Chapter 15 - A Scramble, Three Sets of Footsteps
We continued on, fighting and chatting as we went, meticulously mapping the Rocky Wasteland, which had become a full-blown labyrinth.
"You're crazy good at drawing maps."
"Y-You think so...?"
I praised Sora for her neat and incredibly accurate cartography.
"[Rock Toad's Meat]... this is a food item, right...?"
"It just looks like a lump of rock..."
We both shuddered at the sight of a food (?) item that looked like it would shatter all our teeth the moment we bit into it.
"Haru-san."
"Yes."
"People can't fly."
"Yes."
I got a scolding from Sora after I tried to hunt one of those damn flying creatures by wall-kicking, only to plummet headfirst and nearly die.
"So please, leave it to me! It's bad for my heart when you slip and come crashing down!!"
"But!"
"No 'buts'! Are you a child?!"
And just like that, I felt the last vestiges of my dignity as the party leader slowly slipping away…
"...Finally."
Our long trek through the maze was over. We had reached the deepest part of the Rocky Wasteland, where the area boss awaited.
"What is that... a scorpion?"
"Looks like it. Kinda like a cross between a crab and a scorpion."
Its sand-colored body served as camouflage in the wasteland. For a scorpion, its torso was rather stocky and rounded, with four thick legs and a pair of pincers for forelimbs.
If anything, its crab-like appearance was betrayed only by its tail—that distinct, characteristic feature. It was a wicked, stinger-tipped weapon, curved up and swaying over the creature's head.
"[Sand-Eating Great Scorpion], huh... Man, it's huge."
In terms of sheer size, the [Buried Great Boar] we fought this morning was bigger, but the difference in scale between a real-life boar and a scorpion was on another level entirely.
It looked absolutely massive. And frankly, it was terrifying. The way its mouthparts were wriggling around was giving me goosebumps; I was seriously creeped out.
I stole a glance at my partner beside me—
"...Hngh... ghh..."
"I knew it."
It was probably the result of her observing it as closely as I had. The color drained from Sora's face as she began to back away.
"Uh, you okay?"
I could see she wasn't, but I couldn't think of anything else to say. As I asked, I saw her face contort into a textbook forced smile. Oh yeah, she's not smiling at all.
Seriously, creating this kind of monster with Arcadia's level of graphical fidelity is just wrong. It might be one thing on a display, but for us, it feels like we're facing it in the flesh.
"Yeah, well... I doubt it's going to actually eat us or anything."
"Y-You're right... ...Or are you...?"
"Huh?"
I'd muttered that to calm her down—and myself, for that matter. She nodded once, then after a brief silence, voiced her doubt.
"I mean, we can be crushed flat and all, so maybe..."
Wait, huh...? What? A chance to experience being eaten alive...? A-are you serious?
"..."
"..."
Our minds both arrived at the same unpleasant thought simultaneously. As we fell silent, the [Sand-Eating Great Scorpion] scooped up a mouthful of dirt and sand with its pincers and began munching away. Wassha, wassha.
Its name is Sand-Eater, and it's certainly eating sand, but that's no guarantee it won't eat meat, too.
I'd really rather avoid a gruesome death like being eaten alive, but if we're going to challenge that thing, I suppose we need to be prepared for the worst.
"...Let's go."
"A-Are we going?"
Either way, not fighting it isn't an option. I steeled my resolve and summoned my straight sword. Sora, however, was still hesitant.
"Don't worry. As long as I'm alive, I won't let it get past me."
"...And if you get taken down, Haru-san?"
"Then you can observe my heroic demise and prepare yourself accordingly."
"Prepare myself for what?!"
For what, you ask... I really don't want to see a scene where a cute girl gets devoured by a monster. I have to make sure I don't die after Sora, no matter what.
"No mobs around, and the area's not big enough for it to summon minions, I think... So, is it a power type or a speed type?"
For me, either way, the difference is between "I'll die in one hit" and "I'll probably die in one hit." So I'd much prefer the former, where I'd at least have a clear advantage in speed.
The somewhat spacious, circular area is perfect for wall-kicking and three-dimensional movement. Judging by the Rock Toad's tongue attack, I'll need to be wary of its tail—but in any case, we won't know which of us will break first until we try.
We hid in the shadows of the passage at the entrance to the clearing and made our preparations. I invested the experience points I'd gained from exploring the maze into my stats and gripped the summoned straight sword in my right hand.
"...Sora."
"I-I'm okay."
Sora has shown herself to be quite timid, like when she bolted from those ferocious fungi during our first encounter.
But in the end, she always finds the resolve to stand and fight, and she usually gets there pretty quickly.
In all honesty, the sheer presence of these monsters—even the mobs, let alone the bosses—is on a completely different level from analog games. I wouldn't be surprised if a quiet girl like Sora immediately gave up on combat and switched to a crafting class.
But when I checked on her, she replied, "I'm okay." Her voice trembled, but her eyes were steady.
Well, what can I say—as a partner, she's as reliable as they come.
