Chương 175: Chapter 55: “Threat Level: Scorched Earth 2”

Lenks's body, drained of strength, gradually faded and disappeared. He was done in by Will, struck in the momentary opening he created to protect us.

"Now the nuisance is gone." I wiped my tears. I glared strongly up at that guy, who was looking down at me from the sky with a fearless smile. Will didn't care at all, slowly descending to the ground with a look of good humor. Looking down again, Lenks was completely gone from this world. Fading away properly meant he had gone to another world. Unlike other people, he didn't truly die. That alone is still a salvation. But...! Unable to bear my own pathetic state, I punched my thigh hard.

Even though I tried to steel my resolve a little, in the end, when it came down to it, I was just being protected. I'm no good at all, am I...! Scorched-Earth Strategic Destruction Weapon. I didn't expect it to be this wildly strong. What was that about joining forces? My outlook was too naive. Before I could do anything, I was about to be killed in an instant. Just as Plato said. There was no way I could win against such a monster by fighting normally! But, even so. I look forward.

Far ahead, the Baragion, which had been running freely through the sky until then, was now crouching on the ground in a pitiful state. It was the one that received tremendous damage instead, due to the bombardment that Lenks reflected with desperate resolve. One wing was torn off. In the chest area where the black spherical substance was, there was a wind hole huge enough to see the sky on the other side. With that, the main cannon can probably never be used again. It doesn't seem to have run out of strength yet.

It's trying to move again. As far as I can see from the outside, most of its armaments other than the main cannon and flight function seem to be still intact. But in that state, we might be able to manage somehow. Although not perfect, the 《Tolerance Limit Break》 that Lenks cast on me. Combining that with my own power, and the power of everyone fighting together in this world. This time for sure.... Pathetic. Truly pathetic. To think I can't even fight properly without having everything set up for me like this.

I'll admit it. The current me could never have won against that enemy in its perfect state. But, even so. I tell myself again and again. This is a battle I absolutely cannot lose. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I can't afford to worry about appearances. —First, I have to do something about that guy's whims. Will had already landed on the ground. He was gazing toward the Baragion, which was trying to raise its knees.

"So the main cannon was damaged by Lenks's hand. But even for him, it seems he couldn't finish it off in an instant with my interference." He muttered to himself, immersed in pleasure. Then, he held his hand over the air.

"I see. Tolerance has been raised by several times. I could cancel the effect—but well, having this much handicap might be more interesting."

"Will!" When I called out loudly, he finally turned his cold eyes, devoid of any light, toward me. He distorted his mouth as if mocking me.

"Now then, Yu. I think you already know, but shall we start this game?"

"... I'll ask for the content, just in case."

"It's simple. Whether you can defeat that big thing or not. If you don't accept, I will erase the world."

"I intended to fight even without you telling me."

"I figured. The game is on." Will spread his arms ostentatiously. Like he was pretending to be an entertainer.

"That explosion was your doing, wasn't it?"

"I thought it might liven things up a little."

"... How much of this is your plan?"

"I told you. I haven't done anything."

"Then, what is your goal?"

"I have no obligation to tell the current pathetic you. Dressed up reeking of a female like that. Why don't you remember a little already?" Forgotten? What? It should be impossible for something not to be remembered in this World of Heart.

"What are you saying I've forgotten?" The moment I said it, his fist sank into my stomach.

"Gah... goh!" Before the breath-stopping impact could settle, he forcibly grabbed me by the collar and lifted me up. Will's ice-like eyes clearly contained hatred, and supreme contempt.

"Ugh...!"

"You really are... Shall I kill you a thousand, or ten thousand times again?"

"Really, what... are you... talking about...?"

"............ Eventually." Perhaps exasperated, Will's eyes had completely cooled down. He let go of me easily, announcing in a dry voice as if he had already lost interest.

"The time will come when you realize it even if you don't want to." By that time, the movements around us, which had been noisy due to repeated irregularities, had become increasingly frantic. Looking over, the Baragion, which had already stood up, was trying to launch an attack. It was charging light into its oversized secondary cannons all at once, aiming here. No mistake. The center of the target was me and Will. Or rather, maybe Will. Probably.

Reacting to him possessing overwhelmingly strong power among those present, it must have regarded him as the worst enemy to be eliminated first. If it hits, death is certain. I felt intense impatience. In contrast to me, Will looked cool, but his mood alone seemed extremely bad.

"Good grief. While people are talking—what an ill-mannered fellow." When he glanced at it with a sharp glare like a grim reaper. Instantly, Baragion's mountain-like giant body— Was like a scrap of paper blown by the wind. It was blown away all too easily. With a roar, it bounced violently on the ground repeatedly and writhed. I shuddered again at the ability of a FabL. Treating it like a baby. Just when it seemed to launch a tremendous attack, the next moment it was suddenly beaten to a pulp.

Seeing such a super-dreadnought monster, those around us seemed completely unable to understand what was happening. Voices over the communicators were frantically tangled. I could occasionally hear Lilna desperately trying to calm everyone down. Only one person, I alone knew the impossible truth of this situation.

"Tch. Did I get carried away and help you too much? Good for you. You got a little time to prepare your heart."

"Will. You are..." Who are you? That question got stuck in my throat and didn't come out. What does this man know, and what is he thinking? What does he want from me? When I could think of him as just an enemy, it was fine to be frightened. It was so easy to understand. Now I can't think it's that simple. He is absolutely unforgivable, and there is no mistake that he is terrifying. So I didn't know what kind of face to make, and just stood dumbfounded.

"Either way, if you are struggling against a mere Scorched-Earth Class, it's out of the question. If you want to approach us, first you must become a FabL too."

"... Promise me. If I win against that thing, you won't interfere unnecessarily."

"Fine. Then I'll leisurely spectate." Stifling a yawn in a carefree tone, Will floated up. Making the destroyer of the world promise only that, which I wanted to secure from the beginning. Now, just do what I have to do. Face the great enemy in front of me. Up to this point, it was a trampling where FabL-class powers flew about. From here on, it's our battle. Even if it's deeply wounded, can we oppose a Scorched-Earth Class? Power beyond limits is being tested. For the third time. Baragion was trying to stand up.

Without even looking at Will who had flown up somewhere anymore, this time it directed its heartless gaze straight at me. Maybe it understands. Who could be a threat. I'll join up with Lilna and the others immediately and enter a fighting stance. But, before that—"First, a shot as a greeting." Checking it. I traced my fingers quickly as if drawing a bow. This magic that I've improved repeatedly. I can create a bow and charge the shot, but. If I just want to shoot, I don't need exaggerated movements anymore.

Arrow of light. Pierce. 《Arllivine》