539 The Subjugation of Pride Gem
After accepting the emergency quest, [The Subjugation of Pride Gem], we immediately took action. In just three days, the Sparda army would launch an all-out attack. Meanwhile, we needed a day to make preparations and reach the destination.
Sariel returned just in time. At noon of the 13th, she was promoted to Rank 3. Again, how fast. At this rate, the [Element Master] would set a record for reaching Rank 5 in such a short period of time. Not to mention, solo.
Well, considering Sariel’s ability, it should be child’s play, or a new game plus, if you would. Anyway, I knew best that the adventurer’s rank didn’t make much sense.
In any case, after completing the official Rank 3 promotion procedures, Sariel—a new addition to [Element Master]—joined us as we departed from Sparda.
I was fully armed. [Maximilian], the tyrant’s armor, was polished, and its magnificent black finish blinded me. Fiona wore her usual witchy garb, while Sariel her ascetic robe. Even after being promoted to Rank 3, she still wouldn’t buy armor.
Maybe she wants more challenges.
Everyone was ready. Eager to outpace the other adventurers, I was determined to set out as quickly as possible. However, before we could even reach the main gate, a problem arose.
“Sariel should just chase after us.”
“It isn’t like I have to ride on Marie, either…”
“I refuse to ride with Sariel. Are you going to ditch your lover in favor of your maid like some kind of romance with status difference? Not happening.”
“Don’t speak lightly of the maid! The role of a maid is as significant as the master itself!”
“It can’t be helped, there’s no other horse…”
We were arguing in front of the main gate of Sparda. I felt like I was saying something unnecessary. Either way, we were facing a roadblock.
“Like I said, let her run by herself.”
“Well, it might not be impossible with her legs…”
I couldn’t bear to make her do that. Secondly, it’d be a problem if she ran out of stamina at the last minute.
We’d be facing a trial monster. Therefore, we had to be fully prepared to face it.
“—Then, I’ll ride with Kurono.”
“No, Marie absolutely despises Sariel’s guts.”
Fiona’s beloved horse, Marie, would neigh violently at the sight of Sariel. The horse resembled her master in that regard. Although Sariel could forcibly ride it, we didn’t want to risk the horse rampaging.
Unfortunately, because of that, letting the two rode together wasn’t an option.
“Fiona, is there any other way?”
“Sariel is the one person I absolutely won’t allow to ride my horse.”
Despite that, I didn’t think Fiona was being annoying. After all, I was forcing her to put up with everything.
Therefore, at the very least, I should let her keep her pride. Even as I was, I was still her man.
“It can’t be helped. It might take some time, but I’ll buy Sariel a horse.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m sorry for being selfish. I’ll pay for it.”
“No, don’t worry about it. I should’ve been more considerate. Sorry, Fiona.”
“Master, if I may?”
With the successful reconciliation, the atmosphere settled down, and the person in question asked.
“What’s the matter, Sariel?”
“Is it safe to assume that the problem will be solved by buying me a horse?”
“That’s right, which is why we talked about buying you one.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
Why?
Before I could ask, Sariel brought her fingers to her mouth.
—Biiiiiiiiii
A shrill, bird-like sound. It was the so-called finger whistle.
In the next instant, I heard the neighing of a horse, along with the powerful flapping of its wings.
“Are you serious…? Did this guy follow us all the way here to Sparda?”
What appeared was the Pegasus that had been forgotten after we climbed the Gluttony Octo. Robust physique. Lustrous, brilliant white fur. It was Sariel’s beloved horse, alright.
“Did you hide him somewhere?”
“The Pegasus followed me out of his own volition. Also, I don’t have the right to own Pegasus now, so I had no choice but to let it go.”
“Well, it’s my fault for not asking…”
Even so, how loyal of the horse. Not only did he go out of his way to follow Sariel, he even made sure to stay in her vicinity in case she needed him. Perhaps, it was the result of Sariel opening her heart to this Pegasus and cherishing him.
“Anyway, I’m glad you have a good buddy. Come to think of it, what’s his name?”
“None.”
Damn. I was an idiot for expecting a touching, heart-warming scene from the 7th Apostle, Sariel.
