Chapter 78: Clash! The Cheat Girls Vs. The Wyvern
He was still a young Wyvern.
“It’s only recently that I’ve begun to take pleasure in fighting the human race.”
For him, “humans” were a very mysterious thing.
They are small and weak. And yet, as a race, they are growing in power.
The Dragons are so huge and strong, yet they only control a small area.
He was not convinced.
We should fight and settle who is the better species.
“If the humans are the ones that the great Heavenly Dragon has sided with, then they must show that much determination.”
He then headed off to his newly found hunting ground.
It was a long road, with humans and demi-humans coming and going, east and west.
“──GI, Rooo!”
He chased after a small carriage on the road.
He roared.
You’ve just made your place known… is that a challenge to me?
Even though we rank in the last place, the Wyverns are a proud Clan of Dragons.
We can’t just sit back and let a mere thing that crawls on the ground invade our territory.
… Know your place, … “human”.
“A mere Wyvern, you should know your place!”
Iris shouted at the Wyvern that appeared.
Iris was sitting on the carriage’s driver’s stand, her dress pulled down over her breasts, exposing her clean shoulders to the dawn air.
The scales on her shoulders were proof that she had the blood of the Sea Dragon Kerukatoru.
“This is Iris Hoffimier, Shrine Maiden of the Sea Dragon, who has blood of the Sea Dragon Kerukatoru flowing in my veins! I have no intention of hostility! All I want is a vacation with my brother and friends! We are both Dragons. Allow us to pass.”
While showing the scales on her shoulder to the Wyvern, Iris continued to shout.
The Wyvern that had been flying right beside us changed its movements.
It started circling in the sky, as if it was lost.
It was a Wyvern with blue scales. It was more than ten meters tall. It had pterodactyl-like wings and clawed hind legs. It was also waving a long tail like a whip. Its golden eyes were looking at us from above. It would be a lot easier if it could just let us pass…
“GIAAAAAAAAAA! GIAAAAAAAAAA!”
- I don’t think it will.
“I’m sorry. It’s going to be little rough from now.”
“Neigh!! You can use us however you see fit. We have already promised to deliver you to the resort!”
The horses responded in a booming manner.
I told the two of them about the situation yesterday.
That we had to hurry ahead and go through the area where the Wyvern might be.
If possible, we would fight off the Wyvern. But if we don’t think you can win, we would run away.
I also explained that we have the power to do either of these things.
They seemed to like me and Cecile, and they agreed to carry us and keep our secret.
“We originally wanted to be Knights’ riders, not carriage horses.”
“It’s horse’s pleasure to fight under you and little miss!”
It was nice to hear they say that, but I wondered what the horse’s pleasure was.
Then we left the town of Sharka before dawn.
Two hours have passed since then - we are on the road leading to the “Recreation area”.
It was only a few minutes ago that the Wyvern appeared.
First of all, I decided to have Iris intimidate it by saying that we are both members of the Dragon Family.
In the shaking carriage, Iris is puffing out her chest, exposing the scales she called up by spraying water on them.
It’s different from the other day. She’s a “Dragon Maiden” who fights on her own.
The Sea Dragon Kerukatoru uses its authority and power to contain the demons of the sea.
I thought that a certain amount of pressure would be able to get through to Iris, who has that blood, against a Dragon, and it seems to have worked.
“All right, keep moving!”
“Neigh! Yes!”
The carriage picked up speed.
They’re all waiting for me at their scheduled positions.
Rita and Aine are on the roof of the carriage. Rita is using her beastly sense of balance to support Aine so that she doesn’t fall.
Cecile is next to me, with Iris in between us.
Rafilia should be in the carriage, preparing for the next operation.
“Aine, how are you doing?”
It’s hard to talk on a rocking carriage.
So I call out to Aine in my head.
I’ve already used [Mind Linkage] on her.
Aine’s power of observation is the key to this battle.
“…”
Huh? I’m not getting an answer.
“Aine. Am I getting through? Aine?”
“…”
I got a response.
“I’m sorry. It’s just the ‘sister’ and the ‘girl’ in Aine collided with each other.”
“… I’m not sure but, are you okay?
“I’m fine. Big sister is invincible. Wyvern, right?”
There was a pause of several seconds.
Aine is on the roof, staring at the Wyvern.
