18 千の試練 One Thousand Tribulations
“Uoooooooooo-!”
Gilbert roared. On that cue the battle began.
The current scene of battle, was the most intense Ruda Runebeck had experienced until now.
The Wolf Knight swung it’s battle-axe down endlessly in every direction. Gilbert opened his eyes to their limit, whether swinging from overhead or to the side, the purgatory sword was like a red wind as it repelled the attacks. Each time the blades clashed, Gilbert strongly grasped the handle with both hands.
The Purgatory sword was an enormous weapon but the battle-axe of the Wolf Knight, face hidden by human bones, was far larger.
Although the large swings created big opportunities, the power charged in each blow was extraordinary.
Gilbert who had never taken a step back before now, slowly retreated while repelling attacks.
He couldn’t receive them directly. Gilbert had a reckless side to him, but at the same time he was a man who had become a hunter after undergoing several years of training. To a certain extent, Gilbert had experience fighting against opponents that were stronger than him.
Sweat showed on his forehead. He was panting in rough breaths but managed to deflect every strike, each which had the power to be fatal if struck head on.
“Damn it, it’s tough. It’s impossible, my sword can’t cut through!”
to Gilbert fending off attacks, Greg aimed during a small break in the slashes, and thrusted in. A blow aimed at the hand, arm, or axe handle would only be effective enough to delay the boss’s onslaught for a decimal point of a second.
Incredible toughness, domineering power.
With merely just that, the boss was overwhelming four people. Like a devastating storm, the battle-axe kept Gilbert and Greg busy from the front while also keeping in check Tino, positioned in its blind spot.
The silver wolf knight was truly analysing the capabilities of each member. And it’s greatest priority was not Gilbert with his large sword, or Greg with the biggest body, but on Tino.
It was not until then that Ruda became aware of the horror from facing a Phantom with high intelligence.
And also – The radiance of the Hunters that challenged them.
Tino avoided the swinging axe with minimal movement.
The battle-axe grazed by, and a number of glossy black hairs scattered into the air. The edge had slashed into the beads of sweat on her skin, but her eyes were held open, and showed no trace of fear.
How was such movement possible? How could you act with composure in front of attacks that could kill you in one blow?
Tino was not overwhelmingly fast. No, no matter how fast she was, it wouldn’t be faster than the swinging axe.
What was being seen was boldness.
Under huge amounts of pressure, Tino evaded with elegant movements as if dancing. Ruda was deeply moved from that sight.
Ruda who had been acting solo until now, had never seen a higher ranked thief than her except at the Explorers open training grounds. The movements and skill she saw there surpassed her own, but they did not move her heart.
However today, she joined this party and saw Tino’s form. Tino’s actions – faced against a higher rank yet not retreating, was something different from others.
A thieve’s specialty was not fighting. Perhaps, for a person in the role of thief, it could even be said to be a mistake.
But still, in that moment Ruda, seeing the girls figure that was the same or slightly younger to herself – her body shook with a strong yearning towards her.
“…Damn, it’s movements aren’t slowing a bit!”
Gilbert groaned through clenched teeth.
A tremendous blow like it could tear through the world. Phantoms should also have something similar to stamina, but the battle-axe that was swung over and over again showed no signs of slowing.
Although he didn’t take them head on, the burden on his arms after warding off blow after blow couldn’t be imagined. If he hadn’t been wielding a Relic, his sword would probably have broken long ago.
The sounds of violent weapons, metal clashing against each other echoed in the dim burrow. That no one had been seriously injured yet was a miracle. But, miracles didn’t last for long.
“…Eh?”
Sure enough it was someones voice.
A muffled sound resounded. In the air a fragment of blade whirled.
Gilbert and Tino widened their eyes, but the most dumbstruck one was Greg.
What was clasped in his right hand, the long sword he was accustomed to swinging – had become half it’s length. The broken fragment fell slowly to the ground, and made a dry sound.
The ones that realised the soonest, was the person watching from a distance Ruda, and the silver Wolf Knight.
Time had been cut away.
In that moment, in seemingly accelerated stretched out time. Ruda was certain she saw the big protruding jaw warp into a hideous smile.
The eyes weren’t directed at Tino or Gilbert, but looking down at the expression of Greg that seemed struck stupid. It raised the battle-axe overhead.
Ruda threw her dagger roughly on reflex.
While the dagger spun in rotations, it flew as if it was sucked towards the Boss’s face. To the attacking dagger, the Boss used the side of its axe to repel. It was really just an instant, but it created a space.
The battle-axe was immediately swung downwards, and in that space Gilbert regained his footing and met it with his sword. If deflected, it would hit Greg. If it wasn’t deflected like he had up until now, it needed to be taken head on.
To the inhuman strength forced on the Purgatory Sword, Gilbert’s knees folded, and he was sent onto his back, but for an instant there was a gap.
At that time Ruda had already broken into a run, and she pushed into the body of Greg who was twice as large as her.
