Текст книги "Overlord - The Lizardmen Heroes"

Автор книги: Maruyama Kugane

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

“Rororo…”

Zaryusu didn’t know what to say. In the end, he chose a clear and simple phrase from the millions of expression in his mind.

“Thank you!”

After shouting his gratitude, Zaryusu sprinted without looking back. Crusch and Zenberu were right behind him.

A weak cry that was almost inaudible came from behind. That was a cheer for one’s family.

♦ ♦ ♦

Speechless. His ‘fireball’ was negated, making him express his disbelief with words.

“Impossible!”

Iguvua cast ‘fireball’ once more. He was not willing to acknowledge that the lizardmen rushing at him had dispelled his magic.

A ‘fireball’ rocketed towards the three lizardmen.

It was blocked by a wall of mist conjured by the leading lizardmen with his sword, and it disappeared together with the wall. That’s right, it was the same situation as before—

“Try all you want! I will block all your attacks!”

The angry roar of the lizardman projected over.

Iguvua clicked his tongue with a face of displeasure.

For the magic casted by me, who was created by the Supreme Being Ainz-sama to be blocked by a mere lizardman!

Iguvua suppressed his wrath with all his might.

It was very likely that ‘fireball’ wouldn’t work anymore, but since they had to hide behind the hydra during their approach, there should be a limit to how many times this defence could be used. It might be ten times, or it might only sap some stamina for each use, and could be conjured indefinitely after recovering enough.

How should I deal with them? If possible, I want to test his words out...

Iguvua could shoot many more fireballs, but it was hard to judge which of the lizardman’s words were true.

Iguvua and the lizardmen were less than forty meters apart.

The lizardmen charging in seemed to be warriors and as an undead magic caster, Iguvua wanted to avoid melee combat.

He couldn’t use fireball in this situation. Iguvua wasn’t dumb enough to confirm how many times they could block his spell. If they didn’t hide behind the hydra in the beginning and had closed the distance, Iguvua might test it out. But that chance had been destroyed by that damn hydra.

“Curses… just a mere hydra.”

After spitting out these words, Iguvua decided his next course of action.

“– Well then, how about this?”

It just so happened that they were running in single file. Iguvua pointed his finger at the three charging lizardmen who were drawing close. Electricity sparked on his finger.

“Taste my 「Lightning」!”

A white flash of lightning emerged and—

Even from this far, the white light on Iguvua’s finger could be seen– ‘Lightning’.

Icy Burst from Frost Pain could fend off fire or ice element attacks. But Zaryusu had never used it against Lightning before, and wasn’t sure if it would work.

Should they try their luck, or spread out to minimize the damage they will take?

Zaryusu gripped Frost Pain tightly.

The air was buzzing with static electricity, proving that a lightning attack was imminent.

“Leave this to me—!”

Zenberu made his judgment before Zaryusu did and jumped forth with a shout. The spell was casted at the same time.

“– 「Lightning」”

“Warrghhh– 「Resistance Massive」!”

When the lightning looked as if it would pierce through Zenberu, his body buffed up, deflecting the lightning arc that was supposed to hit the other two behind him.

Resistance Massive.

A skill of monks, granting the ability to reduce magical damage by dispersing the Qi from one’s body in an instant.

This was the skill Zenberu had learned as a traveler after losing to the Frost Pain's ‘Icy Burst’. Although it was a wide area attack, it worked against any magic that dealt damage.

Both friend and foe yelped, but Zaryusu and Crusch who trusted their teammate weren’t too surprised. Hence, the lizardmen drew nearer while the undead was shocked.

As Zaryusu ran, he finally figured something out.

If he used Icy Burst during his duel with Zenberu, he would be blocked by this skill. He would then be wide open for an attack and lose. That was probably why Zenberu was luring Zaryusu to use that skill.

“Haha! Too easy!”

Zenberu’s casual voice made Zaryusu smile, but his face tensed the next moment. Zaryusu realized that his voice had hints of pain in it.

