they are difficult to detect. If we don’t concentrate, we might be ambushed. We spread out and searched for their presence—sensing the countless ants in the depths of the forest. There is still some distance, but we don’t have much time.

“Shepherd, are you ready to switch?”

“Yes, Sylph will switch with Chico. She will provide wind magic support.”

“Hmm, Aero Falcon… Can you push them back with a gust of wind?”

“That should be no problem. Should I give the order?”

“Yes, tell her to blow them away when they get close.”

Forcing them to keep their distance is very convenient, especially against these ants. The effect is unknown until we try, but it’s better than running out of energy halfway.

“Alright, Fushin and I will be the front-liners. Lumina will follow behind and take out any that break through. Shepherd and the others will provide support from the back.”

“Understood.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Got it.”

With clear responses, the formation was set. This time, it’s not a formation for retreat but to hold back the incoming enemies. With this, we will finally eliminate those ants. With this resolve, I gave the orders to my companions.

“Start casting your spells and move forward.”

Fushin and Lumina nodded and began their spell preparations. I also started casting 《Enhancement Magic》, knowing the timing. I moved forward, and the moment the ants reacted, I gave the immediate command.

“Fire!”

The two spells cast by Fushin and Lumina exploded on the flanks of the approaching ants. With their levels increased, the spells are more powerful. The ants within the effect range were obliterated. However, the ants showed no sign of panic, even as their companions were eliminated. The black wave of ants continued to surge forward, despite the sides being blown away. But—

“《Cursed Song》—【Ballad】”

As the ants approached, Shepherd’s performance echoed. Instantly, the ants’ steps became disoriented. Some of the ants, which were supposed to move in unison, began to wander around. As a result, their formation broke, and their advance slowed. The effect was as expected—no, even better. Bringing Shepherd along was indeed the right decision.

“Alright… Move forward, let’s go.”

“Yes!”

With 《Iron Edge》 and 《Iron Skin》 activated, we moved forward. This time, we will attack the ants who previously forced us to retreat. However, we must be careful not to be surrounded.

“The sides are up to you, Lumina! Fushin, go!”

“Understood… Second shot, 【Flame Burst】!”

Fushin’s second spell exploded in the center of the disoriented ants. Amid the rising flames, Fushin and I charged in, swinging our blades. We crushed the ants caught in the flames with our steps and cleaved through two ants with our blades, sending sparks flying. The ants’ carapaces are somewhat hard, but not unbreakable.

“Well… This time, it’s our turn. Let’s give it our all.”

In the rear, light arrows flashed, and a gust of wind roared. Sensing this, I smiled at the ants approaching with cold intent.

—My mouth twisted with the thrill of battle.

■Avatar Name: Quon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 24

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 22

VIT: 18

INT: 22

MND: 18

AGI: 13

DEX: 13

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.24》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.15》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.16》

《Automatic MP Recovery: Lv.13》

《Seizer’s Sword: Lv.13》

《Identification: Lv.14》

《Sword of Life: Lv.15》

《Sword of Demon Slaying: Lv.5》

《Tame: Lv.10》

《Automatic HP Recovery: Lv.10》

《Life Force Manipulation: Lv.6》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.1》

Title Skill: 《Fairy’s Blessing》

■Current SP: 24

■Avatar Name: Fushin

■Gender: Female

■Race: Human

■Level: 25

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 24

VIT: 16

INT: 21

MND: 18

AGI: 15

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.25》

Magic Skill: 《Fire Magic: Lv.20》

Set Skill: 《Fighting Spirit: Lv.17》

《Spell Charge: Lv.14》

《Fire Attribute Enhancement: Lv.15》

《Healing Proficiency: Lv.9》

《Identification: Lv.14》

《Dead Point Strike: Lv.15》

《Martial Arts: Lv.15》

《Combat Skills: Lv.15》

《Endurance: Lv.14》

Sub Skill: 《Gathering: Lv.7》

《Mining: Lv.4》

Title Skill: 《Crimson Sword Maiden》

■Current SP: 26

■Monster Name: Lumina

■Gender: Female

■Race: Sprite

■Level: 13

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 20

VIT: 13

INT: 30

MND: 19

AGI: 17

DEX: 16

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword》

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《Major Magic Resistance》

《Minor Physical Resistance》

《Automatic Major MP Recovery》

《Wind Magic》

Title Skill: 《Servant of the Spirit King》