For Sariel, horses were probably necessary for transportation. An expendable resource that could simply be replaced once it went down.
“At the very least, you should name him.”
“Then, from now on, he shall be called Shiro.”
And here I thought that things had somewhat improved recently. Apparently, it’d take some time before Sariel could regain her common sense as a human being.
I’m sorry, Shiro, but please be a little more patient and get along with Sariel. She’s just being unintentionally cruel.
I left Sparda in a slightly dejected mood.
***
Within the same day as the departure, we arrived at Raquel Village, the closest village to the Great Forest of Latifundia, where the Sparda army was stationed. By that time, the sky was getting dark, so we decided to spend the night. Some of the adventurers rushed to head out, but we decided to wait for the morning to arrive just to be safe. I mean, why would I risk fighting a Rank 5 monster under unfavorable conditions?
If they did defeat it, then that was that. I was just prioritizing my safety, so even if it was frustrating, I could live with it.
Fortunately, by the morning of the 14th, there was no report that the Pride Gem had been taken down. While I was asleep the whole night, the adventurers were busy fighting a horde of slimes in Lati Forest. The two were at a standstill.
“Well then, I leave it to you, Sariel.”
“Yes, Master.”
Under the clear blue sky, Sariel rode her prized horse, Shiro, and dashed off into Lati Forest.
…I unexpectedly obtained an aerial unit.
By the way, I tasked Sariel to do a bit of reconnaissance from the sky.
“Let’s rehash our strategy.”
In front of a tent set up on the village outskirts, Fiona sat down, a breakfast sandwich in hand. She peered at the simple map of Latifundia Forest I’d spread out.
“This is where the body of the Pride Gem is located.”
The location of the main enclosure was very easy to grasp, as it’d been circled red.
“We’ll take positions at this spot, about 500 meters away. This is a strategic position to aim directly at the main body.”
Fiona’s white fingertip swerved slightly to the left of the red circle, pointing to one of the many waterfronts in the forest.
“Once we enter the forest, we should head there. I do hope Sariel will find a slightly easier route.”
“We can take care of a bunch of slimes. Besides, I heard that even the humanoid clones aren’t that good.”
As a single legion, the monster army of Sloughsgil was the strongest by far.
“As expected, the problem is the main body.”
“About that one, you won’t know unless you try it.”
Although, we probably only had one chance. If the attack on the main body failed, we’d have no choice but to retreat.
Worst-case scenario, we could regroup and take advantage of the Sparda army’s all-out attack to intercept them. After all, to complete a trial, I didn’t need to ensure the success of the subjugation quest, but rather collect the specific parts of the monster.
“It’s more of a gamble than a strategy.”
“Don’t say that.”
Honestly, I’d like to apologize for involving myself in this scramble for credit between adventurers. From what I heard, other Rank 5 adventurers—the Iron Demons—were also participating.
In order to outdo a powerful rival, I needed to conclude the match in one fell swoop. Even in gambling, that was the only way to ensure victory.
“All right, shall we prepare to head out?”
While saying that, I summoned [Maximilian], who had been submerged in [Shadow Gate].
Eerie ripples began to form on the surface of the bottomless, jet-black swamp as the armor loomed behind me.
“Master, good morning!”
“System Standby.”
A nostalgic voice that ruined the ominous atmosphere immediately echoed in my head. Still, I had gotten used to it. I didn’t really care.
Good morning, Hitsugi, Milia.
A giant armor that was a head taller than mine appeared. With a high-pitched mechanical sound, it shifted to wear mode.
First of all, the chest area on the rib-like armor spread open, followed by the abdomen, the waist, both elbows, and both knees. The user would be able to wear it by simply putting his hands and feet backwards.
By the way, the inside of the armor was covered with viscous liquid, similar to the slime I was about to defeat. Akin to the real anatomy, the liquid was bright red, and the crimson lines that ran vertically and horizontally pulsated constantly.
To be quite honest, when I first saw it, I was hesitant to wear it. But for some reason, I didn’t feel anything when I touched it, nor did it make me uncomfortable. In fact, I began to doubt whether the disgusting gel really existed. Apparently, it didn’t only serve as a magical conduit, but also as a shock absorber. It had to be a remnant of ancient technology.
