Manowa Chapter 231

◎ Great Dragon Palace, G.o.d Dragon Empress Room

「Dragon Eaters are coming.」

Just after Kazane woke up in the morning, Ao suddenly appeared and announced that.

「What is that?」

With the sleeping Tatsuo still clinging to her precipice, no, her sheer precipice, Kazane asked that as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

「It's a monster, a new species that didn't appear in Zexiaharts.」

Ao broached the subject, but his expression wasn't good. Kazane understood from his appearance that the situation seemed to be more serious than she thought.

「Umm, it's an opponent that the peerless dragon-samas can't deal with?」

But Kazane's question was reasonable. Kazane's party was certainly powerful enough nowadays to deal with adult dragons. But even so, if Heroic Spirits weren't included, they were no match for the power of this village of dragons.

「Me or the Four Dragons cla.s.s should be able to handle it, but there is a slight risk. I will fight, but if possible, I would like to borrow the power of the White Party. Excluding Kazane-san, Tatsuo-kun, and Yumiksan, however.」

「Nーme and Tatsuo and… Yumika? Perhaps it's a problem with Dragon Spirit?」

Ao nodded after Kazane's question. It seemed Kazane, who could use Dragonization, Yumika, who was able to generate a little bit of Dragon Spirit after eating Black Rock Dragon steak, and Tatsuo were unfit to fight.

Even so, Kazane probably never expected a power-up event could steal Yumika's turn. Even though it was increasingly likely that her turn would be s.n.a.t.c.hed by Jinrai with his prosthetic arm; Kazane's best friend was a pitiable girl.

And because Tatsuo's name was called, he woke up with a kuee and slid down Kazane's precipitous cliff, which he had been clinging to, and unsteadily started walking on the floor. It seemed he had no destination in mind. After walking three steps, he fell to the ground and fell back asleep. Kazane was pondering Ao's words as she watched Tatsuo.

「Ah, but if Dragon Spirit is the problem, won't Jinrai-san's prosthetic arm also be dangerous?」

Kazane realized that and asked Ao. Jinrai's prosthetic arm was mostly made of dragon materials, and furthermore, its motive power was a Dragon Heart. That arm was overflowing with Dragon Spirit. But Ao replied「It should be fine.」

「Since it releases Dragon Spirit, it will attract Dragon Eaters, but if the Dragon Spirit isn't emitted by a living thing there's no worry about it being taken over, since they're monsters that parasitize living things that emit Dragon Spirit.」

「Parasitism?」

When Kazane tilted her head and asked, Ao squinted with discomfort and answered Kazane.

「Yes, Dragon Eaters are plant monsters that parasitize dragons.」

◎ Mt. Konron, East District

According to Ao's request, the White Party gathered early in the morning and proceeded to the east side of Mt. Konron, where the vivid scars from yesterday's Railgun affair remained. The Dragon Eaters were already moving towards Mt. Konron. They would probably make an appearance in this district soon. Humanized Ao was with them, along with Kazane and Yumika, whose partic.i.p.ation was supposed to have been prohibited.

「Even if my husband and son try to detain me while crying, I'm too cool to forsake my companions when they go off to battle.」

「You shouldn't say that yourself, but that might be so.」

Yumika turned a cold gaze to Kazane after her soliloquy. Kazane made a sullen expression and spoke to Yumika.

「Rather, is Yumika fine? It's dangerous, isn't it?」

Just like Kazane, Yumika was at risk of being parasitized by a Dragon Eater. However, Yumika laughed「Haa」after Kazane's words.

「It looks like my Dragon Spirit stops when I use Wolf G.o.d Transformation, so during that time alone I plan to do my best. Honestly, it's better to have more firepower, don't you think?」

Yumika's gaze was turned toward Naoki and Lyle as she spoke. The rear guard might be fine, but supporting those two was necessary.

Lyle's ability was rapidly improving with his equipment change, and he was currently receiving instruction from Yumika on how to incorporate his s.h.i.+eld in combat, so a new relations.h.i.+p like a teacher and student was being built. However, his power was still rough, and there were many parts that were worrisome in actual combat.

Also, Naoki had acquired a new magic sword『Fang Blaze』in Dragonewt City, but he had yet to master using it. Naoki's highly praised strength was down due to his insufficient number of magic swords to use with his Magic Sword Operator Skill.

