While keeping an eye on a black object falling from a crack in the ceiling, I forced myself to activate the Challenger Flux out of rivalry with Asfi-san. Honestly, it's more like self-suggestion, but even so, my Status responded properly.
As for Asfi-san herself, she's currently flying in the sky. I don't mean metaphorically, she's actually flying.
Her epithet is The All-Rounder Perseus, one of the few in Orario who possess the mysterious Divine ability.
One of her finest creations is the Talaria flying boots. From her shoes sprout seven-colored wings that flap as she soars through the air.
She always looks beautiful while doing it, but this isn't the time to be admiring her. She moves overwhelmingly faster than anyone running on the ground, and I'm about to be left behind.
Still, I keep my legs relaxed and crawl forward like I'm dragging myself. When I finally reached the town of Riveria, I was gasping for breath, but somehow I managed not to lose her.
"Bors! Bors, are you there!?"
"A-Andromeda!? Where the hell did you come from!? And you're... in the sky right now...?"
"That's not important!"
Normally, that would be what I think about first.
"Bors, gather every adventurer and weapon in the town. We're going to take down that floor boss!"
Yes, the floor boss Goliath appeared. But this one is different, its color is black. And from my experience hunting countless monsters, I can tell that this Goliath is far stronger than the one I defeated before.
"T-Take down!? Don't be stupid, Andromeda! Why would we risk everything we have to fight that giant!? It's better to run!"
"The southern cave collapsed and is impassable. From the scale of the collapse, it'll take at least two days to clear the rubble. And if a secondary collapse happens while we're digging, it'd be a disaster."
I counter Bors' objections with a prepared argument. Looking towards the southern cave, he realizes I'm right.
"...W-We don't all have to go, right? If we just bring an elite squad, we can handle one Goliath..."
"That Goliath is clearly a 'mutant.' Evidence: it's using a 'Dark Roar' ability that normal types don't have."
The Dark Roar isn't a typical monster intimidation, it's a shockwave unleashed using magical power. Its force and range make a Hellhound's flamethrower look cute.
"...Damn it. Hey, Andromeda."
"Yes?"
"Teach your juniors to watch their tone."
"That's none of your business!"
"You've been listening, right, you guys!? We're taking that monster down! Anyone who runs now will never be allowed back in this town!"
With Bors' rallying cry, the adventurers scattered.
"Toki, gather weapons!"
"Understood!"
Inside the town, I discreetly carry weapons taken from various adventurers. This way, more fighters can join the reinforcements.
Asfi-san already left. I have to catch up quickly.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
While gathering weapons in town and heading toward Goliath, I ran into Hestia-sama and Chigusa-san. Then, moving further, I dropped off the weapons on a small hill a safe distance from Goliath.
"All right, you guys! Andromeda will be the decoy, so cast your spells without holding back!"
I hear Bors' shout from afar... Asfi-san, my condolences.
"Toki! What are you dawdling for? Get over here right now!"
I hear Asfi-san's scream-like shout, probably amplified by some magic device. I can hear her clearly.
I sigh and call out to Hestia.
"Hestia-sama, I've been summoned, so I'll be going."
"Be careful!"
I start running immediately while simultaneously chanting Infinite Abyss. As soon as the chant finishes, two massive arms appear.
This Goliath is stronger than the one I defeated before. Thanks to facing it, my Challenger Flux activated, but neither magic nor physical attacks seem effective.
So instead of tying it up with my usual giant snake, I came up with a new plan: hit it hard with these massive arms and block its attacks.
Goliath opens its mouth, concentrating magical power. I maneuver my arms to deliver an uppercut to its jaw. The force makes it tilt its head back, and the Dark Roar shatters only the crystal on the ceiling.
Voices of surprise ring out around us.
"That's enough of diverting it! Don't get your hopes up too high!"
"That's enough! Guys, don't worry about the Dark Roar and keep attacking!"
Looks like handling Dark Roar falls entirely to me.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
The adventurers originally in Riveria aren't from the same Familia or party, just a mixed bunch with no coordination. So they try not to get in each other's way.
A variety of mage songs echo as the fearless front-line attackers charge at Goliath.
Goliath swings its massive arms trying to knock them down, but every move is interrupted by my shadowy arms. Whenever it tries to unleash Dark Roar, I punch it and throw off its aim.
I'm operating these black arms while sticking close behind Asfi.
"Left arm, strike now!"
I control the shadow arm to hit Goliath's left arm. The adventurers seize the opening to strike with their weapons.
"Toki, Dark Roar!"
"Ugh!"
I punch Goliath's cheek with the other arm, causing the Dark Roar to veer 90 degrees to the right.
"This is tough!"
Asfi's dagger attacks precisely, but I counter with a short blade. In this battle, I'm simultaneously controlling two arms and attacking myself.
"If it comes to this, no holding back! Give it everything you've got!"
"Got it!"
In my field of vision controlling the arms, I spot White Rabbit Bell. She notices me and glances over.
I won't lose.
That's my line.
That brief exchange fires up both our fighting spirits.
The two boys clutch their weapons tighter, following their seniors.
𓂀═════════════𓂀
"Frontliners, fall back! Time to hit it with everything we've got!"
Bors commands, and the front-line attackers, including Ryuu, Bell, Asfi, and me, retreat immediately.
Then a thunderous roar erupts as magic is unleashed.
Flames, lightning, wind, and ice barrage simultaneously, and the black giant kneels.
"Finish it! Press the attack!"
The front-line rushed the giant all at once.
But suddenly, I get a terrible feeling.
"No good."
"What?"
Right after I whisper, Goliath's magic power swells. Red light glows over its damaged spots, and wounds heal rapidly. In moments, all its injuries vanish.
"Self-regeneration!?"
"And way too fast!!"
Goliath rises, raising its massive arm high and smashing it down. I scramble to block, but it's too late.
The ground cracks and a shockwave spreads, breaking the encirclement around Goliath, reaching even the rear mages.
Goliath then prepares Dark Roar again.
"Not on my watch!"
Just in time, Asfi and I dodged the shockwave. I swing my black arms to block the attack.
But Goliath catches my arm with its giant one, as if expecting it.
"What!?"
Goliath relentlessly targets me with continuous Dark Roar attacks. Asfi and I split up, but it keeps aiming at me.
I run full speed, desperately defending with my shadow arms.
The adventurers watch in stunned silence.
"Anyone retreating, carry at least one fallen person!"
Despite being targeted by Dark Roar and two massive arms, I issue orders, checking the situation.
The stunned adventurers obediently follow.
"Toki! Hold out for three minutes!"
Bell, inspired, gathers particles of light in her hand, glaring at Goliath.
"Asfi, Ryuu, please be the decoys again!"
"Understood!"
Seeing this, I immediately give orders to the two senior adventurers.
The adventurers still haven't given up.
==========
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