Chapter 22

―It's the wyvern.

{RRRAAAAOOOOOWWWWHHH!!!}

It was bigger than any monster I'd ever seen, even with my 6+ years of being an adventurer.

Its appearance alone was incredibly intimidating.

With its body, covered from head-to-tail in this hard, black rock that was like an exoskeleton, it seems swords would be completely ineffective unless targeting a weak spot like the wings or its orifices.

Not only that, but it seemed to be dripping with lava from almost every edge of its body, causing the air in front of us to blur due to the immense heat.

That also created an extra danger of having lava fall on our heads.

{RAAAAAAAAAAAH!!}

A shrill noise came from the wyvern.

Soon, it spotted the class and flew towards us.

Thankfully, it flew slowly because of the exoskeleton's heavy weight.

"....Tch. Shit."

―I heard a mutter from beside me.

"Change of plans!"

It was the teacher.

"Unite as a class to hunt that monster! You're no longer split into halves, so just take it down! As long it's killed without my excessive interference, you all pass!"

...What?

He was telling us to fight as a class.

That could only mean....

The wyvern had exceeded even his expectations.

Then what, is it C+--no, B-rank?

.....Shit.

That's why the teacher said "excessive interference".

―Because he knows we can't compete with that thing alone.

Damn it.

This is bad.

{RAAAAOOW!!}

"AAAAHHH...!!!"

I only watched with clenched teeth as the wyvern swooped in to grab a student.

"HUP...!"

*BANG!*

Fortunately, the teacher arrived in an instant, and punched the wyvern in the face.

{SCRrrEeEEEeeEeeEe...!!}

The impact was so large that it sent the wyvern flying in the opposite direction while screeching.

.....So that's the power of an S-rank, huh...

"A-a-a-....ah....t-t-thank--"

"Don't thank me. I'm a teacher; my job is to protect my students with my life."

He narrowed his eyes and spoke to the class.

"Everyone who isn't ready to fight hide behind stable cover! If you can't move, get someone to help you! This is a serious situation, but it's still a test! If you can't handle it, then it's completely fine to sit out, but you will fail the test!"

With that, the class scattered.

Some ran to get behind cover as soon as possible, while others helped their scared-stiff friends move.

Of course, I stayed, along with certain other people.

There was 6 of us in total who decided to stay:

Me, Ash, Ryan, Pesché, Chris, and one of the Princess's dogs.

It was about the size of a regular adventurer party, and the roles fit perfectly too.

We have Chris and his friend as a vanguard, Pesché as a healer, and Ash as a backline.

I assume Ryan is a magician from his robed clothing, but he also carries a weapon, so he could be a magic brawler like me.

Either way, we should both be flexible enough to fit in any position.

This is good.

A format like this is decent enough to be a stable base in this situation.

The only regret is not having another ranged attacker, since the wyvern has the ability to fly.

Well, Ash is very good, so she should be able to perform fine by herself.

Yes, this is better than I'd thought.

If it's like this, then we might actually be able to beat it.

―However, my expectations soon crumbled.

"Lyle, let's go!", Chris called out to his friend, the Princess's follower.

"Right! While the monster is down!"

The two charged towards the wyvern that slowly rose up into the air.

It seemed to have just recovered from the teacher's punch, since it looked a little disoriented.

As it floated there, it stared at the teacher who was just standing, silently, with his arms crossed.

{RAAAAAAAHHH!!}

Another shrill noise could be heard, but the wyvern didn't move, as if waiting for something.

What's going on...?

......Wait.

It was then that I realised what the wyvern was doing.

It was waiting to see if teacher would attack it.

To judge whether or not he was really an enemy.

If it seemed like he was, then the wyvern would run, since it knows it's weaker.

But since the teacher isn't attacking....

.....Fuck.

The wyvern might think that teacher will only attack if provoked, but that's wrong.

That's wrong, but it doesn't know that.

Or does it...?

No, wait, is that even right in the first place?

I don't know anymore.

Shit.

The situation is getting to me.

Calm down.

We should do all we can to fight.

I looked back towards the two morons charging at the wyvern.

What are they doing?!

It's in the air!

How do you plan to attack it like that!

Don't throw your life away uselessly, you trash!

At least communicate or something...!

"―「Holy Slash」!"

Chris yelled out something and swung his sword.

The blade emitted a crescent-shaped holy aura attack.

...I see.

A signature move of the Hero, huh.

If it's him, it could work?

