Elfaria Chapter 56

056. Raid

　It was the fifth day of the mission to defeat the demonic beasts.

　Unfortunately, the death toll was seven. When the number of seriously injured people who could not be cured rose to five, Luia changed the original plan.

　He publicly announced that he would consider an early withdrawal if necessary, and some of the participants began to express confusion and anxiety about the rewards.

　In a sense, it was inevitable.

　Even though the original number was small, one-third of the participants had dropped out, and when the non-combatant healers were added, it meant that the number of participants who could fight was reduced to about half of the original number.

(Well, I suppose it could be that "the demonic beast was stronger" than expected.)

「「「「「「............」」」」」

　Is it just my imagination that I feel a strange touch added to the gazes directed at the five of us? But...

「While many of us are struggling and not getting the results we want, they are, but as the saying goes, achieving "extraordinary results". All you have to do is be proud of it.」

　Although Luia says this in a light tone, I can't say anything because we have actually killed more than three times as many demonic beasts as the other party.

　If you're too modest, it's obvious that people will say, "Are you being sarcastic!?" On the other hand, if you say, "Aren't I too amazing?" and you will be envied and resented. In fact

「No matter how much you see it, aren't they too strong?」

「Even with Barbara-chan accompanying them, I can't believe that they are almost unscathed. ......」

「I'm told that those two women are also civilians ― collaborators, you know?」

　It was very difficult to stay in the camp because I could hear such whispering voices.

(If it was going to be like this, wouldn't it have been better if we had come alone?)

　Osada-kun said something like that, and I totally agreed with him.

「Still―even if I didn't have my power, I think everyone is very strong, you know? Above all, Lilyza and Nora, you see, they've each gained two levels in the past few days, right? That's not normal, no matter how you think about it, don't you think?」

　Barbara said, but the two who were told this also looked somewhat puzzled.

「Well. It's true that I've been in a "perfect form♪" ever since I got here, though」

「Me too―You know. I'm in great shape, and even before that, I'm aware that I'm growing up quickly, that it's "easier to fight", or something―」

　They seem to be aware that they are experiencing rapid growth.

「......Yuuto, by any chance, did you do something to the two of them?」

　I was told that, but I said, "No. I don't remember". and told a big lie with a serious face.

(Nope. No matter what ― and it's not even listed in [Status]).

　The only thing I remember is that I had sex with two of them beforehand. However.

(...... Could it be that [Force Absorption (Drain)] has a secondary effect?)

　I can't be sure, but I can't think of anything else, and some things come to mind.

　For example, after having sex outdoors with Leia-san, she seemed to be in good shape.

　Some of the other girls said that they felt better or that they became more aggressive than before.

　That said, there is no definite proof.

　It's a situation that would still make more sense if it were called a "fluke" or "coincidence". Besides.

「How about you, Yuuto? Did your level go up?」

「――Sort of」

「So that means you're level 18 now! That's still amazing ♪」

　Lilyza praised me, so I said "thank you" with a smile――She's wrong, though.

(Actually, I've gone up two levels―And I'm now level 19.)

　If anyone around Luia heard about this, they would definitely declare that "Impossible".

　I have heard that as one's level rises, it becomes harder to increase one's level.

　The same can be said of the game.

　You have to acquire more power and experience than ever before to advance to the next level ― this is already "common knowledge that needs no explanation".

　But for me, this is not the case at the moment.

　I am growing at a pace so fast that even I am baffled.

(What else ― did Osada-kun do something? Or ......)

　As expected, I began to get concerned.

　――It was then.

(If that's the case――it would be quicker to try it)

　Suddenly, the moment I thought I heard an unfamiliar female voice, I felt a chill—and my spine froze.

　The next moment,

「Everyone! Spread ouuuuuuuuuttttttt!!」

　I took refuge with Nora and Barbara at my side, holding them by my sides.

　Osada-kun was as quick as he could be. Lilyza reacted more than I did and left the scene―immediately after.

「Whoaaaa! Wh-What the hell is this!!」

「G-golem!?」

「A golem is falling from the sky!?」

　In the middle of the camp, a huge wooden doll fell from the sky.

　A little over three meters long! For better or worse, it gave the impression of being somewhat dumb, due to its rather unique design, but

「Kyaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!」

　With a wave of its arm, several of the fixers involved were sent flying through the air.

「Hey, hey, hey! What the hell is going on!?」

「Like I knooowwww!」

　I'm the one who wanted to ask, and I didn't expect this to happen at all.

「Either way, it must be the enemy! We will fight back!」

　Lilyza barked bravely, and I agreed.

「For now, the basics are the "same as usual", but Osada-kun, Nora, and Barbara, please take a bird's eye view of the whole situation and provide support as needed! We'll take care of our own here!」

　Even though we were ambushed, all of the people present were skilled fixers and military personnel. In addition,

「――Freeze! [Biting]!」

　Luia, who is also the unit leader, blocked the golem's movement with powerful cold air.

「Oi, come on. Seriously?」

　To be able to freeze a golem that boasts a gigantic body that you just look up to so easily―I thought Jean's [Wind Disaster] was amazing, but apparently, he's no slouch either.

(A special move, huh ― Damn! I want it!)

　I thought it was out of place, but I still admire this kind of thing! But...

「Tsk. As I thought, it was impossible for me to freeze it completely by myself.」

　Luia clicked his tongue, and soon after, the golem began to move. Furthermore, 

「Enemy attack!! Blue Goblins are coming in from the forest!」

　When I heard that, I exclaimed, "Are you for real!?"

「No matter how you look at it, it's too contrived! Could it be...」

「Yeah. Without a doubt, there is definitely an "enemy" lurking nearby who's trying to kill us!」

　I agree with Lilyza.

「But how can we――」

「Don't be weak, Nora. We just have to do 'as usual' and 'what we can do' as best we can. That's why...」

　I turn my head toward Luia.

「Leave the golem to us, and Luia, take charge of the others and take down the Blue Goblin!」

　Perhaps that would be most appropriate for this situation.

　Luia said, "You got it!" and started giving instructions here and there, and it seems that the golem has set its sights on us.

「Really. I don't know what's going on, and ...... I never thought we'd have to deal with something like this.」

「You dissatisfied? Lilyza. Despite that, you look quite happy, though?」

「My, you didn't know? I'm you see. The stronger the opponent, the more passionate I am, you know?」

「That's reassuring♪ But―Don't ever overdo it, okay?」

「That's my line」

　After Lilyza and I exchanged a few words with each other, we both rushed toward the golem from both sides at the same time.

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