kscans

Chapter 23 - # The Reincarnated Hero Sets Out to Conquer the Hobgoblin's Dungeon

The reincarnated Hero's party re-entered the Goblin Forest, the tutorial area from 'Legend of Brave Regalia.'

"This time... I'm gonna clear it for real. I'll crush that reincarnator boss, Mamoru, or whatever his name is."

Ares quietly readied his sword, while Lumina took a deep breath and gathered her magical energy. Deep within the tutorial forest was the cave where the Hobgoblins lurked. Its entrance was now guarded by traps far more cunning than before.

"Look, a pitfall trap. There's a pile of poisoned spears and skeletons at the bottom."

Lumina narrowed her eyes and held her hand over the dirt at her feet.

"Heed my command, O water of all creation. Become armor of pressure, and forge iron in the earth. Aqua Forge."

The loose soil rapidly transformed into a hard slate of stone, sealing the pitfall.

As they proceeded, they next encountered slimy, purple-stained ground.

"A poison marsh. If we touch this, we won't have time to use an antidote."

"Whoever thought this up has some seriously bad taste..." The moment Ares grimaced, Lumina began to chant again.

"O blue droplets from the heavens, wash away all impurities. In the divine name of pure water. Purify Water."

A glowing film of water appeared and touched the poison marsh, causing it to evaporate. A few seconds later, both the slime and the color had vanished, leaving only damp ground.

"...Your magic really is convenient."

"You're welcome to thank me, you know?"

Further ahead, countless Goblins lay in ambush.

"Kyakakaka!"

"Magic! We kill with magic!"

The Goblins began to chant spells, but Lumina calmly snapped her fingers.

"Blades, gather. Blue rage, dance. Slice through my enemies and sink them."

"Aqua Slash."

Sharp blades of compressed water shot out, slitting the Goblins' throats from the side before they could finish their spells.

"Pigi...!"

At that moment, Ares leaped forward.

"...Stay out of it, Lumina. It's my turn now."

Ares sneered as the trembling Goblins tried to flee.

"Like I'd let you run, you worthless trash...!"

Doshu!

He swung his sword sideways in a flash, and a Goblin's upper body went flying. With a reverse swing, he chopped off another Goblin's legs, then laughed as he drove his sword into its writhing body.

"Yeah, this feeling is the best... Ah, you're suffering, aren't you. More!"

The remaining Goblins retreated, crying, but Ares closed in and crushed one's head under his foot.

"Hyaah... how many is that now. Ahh, this is great."

Lumina watched from a distance, her brow furrowed.

"The way he kills is so sick... Truly, the worst."

When they finally reached the 'Goblin Throne Room' deep inside the cave, it was empty.

"Huh? Did he run away... that 'Mamoru' guy. What a coward."

Just as he said that.

"...You've done well to come this far, Hero."

Ares grinned and turned toward the voice coming from behind him.

Four figures stood there.

First, a large Orc with a protruding belly and a smug grin, "Defray."
Second, a Lizardman with a smooth, scaly body, "Amy."
Third, a young girl who closely resembled the Troll King they had fought before, a Troll named "Koni-chan."
And the last one, the chief of the Goblin tribe, with a wicked smile on his face, "Mamoru."

They stood lined up proudly as if actors on a stage, looking down on Ares and his companion.

From the darkness deeper in the cave, a woman was quietly watching them. The Dark Elf, "Tiris." Her eyes were cold, her gaze intent on discerning something.

"Your destiny ends here. Die, Hero Ares!"

"Here it comes, the classic setup! Four against two, bring it on...!"

And so, the curtain rose on a fierce battle deep within the earth, in the Goblins' lair.