Published: July 3, 2025
Today marks the second post of the day.
Before entering the battle with the skeletons, the four members of Room 10 were having a detailed discussion.
"The 'big and strong one' seems to be the issue. If we're talking about skeleton-type enemies, it could be the Skeleton General, Skeleton King, or Skeleton Arch. The others, like a bear’s corpse turned into a skeleton, would be large, but... we can handle those like regular skeletons, so we don't need to worry about them."
"Eto, which one of those is the most troublesome?"
"The Arch. Magic doesn't affect the Arch at all."
(No magic works on it... I feel like I've heard that phrase somewhere recently...)
Listening to the exchange between Nils and Eto, Ryo traced his memories.
However, he couldn't recall anything about the devil.
(Well, whatever.)
"To begin with, attacks with blades are not very effective against skeleton-type enemies, so using swords is..."
"Yeah. Both Amon and I only have swords, though..."
Amon pondered over Eto's explanation.
"Eto, how about using a hammer to smash it?"
"Yes, that would be the most effective method."
When Ryo suggested this based on his light novel knowledge, it seemed to be the correct answer, as Eto nodded vigorously.
"Then it's settled. I'll hold it down, so Nils and Amon will hit it hard with a big hammer from the outside."
"From the outside?"
"A big hammer?"
When Ryo confidently stated this, Nils and Amon tilted their heads in confusion.
"First, let's clear the skeletons in front of the shrine."
With that said, Eto began chanting in a low voice.
"I wish for the unclean soul to return to your heart, may this sin be forgiven. [Turn Undead]"
As he uttered the final trigger word, the thirty skeletons that Eto had sighted began to evaporate one after another.
(What a cool incantation! The creator must definitely have been a bit of a chuuni!)
While Ryo was thinking this rather rude thing in his mind, the last of the skeletons disappeared into the air.
For an e-rank adventurer like Eto, casting Turn Undead seemed to consume quite a bit of magical power.
Or could it be because he sent away thirty at once? He knelt down to catch his breath.
"Are you okay, Eto?"
With that, Ryo handed a cup of delicious water filled with ice to Eto.
At times like these, a cup of water is invaluable.
The human body is a strange thing.
"Thank you, I'm fine."
Eto replied, drinking the water in one gulp.
In the meantime, Nils and Amon approached the shrine's door, preparing themselves.
It was finally time to open the door.
Since the guardian beast is capturing it, a 'large and strong skeleton' shouldn't suddenly jump out, but still, the two cautiously opened the door.
As the door swung open and settled the swirling dust, they could see inside.
Standing there was a skeleton over two meters tall.
"The Skeleton Arch..."
"A troublesome one that magic doesn't affect!"
Eto said, confirming with Nils.
Nils and Amon distanced themselves from the door and readied their swords.
"[Ice Create Hammer]"
As Ryo chanted, an ice hammer was generated to cover the swords that Nils and Amon had readied.
"Whoa. That's pretty big. Ryo, this means we hit it with this, right?"
"Each strike looks heavy."
Nils and Amon were examining the usability, swinging and lifting the hammer.
"Yes, once we reach the square, I'll hold my ground, so keep smashing with that to wear it down."
"Got it."
"Okay."
Nils and Amon positioned themselves to surround the square that Ryo had designated.
"[Ice Wall 3]"
Creating a path with an ice wall from the door to the square. This way, they would be safe even if something tried to ambush them unexpectedly.
"Now, I’ll release the guardian beast. [Ice Flower]"
This was named in opposition to the firework called 'Fire Flower.'
From Ryo's outstretched right palm, a sparkling mass of snow shot up into the air.
After rising to a considerable height, the snow mass burst open.
The diamond dust spreading from the center caught the evening sun and shone brilliantly. Furthermore, it burst into two, three layers, showering down while still catching the sunlight.