Chapter 428: Like Ice (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 428: Like Ice (3)
Regal Vagos witnessed Six's defeat from afar and laughed to himself.
Thickheaded bitch. And she was so confident she could take him on her own.
He had been watching their battle closely ever since it began. If Six had succeeded, he intended to stop her from killing that barbarian bastard. A peaceful death was too kind a fate for that man. Vagos planned to use Subordination to turn him into his slave and make him live out the rest of his days in hell. If he got unlucky and that barbarian died before he could enact his plan, Vagos planned to at least absorb his soul and raise his stats.
Well, I guess it's better this way. Since he's down now too.
Vagos held the front line for a while, only pretending to fight before quietly retreating. He quickly headed over to the spot he'd been staring at.
Step. Step.
The distance narrowed rapidly.
Seizing him with Subordination and making him fight his own allies will be fun.
While he was moving forward, anticipation driving him, a small, trembling voice sounded nearby. "Regal Vagos..."
Whiiiiiip!
Before long, a threatening boom followed.
Clang!
He hurriedly turned around to block the arrow flying at him. There was an elf glaring at him from the direction it came from.
"...Right, I forgot about you."
She was one of the Seven Powerful, known to most as Blood Spirit—Erwen Fornacci di Tersia.
Vagos licked his lips out of habit, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu.
For some reason, her face looks familiar every time I see it.
Of course, this thought wasn't one he considered all that important.
***
Real tragedies were different from the tragedies found in stories. As evidence, it had neither rained nor thundered that day. It wasn't the day a revolution began, nor was it a night so dark that even the stars didn't twinkle. That day had been an ordinary day like any other.
"Erwen, if you keep making trouble, a scary barbarian man is going to come to scold you." Her mother was chiding her as usual.
"Haha, enough of that. I'm sure she's learned her lesson." Her father was being his kind self.
"Wahhh!" Her younger sister was crying, as always.
"Daria? Where did that child go...?" And her naughty older sister had only come home early in the morning and was still sleeping in. Everything was normal that day.
Knock, knock.
Until the knock at the front door.
"Who is it?" Her father went to the door instead of her mother, who was doing housework, and the tragedy began right then. "A-A dragonian...? Why is a dragonian...?!"
"I need fame. And it seems killing some elves is the easiest way to get it."
"Kyahhh!"
"M-Miriane! Take the kids and run!"
While her father stopped the man, her mother took the three sisters and fled. Before they could get far, though, the man caught up with them. The girls narrowly survived thanks to their uncle, who happened to be passing by.
"Please... take my children far away from here."
"...Okay."
"Thank you... my kind little brother." Her mother had sacrificed herself like her husband, while the sisters were on the luckier side. The number of people who had died that day was over a thousand.
***
Erwen had had her older sister and her younger sister. They were the reason she was able to live.
"That young lady was born with the most destiny after you."
Then her older sister died.
"Daria... isn't here anymore?"
It had been her fault, and her relationship with her younger sister grew strained as a result. Still, she could keep going.
"I told you. I'm your guardian now."
She met a man who sacrificed everything to protect her whenever there was danger, extended his hand, and helped her up whenever she felt like collapsing. But the world was too cruel.
"So Bjorn is dead."
The moment she realized Bjorn had left her like her sister had, Erwen couldn't hold back the tide of emotion.
Why is everything always taken away from me? Why is the little happiness I finally managed to hold in my hands crumbling so easily?
The reason was very simple: because she was weak. She was someone meant to be protected. These people had protected her, but she couldn't protect them in return.
"The process of gaining the power of a pureblood is much more terrible than you imagine, and it's also not something you can achieve just because you want it."
She wanted to become stronger. Now that she had nothing left to protect, she wanted to show the people who stole from her the pain of something important being taken away from you.
[Elemental Ruler of Darkness Dicloe...]
That darkness gave her strength. With that strength, she took revenge. She was called a blood-thirsty bitch, but at her core, she remained the same.
Tremble...
Her fingers shook.
"Regal Vagos..."
At this rate, something else would be stolen from her. Even though she knew that, she found herself freezing. Though she was immeasurably stronger than she had been in the past, she was still the same weak, helpless girl she'd always been.
Slump.
But I can't accept that. Rather than living with that regret again...
"Mister!"
It was better to die.
Zippp!
The bowstring was pulled.
Thud.
It was released.
Whiiip!
The arrow flew with terrifying speed, though it did not contain any special abilities.
Clang!
The man grabbed his sword and deflected it. "...Right, I forgot about you, bitch."
Erwen forced her fear-filled body to move.
