Orcus Dungeon.
This was a large labyrinth that consisted of 100 levels. As one of the 8 Great Dungeons, the lower you go, the stronger the monsters become. Still, this dungeon was a very popular place for mercenaries and adventurers. This place was also a great training ground for recruits. This is because it was easy to measure the strength of the monsters by the dungeon level. The monsters also have better quality magic stone than the monsters in the wilderness.
The magic stone is the core of a monster and it is this that provides them with powers. The bigger and better quality the stone, the stronger the monster is. These stones are what is used as raw materials to make magic formulas. The magic formation can be drawn to cast the spell, but they can also be drawn with the powder made from the magic stone. Using non-magic stone materials to make the magic circle diminishes the power by 1/3.
In brief, it was better to use the magic stone to power spells because it was more effective. In addition, a magic stone is used to make magic tools that is used in everyday life. There is a very high demand for these magic stones. Both the military and civilians needed it.
By the way, strong monsters with high quality magic stone can use special magic. Special Magic does not use magical chants or circles to perform that magic. The monsters cannot use a large variety of magic, but they do not require the incantation or circle. This special magic is the reason why monsters are dangerous.
The students and knights led by Meld arrived at the town, Horlad, that adventurers stayed at before they headed into the Dungeon. They used at an inn that was managed by the Kingdom, where recruits in training stayed at. Hajime, who had not seen a normal room in a long time, dived into the bed. All the rooms were designed for two people but only Hajime got a room to himself. He could be carefree here. He wasn't lonely by himself.
Tomorrow was the day they would challenge the dungeon. This time, they would only challenge the first 10 levels. If it is only that, even someone as weak as Hajime should be fine in behind cover. Still Hajime wanted to apologize for being a burden. Rather, he was glad to be out of the city… Hajime could not read the atmosphere.
For a while, Hajime read the monster reference book he got from the library. It was still early but he decided to sleep earlier. Hajime had already perfected his sleeping skill in his school life. When he was about to doze off, he heard someone knock on his door. Even if it was still early for Hajime who was used to all nighters in Japan, it was about midnight for Tortus. Wha, was it Hiyama? Hajime was a little worried. However, when he heard the voice, he relaxed.
"Nagumo-kun, are you still awake? It's me, Shirasaki. Can I bother you for a moment?"
For a moment he froze, but after he hurried to the door. He removed the lock and opened the door. Kaori was standing there with a snow-white negligee on.
"Speak."
"No, I just wanted to talk to you. I wonder if I'm bothering you?" Kaori asked nervously.
"We can just talk here and yes you are bothering my quite life all the time which I don't know why?" I said directly to her face to face
There was tear in hers eyes, Which I didn't even feel a single pity.
"H-How can you say that to me." Kaori said while making a face like crying.
"You have ruined my life, Why can't I just say what I want, If you really want my best please I am begging you don't show your face once again in my life, It's like a curse when you concerned about me. If you want to show concern show that to the once who needs it. In my life you're just like a curse I don't know you do it knowingly or Unknowingly but For your pity I have a very hard life. I thank you for that which helps me understand the human nature thoroughly. And if you have something to talk about just say it I don't have time." I said this now I feel light for the first time.
"I-I am s-sorry." Kaori said at this time she cried loudly.
"I'm also sorry, for saying that but you need to know Just because of your pity or concern for me I got beaten badly today.So, I think if you are more distance towards me it will be much better. But anyway thanks for the care, beating, ridiculed and others things you gave me Goodnight." I said to her and closed the door kaori also get to her room while crying.
Nobody noticed the person that was staring as Kaori left crying. The person just had an ugly distorted expression on their face.
Currently, Hajime and party is gathered around the square just in front of the Orcus Dungeon entrance.
For Hajime, he imagined a dark gloomy entrance, but the entrance looked like the entrance to a museum, heck it even had a reception desk for the entrance. There was a smiling Onee-san in uniform that was checking people who entered and left the dungeon. Apparently, this was the place people checked in with their Status Plate. Using those figures, they could record who perished in the dungeon. With the war nearing, they did not want too many casualties.
In the square near the entrance, there were many stalls there lined up. The shops were competing against each other. It was like a festival. This place was a popular area to earn a good income because people naturally gathered here. The superficial levels of the Dungeon was popular. There were many people who wanted to challenge the Dungeon, some took it seriously while others just fooled around with their lives. There seemed to be a lot of criminal activity in the back alley near the Dungeon. The country, with help from the adventurer guild, have establish operations and facilities to limit the crimes because of the pending war. This was very useful because you can buy and sell material here, and it was close to the Dungeon.
While the class was looking around like some bumpkins, they followed the duck-like mount behind Meld.
The inside of the Dungeon was totally different to the bustling of the outside. There is not much ambient light, but in front was a passage that emitted light. The passage was about 5 m high and wide, it was possible to see to some extent even without any magical light or torches. Special green stones, that were buried in the walls, emitted light to brighten the dungeon. Orcus Dungeon seemed like it had a huge vein of these green stones.
The party organized into rank and progressed forward. For a while, nothing of interest happened till they advanced into a hall. The hall was dome shaped and the ceiling looked to be around 7-8 m high. Gray fluffy balls gushed out from the cervices of the wall.
