Chapter 1055 - ........................
Vibrations, pressure, and the shadow of a massive body staining the ground.
Our Status was extremely incomplete, barely reaching the equivalent of Level 20. On top of that, HP and MP were still grayed out, and skills were still unusable.
We were still in a miserable, weakened state.
Faced with a Dragon that delivered a pressure and presence far exceeding Level 50, we felt almost laughable in comparison.
""""........................""""
Without words or looks, we all moved at once. Haru, Sora, Ashe, and Tora-kichi all stepped forward to grab weapons. The one to charge ahead first was not the spearman, but the vanguard.
The power held by the avatar was only about Level 20. But that was after ignoring the MP and Luck allocations. The tangible power I felt was indeed around that level.
In other words, thanks to the blessing of the [Hero], I was heavy on Strength. Furthermore, it seemed my remaining points were all dumped into Agility, reflecting my original build.
So, with around 200 Status points concentrated in physical ability, my current specs were as follows...
"SOOOOOOOORAIIIIIIII!"
With a three-step running start, I performed a high-speed throw of a large spear that would have outclassed any Olympic athlete.
I used a small portion of my External Rotation Output, the Kai. Even while sleeping, I had the additional thought process of my special ability, [Rielta (As the Red-Clad King)], continuously converging power. I had no hesitation in spending those savings.
I sent the spear flying with all the power I could muster... and without waiting to see the result, I turned my back on the rubble Dragon and sprinted in the opposite direction.
Then, our movements clicked.
My feet, which had kicked the ground and jumped through the air while still firmly planting themselves without skills, met the launchpad formed by the [Great Tiger]'s authority, the four arms.
We didn't need to discuss this anymore.
In a sudden crisis, we could read each other's thoughts well enough. We didn't need to hold back.
No matter how much of our usual power was lost...
"Go!"
"...GET EM!"
Executing a human cannonball at several hundred kilometers per hour was no problem for me. I felt the estimated strength directly through my feet and synchronized with my friend's breathing. The jump turned the scenery into a blur of lines.
I had already memorized the scenery ahead. The ideal route was already mapped in my mind. I calculated the actual trajectory in an instant, almost by reflex, with an error margin of about forty centimeters...
"Pfft, easy!"
I rudely kicked aside a giant sword that was in my way at the landing point and stuck the landing.
"...Huh!?"
Ignoring the voice of shock and alarm from behind me, I reached my destination in an instant.
"Yeah, just as I thought...!"
I pulled my hand back from the Wedge's barrier, which had blocked me despite accepting us before. My check was complete, and I turned back again.
The retreat was cut off. In other words, retreating of our own will was almost certainly impossible.
That's perfect. I got the information I wanted for now... I just had to squeeze every hint out of that little bit of information and fight.
That's who we are, the players of Arcadia.
"Nia!"
"Hah, b-b-yes!!!"
Above her first, now beside her. In the moment we passed each other, I called out to the artisan who was understandably frozen by the dizzying situation.
It couldn't be helped. A monster had suddenly appeared just a few dozen meters away; I wouldn't give a stupid order like don't be scared to someone without a fighter's mindset.
However, I did expect something from her.
"I'm counting on you!"
"...!"
As a companion in this conquest, there was no need for mercy or hesitation in giving her a role. I knew she'd be angry if I pampered her now.
So,
...I'll do my best!
"Heh...!"
I had checked the possibility of retreat and delivered my instructions. In battle, that kind of telepathic precision with a partner was vital. Before I even waited for an answer, her energetic voice reached me through our bond, ignoring the distance and ambient noise.
Reliable and joyful... now, let's go.
"Whew... I wonder how this will go!"
I headed back toward the giant Dragon that had already begun its rampage just a few dozen meters away.