kscans

Chapter 478 - The White Star Wears Red, The Blue Star Wears Black, Part Four

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◇Status / RIM◇
Name：Sapphire
Lv：1(10)
STR(Strength)：0
AGI(Agility)：0
MID(Spirit)：0
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"Right, right. I see."

Upon the first summoning, a whole slew of information was pounded into my head—Arcadia's specialty, a direct brain-install instruction manual.

I wouldn't call it overly complicated, but just as the preliminary info suggested, the specifications for a Tamed Beast were fairly complex. That's why I wasn't particularly surprised to see a row of stark zeros for its initial stats, a stark contrast to its imposing appearance.

I shouldn't judge them by player standards. Their base specs are those of a monster, so even in its current, brand-new state, Sapphire should still retain a decent amount of strength.

However, just as our very first successful tamer, Mr. Lizenon, had said, it should have been significantly weakened compared to before it was tamed. In fact, deciphering the dragon's detailed stats through our new connection, it was truly just a shadow of its former self.

In other words, I couldn't expect the same majesty it displayed earlier when it managed to keep up with my top gear. I might have summoned it with a dramatic flourish just for the heck of it, but there's a limit to what I can ask of it—or so I thought as I formulated my orders in just over a second.

"――――――"

The dragon twisted its long neck back, turning its eyeless head to fix its "gaze" on me.

In that instant, a thin, faint feeling of connection sparked at the edge of my thoughts. It was different from the telepathic link I had with my partner, still a flimsy mutual communication, but...

I definitely received the message.

"Hah, good boy—Alright, I'm counting on you, Sapphie!"

Despite the fact that I'd mercilessly and instantly killed it, perhaps that was precisely the reason for this immediate show of loyalty.

Heeding its sentiment of "I'll risk my life for you," I kicked off its back and descended from the starry sky.

Its unique blinking ability was likely lost or sealed upon being tamed. This time, beating its great wings for real, Sapphire flew off powerfully in one direction.

I can just picture the girls recoiling in fear, but I really hope they can all get along.

It might not be as tough as it looks, but even in its weakened state, it should be able to serve as a bodyguard against a few small fry—which brings me to!

"—Sorry to keep you waitin'!"

Landing, turning, stepping in, and thrusting with my left fist.

Kicking away a few mobs I'd brushed past, I rushed in and slammed into the tiger boss that two parties had just begun to engage.

My fist, powered by [An=ru Galta (Hypothesis: The Wedge Armor that Sings of the Royal Road)], roared as it shot forward. I expected to recreate the scene where I blew away the pre-tamed Sapphire, but—it was heavy.

I had forcefully cut in for the tank, who was a bit hesitant, but the great tiger's front paw, though pushed back by my full-powered left fist, held its ground in a stalemate.

If Sapphire was an AGI-focused build, is this one STR-focused? Excellent. If my right arm were working, I might have tried to handle this alone, but let's not forget.

Time to enjoy some good old party play!

"—Switch!"

"Uoooh-RAAAH!"

"The backup's so fast I can't help but laugh!"

"The game speed is bugged, I swear!"

"He doesn't even wait, you know?!"

"I'm so damn jealous you tamed a dragon!"

My left fist and its left paw clashed and were forced apart, a clean break that left both me and the great tiger in a brief moment of recovery as we retreated. And from behind me, my allies charged forward, shouting bravely, unable to stop laughing at the ridiculously fast reinforcements.

Though their individual hits lacked the flashy impact of an irregular ranker, each one of them moved with precision and reliability. They swung the weapons in their hands, piling damage onto the massive beast.

They might say they aren't special, but...

"C'mon, Tank, step it up! Don't let the damage dealers steal your job!"

"Don't you dare get scared!"

"These are tremors of excitement, sir!!!"

In truth, they are brave warriors, charging head-on against a monster that stands over five meters tall. There is no doubt about that.

In that case, they have no need for self-deprecation or humility—

"""Get 'em, Boss!"""

"—Leave it to me!"

They're warriors worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder, to hell with labels like ordinary or special.

Two great-axes and one greatsword. The heavy warriors met the beast's log-like foreleg head-on as it was raised to strike again, unafraid of taking a hit.

Stalemate, break, and switch.

Kesshiki Itto, First Strike—

"[Hisui]."

From drawing the blade to forming the stance, it took only a fraction of a second. The Kesshiki strike, forcibly recreated by the insane thrust of [Rocket], struck the great tiger square in the face, just as I'd aimed—

But the strange feedback made my eyes widen in surprise.

"So that's how it is, huh... Hup!"

What stopped my jade blade wasn't the two fangs growing from its upper jaw, but rather a transparent barrier they must have generated, glowing brightly.

The strange sensation from my [Samidorizuki] told me that pushing was useless, so I kicked off the barrier and retreated. I see. So it's not a pure STR-based attacker, but more of...

"A tank-attacker type that can also dish out damage, I suppose."

It's probably a special ability exclusive to boss-level creatures, like the one Sapphire had. Now, how to break through it...

"So, where should I go?"

This tiger seems like a pretty tough opponent, but the swarms that the other four parties are dealing with are a huge problem too. Their coordinated movements are as sharp as they were this morning, and while everyone's giving it their all, I can't say they've got it completely under control.

So, during this brief break, I asked for my role—

"Then how about... both?"

"If things get hairy over here, we'll ask for some help...!"

"The best thing you can do is just run wild wherever you want!"

"Our boss can cover the whole area, easy! Right?!"

I couldn't tell if they were tense or not. Faced with their near-instantaneous replies, I didn't know whether to be impressed or just offer a wry smile.

Well, I guess I'll just—

"Alright, you got it. I promise you a cruise on the grandest of ships."

I'll take it as a sign of the trust I've built and offer them a smile in return.