"Okay. I'll charge in like always, so cover me. For the most part, you can just use your bow and probe for weak spots, but if it looks like I'm having trouble holding its aggro, stop attacking."
Sora nodded obediently when I told her I'd give the commands.
Bows in Arcadia deal magic damage. If that crab-scorpion thing turns out to be a physical defense monster, there's a chance I won't be able to draw enough enmity with my lack of magic attacks.
"Right, I understand. ...Um, Haru-san!"
Just as I finished our short briefing and turned to go, a hesitant voice stopped me.
"Hm? What's up?"
"Oh, um... well, l-let's do our best!"
I wasn't sure what prompted it, but she suddenly held up a small hand... What's this? A pre-battle high-five?
I didn't quite get her intention, but it was a rare offer of physical contact. Maybe she was fired up about finally being able to participate properly in a boss fight—thinking of it that way, it was rather endearing.
"Yeah!"
Suppressing a slight feeling of embarrassment, I lightly clasped my hand and slapped it against Sora's palm—and so began our third boss battle.
◇◆◇◆◇
"—You lied, Haru-saaaan!!"
"Sorry, I'm so sorry! Hey, you! Stop, you damn crab-scorpion! I'll kill youuuu!!"
A half-crying shriek from Sora.
Three sets of footsteps, large and small, tearing across the rugged terrain.
A soaring, useless fool, enraged at the scoundrel making a young girl cry.
The small clearing in the labyrinth of rock walls, where the boss awaited, had descended into a scene of pandemonium.
Currently, we were stuck in a game of linked tag (?), with the formation being Sora ← Scorpion ← Me.
The cause of all this was, of course, the crab-scorpion—a damn boss that, for our third encounter, came equipped with the garbage feature of random targeting.
Actually, I'm not even sure if it's random targeting. The thing started chasing Sora exclusively just seconds into the fight!
"Hey, stop it! Your back is wide open! Are you okay with that, Mr. Boss?!"
It was reasonably fast, but only just fast enough that Sora, who isn't AGI-focused like me, could barely stay ahead.
Its durability wasn't anything special either. It was tough, as befitting a boss monster, but its two-layered HP bar was steadily chipping away with every one of my attacks.
But it wouldn't look at me. This crab-scorpion was completely infatuated with Sora, no matter how much I hit it.
"—You pervert! If that's how you want to play, I've got a plan for you!"
"—Perv...?! Hey, who are you calling—"
I thought I heard a voice of protest, but I'll deal with that later.
To be honest, after that nice little pre-battle pep talk, I was all fired up to start the fight. To be completely ignored from the get-go, to not even get a glance no matter how much I kicked or punched it—this was beyond infuriating.
"So my sword-pokes are too light for you, huh...?"
Fine, then. Time for the great axe.
"Quick Chan...geee! Oraaaa!!"
I switched from my straight sword. During the grace period right after a Quick Change—before the weapon's weight fully registers—I could swing the massive weapon without meeting the STR requirement, and I brought it down without hesitation.
The boss's huge body swayed for a moment as the great axe struck one of its comparatively slender legs—but its target was still Sora.
—Oh, I see how it is.
"Then I'll just have to beat you to a pulp...!"
Just as the weight registered—clunk—and threatened to pull me down, I used Quick Change again to switch from the great axe back to my straight sword.
I kept up the chase and continued my rush—now!
"Hraah!!"
The moment the cooldown finished, I used Quick Change for a third time and swung the axe. The lack of power from my insufficient STR was offset by a swing speed that would normally be impossible with such a large weapon! The proof is in your damn HP bar, you piece of crap scorpion!!
I don't know if it was a crustacean or an insect, but the boss let out no cries. Its rapidly depleting status bar spoke for it.
At this rate, it won't take long—
"—Hah... Haru-san!"
"Sora, sorry! Just keep running a little longer! If you do, I'll—"
"I'm sorry!"
"Huh?"
Why are you sorry?
"My legs... my legs feel so heavy...!"
"—!"
Oh crap, is she out of stamina...!?
Stamina is a hidden parameter not displayed on the status screen, but it naturally depletes with a player's actions.
For me, the limit is so generous I've never really had to worry about it, but for Sora, who isn't a light warrior build, a long, full-out sprint would definitely—
"Ugh... ah... oof...!"
It was inevitable that her legs would eventually give out.
"—Sora!!"
The long game of tag came to an end. The distance closed to zero, and as Sora's legs were tangled by the game's system, the crab-scorpion opened its massive pincers before her.
The moment I saw the motion—so similar to when it was eating sand before the fight—I kicked off the ground with all my might.
My paper-thin armor wouldn't work as a shield, so I'd been attacking from behind to try and peel its aggro, but that positioning now worked against me.
The boss was huge, but there wasn't enough space to duck under it. And if I tried to go around, its pincers would reach Sora before I could.
It was obvious that hitting it now would just get me ignored again—so!
I leaped from directly behind the stationary boss, kicked hard off the middle of its long, arched tail to change my trajectory, and—!!
"Hands off, you bastard!!"