Dash.
The distance between them narrowed in an instant, proving how much she'd grown up to that point.
"Please... take my children far away from here."
"...Okay."
"Thank you... my kind little brother." Her mother had sacrificed herself like her husband, while the sisters were on the luckier side. The number of people who had died that day was over a thousand.
***
Erwen had had her older sister and her younger sister. They were the reason she was able to live.
"That young lady was born with the most destiny after you."
Then her older sister died.
"Daria... isn't here anymore?"
It had been her fault, and her relationship with her younger sister grew strained as a result. Still, she could keep going.
"I told you. I'm your guardian now."
She met a man who sacrificed everything to protect her whenever there was danger, extended his hand, and helped her up whenever she felt like collapsing. But the world was too cruel.
"So Bjorn is dead."
The moment she realized Bjorn had left her like her sister had, Erwen couldn't hold back the tide of emotion.
Why is everything always taken away from me? Why is the little happiness I finally managed to hold in my hands crumbling so easily?
The reason was very simple: because she was weak. She was someone meant to be protected. These people had protected her, but she couldn't protect them in return.
"The process of gaining the power of a pureblood is much more terrible than you imagine, and it's also not something you can achieve just because you want it."
She wanted to become stronger. Now that she had nothing left to protect, she wanted to show the people who stole from her the pain of something important being taken away from you.
[Elemental Ruler of Darkness Dicloe...]
That darkness gave her strength. With that strength, she took revenge. She was called a blood-thirsty bitch, but at her core, she remained the same.
Tremble...
Her fingers shook.
"Regal Vagos..."
At this rate, something else would be stolen from her. Even though she knew that, she found herself freezing. Though she was immeasurably stronger than she had been in the past, she was still the same weak, helpless girl she'd always been.
Slump.
But I can't accept that. Rather than living with that regret again...
"Mister!"
It was better to die.
Zippp!
The bowstring was pulled.
Thud.
It was released.
Whiiip!
The arrow flew with terrifying speed, though it did not contain any special abilities.
Clang!
The man grabbed his sword and deflected it. "...Right, I forgot about you, bitch."
Erwen forced her fear-filled body to move.
Dash.
The distance between them narrowed in an instant, proving how much she'd grown up to that point.
Whip!
This time, a dagger swung instead of an arrow.
"An archer fighting with a knife?"
That was because she couldn't access the power of the spirits anymore. More importantly, Bjorn Yandel was right here. She couldn't use an archer's strategy of fighting from a distance.
Clang!
As soon as her dagger collided with his sword, she spun around to deliver a series of strikes.
Leap!
He hurriedly kicked off the ground and retreated, finding the blow fiercer than he expected.
Good, I was able to push him away and keep Mister safe.
"What the hell...?"
Erwen lowered her upper body and angled her short dagger forward. This was a basic stance her sister had taught her years ago. At the time, she had whined over needing to learn something like this.
"I told you. Even if you don't have a bow or can't use a spirit, you should be able to protect yourself."
She realized it now. She had spent her whole life being protected.
"...Goddamn bastards." There was no need for a lengthy exchange—Vagos cursed and charged at her. Erwen watched him approach, studying his movements without budging. Surprisingly, she felt calm.
Hah...
She couldn't use her essences because she had used the passive skill Harmony to swap her Spirit Power out for Natural Power to aid Mister during his fight. Thanks to that, she had a smidge of Natural Power left, but it was too little to properly utilize. This was all she had left now.
One dagger.
All she had were the dagger techniques she learned from her older sister. Even those were probably nowhere near up to snuff compared to a close-combat adventurer like Amelia. No, they definitely weren't enough. Compared to a warrior who had wielded a sword all his life, that much was obvious. But...
"So what?"
Until the bitterest of ends, she analyzed the enemy's movements and gripped her dagger tight in pursuit of one goal, and one goal only.
"Mister..." In reality, he wasn't even a "mister." They were the same age, and she didn't think he had a scary face anymore. Though others would probably think her strange if she voiced that out loud. "I'm going to protect Bjorn Yandel."
She had decided to stop relying on others.
***
It's easier to give up. This was a popular saying on the internet. Though the self-deprecating tone was uncomfortable, there was nothing untrue about the statement itself.
[Regal Vagos has cast Fear Imprint.]
It was easier to give up, and likewise, you couldn't get hurt if you never had your hopes up. You could make quicker decisions and protect yourself from the challenges you knew you couldn't overcome—like right now.
[Strong Willpower. Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has resisted Fear Imprint.]
