Chapter 28

Chapter 28 Forwards!

Erin! Force shouted while running. His voice was strained with rough breathing.

I know!

Erin shouted loudly, as if she was trying to overwhelm his voice with her own. She started to cast magic as she ran. She didnt have the presence of mind to worry about the others. Sweat dropped from her forehead as her mouth distorted in concentration.

Lightning-Bolt!

Erin released a lightning bolt in the direction we just came from. The magic was extremely formidable. All the magic she had accumulated burned through the approaching horse-men in less than a second. The shockwaves even spread to the surrounding buildings, damaging them. This strike proved she was undoubtedly an excellent mage.

The faint silhouette of a person emerged from the collapsed rubble. To be precise, it wasnt a person. It was a horse-man.

In spite of the dozens of defeated enemies, the horse-men approached the party one after another. The sound of the friend-summoning whistle never stopped, no matter how much time passed.

Tired of the same thing happening over and over again, we turned our backs and ran away.

Theres really no end to them, is there!?

Erin asked, biting her lip in irritation. The other members couldnt afford the time to answer her. The only thing I heard were the whistle sounds.

The horse-men chased us for over half a day. Along the way we found a house to hide and rest in. However, we were discovered again when we left the shelter and our six versus hundreds game of tag resumed.

It was mainly because the moment a whistle sounded, all the surrounding horse-men would immediately rush there all at once. Although they werent able to measure up individually to the members of the Arrivers, they had us completely outnumbered.

Honestly, our stamina and mentality had already taken a big hit.

Although weve labeled them all horse-men, they were not all exactly the same. The most common appearance was that of a horse-man holding a spear like the first one we encountered. Neme conveniently christened them horse-soldiers.

The second most common horse-men wore full plate armor, who were appropriately named horse-knights. We considered ourselves relatively lucky when we encountered them. Because of their heavy armor they couldnt move around very well. Therefore, we were able to escape from the closest of horse-knights.

Other types included horse-mages or horse-archers, but they were uncommon. The critical situation made it hard to appreciate the rarity of the few encounters we experienced.

Strangely, not a single horse-man had a distinctive fighting ability. The horse-men consisted of all soldiers; we werent able to find any horse-citizens. This was probably the reason why the town lacked any signs of life.

Rather than being a floor where the horse-men settle, it was more of a city that was created for the horse-men to occupy while they fight. It appeared correct to assume that only horse-soldiers with combat abilities resided in this place.

Although I wasnt sure whether or not my guess was fact, it couldnt have been too off the mark either.

Did you hear Erins dungeon-writing explanation? It seemed this dungeon really was made by God.

After all, God made this floor, a miniature garden, to test us. That was my impression, anyway.

I found something that looks like a gate! Should we head there?

While running away from the horsemen, I concentrated on the Mapping skill updating the map in my head. A large gate appeared on the edge of the map, with walls spreading out on either side of it.

The gate was about one kilometer away, barely within theMappingskills range. It looked

like the gate and walls were used as some kind of partition to divide one part of the city from another.

Because of the densely-packed buildings I wasnt able to see the gate myself and be certain.

We cant stop moving. It might be dangerous, but lets do it! Weve got no other choice!

Jin was obviously worried, but he immediately made a decision. In such a desperate situation, theres no time to think slowly and carefully about your decision; you need to be able to make a quick judgement call.

That was why I thought Jin, who was the best at that kind of stuff, was the most suitable leader for the party.

Jins snappy decisions saved us many times on our way to the gate.

When we finally managed to reached the gate we saw a massive, wooden gate that towered over the big street. There was something written on it. Could it be dungeon-writing?

On each side of the doorway there was a horse-man apparently standing guard. They were horse-soldiers, yet they didnt seem to have been putting much effort in upholding their responsibilities.

It says Beyond this point the mid-boss will make his appearance. What should we do, Jin!?

Erin said, translating the dungeon-writing on the gate. Behind us, the horse-men were slowly closing the gap.

Lets go!

On Jins command Erin fired a magic attack at the gate. The gate was instantly destroyed, taking pieces of the wall along with it.

This magic-meathead Force grumbled.

Fortunately, Erin, who had already started firing off magic attacks, didnt hear it.

Whats a mid-boss? I asked Neme, who I was still carrying under my arm.

It seemed that Neme didnt know either. She tilted her head and shot me a questioning look.

Neme doesnt know either One of Gods new projects maybe?

It seemed possible. This was the sixteenth floor. Since this was a thirty-floor dungeon, the sixteenth floor was the halfway marker. This kind of new gimmick was probably to be expected. It was quite the unwelcome favor.

We crossed over the remains of the gate, though you could no longer call it such. The gate had kept us from seeing what was beyond it, but it turned out to be no different from the rest of city. As usual, there were horsemen here too and as soon as they saw us, they would blow their whistles.

However, something changed right after that.

HIHIIIIN! The sound of a horse neighing resounded from some distance away.