It was for a time like this, a time where she could follow up, that she had stayed out of combat.
The delayed downward strike of the battle-axe brushed against Ruda’s back, and chopped into the place Greg used to be. The axes bulky edge made a weighty sound, and penetrated into the ground.
Greg and Ruda tumbled clumsily on the ground. While rolling they somehow turned and looked in the Boss’s direction.
A large gap had occurred. And at that time, Tino had leaped.
Using the back of the huge axe sticking into the ground as a foothold, Tino’s petite body fluttered high in the air. For a moment astonishment replaced the glint of resentment in the Boss’s eyes.
The Boss made an instantaneous decision. It released it’s left hand tightly gripping the axe, and chased after Tino with it. The body of the Boss was massive, and Tino’s leap took her even further. Claws sprung out of the reaching hand, and as Tino ascended before its eyes, they grasped at Tino’s foot.
Tino’s dignified eyes warped in pain. Fresh blood fell from a shallow cut into her right thigh. But her motion continued.
Tino cleared over its head like that, and clung to the back of the Boss.
The crimson short sword held in her right hand glistened. The Boss began to make a large movement.
And without particularly raising her voice, she promptly pierced her sword into it’s neck.
Blood dripped and its eyes rotated around. It’s arm roamed in the air as if to grab at Tino. But in the end, the claws couldn’t get to Tino stuck on it’s back, and the giant’s knees folded inwards.
At about the same time Tino landed on the ground, the huge body of the 『Phantom』 disappeared.
§
“We did it…?”
Gilbert’s shoulders were moving up and down with heavy breaths as he muttered in amazement. The purgatory sword slipped from his hands and tumbled on the ground with a heavy sound. His tone of voice was different to when he had been deflecting the battle-axe, he sounded younger, more appropriate to his age.
“……victory.”
Tino applied pressure to the cut down her right thigh, and spoke with a voice with no emotion put into it.
Like that she sat on the ground, and checked over the large cut.
A long scar over white skin. The wound, as if cut by a sharp sword, luckily seemed to have avoided the artery. It wasn’t life threatening, but it wouldn’t be good to leave it as it was.
If it wasn’t decided with that one blow, she probably wouldn’t have been able to even escape.
Tino bit back the pain from the blood that slowly flowed out, and let out a small sigh.
“That was dangerous.”
Hanging from her belt, from a five slot potion holder, she took out a small glass bottle with light red liquid inside it.
Created by alchemists, a magical wound curing medicine. The fusion of science and magic brought forth medicine that, while not as effective as a Healer, it treated wounds on the spot. It was an indispensable item for a party without a healer.
Removing the cap, and pulling up her short pants to reveal her bare thigh, she poured the potion directly on the open wound.
Pain similar to poking at the wound, it made her groan for a moment. But the wound running from near the groin down to the back of her knee was immediately closed.
Some internal pain remained, but that would also heal over time.
Greg had got up after he had tumbled, and looked at the splendidly broken blade in his hand. Fully understanding his situation just now, his face turned pale.
“Holy… I thought I’d die. Shit, for my sword to break at a time like that.”
“You only just lived, old man.”
“Gahaha, it wasn’t ‘only just’.”
He laughed like always, but his voice was slightly off.
While he set a cramped smile on his face, he looked in the direction of the one that saved him without regard for her own danger, Ruda.
“You saved me, Ruda.”
“Yeah… it was good I was just in time. Tino, are you ok?”
“No problem. I should be able to walk. With some time it’ll return to normal.”
The potions Tino carried with her were high grade. Although it may take time, if it wasn’t fatal most wounds could be cured.
Wiping away the blood, Tino slowly stood up.
Gilbert inwardly sighed in relief to the Leader that seemed to be fine.
A dreadful enemy that he had never faced before. If it was with Gilbert’s previous party at least, even if the purgatory sword was charged it would have been unlikely to win.
It was close to a miracle that they were able to defeat it without anyone being seriously injured. If only one of the party members wasn’t here, it was doubtful whether or not they would have won. It was doubtless that this was a victory they had been treading over thin ice to achieve.
His heart had been beating violently from the constant fear of death from the attacks, Gilbert breathed out a sigh.
“But, the boss… he didn’t leave anything behind.”
“It’s unlucky. Compared with ordinary 『Phantoms』 there’s a higher chance that something will remain.”
Greg also had a complex expression. He picked up the broken blade of his cherished sword, and carefully stored it in his sheath.
It’s difficult to restore a sword that had been broken in two. The most that could be done was to melt it down and reforge it. It was a heavy loss considering the reward.
Ruda smiled bitterly and offered some small words of comfort.
“W-Well, it’s better that you’re still alive isn’t it? Don’t you think? You can always buy a new sword.”
“…Hmm, I guess so.”
“I’ll give you this. It’s shorter than the sword you’re used to, but it’s better than nothing.”
“Oh.”
