kscans

Chapter 373 - The White Lingering Dream, Swaying in Slumber - Part 2

The first forced teleport—and the 'White Throne's' second gimmick activates.

Ignoring the players who were forced to make a split-second check of their surroundings and assess the situation after the random shuffle, an abnormality occurred in the 'dragon' that had let out a roar reminiscent of a whale's call.

It was as if water was being torn apart; white dots separated from its body like droplets. However, they only appeared as dots because the White Throne's body, the object of comparison, was simply too massive.

I couldn't tell the exact size of the things that floated up into the sky, but even from a distance, I could tell that each one had enough mass to crush a player.

And there were dozens of those 'dots,' so many they were countless.

Their true identity was turrets, its split-off bodies, that fired a barrage of bizarre projectiles.

—And they were, of all things, our designated targets.

"Crush 'em!!"

Long before the General's voice, which rang out from somewhere, could kick me in the back,

"`Rocket`."

I threw caution to the wind and went full throttle from the start. Scattering my own HP and water droplets, I shot straight up into the sky.

Those turrets floating above the White Throne have the property of targeting the closest player and unleashing concentrated fire.

In that case, with the addition of a rule-breaker who can simply fly through the sky this time—

"Bring it on—if you can even keep up!!"

The plan is that, depending on my performance, my comrades below can completely ignore one of the damn annoying gimmicks… but of course, I'm the one who ends up going through hell.

What's fired from the white split-off bodies floating in the air is a swarm of 'tentacles' like a danmaku barrage.

They're not the gentle kind that entangle and restrain the enemy; they're hundreds of spears that pierce through without mercy. If they catch you, it's death—so I just have to not get caught!!

With no obstacles and infinite space, it might seem like the perfect stage for `Rocket`, but unfortunately, I can't just fly around and escape as I please.

My role is purely a decoy. To attract every last turret, I have to remain the closest player to all of them.

Furthermore, the order Goldow just gave wasn't 'attract them,' but 'crush them.' In other words, my role is the decoy, but our role is—

"Lux-san!"

"Okay, let's do it!!"

""`Schwert Kreis`—""

The time limit is one hundred seconds. To ensure the tentacle spears don't rain down on the raid members when I'm dragged down by the forced teleport and their targets scatter—we have to destroy every last one of them each time the teleport and turret deployment cycle repeats.

"`Zwei Tausend`!"

"`Continuous Volley`!!"

Two rings activated, and a 'dust storm' far exceeding the number of 'White's' minions surged into the sky.

Two thousand sand swords, controlled by Sora, flying freely through the air.

And a continuous, super-long-range barrage of unending projectiles fired by Lux, who had copied [Cradle of Sword-Craft (Cradle)] with her [Reminiel Traveler (Treasure-Marked Traveler's Notebook)] and tamed it in her own way—a rising rain.

What a spectacular sight, truly the pinnacle of—not that I have a single millimeter of time to think such carefree thoughts!!

"`Fatal Leak`—…!!"

Since I've already declared that 'friendly fire is not a concern,' it would be too uncool for words if I were to accidentally get hit and fall from the sky.

As far as MP consumption is concerned, for this time only, there's no need to worry—I won't hold back, I'll keep it active at all times……………wait a second?

"Tch, I know, I know, stop rattling around…!"

Dodging the approaching tentacles, dodging the flying magic swords, and spamming `Rocket` in quick succession. My head is already fried from managing the skill and my posture.

If I lose focus in this state, I'll be on a one-way trip to an accidental death. I gripped the hilt of my beloved sword, which had started to thrash about in the scabbard on my right hip, with my left hand, and soothed it, telling it to calm down, partner.

Don't you worry.

—Do you really think your master, of all people, would be satisfied with just running away?

Whether my inner thoughts got through or not, the unruly horse quieted down, and I couldn't help but grin… no, I've been smiling for a long time now.

Yeah, this is fun—so, let's make it even more fun!

"Sora!"

My voice doesn't reach her, but it does.

My request travels through the bond woven by the chains connecting our shields. And the response from my partner certainly came back to me.

Seven sand swords broke away from their task of targeting the White Throne's turrets and carving up the tentacles they fired. I grabbed one of them with the right hand that held the shield.

It's bulky, but not impossible to swing. But I don't need to swing it as a weapon. Because this is a substitute for an antenna—the reins of a vassal, bestowed by the master of the magic swords.

"The decoy act is over. Follow me…!!"

The attack prediction lines provided by `Fatal Leak` and a quick calculation of my own breakthrough power tell me—no need for tricks, a single point breakthrough is more than enough!

"`Rocket`!!"

I kicked off the void, full throttle. The six magic swords, linked to the one I held, followed me at super-high speed, spiraling beyond the limits of Sora's skill.

No need to evade. While slicing through the tentacles in my path with my entourage of blades… I can't see it clearly, but the timing is now.

As I passed by one of the turrets, a target I'd memorized in an instant—I drew and cut it in two.

"—————Ha…!"

There was no resistance whatsoever.

Seeing that dozens of magic swords were attacking each one, the durability of each turret was thought to be considerable.

And yet, this.

It truly felt like I had cut through empty air.

"You're in a good mood, aren't you—let's go on a rampage, partner!!"

Whether it was my imagination or not, the sword blade, which seemed to be glowing faintly, shone a pure white that rivaled the 'White'—and [Everquartz (Sky-Soaring White Crystal Sword)], released from its scabbard, seemed to be unable to contain its excitement for its long-awaited stage, carving a dazzling trail across the azure sky.

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[Everquartz (Sky-Soaring White Crystal Sword)] Anima: Straight Sword/Ring
Its steel remembers the karma of defying a divine messenger.
Its blade remembers the honor of sinking its fangs into a pillar.
Its sword will not forget—the heroic figure of its master, who soared without yielding to divine might.

・Special Effect: 'One Who Aims for the White Throne'
Provides a special attack bonus against [Tsarkalv of the White Throne] and its kin.