“According to my [Dynamic Observation], it’s putting pressure on the wings. It’s going to do one or two more … laps in circles.”
I gave the skill I created yesterday, [Dynamic Observation] to Aine.
Even from here, she can see the “tense color” of the Wyvern’s body. She should be able to read its movements.
“Na-kin! It’s putting all of its energy into tail! The Wyvern will swoop down and attack with its tail!”
“Copy that. Then back off, Iris. Rafilia come out!”
Iris returns to the carriage, and Rafilia comes out instead.
The grasslands around us ended, and on there are sheer rocky mountains on either side of us.
The Wyvern that was circling right above us has changed course and is now trying to get around in front of us.
You’re coming at us head on…
The total length of a Wyvern, with its wings spread, is about 15 meters. The tail alone is several meters long.
If it were to fly and hit us, we would be blown away with a single blow from the carriage.
I confirmed it earlier.
On the way here, I saw a carriage that had been attacked. It was crushed, like it had been hit by a giant whip. It’s a miracle that no one was killed by it. But thanks to that, I now know how to fight a Wyvern.
I’ve thought of countermeasures and I’ve decided on a strategy.
If the Wyvern is going to interfere with our vacation, I’ll get rid of it as soon as I can.
“Rafilia! Activate your skill!” ‘Aine, signal Rita!’
I give instructions in my voice and in my mind at the same time.
“Yes Master… Activate [Unparalleled Singing LV1]!”
Rafilia activates her skill right next to me.
“Best of luck to the party… Activate [Bad Luck Annihilation LV1]!”
Then Rita’s song echoed through the road - and our movements and senses accelerated.
[Unrivaled Singing LV1]
Increases the reaction time of party members.
Not only the movement of the body, but even the speed of thought and decision making is accelerated more than usual.
The passing scenery turns into slow motion. At the same time, the shaking of the carriage becomes less. Because the horses’ senses are accelerated as well, they’re matching the movement of the carriage to the road surface. I further instruct them to slow down. Rafilia jumps down from the carriage that is about to stop.
With a bow in one hand and a large number of arrows in the other.
“O Rafilia Grace! Rain arrows on my enemies!”
The Wyvern, which had descended a few hundred meters away, was coming at us head-on. It appears to have stopped moving.
Rafilia can’t miss from this distance.
“Yes, Master! Here we go, [Burst Archery LV1].”
Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah!
Five arrows flew from Rafilia’s bow at the same time.
The [Burst Archery] is an attack skill that allows Rafilia to fire multiple arrows at the same time.
In addition, it now comes with the effect of increasing her luck level with [Bad Luck Annihilation LV1].
[Bad Luck Annihilation LV1]
Touching yourself or others with your hands washes away misfortune (brings in good luck).
The duration of effect is a few minutes. During this time, the luck of the target will exponentially increase.
“Iris! Give Rafilia extra arrows!”
“Yes! Here you go, Master!”
The carriage has long since stopped.
Iris dismounts from the carriage, carrying a bundle of arrows. Rafilia takes the arrows and holds them again.
Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah!
The sound of the bowstring and Rafilia’s hands never stopped. The bowstring was even in slow motion thanks to Rita’s singing. She attacked non-stop without taking any rest.
The result was a huge army of arrows that flew in clumps.
It was like a cloud made of arrows; it looked like CG, but it was real.
The Wyvern plunged headfirst into it.
“Gi-Giaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”
It screamed.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the Wyvern scream.
Thanks to [Bad Luck Annihilation], the arrows hit the gaps in its scales and weak spots on the skin. A large number of arrows pierced the base of its tail and wings.
“Aine, what’s it going to do?”
“It’s going up! I got it”
Aine reports the enemy’s movements with [Dynamic Observation].
The Wyvern shook its head, flapped its wings, and soared.
I put the cursed sword Reggie back in her sheath, which I had almost pulled out.
I was going to use the [Delayed Arts LV1], but I didn’t need … to.
Because it’s already stuck.
Because the strongest biological weapon is attached to the body of the Wyvern.
Aine waved her “Mop of Steel” on the roof.
The Elder Slime that was blown up by the [Monster Cleanup LV1] is stuck to the neck of the Wyvern.
The Wyvern must not have been able to see it because it was behind a lot of arrows. On top of that, Aine sent the slime flying just as it was shaking it’s head to get rid of the arrows.