Greg received the crimson short sword and gave it some light swings to get a feel for it.
The boss had been defeated but they still hadn’t achieved what they came for, and there was still the return trip to consider.
Unlike monsters, 『Phantoms』 occurred spontaneously. You couldn’t be at peace travelling on paths you had already been down once before.
Worn out, Greg and Gilbert sat down and started drinking from flasks they had brought with them.
Ruda spoke while picturing the battle in her mind.
“But, from what came out just now… the request’s Hunters must also have had trouble with them then.”
“Hm…Oh… The level 5? Would they have been done in by that?”
“Level 5…”
Tino frowned.
Certainly, the boss was considerably strong. Even with three level 4 members it was a narrow victory, it wouldn’t have been odd for a Level 5 Hunter to lose.
At any rate, a level was a standard decided by the Explorers. It wasn’t always the case that a level 5 Hunter would be stronger than a level 4. Of course, it’s different for statuses such as levels 7 or 8 because they can only be reached by acquiring a large amount of achievements. But level 5 is a category that can be reached without much ability.
Once more, Tino checked over the boss room.
A spacious room. A high ceiling with stones embedded in the walls that give off light. The light faintly illuminates the ground, but no pool of blood can be seen. There are no signs that might indicate something that had gone wrong.
If a Hunter had gotten themselves into trouble, there should be some sort of trace left behind.
The White Wolves Den wasn’t a very large Shrine. It was unlikely to become lost and not be able to find a way back. In the case that the strength of the Phantoms became an obstruction, it would be natural for a level 5 Hunter to think about a rescue. It was strange not to be able to find them at all.
This was a trial. A trial that Master deemed fitting for Tino’s decision making. If so, an inexperienced Treasure Hunter such as Tino Shade should be able to come up with a solution to this situation.
“…………Master, I don’t get it…-!?”
At the time of the murmuring voice that felt somehow lonely, Tino’s hearing suddenly caught onto sounds.
Tino raised her face, and looked quizzically at the worn out sitting party members.
“What’s the matter, Leader?”
“Get up. Somethings coming.”
“!? A Phantom?”
Tension to relaxation. Tension released after the Boss battle. Fighting against bodies on the edge of fatigue, three people stood up.
Something came flying through the air, and Tino swayed her body to evade it.
What had come flying was a single arrow. A long deep red arrow that stuck into the wall with a thud.
And for the first time, Tino’s facial expression became pale.
“…Huh?”
Gilbert said stupidly after a delay.
The main path connected with the Boss room. The one used when Tino and the others entered the room. The black plate-armour silver wolf knight, the one somehow defeated only after sustaining an injury.
Furthermore – not just one.
Entering in a row next to each other, eight blood red eyes glared at Tino and the others. Was the Boss that was defeated just now, only waiting for his friends to show up?
That possibility came to Tino’s mind. Thinking in that way, the boss that had been acting in a cautious manner had just been stalling for time.
Footsteps that made the ground tremble.
Like looking at a nightmare Greg’s lips quivered.
“Im…possible.”
They looked exactly like the Boss that was defeated just before, but they all held different weapons.
A large two handed great sword, and an enormous club that nearly reached the ceiling. A huge bow that clearly wasn’t meant for indoor use. And along with a large bandolier (ammo belt) that dragged on the ground, a black iron rifle that was probably a rapid-fire type.
They moved into the room unhurriedly, displaying an air of calmness. As if it in a show of overwhelming superiority.
However, the resentment in their eyes directed towards the humans in front of them was no different to the defeated one.
Ruda spoke in a hoarse trembling voice.
“Huh… why? Earlier, we should have already beaten it.”
“…Master, this second helping… as expected it’s unreasonable.”
Tino touched her right thigh that was injured a short time ago with her fingertip.
Some pain still remained.
She wouldn’t be able to fight like in the last battle.
If her wound opened midway, there would surely be no chance of victory.
In front of the overwhelmingly tiny humans, the silver wolf knights formed into a formation. The vanguard were the great sword and club users, and in the rear was the rifle and bow users lined up next to each other.
The movements that were like looking at the regular army of the Empire, were clearly different to the behaviour of the Wolf Knights that attacked disorderedly along the way here.
Greg held the red short-sword ready, but in front of the bodies of the Wolf Knights such an appearance seemed entirely helpless. Gilbert raised the purgatory sword, but even with his aggressive stance, the valour from earlier was missing on Gilbert’s face.
“W-What do we do?”
“…W-What we should do-…”
The party sent their gazes towards Tino.
Tino acted calm only on the surface, and answered in a voice that seemed subdued.
Making judgements in times of dilemma was the job of the Leader. If the Leader broke, the party would collapse. The present Tino didn’t have someone else to turn to.
“We have no choice…”
Her leg wound wasn’t deep, but it made it impossible to escape. The enemies had ranged weapons, and were clad in the same armour as the boss from before. Defeating them in an instant would be impossible if not for a miracle.