The moment you let down your burdens, unparalleled peace came over you. The annoying buzzing in my ear dissipated, and a warm darkness embraced me, washing away the agonizing pain. It was a level of contentment that reminded me of my childhood. There were some people who found more comfort in a place like this than in a bright light.
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has suffered damage.]
Of course, I wasn't always like this. I had been an ordinary child, and like all ordinary children, I had idolized heroes.
Whip!
This time, a dagger swung instead of an arrow.
"An archer fighting with a knife?"
That was because she couldn't access the power of the spirits anymore. More importantly, Bjorn Yandel was right here. She couldn't use an archer's strategy of fighting from a distance.
Clang!
As soon as her dagger collided with his sword, she spun around to deliver a series of strikes.
Leap!
He hurriedly kicked off the ground and retreated, finding the blow fiercer than he expected.
Good, I was able to push him away and keep Mister safe.
"What the hell...?"
Erwen lowered her upper body and angled her short dagger forward. This was a basic stance her sister had taught her years ago. At the time, she had whined over needing to learn something like this.
"I told you. Even if you don't have a bow or can't use a spirit, you should be able to protect yourself."
She realized it now. She had spent her whole life being protected.
"...Goddamn bastards." There was no need for a lengthy exchange—Vagos cursed and charged at her. Erwen watched him approach, studying his movements without budging. Surprisingly, she felt calm.
Hah...
She couldn't use her essences because she had used the passive skill Harmony to swap her Spirit Power out for Natural Power to aid Mister during his fight. Thanks to that, she had a smidge of Natural Power left, but it was too little to properly utilize. This was all she had left now.
One dagger.
All she had were the dagger techniques she learned from her older sister. Even those were probably nowhere near up to snuff compared to a close-combat adventurer like Amelia. No, they definitely weren't enough. Compared to a warrior who had wielded a sword all his life, that much was obvious. But...
"So what?"
Until the bitterest of ends, she analyzed the enemy's movements and gripped her dagger tight in pursuit of one goal, and one goal only.
"Mister..." In reality, he wasn't even a "mister." They were the same age, and she didn't think he had a scary face anymore. Though others would probably think her strange if she voiced that out loud. "I'm going to protect Bjorn Yandel."
She had decided to stop relying on others.
***
It's easier to give up. This was a popular saying on the internet. Though the self-deprecating tone was uncomfortable, there was nothing untrue about the statement itself.
[Regal Vagos has cast Fear Imprint.]
It was easier to give up, and likewise, you couldn't get hurt if you never had your hopes up. You could make quicker decisions and protect yourself from the challenges you knew you couldn't overcome—like right now.
[Strong Willpower. Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has resisted Fear Imprint.]
The moment you let down your burdens, unparalleled peace came over you. The annoying buzzing in my ear dissipated, and a warm darkness embraced me, washing away the agonizing pain. It was a level of contentment that reminded me of my childhood. There were some people who found more comfort in a place like this than in a bright light.
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has suffered damage.]
Of course, I wasn't always like this. I had been an ordinary child, and like all ordinary children, I had idolized heroes.
[Regal Vagos roars loudly.]
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia does not back down and roars even louder.]
But at some point, I started hating hero stories. They were moronic. Why should I have to sacrifice myself for others? My life changed once I asked myself that question. It became more comfortable, more stable.
[Amelia Rainwales has cast Asura's Kick.]
[Fatal blow. The Eighth Rose has been defeated.]
But then... when did that start to change?
[You are still bleeding. Warning: Your health has dropped below 5%. You may die if your injury is not treated soon.]
A new question arose in my mind.
[Titana Akurava cries out to save her comrades.]
[Periton Eriabosti has cast Salvation.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Opposing Darkness. All divine power loses effectiveness due to the intervention of an evil god.]
Maybe it was some form of brain damage I contracted when I entered this barbarian body.
[Melend Kaislan has moved to rescue his comrade.]
[Anne Parvela has left the front line to block a knight's path.]
[A stroke of powerful luck. Anne Parvela has been defeated.]
[The priest of the evil god who has lost his lover is greatly angered.]
What I knew for sure was that I didn't want to give anything else up. Not just my life, but everything in it.
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering. The power of his next spell is increased by 5x in exchange for a right arm.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Corpse Flower.]
I was getting greedy.
[Melend Kaislan has suffered a serious injury and has been rendered incapable of combat.]
But even if that greed came back to hurt me, it was a deep desire that I couldn't bring myself to fear or ignore any longer.
[Powerful Misfortune. Punishment – Exchange of Equivalence has been activated. Bogus Leichmont takes 50% of the damage from his last attack.]