There was something headed straight at us from the main street. I knew this because there was a massive dust cloud heralding its arrival. The dust cloud was approaching at an amazing speed. Whatever was causing the dust cloud was getting closer and closer.

The moment it appeared, I recognized it. It was a horse. Not a horse-man. There were two horses coming. They were pulling something behind them.

They entered the range of myEnemy Search. That was a

Thats! Mid-boss!

Flustered, those were the only words that came out. There were three approaching life presences. Two black horses that breathed fire. And behind them, they pulled a war-chariot. On the chariot was a horse-man.

The horse-general Neme mumbled.

I ignored those words as I moved out of the way. The other members were moving, as well.

The spot we had just vacated was covered in flames when the enemy rushed through a moment later. Both powerful and fast, the assault would had brought about certain death. If I hadnt usedWithdraw, I would probably been dead.

The war-chariot swung around to the right, ramming a building on the way. The chariot head back towards us again without having lost any of its momentum. A blast of flames followed the same trajectory, spewing out in an arc around the chariot.

Note, please put me down.

Umm Right here?

Of course! I have to buff everyone!

I followed Nemes order, putting her down swiftly. Straightening, she bent her back and thumped it, and got her staff ready.

Saints

It happened when Neme opened her mouth to cast the spell. As if it had sensed what she was up to, countless bombs were hurled up into the sky that rode in on a fiery arc.

Big ones. Not good.

The unexpected long-range attacks were headed right for us.

Jin was the first to move. He picked Neme up as soon as she finished her buffing spell.

that was my job.

I noticed my mistake and froze. I needed to relax.

Move. Neme was already safe.

But for me, with this speed and aggressive reach, it was probably already too late. EvenWithdrawwouldnt

Note, over here!

Withdraw

Abandoning my doubt, I jumped towards Rosalia. She hugged me when I reached her and

Safeguard!

Rosalias spell repelled the violent bombing.

Everything around us shook. The thundering shockwaves impaired my ears. Heat wrapped around the spell, burning our surroundings.

I opened my eyes.

I was still alive.

Looking sideways, I saw Rosalia clinging to me. There didnt seem to be any major injuries.

I looked down at myself. I too seem to have gotten away unscathed.

Rosalias spell managed to completely protect us from the horse-generals attack.

Why am I being hugged?

Thats not really nice is it? As gratitude for helping you

I pulled away from Rosalia, who had hugged me while protecting me from the fire-ball.

Anyway, lets not

Meanwhile, the horse-general had set his sights onto us. Round two of the long-distance bombing attacks began. This was probably the extent of the mid-boss fighting strategy. Simple, but tough.

The horse-general probably didnt want to engage in any short-range combat because of the war-chariot he was on. Even while shooting magic from far away, the bombing attacks that reached us were ridiculously powerful. Even if we somehow escaped, we would immediately be found by other horse-men, and their whistles gave away our location.

Over here, Rosalia!

Pulling Rosalias hand, I dragged her into an alley. To an alley with as few horsemen as possible.

We were separated from Jin and the other members during the last attack. Flames were starting up everywhere and the war-chariot was preventing us from progressing forward. It was going to be hard to rejoin the others.

In order to avoid the horse-generals second attack, Rosalia and I hid inside one of the houses. Because of Stealththe horse-men werent able to detect our presence.

I heard the war-chariots sound grow more distant. There was no way the horse-general was running away. It was definitely going around to prepare another attack.

Should we meet up with the others first? Rosalia mumbled.

Certainly, nothing was moving anymore and we wouldnt be able to stay hidden forever. The fire was still ablaze all around us. In this kind of situation, we would be baked alive.

However

I shook my head.

No, lets lure the horse-general out!

What the hell are you talking about?

Right now were all scattered in pairs. Rosalia and I, Jin and Neme, and Force and Erin. The main street is separating us from the rest of them.

We got separated after running from the war-chariots fire attack. I used Enemy Searchto keep track of everybodys location while continuing the conversation.

With Stealth, Jin and I can get our groups out of the way. However, Forces group cant. Its only a matter of time before the horse-men find them. Maybe Force can get away alone, but having to protect Erin puts him at a huge disadvantage.

After having watched the Arrivers fight from behind this whole time, Id gained a good grasp on everyones strong points and the extent of their combat skills.

I was totally useless in combat, but that was why I was calm now, giving Rosalia my analysis of the situation.

The worst possible situation would be if the horse-general targeted Forces group.

Then its probably best for us to join with Forces group before luring the general, right?

Going by the number of horse-men around, its going to be hard for us to join with Forces group anytime soon. Thats why we should hand that task over to Jin. He can use Enemy Searchto find Force

Thats true I guess but taking the horse-general on by myself might be a bit much

Its definitely a heavy burden But its not impossible, right? The Arrivers Paladin-Tank isnt going to lose out to that kind of attack.

I smiled and Rosalia sighed in resignation.