Nevertheless, there was no way they could give up. To live, to fight, there was no way they would give up.
Right now, Tino carried responsibility for the lives of her party.
Different to the tension felt during battle, Tino’s heart was beating like an alarm bell. It was impossible to defeat them. So, find a path with a higher chance of survival.
What gave Tino support in that moment was the trust of the Master.
There was no way he would give her an impossible request. Belief in such a Cry held her back from despair.
While being cautious of the bodies in front, she turned her gaze towards the path leading out the right side of the boss room. The silver wolf knights were huge in comparison to the ordinary ones. On the narrow paths with lower ceilings, their movements would be greatly restricted.
Calming her breathing, she gave instructions to the others. From that figure, the faint trembling of the party members stopped.
“It’s impossible to fight them in this wide Boss room. We’ll manage to escape on the path on the right. On a narrower path we can limit the number of opponents we fight at the same time. The sword and club will also get caught on the ceiling and become unusable. I’ll take up the rear position.”
§ § §
“So I was struck with a good idea, but couldn’t we gather up powerful Relics?”
“Luke… No matter how good the equipment, if the body is weak people die when it comes time to die.”
An old conversation with a friend crossed my mind.
At the speed at which Hunters enhanced by Mana Material were called to heaven, my own instincts had already abandoned hope on living.
-Die! I’m gonna dieeeeee-!
The White Wolves Den was vast. It’s height and width were too large for a burrow, but for the『Dark Wings of the Night Sky』with no brakes, it was way too narrow to fly around.
It was dim inside the hole, but there were shining stones placed here and there.
There was a Relic attached to my right thumb, the 『Owl’s Eye』 that gave the effect of night vision, giving me good enough visibility.
A wall came into view. I desperately manipulated the Relic to turn the corner.
Within the hole in was dark and gloomy. If it was usual, it was a place I would never enter. But right now the only thing going through my head was how I was going to be able to stop myself.
I had brought a map, but I already had no idea where I had gone.
Turns that were too tight for the Relic, my body was violently knocked against the walls and ceiling. My vision was shaken violently from the impacts. I felt like I had become something like a bouncy ball. I didn’t know what was going on anymore.
My face kept on twitching.
If I was thinking calmly, I should have stopped no matter what before entering the Shrine. My speed was getting way too fast. I felt like I would throw up. I was paying for my own mistakes.
At high speed I passed by a huge Phantom that was blocking up the passageway. Although it was far beyond the ability of humans, the Phantom couldn’t catch onto my erratic movements at bullet like speed. Even I didn’t know what was happening myself, so it was no wonder.
By the time it had turned my way, it was already too late and I was passing by overhead.
I’m going to pretend that I didn’t see a bi-pedal wolf holding a gigantic two handed sword.
–Where is Tino!?
Unlike Phantoms that vanish upon death, a Hunters corpse remains for a long time. Even in the case that you lose a fight and get devoured, it’s unlikely not a single trace will remain. But I guess it’s not impossible.
I had bad dynamic vision, at least when my vision was getting violently shaken, but there hadn’t been the corpses of Tino and her delightful companions yet. It’s not likely that they are dead.
If I had come this far, and Tino and the others hadn’t even left yet and were still mulling about the Imperial Capital, that would be a super funny joke.
Tino, unlike me, had a strong sense of responsibility. So she wouldn’t just toss this away. She’s Liz’s sole disciple though, so perhaps there was some sort of tricky situation.
With a thump my head hit strongly against the ceiling and my vision swayed.
A long straight passageway – movement at the end from a Wolf-like Phantom. Seeing the sudden appearance of a human missile it’s eyes balked in astonishment. And I passed by immediately. I collided with the shoulder of the Phantom, and the recoil drove me crashing into the wall. The severe impact shook my whole body.
I managed to make a sharp turn while my body grazed against the wall. With my dynamic vision it’s a miracle that I hadn’t stuck myself straight into a wall yet. My trajectory was also being altered slightly by Relics. Highest praise be unto Relics.
But although I’m just holding on, it’s certain that I’ll die if I didn’t do something quick.
I’m certain that I’ll be passed down for eternity as the idiot that rushed into a Shrine using the 『Dark Wings of the Night Sky』, which was already known for killing one person, and became the human missile 2.0. No matter how you put it, that would be beyond pathetic, I really hate it.
It’s already hopeless. Anything is fine, just let me come to a stop. I’ve already crossed over the limit of what I can take.
Before I knew it I had exited into a wide pathway. I immediately saw the back of an enormous Phantom in front of me. In the middle of a life emergency, my sharpened judgement decided that would be a good cushion.
After that was just resolving myself. At my wits end I shut my eyes and prayed desperately.
And then, my whole body underwent a violent impact harder than any so far.
Translator Notes:
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18 千の試練 One Thousand Tribulations
“Uoooooooooo-!”
Gilbert roared. On that cue the battle began.