Even a male lizardman like Zenberu couldn’t suppress his pain completely, his wounds must be serious. Furthermore, Zenberu wouldn’t agree to hiding behind Rororo if this technique was perfect.

Zaryusu stared ahead, the enemy was less than twenty meters away. That impossible distance had been cut down to this last stretch.

With the distance drawing close, Iguvua judged the group before him to be strong foes that were not to be underestimated. They could defend against his spells and were worthy of praise. Iguvua had other means of attacks, but he needed to consider his defences too.

“Not bad for a sacrificial offering, worthy enough for me to show my might.”

Iguvua activated his magic with a cold sneer.

“「4^th Tier Summon Undead」.”

The wetland bubbled and skeletal bodies with four hands holding round shields and scimitars emerged to protect Iguvua. They were undeads known as Skeleton Warriors, much more powerful than normal Skeletons.

He could summon other undead, but he chose skeletons for their resistance against cold attacks. Iguvua and monsters made from bones were immune to cold attacks.

Iguvua looked loftily at the approaching enemies under the protection of his guards. That was the attitude of a king facing against challengers.

The distance had been closed.

There were just – 10 meters left.

That was all that was left. After seeing that the undead showed no signs of attacking, he glanced backwards.

He looked at the distance they had covered. This was a short distance for a sprint, but these one hundred meters were deadly grounds with no place to take cover. If they didn’t have either Rororo, Frost Pain Zenberu or Crusch, there was no way they could had make it through. But they had come so far and the enemy was within reach.

They overcame this distance.

Zaryusu was relieved to see Rororo being carried back to the village by the other lizardmen. He then cursed himself for relaxing and glared at the undead.

Zaryusu admitted that it was a formidable opponent.

If he had not met it under such circumstances, Zaryusu would have definitely ran away already. His instinct was telling him to escape just by seeing it face to face, and even his tail was standing on ends. Zaryusu could see from the corner of his eyes that Zenberu's and Crusch’s tails had the same reaction.

The two of them must be thinking about the same thing as Zaryusu. That’s right– they were doing everything they could to suppress their urge to flee as they faced the undead.

Zaryusu tapped the backs of the both of them with his tail.

The two of them looked at Zaryusu in surprise.

“We can win if we work together.”

That was all that Zaryusu said.

“That’s right, we can win, Zaryusu.”

Crusch stroked her back that was patted by Zaryusu and replied.

“Hah, things are getting interesting!”

Zenberu answered with an arrogant smile.

And the three of them covered the final stretch.

♦ ♦ ♦

– Eight meters apart.

Zaryusu’s group who had sprinted all this way was out of breath. In contrast, the undead had no need for breath. The two groups locked eyes and the undead spoke first.

“I am the Lich serving the Supreme Being, Iguvua. If you forfeit now, I will grant you a painless death.”

Zaryusu couldn’t help smiling. He could tell this undead named Iguvua knew nothing at all.

No matter how you thought about it, there was only one answer.

Although Zaryusu was smiling, Iguvua didn’t feel displeased and waited quietly for an answer. Iguvua knew he was strong and was confident in disposing of Zaryusu’s group. That was why he displayed the arrogance of the mighty, and was even thankful for saving him the hassle of walking all the way.

“Let’s hear your answer.”

“Haha, you really need one…”

Zaryusu raised Frost Pain tightly; Zenberu lifted his fists and took a stance; Crusch didn’t do anything, as she felt the mana deep within her, prepared to cast her spells any moment.

“I will give you an answer then– fat hope!”

The Skeleton Warriors who judged the reply to be hostile raised their scimitars and shielded their bodies.

“Then die an excruciatingly painful death. You will regret rejecting my final offer of mercy!”

“That’s what I want to say, go back to hell undead! Iguvua!”

At this moment, the battle that would decide the outcome of this war began.

♦ ♦ ♦

“Zaryusu! Get him!”

Zenberu who dashed out faster than anyone else stretched his giant arm and attacked the Skeleton Warrior.