The aura attack hit the wyvern's hard, shell-like lava exoskeleton.

Don't tell me, Chris doesn't even know about weak points...?

Or was his aim just off?

{.....}

......The wyvern was, as expected, unscathed.

It stared terrifyingly at Chris, who was only confused at the ineffectiveness of his attack.

The monster's defense was too high to be harmed by such an attack.

That stupid--Why didn't he target a weak spot?

Then, the wyvern made a move.

It flew away for a bit, before stopping a certain distance away in the air.

Its head raised slightly, and its long neck curled.

Its mouth began to light up slowy, as a dim orange glow could be seen through the gaps in its sharp teeth.

As it stayed hovering in the air, flapping its wings, I gulped.

The air was becoming hotter with each passing second.

Chris yelled out.

"Lyle! It looks like it's going to scream again! Let's attack it while its still! Pesché, provide support please!

......No...

"Let's go!"

"Yes!"

The two melee fighters ran towards the wyvern while receiving buffs from the Saintess.

.....No, you're wrong.

It's not going to scream again.

Why the hell would it need to fly away and prepare for that...?

―It's preparing to shoot a breath attack.

You fucking--

--I can't just sit and watch this happen.

Never again...!

"Ash!", I called out. She nodded and fired an arrow right away.

The arrow was about to hit the wyvern's eye, but it quickly closed the eyelid and blocked it.

Damn, just how tough is that shit...?

I glanced at the fools running at the wyvern, and shouted at them after clicking my tongue.

"Tch! You idiots! Dodge!"

"W-what?"

What are they doing!?

Don't just stand there like a fucking doll...!!

I told you to dodge!

"That's a breath attack! Fucking run! Idiots!"

"W-what!? It is!? O-oh...!"

They aren't moving no matter what I say...

It's hopeless.

They're dead.

But then, I witnessed something hit the wyvern's mouth.

―*BOOOM!*

A massive explosion ensued.

But that projectile...

If I saw correctly, that was.... an arrow?

Could that be...?

I looked to Ash for confirmation.

She nodded and came next to me.

"It's the「Detonating Arrow」I told you about."

Ah.

It was so.

I remember that Ash said she had a strange Title and Class that I'd never heard of before...

So this was one of that class's skills, huh.

It's strong.

"How many of those can you fire?"

"3 is my current limit, but if I use all my mana potions, I might be able to get up to 8."

The arrow impacted the inside of the wyvern's mouth before exploding.

The fact she was able to hit such an accurate shot from so far away....

Hah.

As expected of my party member.

"Ash. Just focus on preventing its breath."

"Of course."

"It doesn't matter what methods you use. Don't let the wyvern shoot its breath at any cost."

"Yes."

I looked over to where the wyvern was.

Due to the force of the sudden explosion in its mouth, it was forced to stop the breath and seemed to be currently focused on watching out for any more attacks.

It would still be on guard for a short while.

We have a chance.

I unsheathed my sword and spoke briefly to the one other person who stayed to fight.

"Ryan."

The guy in question looked completely disinterested up until this point.

I don't know what happened, but as soon as he laid his eyes on me, I felt like something disgusting was crawling under my skin.

Soon, it ended, and Ryan looked at me and Ash differently compared to everyone else.

He had a look in his eyes that seemed to contain a bit of respect.

I wondered what it was, but there was no time for that right now.

"Eh? Ya want me to attack that monster?"

"You only need to distract it for a moment―about 3--no, I can probably do it in 2 seconds. You only need to buy 2 seconds."

"Huh? An' why should I listen to you?"

"Have you not seen those utter morons over there? You think I have the balls to place my life in their hands? They are both just fucking idiots, for various reasons. Listen to me. People will die. You are the only other person here who is worth something."

"Hmmm....?"

I watched as Ryan smirked. He then spoke.

"Alright. Just this once, then. However, I won't buy you one, two, nor three, seconds."

What? Then--

"--I'll buy you 10. No more, no less. Hear me? You better fuckin' kill that thing before time's up, or I'll rip your bitch head off."

"....."

I stared at him for a moment before snorting.

"Hah. You're just as much a bastard as I thought. Whatever. Just buy the promised time."

I immediately turned to the wyvern's direction.

It had recovered from Ash's arrow already.

The wyvern's breath should've also exploded inside its own body, so it would've taken more damage than it seems on the outside, however, this wyvern seems to be abnormally tough.

...The ten seconds might be more of a huge windfall than first expected.

