kscans

Chapter 224 - Side by Side on the Battlefield

"Ghh… Well, for an old man, I put up a decent fight…"

Ten minutes—or maybe just shy of that.

Though he had boasted from the heart that he had no intention of losing, the title of 'King' in this world was not so lenient as to be overturned by mere spirit alone.

It felt as though he had held out for much longer, but the time he had bought was likely only that much. To think that was all he could manage with his Anima fully released and his title's power unleashed—it was truly unbearable.

Unless one used their virtual brain in some bizarre way, a ranker accustomed to combat in the virtual world wouldn't falter even after several hours of continuous battle…

For better or worse, the physical and mental are directly linked in this world.

If one fought with all their might in the face of overwhelming pressure, even a battle of only ten minutes—would drag them down with a ridiculously phantom-like fatigue. No one would laugh at him for falling to his knees.

"…I'm surprised. You're completely different from a year ago."

As the General Commander gasped for air and dropped to one knee—the girl standing before him hadn't even broken a sweat. With a quiet voice… but with a hint of 'color' in her expression.

She shook her head at Goldow, who had been laughing at himself.

When Goldow lifted his head at Iris's words and saw the expression on her doll-like, beautiful face—the warrior's exposed cheek, revealed where his armor had been shattered, relaxed ever so slightly, as if savoring a moment of joy.

"…Hah, that's good to hear. Means even an old man can grow a little in this world."

In place of his lost right arm, he used his left hand to remove the crown from his helmet. As if following its master's will, the [Gordion, the Golden Armor of Heroes], which had reached its limit, began to crack and crumble from its extremities.

It was a declaration of surrender—personally, he would have preferred to struggle to the very end… but the public image of the General Commander, who was expected to possess dignity and charisma, wouldn't allow for such an unsightly display.

If it was a loss, accept it with grace. That was why he fought every battle with his entire being, so as to leave no regrets. That was the stance and pride of Goldow, the third-ranked member of the Eastern Faction—and the current top of Istia.

"Goldow."

"Yeah?"

"…It's been a while, but that was a little fun. Thank you."

"Hey, stop it. I get sentimental in my old age, you know."

At his bashful retort, Iris, who had just said she had fun, smiled just a 'little,' true to her words. Just as she raised her sword to deliver the final blow, the kneeling warrior's avatar was enveloped in a blue light.

"Whoops, looks like…"

My stalling paid off, the warrior laughed…

"…"

And the 'Queen,' whose finishing blow was interrupted, wore a rare, clearly displeased expression.

The teleportation was instantaneous, leaving no time for a proper exchange of words… but as he burned the image of her innocent, childlike expression—one he hadn't seen in a long time—into his mind.

—It was you, wasn't it, kid?

—This is your first meeting. Brace yourself and give it your all.

And so, after a few twists and turns.

Having finally reached the entrance to his desired situation, the pleased General Commander, ignoring the displeased Sword Queen.

Left behind a grin like a mischievous gang leader who had just pulled off a successful prank—and with the light of the teleport, he made his exit from the stage.

◇◆◇◆◇

"[Enga—]… Of course you would!!?"

"Damn right I would!"

The moment Haru's form vanished and a battered Goldow appeared outside the barrier, the Heavy Tank naturally tried to initiate an [Engage]. I used Extended Step to intercept him with a lightning-fast iai slash, sending him flying in the opposite direction.

Roaring Iai—though he easily blocked it with his daggers, it was a trump card that combined massive knockback with a skill interruption effect.

I've bought some time—but there's no time to breathe!

"Defense squad!"

"""ROGER!"""

The twenty-some elite soldiers of the East awaited the boy who had been sent flying. Though they had just been completely shut down and formed a hellish tableau, the Heavy Tank's cheeks twitched in a grimace as he instantly spotted them.

And who could blame him—he was now facing a group of men clad in nothing but their underwear.

"[Regalias, Tree-Calming Royalty]!"

The resulting effect was instantaneous and subtle. A shadow-like, dim light ran along their feet, an effect that those caught in the 'domain' would likely not even notice—

"Gnn…!"

"Heavy… but!"

"I can still move!!"

They were all skilled defenders to begin with. Their base durability (VIT) stats alone must have caused a considerable reduction in their agility. Their movements were sluggish and lacked any sharpness.

But it was different from before, when all they could do was crawl on the ground and spew curses. If they could move, they could fight.

And if they could fight, then whether they lived or died—they could fulfill their role.

"Ah, damn it, I messed up…! Did I reveal my hand too soon?!"

"Too bad for you, Heavy Tank!"

"Go on, kill me! I'm going to support Ri-na-chan!"

"Mi-na-chan is waiting on the other side of that wall!"

"Let me fulfill my destiny as a meat shield for Mi-na and Ri-na, dammit!!"

…In a way, it had become a different kind of hellscape.

"You fools…—How are you, Commander?"

"Hah, thanks for the help. I was just about to offer up my head."

Even though they were hit with a massive debuff, if he wanted to maintain his advantage, he couldn't kill these soldiers. The members of Istia are generally fools, but they aren't stupid.

If they took advantage of that situation, they could at least surround and stall an overwhelmingly superior opponent—…or so I had hoped.

"Looks like it'll be tough… We don't have time for idle chatter. I'm leaving this to you. Get back to command, quickly."

In addition to not being able to move their avatars as they wished, they were now completely unequipped except for their weapons. Not only was their defense gone, but they had also lost all the various enhancements and support effects from their gear.

It was no wonder they couldn't even manage a decent stall. Seeing the defense squad being effortlessly tossed around, I couldn't help but swallow a wry smile.

…Then, as planned.

"I'll take on Uni, the Heavy Tank."

"Right, about time—I'm counting on you, Sword Protector."

The hand that clapped my shoulder conveyed the 'heat' of the trust he had built up while bearing his title—yes, whenever I said "I'll do it," I had always succeeded.

So, this time will be the same.

Even if my opponent is a formidable enemy against whom I have never once claimed victory.

"Now then… I suppose I'll follow my junior's lead!"

If I'm going to be so bold as to hint at victory—

"Extended Step!"

—then all that's left is to go forth and cut him down.