He didn’t care when the Skeleton Warrior blocked it with its shield, using brute force to press them back. The shield was dented, and the Skeleton Warrior staggering back collided with the other Skeleton Warrior and lost its balance. At the same time, Zenberu used his tail to swipe at another Skeleton Warrior, but missed.

The formation of the Skeleton Warriors was broken and Zaryusu used this chance to slip through.

“Stop him!”

Two Skeleton Warriors slashed at Zaryusu after hearing Iguvua’s command.

It was possible for Zaryusu to dodge; he could also use Frost Pain to block if he wanted to. But Zaryusu did neither of these. Dodging would mean he was slow, Zaryusu didn’t want to make any unnecessary moves in front of Iguvua.

And more importantly, someone already took care of it—

“「Earth Bind」!”

The earth moved like whips, binding the two Skeletal Warriors. The whips made from mud were like steel chains, restraining the movement of the two Skeleton Warriors as Zaryusu charged into the gap in their formation.

That’s right–  Crusch was present too.

Zaryusu wasn’t fighting alone, he just needed to trust his comrades.

Even Crusch’s magic couldn’t seal off their movements completely. The scimitars of the Skeleton Warriors still grazed Zaryusu. But that was nothing, his boiling blood made him impervious to this pain.

Zaryusu ran with brisk strides.

He charged at Iguvua who was pointing his finger at him. Even if he got hit by a spell, Zaryusu had to endure it and charge the target. He moved with iron willed determination.

“Fools! Know true fear! 「Scare」!”

Zaryusu’s vision shook and he was confused about where he was. A strange unease spread in his heart and he was paranoid about things around him attacking him...

His legs was slowing down to a stop. Zaryusu was shaken mentally due to the effect of the spell ‘Scare’ and his legs was not responding to him. Even though his mind was telling his legs to move, but his heart was stopping him.

“Zaryusu! 「Lion’s Heart」!”

The moment Crusch shouted, his fear vanished instantly and his will gushed out from within stronger than before. The magic that granted courage defeated his fear.

Iguvua glared unhappily at Crusch and pointed a finger at her.

“Annoying! 「Lightning」!”

“Hyaa!”

– Crusch screamed.

Zaryusu who started running again was almost consumed by hatred, but got hold of himself in the end. Hatred could be a good weapon sometimes, but in the face of a powerful foe, it could get in the way instead. What he needed when fighting a strong enemy was fiery heart and an ice cold mind.

Zaryusu would never turn his head.

Iguvua attacked Crusch just now, but that meant Zaryusu could use this chance to close the distance. Dismay could be seen on Iguvua’s face and it knew it made a mistake. This reaction made Zaryusu, whose beloved female was harmed, sneer mockingly.

“Tch! 「Light…”

“Too slow!”

Frost Pain that sliced in from the side knocked away Iguvua’s finger.

“Ugh!”

“A warrior has reached you, magic caster! I will let you know your spells are useless now!”

The legendary mages aside, magic casters who were in melee range could be stopped from casting their spells.

Even a powerful undead magic caster like Iguvua was no exception.

Zaryusu narrowed his eyes, he felt something was off. It felt strange when Zaryusu slashed at Iguvua, he must have some defence against physical weapons.

But he wasn’t invulnerable. That’s right, if he had resistance against damage, Zaryusu just needed to deal more damage.

What he needed to do was to keep on slashing.

Talk was simple, but doing that would be hard. Zaryusu knew that too. But that was the only thing Zaryusu who was a mere warrior could do.

“Don’t look down on me, lizardman!”

Three arrows of light suddenly flew towards Zaryusu from Iguvua’s body. The arrows of light that appeared without any preparatory actions or signs made Zaryusu block them with his sword on reflex, but the magic arrows went through the weapon and hit Zaryusu’s body, inflicting dull pain.

This was ‘Silent Magic: Magic Arrow’. Silent Magic didn’t require any preparatory actions, so it could not be disrupted from being casted. Not only that, Magic Arrow was also a type of spell that could not be evaded, so Zaryusu couldn’t dodge it either.