"Okay, Kouki and group step forward. Anyone else fall back! We will take shifts for the front-line. Get ready! These monsters are called Ratmen. They are that strong or dangerous, but they are quick. Take it steadily."
Just like he said, the Ratmen jumped at them with speedily. Their scarlet eyes shined eerily between their gray hair. Their name suited them. Ratmen were bipedal and had a muscular upper body, and they had mouse-like features. Only their chest and abdomen, which had an 8 pack, was not covered in hair. It was like they were showing off their abs.
The front-line was comprised of Kouki and his party. When Shizuku, who was at the front, saw the enemy her face stiffen up. The Ratmen gave off a creepy feeling. Kouki, Shizuku, and Ryutaro intercepted the charging Ratmen. Meanwhile, two girls that were close to Kaori started to chant. The girls were Nakamura Eri the meganekko, and Taniguchi Suzu the energetic loli. They prepare to invoke their magic. They stayed in the formation they were taught.
Kouki wielded his white shining bastard sword so quickly that it was hard to see the motions, he quickly made short work of a few enemies. His sword was one of the artifacts that the Kingdom gave to him, the "Holy Sword". The sword had a light attribute. Any enemies caught in the light, that the sword produces, weakens and it also automatically strengthens its wielder. Even if it is "Holy", it has such "dirty" abilities.
Ryutaro's class was a "Fist Fighter", so he used gauntlets and shin guards as his equipment. These were also artifacts, and they could cause shock-waves. They were also believed to be unbreakable. Ryutaro takes a imposing stance and does not let any enemy pass by him with carefully placed kicks and punches. Though he had no shield, he acted like a heavy armored tank.
Shizuku, who was like a Samurai girl, with her "Swordswoman" class and sword that was like the mixture of a Shamshir and a Katana. Took a battojutsu stance and drew her sword. All the enemies were cut in an instant. The draw was so refined, that the knights were dazzled by it.
While the other students were fascinated by Kouki's party's battle, a chant resounded.
"""Swirling Dark Flames, Incinerate My Enemies, Return them to the Earth as Ashes, "Spiral Flame"."""
Three people simultaneously casted it, and three spiraling flames engulfed the Ratmen. The Ratmen gave out a death cry as the flames turned them to ashes.
They noticed that all the Ratmen were wiped out. The other students didn't get a turn. It seemed like that the enemies on the first level were too weak for Kouki's party.
"Yeah, Good Job! Next time you guys try it, don't lower your guard though."
Meld warned not to let up, but he smiled at the prowess the students showed. However, the tension from their first experience at encountering monsters in a dungeon could not be stopped. The students faces broke out into smiles. Meld just shrugged his shoulders at their reactions.
"Although this is a training exercise, don't forget to keep in mind about Magic Stones. Since it's obviously overkill."
At Meld's words the people in Kaori's group that casted the spell blushed.
There were no particular problems from there, they repeated battles in the same manner. Everything was going well in the lower levels. Eventually, they arrived at the 20th floor, which is the mark of a first-class adventurer. The highest level explored was the 65th floor for Orcus Dungeon. This achievement was done by adventurers over 100 years ago. Getting to the 40th level is considered Elite first-class. Those who passed the 20th level was considered first-class. Since all the students were cheats, they easily broke through to the 20th level, even if they did not have much experience.
Traps were the scariest feature of a Dungeon. In some instances, the traps were lethal. There was something called Fair Scope for the lower levels. This is a gadget that detected traps by feeling flow of magic. Because most traps in a dungeon use magic, the Fair Scope can detect more than 80% of traps. The detecting range is somewhat narrow, so experience or information was needed to progress smoothly.
Therefore, they were able to quickly breeze through the floors. This was mainly because of how earnestly the Knights guided them. Meld especially mentioned to them that if they did not know the layout, check for the traps. If they were not sure if traps were around, move with caution.
"All right, you guys. From this point on, not only will there be other types of demons but they will work together to attack us. Do not get careless just because it had been easy so far! After we clear the 20th level, it will be it for today! Get fired up!"
Meld's undertone in his message resounds with everyone. Up to this point, Hajime had not done anything in Particular. Once, he practiced on a monster that the knights had weakened. He created a pitfall for the monster to fall into, and stabbed it with a sword. Until now, he had only defeated one dog-like monster.
No one wanted him in their party. Basically, he just stood behind the cover provided by the knights. It was pretty pathetic. However, by repeatedly using his "Synergy" skill in combat he could improve his magical power. His magical power raised by 2 points, it seemed actual combat was useful.
(Still, I'm totally a parasite player…)
Again, a weakened monster was thrown to Hajime by the Knight that weakened it. When it approached, Hajime transmuted the ground and breathed out a sigh. With it restrained, Hajime swung his sword to strike down the monster.
(Well, it seems like my precision with transmutation has gone up. Let's do our best step-by-step.)
He consumed a magic replenishing pill, as he wiped the sweat of his brow. Hajime had not noticed, but there were some knights that were impressed with him.
The knight did not expect anything from him in the beginning. In battle however he dared to fight against the demons and do not just stand around. Of course, weakened monsters.