[The priest of the evil god senses death approaching and spouts words of hatred.]
What was I doing right now again?
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering. The power of his next spell is increased by 5x in exchange for a left arm.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering. The power of his next spell is increased by 5x in exchange for two eyes.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering...]
The sound was distant and the pain was dull. My surroundings were dark and lonely.
[Bogus Leichmont has summoned the Executioner.]
[Ravieniastorous has suffered significant damage and has been rendered incapable of combat.]
[Sven Parav has fallen into a state of Fear.]
I felt like I was forgetting something.
[Strong Willpower. Sven Parav has resisted the Fear.]
[Sven Parav leaves the front line and defends against the Executioner's attack. Sven Parav sweats profusely and shouts for help.]
I looked back on my memories.
[Regal Vagos roars loudly.]
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia does not back down and roars even louder.]
But at some point, I started hating hero stories. They were moronic. Why should I have to sacrifice myself for others? My life changed once I asked myself that question. It became more comfortable, more stable.
[Amelia Rainwales has cast Asura's Kick.]
[Fatal blow. The Eighth Rose has been defeated.]
But then... when did that start to change?
[You are still bleeding. Warning: Your health has dropped below 5%. You may die if your injury is not treated soon.]
A new question arose in my mind.
[Titana Akurava cries out to save her comrades.]
[Periton Eriabosti has cast Salvation.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Opposing Darkness. All divine power loses effectiveness due to the intervention of an evil god.]
Maybe it was some form of brain damage I contracted when I entered this barbarian body.
[Melend Kaislan has moved to rescue his comrade.]
[Anne Parvela has left the front line to block a knight's path.]
[A stroke of powerful luck. Anne Parvela has been defeated.]
[The priest of the evil god who has lost his lover is greatly angered.]
What I knew for sure was that I didn't want to give anything else up. Not just my life, but everything in it.
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering. The power of his next spell is increased by 5x in exchange for a right arm.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Corpse Flower.]
I was getting greedy.
[Melend Kaislan has suffered a serious injury and has been rendered incapable of combat.]
But even if that greed came back to hurt me, it was a deep desire that I couldn't bring myself to fear or ignore any longer.
[Powerful Misfortune. Punishment – Exchange of Equivalence has been activated. Bogus Leichmont takes 50% of the damage from his last attack.]
[The priest of the evil god senses death approaching and spouts words of hatred.]
What was I doing right now again?
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering. The power of his next spell is increased by 5x in exchange for a left arm.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering. The power of his next spell is increased by 5x in exchange for two eyes.]
[Bogus Leichmont has cast Flesh Offering...]
The sound was distant and the pain was dull. My surroundings were dark and lonely.
[Bogus Leichmont has summoned the Executioner.]
[Ravieniastorous has suffered significant damage and has been rendered incapable of combat.]
[Sven Parav has fallen into a state of Fear.]
I felt like I was forgetting something.
[Strong Willpower. Sven Parav has resisted the Fear.]
[Sven Parav leaves the front line and defends against the Executioner's attack. Sven Parav sweats profusely and shouts for help.]
I looked back on my memories.
[Amelia Rainwales has come to a decision after much consideration. She attacks Regal Vagos, not the Executioner.]
[Sven Parav is shocked.]
What had I forgotten?
[The Executioner has begun to rampage.]
[Sven Parav has been rendered incapable of combat.]
[Tsuon Irivan has died.]
[Lilith Marrone balls her fists and makes a decision.]
[Riard Ashed grabs Lilith Marrone's wrist and shakes his head.]
I was sure there was something I had to do.
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-seven spirit spell Thought Acceleration.]
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-six energy spell Mana Amplification.]
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-eight spell Heart Stimulation.]
I was sure there was something I vowed to never do again.
[Riard Ashed fires spells wildly.]
[The Executioner has suffered great damage and screams.]
Ugh, my head hurts.
[The Eleventh Rose has cast Absolute Sever.]
[Futa Rickerburn is seriously injured.]
[Unbelievable counterattack. The Eleventh Rose has been defeated.]
All I wanted to do was rest, but thoughts continued to pester me.
[The Ninth Rose has cast Absolute Sever.]
[Futa Rickerburn has been rendered incapable of combat.]
[Unbelievable counterattack. The Ninth Rose has been defeated.]
[Futa Rickerburn has died.]
[Titana Akurava has run out of MP. All active skills have been deactivated.]
[Manua Repeles has cast Iron Fist.]
[Amelia Rainwales has been pushed back significantly.]