Zaryusu gritted his teeth and cleaved at Iguvua with Frost Pain.

“Ughh! Critters! You are just a mere lizardman!”

Magic Arrow might be undodgeable, but its damage output was low too. For someone who had gone through tough training like Zaryusu, he was not so weak as to be rendered unable to fight from this bit of magic damage.

Magic Arrows struck Zaryusu once again, the pain pierced through his heart and will. Zaryusu endured the excruciating pain and struck back.

After several exchanges, Zaryusu’s movements became dull. The sharp pain prevented him from making agile movements, which was contrasted by the undead who knew no pain.

Iguvua and Zaryusu who understood this point made entirely different expressions.

The weak fall and the strong prevail, that was the natural law of the world. The result of the one on one duel between the two was obvious. But it was also a fact that the unity of the weak gave them a chance to fight on par with the strong.

“「Middle Cure Wounds」!”

Zaryusu’s pain disappeared with this voice and he regained his vitality once again.

The calm Iguvua was angered by the healing spell that came from the back and shouted:

“Damn lizardmen!”

Zaryusu was fighting together with companions he trusts. Crusch, Zenberu and—

“Rororo… I will not lose!”

“Imbecile… How could I, a creation of the Supreme Being lose?! How foolish!”

Iguvua glared at the three lizardmen with his venomous eyes. He didn’t use any summoning magic as the undead he had summoned earlier were still around. As long as those undead were still around, he could not raise new ones. Hence, Iguvua continued casting Silent Magic: Magic Arrow while Zaryusu slashed away at Iguvua’s body– this monotonous fight kept repeating.

It felt as though this battle would never end.

In that case, the duty of breaking this stalemate rests on the ones behind them. When one side receives reinforcement, the match will be settled in an instant.

Both Zaryusu and Iguvua were sure about that.

Enduring the pain of the lightning attack coursing through her body, Crusch pulled through and casted ‘3^rd Tier Summon Beast’.

With a ‘dong’, a giant crab about 150cm big appeared– a crab with a large right claw.

It appeared as if it had been waiting under the wetlands the entire time, but it was actually a nature beast summoned by ‘3^rd Tier Summon Beast’.

The nature beast advanced to Zenberu’s side and hammered the Skeleton Warrior with its oversized claw.

Zenberu who received unexpected reinforcement smiled. For Zenberu who had to endure the attack coming from all sides and protect Crusch, he was glad to receive help.

“Hey! Strange crab! I will leave those two over there to you!”

The crab who acknowledged its duty, the giant crab– Snap Grasp, waved its smaller claw and moved towards the Skeleton Warriors.

How should I put this… The situation might be serious… but the two of them are so alike.

Crusch thought about something she shouldn’t be thinking about at such a moment and smiled. But she stopped her smile immediately and surveyed the battle, regulating her breathing with deep breaths.

She had been casting defence buff and healing magic on Rororo when they charged here. She had also casted support buffs on Zenberu, overextending herself.

The consecutive use of spells and the summoning magic on top of that had exhausted Crusch, she couldn’t even stand steadily at this point.

She didn’t even have the energy to spare to heal herself. Analyzing calmly, Crusch concluded that her worth as a combatant was depreciating and healing herself would be a waste of mana.

Even so, it would make Zaryusu and Zenberu who were fighting in the frontlines uneasy if she was to fall. Blood dripped from the corner of Crusch's lips as she bit the inside of her mouth to keep herself conscious.

“「Middle Cure Wounds」!”

The healing spell flew towards Zaryusu who was locked in melee combat with Iguvua.

Her legs lost strength and her vision wavered. She could feel the sensation of water all over her skin.

Crusch couldn’t understand what was happening, why and when did she fall into the mud.

But she understood immediately that she didn’t suffer new wounds, so she probably blacked out momentarily.

Crusch was relieved, not because she was still alive, but because she could still fight.

She didn’t force herself to stand. No, she didn’t have the energy to do so, so she decided to conserve her strength.