Aine with [Dynamic Observation] is observing its every move.
If you know the movements, you know the gaps. It seems that the movement of the Wyvern is surprisingly simple.
“Reggie, use [Slime Manipulation LV1]. Block the Wyvern’s nose and mouth!”
“There’s never a dull moment with you, Master!”
The cursed sword, Reggie, shook.
Reggie activates her cheat skill [Slime Manipulation] and sends instructions to the Elder Slime. The Elder Slime that was attached to the Wyvern’s neck begins to move towards its head.
It ironic, isn’t it? A weak slime defeating a strong Wyvern.
“Aine, what’s its condition?”
“… No change … nope. There’s a lot of pressure around it’s neck and nose. Slime, I think it succeeded.”
“Fugua──, Fugar! Hunga──!”
A pained cry rang out.
The Wyvern is shaking its head frantically above us. It’s circling like it’s forgotten about us. The slime is blocking its nose and mouth.
The Wyvern’s hands are integrated with its wings and its tail doesn’t reach its face.
Once the slime sticks to its face, it’s hard to get it off.
“Again, I warn you in the name of Iris Hoffimier! Leave!”
Iris shouted, sticking her head out of the carriage.
Her green hair is blowing in the wind, and her small fists are raised to the sky.
“We just want to travel. We just want to pass through here! You should go back to the mountains! This is no place for you to live. This is not your home!”
“HUGYAAAAAAA! HUGA──! HUGYAAAAAAA!”
The Wyvern is struggling in the air.
It’s golden eyes are staring at me. It doesn’t look like it’s going to run away.
“Na-kun. He’s coming. Right above us!”
Aine shouted.
Even though I don’t have [Dynamic Observation], I understood.
The Wyvern turned its face down and swoop down.
I knew it’d come to that.
With the structure of a Wyvern’s body, it is impossible to remove the slime from its face. If it really wants to get rid of the slime, it will have to scrape it off by rubbing its face against the ground.
He’s trying to crush us, and harm us in the process.
“Final touches. Cecile, come on!”
“…!”
Cecile jumps into my chest.
Her silver hair swaying, her face slightly embarrassed, her small lips continue to chant.
I put her small body on my lap. Before I knew it, Cecile’s small body had become a natural part of my lap. I put my hands on both of her breasts. I can’t help but feel embarrassed. We’ve only done this a few times.
“Activate! [Skill Restructure LV4]!”
I start supplying mana as I become an external battery in time with Cecile’s chanting.
I look up above me.
The Wyvern is diagonally above us. It’s coming towards us, cutting through the wind.
“You can’t beat us, you know. Wyvern.”
Everyone’s cheat skills are on full display.
I can’t just cancel the vacation due to unforeseen circumstances.
This fight is what we all wanted, and what I allowed.
I’m sorry, but I’m going to use all the power I have to get rid of you. Wyvern!
“Cecile! Target in front! Maximum power, full barrage!”
“‘Unleash the blade of the end times… Spirit of flame, destroy my enemies with your million breaths!”
Furemu──! Aro──! I’m sorry.
Cecile jabbed her finger straight up at the Wyvern.
Zudon, zudon, zudon.
ZUDO, ZUDO
Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud
The magic circle that was created behind Cecile shot out a tremendous number of [Flame Arrow]s.
It was a veritable barrage.
There was no way the Wyvern, which was descending in a straight line towards us, could escape.
Dododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododo
“Ggaaaaaaah, gboaah, gboaah, gboaah, gboaah!
The Ancient Language [Flame Arrow]s strikes the head, torso and wings of the Wyvern.
Each arrow is small and weak but their sheer number is enough.
They hit and never miss. The torrent of [Flame Arrow]s will not stop until the Wyvern is crushed.
Its wings twitched and tail twisted. Its body caved in and twisted, and the mouth that had been released from the slime just before it landed was spewing screams. The [Flame Arrows] fly into its mouth as well.
The arrows bite into the wounds made by Rafilia’s arrows and burn the Wyvern’s flesh from the inside. Smoke rises from the entire body of the Wyvern.
The Wyvern veered off course to crash into the carriage and fell straight to the base of the rocky mountain.
“Did you manage to get to …?”