While admiring it again, I entered the grotesque interior of the armor without hesitation. Suffice to say, after my daily practice, I’d grown accustomed to it.
“Master confirmed. RX-666 Maximilian, activated.”
After absorbing my dark magic, Maximilian woke up along with Milia’s diligent announcement.
As if I’d been swallowed into the mouth of a giant monster, the armor closed, completely obscuring my appearance. A momentary blackout. After that, the helmet’s display and my visual nerves were connected. The scenery in front of me was projected once again, with the same accuracy as the naked eye.
“Kurono, I’d been meaning to ask this…”
Fiona spoke, having finished a basket of sandwiches. Her golden eyes were staring straight at me.
“That armor must be nice and comfortable to wear.”
Is that seriously all you have to say after seeing this technological breakthrough?
I started cleaning up after the camp, wondering if it was simply a womanly thing to not understand the appeal of the rad power suit.
***
Based on Sariel’s discoveries, we’d decided that the route leading to the waterside would be the first target point. Shortly before noon, we finally entered the Great Forest of Latifundia, which was overrun with slimes.
Dozens of meters into the forest, anomalies appeared immediately.
Slimes appeared everywhere—be it from the trees, bushes… At this point, I had to wonder if it was a forest of slimes. Although, I could see why their number would pose a threat against a human settlement.
“Time and magic are of an essence! Let’s breakthrough in one fell swoop!”
Before anyone else could, I rushed towards the horde of slimes, the power booster embedded at my back glowing brightly.
A second later, Fiona and Sariel, who applied [Air Walker] on their legs, followed.
What I need in this situation is an armament that can decimate a large number of enemies in one go.
Therefore, what I had in my hand was neither the hatchet nor the fang, but the black iron cannon, [The Greed].
It’s been so long. As a result, the weight felt really nice and comfortable. Equipped with the gun, which was as pitch-black as my new armor, I began to let loose.
“[Bullet Arts: Gatling Burst]!”
A multitude of magic bullets was ejected from the six barrels, as if to dye everything within my sight with black steel. Every time the black muzzle flickered, the slime semi-liquid body scattered. The sight reminded me of heavy rain hitting the surface of water.
“Hyaha—! The intestines are spilling out—!”
“Enemy analysis: Gem. Threat level: Low.”
The two curses spoke freely in my head. There was no tension at all, probably because I’d mostly been fighting ordinary slimes.
—By the way, Milia referred to slime as ‘gem.’
Apparently, slimes used to be called gems in the past. If so, the name ‘Pride Gem’ must’ve withstood the passage of time.
Speaking of which, Mia did say that Gluttony Octo destroyed five cities. She also said that she came from that time. Most likely, the trial monster was a monster that Mia herself had defeated in the past.
“[Ignis Sagitta]”
“[Sagitta]”
As I crushed the slime in autopilot mode, two lines of fire supports flew from behind me. The burning fireball came from Fiona, while the sharp projectile that resembled a magic bullet belonged to Sariel, each of which was a long-range attack.
I was used to the barrage of fireballs that came from Fiona’s staff—the custom fireball that was also known as [Spitfire], but Sariel’s magic made me tense.
After all, it was just [Sagitta], but black. Even with my current armor, I was worried that her bullet would pierce me.
“Firepower analysis: [Sagitta], Penetration Resistance Lv. 3; threat can be neutralized.”
“Even Hitsugi can defend you from it!”
Milia gave her stamp of approval for safety, but well, it was more like a trauma reaction for me. It couldn’t be helped, perhaps I could get used to it.
Also, Hitsugi, don’t compete with armor in terms of defensive power.
I sensed something through the enemy detection radar.
— ‘Enemy detection: Large Gem; Threat level: Low.’
“Fiona! 40 meters to the right! A giant slime is coming!”
“I’ll shoot! [Ignis Crisagitta]!”
Fiona shot as soon as I sidestepped, and a flaming tornado right past me. It burned everything down—including the slimes and the trees along the way, before slamming into the gigantic body of the slime that was rushing out of the forest.