The current scene of battle, was the most intense Ruda Runebeck had experienced until now.
The Wolf Knight swung it’s battle-axe down endlessly in every direction. Gilbert opened his eyes to their limit, whether swinging from overhead or to the side, the purgatory sword was like a red wind as it repelled the attacks. Each time the blades clashed, Gilbert strongly grasped the handle with both hands.
The Purgatory sword was an enormous weapon but the battle-axe of the Wolf Knight, face hidden by human bones, was far larger.
Although the large swings created big opportunities, the power charged in each blow was extraordinary.
Gilbert who had never taken a step back before now, slowly retreated while repelling attacks.
He couldn’t receive them directly. Gilbert had a reckless side to him, but at the same time he was a man who had become a hunter after undergoing several years of training. To a certain extent, Gilbert had experience fighting against opponents that were stronger than him.
Sweat showed on his forehead. He was panting in rough breaths but managed to deflect every strike, each which had the power to be fatal if struck head on.
“Damn it, it’s tough. It’s impossible, my sword can’t cut through!”
to Gilbert fending off attacks, Greg aimed during a small break in the slashes, and thrusted in. A blow aimed at the hand, arm, or axe handle would only be effective enough to delay the boss’s onslaught for a decimal point of a second.
Incredible toughness, domineering power.
With merely just that, the boss was overwhelming four people. Like a devastating storm, the battle-axe kept Gilbert and Greg busy from the front while also keeping in check Tino, positioned in its blind spot.
The silver wolf knight was truly analysing the capabilities of each member. And it’s greatest priority was not Gilbert with his large sword, or Greg with the biggest body, but on Tino.
It was not until then that Ruda became aware of the horror from facing a Phantom with high intelligence.
And also – The radiance of the Hunters that challenged them.
Tino avoided the swinging axe with minimal movement.
The battle-axe grazed by, and a number of glossy black hairs scattered into the air. The edge had slashed into the beads of sweat on her skin, but her eyes were held open, and showed no trace of fear.
How was such movement possible? How could you act with composure in front of attacks that could kill you in one blow?
Tino was not overwhelmingly fast. No, no matter how fast she was, it wouldn’t be faster than the swinging axe.
What was being seen was boldness.
Under huge amounts of pressure, Tino evaded with elegant movements as if dancing. Ruda was deeply moved from that sight.
Ruda who had been acting solo until now, had never seen a higher ranked thief than her except at the Explorers open training grounds. The movements and skill she saw there surpassed her own, but they did not move her heart.
However today, she joined this party and saw Tino’s form. Tino’s actions – faced against a higher rank yet not retreating, was something different from others.
A thieve’s specialty was not fighting. Perhaps, for a person in the role of thief, it could even be said to be a mistake.
But still, in that moment Ruda, seeing the girls figure that was the same or slightly younger to herself – her body shook with a strong yearning towards her.
“…Damn, it’s movements aren’t slowing a bit!”
Gilbert groaned through clenched teeth.
A tremendous blow like it could tear through the world. Phantoms should also have something similar to stamina, but the battle-axe that was swung over and over again showed no signs of slowing.
Although he didn’t take them head on, the burden on his arms after warding off blow after blow couldn’t be imagined. If he hadn’t been wielding a Relic, his sword would probably have broken long ago.
The sounds of violent weapons, metal clashing against each other echoed in the dim burrow. That no one had been seriously injured yet was a miracle. But, miracles didn’t last for long.
“…Eh?”
Sure enough it was someones voice.
A muffled sound resounded. In the air a fragment of blade whirled.
Gilbert and Tino widened their eyes, but the most dumbstruck one was Greg.
What was clasped in his right hand, the long sword he was accustomed to swinging – had become half it’s length. The broken fragment fell slowly to the ground, and made a dry sound.
The ones that realised the soonest, was the person watching from a distance Ruda, and the silver Wolf Knight.
Time had been cut away.
In that moment, in seemingly accelerated stretched out time. Ruda was certain she saw the big protruding jaw warp into a hideous smile.
The eyes weren’t directed at Tino or Gilbert, but looking down at the expression of Greg that seemed struck stupid. It raised the battle-axe overhead.
Ruda threw her dagger roughly on reflex.
While the dagger spun in rotations, it flew as if it was sucked towards the Boss’s face. To the attacking dagger, the Boss used the side of its axe to repel. It was really just an instant, but it created a space.
The battle-axe was immediately swung downwards, and in that space Gilbert regained his footing and met it with his sword. If deflected, it would hit Greg. If it wasn’t deflected like he had up until now, it needed to be taken head on.
To the inhuman strength forced on the Purgatory Sword, Gilbert’s knees folded, and he was sent onto his back, but for an instant there was a gap.
At that time Ruda had already broken into a run, and she pushed into the body of Greg who was twice as large as her.
It was for a time like this, a time where she could follow up, that she had stayed out of combat.
