kscans

Chapter 379 - The Ruined City and the Golem

The day after the battle around "Abaddon" ended, the next battlefield was decided to be the "Ruined City Clear."

The Ruined City Clear was a place lined with concrete buildings, unbefitting of a fantasy setting, where metal golems roamed. Most of these buildings had collapsed, creating a post-apocalyptic landscape.

Despite the setting, very few players found it unusual. There were plenty of such scenes on Earth.

Earth has many such ruins, some of which are famous enough to have organized tours. Of course, there aren't any places with roaming golems, or robots, but it wasn't an unfamiliar sight for Hayato and the others.

However, its discovery in this virtual reality was recent, found around the time Hayato and his group had gone to the floating island.

Some players said, "This wasn't here before," "We couldn't enter this place," or "Someone broke the seal," but the truth was unknown, and it was an area that had not yet been fully explored.

Since it was being used as an event battlefield, some players were investigating it in their spare time, but its full extent was still unknown. This was because the large number of roaming golems made exploration difficult.

The golems didn't look like modern robots, but rather like drawing mannequins. It seemed some kind of command remained, causing them to excessively attack anyone who entered the city.

Their detection range was quite wide, and being spotted by one golem would attract a large number of others. The situation of them swarming in no matter how many were defeated was enough to feel fear even in virtual reality.

However, they wouldn't pursue you even a single step outside the area, so a method had been established to fight them near the boundary to defeat them and obtain metal materials.

Rare monsters also existed. A super-giant golem "Colossus," a bird-type golem capable of high-speed flight "Rapid Fire," and a beast-type golem that evolves to become stronger over time "Origin of Species" had been confirmed.

Also, though it was unclear if it was a monster, there had been sightings of a woman in a white one-piece dress, "Last One," moving around alone in what could only be described as a tank-like, heavy-duty wheelchair.

The battle on such a seemingly storied battlefield would first require dealing with the golems. Since the golems would try to destroy the Area Stone, it was necessary to defend it before trying to destroy the opponent's.

The golems attack constantly here. Even if you were on a building's rooftop, they would fly or climb the walls, and what's more, they never stopped coming no matter how many you defeated.

In fact, it was said that there would be less damage if you just took their attacks without defeating them.

"So, for that reason, I'd like you all to avoid trying to defeat the golems in this battle."

On the rooftop of the giant building where the Area Stone was located, Randa, the Grand Strategist of the Demon Lord's Army, said this.

Last night, she had been sulking, saying, "No one follows the plan," but either Ren and the others' comfort had worked, or a night's sleep had reset her, because she was full of energy this morning.

"Randa-dono, we have Hayato-dono here, so I feel it would be better to defeat the golems and get the materials. What do you think?"

Gil, the leader of the Ten Dark Knights, made this suggestion.

The Ten Dark Knights served as defense-specialized tanks to protect the Demon Lord Lunaria and the Area Stone. Their armor has durability, so they can't just keep defending forever.

Endlessly defeating them was a similar prospect, but his opinion was that since they would get materials for the ones they defeated, it would be easier to repair their equipment.

As if expecting this suggestion, Randa immediately shook her head.

"Actually, it's more dangerous to carelessly defeat them and make a rare monster appear. They're supposedly several times stronger than the normal golems, so your durability will just drop even more. It's less damaging to just fight lazily against the weak golems."

Rare monsters appear at a low probability when normal monsters spawn. Of course, there are other ways for them to appear, but it is mostly by lottery.

The more you defeat, the higher the chance of a rare monster appearing. It was only a possibility, but the damage if one did appear was too great, so it was better to just take the attacks of the not-so-strong golems.

Gil seemed convinced by this explanation and nodded, saying, "Understood."

"However, even so, considering our equipment's durability, I don't think we can hold out for a long time…"

"But wait, we have a secret weapon! Hayato-san, if you please!"

"Gil-san and everyone, please use this equipment."

Haya_to handed maces to Gil and his knights.

A mace is a bludgeoning weapon with a round sphere at the end of a metal rod. Its base damage is lower than a sword's, but it has the effect of slightly ignoring defense on normal attacks and can occasionally cause stun, so it is favored by tank players.

