Hope Torture
Suddenly, the word hope torture popped into my head. It looks like it'll work, but it doesn't—and it just keeps repeating. Clang!Clang!Clang!
"You brute!!!"
Even as he swings and slams down mercilessly, there's no end in sight. Cracks are clearly forming in his armor, dents appearing left and right. Why won't he drop? If an opening appeared, I'd smash him with one powerful blow, but this bastard's defense doesn't allow even that.
"How dare you!!"
Whoosh....! Of course, Luzadio isn't just taking hits nonstop. The instant he bats away my sword strike with his fist, he spins his body and swings his blade. Claaang!! But it's slow. The shock explodes the moment our swords clash. I use it as a lever, spin in midair, and attack again. Clang!! Clang! Clang!!
"You bastard!! I'll kill you no matter what!!!"
Luzadio swings his fists and sword like he's chasing a fly, but I cling tenaciously, striking and striking again. Not even giving him time to think. That's the only way to keep Ludia and the others safe! Good thing this zombie body doesn't need to breathe or tire. Clang! Clang! Clang!!
...Damn! At this point, shouldn't he die out of courtesy? How much time has passed? Feels like I've landed a ton of hits. Are the kids okay? Ludia's watching with her fists clenched tight—probably can't even see my attacks. Mari's gripping another sword, ready to jump in. Yunet's leaning against her spear stabbed into the ground, muttering...
"Hmm... That's not how you use a greatsword."
"....."
I'm gonna smack her after this is over.
Krunch!!
"Gotcha!"
Again?! Is grabbing swords a hobby or what? He's probably pissed from all the beatings. He drops his own sword to the floor and seizes mine with both hands. Earlier he was yapping about knights not dropping their blades. All talk, this guy. I pour all my strength into pressing down to cleave him in half, but...
"Do you think you can beat me with raw strength?"
...Not budging. I grunt and shove harder, but it won't give. Why's this fucker so damn strong? If I'm not careful, he'll push me back? I need to pummel him senseless before he breaks out the Holy Power! That's how I protect the kids...
....Huh? Why isn't this bastard using Holy Power? Normally he'd layer it on for defense and offense.
Taat—! I drop the sword and retreat sharply.
"Sword!"
Mari tosses another one my way, quick on the uptake.
"You rat bastard! You know nothing of honor in battle!"
"You're the one who got hit by him."
"I'll kill you!!!"
I can see his shoulders trembling with rage after the poke. Shame I can't see his face.
"If you're so pissed, use Holy Power and charge. Getting hit your hobby?"
I poke again, tossing in my curiosity. In the original story, heretics did use Holy Power—just weakened. So is he holding back 'cause I look weak? But endless swordplay's pointless. If he drops his guard to channel it, that's my shot...
"...Kuhuhuhu...."
Thud.
The guy laughs at me and sets his greatsword down.
"Trying to use tricks mid-battle, eh?"
"...."
"Fine. I'll show you true power—not that false Holy Power."
----!!!!
"??!"
Such a thing exists? As I rummage through my memories—
Suddenly, a blood-red haze ripples around Luzadio's body. A stinging prickling sensation burrows into my skin, my chest tightening like a vise. Feels like time's speeding up... or something?
"Master Huu!! Dodge—"
BOOM---!!!
"????"
Huh? Fuck, why am I flying?? One blink. In that split second, I'm soaring toward the ceiling, staring at the "sky."
**
It had looked like certain victory. Luzadio—the church's so-called legend—couldn't land a proper hit on Huu. Was it because he was a heretic now? She didn't know why, but it was enough for Ludia and Mari to cling to a sliver of hope.
But then—BOOM---!!!
"Master Huu!!!!!"
Luzadio's attack, invisible to the eye. Huu went flying backward, powerless from a single punch.
"Oh dear. Oh dear! Can't end so easily!!"
Luzadio charged at Huu, radiating some unknown energy. Blood seemed to flow upward from the gaps in his armor. A bizarre sight Ludia and Mari had never witnessed.
"Whoa... Lich involved too?"
"..??"
But Yunet's casual remark from afar, watching like it was a show.
"Lich??"
"Yeah. That aura—Lich familiars use it. Gathers power from Kali. Look at those skeletons wobbling."
Yunet pointed.
"??!"
They were all slumped over like bone heaps, motionless. A faint glow around them confirmed it—draining power, just as she said.
"A Lich... then..."
"Sigh... this just got more annoying."
Mari stood speechless in shock. Yunet just sighed and scratched her head.