The delayed downward strike of the battle-axe brushed against Ruda’s back, and chopped into the place Greg used to be. The axes bulky edge made a weighty sound, and penetrated into the ground.
Greg and Ruda tumbled clumsily on the ground. While rolling they somehow turned and looked in the Boss’s direction.
A large gap had occurred. And at that time, Tino had leaped.
Using the back of the huge axe sticking into the ground as a foothold, Tino’s petite body fluttered high in the air. For a moment astonishment replaced the glint of resentment in the Boss’s eyes.
The Boss made an instantaneous decision. It released it’s left hand tightly gripping the axe, and chased after Tino with it. The body of the Boss was massive, and Tino’s leap took her even further. Claws sprung out of the reaching hand, and as Tino ascended before its eyes, they grasped at Tino’s foot.
Tino’s dignified eyes warped in pain. Fresh blood fell from a shallow cut into her right thigh. But her motion continued.
Tino cleared over its head like that, and clung to the back of the Boss.
The crimson short sword held in her right hand glistened. The Boss began to make a large movement.
And without particularly raising her voice, she promptly pierced her sword into it’s neck.
Blood dripped and its eyes rotated around. It’s arm roamed in the air as if to grab at Tino. But in the end, the claws couldn’t get to Tino stuck on it’s back, and the giant’s knees folded inwards.
At about the same time Tino landed on the ground, the huge body of the 『Phantom』 disappeared.
§
“We did it…?”
Gilbert’s shoulders were moving up and down with heavy breaths as he muttered in amazement. The purgatory sword slipped from his hands and tumbled on the ground with a heavy sound. His tone of voice was different to when he had been deflecting the battle-axe, he sounded younger, more appropriate to his age.
“……victory.”
Tino applied pressure to the cut down her right thigh, and spoke with a voice with no emotion put into it.
Like that she sat on the ground, and checked over the large cut.
A long scar over white skin. The wound, as if cut by a sharp sword, luckily seemed to have avoided the artery. It wasn’t life threatening, but it wouldn’t be good to leave it as it was.
If it wasn’t decided with that one blow, she probably wouldn’t have been able to even escape.
Tino bit back the pain from the blood that slowly flowed out, and let out a small sigh.
“That was dangerous.”
Hanging from her belt, from a five slot potion holder, she took out a small glass bottle with light red liquid inside it.
Created by alchemists, a magical wound curing medicine. The fusion of science and magic brought forth medicine that, while not as effective as a Healer, it treated wounds on the spot. It was an indispensable item for a party without a healer.
Removing the cap, and pulling up her short pants to reveal her bare thigh, she poured the potion directly on the open wound.
Pain similar to poking at the wound, it made her groan for a moment. But the wound running from near the groin down to the back of her knee was immediately closed.
Some internal pain remained, but that would also heal over time.
Greg had got up after he had tumbled, and looked at the splendidly broken blade in his hand. Fully understanding his situation just now, his face turned pale.
“Holy… I thought I’d die. Shit, for my sword to break at a time like that.”
“You only just lived, old man.”
“Gahaha, it wasn’t ‘only just’.”
He laughed like always, but his voice was slightly off.
While he set a cramped smile on his face, he looked in the direction of the one that saved him without regard for her own danger, Ruda.
“You saved me, Ruda.”
“Yeah… it was good I was just in time. Tino, are you ok?”
“No problem. I should be able to walk. With some time it’ll return to normal.”
The potions Tino carried with her were high grade. Although it may take time, if it wasn’t fatal most wounds could be cured.
Wiping away the blood, Tino slowly stood up.
Gilbert inwardly sighed in relief to the Leader that seemed to be fine.
A dreadful enemy that he had never faced before. If it was with Gilbert’s previous party at least, even if the purgatory sword was charged it would have been unlikely to win.
It was close to a miracle that they were able to defeat it without anyone being seriously injured. If only one of the party members wasn’t here, it was doubtful whether or not they would have won. It was doubtless that this was a victory they had been treading over thin ice to achieve.
His heart had been beating violently from the constant fear of death from the attacks, Gilbert breathed out a sigh.
“But, the boss… he didn’t leave anything behind.”
“It’s unlucky. Compared with ordinary 『Phantoms』 there’s a higher chance that something will remain.”
Greg also had a complex expression. He picked up the broken blade of his cherished sword, and carefully stored it in his sheath.
It’s difficult to restore a sword that had been broken in two. The most that could be done was to melt it down and reforge it. It was a heavy loss considering the reward.
Ruda smiled bitterly and offered some small words of comfort.
“W-Well, it’s better that you’re still alive isn’t it? Don’t you think? You can always buy a new sword.”
“…Hmm, I guess so.”
“I’ll give you this. It’s shorter than the sword you’re used to, but it’s better than nothing.”
“Oh.”
Greg received the crimson short sword and gave it some light swings to get a feel for it.
The boss had been defeated but they still hadn’t achieved what they came for, and there was still the return trip to consider.