I knew you guys could be great. You’re cheat characters after all.
“I see, if we all work together, we can easily beat a Wyvern…”
The Wyvern is limp, with its body lying on the rocky slope.
Its stomach kept swelling and shrinking. It looks like it’s still alive.
“Iris. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to talk to it again.”
I got out of the carriage, holding Iris’s hand with one hand and the cursed sword Reggie with the other.
I have activated [Delayed Arts].
I have charged it with 30 swings so if I attack the current Wyvern will die in a single blow.
“It’s going to create problems for us later if we leave a dead Wyvern here.”
If possible, I’d like to say, “We didn’t meet the Wyvern and got was lucky.”
If word gets out that we are all cheat characters, we won’t be able to live comfortably.
This time, though, it was unavoidable because the company trip was at stake.
“I think that’s a wise choice, Master.”
With a pop, a human form of Reggie appeared from the cursed sword.
“This Wyvern responded to the words of the flabby Shrine Maiden. I may be able to make it promise not to come down to the town again.”
“Can’t you do something about that name, Maken-san? …”
Getting off the carriage, Iris puffed out her cheeks in frustration.
Then, adjusting the bosom and hem of her dress, she stretched out her chest and raised her voice to the Wyvern.
“This is your final warning! I am the Shrine Maiden of the Sea Dragon Kerukatoru, Iris Hoffimier, my beloved master, and my strongest companions. You foolish Wyvern. Admit defeat and get out of here!”
“Guru ──. Gah, gah, gah.”
The limping Wyvern faintly leaned its head back.
I think it understands what Iris is talking about.
“Even though you’re a low-ranked Dragon, you’re still a proud member of the Dragon clan! What are you doing wielding your power in a place like this? If you’re really strong, fight something stronger, not humans or demi-humans!”
“A true Dragon who is a superior being. There are so many things you need to confront, aren’t there? If you want go fight against the Giant race, the Demon King. You can’t change anything by wielding your power against weak things in a human town like this. Here, you’re nothing but a tyrant!”
“GAGA… ga?
“Come on, your wings can still move. Fly away! And promise me you won’t come to the town anymore. Go. To your destiny! It’s not humans you should be fighting, but your destiny! Remember your Dragon’s pride and face stronger opponents. That will make you stronger!”
“… Iris?”
Iris’s eyes are sparkling. She’s flipping up the skirt of her dress, spinning around, and pointing firmly across the sky. She’s in the mood. By the way, I remembered that Iris also liked chuunibyou adventure novels. …
“And Wyvern! And when you are stronger, if the yoke of fate permits, we will meet again, and you will show your great power to my beloved Master.”
Iris doesn’t stop.
She shook her green hair and jumped with her small body. She thrusts her fist up toward the Wyvern.
“We tested each other’s strength. We are not meant to kill each other. We can understand each other. No, we can even be friends!
And my friends don’t attack carriages in remote places. Swear to my Master, Master of the Sea Dragon’s Shrine Maiden Iris Hoffimier that you will never attack humans again! And you will go where your destiny leads you!”
“Guo ── wow ── wow ── wow ──!”
The Wyvern is growling, flapping its tattered wings.
This guy seems to understand perfectly what Iris is saying, but is that okay? In addition, when Iris says “friend”, it sounds like “strong enemy”, but it’s just my imagination, right?
“You know, Wyvern.”
I spoke to the Wyvern.
The language may not be clear, so I’ll ask Iris to say the same thing.
“G?:
The Wyvern stares at me with its golden eyes.
“Dragons are cool, right?”
“Guga…a”
“I thought so when I met the Sea Dragon Kerukatoru. I think Dragons are a Noble race, distinct from other races. See, there’s the Wings of the Heavenly Dragon nearby. Because Dragons are mythical creatures, everyone respects them and gathers here to catch a glimpse of some of them. And you, being one of them, attacking a caravan is just too miserable.”
When I said this, Wyvern cleared its throat as if it was embarrassed.
“It would be easy to kill you, but I want to give you a chance.
If you promise not to come down and attack humans, I will allow you to leave here alive.
If you don’t, my cursed sword will cut you in two. You’re a proud Dragon, so you are prepared for that, right?
Which one do you prefer, pick one.”
I pointed the tip of my cursed sword, Reggie, at the Wyvern.
