Chapter 228 - Chapter 25: The Demon Lord's Cave ⑤
As a result of defeating one of the strongest magical beasts, the monsters stopped attacking, perhaps out of fear. It wasn't ideal for a decoy, but we needed to reorganize.
We cast [Recovery] on the vanguard and replenished the arrows for the archers in the bowls. Eleanor-sama and Harris-sama were recovering their mana by having Jennifer-sensei cast [Hand Over] on them.
"What was that magic just now?"
Flora regained consciousness, and Beatrix, who had taken a breath, was asking. If I recall, when we all hit the [Prominence] with [Holy], the color of the flames changed.
"That was the composite magic [Megiddo Fire], which was the secret weapon against the Demon Lord."
Against... the Demon Lord?
It seems they succeeded in gaining the initiative by blasting it right at the start. I started to feel a bit sorry for the Behemoth. It ended up being a complete "one-shot" character, but it seems it was like a mouse challenging Angelica-san.
"Actually, [Holy] has good compatibility with attribute magic. However, the only ones that can actually add power are fire and ice."
The power is different, she said, pointing to where the ground the Behemoth was on had deformed as if it had melted once when hit by the magic.
Apparently, if used in a narrow place, it also deals intense damage to the caster. However, in a wide place, they boast they can win even in a fire battle with a Fire Dragon.
"Composite magic... that's incredible."
"Even Beatrix and Lyudmila put [Flame] on Paul's [Tornado: Wind] when facing the Demon Race, did you not?"
Come to think of it, that's true.
Does that mean, if I hit water produced by [Water] with [Holy], it becomes holy water?
"It's possible temporarily. But the effect of [Holy] disappears in an instant. So, it's not suitable for practical use. In the case of [Prominence], the temperature rises dramatically. Once it rises, it doesn't cool down suddenly, right? That's why it works."
It seems the effect is high precisely because it's [Prominence], which is orange to yellow and has a high base temperature. For red flames of high-level magic or below, the base temperature is low, so it's supposedly faster to just use full power rather than putting [Holy] on it. Wind and lightning are too fast, making it difficult to put magic on them, and earth, which relies more on striking power than magic, isn't very effective. In the case of ice magic, it's apparently the opposite. If you put it on [Cocytus], the temperature drops, and the range that the ice pillars freeze the target supposedly expands. However, for some reason, there seems to be a limit.
"Then, what about holy magic with a long duration?"
"Holy magic with a long duration?"
"Yes. The [Repellent] I learned lasts for about two hours. For example, if I cast it along with [Water: Shower], wouldn't it become insect repellent for the fields?"
The Headmistress and Eleanor-sama looked at each other. For some reason, they both burst out laughing just like that.
"Once this matter is over, let's definitely experiment. I feel like I've understood why you are liked by the spirits."
"Oh? That's because she's my student."
"Even though she's treated as a violent priestess?"
"Violence is mutual."
They've started talking about all sorts of things. Even though I, the one being made the subject of the story, don't understand the meaning at all.
According to the Headmistress and the others, once the Behemoth is defeated, magical beasts become docile. The tendency not to defy the strong is supposedly most prominent in magical beasts. Incidentally, the tendency is said to be weakest in insect types, and except for red ants, they supposedly lead wild lives according to their instincts wherever they are.
"Then, will they not come here anymore?"
"That's right. So we have to attack from our side."
They seemed gleeful when they heard that. They must really like going on the offensive.
"We must fulfill our role as decoys. We're moving forward."
Everyone who was on the high platforms got into Eleanor-sama's bowl.
Since it's large, there's no [Camouflage]. Of course, there's no simple magic circle from the Headmistress either.
Setting up the Lindwurm shield with [Defend] and [Magic Reflection] in front, as we headed toward the pile of rubble, we saw a huge hole in the rock mountain and several passages surrounded by partition-like walls.
The passages were curved, so we couldn't see deep inside even when illuminating them with [Light]. The monsters seemed to have retreated, as they were nowhere to be seen.
We stood by as is and sent out a scout.
"Fiona. Please."
"Yes. Understood."