[The Executioner has cast Great Earthquake.]
Booom!
[You have been damaged by falling rocks.]
While I was thinking long and hard about whatever I had forgotten about, the world around me shook and suddenly I felt suffocated.
[Warning: Your health has reached 0%. The countdown has begun.]
[Consuming 3 Spirit points per second (493/496)]
[Consuming 3 Spirit points per second (490/496)]
[Consuming 3 Spirit points per second (487/496)]
What is this?
[Periton Ariabos has decided to make a sacrifice.]
[Benjamin Orman has decided to make a sacrifice.]
[The Great Observer smiles at their noble will.]
I don't know.
[Destruction.]
But I felt content with whatever happened.
[All characters and monsters within the radius have suffered significant damage.]
[The Executioner has been desummoned.]
[Periton Ariabos has died.]
[Benjamin Orman has died.]
Time passed.
[Amelia Rainwales has come to a decision after much consideration. She attacks Regal Vagos, not the Executioner.]
[Sven Parav is shocked.]
What had I forgotten?
[The Executioner has begun to rampage.]
[Sven Parav has been rendered incapable of combat.]
[Tsuon Irivan has died.]
[Lilith Marrone balls her fists and makes a decision.]
[Riard Ashed grabs Lilith Marrone's wrist and shakes his head.]
I was sure there was something I had to do.
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-seven spirit spell Thought Acceleration.]
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-six energy spell Mana Amplification.]
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-eight spell Heart Stimulation.]
I was sure there was something I vowed to never do again.
[Riard Ashed fires spells wildly.]
[The Executioner has suffered great damage and screams.]
Ugh, my head hurts.
[The Eleventh Rose has cast Absolute Sever.]
[Futa Rickerburn is seriously injured.]
[Unbelievable counterattack. The Eleventh Rose has been defeated.]
All I wanted to do was rest, but thoughts continued to pester me.
[The Ninth Rose has cast Absolute Sever.]
[Futa Rickerburn has been rendered incapable of combat.]
[Unbelievable counterattack. The Ninth Rose has been defeated.]
[Futa Rickerburn has died.]
[Titana Akurava has run out of MP. All active skills have been deactivated.]
[Manua Repeles has cast Iron Fist.]
[Amelia Rainwales has been pushed back significantly.]
[The Executioner has cast Great Earthquake.]
Booom!
[You have been damaged by falling rocks.]
While I was thinking long and hard about whatever I had forgotten about, the world around me shook and suddenly I felt suffocated.
[Warning: Your health has reached 0%. The countdown has begun.]
[Consuming 3 Spirit points per second (493/496)]
[Consuming 3 Spirit points per second (490/496)]
[Consuming 3 Spirit points per second (487/496)]
What is this?
[Periton Ariabos has decided to make a sacrifice.]
[Benjamin Orman has decided to make a sacrifice.]
[The Great Observer smiles at their noble will.]
I don't know.
[Destruction.]
But I felt content with whatever happened.
[All characters and monsters within the radius have suffered significant damage.]
[The Executioner has been desummoned.]
[Periton Ariabos has died.]
[Benjamin Orman has died.]
Time passed.
[Riard Ashed fires spells wildly.]
[The Eighth Rose has been defeated.]
[The Thirteenth Rose has been defeated.]
My consciousness dulled.
[Riard Ashed has exhausted all of his mana. Riard Ashed smiles, asking you all to take care of the rest.]
In the silence that came over me, the faces of people I missed flashed behind my eyes like afterimages.
[Riard Ashed has died.]
[Guold Aldidi has moved toward Sven Parav. Sven Parav shakes his head, refusing treatment.]
I squeezed my eyes shut.
[Guold Aldidi has started running.]
[Manua Repeles has cast Wind Pressure.]
[Guold Aldidi has been seriously injured.]
[Amelia Rainwales has inflicted significant damage on Manua Repeles.]
I knew I had to open my eyes, but I grumbled at the thought like a child throwing a tantrum.
[Guold Aldidi has moved.]
I've done enough.
[Guold Aldidi has moved.]
I've done my best.
[Guold Aldidi has moved.]
[Guold Aldidi has stopped.]
Why?
[Guold Aldidi has cast Blood Transfusion.]
Thump!
[You have recovered.]
A warm energy embraced my cooling body.
[Your HP is now above 1%. The countdown has ended.]
That warmth made me instinctively realize.
Thump!
Yeah, it's already much too late to quit midway through.
[You have awoken from your state of Unconsciousness.]
My eyes opened. The first thing I saw was Old Didi.