However, that wasn't the only reason Hayato handed them over.

"This mace has the Blood Weapon property, so when you hit something, you can recover a little of your equipment's durability. The golems seem to be gradually recovering HP with self-repair, so if you time your hits right, your equipment should be able to hold out for a while."

"U-um, that is, Hayato-dono. I believe the probability of creating equipment with Blood Weapon is quite low…?"

"I did my best."

It wasn't a probability that could be overcome just by "doing one's best," but Gil was a little taken aback that Hayato had made enough for everyone. The members of the Ten Dark Knights were also a bit stunned, but their expressions gradually turned into smiles.

"Thank you, Hayato-dono. I swear on this weapon that we will protect everyone and the Area Stone."

"I'm counting on you. But you can't recover forever with just that, so please take turns getting maintenance. I'll be on standby in the back."

Gil smiled and simply said, "Understood," as he swung the mace around to get a feel for it.

This time, besides Gil and his knights, Ash and the members of Dragon Soul were also set to defend.

Ash's weapon, Dragon Eater, has Blood Weapon, and his Death Dragon series can grant temporary physical immunity. Also, Agres Berion has the trait of being immune to attribute attacks, and there are others who, upon meeting certain conditions, become immune to physical attacks.

It wasn't much of a strategy, but this time they were focusing on defense and only on defeating enemy players, without actively aiming for the Area Stone.

This was because, on this battlefield, there was no need to force an attack on the Area Stone. The roaming golems would naturally swarm it, so if they could prevent the enemy from defending, they could win.

In that respect, the former Demon Lord's Army was at a disadvantage with fewer numbers than the New Demon Lord's Army, but everyone was used to that and didn't pay it much mind.

Randa explained while looking at everyone with a somewhat resentful gaze, "You'd better follow the plan properly!"

Once that explanation was over, Ivan approached Hayato.

Ivan, looking neither motivated nor unmotivated, scratched his head.

"Hey, Hayato, is my equipment ready?"

"I couldn't make an Excalibur, of course, but I made a few replicas. And for armor, I have a vest and pants made from dragon hide."

He could have prepared equipment with higher attack or defense, but Ivan said that was fine, so Hayato prepared it. However, due to Hayato's perfectionism, it was five-star, highest quality.

"Oh, you're a lifesaver. I would've been fine without it, but to get a full set of five-stars, you're really something."

"I'm sleep-deprived because of it… But you would've been fine without it? Surely you can't fight without equipment, right?"

"Nah, I've got this Hero skill, you see, and it lets me use Hand-to-Hand Combat skills too. So I'm fine even bare-handed."

"What's that about? Heroes are so broken."

"The Demon Lord skill is pretty similar. Though Lunaria only uses a sword."

"Come to think of it, she did say she had a skill like that…"

As Hayato said that, he felt a presence behind him.

He hurriedly turned around to find Lunaria standing very close, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Did I hear someone say Demon Lord? Do you want my autograph, perhaps?"

"Lunaria-san, please don't stand behind me. You'll startle me."

Behind the slightly dejected Lunaria, he could see the Ten Black Rose Saints rushing over in a panic. One of them, Rosalie, was glaring at Ivan with a look of distaste.

"You there, Hero, do not approach Lunaria-sama. In fact, become our enemy so we may strike you down."

"Everyone I know says that to me. But give me a break already. Lunaria already turned me down, so I'm not going to pick a fight for no reason."

Rosalie and the others were looking at Ivan with suspicion, but given his complete lack of trustworthiness up to this point, it couldn't be helped.

"Now, now, Rosalie-chan and everyone, calm your bloodlust. Ivan has surrendered to the Demon Lord's army, so let's all get along."

Though they still seemed dissatisfied, Lunaria's word was absolute, and Rosalie and the others sheathed their weapons.

"Lunaria, you're a good person."

"I know, actually. By the way, I came to ask you something, Hayato-san."

"Eh? Me? What is it?"

"I overheard a little just now, but what's Excalibur like? I'm more than ready to use my side of things, you know?"