The trump card that had been hiding in the crystal until now. The strongest scout against monsters, who absolutely cannot lose, makes her appearance. Not only does she have no effect from anything other than holy magic, but she also wears the ring given by Eleanor-sama and equipment with Lindwurm feathers sewn on, just like us. Harrison-san and Bishop Phillips, who are ahead, also know about Fiona. There will be no accidental friendly fire.
Magical beasts are sensitive to ghosts, so it seems she was found. There was some thumping and banging from the middle, but she came out shortly after.
"I was able to rendezvous with Roberts-sama and the others. They were resting in a simple barrier. Since they seemed to be lost, I scouted by passing through walls and found the exit to tell them. On the way back, I passed by the magical beasts, so I think they will chase me this way."
"Th-That is a tremendous achievement. I never imagined you were this excellent. Thank you so much."
Eleanor-sama's voice trembled as she hugged her. Fiona turned red and looked down.
Because the person controlling it was moved, the bowl shook. It was a little dangerous.
"There are reactions. Too many to count."
"They're here. All sorts of them."
Fiona seems to have worked quite hard. The types of magical beasts we had fought so far came out in swarms.
This is no time to be turning red. I pulled her arm and had her hurriedly return to the crystal.
"Marcelo, could you line up three [Magic Reflection] spells behind us? Harris, we're using [Over Flow]."
"Understood," Harris-sama said, and began his incantation. The bowl's position moved to diagonally above the rubble and tilted forward.
I desperately endured as I was about to tumble, getting on all fours.
"[Magic Reflection]!"
He spoke three times, and three layers were lined up.
"[Holy: Over Flow]!"
It was a simultaneous [Over Flow] of ultra-high-level and high-level by two people. The monsters were wiped out in one fell swoop.
We deactivated the bowl and landed in front of the maze.
The two consecutive [Over Flow] spells, reflected to prevent diffusion to the rear, were of such power that Flora fainted for the second time today.
I myself didn't feel much surprise since I had received the [Exorcism Formation], but those who weren't there at that time were all stroking their own bodies to check themselves.
The surroundings were covered with the corpses of magical beasts. Just how many did we defeat...
Since we couldn't possibly bury them, all the priests offered funeral prayers.
"Shall we cut off the fangs of the notable magical beasts and send them via [Teleport]?"
Marcelo-san and Angelica-san, who never miss a business opportunity at any time, immediately pulled out the cowhide magic circle.
"Will the profits be split?"
Beatrix's eyes sparkled. In addition to many D-ranks, there were also C-ranks and the B-rank Behemoth. Especially since we defeated them with [Holy] at the end, they were undamaged.
"I am sorry, but it all goes into the national treasury. Once the boss of the fourth layer is defeated, the Royal Army will come to collect them, so please do not touch them until then."
Apparently, they will give rewards to all involved in the subjugation according to the content of their work.
"A country where the Demon Lord has been resurrected suffers considerable economic damage. We have no choice but to recover at least the amount for the rewards at times like this."
When told that, there was nothing we could do. Marcelo-san also put away the cowhide.
"That means one medal. Well, I guess it can't be helped."
Eleanor-sama apologized again, saying "I am sorry," and then the communication magic circle lit up. It was from Roberts-sama and the others.
Eleanor-sama read out the letter that had arrived.
"Um. Thanks to Lady Fiona's advice, they safely... found the exit!"
We surrounded Fiona and cheered. Lyudmila and the Headmistress started dancing.
"It says they are going to subjugate the boss of the fourth layer now, and if we are willing to volunteer, they would like support."
In other words, if we defeat the boss together with the main force, we can get another medal.
"This is like a thank-you from Roberts and the others to Fiona. How about it, everyone? Those with strength to spare, won't you participate?"
Everyone ended up participating. Kevin-sama was completely out of breath and declined, but the Archbishop of Nakanohara bowed and made him participate, saying "Please protect me."
"Basically, it will be support while hiding ourselves. We will use Catherine's [Magic Reflection], so we can even bounce back the Demon Race's magic."
The Demon Race apparently has area-of-effect magic.
This time, we are the ones being ambushed. Unlike the fight in the spider cave, it shouldn't be easy.
