Seizing the Dragon Slayer's Horns
A few seconds after hurling myself forward with Bell's borrowed power. In that split-second window, I charged at the Dragon Slayer with a speed no human body could possibly achieve.
She swung her fan in a panicked flurry, whipping up fierce gusts to block me, but thanks to the fresh surge from Bell, I slipped through the gaps in the airflow like an eel. And that wasn't all. I could even use that wind against her, closing in right up to her jawline.
"Yah-hoo! This is exciting!"
Bell let out a wolfish howl, hyped up by our blistering speed. Guess she needs this level of action to feel satisfied. I'd long since abandoned any hope of talking things out with the Dragon Slayer. So, physical damage it was.
Thinking I was about to throw a punch or something, she flared her fan wide to shield her body—probably turning it into wings for cover. But what I had in mind wasn't some basic jab.
"Woof woof!"
Bell barked fiercely, as if pouring extra power into what I was about to do. Thud. Something hard yet warm gripped in both my hands. The Dragon Slayer's horns.
Honestly, even landing a direct hit probably wouldn't dent a Greater Outer God with a human body. But I'd noticed her flinching every time something brushed her horns. Maybe that's her weak spot? Pure hunch, but it was worth a shot.
"…?!"
For a split second, she looked utterly shocked, but my brain had already issued the command. My body reflexively yanked those horns and heaved.
"Here we gooo!"
Bell thrust her fisted paws forward with a thrilled shout, and that seemed to fuel it— the Dragon Slayer's immovable frame lifted right off the ground.
"Hiyah!"
"Kyaack!"
Even channeling Bell's authority, they didn't snap easy. No choice—I flung her across to the other side. With a sharp cry, she smashed into the opposite wall. The impact triggered an avalanche from above, rapidly burying her in snow.
I landed cautiously on the floor, bracing myself, but my body lurched hard as I tried to steady. This was... partly the recoil the Gardener warned about, but worse—like my biceps and back muscles were bruised to hell. Overloading beyond human limits, maybe. A few more uses and I'd be looking at rhabdomyolysis or some shit. One more time was probably my limit right now.
"Human, you okay?"
"Ugh, yeah. Still seems fine for now."
"...Huuung, I don't like when human hurts.... Should I, like, calm down a bit?"
"Nah, when we go, we go all in."
I said that, but Bell still licked my ears apologetically. As I gauged the limits of Bell's power, a massive rumble echoed from where the Dragon Slayer was buried.
I dropped into a crouch, focusing on the unnatural noise.
Whoosh! A roaring like Logs ablaze erupted, and a pillar of fire shot skyward from the snow mound's center. The heat was insane—the piled snow melted into floods, soaking the floor, some splashing my way.
"Guh."
Even in this freezing outdoors, the water scalded like boiling. Steam rose from the temperature clash around the former snow mound, and beyond it loomed what had to be the Dragon Slayer, standing unscathed.
Unlike her earlier dignified poise, her arms hung limp, power drained—and it even looked furious.
"...This time, you've borrowed another Outer God's power, subordinate."
"Yes."
"Your legs are shaking. One more's your limit, probably. We'll make that last hit count."
White Mask had crept up, breathing ragged, while Mu Yeon—eyes still wide with fear—clamped her mouth shut, steeling her mind.
Whoosh! The steam swirling around the Dragon Slayer vanished in an instant. One fan sweep, and it was gone.
That flame she'd shot earlier? Hot enough to vaporize water on contact—no human could tank that barehanded. That was the real threat.
"How... dare you."
Her voice rang out. I'd expected icy rage, but it trembled faintly.
"To... touch this lady's horns...!"
I glanced up as she lifted her head—and froze. Pouting lips, misty eyes, flushed cheeks. Straight out of some media depicting a sexually harassed noblewoman.
Shock didn't last. A sudden gale blasted us, nearly blowing me away—I resisted with everything.
"Grah!"
Mu Yeon, lugging the heaviest weapon, flew first; White Mask barely held against the prolonged storm.
"Huu, huu."
The Dragon Slayer panted, pointing her fan at me.
"Once this is over, you...!"
She stared, intense and burdensome. Her words trailed off as she shuddered again.
"You...!"
Her face burned redder—she gonna pop? Then she averted her eyes, looking almost shy.
"Argh, forget it. I'll just crush you!"
Sudden acceleration. What were you even gonna say?! Pissing me off! No time to dwell—she readied another fan swing.
But White Mask was already beside me, stance reset.
Ting! She exploded off the ground, sword clashing fan with a springy ring. But was she rampaging now?
Boing!
"Nngh...!"
The Dragon Slayer shook off the blade roughly; White Mask slammed into the wall beside me in a blink.
"Master!"
Thankfully, no collapse. Dust settled as I rushed over—her condition was bad. The ever-strong White Mask trembled in pain, her face cloth fraying.
"Are you alright?"
"...Haha, what a pathetic sight. Guess a human body can't match a Greater Outer God after all."
Her exhausted voice said she couldn't go on. Even the knights' top fighter couldn't handle this unknown entity. Greater Outer God. The power gap was overwhelming.
Problem: Only one solid hit left with Bell's power. And the Dragon Slayer—eyes bulging, fuming—looked uncrushable. Mu Yeon had steadied, but her half-lidded eyes said she wouldn't last.
"...To toy with this lady like that, then fret over another woman...!"
...Timing's off, but why does she sound like a perfect villainess ojousama? Impressive, really. Super Coward Mode nails these vibes, huh?
...Anyway, time for a tactical retreat, risks be damned. I scratched Bell's chin—she was growling cutely, mad at the "crush you" line—calming my rattled nerves.
"Hauuung...."
She nuzzled my cheek, pleased, and my thoughts cleared. Decision made: act fast.
Our goal was the lesser dragon anyway. Dragon Slayer was an unforeseen wildcard.
Supporting White Mask, I prepped Bell's power to bolt—
Shhhk. Something slithered down the snow. I turned—and gaped.
The maid outfit from the village, twin brown tails whipping. Asti slid down the slope on foot alone, brow slightly furrowed.
Wha—why is she here now?!
Slope ended at the cliff; she kicked off the wall, leaping straight at me.
Thud. She landed softly before me, rose gracefully into maid poise, gazing up.
"Asti... why are you here...!"
"From afar, it looked like Master was in danger."
"That doesn't mean come here! Now you're—!"
But Asti just shook her head at my protest.
"Leaving a Master in peril untouched is unbecoming of a retainer."
She murmured it flatly, like obvious fact. Retainer? More like, what's with this dual nature?
Even back in the village, I couldn't sync with her rhythm. She'd try killing me repeatedly, yet upheld maid duties perfectly—maybe overdid it.
That morning assassination attempt? Room spotless. Poisoned breakfast? Delicious—White Mask ate first, fine, then I did; Asti even wiped my mouth, did dishes.
And that pained expression before coming here. What's your deal, Asti?
"If you'll permit me to protect Master from now on, I'd be grateful."
Formally said, she gripped the sword she'd once stabbed at me with both hands. Now, it glowed red—unlike before.
"Render judgment, Master."
That ominous aura said she'd do her duty regardless. After agonizing, I answered.
"Fine. I permit it."
"Then."
My words barely out, Asti charged the Dragon Slayer.