kscans

Chapter 322 - Past the First Act, the Journey Continues

The now-familiar giant tower of a magic sword was swung, scattering a roaring gust of wind, and the semi-circle stretching for more than ten meters in front of Sora was instantly leveled. As we'd been told, the massive army of 'Red' wasn't all that impressive stat-wise. The hordes of [Remnants of the Red Circle] were cut down, crushed, and pulverized without a chance to resist, dissipating into the air like mist.

…Hmm, their method of disappearing is different from that of familiar enemies. As I can see and hear, they really are a separate class of being from 'normal enemies.'

—And so on. I was able to calmly observe the easily predictable 'result' because—

"Ngh!?"

"You've gotta be kidding me…!?"

"Whoa…!?"

—I was the only one who had witnessed her ridiculous power up close so many times. The two men I had held back to avoid the unfortunate accident of being caught in the crossfire, and Rinne, who had put on a magnificent 'cannonball' performance, all cried out with the same sentiment.

It's no wonder they were surprised… but even if we stopped moving, they certainly wouldn't.

"—[Parabellum Bullet]."

I let go of Tiger Lucky and Maru II, summoning crimson daggers into my now-free hands. At that moment, a faint phosphorescence shifted from Sora, who had charged forward, to me. The scales tipped, and I ignited my boosted agility—and dashed.

On the opposite side of the semi-circle my partner had cleared, I sliced through the tsunami of creatures that came pouring into the deployment space Rinne had secured. I brought the point of my blade down on the head of a lion that lunged with bared fangs, trisected a swooping eagle at the torso and wings, diced the slender neck of a charging ostrich, and split a massive crocodile that leaped up from my feet in two from jaw to the tip of its tail. I also activated Flip Stroke. I used my Bullet machine gun to shoot down every flying type I could see—I see, so they are soft.

Even compared to something as over-the-top as [Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King], or even the [Gemlant Army] I fought in the 'ant nest' the other day, there was none of the resistance you feel when striking a reasonably tough enemy. Personally, I have my thoughts… or rather, my suspicions, about the information related to the crimson weapons currently in my hands, but these guys, yeah—they're just husks, no doubt about it.

…And so, you three.

Have you rebooted yet?

"—…Hah, well now, that completely blew me away."

After pushing back the encirclement in one breath, I made eye contact with Tiger Lucky, who had been frozen solid while I bounced around, even flipping upside down. True to his words, the young man who had been completely frozen by my surprise spat out his words with a hint of chagrin—then a wicked smile spread across his face, and his cheeks curled up.

"Sora!"

"—Eek!? W-Wha, y-yes!?"

Hey, hey, I get how you feel, but lower your voice. You startled Sora-san so much she dispelled her magic sword.

"Is that thing a one-shot cannon?!"

The question followed the call, and my partner, flustered at the thought of having a conversation in this situation, shot me a look. By all means, go right ahead. Indulge yourself as much as you like.

—If you're going to liven up my partner's public debut, I'll gladly kick aside any number of obstacles to buy you time!

"…N-no, I can do it as many times as I want!"

I gave her a grin and a nod as I picked up my speed, and Sora turned back and replied boldly… well, I'll overlook the fact that she's still a little timid, but she answered straight on.

"As many times as you want…? Huh… Really…?"

"Wait a minute… is she the real main cannon here…?"

Hey, you two over there, the Maru-Rinne pair. Thanks for the textbook reaction, but could you stop standing there and lend a hand? It's not that I can't do it, but maintaining a space for five people all by myself is making me a little dizzy…!

"…………A monster's partner is a monster, huh? Can't judge a book by its cover."

Hey, you too, Tiger Lucky! I've already taken out a number approaching the triple digits in the last ten seconds, so hurry up! Stop trying to look cool and give the 'orders' already, party leader!

"—Rinne, guard our rear."

"…Right, okay!"

"Maru, take the left. I'll handle the right."

"Got it…!"

Whether I can do it or not is one thing, but high-speed maneuvering is basically super exhausting. When I'm hyped up or extremely focused, it's one thing, but doing it sober is surprisingly tough. —So, it wasn't that my thoughts of 'hurry up and change the situation, dammit' got through, but the [Great Tiger] gave his terse commands, and the [Sound Armor] and [The Dictionary] moved into position.

As for him… it seems he still had more to 'say.' Can't be helped, I'll handle the front and right for a little longer.

"Alright—Sora, you're the front runner. Lead the way."

"Huh…"

"You can do it, right? You're the Acrobat's partner."

"Hah."

I couldn't help but laugh.

Yeah, I like that, not bad at all. You get it, Tiger ☆ Lucky. That kind of provocation is something I… and surely, Sora too—

"—…Leave it to me!"

—don't dislike in the slightest.

"[Schwert Kreis]…!"

"Whoa…"

"What is that, that's insane…"

Even as they were given their positions and got back to work, their gazes were still glued to her. The circle of magic swords, summoned one after another from the void to surround their 'master,' elicited voices on the verge of being utterly dumbfounded.

And whether their owner was aware of the voices directed at her or not… in accordance with her orders, Sora looked straight ahead and—

"[Zwei Rad]!"

—unleashed two giant wheels, each woven from a hundred magic swords. The sand-dust tyranny attending the 'Golden' one roared to life—and the trampling began.

"—Hey, idiot clown."

"Who're you calling an idiot clown?"

Since the anti-army girl (Sora) had begun her energetic rampage, the one in charge of the right flank came over to me, as I was now pushed to the remaining right side. While exchanging lighthearted banter and lopping off the heads of the varied 'Red' creatures, I stole a glance at his profile… although it still held a trace of surprise, he looked to be in a very good mood.

—Ah, this feels good.

Now I really understand how Sora felt back when I made my public debut and stole the spotlight, how she was as happy as if it had been her own achievement.

"You were hiding somethin' incredible… That really blew me away. Satisfied?"

"Extremely—whoa!? You…!?"

I narrowly dodged the black spear thrust that followed his smug look, and the [Great Tiger], with a wicked grin curling his lips, let out a half-joking click of his tongue.

"Haru, you take out every flying type that gets close. Other than that, just support your precious partner. Escort her properly."

"You bastard… Yeah, yeah, got it, leader."

'She might overdo it and get carried away'—whether that was his genuine thought or just part of his role-playing, for all his rough, careless, and sloppy nature, he was surprisingly observant. I glanced at my partner, who was carving a path with incredible momentum, wielding her magic swords… well, she'd probably need my support any second now. The small back I watched as I followed his orders, shooting down birds and fish swimming in the air with a barrage of Bullets, was the most dangerously reckless it had ever been.

But if that was due to her 'fun' and 'happiness'—

"…Haha."

There was nothing to be done, and I didn't need to be asked. Sora's 'fun' is my 'fun.' Supporting my cute partner is nothing less than a rewarding privilege of being her partner.

—The small circle advanced through the great sea of 'Red,' which dissipated only to surge forth again, never stopping its advance. The stage, which had seemed so vast, was far too small for the challengers. And so, the commotion that had stirred the 'sea' was over. In less than half an hour, in what was but a blink of an eye for the world—they departed, continuing on their journey.