Anyway, first thing is to get into position.

After checking everyone's current state, I run and take cover behind a large rock.

The two idiots are now approaching the wyvern.

Ash is watching carefully for any openings to disrupt the wyvern's rhythm.

Ryan, after crouching with one hand placed on the floor for a moment, got back up and started running around.

He seems to be moving the mountain's rocks into certain positions.

Looking at the formulation of the rocks, it resembles a magic circle.

I don't know what he's planning, but I'll know when it's time.

Looks like it'll take about 15 seconds.

Right now, all we can do is wait for him to get ready, and in the meantime, just make sure that those two morons don't get themselves killed.

Well, the teacher will be there for that, but we can't just rely on him.

Anything could happen, after all.

I continue to observe the situation while hiding behind the boulder.

I'm suppressing both my presence and magic energy simultaneously to make sure the wyvern isn't aware of my existence.

I go over the revised strategy.

I plan to take full advantage of the 10 seconds Ryan'll give me.

When the wyvern is distracted by Ryan, that's when my 10 seconds begin.

I'll charge at it while in stealth so that it doesn't notice me until the last second.

When I get to it, I should have about 9 seconds remaining. In a bad situation, it'd be about 7.5, so let's go with that.

I'll use half a second to get into position and line up the perfect strike to its vitals―that's 7 seconds.

Once the strike is lined up, I pour as much mana into my sword as possible, taking one more half of a second.

In addition to this, I activate all of my physical enhancement and buff skills, which is instantaneous.

I'll then use 1.5 seconds to charge a combination ice and water magic at the tip of my blade.

That's 5 seconds in total. 7.5 if the start is a good situation.

If Ryan delivers the full ten seconds as promised, then plenty of time is left over in case something goes awry.

With the left over time.... I might even have to use that to guarantee the kill...

Well, the plan isn't supposed to be solid in the first place.

Because every good adventurer knows that the more thought out and detailed the plan, the easier it is for it to break completely.

That's why the only real "plan" is to hit the wyvern with everything I've got.

Good.

But then―

"HAA!!「Limit Break」!!"

―I heard a cry.

It was the Hero.

"Chris.... That bastard, what is he doing?"

I muttered as the Hero suddenly erupted in an explosion of bright light.

It quickly dimmed, but the Chris that could be seen standing there looked nothing like the Chris from a few seconds ago.

I could feel massive pressure emanating from him that didn't exist before.

His body was glowing with a golden light, and he had fluorescent crimson lines flowing across his entire body.

What happened?

I don't know, but all of a sudden, he got a lot stronger.

This.... could be bad.

If he goes and does something unnecessary, then the whole plan could get messed up.

And from the looks of things....

"YAA!!"

The Hero swung his sword.

*BANG!*

{RAAAAAAOOOHHHH!!!}

What the hell...

"「Holy Slash」!"

*Boom!*

{RRaAAaAaAaaAOooOOooWw...!!!}

The wyvern....

"HAA!!"

*Bang!*

*Splatter!*

{RaAAaAaHrAaoooww...!!}

...is getting beat up by the Hero....

This...

This is more than I ever could've imagined...

Chris, he.... He's soloing a B-rank monster...

"HAAAA!!"

*Splatter!*

With every swing of his arms, more of the wyvern's boiling blood could be heard spilling everywhere.

As the wyvern thrashed about in pain and rage, the flowing lava on top of it was thrown about the place, creating a minefield.

...Just what was that skill he used?

A kind of ultra-strengthening ability?

'「Limit Break」'....

I think I've heard of it before.

It... must be a unique「Hero」skill.

This... is amazing...

I've never seen such a strong strengthening skill before.

Well, that might be a match, but....

Even a max level「Power Burst」isn't as strong as that.

That skill must've increased his stats by at least two... maybe even more than three times.

...Ah, this isn't the time.

I can't let down my guard yet.

Just in case something hap--

"Haa-KAGHK...!!"

*thud*

Abruptly, Chris coughed blood and fell to his knees.

He was slamming his fist weakly into the ground and seemed to be muttering something, but I didn't care to listen.

I could see his light and the red lines both fading.

Ah....

Of course.

No skill is invincible.

Even for the Hero.

It's only logical that such a powerful skill has a time limit and strong backlash.

However, this is bad.

Chris--the Hero is vulnerable in his current state.

Someone needs to help him before the wyvern retaliates.

Speaking of....

"..Huh?"

The wyvern is doing something strange.

Instead of attacking, it's...

