Arisugawa rejected Cedric’s demands due to Nina’s persuasion.
When I turned my head, a dog beastman was nearby. He probably intended to take me and run away. I immediately stepped back, creating distance.
“You won’t get away!”
But before I could react, he dashed forward and wrapped his arms around my torso. This is bad, I’m caught! I was held firmly by a strength that didn’t seem to belong to a girl. Is this the power of a beastman?! I struggled but couldn’t break free.
“Master, I’ve caught him.”
“Arisugawa! I’m coming right now.”
As Sharin rushed forward, she was blocked by a female Minotaur. She was quite tall, her height completely obscuring Sharin’s figure. And Cecilia, who was also trying to help, was confronted by a Dragon Maid in a maid outfit. Is that what maids do?
“I won’t let you pass. I’m your opponent.”
“Damn it, Hiroaki, you escape on your own!”
That’s right, the opponents were as coordinated as we were. I reached for the dagger at my waist.
“Puuchi, be careful. Throw me this way!”
“Yes, Master!”
Damn, they read my actions. I was lifted into the air while still being held. With my hands and feet unable to move, my vision spun. There was no other choice, I had to go for it.
The beastman called Puuchi let me go.
“Piyo! Help me!”
“Of course, hang on.”
The fight was over in an instant. I had to find Piyo before my body hit the ground. In my spinning world, I saw Piyo flying towards me. I reached out as if to cling to her waist.
“Ahhh, I’m falling, I’m falling.”
“S-sorry! Piyo, from below!”
As if anticipating my move, the Dragon Maid spread her wings and was coming up from below. Piyo also panicked and flapped her wings desperately. If this continued, we’d both be taken down. I had no choice, I released my grip and drew my dagger.
I intended to charge at the Dragon Maid and take her down with me. But before I could, a black shadow passed before my eyes. The approaching opponent disappeared from my sight. I was pulled back and landed on the ground.
“That was close, kid.”
“Veronica! You came to help! Ah, thank goodness.”
It was worth moving slowly. They had caught up. My clothes had returned to what I wore before. The Dragon Maid, having lost her prey, turned back at me with a look of frustration. But she quickly regained her posture and unleashed fire towards me.
“Tsk, so the lizard woman can use magic. You, run in the opposite direction.”
“Understood.”
I did as I was told and ran in the opposite direction from Veronica. But as if waiting for this, Puuchi flanked me. Had I fallen into their trap?
“Woof, give it up!”
But as she took a step forward, Karubene charged from the side. A full-powered headbutt struck her waist directly.
“Gah! Ugh… ugh…”
“Hahahaha, it seems we were a bit more skilled. Alright, Brother, this way, ah…”
“Who’s more skilled?”
With a thud, the Minotaur appeared from behind Karubene. I didn’t expect an unguarded opponent. No, that’s not right. When I looked back at the original spot, I saw Sharin kneeling on one knee.
“Hmph, just quick without any substance. Next is you, Satyr!”
“Ah, ahh. Brother, what should we do?”
Karubene looked at me, bending his neck with a creak. But what could I do? There was no way I could beat the opponent Sharin couldn’t defeat. The female Minotaur was taller than me, as large as Philiana. With thick, long horns and strong legs, she looked formidable even without a weapon.
“Puuchi, you secure that man. Deliver him to Cedric.”
“Yes, understood!”
Veronica blocked the beastman as she rushed towards me again.
“I’m your opponent here!”
She unleashed purple flames from her hand, but the opponent easily dodged them. She was well-trained, as expected. I’ll leave this to Veronica. The problem is Karubene. How will he face that giant body? Just then, a snapping sound echoed through the area. The sound spread out like ripples, and the enemies stopped moving. It was Cedric who made the sound.
“That’s enough. Let’s end this before anyone gets hurt. Arisugawa-kun, you must understand our strength by now. You care for your friends, so you know what you must do, right?”
His eyes seemed to be guiding me. Indeed, we were on the defensive in this battle. We were struggling, while Cedric hadn’t even joined the fight. I had to admit it, there was a significant gap in power.