For the knights, they thought Hajime would fight using his barely used sword. Hajime choose to use his transmutation to seal their movements. He brought down decisive blows on the monsters with a reliably strategy that the Knights had never seen before. "Synergist" was considered as a crafting class. They had never thought of using the transmutation skill like that in combat.
Since he did not have anything else, Hajime thought about transmuting his weapon. He thought that if he could manipulate minerals, why can't he manipulate the ground? Since he was surrounded by so many strong people, and him just defeating a few, he felt useless. This was his first public exhibition of his tactic. When his impotence was shown in the combat training in the capital, he came up with this tactic.
They stopped for a short rest. Hajime looked forward and met eyes with kaori but hajime calmly looked to the other side but kaori have watery eyes.
Shizuku who had been observing what was going on with a wry smile on her face, she asked in a small voice.
"Kaori, why are you crying for that bastard while looking at each other? You can't be in love with him after what he said to you yesterday."
Kaori just wiped her tears. She refuted Shizuku angrily.
"Shizuku-chan. Don't say such strange things. Nagumo-kun just needs time."
Shizuku knew it that nagumo have been ridiculed because of kaori, but she kept her mouth shut. She didn't want to say anything that might upset her more. Though she couldn't hide the concern in her eyes. Kaori saw that and just sulked at it.
The party searches the 20th level. Each level of the Dungeon was several kilometers in each direction. It would take dozens of people several months to map out an unknown level. 47 levels have been mapped properly, so it was not that easy to get lost. There was not a big worry of getting caught in a trap.
The innermost room of the 20th level had a very complicated geographical feature. The walls were protruding like a stalactite cave and icicles formed around the room. The stairs to the 21st floor was just ahead of this room. If they reached that point, the training would be done for the day. In ancient times they were able to wield transportation type magic, but at the current age such means was impossible. They must head back the old fashion way. The party relaxed slightly, since the walls were protruding they had to advance in a column.
After a bit, Kouki's party and Meld that was in the front stopped. The classmates who were keen, got into their fighting stance.
"They're camouflage!. Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings!"
Meld advised them. The wall suddenly rose and discolored a bit. The body that was camouflaged was now dark brown, and they stood on 2 legs. It raised its chest and started to pound on it like a drum. When they took a good look at it, it was a gorilla-like demon with a camouflage ability.
"Rockmounts! Be careful of their arms, they are strong!"
Meld yelled echoed in the cave-like room. Kouki's party went to engage them. Ryutaro was able to reflect the blow that came from a Rockmount. Kouki and Shizuku try to surround the beast. They could not position themselves because the terrain layout was too obstructive.
When the Rockmount felt that he could not pass by Ryutaro, it withdraw a bit and inhaled a deep breath.
"GuGaGaGaaaaa——!!""
The intense roar vibrated the whole room.
"Gu!?"
"Uwa!?"
"Kya!?"
A shock ran through their bodies, it did not damage them, but it froze them. This was Rockmount's Special Magic "Intimidating Roar". The roar carried the magic that caused the temporary paralysis.
Kouki's vanguard took the roar almost point-blank, this caused them to freeze momentarily. The Rockmount took this gap in defense to attack, it lifted a boulder and threw it at Kaori's rear guard. A stunning shot-put form was executed by it. The rock flew towards Kaori, and the frozen vanguard could not move to stop it.
Kaori and her partners ready the magic wands they had, to intercept the boulder. There was not enough room to dodge it. However, the moment they were going to activate their magic, all of them involuntarily were stunned at the sight before them.
The boulder that was thrown was another Rockmount. Nearing Kaori's group, it did a stunning rotation and expanded its arms. It's appearance was like a Rune Diver. A voice saying "Ka-o-ri-chan~!" could almost be heard. Strangely, its eyes were bloodshot and its breathing was rough. Kaori, Eri, and Susu unintentionally screamed and stopped their magic.
"Hey! What are you doing in a battle"
In a hurry, Meld went to slay the Rockmount that was still in the dive. The girls apologized, but the bad feeling was still there. Their face had paled.
There a person that got mad at such a situation. Our very own mass of justice, Amanokawa Kouki.
"Bastard…You dare treat them like that…I won't forgive you!"
Kouki seemed to have misunderstood why the girls were pale and feeling bad, he thought they were afraid of their impending death. To frighten girls like that! Indescribably, small signs of anger surfaced on Kouki. His "Holy Sword" seemed to shine in response to his feelings.
"Myriad of Soaring Wings, Reach the Heavens, "Soaring Flash""
"Ah, this fool!"
Ignoring Meld's voice, Kouki brandished his sword over his head and swung down in one motion. His chant had made the sword emit an intense light, the slash released the light. Drawing a curve, the light bisected the Rockmount without encountering any resistance. The blade of light continued on until it destroyed the back wall.
Debris lightly fell from the damaged wall. Kouki exhaled and gave the girls a sparkling smile. He had defeated the monster that scared them. It's alright now! About to give credit to his voice, he was approached by a smiling Meld who smack him.
"Ow!?"
"You fool. I understand how you feel, but you shouldn't use such a technique in such a narrow place. If it collapse, what are you going to do?"