Shedding?

The wyvern is shedding its hard, basalt-like exoskeleton.

Well, it's now severely cracked thanks to the Hero, but it's still very dense armour.

It'd be hard for us to pierce it right now, or even just accurately attack a weak point.

Then why would it voluntarily discard it...?

....Ah.

Speed.

By getting rid of all the heavy rock that covered it, the wyvern would, in turn, increase its speed and agility.

I glance at Ryan.

Ah.

Seems like he's ready.

"OIIII, you monster bastard!"

Ryan yelled to grab attention.

But it isn't yet time for me to move.

At Ryan's feet was a magic circle's formation created out of the Charred Mountain's rocks.

As well as being made from rocks, it was strange in the fact that it was very large―about the radius of two to three houses.

In his hand was an odd mana crystal with a symbol carved into it.

The ten seconds starts the instant the wyvern enters the area of the magic circle.

*Flap! Flap!*

{RWAAAAAOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!}

The wyvern rose into the air, roaring and flapping its wings.

It quickly flew at Ryan.

Good.

It took the rather obvious bait, but that's all that matters.

Since it was now so much slimmer and lighter, it flew many times faster than previously, and arrived at Ryan's peculiar magic circle almost instantly.

A huge, savage grin could be seen on his face as he looked at the wyvern with confidence and greed-filled eyes.

Then, he crushed the engraved mana crystal in his hand while shouting.

"「Jail of Poseidon」!"

―All of a sudden, waves appeared.

{RAAA-grggllglrgl--!!}

The rocks making up Ryan's magic circle disintegrated and turned to dust as huge pillars of water appeared in its place.

The pillars of water shot up, far into the sky, and captured the wyvern.

In less than a second, a water prison was formed.

Every time it thrashed about to escape.

Every time it hit the liquid bars of the prison, the wyvern took damage.

What was this?

Ah.

The elemental attribute.

The wyvern was definitely fire attribute because of its resistance to heat and lava, and the prison was water!

This was its weakness!

And this means...

――The wyvern was trapped.

But that wasn't all.

Inside this prison was flooded.

Slowly but surely, the wyvern was drowning.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

{GrGrlLGRLGlglGLR-RAA-LGRLG-ARRoOO-GRLGlgr--!!}

I wanted to watch more of this spectacular sight, but I needed to move.

Two seconds had already passed―8 seconds remain.

「Power Burst」,「Sprint」,「Acceleration」!!

I instantly activate my movement boosting skills and run.

Arriving within a moment at the wyvern's jail, I charge magic into my sword and activate my combat and other physical enhancement skills.

―7 seconds.

I've lined up the perfect strike.

Is this enough?

Do I need more?

Should I charge more magic?

I need to guarantee the kill.

Let's do it.

―6 seconds.

For extra damage, I shroud my sword in an aura of water magic and encase the edge in ice magic.

―5.5 seconds.

Do I need even more than this?

I can use that, but it'll mean that's the end...

......Agh, fine, let's do it.

It'll take an entire 5 seconds, but it's worth it!

To unleash the biggest attack possible, I activate my Unique Skill.

「Devastation」!

As soon as I activated the skill, I felt immeasurable power flow through me.

―5 seconds.

Starting from my heart, then to my head and shoulders.

―4 seconds.

From my shoulders to my arms and hands.

―3 seconds.

Then to my abdomen and waist.

―2 seconds.

And then finally, to my legs, and down all the way, through to my toes.

―1 second.

This power, which I have only ever felt one time before, flooded my entire body.

And at the same time, an abhorrent feeling of what was like slime in my veins.

The last and only time I ever used this power was to protect my family.

It felt truly disgusting to use, but I had no choice.

I needed to secure the wyvern's death.

―0.5 seconds.

This was it.

This was my most powerful strike.

I dash forward and begin a motion of thrusting my sword.

If this attack couldn't kill the wyvern, then so be it.

―0.25 seconds.

I would die, but that's what I would deserve for not being able to kill it in such a set-up.

After this attack ends, I will probably fall unconscious.

That's what happened last time, after all, and this time is using even more energy.

―0.1 second.

I felt the sensation of my sword piercing the wyvern's heart.

Ahhh.....

That's... good.

So, I... killed it... then...

What.... a relief.....

The last thing I heard was someone shout angrily, and then―

"Oi, you bastard!"

―My mind went blank.

"Aphy. What do you want to eat? The usual?"

"Hmm, what are they like currently?"

