Chapter 741 - Gear Shift
About three months, give or take. Seeing it again after all this time, I couldn't help but curse its ridiculously broken activation speed.
On top of that, its power and scale were completely unforgivable compared to the explosive speed at which its cannons—the magic circles—were deployed. It was the work of a felonious enemy that casually filled the space with a manifestation of death that would be fatal to any player on contact, let alone a direct hit. And…
…I had to admit, I was something else for managing to react to that thing being fired at point-blank range. But still, that was that, and I had no choice but to scream it again and again.
Give me a break. Go back to your den, you goddamn animal.
I had only a few seconds left before my MP dropped to the safety line, the danger zone where my various abilities would become difficult to manage. I clung to the life granted by [Eyes Oculus], which in the end had been a wasted activation.
I returned the favor with a no-motion flying fist, Sextuple, to send its claws flying. Buying a split-second with a hasty retreat, I used the now-freed Sakura Memento to devour the lethal magic cannon… and then, adapting to the situation, I kicked my thoughts into overdrive and shifted gears.
It goes without saying, but fighting players and fighting enemies are two different things.
The biggest difference is the direction your thinking needs to take. This is especially true in Arcadia, where PvP often becomes a 'session' where both sides exchange techniques.
Since it's content with no merit beyond simple enjoyment, there's a common understanding among players that, unless it's a mere squabble, this is how it fundamentally ought to be. This is probably related to how, since the very first Four Pillar War—the largest PvP event in this virtual world—some festive faction established the grand proclamation that 'a battle is something to put on a show with.'
In contrast, there's obviously no such thing in PvE.
No matter where they are, no matter what kind of ecosystem they've built, almost without exception, the monsters that attack players with murderous intent on sight have no concept of respect.
That's why, unlike the struggles between players who find enjoyment based on 'fun,' the main premise of content involving enemies is…
"Alv Call—"
…to adopt the enemy's style and show no mercy in beating them down.
"[Helia]."
It's a true struggle that seeks not 'fun,' but purely 'victory.'
In place of the fading magic light in my eyes, I called forth the other half of my soul.
This was the first time in this event. I'm counting on you for this one, I pleaded, half-praying. My call was answered, and the [Alv Stella], appearing in a reasonably good mood, manifested its form in response to my wish.
I offered my right arm, and a torrent of 'red' gushed forth. My arm, now an unnatural limb that constantly flowed while emitting a crystal-like luster, wielded an ever-changing, freely-transformable weapon.
It was the fully-automatic enemy-reaping machine, the crimson star-sword.
Alright then, let's…
"Let's crush 'em, partner!!"
Two minutes left until the match ends. It's sudden, but let's brace ourselves and fight like hell.
I activated [Water Enchant]. The red arm, now clad in the magical light of water, mimicked 'claws' and extended at high speed, not to be outdone by the shadow. As I watched it tear apart the black cannon muzzles drawn haphazardly in the air, I took one step… no, two.
Dual [Rocket] activation on both legs, along with [Ignition] and the construction of 'Matoi.' It was a pseudo-'Shukuchi' whose speed alone now surpassed even my master's. I bit down on the air and tore through it.
'Your reaction speed is as ridiculous as ever, you bastard,' I cursed loudly in my head. The shadow had, as expected, stopped my left-handed Sakura Sword with its claws again. 'Yeah, yeah, I knew it,' I thought, plastering a careless smile on my face.
I planted my left foot and swung my right leg. It was the brawling kick I failed to land on that rock bastard, delivered at the speed of sound.
External rotation output 'Kai' at critical convergence. Prototype Kicking-Style Shinden Kai—it has no name!!
"DOORAAAAHHH!!!"
My vibrating kick sent out a roar that rivaled the magic cannon. Who knew how much of it was reproduced, but thankfully, its footing was as light as ever. I sent my sworn enemy, Repra, flying.
There was no sound. But who cares? I'm not arrogant enough to think I can defeat a monster that took both me and Arche working together to beat, not in just two minutes and all by myself.
"[Rocket]...!"
So, from this point on, I have one role to fulfill. In addition to dealing with that thing, I have to fight with all my might against this unending barrage of bullets that has been hounding me, and continue to drain the resources of the two little ones who, judging by their state, must be pushing themselves quite a bit.
Basically, well, you know.
"I'm leaving the rest to you!!!"
"I don't want to understand, but I get it!!!"
I have no choice but to entrust the fate of the rest of the match to my reliable big sister… which means you'd better prepare for a quagmire too, you nine-tailed monster.
No matter if you're one of the strongest monsters in Arcadia's history, don't think you can kill the current me—the [Acrobat] who has your entire attack pattern burned into his virtual brain from our unforgettable death match—in just two minutes.
Not even with absurdly high-powered backup.