At Meld's rebuke, he choked. Kouki tried to apologize. The girls approached him and gave him a strained smile to try to comfort him.
At that moment, the collapsed wall caught Kaori's attention.
"What is that? It's sparkling."
Everyone looked at the wall Kaori was mentioning. There blooming on the wall were minerals that radiated pale light. It was like a crystal covered in indicolite. The girls were enchanted by the beautiful sight of the crystals.
"Oh, that's Grantz Crystal. A one this big in size is rare."
When talking about Grantz Crystal, it was like an ore that was like a jewel. The crystal did not have any special effects, but it's cool and sparkling appearance is popular among the ladyship. Rings, earrings, pendants, and other jewelry have it set into them and it's very well received. The jewel is one of the top 3 chooses for proposal rings.
"Lovely…"
Enchanted, Kaori's cheeks blushed. Hajime and Shizuku were the only ones who noticed this.
"If that's the case, I'll retrieve it!"
The one who announced that and abruptly moved toward it was Hiyama. He approached the wall and quickly reached towards the crystal. Meld panicked at that.
"Kora! Don't just do what you want! We haven't confirmed if it's safe!"
Hiyama pretended not to hear and finally arrived in front of the crystal. Meld chased after Hiyama to stop him. At that moment, one of the knight finished his analysis with the Fair Scope. He paled at the result.
"Commander! It's a trap!"
"Tsu!?"
However their warnings came too late. The moment Hiyama touched the Grantz Crystal, magic started to spread from the crystal. The trap was set for people who became so fascinated with the crystal that they would touch it carelessly. There's a good story about this. It's the way of the world.
In a blink of an eye, the magic circle spread throughout the whole room, and it gradually shined brighter. It was like a replication of the magic that summoned them.
"Withdraw! Get out of this room this instant!"
At Meld's insistence, everyone started to clear the room in a hurry, but they weren't fast enough. When the light filled the room, everyone momentary felt a floating sensation. The students felt the change in atmosphere. They were slammed onto the ground with a thud.
With the increasing pain on his butt caused by the fall, Hajime looked at the surrounding. Same as Hajime, his classmates fell on their backside. Meld, the knights, and Kouki's party quickly stood up and observed their surroundings. Seems like the earlier magic was a transportation type magic. Since such magic was not possible with current magic, it was most likely an ancient magic.
They were all transferred onto a huge bridge made of stone. Approximately it was 100m in length. The ceiling looked to be about 20 m. There was no river passing by underneath the bridge, because of the darkness nothing else could be seen. It felt like there were in an abyss.
The width of the bridge was about 10m, but there were not even handrails. If you slipped there would be nothing to grab onto, and you would fall head-first. The group was right in the middle of the bridge. On both sides of the bridge, they could see a passage that led to a stairway that ascended to the upper level.
When he confirmed it, Meld issued out orders with a grim expression.
"You guys, get up there immediately, go towards the stairs. Hurry!"
Quickly the students moved. However, a trap in a dungeon was not going to be so easy, the retreat wasn't that easy. Monsters emerged from the magic circles that appeared on both sides of the bridge. On one side was a huge monster. The other had a large amount of monsters.
Meld started at the huge demon and just whispered…
"No way…a Behemoth."
On both sides of the bridge, a magical formation that emitted crimson light appeared. The magic circle on the aisle side is close to 10 m. The one on the stairs side is around 1 m, but the numbers are numerous.
From the smaller countless magic circles came monsters that were sword-toting skeletons, these were called "Traum Soldier". Their eyes were the same color as the magic circle, it sparkled and shine while they looked around. 100 Traum Soldier have already been summoned and yet the numbers were still increasing.
Even though there were so many skeleton Soldiers on this side, the other side's monster was what caused Hajime's danger sense to go haywire. From the 10 m magical circle, a quad pedal demon 10 m long with some sort of helmet on its head, spawned from it. If compared to any animal Hajime knew of, the closest would be a Triceratops. However, it's eyes shone crimson, while percussing it's sharp claws and fangs, flames gathered around the horns on its helmet.
Meld just whispered out "Behemoth". At that moment, the Behemoth took a deep breath and let out a deafening roar.
"Gurua~a~a~aaaaa!!"
"Tsu!?"
The roar caused Meld's senses to return, he quickly started to issue commands to everyone.
"Alan! Lead the students to the stair and break through those Traum Soldiers! Kyle, Ivan, Gale! I need you guys to extend the best barriers you can! Stop it! Kouki, hurry and get to the stairs!"
"Wait a moment, Meld-san! We'll help! That dinosaur-like monster is the most dangerous!? We'll…"
"Fool! That's a real Behemoth, at your current strength it's impossible! It's a 65th level demon. Once a long time ago, the "Strongest" known adventurer battled it and were unable to defeat it. Hurry up and go! I can't let you guys die!"
Even Meld's expression faltered for a moment at the daunting monster in front of him. "I can't just abandon you guys!" was Kouki's response as he stood his ground. At the moment when Meld tried to reason with Kouki to retreat, the Behemoth roared and started to charge at them. At this rate, the students who were retreating would get trampled to death.