Before it could pounce on me, its giant light blue body burned along with the core.
Thinking about it, our sense of coordination was just something else. Without the slightest hesitation, my original party member jumped into action, acting as if she was merely an extension of my own limbs. The result we envisioned matched perfectly.
Just like that, we charged into the Lati Forest in almost a straight line.
Only two types of slimes appeared: a bunch of slimes, along with some giant slimes. Even with just a gatling gun, I had a lot of leeway. Even more so with Fiona’s firepower and Sariel’s precision that made me suspect if she could predict the future. It was as if the enemy wasn’t there to begin with.
“No signs of the enemy. The enemy has temporarily withdrawn.”
The first to notice that was Milia, who had a helmet equipped with excellent detection abilities by default.
She subtly turned around and sent a glance to Fiona and Sariel, both of whom seemed to have a vague sense of it. Of course, I couldn’t help but notice if the enemy’s offensive weakened like that.
“It might show up anytime soon.”
“Just about time. We’re almost at the destination.”
An hour had passed since we entered the forest. Judging from our attack speed, we’d covered a significant distance. Without needing to check the map, I felt that we’d reach the waterfront soon.
We ran through the silent forest where the slimes had thinned out, before finally arriving at our destination.
“—Suhtop.”
A small, open swamp in the forest. A person stood there.
“I see, that must be the humanoid clone.”
The one who stood on the surface of the water amidst the swamp was, in fact, not a person. The information had circulated in the guild. Apparently, it was a special slime with advanced intelligence that Pride Gem unleashed.
Due to their appearance and behavior, they were called like that among adventurers.
“It’s definitely a [Copy].”
After all, he looked the same as me. A man in menacing full-body armor with a demonic design. However, there was no mistaking him as me.
Despite our resemblances, our heights were simply different. Yes, it’s THAT huge. The guy’s three or four times my height.
“I did hear that the [Copy] stole the adventurers’ armor, so this is what they meant…”
Basically, the body was made of the same viscous liquid, but the armor itself consisted of many swords, shields, helmets, and other equipment. Without a doubt, it was the equipment of the fallen adventurers, collected and arranged to the shape of an ‘armor.’
“Adventurer.”
I didn’t know where it came from, but even his voice sounded like mine. Despite that, the voice was utterly devoid of emotions and intonation. Even the pronunciation was unnatural, as expected of a monster.
“Adventurer, arrives, Kurono.”
“Fiona, Sariel.”
This time, I heard two female voices.
“Did they copy everyone?”
Alongside my clone, the clones of Sariel and Fiona also emerged from the rising swamp. These clones used a little less equipment, and more than half of their bodies was made of slime.
“All right, for starters, let’s defeat these guys and secure this place—”
—Just as I was about to destroy these unnerving imposters, the surrounding trees rustled.
“Adventurer, man, woman—”
“Let’s, go, Fiona—”
“Sagitta, Sagitta, gatling, Ignis—”
More and more clones appeared. These times, they were huge.
They all muttered what we’d said since entering the forest, cornering us.
Three, four, five—damn, it’s over twenty.
A swarm of giant clones that looked just like us surrounded us.
“That’s great firepower. Is this the power of a Rank 5 monster?”
The sight was straight out of a nightmare that an ordinary adventurer would have a mental breakdown. But Fiona, with an extremely cool voice, expressed her thoughts about the bizarre army of giant slimes in front of her.
Then, she overtook me, who was gripping [The Greed], and took a step forward.
“But it’s troublesome, so time to finish them off—”
539 The Subjugation of Pride Gem
After accepting the emergency quest, [The Subjugation of Pride Gem], we immediately took action. In just three days, the Sparda army would launch an all-out attack. Meanwhile, we needed a day to make preparations and reach the destination.
Sariel returned just in time. At noon of the 13th, she was promoted to Rank 3. Again, how fast. At this rate, the [Element Master] would set a record for reaching Rank 5 in such a short period of time. Not to mention, solo.
Well, considering Sariel’s ability, it should be child’s play, or a new game plus, if you would. Anyway, I knew best that the adventurer’s rank didn’t make much sense.