“Guo …”
The Wyvern’s throat rumbled.
Gokuryu, Gokuryu, Gokuryu
It lifted its long, skin-burned neck, slid its throat back…
and Wyvern spat out what looked like a chunk of blood.
When I looked closer, I saw a crystal about the size of a fist lying in the blood.
It is orange in color with a hint of transparency.
And its shape is a perfect sphere.
It’s glowing beautifully in the morning light.
“This is … ‘Blood Crystal’! Big brother.”
“Blood Crystal?”
“It’s also known as the Monster Blood Crystal. I have only seen it in books, but it is used by demons to make promises, and it has been passed down through the generations…”
Blood Crystal
A crystalline body spewed out by a high-ranking monster such as a Dragon.
It is said to be a substitute for the “Medallion” used by humans.
It is given when the monster recognizes the other as a friend and vows to make a promise to the other.
It seems that the stone itself is connected to the demon, so destroying the stone will cause massive damage to the demon itself.
It’s harder to get than it is to defeat that demon, so show it off and you’ll be envied.
“Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo──!”
After spitting out the Blood Crystal, the Wyvern flapped its wounded wings…
It literally flew towards the mountains as if it was running away.
“We will meet again beyond the fates, Wyvern.”
“We don’t have to meet. I mean, if one of us meet it alone we that person will die.”
Iris, you’re using your imagination too much.
And Wyvern, you’re totally into it.
What if that guy goes on to pick a fight with the Demon Lord?
“So, this is a Blood Crystal.”
It’s sticky. I’ll have to wash this somewhere.
And everyone should.
I’m soaked in sweat from fighting with all my cheat skills and I’m pretty tired.
The only ones who are fine are me and Iris. Cecile and Rita are limp, and Rafilia’s arms are shaking because she fired a lot of arrows at once. The reason why Aine is looking at everyone with concern is probably because she can see the fatigue in our bodies.
Let’s take a break somewhere before we go to the next town.
I unfold the map.
I believe there is a lake just ahead, a little off the road.
It’s far from the town, so few people go there. It’s a lake formed by snow melt from the mountains, so the water quality is said to be good. Let’s move there and take a real break.
“Iris, Aine. Help me get everyone into the carriage.”
“”Yes.””
Aine took Cecile, and Iris and I took Rita and Rafilia in turn to the carriage.
“… Nagi.”
“What’s wrong, Rita?
“I did my best.”
“You worked hard. Good job.”
“I want you to pat me on the head…”
“Yes. Good night, Rita.”
Twitching
I patted her head, and she squinted her eyes as if she was tickled. She was still drenched in sweat, and her body was hot. She had been using [Unparalleled Singing] all through the battle. Normally, she would be worried about the smell of her own sweat, but she doesn’t seem to have time for that now.
In this battle, we were able to confirm our fighting ability.
At any rate, we can kill a Wyvern with ease.
But it doesn’t last after that.
I guess I’ll have to think of a better strategy next time.
“Yes, Rafilia is next.”
“Oh, no. You can’t touch my arm right now. It tingles…”
Rafilia narrowed her eyes impatiently.
It seems that both of her arms are in a state of numbness from overusing the bow.
“I told you not to do that. What are you going to do with my body? …”
“I’m not touching you. You are the one who should stop hugging me with your numb arms.”
“Put Rafilia in the carriage, too.” I said.
I patted the horses on the back for their hard work, and promised to give them a reward when we reach the lake…
“Master has defeated the Wyvern…” “You’re a Dragon slayer. We finally got to be Dragon Slayers’ horse!”
I asked the horses, and we set off.
“Take it slow. I don’t want to wake up everyone who is tired.”
This trip is meant to be relaxing, so it’s fine.
It’s just me, Aine, and Iris.
“Good night,” “Wyverns are big,” “But they’re only as strong as my brother,” and so on…
We made our way to the rest stop.
Blood Crystal
A mysterious crystal substance spat out by a high-ranking monster.
Its true nature is not well understood, but it is said to be a solidification of mana.
It is very valuable because it exists only when a monster creates it by its own will.
It’s dignified to have it.
Destroying the crystals will damage the monster itself, so it can only be given to a truly approved opponent, which is valuable.
Legend has it that the reason it is not marketed is because if the person who was given it were to give it away, it would turn into just another stone.