To prevent it, the strongest of Haihiri's military spawned multiple full powered barriers.
"""Repel all Malice and Enmity, Absolute Providence from the Son of God, Herein a Sanctuary, You Shall Not Pass, "Absolute Virtue""""
The magical formula for this spell was engraved in the highest quality paper 2 m wide. The incantation having 4 phrases to activate it. 3 of the Warrior's casted it simultaneously. A barrier manifested that could stop anything for 1 minute. The hemispherical barrier shined pure-white as it stop the Behemoth's charge.
The moment the Behemoth clashed with the barrier, a shockwave erupted from between them. The whole bridge shook at the shockwave, and everything around the Behemoth's feet were pulverized. The retreating students scream and tumbled at the artificial quake.
Traum Soldier were monsters that showed up on the 38th level. They were heads above anything they encountered so far. The students panicked as they were sandwiched by a monstrous demon in the back and an eerie army of skeletons in the front.
They advanced reckless, without giving care to keeping rank, and aimed for the stairs. Alan, tried to calm them down desperately, no one listed because of the imminent terror. One of the school girls was pushed from behind and fell down. She groaned as she lifted her head to see before her a Traum soldier brandishing it's sword.
"Ah."
The soldier swung it's sword down towards her.
She thought she was going to die at that moment, but suddenly the Traum Solider feet were up heaved. Losing its balance the trajectory of the blade missed the girl and struck the ground instead. Furthermore, the upheaval continued like a wave towards the end of the bridge, tripping up many Traum Soldiers along the way. This caused some of the Soldiers to fall into the abyss.
2m off of the edge of the bridge in a crouched position was Hajime as he exhaled heavily. He was continuously transmuting the ground. Like a ground slide, the monsters on the bridge were guided off into the abyss. Unaware, his proficiency in transmuting got better because he constantly used it. The range of his transmuting also seemed to have increased.
While drinking a mana potion, Hajime quickly approached the girl that fell down. He helped the girl up. Hajime spoke to the still stunned girl with a smile.
"Hurry Forward. It's alright, if you calm down these skeletons are nothing. Because except for me, everyone else is a cheat!"
Hajime pat her on the back with full confidence, the next moment she uttered a quick energetic "Thank you".
Hajime had ruined the surrounding Traum Soldiers' footing and had them detained, he took that moment to survey the battlefield. Everyone was in such a panic that they were fighting without any thought and looked so sloppy. At this rate, it was highly likely that someone would die. Alan is still trying to organize them, but it is not going well. More reinforcements came for the Traum Soldiers through the new magic circles.
"We need a strong leader to guide us, Amanokawa-kun!"
Hajime started to sprint towards Kouki's party.
Behemoth was still repeatedly charging the barrier. A powerful shock-wave was produced everything it collided with the barrier, the bridge groaned at the pressure. There were already cracks in the barrier and it was only a matter of time before it gave. Meld had joined in the reinforcement of the barrier but it was like adding a drop into a bucket.
"Ah, Crap! It won't hold for much longer! Kouki, hurry and retreat! You guys go too!"
"No! I will not abandon you guys! We will all survive this!"
"Kouki, to be so egotistical at this moment…"
Meld just displayed a sour face at their conversation. In such a narrow space, it would be very difficult to avoid the Behemoth's rush. Therefore, the best option was to withdraw because without the barrier they would be trampled. Such a subtle perception of the situation could only come with experience, it was highly unlike for Kouki and his party to have such an insight.
Meld was urging than to withdraw, but with a heavily summarized explanation on why. Kouki did not take his advise and refused to "abandon" them. Also from the look in Kouki's eyes he wanted to challenge the Behemoth.
It could be attributed to his adolescent mind. He was overestimating himself, because he had so much praise showered onto him.
"Kouki! Listen to what Meld is saying and retreat!"
Shizuku, who understood the situation, grabbed Kouki's arm in remonstration.
"This is not the first time Kouki is unreasonable! I'll back you up!"
"Thanks, Ryutaro!"
Ryutaro's statement just fueled Kouki's attitude even more. Shizuku clicked her tongue at that.
"Don't get intoxicated with the situation! Bakamono!"
"Shizuku-chan"
Kaori is worried for the irritated Shizuku.
A boy jumped out in front of Kouki.
"Amanokawa-kun"
"Na-Nagumo!?"
"Nagumo-kun!?"
Everyone was surprised by how serious Hajime was.
"Hurry and retreat! You have to help everyone!"
"Why so sudden? What are you even doing in a place like this? This is not a place you should be at! Just leave this to us, Nagumo…"
"Is this the situation to say such a thing?"
Hajime showed such unexpected force in his words that Kouki stopped his rebuke. Until now, they had never heard Hajime use such a harsh tone. He had always presented himself with a smile and now seeing such an image was shocking.
"Can you not see what is going on? Everyone is in a panic, because their leader is missing!"
Hajime pointed towards the students while one hand grabbed onto Kouki's chest. In the direction he pointed at, there was his confused classmates being surrounded by Traum Soldiers. The training that was drilled into them was nowhere to be seen, they fought willy nilly. Since they were so inefficient they were being overwhelmed by the reinforcements. Although their high stats were protecting them for now, soon it would not matter.