There was only one problem.
The essential Fiona. Even though [Magic Reflection] is a mid-level magic, there might be damage if the Headmistress is the one casting it.
"Wear my armor. Our heights are the same. You should be able to wear it. This can protect against up to high-level magic, right? I'll act as Fiona's guard in the rear."
Matilda volunteered.
"In that case, it would be best if she stays inside my [Magic Reflection]. How about casting Bishop Catherine's [Magic Reflection] on the outside of that?"
Marcelo-san proposed. If we carry out the two proposals, it should be fine.
"Fiona, please handle the scouting along with Jeanne and Flora. Identify the Demon Race's position from a safe place and somehow convey it to the main force."
Even Eleanor-sama made a proposal. Everyone was trying to find a way to let Fiona participate.
"Thank you very much."
Fiona could only say her thanks through tears.
We jumped via the cowhide magic circle and rendezvoused with Roberts-sama and the others.
Since everyone was participating, there were many people.
At the overflowing number of participants, Roberts-sama also laughed, saying "I am grateful."
"Roberts. What is the plan?"
"First, I would like Fiona to scout. You remember the structure of the tower from the third to the fourth layer? It is likely the same here. First, confirm that, and observe the enemy's situation inside the atrium. Just peeking from above is enough. Absolutely do not descend."
"Yes. Understood."
It seems worry was unnecessary. Immediately, a place to shine was given.
Fiona stuck her head into the wall to observe the situation and went inside just like that.
In the meantime, there was a brief explanation of the plan.
"We will descend all at once in bowls covered by [Camouflage] and [Magic Reflection]. If possible, we will launch a surprise attack as is; if not, it will be a battle. However, since it is in the dark, we cannot win so easily. Therefore, at the same time as we descend, we will scatter Jeanne's Fireflies on the floor and light them all at once. That way, there will be a light source, and we can fight sufficiently."
With effort, I've become able to send out eight Fireflies. The seven main members will each take one, and scatter them as soon as they descend. Then light them. That seems to be the plan.
"First, while hidden, I want everyone to launch a simultaneous attack from above. After that, no interference. Please watch the situation until we strike it down or retreat. If possible, I would be grateful if you could deploy multiple [Wind Barrier] spells to prevent it from flying up and escaping."
In that case, I made several proposals, and once Roberts-sama and the others gave their consent, Fiona returned.
"Descending the stairs in this inner room, there is one room. There is no door, only stairs. Descending those stairs, there is a wide atrium, and in that atrium room, a Demon Race member was sitting in a chair. The size of the atrium was about the same as the tower descending from the third to the fourth layer. I only saw one Demon Race member. It looked larger than the one you all defeated the other day. Its horns also looked thick. Black wings are growing. It looked like a human. I am sorry, but I couldn't see the weapons very well. I didn't see anything like a magic circle. The only way to descend the tower, excluding flight magic, was a spiral staircase attached to the wall."
As usual, it was a brilliant report.
"Well done, Fiona. Thanks to you, I understand well."
Roberts-sama said, and Gladys-sama slightly shifted her hands at her chest to clap without making a sound.
Fiona, who said her thanks in a small voice, pressed her forehead against mine, so I hid her face with my sleeve and stroked her head.
Bishop Phillips, who met my eyes, smiled gently.
"Fiona and Flora, who have night vision, and Jeanne, who uses [Light]. These three can be called the lifelines of this battle. The three heroes, Jennifer-shinkan, and the Class of 175 will protect the three at all costs as guards. Bishop Harris will protect the two from the Nakanohara Church and, at the same time, handle the first attack. The Jaegers will scatter above the atrium and handle the first attack along with Bishop Harris using bows and holy magic. Do not descend carelessly."
Next, instructions were given to the Medioland diversion by James-sama. In short, do not descend and follow Roberts-sama's plan. The rearguard was instructed to provide support when using [Teleport], which would be absolutely necessary in case of retreat.
Being called a lifeline made me flustered. I understood well how harsh the battles in the darkness so far had been.
There were no questions from anyone else. While the three of us were turning red together, the operation was launched.