In her blurry field of vision, she could see Zaryusu and Zenberu fighting. The back of her companions during their short time together. Zenberu who was fighting the four skeleton warriors and Zaryusu who was enduring Iguvua’s magic attacks were covered with wounds.

Crusch adjusted her breathing and casted her spell.

“「Middle Cure Wounds」!”

She cured Zenberu’s injuries.

“「Middle Cure Wounds」!”

She healed Zaryusu’s wounds.

“Huff, huff…”

Crusch panted hard.

But her breathing was still rugged, she felt the air wasn’t coming in even though she was breathing so hard.

This was probably the symptoms of mana exhaustion. She felt tremors of violent headache. Even so, Crusch worked hard to open her eyes.

They had sacrificed so much for this battle, how could she be the first to retire from the field.

Crusch used all her effort to open her eyes and chanted.

“「Middle Cure Wounds」!”

♦ ♦ ♦

Zenberu bashed the skull of a Skeleton Warrior with his clenched fist. The sensation of him making a slight dent turned into the feeling of the skull shattering. And so, he killed off a Skeleton Warrior.

“That’s the second one. Huff… Hah.”

He expelled the air from his body in an attempt to push the fatigue out along with it, and glared at the remaining Skeleton Warriors. The crab summoned by Crusch was nowhere to be found. Zenberu only managed to defeat the other two thanks to it fending off two enemies.

He only hung on because of Crusch’s support.

Two more to go. After that will be Iguvua.

Flexing his thick right arm, Zenberu confirmed that it could still move.

His left arm was wounded badly and couldn’t exert power. Zenberu had used his left arm as a shield a little too eagerly. He stared at his limp right arm.

“Never mind, just think of it as giving them a handicap.”

Zenberu glared at his annoying foes. He attempted to move his left arm, but the pain coursing through his body was not what he expected from moving his fingers.

This is nothing. A comrade continued charging even after its heads became burdens. I, Zenberu, don’t want to be mocked by them.

Zenberu understood how strong the Skeleton Warriors were after fighting them. Two of them could fight Zenberu on par. That’s how strong they were.

If he took on four at the same time, chances of victory would be slim.

Thank you, giant crab. I will not eat mud crabs for a long time as thanks.

After offering thanks to his beloved food, Zenberu turned his killing intent towards the two Skeleton Warriors closing in.

He clenched his fists.

I am still standing, I can still fight.

To be honest, Zenberu was surprised that he could still fight on.

“Stop thinking about foolish things!”

There only need to be one reason.

Zenberu mocked the past him.

Behind the Skeleton warriors was Zaryusu’s back. The figure that did not retreat a single step while facing the powerful existence Iguvua.

“That back is really broad…”

Really—.

Zaryusu, Crusch and Rororo. We fought together all this time, that’s why I can still go on.

“Hey hey Zaryusu, you are wounded all over. Aren’t you in worse shape than when you fought me?”

Zenberu sent a Skeleton Warrior flying with his large arm, and used his left arm to block the scimitar of the other Skeleton Warrior.

But he failed to parry the sword, which made another wound in his abdomen. That was the place Crusch had healed with magic.

“Crusch is already shouldering a heavy burden, and now you do this.”

He was healed by Crusch’s healing spell once again and the wound mended slowly. Zenberu didn’t turn to look back, but her voice came from near the water surface. It was easy to imagine what kind of posture she was in while casting the spell. Even so, she didn’t stop casting her magic.

“... That’s a good woman.”

If I ever get a wife, a woman like that would be great.

Zenberu who was thinking that felt envious of Zaryusu.

“I don’t want to be the first to fall and be the laughing stock.”

Feinting with his large arm, he attacked with his tail. Zenberu laughed. I am older than those two.

The two Skeleton Warriors hid their body behind shields and closed in. The shields blocked the view of Zaryusu, evoking strong emotions from within Zenberu.

“Don’t block the way! I can’t see the back of the awesome man like this!”