"We need a blow that can break through them! A power to erase the fear in everyone's hearts! And it's you who has such a power! Don't just look in front of you, look at what's going on behind you too!"
Stunned at seeing his classmates in chaos, the shaking Kouki nodded his head.
"I understand! I'll go immediately. Sorry, Meld-san!
"Go!"
The moment Meld looked back at Kouki's agreement to retreat, the barrier finally fell to the Behemoth's onslaught. The raging shock-wave caused by the destruction of the barrier, was shooting straight for Hajime and the others. Hajime quickly stepped forward and transmuted a wall, but it was easily brushed aside. It seemed he had weakened it. Dust whirled as the Behemoth bellowed out a roar.
On the ground was Meld and three of his knights groaning. Their body seemed to have taken damage from the shock-wave, they were unable to move. Kouki and his party had fallen over, but quickly they recovered. Hajime's wall had been useful for those behind Meld.
"Ryutaro, Shizuku can you buy me some time?"
Though they were in some pain, the two of them pressed forward at Kouki's request. Since Meld had been disabled, it was up to them to do something.
"I'll do what I can!"
"Somehow, I'll do it!"
Both of them rushed the Behemoth.
"Kaori, start healing Meld and his men."
"Okay."
Kaori quickly went to work. Hajime was already beside Meld. He quickly created a stone wall to prevent the affects of battle from reaching them. Although it seemed useless when looking at the battle, it was better than nothing.
Kouki at the moment had been gathering himself and chanting to perform his best skill.
"Divine will! Perish all evils with your light! The breath of God! Blow away the ominous clouds and purify this world! The mercy of God! Forgive all sins with this strike! "Heaven's Might"!"
An aurora gushed out from the "Holy Sword" after the chant. The skill was similar to the "Soaring Flash", but it's power was on a completely different level. It paved a gouge in the bridge as it shot towards the Behemoth, shaking the bridge with its might. After the chant, Ryutaro and Shizuku had already cleared out. However, after fighting the Behemoth they were in a tattered state. To suffer such a considerable amount of damage in such a short time.
The bombardment of light hit the Behemoth directly. Light filled the area where the spell had impacted with the demon. An earthquake resounded in the bridge, and cracks spawned all over it.
"If it's this…Ha-a Ha-a"
"Did that do it?"
"I hope so."
Ryutaro and Shizuku returned to Kouki's side. Kouki breathed heavily after using such an enormous amount of magic. That skill earlier, was his trump card. Most of his magic was used to fuel it. Kaori had finished treating the fallen Soldiers and Meld was actively trying to stand up.
When the light and dust settled down…
There it was, an unscathed Behemoth.
The beast sent a death glare at Kouki and growled. It raised its head, there was a high pitch then it's horns started to glow red hot. Magma, that word described perfectly what the Behemoth's helmet looked like.
"Don't just stand there! Move!"
Meld's voice helped the them regain their senses and they started to move. The Behemoth soon rushed them with his newly powered helmet. Like a falling meteorite the Behemoth fell helmet first towards Kouki.
Even if they were able to avoid it by jumping aside, the shock-wave caused by the impact still blew them away. When they stopped rolling, they had wounds all over their bodies. Meld, who finally regained his movement, rushes over. The other knights were still being treated by Kaori. Bracing itself, the Behemoth worked to pull out his stuck head.
"Can you guys move?"
All he got in response were groans. They were probably paralyzed again by the shock-wave caused by the falling Behemoth. The damage to the internal organs seemed to be significant.
Meld called out to Kaori. When he was looking for Kaori, Meld's sight caught hold of Hajime.
"Hajime!Take Kaori, Carry Kouki and retreat!"
For Meld who directed such instructions to Hajime, He would only be able to carry Kouki. That instruction indicated that, no one else would be able to escape. Meld clenched his teeth and prepared his shield. He had chosen to risk his life in this dangerous situation to hold back the beast.
At such a desperate moment for Meld, Hajime made a suggestion. This method may be the only way that everyone would be saved. However, the chance of it succeeding was very low. Hajime would also be in the most dangerous position.
Meld hesitated, but the Behemoth was already combat ready. It's helmet started to sizzle red hot. They had no time.
"Are you going to do it?"
"I'll do it!"
Meld could easily see the resolute gaze Hajime had, and he couldn't help himself from smiling.
"I can't believe that I'll entrust it up to you, I'll surely save you. Leave it to you!"
"Hai!"
Meld headed towards the Behemoth at that. He released a simple magic to provoke it. The Behemoth seemed to have a habit of targeting anyone who was attacking him at the moment. Man and Beast gazed at each other.
When the helmet was finally inflamed, it charged then leapt. Meld stood there poised, intending to provoke it till the last moment. At that moment, a small incantation could be heard.
"Blow "Wind Wall"!"
He back stepped at the same time as he chanted. Like a comet, the Behemoth landed at the area where Meld was previously stationed at. The "Wind Wall" was able to deflect the shock-wave and debris from the impact. Since it was just a simple attack, he was able to avoid it. He would have been totally annihilated if he was protecting Kouki.