"Y-You're awake... I'm gl... glad..." The old man was looking down at me, wheezing. There was a thick scent of blood in the air.
Slide.
My eyes slid down.
"Old man..."
"Ah, this... I got a little injured on the way here." Old Didi covered his abdomen with his palm as if to hide it. It was a pointless attempt. This wasn't a wound that could be hidden by a single hand.
"You need treatment quickly—"
Old Didi cut off my rambling. "That's impossible. I used the last one to save you after you got hit with that boulder. There are no more potions."
I just couldn't understand. "Why... why would you...?"
"Sir Parav... told me that he could bear his own injuries, so I should save you first." Old Didi laughed. "Everyone knows it. If you die, it's over. Look, Yandel..." He coughed up blood and keeled over. But it seemed he still had something left to say. "Only you... can make our deaths mean something. Only you. I cannot do it. So..."
I couldn't accept that. There was no such thing as a meaningless death. No matter the suffering you face, the struggle to survive always had meaning.
And yet... "You must survive," Old Didi said to me. "You... are the Giant, after all."
[Riard Ashed fires spells wildly.]
[The Eighth Rose has been defeated.]
[The Thirteenth Rose has been defeated.]
My consciousness dulled.
[Riard Ashed has exhausted all of his mana. Riard Ashed smiles, asking you all to take care of the rest.]
In the silence that came over me, the faces of people I missed flashed behind my eyes like afterimages.
[Riard Ashed has died.]
[Guold Aldidi has moved toward Sven Parav. Sven Parav shakes his head, refusing treatment.]
I squeezed my eyes shut.
[Guold Aldidi has started running.]
[Manua Repeles has cast Wind Pressure.]
[Guold Aldidi has been seriously injured.]
[Amelia Rainwales has inflicted significant damage on Manua Repeles.]
I knew I had to open my eyes, but I grumbled at the thought like a child throwing a tantrum.
[Guold Aldidi has moved.]
I've done enough.
[Guold Aldidi has moved.]
I've done my best.
[Guold Aldidi has moved.]
[Guold Aldidi has stopped.]
Why?
[Guold Aldidi has cast Blood Transfusion.]
Thump!
[You have recovered.]
A warm energy embraced my cooling body.
[Your HP is now above 1%. The countdown has ended.]
That warmth made me instinctively realize.
Thump!
Yeah, it's already much too late to quit midway through.
[You have awoken from your state of Unconsciousness.]
My eyes opened. The first thing I saw was Old Didi.
"Y-You're awake... I'm gl... glad..." The old man was looking down at me, wheezing. There was a thick scent of blood in the air.
Slide.
My eyes slid down.
"Old man..."
"Ah, this... I got a little injured on the way here." Old Didi covered his abdomen with his palm as if to hide it. It was a pointless attempt. This wasn't a wound that could be hidden by a single hand.
"You need treatment quickly—"
Old Didi cut off my rambling. "That's impossible. I used the last one to save you after you got hit with that boulder. There are no more potions."
I just couldn't understand. "Why... why would you...?"
"Sir Parav... told me that he could bear his own injuries, so I should save you first." Old Didi laughed. "Everyone knows it. If you die, it's over. Look, Yandel..." He coughed up blood and keeled over. But it seemed he still had something left to say. "Only you... can make our deaths mean something. Only you. I cannot do it. So..."
I couldn't accept that. There was no such thing as a meaningless death. No matter the suffering you face, the struggle to survive always had meaning.
And yet... "You must survive," Old Didi said to me. "You... are the Giant, after all."
Giant. That was the nickname I'd earned from that bloody battle in the Crystal Cave.
"You're the only one who can shoulder the burden of those who died here today and still move forward..."
"Old man, I'm no giant—"
"Don't say that. I know you can do it. I... couldn't bring myself to die because I wanted to live... to avenge my granddaughter! But I am standing here now to save you... because I believe you can do it for me..."
I was rendered completely speechless.
"So..." His faith in me became a boulder bearing down on my shoulders. "No matter what anyone says... you are the Giant." Old Didi's flame dimmed.
Squeeze.
I clenched my fists and forced myself to swallow down the weakness threatening to crawl up my throat. I wasn't the Giant or anything like that. I was just an ordinary person who wanted to live. I wanted to fire back and ask why he was asking this of me, but I instead weathered the blow.
"...Don't worry." After all, this wasn't the time to start an argument. Without averting my gaze, I said, "I will achieve everything you—no, all of you wanted on your behalf. You can trust me. I... swear it on the heart of a warrior."
