Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

This is a continuation from hero Hayato's perspective.

It's a bit shorter this time.

Correction made on 2/11.

How many times have I crossed swords with him?

To be able to hold an even match in swordplay against that yellow guy who’s supposed to specialize in magic—it's shaking my confidence. I don’t know exactly what kind of magic he uses, but those magical blades growing from the extensions of his claws are a real nuisance. No matter how many times I shatter them, they just regrow—that’s unfair.

From what I’ve seen through my appraisal skill, there’s barely any level difference between the yellow guy and me.

So why can’t I reach him?

I block his flame attacks with the Invincible Shield and pierce through his defensive barrier with the Holy Sword Arondight, which has been strengthened by the "strongest spear." But the scaly defensive barrier that forms around him saps my attacks’ power as I try to break through it.

Even if I manage to deal a little damage, the three spheres floating around him heal him. If I try to take out the spheres first, he just summons new ones while I’m busy destroying one.

At this rate, it’s a slow bleed.

“Hayato, don’t try to fight alone. We’re a team.”

Damn, I got too fired up.

Merry is right. There’s no way we can beat a tough enemy without cooperating.

Luckily, most of the lesser monsters are on the opposite side of the arena, where the warriors of the Shiga Kingdom are taking care of them. I rarely come here, so I didn’t know this, but the warriors of this country are no joke either. The way they’ve distanced themselves from the yellow guy without getting too close to each other shows some skill.

It’s as if someone is coordinating them.

I can’t help but think that.

How ridiculous. Even though they look like trash mobs, those monsters are in the level 40 range. If there was someone strong enough to coordinate them, I’d want to recruit them to our party.

The two monsters left near us are being held back by our allies.

The centipede-type is under Lusus and Fifi’s watch. They seem to be struggling, but since Lady Ringlande also joined them, they should be able to finish it off soon.

A twin-horned beetle is flying around, but Weiyali is keeping it under control and preventing it from approaching.

“Wee, I’m counting on you for that one. Later, I’ll send Lusus and Fifi to support you, so just buy us some time.”

“Got it, Hayato. Leave this to me.”

No, Weiyali, I wanted you to say it’s fine to defeat it right there. You’re an archer, but you don’t get it.

“Are you done with the tactics meeting?”

Tch, no attack coming… so this is why.

I’ll make you regret that composure.

“Hayato, buy me some time for the chant.”

“Understood!”

Before I could charge forward with Arondight raised, the yellow guy’s flame attack hit us.

I blocked the downpour of white flames with the Holy Shield, strengthened by the Invincible Shield. I couldn’t block everything, but any injuries will be healed by Loleiya without problems.

“Impressive, impressive indeed! To block the White Inferno of the Purgatory… you’ve improved. As expected of the hero, this is entertaining.”

Lusus and Fifi, having finished off the mobs, move to support Weiyali.

“Ringlande, Loleiya, start chanting.”

The three begin chanting a forbidden spell using the Divine Bestowal Talismans.

The talismans have many useful functions, but synchronized chanting greatly increases the power and precision of strategic magic.

Merry intends to take out the healing spheres all at once.

However, if they use a strategic-level forbidden spell here, it will leave an undeniable scar on this city.

“That’s strange. Why aren’t the blue and red ones coming out?”

The yellow guy tilts his head in confusion.

I block his distracted attacks with my shield. It feels like an opportunity, but I can’t afford to stray from the rear lines.

“Well, it’s fine. The heroes’ damage is painfully nice, but it’s about time you tasted real fear and despair.”