Even with Piyo’s magic and gun attacks, Gulf was not defeated.
“Is he still standing after taking all that damage? He might not be invincible, but we’ll be wiped out before him. Gulf casually pulled the trigger and discarded his gun.
“Tsk, out of ammo. Just like you, hahaha. Alright then.”
Gulf slowly turned around and picked up the greatsword he had discarded.
“Shall we end this soon? This was more fun than I expected.”
He swung the greatsword he held aloft. The blade ignited with flames, as if responding to Gulf’s magic.
“Enchanted Sword, you can use that too?”
“Huh? Of course, I’m a mage, you know?”
So that’s why he wasn’t defeated by Piyo’s magic. Even without having seen it, I could instinctively tell what kind of attack it was. He intended to crush us all at once with that giant sword. There’s no stopping him; even if I stab him with the dagger I have, he’ll continue his actions. A small weapon like this would feel no more than a mosquito bite.
I realized just how powerless I was. What was I cocky about, just having gotten a little used to fighting?
The image of the assassin I met in the back alley flashed through my mind. The sight of it now filled me with dread. The reason I could stay unfazed back then was because it was someone else’s problem. I’m different; I told myself I wouldn’t end up like that, but where did that confidence come from?
I was the one lying there, bleeding… I glanced sideways and looked behind me. Everyone was there, and behind them, Sen no Tsurugi? Wait, he wouldn’t, would he, is he planning to attack his own companions?
The wolf narrowed his bloodshot eyes into a crescent moon and grinned. Another emotion pushed out the fear.
“What are you, that’s too creepy.”
The words spilled out of my mouth naturally. Why could he keep smiling? Was he enjoying the slaughter? Was it the Werewolf blood that made him do it, or was it his original disposition?
One thing was clear: we couldn’t let this guy win. If he swings that sword as he’s preparing to, flames will be unleashed behind me, starting from where I am. Therefore, the safe zone is at the enemy’s feet; with both hands occupied, I can rush into his embrace now.
If stabbing won’t work, I’ll just rip out his insides.
I urged my unmoving body forward and took a step. Elana should have been behind me, so even if there was some collateral damage, she would somehow manage.
I gripped the sword with an inverted hold and moved into the enemy’s embrace.
“I knew you’d do that.”
As the words fell from above, an icy chill ran through my entire body. I had been read…
From behind, I could hear my companions’ voices. The greatsword he had been swinging overhead was now approaching from the side. Was that a feint to lure me out? The scattering sparks stung my eyes.
Not yet, I won’t die yet! I desperately tried to erase the image of the assassin burned into my mind. I instantly relaxed my body and rolled onto the ground as if losing my seat.
The searing sword passed overhead. I got up without looking back and created distance. Behind me, I could hear the sound of the sword cutting through the air. Then, the sound of sand crunching underfoot.
He’s turning for another strike! Normally, swinging something that heavy would throw off your balance due to the recoil. But he’s a monster outside of the norm. He’ll likely launch his next attack without missing a beat.
“Gaaah!”
But what I heard were Gulf’s voice and the sound of hooves. Looking back as I staggered, Philiana’s sword had cut into Gulf’s shoulder. Even the formidable werewolf must have found her long sword painful. The depth of the wound was evident from the blood dripping from Philiana’s blade.
He immediately countered, but she moved to the side, and the greatsword struck the ground. Then, with a spinning attack, Philiana’s sword flew through the air.
“Guh…”
The armor on my hand was severely dented. I must not have been able to avoid the attack with its long reach, utilizing centrifugal force. Gulf, realizing Philiana was no longer able to fight, turned his attention to Elana. He raised his sword again.
“Elana!”
The next moment, the ground split with a roar, and erupting flames like a jet assaulted Elana. The greatsword he slammed down shook the earth, and the inferno tore through the forest. Overwhelmed by the ferocity of the attack, I instinctively covered my head with my arms. Broken rocks flew around like confetti.
I was afraid to open my eyes. What if no one was there? I couldn’t protect them, please be alive!
When I gently raised my face, Elana’s figure was nowhere to be seen amidst the rising black smoke. My mouth was dry, and my throat constricted.
From within the smoke, a white shadow stood up. A slender sword gleamed in the darkness. Cedric, he was alive? But, but what about Elana? Cold sweat broke out all over my body. Philiana was also holding her hand, looking dazed.
“Hoh, you survived. Quite a few seem to have been thinned out by that attack.”
“Mad Moon, Gulf Ashcourt, I will never forgive you!”
A running flash of light. The elf’s sword, leaving a trail of light, slashed towards the enemy.
Cedric, the holy swordsman, a symbol of hope. Even as he stood up, my heart sank into darkness.