Unlike monsters, 『Phantoms』 occurred spontaneously. You couldn’t be at peace travelling on paths you had already been down once before.
Worn out, Greg and Gilbert sat down and started drinking from flasks they had brought with them.
Ruda spoke while picturing the battle in her mind.
“But, from what came out just now… the request’s Hunters must also have had trouble with them then.”
“Hm…Oh… The level 5? Would they have been done in by that?”
“Level 5…”
Tino frowned.
Certainly, the boss was considerably strong. Even with three level 4 members it was a narrow victory, it wouldn’t have been odd for a Level 5 Hunter to lose.
At any rate, a level was a standard decided by the Explorers. It wasn’t always the case that a level 5 Hunter would be stronger than a level 4. Of course, it’s different for statuses such as levels 7 or 8 because they can only be reached by acquiring a large amount of achievements. But level 5 is a category that can be reached without much ability.
Once more, Tino checked over the boss room.
A spacious room. A high ceiling with stones embedded in the walls that give off light. The light faintly illuminates the ground, but no pool of blood can be seen. There are no signs that might indicate something that had gone wrong.
If a Hunter had gotten themselves into trouble, there should be some sort of trace left behind.
The White Wolves Den wasn’t a very large Shrine. It was unlikely to become lost and not be able to find a way back. In the case that the strength of the Phantoms became an obstruction, it would be natural for a level 5 Hunter to think about a rescue. It was strange not to be able to find them at all.
This was a trial. A trial that Master deemed fitting for Tino’s decision making. If so, an inexperienced Treasure Hunter such as Tino Shade should be able to come up with a solution to this situation.
“…………Master, I don’t get it…-!?”
At the time of the murmuring voice that felt somehow lonely, Tino’s hearing suddenly caught onto sounds.
Tino raised her face, and looked quizzically at the worn out sitting party members.
“What’s the matter, Leader?”
“Get up. Somethings coming.”
“!? A Phantom?”
Tension to relaxation. Tension released after the Boss battle. Fighting against bodies on the edge of fatigue, three people stood up.
Something came flying through the air, and Tino swayed her body to evade it.
What had come flying was a single arrow. A long deep red arrow that stuck into the wall with a thud.
And for the first time, Tino’s facial expression became pale.
“…Huh?”
Gilbert said stupidly after a delay.
The main path connected with the Boss room. The one used when Tino and the others entered the room. The black plate-armour silver wolf knight, the one somehow defeated only after sustaining an injury.
Furthermore – not just one.
Entering in a row next to each other, eight blood red eyes glared at Tino and the others. Was the Boss that was defeated just now, only waiting for his friends to show up?
That possibility came to Tino’s mind. Thinking in that way, the boss that had been acting in a cautious manner had just been stalling for time.
Footsteps that made the ground tremble.
Like looking at a nightmare Greg’s lips quivered.
“Im…possible.”
They looked exactly like the Boss that was defeated just before, but they all held different weapons.
A large two handed great sword, and an enormous club that nearly reached the ceiling. A huge bow that clearly wasn’t meant for indoor use. And along with a large bandolier (ammo belt) that dragged on the ground, a black iron rifle that was probably a rapid-fire type.
They moved into the room unhurriedly, displaying an air of calmness. As if it in a show of overwhelming superiority.
However, the resentment in their eyes directed towards the humans in front of them was no different to the defeated one.
Ruda spoke in a hoarse trembling voice.
“Huh… why? Earlier, we should have already beaten it.”
“…Master, this second helping… as expected it’s unreasonable.”
Tino touched her right thigh that was injured a short time ago with her fingertip.
Some pain still remained.
She wouldn’t be able to fight like in the last battle.
If her wound opened midway, there would surely be no chance of victory.
In front of the overwhelmingly tiny humans, the silver wolf knights formed into a formation. The vanguard were the great sword and club users, and in the rear was the rifle and bow users lined up next to each other.
The movements that were like looking at the regular army of the Empire, were clearly different to the behaviour of the Wolf Knights that attacked disorderedly along the way here.
Greg held the red short-sword ready, but in front of the bodies of the Wolf Knights such an appearance seemed entirely helpless. Gilbert raised the purgatory sword, but even with his aggressive stance, the valour from earlier was missing on Gilbert’s face.
“W-What do we do?”
“…W-What we should do-…”
The party sent their gazes towards Tino.
Tino acted calm only on the surface, and answered in a voice that seemed subdued.
Making judgements in times of dilemma was the job of the Leader. If the Leader broke, the party would collapse. The present Tino didn’t have someone else to turn to.
“We have no choice…”
Her leg wound wasn’t deep, but it made it impossible to escape. The enemies had ranged weapons, and were clad in the same armour as the boss from before. Defeating them in an instant would be impossible if not for a miracle.
Nevertheless, there was no way they could give up. To live, to fight, there was no way they would give up.
Right now, Tino carried responsibility for the lives of her party.