"Ah, sorry. My Blacksmithing skill hasn't hit 200 yet. I have the materials, but the success rate is low, so I was thinking of making it after it reaches 200."

Lunaria crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and looked up at the sky. A few seconds later, she abruptly turned her face toward Hayato and opened her eyes.

"Understood. It's the weapon I will use, so make it in the best possible condition. But I want it before the battle with Amanda. Even if your skill doesn't reach 200, can you have it ready before the final battle?"

Haya_to hesitated for a moment, but then nodded.

Skill level-ups are based on probability. It had been rising smoothly so far, but there was no guarantee it would reach 200 before the event ended. There was also the possibility that he would keep failing to craft it. The materials were too rare to try many times.

If possible, he wanted to prepare an Arondight or Excalibur without durability, but he couldn't wait for that either. And using Excalibur for the first time in a real battle was also risky.

With that in mind, Hayato decided in his heart to make it today.

"By the way, Lunaria, can you beat Amanda?"

Everyone froze at Ivan's tactless remark. It wasn't so much that he was tactless, but more that he should have considered his phrasing. He was asking a difficult question so casually, without any reservation.

The momentarily stunned Rosalie and her group raised their weapons again, but Lunaria stopped them with a gesture.

"A foolish question. Of course I can win."

"She's got a weapon with no durability, right? How exactly?"

"…I, I won't lose…?"

Lunaria's eyes darted around, but it was clear she had no particular strategy or basis for her confidence.

They had talked about how with a Lunaria-exclusive Excalibur, the simultaneous activation of Black Swan and White Lightning could surpass Amanda's Overclock, but that was about the extent of their strategy.

Ivan stroked his chin with his right hand, looking Lunaria up and down from head to toe.

"Lunaria, can you fight bare-handed?"

"Eh? I can do a Demon Lord Punch and a Demon Lord Kick. They're finishing moves that kill on impact."

"…I don't know what those are, but have you ever learned proper martial arts instead of just attacks that rely on physical ability?"

"Hmph, the Demon Lord does not ask for instruction…!"

"Got it. Then I'll teach you. Hold out your hand for a second."

"I'll carve ‘Died from sexual harassment’ on your tombstone, you bastard!"

Rosalie charged at Ivan with her favorite scythe, "Scream," in a state of "Madness," its exclusive skill. This was also an ultimate buff skill that increased attack power and movement speed, so it was clear she came to kill him for real.

Despite the situation, the calm Ivan quickly turned to face Rosalie and took a stance, bare-handed.

Just before the scythe, raised in anger, came down, Ivan stepped forward and stopped Rosalie's arm with just his left hand. Then, still holding her arm, he grabbed the collar of her gothic lolita dress with his right hand, turned his back to her while rotating sideways, and threw her as if with a shoulder throw.

He didn't slam her to the ground, but rather rolled her lightly, and it was executed so cleanly that everyone nearby stared with wide eyes.

"Lunaria has talent. If she learns properly, she'll be able to do at least this much."

Ivan said this while looking at Lunaria, then said, "My bad," to Rosalie, helped her up, and let her go.

Rosalie was still dazed, but she quickly glared at Ivan.

"As if I would ever approve of you touching Lunaria-sama—"

"I know, I know. Hey, Cecil!"

When Ivan called, Cecil came over with a smile.

"Oh? What's up, are we fighting!? Alright! Bring it on!"

"That's not it. Can you teach Lunaria some martial arts? Wrestling, boxing, judo, whatever's fine. I think it'll be useful in a pinch."

Cecil looked back and forth between Ivan and Lunaria several times. Then she clapped her hands together.

"Sure, I'll do it! I'll go hard, so keep up! Martial arts training only really begins after you've coughed up blood!"

"Hmph, how terrifying…!"

For some reason, Lunaria and the others suddenly got excited. Then Benitsuru and Simon also gathered around, offering to teach her how to fight unarmed.

Haya_to, who had been left out of the loop, approached Ivan.

"Why did you suddenly do that?"

"Lunaria's a genetically enhanced human and she's talented, right? For a normal person it would be a crash course, but I think Lunaria can manage it to some extent. Besides, it's better to think about what happens after her weapon's durability runs out and it breaks."

