kscans

Chapter 133 - Chapter 133

"You know what they say? The best defense is a good offense!!"

With her core exposed, Flora went on the offensive, unleashing multiple spells. The Goddess had determined that falling on the defensive while trying to perform a Body Reconstruction against Hayate's party would be a bad move.

"Naoto, defense please."

"Roger that!"

Naoto, a greatsword user specializing in defense, activated his skills while in his Aura Release state and tanked all of Flora's offensive magic.

"...Huh? N-No way! Why didn't you take any damage from that?!"

The Goddess, who had estimated she could incapacitate at least three of them, couldn't hide her surprise at seeing Hayate's party completely unscathed.

"Nice, Naoto!"

"Impressive."

"Seriously? You withstood that all by yourself?"

"B-But I think I'm at my limit."

Aura Release hadn't worn off yet, but Naoto had used up all the buff skills he could cast on himself. He knelt on the ground as Suzuka restored his health.

"You can rest now."

"This is our last chance."

"Let's go, Hayate."

"Yeah. Ryunosuke, you take the right side again."

Hayate and Ryunosuke leaped forward, shooting down the magic the Goddess deployed to keep them at bay.

"We already exposed the core, so this is the end!!"

Hazuki's fist flew towards Flora's core—

"Whoopsie?"

Her attack was blocked by a transparent shield, failing to reach its target.

"That was a close one!"

It was a defensive technique Flora couldn't use, but the Goddess used it without a second thought to protect herself. However, Hayate and the others had anticipated that the Goddess would adapt.

"It's too early to feel relieved. Our strongest attack is coming next."

"What—"

Hazuki kicked off the cracked shield and retreated. Flora's gaze, following her movement, fell upon Rena, who had focused her aura to the absolute limit, and Mei, who had manifested a giant spear of fire above her head.

"Ah, no, that's... a little bad, maybe."

Both her arms were destroyed, her major techniques were on cooldown, and her last line of defense, the Core Shield, was heavily cracked. It was a desperate pinch.

It was here that the Goddess came up with one last, desperate struggle.

"Don't you dare think it's over! This is my Second Form!!"

"S-Second Form?!"

"Flora doesn't have a spec like that!"

"Everyone, fall back for now!!"

It was a mechanic that didn't exist in the game. But the Goddess had no qualms about breaking the rules. Because of that, Hayate and the others cautiously halted their attack. Naoto, his health restored, once again stood at the front, readying his greatsword to defend.

However, nothing happened.

"...H-Huh? Sadaharu? Sadaharu-saaan?"

[Flora has no Second Form implemented.]

The announcement echoed mercilessly.

"Noooo!"

"Hey Hayate, is it okay if I shoot this?"

"I think so."

"I'm shooting, too."

"Yeah, go for it."

Rena fired her arrow, followed immediately by Mei's magic.

The arrow shattered the shield, and the spear of flame crushed Flora's core.

Victory belonged to Hayate and his friends.

"H-Hmph, not bad. I'll admit I lost this time. But I wasn't even serious yet! Next time, in the Grade 9 Dungeon, I'll raise my synchronization rate and fight you for real. I won't lose next time! I won't!!"

With those parting words, Flora vanished.