Using that momentum, I slammed a full-power flying kick into the pincer that was closing in on Sora.
My meager STR wasn't enough to send it flying—but the inertia from my high-speed maneuver boosted the lacking power!!
"H-Haru-sa—wha?!"
"'Scuse me!"
I succeeded in knocking the pincer off course as it tried to snatch Sora, but the creature had more than one weapon.
Before it could strike a second time, I snatched Sora from in front of the boss.
Carry her like a princess? I don't have time for that!!
I slung her over my shoulder, and the extra weight immediately slowed me down. My previous advantage was gone. It was catching up—oh crap.
"It's faster...!"
We weren't just the same speed; it was completely outrunning me. I can't shake it...!
"Gah...!"
From what I'd seen, its attack patterns were simple, wide swings using its pincers and tail.
Even with my reduced speed, I could dodge each individual attack. But the annoying thing about this crab-scorpion was the extremely short interval between each mechanically delivered blow.
What made it even more vicious was that it never stopped moving, even while attacking—a trait unheard of for a large boss!!
"H-Haru-san! Put me down!"
Sora, still slung over my shoulder, yelled as she was tossed about by my desperate evasions.
"Are you saying that after seeing its last move?!"
"Last mo—kya?! Wh-what... what was that?!"
"You were about to get munched, Sora-san!!"
"Munched?!"
Looks like she was too overwhelmed to notice. I wasn't sure if it was really a predation attack, but it was undoubtedly some kind of restraining move. It wasn't hard to imagine the nasty attack that would follow.
"Munch... B-but at this rate!"
I can tell because I'm the one dodging, but this pervert is still relentlessly aiming only for Sora, who's being carried.
It probably has a behavior pattern where it targets one player until they're down, then moves on to the next.
Arcadia is an MMO. Considering how challenging the combat has been so far, even accounting for players being new to the VR environment, it's safe to say that you're supposed to have a proper party to take on bosses.
If that's the case, the proper way to fight this crab-scorpion is probably to have a dedicated tank stand between it and the targeted player.
Its trait of moving while attacking also makes sense if you assume a properly leveled tank could block its movement while enduring its hits.
But we're a duo—and one with no tank and a paper-thin damage dealer at that. I guess this is what happens. If only it had targeted me instead...!
"No choice... emergency measures!"
"Do you have a plan?"
Sora, slung over my shoulder, picked up on my resentful muttering and her voice filled with hope.
I kind of do, and using this trick will probably let me turn the tables easily. Unlike the fight with the 'Host of Mush,' we have a trump card now!
"Alright, Sora, time for a comeback! Operation: 'A Girl's Cheers = The Ultimate Buff'!"
"—So in the end, I still don't get to do anythinggg?!"
Forgive me, Sora! Turning you into a glorified accessory isn't my preference either, but it can't be helped in this situation...! I'm pretty sure if I let go of you now, you'd get munched in seconds...!
"I was so happy I could finally fight properly... Oh, for crying out loud!"
As if to vent her frustration, Sora slapped my back—peshi—and activated the incredible support skill she'd acquired.
"Spectator's Cheer!"
Could you please stop yelling that in a slightly sulky tone? How many times do I have to tell you that cute moves are super effective against me?
As I leaped around with Sora in my arms, my body began to glow. A buff icon shaped like a halo of light appeared on my status bar—and like shifting into a higher gear, all my stats shot up.
My speed, which had been lagging behind... Yes, I've overtaken it!!
"From here on out, it's a one-sided beatdown!!"
"W-wait, Haru-sa—why are you still carrying me...?!"
Because, my dear Sora, any multiplier to my durability is like a drop in the ocean. Since I still can't act as a shield, my only option is to outrun it while carrying you!!
"W-wait, please wait—"
Time for top gear!! I'd like to invite you on a superhuman acrobatic experienceeee!!!
"Ah, n-no...! —Kyaaaaaaaah!!?!"
With Sora's scream trailing behind us, we dodged the pincers and leaped into the air. I shifted her into one arm and received a desperate hug around my neck, but I had no time to enjoy it.
I parried the stinger that shot out to skewer me mid-air with my straight sword. The recoil sent my body spinning, and without stopping the rotation, I used Quick Change to switch to my great axe—
"Kyaaaaaah?! Kyaaaaaaaaah!!"
Sora was screaming like a textbook damsel, but her STR was much higher than mine. Confirming she was holding on tight despite being swung around, I swung the great axe with one hand without hesitation.
It was a direct hit on the tail I'd just deflected. The solid impact and further recoil sent my body flying. While carrying another person, I managed to pull off a three-and-a-half twist in mid-air before landing—a feat I myself found insane—then switched back to my straight sword and charged again.
"Ha, piece of cake!! I have the blessing of Sora-samaaa!!"
"N-no, stop...! —Iyaaaaaaaaaaah!!"
I was completely in the zone and having a blast, while Sora was beyond half-crying—she was full-on wailing, even more intensely than when the boss was chasing her.
The contradictory cries of the two echoed through the Rocky Wasteland, as the sound of clashing steel accelerated without end—.