Saying the strongest human is a pro wrestler or a wrestler is a mistake. The strongest human is a father to his daughter.
The Giant Boar was approaching at twice the speed limit. Driving like that would surely lead to a suspension, and if it hit us, it would mean prison.
Three six-meter Golems created by Richarda stood in a line, charging forward. The first one was obliterated without even stopping the boar. The second Golem also exploded, but it clung to the boar’s face, blinding it.
The third Golem, shrinking itself, tripped the Giant Boar by its legs, then slid in front of me as if to say, “Finish it off!”
To think that one could lose their life on the battlefield due to such a small mistake as slipping and falling… It truly showed how skilled Richarda was.
After the boar fell, she turned the ground into mud with Earth Magic, making it slippery. She cast so many spells so effortlessly, leaving me covered in mud.
It was like a dump truck sliding across a sea of mud and then stopping right in front of me due to friction, unleashing a tidal wave of mud. I could have avoided it, but if I did, Richarda would have been covered in mud. That was unacceptable.
“Grow!”
The Sword of Light I extended towards the fallen Giant Boar’s head sliced through its skin and pierced its brain. The boar, with its flamboyant entrance and dangerous flames, met its end like this. Trembling, it eventually stopped moving. The triumphant feeling was rather lukewarm, perhaps due to all the mud I’d been doused with.
I turned my back on Richarda and walked towards Priscilla and the others. Using my wide-ranging Mind’s Eye, I confirmed there were no enemies around. I gently cupped my hand to my face, blocked one nostril, and blew forcefully, expelling the mud.
As I cleared the mud from both nostrils, my eyes, and my entire face, Alana held out her bloody hands.
“It’s the Black Flame Dragon’s magic stone!”
It’s good that she’s energetic, but she should consider her appearance a bit more. Mine is a mud pack, good for beauty, so I don’t mind.
“The Giant Boar has two magic stones, one in its head and one in its heart!”
Given how large this boar was, the magic stones would be enormous. Repaying my debt, saving for retirement, managing apartments, renting a cruiser for trips to the sea. Money must be used wisely.
“I wonder if they’re large just because it’s a Giant Boar.”
“Maybe they’re as big as Richarda’s chest?! Hahaha!”
If that’s the case, I might have to give up on the cruiser. Priscilla might be able to live a luxurious retirement. But it’s impressive how she managed to rip open the Black Flame Dragon’s insides to retrieve the magic stones. Priscilla must have been playing around.
When I was about to let Alana take care of the Giant Boar’s magic stones, Richarda revived the Golem, and it began making eerie noises near the boar’s head.
“Crack,” “Snap,” “Squish,” and the scent of blood filled the air. Suppressing the urge to get a closer look, I began envisioning future scenarios.
By the time a few scenarios had formed, the mud had started to dry, and the magic stones, dripping with blood, were extracted. I was curious about what the Giant Boar had transformed into, but I’m not good with gore.
“What will happen to these magic stones?”
“They will be handled by me. After all, I am the Captain.”
It’s understandable that Richarda would be curious. Such large magic stones were retrieved. Half of what I said about handling magic stones is true. In such cases, they are handled by the legion commander, but since I only lead a brigade of half the strength, my handling might be halved as well.
“Let’s return to the camp. …Hey, you three resting over there! We’re leaving!”
Only Alana came running when I called out loudly. She held the crystal for controlling the Doron.
“Captain, the enemy is moving!”
What perfect timing. We’ve retrieved the magic stones, and our diversion mission is complete. Now, we just need to head back and watch the fire festival. I wrapped the two heavy magic stones in a nearby cloth and gave the order to retreat.
Everything was going smoothly… or so I thought, until we were almost back to our allied camp.
“What was that? I just heard an explosion!”
I also heard the explosion coming from the direction of our allies ahead. Could it be that the Harpy bombing had begun?
“Alana, scout ahead with the Doron! Hurry!”
Alana took a Doron from her backpack and launched it into the sky, while we headed towards the allied camp where the explosion had sounded.
“The town is burning!”
It wasn’t a Harpy bombing. Perhaps in their haste to counter the enemy’s advance, or as part of the strategy, they had initiated a scorched-earth policy, leaving us behind in the town.
“What do we do? Charge into the town as it is? Or charge towards the Demon Army?”
A choice between two options. I wanted to reject both. I dislike heat. I dislike death. Do I have to choose one?
Orietta, with her armored suit, would be fine even if she plunged into the flames. I might be able to dash through with Godspeed. I once saw a Shugenja walk on burning coals.
Alana is in trouble. I wouldn’t want her beautiful, flowing fur to get all frizzy. Maybe Richarda could create a wall with Earth Magic? Priscilla might start a barbecue.
I found a final option in Richarda’s behavior. Yes, we should take refuge inside a wall. Looking around, I spotted a magnificent three-story brick building.
“Everyone, we will evacuate to that building. Priscilla, check the second floor. Alana, check the third floor and look for any explosive magic. Richarda, reinforce it from bottom to top with Earth Magic, and create a hole at the very top for ventilation. Orietta, take off that outfit.”
“Are we planning to just hunker down and wait out the flames!?”
“It’s the only thing I can think of. …Orietta! Not your innerwear, just take off your armored suit and put it away.”
Why would she think I was telling her to get naked right here? Did my instructions always get interpreted this way?
We quickly took refuge in the brick building. Priscilla and Alana headed upstairs, and Richarda began reinforcing everything except the front entrance with Earth Magic.
“Captain~, what do we do if we find any explosive magic~?”
Orietta, now changed, asked. She was in her usual, utterly useless gothic lolita style mercenary attire.
“If we find any now, we’ll evacuate to a different building. However, if it’s a scorched-earth operation, they’d likely plant explosive magic in flammable wooden buildings. Find it for now!”
We searched the first floor, but found nothing of the sort. Come to think of it, even though it was near the camp, we had entered private homes and done various things. Thinking about it now sends a shiver down my spine.
“Nothing upstairs.”
“Second floor is clear too.”
“Richarda, seal the front entrance.”
That should be enough. I regret that I can only say “should be,” but let’s consider this the best course of action.
“What happens if there is explosive magic here and it detonates? And can this building withstand the city’s flames?”
Forgive your Captain for only being able to give a reasonable answer to your reasonable questions.
“If it explodes, we’ll all be nicely roasted. If it can’t withstand the city’s flames, we’ll be juicy steamed.”
“That’s not funny.”
I thought it was quite a clever remark… Priscilla also seemed flustered, unable to deal with the situation on her own.
“I should have brought back some of the boar’s meat.”
Are you still talking about barbecue, you !? Should I grill you up? Or perhaps enjoy you as a delicious meal?
Contrary to our jokes, the sound of the explosion grew closer.