Different to the tension felt during battle, Tino’s heart was beating like an alarm bell. It was impossible to defeat them. So, find a path with a higher chance of survival.
What gave Tino support in that moment was the trust of the Master.
There was no way he would give her an impossible request. Belief in such a Cry held her back from despair.
While being cautious of the bodies in front, she turned her gaze towards the path leading out the right side of the boss room. The silver wolf knights were huge in comparison to the ordinary ones. On the narrow paths with lower ceilings, their movements would be greatly restricted.
Calming her breathing, she gave instructions to the others. From that figure, the faint trembling of the party members stopped.
“It’s impossible to fight them in this wide Boss room. We’ll manage to escape on the path on the right. On a narrower path we can limit the number of opponents we fight at the same time. The sword and club will also get caught on the ceiling and become unusable. I’ll take up the rear position.”
§ § §
“So I was struck with a good idea, but couldn’t we gather up powerful Relics?”
“Luke… No matter how good the equipment, if the body is weak people die when it comes time to die.”
An old conversation with a friend crossed my mind.
At the speed at which Hunters enhanced by Mana Material were called to heaven, my own instincts had already abandoned hope on living.
-Die! I’m gonna dieeeeee-!
The White Wolves Den was vast. It’s height and width were too large for a burrow, but for the『Dark Wings of the Night Sky』with no brakes, it was way too narrow to fly around.
It was dim inside the hole, but there were shining stones placed here and there.
There was a Relic attached to my right thumb, the 『Owl’s Eye』 that gave the effect of night vision, giving me good enough visibility.
A wall came into view. I desperately manipulated the Relic to turn the corner.
Within the hole in was dark and gloomy. If it was usual, it was a place I would never enter. But right now the only thing going through my head was how I was going to be able to stop myself.
I had brought a map, but I already had no idea where I had gone.
Turns that were too tight for the Relic, my body was violently knocked against the walls and ceiling. My vision was shaken violently from the impacts. I felt like I had become something like a bouncy ball. I didn’t know what was going on anymore.
My face kept on twitching.
If I was thinking calmly, I should have stopped no matter what before entering the Shrine. My speed was getting way too fast. I felt like I would throw up. I was paying for my own mistakes.
At high speed I passed by a huge Phantom that was blocking up the passageway. Although it was far beyond the ability of humans, the Phantom couldn’t catch onto my erratic movements at bullet like speed. Even I didn’t know what was happening myself, so it was no wonder.
By the time it had turned my way, it was already too late and I was passing by overhead.
I’m going to pretend that I didn’t see a bi-pedal wolf holding a gigantic two handed sword.
–Where is Tino!?
Unlike Phantoms that vanish upon death, a Hunters corpse remains for a long time. Even in the case that you lose a fight and get devoured, it’s unlikely not a single trace will remain. But I guess it’s not impossible.
I had bad dynamic vision, at least when my vision was getting violently shaken, but there hadn’t been the corpses of Tino and her delightful companions yet. It’s not likely that they are dead.
If I had come this far, and Tino and the others hadn’t even left yet and were still mulling about the Imperial Capital, that would be a super funny joke.
Tino, unlike me, had a strong sense of responsibility. So she wouldn’t just toss this away. She’s Liz’s sole disciple though, so perhaps there was some sort of tricky situation.
With a thump my head hit strongly against the ceiling and my vision swayed.
A long straight passageway – movement at the end from a Wolf-like Phantom. Seeing the sudden appearance of a human missile it’s eyes balked in astonishment. And I passed by immediately. I collided with the shoulder of the Phantom, and the recoil drove me crashing into the wall. The severe impact shook my whole body.
I managed to make a sharp turn while my body grazed against the wall. With my dynamic vision it’s a miracle that I hadn’t stuck myself straight into a wall yet. My trajectory was also being altered slightly by Relics. Highest praise be unto Relics.
But although I’m just holding on, it’s certain that I’ll die if I didn’t do something quick.
I’m certain that I’ll be passed down for eternity as the idiot that rushed into a Shrine using the 『Dark Wings of the Night Sky』, which was already known for killing one person, and became the human missile 2.0. No matter how you put it, that would be beyond pathetic, I really hate it.
It’s already hopeless. Anything is fine, just let me come to a stop. I’ve already crossed over the limit of what I can take.
Before I knew it I had exited into a wide pathway. I immediately saw the back of an enormous Phantom in front of me. In the middle of a life emergency, my sharpened judgement decided that would be a good cushion.
After that was just resolving myself. At my wits end I shut my eyes and prayed desperately.
And then, my whole body underwent a violent impact harder than any so far.
Translator Notes:
If you have enjoyed this work so far and want to support the author, Tsukikage, they have a series that has already been localised in English. Click Here! (Defeating the Demon Lord’s a Cinch) The kindle edition is only 7.99USD. It’s a story that has more to it than meets the eye just like this one so give it a chance!