Although my voice was firm, I wasn't confident. Would I be able to keep that promise? Even as I said it, inside I was filled with doubt.
But whether he was aware of that or not, Old Didi closed his eyes like that was enough for him. "Yes... that's very... reassuring... You... will definitely... become a... Giant..."
"What are you saying? You told me a second ago that I'm already the Giant..."
There was no answer. And I knew that no matter how long I waited, the answer would never come.
Slide.
I peeled myself off the ground, wondering what had happened while I was unconscious. Many people were dead, both friend and foe. There were bodies crushed by ice fragments and boulders and a huge monster corpse in the center. The stench of death filled the area. The only ones still standing on their own two feet were six people, including me.
Khak!
Amelia was fighting the bald boxer named Repeles.
"Vagos! The barbarian is awake!" said a special ability user on Noark's rear line.
"Don't look over there! Kill this bitch first...!" The Dragon Slayer was swinging his sword.
An injured Erwen was fighting him off with only a dagger in hand. "M-Mister...!" Alerted to my consciousness by the special ability user's shout, Erwen's head turned.
That wasn't a good move. Getting distracted during battle was tantamount to suicide.
[Kayle Elbad Zenegger has cast Land End Thorn.]
A black, thorny spear shot out from the special ability user's hand, the same rank-two skill that killed Might Million in the Deadwood while we were in the process of casting Multi Teleportation. Belatedly sensing the surprise attack, Erwen's eyes widened. At the same time, the mind of a warrior who had experienced numerous battles immediately recognized that Erwen wouldn't be able to avoid it. This was nothing as grand as predicting the future—it was simply the kind of thing that you intrinsically understood, like how you knew a person would go flying if they were hit by a truck.
Whooom!
Time slowed down.
Slide.
My ankles bent and I prepared to dash toward her. But suddenly, my body froze. How come? I was ready to run forward immediately.
Thump.
It felt like something invisible was clinging to my ankles and shackling me to the ground. My heart went cold. I knew I shouldn't be thinking this, but the thought still popped into my head anyway.
If I stop that... Will I survive?
There would definitely be consequences. In my current state, I might not be able to withstand a single thorn and could die instantly. Perhaps it was because I was under extreme stress, but I kept hearing a voice playing through my head.
"If the person you have to kill to survive is someone who has done nothing wrong..."
It was Hans A, with whom I was reunited recently.
"No, if it's a comrade you want to protect more than anyone else..."
Maybe Hans A was right. I was already looking for reasons to save myself.
"How would you feel then?"
If I die, what will become of Old Didi? Jun? The other members of the squadron? I was able to come this far because they all sacrificed themselves. So... I can't make a selfish call. I have to judge the situation rationally and lead us down a path that serves the collective rather than a single person. But...
Zippp.
So, what, I have to just watch Erwen die? Then what about Daria? The woman who asked me to be Erwen's guardian on her deathbed?
Grit.
My thoughts were all jumbled up. How did I end up in this situation? The line between right and wrong was tangled, like a skein of thread that had gotten all twisted up. It felt impossible to make a good decision.
Squeeze.
My throat tightened.
So what? Fuck, I don't know anymore. I'm just going to do what I want.
"You... will definitely... become a... Giant..."
I felt sorry for Old Didi, who had believed in me until the end. But right now, I was a barbarian. The Giant the old man spoke of wouldn't sit back to ensure his own safety. I braced my frozen feet. Then I sprung forward like that momentary hesitation never happened at all.
Shaaaaaa.
A gust of wind blew and Erwen's eyes met mine as I pulled her behind me. To the left, I could see the Dragon Slayer, looking surprised. Nearby, I could see Amelia fighting.
Khak!
And in the middle of it all, a sharp black thorn flew toward me.
Whooom!
My mind as I watched it approach was surprisingly calm. It wasn't because I had given up. If I stayed alert and avoided getting hit in the vitals, there was a chance I could take one thorn.
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has cast Elementalization.]
...Huh?
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has proposed a contract with you.]
A familiar sensation spread through the spot where Erwen's skin touched mine.
Giant. That was the nickname I'd earned from that bloody battle in the Crystal Cave.
"You're the only one who can shoulder the burden of those who died here today and still move forward..."
"Old man, I'm no giant—"
"Don't say that. I know you can do it. I... couldn't bring myself to die because I wanted to live... to avenge my granddaughter! But I am standing here now to save you... because I believe you can do it for me..."
I was rendered completely speechless.
"So..." His faith in me became a boulder bearing down on my shoulders. "No matter what anyone says... you are the Giant." Old Didi's flame dimmed.
