Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 409

Three days have passed since Mana’s pregnancy was discovered, and we finally reached the vicinity of the Treasure Tree.

Many of the monsters that attacked us en route were indigenous to the Gagun Great Forest, but a significant number had also appeared due to the Labyrinth Flood.

What made it even more difficult for us was the presence of not only higher-tier and rare species, but also a considerable number of anomalous species.

As a result of hunting these monsters along the way, everyone has leveled up to some extent.

Of course, we’ve all leveled up. I’m at level 96, Mina and Flam are at level 84, Lydia, Ludia, and Eos are at level 86, Athena is at level 83, Mako is at level 94, and Yamato is at level 99.

Mana has already left the group since her pregnancy was discovered, but she’s at level 91.

At the foot of the Treasure Tree, a bloody, hellish scene unfolded amongst the monsters.

Among them were Catoblepas, Cresthorn Pegasus, and Avalanche Howl, all Catastrophe Species. Facing them were likely Mega Quakes and Quake Kongs, and I could also see a giant kong, about 20 meters tall, with pure white fur and dragon wings.

That must be Hanuman.

“I thought Hanuman would be around 10 meters at most, considering Mega Quakes are only a little over 5 meters…”
“Right? It looks like a kaiju from an old movie.”
“Exactly.”

Yamato and Mako are saying things I don’t quite understand, but I agree that it’s bigger than I expected.
It looks like it will take quite a bit of effort to defeat it.

“Still, the sheer number is incredible.”
“Indeed. I believe we could defeat them on our own, but if possible, I’d like to call for reinforcements.”
“Can… can we defeat them?”

Faris and El’s words stunned Minaris, the High Beastar who serves as Alliance Leader.
The monsters before us are at least rare species, with anomalous species being the most numerous, and even Catastrophe Species present. To top it off, there’s a Demise Species.
It’s an abnormal scene that might give even an Ancient Class pause, so it’s more than just tough for High Classes.

“If you ask whether we can defeat them, yes, we can. After all, there are 12 Ancient Classes here, and 4 of them have experience in defeating Demise Species.”
“I was only able to provide support, so please don’t include me in that count.”

Even though El says that, it would have been much harder and the damage much greater without her.

“I don’t think that’s the case. So, what should we do?”
“Disturbing their fight seems like the best approach.”
“Right. Hanuman is already somewhat injured, but the Catastrophe Species are in even worse shape. There’s a possibility that the fight will be over before we can assess the situation in the Laofen Labyrinth.”
“That’s right. In that case, it’s better to charge into the ongoing free-for-all and end it quickly. If we let any slip through, who knows what might happen.”

I agree with Faris, Cliff, and El’s opinions.
Some monsters may have escaped into the Gagun Great Forest, but their numbers are likely fewer than those present here.
The ecosystem of the Gagun Great Forest might change, but if we defeat Hanuman, we’ll be able to conduct aerial surveys. By annihilating the monsters here, we should be able to minimize overall damage.

“I will use Field Cosmos, but I can’t guarantee there won’t be any unforeseen circumstances.”

Mako’s Unique Magic, Field Cosmos, is spherical barrier with a maximum radius of one kilometer and is strong enough to withstand attacks from Catastrophe Species.
The area at the foot of the Treasure Tree is a plaza, but it’s only about 500 meters in diameter, so Field Cosmos can cover the entire area.
Therefore, there’s almost no worry of leaving any monsters behind. However, since high-ranking monsters are prioritized when sealing them within Field Cosmos, there’s a possibility that rare or anomalous species might slip through.

“Even so, it’s a huge help. Frankly, I don’t know what will happen against a Demise Species, so we must prioritize their subjugation.”
“Indeed. But since Yamato is determined to take on the Demise Species, shouldn’t we focus on the surrounding Catastrophe Species?”
“Honestly, we’d also like to clash with a Demise Species, but we’re also curious if there’s anything above the Ancient Class. This time, Yamato, it’s up to you.”
“Understood.”

We, as the Wing Crest, will handle Hanuman, with Yamato at the center.
We discussed this even before reaching the Treasure Tree, and it’s likely that Yamato’s level will exceed 100 after defeating Hanuman. If there is a class above Ancient Class, he might be able to evolve.
That’s why Holy Grave and Falcon’s Beak have conceded Hanuman to us, or rather, to Yamato.
Considering Hanuman’s nearly 20-meter massive body, it will be tough for Yamato alone, but we will provide support, so I believe defeating it won’t be a problem.

“What about the Anomalous Species, as well as the Catastrophe Species?”
“I think we High Classes can manage, but that number is rather daunting.”

Burks and Clarice are frowning, and I understand what they mean.
The monsters currently at the foot of the Treasure Tree include the Demise Species Hanuman, followed by several Catastrophe Species: Mega Quakes, Catoblepas, Cresthorn Pegasus, Avalanche Howls, and Blastblade Beetles.
Then there are about 10 each of Anomalous Species: Quake Kongs, Darkbreath Bulls, Crest Unicorns, Icequake Tigers, and Eclipse Beetles.
Naturally, there are also many monsters below rare species, so the total number is conservatively estimated at over 500.
The ratio of indigenous Gagun Great Forest species to Labyrinth Flood species is about 3:7, but perhaps due to Hanuman’s presence, their combat strength appears to be balanced.
That’s a relief, but it’s still undeniably difficult for High Classes.

“We’ll have to operate in raid units.”
“Right. For the Beastars… Yamato, can you assign someone?”

That seems like the safest approach.
Since there are no Ancient Classes among the Beastars, we’ll have to dispatch someone from Wing Crest, but the question is who.
Well, since Mana has withdrawn due to pregnancy, we’ll probably have to ask Eos.