"The fish are quite exquisite at the moment."

"Is that your doing or the fish's?"

"I'd like to say both? The fish are always good, but I tried something earlier, and... I think you'd like it."

"Huh. I shall have whatever you are having."

"Oh? I thought fish was your favourite. Well, you say that every day, so I was expecting it. It's coming right up."

"Indeed, water-attribute wyverns are my preference, but if I'm the only one eating it then there's no point, I say. From what I've gathered, food is best enjoyed with others."

"Well. In the first place, you wouldn't have ever eaten something unless I was here, right? Since you only need mana to survive... Although, as long as I'm in this place, I don't need to eat either. It's a rather nice change, you know? Eating because I want to and not because I have to."

Aphy's face became displeased as she lay comfortably on the white sofa. She seemed to almost blend in with it because of the pure colour of her appearance.

"Indeed, I wouldn't have continued eating if I were alone. Raw meat―contrary to what most inferior species believe―is unpleasant. I cannot even fathom how you yourself managed to force the revolting stuff down your mouth."

"Ahaha.... You know, I wouldn't be able to eat it without「Gluttony」, right? Since raw meat is inedible for humans. And it's not like I had a choice, either. At the very least, I was able to cook it some with「Wrath」, but you're right that it was absolutely terrible."

"......"

As she lay on the sofa Jae had created with his「Crafting」skill, Aphy stared at the smiling Jae with an unnoticable, sad look present in her eyes.

....I think it's almost time. Should I ask him first?

"Oh, by the way."

"Yes?"

"Since you're a dragon, won't your presence slowly wither the plants and stuff?"

"Oh... Well, there are systems in place to prevent that, but if I stay for too long, then yes, I suppose it'd become a problem. That's one of the reasons why I used to only stay in the Outer Layer."

"Right. Then, how long until you have to go back?"

Ah.... Well, I suppose that this would be a good opportunity to bring it up.

"It will be fine for about half a year or so more.", Aphy replied.

That is a lie. In reality, the nature would be completely fine even after 500 years pass.

"I... see... That, um... Would you be leaving with... with me, or...?"

Jae seemed to have a hard time getting his words out.

"...."

"A-ah. That--What I mean is, uh, when you leave the Inner Zone, are you.... Can... Can I come with you...?"

"...."

"Since, you know, life right now is pretty good, isn't it? There's no need to do anything unnecessary, or something, is there? We can just--"

A small sigh could be heard as Jae looked anxiously at Aphy as he laid fresh food out on the table.

"Jae...."

I... certainly did not think it would be easy for him to let go, but this is...

"Did you..."

I did not foresee that he would ask to come with me. And so adamantly, at that....

"...forget?"

"Uh. Pardon?"

"Did you forget it? The purpose of our journey?"

"Ah......."

He let out a single utter, before falling into silence.

That's right.

"...To find the dungeon's exit.", Jae said, weakly.

Please do not forget it after all this time―your reason for coming all this way.

"...."

"...."

The two silently sat there, eating the meal rather awkwardly.

Jae.

I cannot stay with you forever.

There will come a day where I will part from you, and you will part from me.

Whether you like it or not.

―Such is the will of the world.

Eventually, she had finished eating.

"The meal was delicious, as always. Thank you."

"....Aphy."

"Yes? What is it?"

"--...."

Jae opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come out.

"Oh, did you not say you were going to examine the leak soon? Since we've finally found it after years, I believe now would be as good a time as any to check it out. It would also serve to clear your mind of unnecessary things."

"....Ah..... Right... Yes, of course. I'll do that. Thank you. I'll be back later, then."

"Yes... I will see you..... later."

He only nodded in response and left the room.

*click*

"....Well then.", Aphy muttered.

The entrance is already prepared, so I suppose I shall check up on the other things for when the time comes... And Jae....

"....I sincerely hope that you do not hate me after this."

Aphy wore a slightly forlorn expression as she stared at the door Jae left through.

'I will see you later'... My, I haven't said something like that in centuries...

...

.....

.......

In the end, hours passed, and Jae still hadn't returned.

......

..........

..............

'Days' came and went.

'Weeks' had gone in passing.

'Months' were flying by, and yet nothing had changed.

...Ever since that last meal―Aphy had not seen Jae ever since he walked through the door on that day.

'I'm sorry', she thought.

But...

Aphy stood on a cliff's edge, silently looking out at the barren wasteland that lay ahead of her.

Thank you...

――Jae never returned.