Zenberu roared and charged forth—

♦ ♦ ♦

Iguvua and Zaryusu’s even match was still continuing. Their faces were reflected in each other’s eyes. Zaryusu saw that Iguvua’s gaze diverted slightly away from him. The undead poker face of Iguvua suddenly twisted horribly. What happened next froze Zaryusu’s mind and body.

He heard the sound of water splashing behind him. Someone fell.

“Look! Your companion is down!”

He couldn’t turn back. It might be true, it might be false. Thoughts that made his scales stood on end also surfaced, but the enemy before him had overwhelming strength. He didn’t have the luxury of turning his head to find out. The moment he turned his head, the fight would be over. Zaryusu didn’t fight this long just to lose for some stupid reason.

Zaryusu fought to secure victory firmly in his hand.

If Iguvua was telling the truth, it would be bad if he didn’t dispose of the enemy reinforcements soon.

Zaryusu was steeling himself to take the next magic attack when he heard the sound of someone getting up from the water and bones cracking.

“Zaryusu! We settled this side! The rest– is up to you!!”

“「Middle Cure Wounds」!”

Zenberu roared in great pain and the sound of him falling into the water reached Zaryusu.

The moment Crusch’s hoarse voice was heard, Zaryusu’s wounds got mended.

“Muu—!”

Displeasure creased Iguvua’s face. Without looking back, Zaryusu knew the two of them completed their task perfectly. What’s left was—

“My turn!”

Iguvua used his staff to parry Frost Pain that was coming at him.

“Ku ku ku… I am the Lich Iguvua, don’t look down on me just because I am not proficient in melee combat!”

Although he said that, Iguvua could tell his chance of winning was low.

In a one on one fight, Iguvua could win with superior physical attributes. But the white lizardman behind kept healing the lizardman before him, turning the tables in terms of health left.

Only one out of three blows was deflected. The other two tore at Iguvua’s body. Even though he had resistance toward slashing weapons like skeletons and the additional ice damage was negated, the situation was dire.

Iguvua was panicking.

I am the creation of the Supreme Being Ainz Ooal Gown, the commander of this army. I can not fail!

He wanted to summon undead soldiers to act as meat shields, but Iguvua would be attacked whenever he tried to cast spells. It was tough to do so with an enemy right before his eyes.

He would lose if this went on.

Iguvua decided to show his final hand. It wasn’t a great plan– Depending on the circumstances, this might doom him, but that was the only choice he had left.

He suddenly turned around and ran. While Zaryusu was surprised, but he still took the chance to cleave at Iguvua’s back. Iguvua who took a hit on the back staggered, but did not fall. Zaryusu clicked his tongue at Iguvua’s seemingly endless health, and sprinted to catch up with Iguvua who was pulling away.

Iguvua turned back to show his undead face filled with wrath, but seemed to be elated about something.

A red sphere of light appeared in Iguvua’s hand. It was ‘Fireball’.

Using wide area spell at such a range? He wants to kill himself— No!

Realizing Iguvua wasn’t looking at him, Zaryusu was filled with fear. Iguvua was looking behind Zaryusu. He was focusing on Crusch and Zenberu who were lying on the ground.

– What should I do!?

Zaryusu thought frantically.

This was a major lapse. He could give Iguvua the final blow by sacrificing the both of them. If he didn’t do that, there would be no telling how the battle would turn. With both parties low on health, any mistake would be fatal.

To defeat Iguvua– Didn’t they fight through all this while in order to do that? So many lizardmen had given their lives for this goal.

Then he should sacrifice the two of them. They will definitely forgive him with a smile. If he was in their shoes, Zaryusu would want the other party to do so too.

– Even so.

Zaryusu wasn’t someone who would abandon the comrades fighting alongside him.

Only one way was left– Save the two of them and then destroy Iguvua.

Things were simple once he made up his mind.

“—「Icy Burst」!”

Zaryusu created a barrier of cold air on the ground near his feet.

“Gaarrgghh!”

Zaryusu’s body was chilled by the cold air bursting forth, pain that could only be described as intense spread through his entire being.