In any case, after completing the official Rank 3 promotion procedures, Sariel—a new addition to [Element Master]—joined us as we departed from Sparda.
I was fully armed. [Maximilian], the tyrant’s armor, was polished, and its magnificent black finish blinded me. Fiona wore her usual witchy garb, while Sariel her ascetic robe. Even after being promoted to Rank 3, she still wouldn’t buy armor.
Maybe she wants more challenges.
Everyone was ready. Eager to outpace the other adventurers, I was determined to set out as quickly as possible. However, before we could even reach the main gate, a problem arose.
“Sariel should just chase after us.”
“It isn’t like I have to ride on Marie, either…”
“I refuse to ride with Sariel. Are you going to ditch your lover in favor of your maid like some kind of romance with status difference? Not happening.”
“Don’t speak lightly of the maid! The role of a maid is as significant as the master itself!”
“It can’t be helped, there’s no other horse…”
We were arguing in front of the main gate of Sparda. I felt like I was saying something unnecessary. Either way, we were facing a roadblock.
“Like I said, let her run by herself.”
“Well, it might not be impossible with her legs…”
I couldn’t bear to make her do that. Secondly, it’d be a problem if she ran out of stamina at the last minute.
We’d be facing a trial monster. Therefore, we had to be fully prepared to face it.
“—Then, I’ll ride with Kurono.”
“No, Marie absolutely despises Sariel’s guts.”
Fiona’s beloved horse, Marie, would neigh violently at the sight of Sariel. The horse resembled her master in that regard. Although Sariel could forcibly ride it, we didn’t want to risk the horse rampaging.
Unfortunately, because of that, letting the two rode together wasn’t an option.
“Fiona, is there any other way?”
“Sariel is the one person I absolutely won’t allow to ride my horse.”
Despite that, I didn’t think Fiona was being annoying. After all, I was forcing her to put up with everything.
Therefore, at the very least, I should let her keep her pride. Even as I was, I was still her man.
“It can’t be helped. It might take some time, but I’ll buy Sariel a horse.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m sorry for being selfish. I’ll pay for it.”
“No, don’t worry about it. I should’ve been more considerate. Sorry, Fiona.”
“Master, if I may?”
With the successful reconciliation, the atmosphere settled down, and the person in question asked.
“What’s the matter, Sariel?”
“Is it safe to assume that the problem will be solved by buying me a horse?”
“That’s right, which is why we talked about buying you one.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
Why?
Before I could ask, Sariel brought her fingers to her mouth.
—Biiiiiiiiii
A shrill, bird-like sound. It was the so-called finger whistle.
In the next instant, I heard the neighing of a horse, along with the powerful flapping of its wings.
“Are you serious…? Did this guy follow us all the way here to Sparda?”
What appeared was the Pegasus that had been forgotten after we climbed the Gluttony Octo. Robust physique. Lustrous, brilliant white fur. It was Sariel’s beloved horse, alright.
“Did you hide him somewhere?”
“The Pegasus followed me out of his own volition. Also, I don’t have the right to own Pegasus now, so I had no choice but to let it go.”
“Well, it’s my fault for not asking…”
Even so, how loyal of the horse. Not only did he go out of his way to follow Sariel, he even made sure to stay in her vicinity in case she needed him. Perhaps, it was the result of Sariel opening her heart to this Pegasus and cherishing him.
“Anyway, I’m glad you have a good buddy. Come to think of it, what’s his name?”
“None.”
Damn. I was an idiot for expecting a touching, heart-warming scene from the 7th Apostle, Sariel.
For Sariel, horses were probably necessary for transportation. An expendable resource that could simply be replaced once it went down.
“At the very least, you should name him.”
“Then, from now on, he shall be called Shiro.”
And here I thought that things had somewhat improved recently. Apparently, it’d take some time before Sariel could regain her common sense as a human being.
I’m sorry, Shiro, but please be a little more patient and get along with Sariel. She’s just being unintentionally cruel.
I left Sparda in a slightly dejected mood.
