Final Battle (3)
Evan was utterly bewildered by the current situation.
Monster Season was a disaster that could strike anytime, anywhere, without warning. That's why the boss leading it was treated as a disaster itself. In a word, an enemy. A being that threatened the continent where humans and countless other lifeforms coexisted.
Moreover, Evan knew just how terrifying and vicious these boss monsters were. He'd seen countless records in class. Every boss from Monster Seasons over the past few centuries had eyes that knew only destruction.
But why... did this one have such sad eyes?
Superior species were evolved forms of regular monsters. They had greater intelligence and abilities, and some even surpassed humans in certain aspects. Still, a monster was a monster. No matter how much they evolved, their instinct to harm other lifeforms remained intact.
Especially the bosses that commanded Monster Seasons—they were said to pour everything into destruction. That's why Evan couldn't comprehend those eyes at all.
His mind racing, Evan gripped his sword tightly. The Knight Captain had been struck down and was no longer here, and the knights had lost their will to fight. The only one left to block the boss head-on was him.
At least his friends were far away, which was a small mercy. If they were here too, things would be even more complicated.
Evan sharpened his senses to the max, ready to react at any moment. The gap between him and the boss was huge, no doubt. The aura it exuded was several times stronger than his own.
But from that first attack, he knew he could at least react. He could see the direction of the strike. And though the boss's pressure squeezed his body, making it hard to breathe, it wasn't unbearable.
That said, it made him wonder why the Knight Captain and the knights had reacted like that, but now wasn't the time for distractions.
"I just need to hold out until reinforcements arrive...."
Evan muttered to himself. By now, some other student must have requested backup. The other units weren't far off, so if he could just endure until then...
At that moment, the boss raised its front paw. The motion entered Evan's vision.
In a split second, Evan reacted instantly, accelerating his body.
During Kyle's training, Evan had fought numerous superior species monsters. Some were as massive as this boss, others wielded immense power. All of them were tough to face head-on. That's why, in those grueling real battles, he'd picked up all sorts of techniques.
Evan planted his feet firmly on the ground. He straightened his back to avoid losing balance. His eyes locked on the boss's paw as he steadied his mana.
And the instant the massive paw and razor-sharp claws reached him—
Evan unleashed his power.
His upward slash exploded with force, surging forward.
Kagak!!
Claws met blade. Sparks flew everywhere.
But the clash didn't last. The sword was forced downward. With Evan's skill, holding out briefly was his limit.
An immense shockwave traveled up the blade. At the same time, the outcome flashed in his mind.
Evan didn't just sit there. He revved up his mana core fiercely, controlling the mana spreading through his body. He wove it with the shock and channeled it into the ground.
Kugung!!
The diverted impact shattered the earth. The ground split, and the spot where Evan stood sank into a depression.
"Ugh...!"
Unstable footing. Evan panicked as his balance crumbled. If his stance broke now, he couldn't brace for the next attack.
But the deeply cracked earth kept shaking, hindering him. Still, he barely regained his footing.
Then, something entered his field of view. The boss's paw.
"Damn it...!"
Evan gritted his teeth and tried to reposition quickly. But it was too late. The attack reached him before his stance was set.
Kwang!
A massive boom echoed across the battlefield.
The war against the monsters raged on, stretching from morning into lunchtime. But by then, the monster assaults were tapering off.
The one giving orders wasn't stupid—it wouldn't waste troops endlessly on an impenetrable defense.
'And by now...'
It was about time for Evan to encounter the boss. He didn't know the exact timing, but with the monsters drawn away, it had to be now.
Anyway, a brief respite. I issued maintenance orders and glanced beyond the walls before asking,
"How's the situation elsewhere?"
"Going smoothly, sir."
As expected, the war unfolding within the Empire proceeded without issue. The continent had endured countless Monster Seasons and overcome them—that experience made it possible.
"Think it'll wrap up today?"
"Possibly today if quick, or within three days at latest."
"Yeah, probably."
I nodded at Elena's report. Normal Monster Seasons lasted at least a month, up to three or more. First, the hordes under the boss were too vast to wipe out at once. Second, terrain and weather played roles. And sometimes, the boss would flee, dragging things out.
But now, the groups were spread widely across the Empire. Unlike past seasons, they were easier to handle. Plus, with the boss's goal clear, we didn't have to chase it around.
"Oh, right. Lady Elraim asked me to pass on her regards. She's out far and won't return until tonight."
"...Why are you talking to my sister?"
"She spoke first. I just listened."
Just contact her directly. I got their rapport, but I hated any link involving my sister and gods.
"Tch, tastes like shit."
The mood soured. I spat out the combat ration I'd been chewing. Magic-preserved or not, rations were rations—tasteless as ever.
Then, something caught my eye. I pointed it out.
"Hey. Don't you think this Monster Season's weird?"
"I do. As I said, I've been through over thirty."
She was blocking the war proactively, but doubts lingered.
"But what can we do? It's Monster Season. Not as extreme as this, but changes happen occasionally."
Veteran experience spoke volumes. The war's flow shifted endlessly based on the boss's type.
"Then what about that?"
"Pardon? What do you...?"
I nodded toward beyond the walls. Elena followed my gaze.
"Th-that...?"
"Normal, right?"
She gaped. Elena shouted in shock at the scene.
"That's impossible! How could superior species...!"
What she saw was a gathering of evolved monsters—superior species—united in one place. Thousands of them, from completely different races, assembled like a human army.
"How could this...?"
It was natural for her, with her long life, to react this way. Monster Season contagion only worked on regular monsters. Not on superior species. Even then, only within the same race.
"What the...?"
"No way..."
Late reactions came from others spotting it. All wore stunned expressions.
I ignored them for now and snatched a soldier's spear nearby. Well-made, but it wouldn't withstand my strength. I cast a 10-layer durability enhancement spell on it.
"This should do."
Feeling its solidity, I gripped it. Spears had been a while, but the stance came naturally.
3, 2...
Counting down inwardly, at 1—
Pang!!
I exploded the mana in my arm and hurled the spear. Air burst with a crack.
Whiiiiiing!!!
The spear sliced through the wind, accelerating via my spell, drawing a streak of light.
And—
Kwaaaang!!!
It slammed into the center of the superior species horde, carving a massive crater. Blood and flesh rained down.
People snapped to attention. Elena jumped at the boom, staring at me.
"Prepare to sortie. You, me, the elves, and beastkin—we're going out to stop them."
"It's dangerous. Better request reinforcements..."
"By then, we'll be dead."
Regular monsters were one thing, but our current forces couldn't hold those. Even under my command, the walls would fall before help arrived. This episode wasn't premised on killing every monster anyway.
It hinged on how fast Evan neutralized the boss.
"Got it? Hurry."
"Yes, Saint."
Good, Elena understood. Calling me Saint meant she knew it was the best option.
I checked my gear, then turned toward Evan's direction, muttering,
"What choice will you make...?"
The story had diverged wildly. Evan had changed a lot from the novel too.
So, what choice would you make? What ending do you want?
I was dying to know.
So, Evan.
Protagonist of this world.
Don't worry about this side. Show me your choice.
"I'll guard your nest until you decide."
I'll help you.