Squeeze.
I clenched my fists and forced myself to swallow down the weakness threatening to crawl up my throat. I wasn't the Giant or anything like that. I was just an ordinary person who wanted to live. I wanted to fire back and ask why he was asking this of me, but I instead weathered the blow.
"...Don't worry." After all, this wasn't the time to start an argument. Without averting my gaze, I said, "I will achieve everything you—no, all of you wanted on your behalf. You can trust me. I... swear it on the heart of a warrior."
Although my voice was firm, I wasn't confident. Would I be able to keep that promise? Even as I said it, inside I was filled with doubt.
But whether he was aware of that or not, Old Didi closed his eyes like that was enough for him. "Yes... that's very... reassuring... You... will definitely... become a... Giant..."
"What are you saying? You told me a second ago that I'm already the Giant..."
There was no answer. And I knew that no matter how long I waited, the answer would never come.
Slide.
I peeled myself off the ground, wondering what had happened while I was unconscious. Many people were dead, both friend and foe. There were bodies crushed by ice fragments and boulders and a huge monster corpse in the center. The stench of death filled the area. The only ones still standing on their own two feet were six people, including me.
Khak!
Amelia was fighting the bald boxer named Repeles.
"Vagos! The barbarian is awake!" said a special ability user on Noark's rear line.
"Don't look over there! Kill this bitch first...!" The Dragon Slayer was swinging his sword.
An injured Erwen was fighting him off with only a dagger in hand. "M-Mister...!" Alerted to my consciousness by the special ability user's shout, Erwen's head turned.
That wasn't a good move. Getting distracted during battle was tantamount to suicide.
[Kayle Elbad Zenegger has cast Land End Thorn.]
A black, thorny spear shot out from the special ability user's hand, the same rank-two skill that killed Might Million in the Deadwood while we were in the process of casting Multi Teleportation. Belatedly sensing the surprise attack, Erwen's eyes widened. At the same time, the mind of a warrior who had experienced numerous battles immediately recognized that Erwen wouldn't be able to avoid it. This was nothing as grand as predicting the future—it was simply the kind of thing that you intrinsically understood, like how you knew a person would go flying if they were hit by a truck.
Whooom!
Time slowed down.
Slide.
My ankles bent and I prepared to dash toward her. But suddenly, my body froze. How come? I was ready to run forward immediately.
Thump.
It felt like something invisible was clinging to my ankles and shackling me to the ground. My heart went cold. I knew I shouldn't be thinking this, but the thought still popped into my head anyway.
If I stop that... Will I survive?
There would definitely be consequences. In my current state, I might not be able to withstand a single thorn and could die instantly. Perhaps it was because I was under extreme stress, but I kept hearing a voice playing through my head.
"If the person you have to kill to survive is someone who has done nothing wrong..."
It was Hans A, with whom I was reunited recently.
"No, if it's a comrade you want to protect more than anyone else..."
Maybe Hans A was right. I was already looking for reasons to save myself.
"How would you feel then?"
If I die, what will become of Old Didi? Jun? The other members of the squadron? I was able to come this far because they all sacrificed themselves. So... I can't make a selfish call. I have to judge the situation rationally and lead us down a path that serves the collective rather than a single person. But...
Zippp.
So, what, I have to just watch Erwen die? Then what about Daria? The woman who asked me to be Erwen's guardian on her deathbed?
Grit.
My thoughts were all jumbled up. How did I end up in this situation? The line between right and wrong was tangled, like a skein of thread that had gotten all twisted up. It felt impossible to make a good decision.
Squeeze.
My throat tightened.
So what? Fuck, I don't know anymore. I'm just going to do what I want.
"You... will definitely... become a... Giant..."
I felt sorry for Old Didi, who had believed in me until the end. But right now, I was a barbarian. The Giant the old man spoke of wouldn't sit back to ensure his own safety. I braced my frozen feet. Then I sprung forward like that momentary hesitation never happened at all.
Shaaaaaa.
A gust of wind blew and Erwen's eyes met mine as I pulled her behind me. To the left, I could see the Dragon Slayer, looking surprised. Nearby, I could see Amelia fighting.
Khak!
And in the middle of it all, a sharp black thorn flew toward me.
Whooom!
My mind as I watched it approach was surprisingly calm. It wasn't because I had given up. If I stayed alert and avoided getting hit in the vitals, there was a chance I could take one thorn.
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has cast Elementalization.]
...Huh?
[Erwen Fornacci di Tersia has proposed a contract with you.]
A familiar sensation spread through the spot where Erwen's skin touched mine.