In addition, fellow member of the newcomer group Emily was positioned in the rear guard, so she could be considered additional firepower, but a decisive blow wasn't antic.i.p.ated from her, so there was less expected of her compared to those two.

And Jinrai was in the party... but he was now straddling Yuuko-nee and stroking his prosthetic arm.

「Nyanya」

「Yeah, I know. I won't neglect you.」

After Yuuko-nee's protesting voice to Jinrai for only paying attention to the prosthetic arm, Jinrai stroked Yuuko-nee's head with loosened cheeks. This was like Jinrai's paradise.

「Hey, Jinrai-san is...」

「It's completely your fault.」

Kazane was watching Jinrai with a lukewarm gaze, and Yumika was looking at Kazane with reproachful eyes. Though Yumika knew that Jinrai wouldn't bring that atmosphere onto the battlefield, so she didn't say anything to her master.

「So I'm fine, but what are you going to do? I honestly think it would be best for you to stay back.」

Yumika moved on and so asked. In fact, it would probably be dangerous for Kazane. As might be expected, Tatsuo was staying home, but Yumika thought Kazane should do that too.

「Yeah, I'm planning to watch from the rear. But this time I'm going to use this guy.」

Kazane pointed at Tatsuyos.h.i.+-kun Dragoon, who was holding the 3 meter magic sword.

「Use? I think it usually fights with us, though?」

「Different from usual. This time I'm going to completely control it. Like Jinrai-san's prosthetic arm.」

「What do you mean?」

Yumika tilted her head.

「I'm going to completely control its actions with Information Link. In short, almost like Tiara's Flame Knights? I'll only use one, though.」

Tiara thought her name was being called and turned around at Kazane's words.

「Did you call me for something?」

Tiara wasn't related to their current topic, so Kazane replied with different words.

「Yeah. We'll have Tiara's Flame Knights play a big part again.」

「Yes. Leave it to me.」

As a matter of fact, even though their activity hadn't been conspicuous, Tiara's Flame Knights had always been useful in battles.

Because of the number, they had reasonable fighting power, and they excelled as decoys and s.h.i.+elds. Tiara herself was very good at managing hate by manipulating the group. In short, she was good at stirring up enemies.

And hidden in the background, Louise hit enemies at every important point with lightning magic to settle things, so they made a good combination.

「Tiara can also unveil her new technique this time. She's fired up.」

Louise cut in from the side.

「Umm, if I remember correctly it's called Flame Power, right?」

Kazane said the name of the summoned knight Tiara had told her about. Tiara replied「Yes」with a full faced smile.

This Flame Power wasn't a new summon; it was a fusion of two summons she could already use, Flame Bird and Flame Knight, which created a winged knight clad in flame. Since she could only summon one Flame Bird, she could only produce one Flame Power, but its fighting ability was greatly improved, so it was antic.i.p.ated war potential for this battle. Also, the Power part of the name came from angel Powers.

Also, other Flame Knights possessed crystal spears, but this Flame Power possessed a dragon bone spear, which was handed over by Yumika. That was originally Jinrai's spear, and even if it wasn't as powerful as a dragon fang spear, it was still an item made by Master and was, of course, more powerful than a crystal spear.

「Alright, let's have a meeting.」

Kazane called out to everyone when she decided it was the right time to prepare. This discussion would be the final check before the battle.

This time, Kazane and the others would be fighting against three Dragon Eaters, as well as a countless number of subordinate Dryad Lizards. The monsters were discovered by a dragon who was patrolling early that morning. However, that dragon was now one of the three Dragon Eaters.

He managed to muster the last of his strength to roar and convey the existence of the Dragon Eaters, but it seemed he was lured and captured after that by the sweet smell only dragons could sense.

「It seems to be a smell dragons can't resist. I have resistance from the Circlet of Wisdom, so I'll be fine, though.」

Kazane glanced at Yumika and Ao as she spoke. Yumika's nose was itching as she groaned.

「I'm a little itchy. Well, it's not to a degree that I can't resist, and I think I'll be fine when I use Wolf G.o.d Transformation.」

「The symptoms can be reduced to some extent through Humanization, but my firepower will be reduced accordingly.」

「Please, for heaven's sake, don't become a plant person. That would be no laughing matter. Aneki as well, I suppose.」

Naoki said with worry. This time Kazane would be in the back, so he probably thought Yumika was in the most danger. But Yumika looked at Naoki with scornful eyes,

「Well, you're the most useless right now, so you're in the biggest danger」

And said that bluntly, which made Naoki's eyes tear up. It was true, so he had nothing to say in response.