Again, the Behemoth's head was stuck after the attack. Hajime advanced at this, but the remnants of the blazing heat burns Hajime. He endured the pain and he started to chant. It couldn't really be considered a chant because he just called out the spell's name.
"Transmute."
The Behemoth's movement to extract it's head from the stone was stopped because the surrounding stone buried its head. No matter how much stone it destroyed to free itself, Hajime just repaired it with his transmuting. Bracing it's legs, the Behemoth was going to forcefully free itself, but Hajime transmuted around the foot this time. He constantly harden and transmuted the stone and finally he sunk the beast 1 m into stone. The Behemoth's power was so terrifying that if he let up for just a moment, cracks would from in the formation and it would try to slip out. In order to prevent this Hajime did not let up on his continuous transmuting. He observed the Behemoth struggling to get free with its head buried underground. For anyone else it would have looked very silly.
In the meantime, Kaori and the recovered knights were gathered and carried Kouki's party back. On the side with the Traum Soldiers, the students had regained some of their composure and started to cooperate with each other. The reason for the recovery was because of the girl Hajime saved earlier. A simple contribution from Hajime.
"Wait! There is still Nagumo-kun."
Kaori protested to Meld who was withdrawing.
"This is his plan! We are going to clear the Soldiers and make a safety zone for ourselves, and then we will bombard the beast with magic! Of course, we will allow him to retreat too! He can retreat when our magic barrage holds that beast in place, then we can retreat to the upper level."
"Then, I'll stay and help him!"
"Not possible! Your healing is needed to back up Kouki as we retreat!"
"But!"
Meld shouted at the protesting Kaori.
"Don't let his effort be in vain!"
Including Meld, the other one with the highest power was without a doubt Kouki. If she did not use her healing magic effectively, they may eventually lack the power to stop the Behemoth. That is why it is necessary for her to join the retreating group. They did not have to time to stop and heal with other slower means, and if they were not fast enough Hajime will run out of mana to trap the Behemoth.
"Breath of Heaven, Fill to the brim, Purify and Heal, "Heaven's Blessing"!"
Even if she had a face like she wanted to cry, she continued with her incantation. A pale light engulfed Kouki. The restorative property of her magic healed his body of injuries at the same time it enveloped him. Meld placed a hand on Kaori's shoulder and nodded, and she nodded back. Again, Kaori turned around to look at the scene of Hajime transmuting against the Behemoth. All of them started to retreat after that.
The numbers of the Traum Soldier was still increasing. Currently, they numbered around 200. They all filled up the stair side of the bridge. But in a sense it might be a good thing. If a gap was present, the students would try to push through, but their lack of experience would lead them into getting surrounded and slaughtered. Actual this was a good number for the students who were having trouble with the 100 earlier.
Lucky, there had not been a single death, it was thanks to the earnest knights who protected them. It was not an exaggeration to say that they were desperately covering the students' lives. The expense came in the form of all the wounds they had acquired.
If they lost the knights' support, for the increasing number of students who were panicking and did not know the magic that caused the increasing monsters, they would fall apart in minutes.
Despair struck the students who realized it. The group that cooperated with the girl that Hajime saved earlier, even though they fought bravely their face conveyed that they were at their limits. When they thought it was finished…
"Soaring Flash!"
A pure-white slash exploded right through the ranks of Traum Soldiers. The Soldiers near the side edges of the bridge was blown into the abyss. After the slash thought, the remaining Soldiers filled in the gap that was created by the skill. They surely saw the stair that led to the upper level though. The wished to see it but it had been covered by the sea of swords.
"Everyone! Don't give up, I'll open up a path!"
He spewed those lines as the "Soaring Flash" tore through the enemies. The students energized at the charisma Kouki displayed.
"What have you guys been doing this whole time? Remember your training, and start cooperating with each other! Fools!"
The leader everyone relied on released a skill that was not inferior to "Soaring Flash" at the enemies. The reliably feeling returned to his voice. His body filled with power and his mind cleared. Kaori's magic was doing their job, the magic to calm the mind. The magic was just a relaxation magic but combined with Kouki's performance it was super effective.
Anyone with an aptitude for healing started to heal everyone. The people with high aptitude for magic made up the rear guard, they started their chants. The vanguard formed a firm rank, they steadily moved but put an emphasis in protecting the rear guard.
The knights who recovered also join them, then the signal for their counter-attack came. The cheat class started to perform their martial arts and magic, they descended down on their enemy like a surging wave. Monsters fell so quickly that they had finally passed the spawning rate of the magic circle.
Soon, the path to the stairs were opened.
"Everyone advance! We need to secure the stairs!"
Kouki started to run as soon as he shouted. The recovered Shizuku and Ryutaro accompanied Kouki in the charge. They cut through the encircling Traum Soldier like a hot knife through butter. Finally, they broke through the besiegement. Kouki quickly cast his magic to prevent the gap from the bridge they just created from being filled by the Soldiers.
The classmates looked doubtful. It will be like that. In front of them were the stairs, and naturally they wanted to get to safety quickly.
"Wait everyone! We still have to save Nagumo-kun! Just by himself, he has been suppressing that demon!"