***
Within the same day as the departure, we arrived at Raquel Village, the closest village to the Great Forest of Latifundia, where the Sparda army was stationed. By that time, the sky was getting dark, so we decided to spend the night. Some of the adventurers rushed to head out, but we decided to wait for the morning to arrive just to be safe. I mean, why would I risk fighting a Rank 5 monster under unfavorable conditions?
If they did defeat it, then that was that. I was just prioritizing my safety, so even if it was frustrating, I could live with it.
Fortunately, by the morning of the 14th, there was no report that the Pride Gem had been taken down. While I was asleep the whole night, the adventurers were busy fighting a horde of slimes in Lati Forest. The two were at a standstill.
“Well then, I leave it to you, Sariel.”
“Yes, Master.”
Under the clear blue sky, Sariel rode her prized horse, Shiro, and dashed off into Lati Forest.
…I unexpectedly obtained an aerial unit.
By the way, I tasked Sariel to do a bit of reconnaissance from the sky.
“Let’s rehash our strategy.”
In front of a tent set up on the village outskirts, Fiona sat down, a breakfast sandwich in hand. She peered at the simple map of Latifundia Forest I’d spread out.
“This is where the body of the Pride Gem is located.”
The location of the main enclosure was very easy to grasp, as it’d been circled red.
“We’ll take positions at this spot, about 500 meters away. This is a strategic position to aim directly at the main body.”
Fiona’s white fingertip swerved slightly to the left of the red circle, pointing to one of the many waterfronts in the forest.
“Once we enter the forest, we should head there. I do hope Sariel will find a slightly easier route.”
“We can take care of a bunch of slimes. Besides, I heard that even the humanoid clones aren’t that good.”
As a single legion, the monster army of Sloughsgil was the strongest by far.
“As expected, the problem is the main body.”
“About that one, you won’t know unless you try it.”
Although, we probably only had one chance. If the attack on the main body failed, we’d have no choice but to retreat.
Worst-case scenario, we could regroup and take advantage of the Sparda army’s all-out attack to intercept them. After all, to complete a trial, I didn’t need to ensure the success of the subjugation quest, but rather collect the specific parts of the monster.
“It’s more of a gamble than a strategy.”
“Don’t say that.”
Honestly, I’d like to apologize for involving myself in this scramble for credit between adventurers. From what I heard, other Rank 5 adventurers—the Iron Demons—were also participating.
In order to outdo a powerful rival, I needed to conclude the match in one fell swoop. Even in gambling, that was the only way to ensure victory.
“All right, shall we prepare to head out?”
While saying that, I summoned [Maximilian], who had been submerged in [Shadow Gate].
Eerie ripples began to form on the surface of the bottomless, jet-black swamp as the armor loomed behind me.
“Master, good morning!”
“System Standby.”
A nostalgic voice that ruined the ominous atmosphere immediately echoed in my head. Still, I had gotten used to it. I didn’t really care.
Good morning, Hitsugi, Milia.
A giant armor that was a head taller than mine appeared. With a high-pitched mechanical sound, it shifted to wear mode.
First of all, the chest area on the rib-like armor spread open, followed by the abdomen, the waist, both elbows, and both knees. The user would be able to wear it by simply putting his hands and feet backwards.
By the way, the inside of the armor was covered with viscous liquid, similar to the slime I was about to defeat. Akin to the real anatomy, the liquid was bright red, and the crimson lines that ran vertically and horizontally pulsated constantly.
To be quite honest, when I first saw it, I was hesitant to wear it. But for some reason, I didn’t feel anything when I touched it, nor did it make me uncomfortable. In fact, I began to doubt whether the disgusting gel really existed. Apparently, it didn’t only serve as a magical conduit, but also as a shock absorber. It had to be a remnant of ancient technology.
While admiring it again, I entered the grotesque interior of the armor without hesitation. Suffice to say, after my daily practice, I’d grown accustomed to it.
“Master confirmed. RX-666 Maximilian, activated.”
After absorbing my dark magic, Maximilian woke up along with Milia’s diligent announcement.
As if I’d been swallowed into the mouth of a giant monster, the armor closed, completely obscuring my appearance. A momentary blackout. After that, the helmet’s display and my visual nerves were connected. The scenery in front of me was projected once again, with the same accuracy as the naked eye.