Note, I really cant play hooky in front of you can I Well, whatever Ill do it! Ill stop him! But itll cost you. The price for exploiting an innocent maiden like me is high! (T/N: btw. All she said here has double meaning in Japanese like super suggestive. Sorta like: lets have sex, ravaging a young maiden etc.) (E/N: O-O Riajuu go explode)

I dont really have much money, so lets overlook it this one time

In that case, please continue the hug from before!

Whaaaa

Look! Hes coming! Quick!

Rosalia jumped out immediately. It was inevitable, we would have to continue this later. We quickly left the house we were hiding in.

Wait a minute Rosalia, dont go out without my say-so

She glanced at my complaining expression and flashed me an evil smile.

Isnt it better for us to move fast? Erin, our important friend, is in a pinch Light Up!

Rosalia was enveloped by an overpowering light, strong enough to pierce the heavens.

This chick casting a self-targeting art without any hesitation

I had definitely needed to finish everything before turning down the hug. Anyway, Rosalia having called Erin an important friend was kind of

I was amazed at how Rosalia was firing off one buffing-spell after another. Though the spells were inferior to a priests, a paladin had a myriad of buffing-spells. And when it came to self-buffing-spells, a paladin would never lose to a priest.

The fact that she had been abusing this trait meant she was taking this fight seriously. Already, she had casted the provoking spell. The horse-general noticed Rosalias appearance and was heading our way.

The sound of the war-chariot crashing through buildings approached us. Along with the horse-general was a speeding column of fire.

Come here! Safeguard!

She activated her best defensive buffing-spe, wrapping herself in a multitude of colors. Her left hand projected a wall of light in front of her.

there was five seconds to impact.

The war-chariot was still accelerating. It blew away every house in its way, flinging rubble and debris everywhere.

it had arrived.

The war-chariot appeared, crashing through the house in front of Rosalia and right into her defensive barrier.

I could feel the impact through my bones. Hot wind crashed against my skin. I opened my eyes.

I wont lose Bash!

Using the spells wall of light, Rosalia pushed back with all her strength.

The colliding energies could not withstand each other. The wall of light broke and the horse pulling the carriage had its head crushed. Rosalia was blown away while the war-chariot was forced back a couple steps.

Finally got you to stop, huh

Rosalia got back on her feet. Her left arm was bent in a weird direction, probably a result from the crash. Her head was bumped in the crash and was now bleeding.

A stopped war-chariot isnt scary at all! Come! Holy Sword Fractus!

A brilliant sword was summoned to Rosalias right hand. Her eyes were clear, no longer cloudy from the damage. The horse-general appeared to had been on the losing side of the collision.

It was because of the buffing-spell RegenerateRosalia has casted. The bent left arm gradually returned to its original shape. The bleeding on her head had also stopped.

Seeming to have come to a conclusion, the horse-general cracked his whip and advanced. It struck the ground with a whip covered in flames.

Rosalia stepped forward, as well, and the two of them started to duel. The holy sword cut through the generals armor, the whips impact could be felt through Rosalias armor.

Rosalia was receiving less damage. With just a little trouble, she managed to advance.

Still, the attacks never stopped. The further she moved forward, the more I clenched my teeth.

Rosalia! Horse!

In that instant one of the horses breathed a fireball. I didnt think they had any fight left in them, but when it saw its master being cornered, the horse forced out a final attack. Even though the fireball didnt have much force behind it, it was enough to relieve the general.

Rosalia managed to avoid the fireball, but the horse-General didnt miss the opportunity and immediately struck out with his whip. A direct hit.

tsu.

Her face distorted with pain. Still, Rosalia didnt falter. The only way to survive was to keep up the onslaught. Therefore, her sword kept slashing.

The amount of damage she received kept rising. It had already exceeded whatRegeneratecan handle.

Theres no more time. Rosalia, move out! I shouted.

The corners of Rosalias lips rose when she heard my voice

Suddenly, large spears of ice flew overhead, piercing the general.

I raised my head and looked at the roof of a building nearby. Erin, who had casted the spell, was there. Jin was standing next to her.

Are you alright.? Rosalia

Neme rushed over and used a recovery spell.

Yes, time had ran out. For the horse-general, that is.

Through Enemy SearchI knew that Jins group had met Erins group.

After that, they had headed our way. With four people, the horse-men they encountered on the way also werent a problem. While Rosalia was buying them time, the arriving members launched a surprise attack. Hidden by Jins Stealth, Erin was able to cast a powerful spell that brought the general down in one go.

You guys were late I thought I was going to die Rosalia complained to Erin, who was descending from the roof.

Meanwhile, the opponent

Well, you did well, didnt you?

Unexpected words of praise left Erins mouth. Yet, somehow, it still came out sounding totally condescending.

The girls high-fived as they passed each other.

While I was watching this scene, Erin suddenly glared at me.

What are you staring at.

Somehow, Erin really isnt honest, is she