Kaori's class faced her with a very doubtful expression. They all thought it was impossible, because they all thought he was useless. When the perplexed classmates looked over at the bridge, Hajime was really there.
"What is he doing?"
"That demon is buried!"
Meld answered the questions the students had.
"It's true! It was because of him stopping that demon that we could retreat! Vanguard don't let any soldier near us! Rear guard prepare your long range magic! He is about to run out of magic, we will have him retreat while we bombard the Behemoth!"
The students braced themselves when that voice resounded with them. There were people who looked at in the direction of the stairs in regret. No wonder, they just had a near death experience. They naturally wanted to get to safety as fast as possible. However, when Meld angrily shouted out to hurry up, they returned to the battlefield.
In there was Hiyama Daisuke. Although he thought so highly of himself, he was really scared, he wanted to run as fast as possible away.
At that moment, the scene from that day flashed in his mind. It was yesterday when they were staying in Horlad. He was so overcome by anxiety of the next day that he couldn't sleep properly and went out to get some air then headed for the toilet. The cool breeze relaxed him and he was returning to his room when he saw something. Along the way, he had seen Kaori in her negligee. This was the first time he had seen her in such a state and he instinctively hid and held his breath at such a sight. Kaori passed by without noticing him.
Daisuke was interested and followed her, until she stopped in front of a certain room and knocked. The one to answer the door was…Hajime. Hiyama's mind blanked at that. He liked Kaori, however he thought that he was not good enough for her. When comparing himself to Kouki, he felt like he was way out of his league, so he gave up.
Hajime was different, Daisuke thought Hajime was inferior to him. So to find Hajime in the presence of Kaori was weird. He thought that if this was the case, why won't he do? Daisuke heard every word in his head, is his head alright? Hiyama seriously thought that though. His dissatisfaction against Hajime had always been piling up, now this had swelled into hatred. When he saw Kaori get mesmerized by the Grantz Crystal, he was probably driven by these feelings.
Hiyama remembered all that. Looking at Hajime who was suppressing the Behemoth by himself, Kaori staring worried for Hajime and even praying for him…a dark smile bloomed on Daisuke's face.
Hajime felt his mana running out, and he had ran out of any potions. He quickly surveyed his surrounding and noticed that everyone had retreated. Ranks were being formed and magic was being prepared for the last part of the plan.
Behemoth was still struggling, at this rate there were still a few seconds of intermission even if he stopped transmuting. In the meantime he had to get some distance. A drop of sweat entered his eye. Hajime had never been in such a situation that caused his heart to thump so loudly that he could hear it. Timing was going to be important here.
Dozens of cracks formed in the restraints that held the Behemoth, and they were failing to hold it back. At the same moment, Hajime started to sprint.
5 seconds after Hajime started to run away, the Behemoth fully freed itself and roared. The rage present in its eyes could never be misunderstood. Quickly it's vision searched for its sworn enemy and found Hajime. Behemoth roared in anger again , and collected power into its legs to chase after Hajime.
However, a barrage of magic attacks stopped it.
Like shooting stars painting the night sky, magic of countless colors bombarded the Behemoth. There was no damage, but the force prevented it from advancing.
Hajime lowered his head and dashed while taking care not to fall. With all those lethal spells passing over his head, Hajime was not afraid for his life. There was no way those cheats would be able to miss. The distance between the Behemoth and him was also 30m.
Hajime relaxed at that.
However, something happened that cause him to freeze.
One of the "Fireball" in the endless stream of spells, bent slightly and started to head his way. This was clearly aimed at him.
(Why!?)
Doubt and bewilderment, all of this ran through his brain and it appalled him.
Hajime slid and braced himself as the "Fireball" struck the ground right in front of his eyes. He was blown back the way he came from by the shock-wave. No real damage was taken because he was able to avoid a direct hit, but his sense of balance was thrown out of whack. Seems like semicircular canal was damaged.
Standing up was a little hard because he was dizzy. The Behemoth like usual was not going to go down alone. When Hajime got up, the beast roared again. Hajime looked at the Behemoth and was stunned by the piercing eyes it had. For the third time it's horns started to and he lunged towards Hajime.
The unsteady head, hazy vision, looming Behemoth, impatience screams and roars from his classmates in the distance.
Hajime tried desperately to muster the strength to jump away. A furious shock ripped through the entire bridge, it shocked from the strength of the Behemoth's attack. Cracks spread out from the epicenter. The bridge screamed.
Finally, after all that punishment, the bridge collapsed.
The bridge had finally reached the threshold and gave out.
"Guaaa!"
Behemoth clawed desperately to find a place to hold on to. However even the ground that connected the bridge collapsed and fell into the abyss. Death throes could be heard from the Behemoth.
Hajime crawled to escape somehow, however every place he held onto collapsed.
"Ah, it's no good…"
While he thought that, he turned his gaze towards his classmates. He saw Shizuku and Kaori holding Kaori back, like she wanted to jump after him. His other classmates were pale and had their hands over their eyes or mouths. Meld and the Knights had a mortifying expression on their faces.
The scaffolding that held Hajime finally crumbled. He fell backwards into the dark abyss, while he tried to grasp the dimming light.
