Chapter 1073 - Green Vow: Part Two
Let me say it loud and clear: I absolutely love this stuff.
Tens of hours of hardship. If this was the 'reward' at the end of the endless labyrinth and the four trials...
Then I was going to savor it to my heart's content.
"..."
I looked at the current situation. Far below, the Sword Queen seemed to be pushing the beast back... but in reality, she was struggling to land a decisive blow. She appeared to be thrashing it as she pleased, but no matter how many times she slashed, struck, or blew it back, not a single wound remained on the 'Dragon.'
To be precise...
"Hraah!"
...!
No matter how many times Ashe's 'blade' carved into its massive frame, it would fill back in even before the dragon's cry of emotionless anger could finish. The 'Black' sludge that formed the dragon's body was as fluid as water.
And yet, its mass was undeniably real, and Ashe, who was fighting at close range, understood that better than anyone. She was keeping her distance and moving cautiously as the beast lashed out with its fangs, claws, and tail.
Should I be exasperated with the Sword Queen for holding back a thirty-meter monster with a single sword? Or should I fear the 'Dragon' as a true monster for being able to treat the 'strongest' as nothing more than an annoyance because of its immortality? It didn't matter. Either way...
"Nia."
"Yep!"
We needed to jump in and see what happened when we increased our firepower. In a situation where we only had time to see what was right in front of us, that was the only choice we had.
I wasn't the only one who could reach such a simple conclusion.
"Can you also transfer the extra status?"
"I totally can!"
"Then, my God (Nia-chan), do you need protection?"
"Sorry, but yes! I think I'll be too busy with mental control to move my body properly! I won't be able to handle it if a stray shot comes my way!"
"What about making shields or walls like you did the footholds?"
"I can, but I don't think they'll stop the 'Black' thing! Or rather, I'm being told they won't, so it's probably no good! It seems direct interference is tough for defense too!"
"Then I'll stay with you. I can't attack because of my vow anyway. Leave it to me."
We quickly built our strategy, maintaining a level of calm that wouldn't betray our trust in 'The Strongest.' And for the other member of the party...
"...Embarrassingly, I am unable to assist in a different sense. For my noble Travelers, who have regained the Goddess's blessing and now carry the power of the Four Towers..."
I hadn't forgotten him. The knight spoke.
"I would be nothing but a hindrance. Therefore..."
"Yeah, I'm trusting you as our main tank."
"Just between us, I'm looking forward to having a reliable partner so I can take it easy."
"...Hah."
Tora-kichi and I both crushed his humility from above. We knew his strength.
"Understood. I shall fulfill my duty to the best of my ability."
The knight gave us a happy smile and braced his twin shields. I nodded at him.
Ten seconds flat.
"...Alright, let's do this."
"...Roger that!"
I finished giving our temporary God the details for our stat distribution.
"...We're going in, Sora!"
"...Yes!"
I leaped from the sword tower with my partner in my arms, flying through the void.