He glared at Iguvua with sharp eyes even though he was about to lose consciousness. Zaryusu endured this numbing pain.

He couldn’t help but scream despite his best efforts as the cold fog dominated the surrounding.

The white cold air covered everything and Iguvua laughed sinisterly when his scheme succeeded.

Ku ku, you could have won if you had abandoned your comrades.

Iguvua was completely immune to cold and electricity. He who was totally fine inside the cold gush of air crushed the ‘fireball’ spell in his hands. If he casted it, it would collide with the white fog around Iguvua and cause an explosion.

He could deal the final blow to the other two after the fog dissipated. More importantly, he needed to put down the lizardman that was still standing. As he looked around, Iguvua’s face scowled. He miscalculated something.

“Well then, where is he?”

This was a fog that concealed everything from sight.

Iguvua had the ability to see through the darkness with his eyes, but couldn’t see through objects that obscured his sight like this. He had no idea where the enemy was.

But that wasn’t a big problem. With how the lizardman was shrieking just now, he seemed to have suffered great injuries. He shot out the cold air to counter the ‘fireball’, so he must have suffered damage on the same level as taking a ‘fireball’ hit.

Suffering this injury on top of his already heavy wounds, it might had been fatal. What’s left was to crush him slowly.

Leave this foggy place first?

After considering it, Iguvua decided not to.

– If he moved now, he would be giving his position away.

The important thing was to summon undead guards. With a meat shield, victory will be his even if that lizardman was still alive.

Iguvua who was about to cast his spell heard the sound of water rippling.

– One of the four treasures of the lizardmen, Frost Pain.

A weapon made from ice extracted from the lake when it froze that one and only time. It harboured three magical powers.

Number one, the sword was imbued with cold energy, dealing additional ice damage to the enemy it attacks.

Number two, the powerful skill that could only be used thrice a day, Icy Burst.

Number three—

The sound of air being sliced echoed out.

Before understanding what was happening, Iguvua saw the tip of a sharp object.

Iguvua’s head was hit by a powerful strike.

The sword lodged into Iguvua’s right eye rattled wildly. Iguvua who finally understood what was happening screamed.

“Hyaaa! Why! Why are you not dead!”

Frost Pain pierced deep into Iguvua’s right eye socket, he could feel his health falling drastically—

In front of Iguvua who was standing unsteadily with a sword lodged in his head was Zaryusu who was covered in frost.

Iguvua couldn’t understand why Zaryusu was still standing after taking such a powerful ice attack.

The third ability of Frost Pain.

Granting the user with resistance to ice damage—

Even though Frost Pain offered resistance to the cold, it couldn’t completely negate a powerful skill like Icy Burst. The damage from the cold chilled Zaryusu to the bones. He was on the verge of collapsing, his breathing ragged and his movement dulled. His tail drooped weakly into the water. It was almost impossible to fight on when you even had difficulty just breathing. That strike wasn’t aimed carefully, but a blow thrown out by instinct using all his might.

It was a lucky hit.

Zaryusu struggled to keep his eyes open.

He gave everything he had to deal this final blow to Iguvua, and he could feel that it was a fatal hit.

Zaryusu who had no energy left to fight looked at Iguvua with a glimmer of hope.

Iguvua was wavering. He couldn’t keep his body intact as the skin fell off his face and cracks appeared on his bones. Even his clothes were rotting away. It was a matter of time before he would fade away. The moment Zaryusu was certain he was victorious—

A bony hand covered in skin grabbed Zaryusu’s throat.

“I… I am created to serve the Supreme Being… How could I be… vanquished like this!”

Iguvua wasn’t even holding him with much force and Zaryusu could break free easily, but—

“– Ahhhh—!”

– Zaryusu wailed as an intense pain permeated his entire body.

Negative energy flowed into Zaryusu’s body, robbing him of his vitality. Even Zaryusu who was trained to endure pain couldn’t withstand the feeling of the pain caused by the cold that seemed to be injected directly into his veins.