Thud! Thump!! Thwack!!
Meanwhile, Huu was getting pummeled nonstop in the corner by Luzadio. Punches landing at a speed incomparable to before.
"Ma-Mari! Sister Yunet!! Help Master Huu!"
Ludia, who'd been fidgeting anxiously, grabbed Mari and Yunet's arms. I have to go. I have to help. Tears welling in her dewy eyes, she started toward Huu.
"Huh? Butt in there and we die? One-shot kill."
"B-but... we can't let Master Huu get hurt!"
Yunet watched calmly. Ludia teary-eyed and ready to rush to her death.
"....."
Mari's mind was a whirlwind. She knew she had to help, but her body wouldn't move. Was this punishment for always craving strength yet doing nothing? What should she do...?
"If Huu loses anyway, we're all dead! Better than..."
Whirr...
Ludia made the call first. She aimed her staff at Luzadio and gathered Holy Power. All she knew was dumping it in one burst. The underground dungeon would be obliterated, no doubt.
"Haa... no choice."
Yunet sighed deeply and patted Ludia's shoulder.
"Hold up. I'll buy some time."
"Sister! You'll help?!"
Yunet sauntered forward, spear in hand, and nodded at Ludia's words.
"Wait! Go with me! Alone you'll—"
"Yeah. You get Ludia outta here."
"....."
Yunet patted the hesitant Mari's shoulder too, then advanced. Whoosh—! Flames erupted at her spear tip. She gripped it tight with both hands, locking eyes on Luzadio.
"Mari. Saved your boyfriend once?"
"Sister!"
Flash! Yunet vanished from sight in an instant.
**
Damn! This bastard suddenly got way faster!! Head, face, torso, arms, legs—Luzadio's fists stab mercilessly.
"How's it feel getting your own medicine?!"
How d'you think? Shitty. Skin dents, muscles grind with every punch. No room to move, no chance to speak—just endless beating. Experiencing it firsthand... yeah, no wonder it pisses you off.
"I'll even forgive you screaming in pain!! Hahaha!!"
He's having a blast beating on me. All brute under that paladin armor? But unfortunately...
"....."
Doesn't hurt. Zombie body, why you so great? I just feel the impacts—no pain, no breathing trouble, nothing. Wanna tell him it doesn't hurt, but he keeps targeting my mouth, so I can't get a word out.
....Should I take a few more? Guy's putting in real effort.
"Kuhahaha!! Now I get why you hit like a brainless thug!"
He's all hyped. But after nonstop hits, my body starts itching weirdly. Durability finally tapped out? Nah—mind's sharpening, hot energy surging everywhere.
'....Massage??'
Nothing else fits. No Holy Power needed—body feels light, power welling up. Been feeling refreshed since entering the dungeon; today's my lucky day, huh.
"Hey? Legend?"
"??!"
Whoosh---!!!
Too much massage might rip my limbs off? Right as I think to call it quits, massive flames erupt behind Luzadio.
Claaang--!!
"?!! What the hell are you, bitch!!"
"Dunno? Hmm... your junior?"
It was Yunet. Spear wreathed in flames, grinning.
"You wanna die!!"
"Nah. Before I die, I'll—run...!"
Whoosh---!!
"Ugh!"
Yunet dodges Luzadio's fist by a hair.
"Phew. Almost died. Still got it, legend?"
Tsk-tsking at the gouged ground... this girl's aggro is innate. Signature skill.
"How dare!!"
Whoosh—! Luzadio's pissed now. Ignores me completely, unleashing on Yunet.
"Ugh! Uwa! W-wait! Slow it down! Gonna get hit!!"
"What bullshit!"
"Too dumb to get it? Fists go slow!"
Wind whistling, shockwaves ripping air. Yunet dodges desperately in the gaps—truly by a hair. Luck? Skill? One thing's sure: she pulls aggro like a pro even now.
"You crazy bitch!!"
Nod. I agree with Luzadio before I can stop myself.
"Eh?? Huu! Saw that! You nodded!"
"......"
That's why you're the crazy bitch... She spots me mid-death-defying circus act? Wanna say something, but—
"Dodging ends here!!!"
Krunch!! Whoosh----!
Luzadio's fist suddenly swells, armor bursting off. Hideous forearm exposed—rotted like a corpse, veins tangled grotesquely. And that massive fist rockets toward Yunet...!
"Uwaaa!! No way!! Too much!!"
Grab!!
"??!!"
Before it connects, I snatch his forearm.
"Hey, my turn now."
Time for you to get the massage.