“Understood. Then Eos, I’m sorry to trouble you, but can you provide support to the Beastars?”
“Certainly.”
“Thank you.”

We considered proceeding without support, and I believe High Beastars could defeat Catastrophe Species through coordinated efforts, but in a battlefield with multiple Anomalous and Catastrophe Species, anything could happen.
There’s no need to incur unnecessary casualties, and whether this is the best option or not, it’s certainly a better choice.

“Then, we will head towards Hanuman while reducing the number of monsters. Mina, I’m sorry to trouble you, but please guard Mako.”
“Yes!”

Mako needs to prioritize using Field Cosmos, making her less attentive to her surroundings.
Therefore, I don’t forget to ask Mina, who wields a shield, to guard Mako.

“Alright, shall we go then!”
“Indeed!”
“Yes! Everyone, prepare for assault. Attack!”

At the command of Minaris, the Alliance Leader, we raised our weapons and plunged into the ongoing battle between monsters.

Ｓｉｄｅ・Ｌydia

At Minaris’s command, we all rushed to the foot of the Treasure Tree.
Our main target as Wing Crest is Hanuman, but with the sheer number of monsters, we can’t afford to focus solely on Hanuman.
There are also many Anomalous and Catastrophe Species, so we need to reduce their numbers as much as possible.

“Get out of the way!”

With a single slash, Yamato cut down the Quake Kong and Cresthorn Pegasus fighting in front of him.
Yamato’s level is 99, so I’m sure his level will exceed 100 after this subjugation battle, which involves Anomalous and Catastrophe Species, and even Demise Species.
Of course, there are questions about whether levels beyond 100 truly exist, or if there’s a class above Ancient Class.
However, we won’t know until we actually reach that point, so I believe Yamato intends to find out in this battle.

“Too slow! Hiiiaaah!”

Beside me, my sister Ludia knocked off the horn of the Rare Species Third Eye Bull and defeated it with an Assault Blazer.
Our group consists of about 20 people, while the monsters number over 500. We can’t advance unless we defeat them one by one.
There appear to be about 100 flying monsters as well, making it difficult to approach from the sky. We could suffer unnecessary casualties if we don’t reduce the monster numbers.

“Why do only bugs come after me!”

Just as I heard Mako’s scream, light flashed and danced in the next instant.
That was Mako’s Engraving Magic, Starlight Circle.
With that Starlight Circle, the Lightning Moths and Flare Moths that were attacking Mako were all annihilated.
It might be a bit of overkill, but Mako is afraid of bugs, so I suppose it can’t be helped.

“Mako really hates bugs, doesn’t she?”
“It can’t be helped. There weren’t any bugs that big back on Earth.”

That’s what they said.
In Yamato and Mako’s world, monsters don’t exist, and the largest terrestrial creatures are only about 5 meters long.
Furthermore, most insects are small, with even a few centimeters being rare.
Also, due to their living environment, many encountered insects are pests, and they are often exterminated immediately upon sight.
Therefore, not only Mako, but even Yamato and Sayuri are not fond of insect-like monsters.
They just dislike them; they are usually dealt with immediately upon sighting.

“It’s probably due to the difference in their upbringing. But I’ve heard that even in Helios Orb, many noble young ladies dislike insects.”

Now that you mention it, I do remember that.
However, small insects fly around the streets frequently, and it would be difficult to live in the largely forested Valentia region if one dislikes insects. Thus, few noble daughters openly admitted to disliking them.
Ah, in Torencia, where snow covers the ground almost year-round, there are no insects other than monsters, so there were quite a few people who admitted to disliking them.

Oops, now is not the time to be talking about such things.
Currently, three G-rank Landshake Hoppers, a type of grasshopper monster that is a rare species of Battle Hopper and indigenous to the Gagun Great Forest, are leaping towards me.
They are relatively easy to defeat among G-rank monsters, but their attacks, delivered with their strong hind legs, can be fatal. They are also fast and have great jumping ability, making them difficult to fight on open ground.
In the forest, their mobility is sacrificed, but here at the foot of the Treasure Tree, which is open ground, they are using their abilities to their full potential.
Moreover, the usable materials are only their magic stones and exoskeletons for armor. And I hear that their prices have plummeted, as it’s now easier to hunt higher-ranked monsters.

I unleashed a consolidated slash with my Drag Sword in my right hand, clad in an ice Blading, against the Landshake Hoppers.

The Blading, a Unique Magic used by Wing Crest, can be used with single or multiple attributes. However, the combinations are so numerous that even we sometimes get confused.
Therefore, we recently performed a Supplication Magic ceremony at the Priests’ Guild.
With this, Blading has been standardized for both single and multiple attributes and is now a Supplication Magic usable by High Classes and above.
While this makes it accessible to anyone above High Class, it’s not without potential problems. It also cannot be used within the barrier surrounding the city, and the maximum blade length for High Classes is limited to two meters. I suppose these limitations are manageable.
It might sound irresponsible, but those who misuse it will undoubtedly be branded as thieves, and furthermore, they will face the punishment of having their Inn Magic revoked.
Moreover, thieves are considered targets for extermination without regard for their lives, making survival extremely difficult.
Despite this, it’s said that there are still a considerable number of thieves, which is truly troublesome.
There are rumors, especially in Valentia, that disgraced nobles and former Dragon Knights who have had their qualifications revoked have become thieves. I’m considering investigating this.
However, I can’t move until this matter is resolved.

Valentia is my and my sister Ludia’s and Athena’s hometown, so we must deal with such individuals swiftly.

2019.5.14
Hanuman is a Demise Species. Afterward, Hanuman’s appearance was described, so I changed the monster name to Cresthorn Pegasus.