Chapter 307 - The Wedge Sword-King Enshrines a God, The World Records the Heroic Tale of Two - Part 3
Besides [Arcadia], the only full-dive VR game, there are countless other 'games' out there.
Among them, ever since I started middle school, the ones I gravitated towards most were those where 'fighting' was the main event. I'm a guy, so it's only natural.
My point is, whether it's RPGs, action games, or simulations—it doesn't matter the genre—I've experienced a fair number of 'boss battles.'
There are the ones that are at full power from start to finish.
The ones that hold back at first and only get serious midway through.
The ones that transform or change form to get stronger.
The ones that start as a group and then merge to get serious.
The ones that get unceremoniously stomped by a true final boss that suddenly appears, reducing them to a mere opening act, and so on—
The list is endless… but in any case, it's a staple of video game 'boss battles' that the opponent gets stronger partway through.
I won't say it's always the case. But when you're facing a formidable or important opponent, it's a given that they'll have some kind of power-up gimmick.
However—I've never, ever had the experience of fighting a boss enemy that follows that convention in this particular way.
I countered its coordinated rush of twin swords and magic swords with my gauntlets and shield, looking for a break by thrusting my white crystal sword in.
It countered my once one-sided circular throwing strategy by placing magic swords in my path. In response, I left the distant swords behind and charged its main body for some close-quarters combat.
Then it unveiled its second form, making even its twin swords float with some mysterious power for a 'bare-fisted & six floating swords' style. I responded by running for my life and peppering it with a barrage of Bullet knives—
I had been adapting to its changes and maintaining the upper hand, but my advantage only lasted for…
"—Tch… ugh!?"
…a brief ten minutes from the start of the battle.
Just now, a magic sword, fired after having completely read my movements, tore through my bicep as if mocking my hasty evasion.
The knight had four HP bars remaining—meanwhile, my own single HP bar was already down by nearly thirty percent.
"Damn it…! This game is seriously insane…!"
Give me a break already. This is awesome!—In what world does an AI-controlled enemy exist that learns and gets stronger in the middle of a fight?
Apparently, in this one.
Seriously, this game is so typically Arcadia. All hail ridiculously advanced technology…!
『—』
"If this thing could talk, it'd be the real deal…!"
As I lost my balance in mid-air from the evasion, the silent armored knight launched a merciless follow-up attack—complete with a preparatory volley of magic swords. I could cry.
…I really didn't want to use this, but I have no choice.
"Tch—, ————"
I shut out all useless thoughts.
Even if I couldn't do it completely, I pushed the noise out to its absolute limit.
All that remained was my vision, a single plane of the world I perceived—
—as a 'game,' and I input the 'commands.'
`Construction`—deploy the [Giant's Hand Axe]. I roughly blocked the line of fire of the magic swords and slapped the empty air with my outstretched right hand.
Another blade on a trajectory to reach my tilted avatar. I kicked out with my right leg, pushing against the air as if stomping on it.
My vision spun. Outside of it, I sensed the real threat approaching my back. After looking in one direction, I twisted my neck, and in my line of sight were twin blades crossing to take my head.
Still upside down, I slapped the air with my left hand as if punching it—and from it burst a torrent of 'water' born from magic power.
Water magic, `Aqua`—and then,
"Second Strike."
『—, ————』
My remaining left leg caught the void—and became one of the wings that would grant me 'flight.'
`Rocket`, activate.
"`Striking Iron`!"
I poured my MP into `Aqua`, forcing it to erupt in a violent stream.
My left leg, caught in that resistance, brushed against the air for a fraction of a second—and the extreme acceleration skill, outputting the power I'd intended, replicated a strike from the Sword Saint with the same force as `Shukuchi`.
The Second Strike, `Striking Iron`, a blow of immense force capable of shattering even steel.
Whether you're a super-strong boss or not—
『—Tch』
—you better go flying, or I'm not gonna forgive you!
"G'raaaah!!"
It was nothing as gentle as striking iron.
With a deafening roar that seemed to crack space itself, the [Samidorizuki] I'd summoned and swung in a single motion sent the blue knight flying spectacularly.
The feedback was huge—I got its right arm—
"Ugh…!"
The result was certain, but the price was paid just as instantly.
A searing numbness that I could mistake for 'pain' even in this painless virtual world shot through my head, and I fell flat on my back, unable to even brace for impact.
This is why I didn't want to do it… Even though Ui-san showed me how to use it, and I can force it, I still haven't mastered—
"Hrk—!?"
In that instant, a massive object of 'white' and 'sand' shot across my vision as I stared at the ceiling.
Startled, I gasped and froze. The white knight was sent flying into the distance, as if swept away by a colossal sword resembling a tower.
"—Haru! Are you okay!?"
And in the next moment, a brilliant gold flashed into my view.
My partner was peering down at me, her face a mix of surprise and worry, offering a hand.
"Haha… nice save, Sora-san. As expected of you."
"You were obviously signaling me before you did something reckless… Honestly!"
That part, too, is 'as expected' from the bottom of my heart… I only glanced at her for a second while doing my acrobatics, but she noticed. Thank you.
I gratefully took her hand and let her pull me up. The thoughtful `Qualia Veil` also fully restored my health. What can I say, she's the best partner anyone could ask for…
And speaking of partners…
"—Those two over there look pretty friendly themselves."
"Friendly? Weren't they originally one being…?"
We both looked over to see the white knight supporting the blue one, whose right arm I had severed with my strike. Their remaining HP was similar, about seventy percent for both.
"You can see how I'm doing, but you seem to be managing well."
"I was watching… Haru, aren't you holding back too much? You had me worried."
"Well… most of what you'd call my trump cards are basically self-destruct moves."
Considering the possibility of a long fight, I couldn't help it…
During the break created by the distance, her gentle chiding along with her narrowed eyes helped the skull-splitting headache gradually subside.
…Yeah, I really shouldn't push myself. I should probably seal away the combo of `Hare Real` and `Rocket` for a while.
"Are you… alright?"
"Sorry, you don't need to worry. I'll refrain from the impossible and stick to just being reckless."
"…I'd rather you refrain from both, if possible."
She laughed, looking troubled, but her eyes were no longer on me—
"But I suppose we don't have that luxury."
"Probably not…"
—They were fixed on the two knights, who had begun to change.
I've been destroyed by the revision process, so I'm taking a break. I'll see you again tonight.