「Now now. Naoki, Lyle, Emily, and Tatsuyos.h.i.+-kun Normal, please deal with the Dryad Lizards. Despite appearances, they're nimble, so it seems they're dangerous.」

「Okay. Honestly, even I would be nervous if I were told to face a Dragon cla.s.s opponent.」

Lyle replied jokingly. Lyle could actually feel himself becoming stronger, so it seemed he was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with self confidence. Moreover, he didn't overestimate his own strength.

「Even if you say you'd be nervous, it seems Dragon Eaters are sometimes duller than Earth Core Dragons, so I think Lyle might be able to do it. Well, this time I'll request the other monsters.」

After being entrusted by Kazane's words, Lyle struck his chest. He was given the role of dealing with the Dryad Lizards with this conversation, but it was the same as being told he was stronger than that and eligible to partic.i.p.ate in the Dragon Eater battle in terms of ability, and Naoki behind seemed vexed as he looked at Lyle. And Kazane noticed, but she didn't patch things up.

(Well, Naoki was relying too much on his magic swords. It's his fault for getting too used to that level.)

Consider the benefits of Skills as a player, by all rights Naoki should have grown even more. However, he probably became too accustomed to his life here. Kazane thought that was probably why she and Yumika had grown faster than Naoki.

So Kazane didn't patch up Naoki's vexation. Naoki was weak now. But Kazane believed he could surely become strong. She hoped he could crawl his way up. And hoping the vexation that Naoki was feeling now would soon become Naoki's strength, Kazane ignored Naoki and moved the conversation forward.

And the goal of their strategy was to annihilate three Dragon Eaters. In short, it was a big job, equivalent to fighting three dragons. And after confirming each members' roles, Kazane and the others lied in wait for the monsters that would likely pa.s.s through here soon.

Name: Yuihama Kazane

Occupation: Magic Swordswoman

t.i.tle: Ogre Killer, Dragon Slayer, High Beast Summoner, Rea King

Equipment: Staff 『White Blaze』, Two Handed Sword『Black Fang』, Adhesion Sword『Gum』, Spell Dagger Feather x2, Dragonscale Breastplate, Drake Gauntlets, Silver Sheep Clothes, Sylphyn Skirt, Plasma Pants, Dragon Eating Ogre King's Greaves, Indestructible Cloak, Mysterious Pouch, Crimson Saint Coffin, Heroic Spirit Summoning Ring, Circlet of Wisdom, Aim Bracelet, Magic Acc.u.mulator, White Magic Acc.u.mulator, Rainbow Necklace, Rainbow Dragon Ring

Level : 32

Health: 124

Magic Power: 235+420

Strength: 55+20

Agility: 50+14

Endurance: 32

Wisdom : 62

Dexterity : 39

Spell : 『Fly』『Torch』『Fire』『Heal』『Firestorm』『Healer Ray』『High Heal』『Golden Dusk「Dragon Exclusive」』『Mirror s.h.i.+eld』

Skill : 『Kick Devil』『Warrior's Memory』『Night Vision』『Crus.h.i.+ng Blow』『Dog's Sense of Smell: Lv2』『Golem Maker: Lv3』『Rush』『Fire Principle: Third Chapter』『Healing Principle: Fourth Chapter』『Air Jump: Lv2』『Killing Leg: Lv3』『Fear Voice』『Invisible』『Tiger Eye』『Wall Walking』『Intuition』『Cheat Death』『Nimble』『Charge』『Material s.h.i.+eld: Lv2』『Information Link』『Optical Camouflage』『Dash』『Bloodsucking Blade』『Dragonization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Regenerate』『Soul Breaking Blade』『Stealthy Hand Placement』『Thunder Chariot: Lv2』『St.u.r.dier Teeth: Lv2「Dragon」』『Crystallization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Fabricated Coercion』『Stone Minotaur』『Mega Beam: Lv2』『s.p.a.ce Expansion』『Pseudo-silver Creation』『Poison Claw』『Fireball「Dragon」』『Cuticle「Dragon」』『Arms Creation: Black Flame』『Ingredient Connoisseur』

Kazane:「Parasites, huh? That has often been the cause of becoming a zombie recently.」

Yumika:「Zombies, or rather, a biohazard panic. Which reminds me, zombies are normal in this world, aren't they?」

Kazane:「It seems their eyes glow red. I'd rather not meet one.」