"So that's the reason."

"The opponent is that Amanda person, right? During the Clan War, Ambrosia thought only Lunaria was dangerous, but it seems Amanda wasn't going all out. When I heard about how she fought later, I realized she was even more dangerous than Lunaria."

Ivan had fought Lunaria and her clan "Ambrosia" in a Clan War. They thought they could win if they somehow dealt with Lunaria, so he challenged her to a one-on-one duel and then defeated her with Esha's Destroy.

Ivan didn't know what happened after that, but he later heard that Amanda had fought a desperate lone battle, and their victory had been by a very narrow margin. He told Hayato he was quite surprised when he heard they could have easily lost.

"But can she win bare-handed? Amanda-san has the Overclock skill, so I think Lunaria would be at a disadvantage the moment she loses Arondight or Excalibur."

The weapon-specific skills Black Swan and White Lightning cannot be used once the weapon is lost. Amanda's skill seems to be a personal one, so she can use Overclock even if she is bare-handed.

The fact that Amanda's weapon "Durandal" has no durability is also significant, but that skill is also quite something, and it's one of the major factors putting Lunaria at a disadvantage.

"I can't imagine that Overclock has a permanent effect."

"Eh?"

"There's no way the effect duration is permanent, right? So if she can just endure for that duration, there's a chance she can win even if her weapon is destroyed. In fact, it might be better to fight with martial arts from the start."

"That's true."

Defense in martial arts is mainly about "dodging" rather than "blocking." You can block with knuckle-type weapons, but if you can keep dodging, you don't have to worry about durability.

"And I don't think she can use it for that long… but I'll check just in case."

"Eh? You'll check?"

"If Amanda's on the battlefield, I'll try fighting her a bit. I want to confirm how strong she is too."

Haya_to was a little impressed, thinking that being able to say something like that so casually was what made him a hero.

"Right, Hayato, are you not going to use the airship?"

"About that, look up."

Haya_to said this and looked up at the sky. Ivan looked up as well.

He could see several black dots, flying around.

"That's a lot. Are all of those golems?"

"There are a lot of flying-type golems. If a large number of them attacked, the airship wouldn't be able to handle it, so we're not using it."

"I see. Then what should we do? I thought it would be easy to get to where Amanda is with the airship."

"If you ride tandem with a tamer who can fly… ah, has it started?"

Time was up, and the event battle began.

At the start, both sides began on the rooftops of three buildings. The buildings without an Area Stone were relatively safe, but the moment a golem spots you, you get attacked, so the members of major clans and other players had gathered on the two buildings where Hayato and the others were not.

"Hey, Hayato. You're not using the airship, right?"

"Eh? Ah, like I said a moment ago, we're not using it because we'll be attacked by the flying-type golems—"

"The other side is using them, though."

Haya_to followed Ivan's gaze as he said this.

There were about three airships flying in the sky.

"I'm surprised. They didn't use them in Deep Impact, so I thought they didn't have the blueprints. But, just as expected, they're being attacked by golems and can't attack us."

Perhaps because they didn't understand the situation or how to use them, the airships they had launched were having a sorry end.

Haya_to felt a little sympathy, but Ivan's words changed the situation.

"Hey, hey, isn't that airship heading this way as it falls?"

The airship was losing altitude with smoke rising from it, but the direction it was falling was, by all accounts, towards them.

"Shoot down that airship with everything you've got! It's heading this way!"

Everyone turned pale at Hayato's almost screaming words. Then, the players who could perform long-range attacks began to attack the airship.

"Destroy."

Esha's voice was heard, and a laser-like attack dealt massive damage to one of the approaching airships.

That airship rapidly lost altitude and crashed a little in front of the building.

However, there were no players on the other buildings who could perform such a powerful long-range attack as Esha.

Airships fell onto the rooftops of the remaining two buildings, and the impact caused nearly two hundred people to be removed from the battlefield.

Some players were unharmed, but now the flying-type golems that had been aboard the airships were attacking the nearby players, and things had gotten terrible.

Within minutes of the start, the former Demon Lord's side was in a state of pandemonium.