“Kurono, I’d been meaning to ask this…”
Fiona spoke, having finished a basket of sandwiches. Her golden eyes were staring straight at me.
“That armor must be nice and comfortable to wear.”
Is that seriously all you have to say after seeing this technological breakthrough?
I started cleaning up after the camp, wondering if it was simply a womanly thing to not understand the appeal of the rad power suit.
***
Based on Sariel’s discoveries, we’d decided that the route leading to the waterside would be the first target point. Shortly before noon, we finally entered the Great Forest of Latifundia, which was overrun with slimes.
Dozens of meters into the forest, anomalies appeared immediately.
Slimes appeared everywhere—be it from the trees, bushes… At this point, I had to wonder if it was a forest of slimes. Although, I could see why their number would pose a threat against a human settlement.
“Time and magic are of an essence! Let’s breakthrough in one fell swoop!”
Before anyone else could, I rushed towards the horde of slimes, the power booster embedded at my back glowing brightly.
A second later, Fiona and Sariel, who applied [Air Walker] on their legs, followed.
What I need in this situation is an armament that can decimate a large number of enemies in one go.
Therefore, what I had in my hand was neither the hatchet nor the fang, but the black iron cannon, [The Greed].
It’s been so long. As a result, the weight felt really nice and comfortable. Equipped with the gun, which was as pitch-black as my new armor, I began to let loose.
“[Bullet Arts: Gatling Burst]!”
A multitude of magic bullets was ejected from the six barrels, as if to dye everything within my sight with black steel. Every time the black muzzle flickered, the slime semi-liquid body scattered. The sight reminded me of heavy rain hitting the surface of water.
“Hyaha—! The intestines are spilling out—!”
“Enemy analysis: Gem. Threat level: Low.”
The two curses spoke freely in my head. There was no tension at all, probably because I’d mostly been fighting ordinary slimes.
—By the way, Milia referred to slime as ‘gem.’
Apparently, slimes used to be called gems in the past. If so, the name ‘Pride Gem’ must’ve withstood the passage of time.
Speaking of which, Mia did say that Gluttony Octo destroyed five cities. She also said that she came from that time. Most likely, the trial monster was a monster that Mia herself had defeated in the past.
“[Ignis Sagitta]”
“[Sagitta]”
As I crushed the slime in autopilot mode, two lines of fire supports flew from behind me. The burning fireball came from Fiona, while the sharp projectile that resembled a magic bullet belonged to Sariel, each of which was a long-range attack.
I was used to the barrage of fireballs that came from Fiona’s staff—the custom fireball that was also known as [Spitfire], but Sariel’s magic made me tense.
After all, it was just [Sagitta], but black. Even with my current armor, I was worried that her bullet would pierce me.
“Firepower analysis: [Sagitta], Penetration Resistance Lv. 3; threat can be neutralized.”
“Even Hitsugi can defend you from it!”
Milia gave her stamp of approval for safety, but well, it was more like a trauma reaction for me. It couldn’t be helped, perhaps I could get used to it.
Also, Hitsugi, don’t compete with armor in terms of defensive power.
I sensed something through the enemy detection radar.
— ‘Enemy detection: Large Gem; Threat level: Low.’
“Fiona! 40 meters to the right! A giant slime is coming!”
“I’ll shoot! [Ignis Crisagitta]!”
Fiona shot as soon as I sidestepped, and a flaming tornado right past me. It burned everything down—including the slimes and the trees along the way, before slamming into the gigantic body of the slime that was rushing out of the forest.
Before it could pounce on me, its giant light blue body burned along with the core.
Thinking about it, our sense of coordination was just something else. Without the slightest hesitation, my original party member jumped into action, acting as if she was merely an extension of my own limbs. The result we envisioned matched perfectly.
Just like that, we charged into the Lati Forest in almost a straight line.
Only two types of slimes appeared: a bunch of slimes, along with some giant slimes. Even with just a gatling gun, I had a lot of leeway. Even more so with Fiona’s firepower and Sariel’s precision that made me suspect if she could predict the future. It was as if the enemy wasn’t there to begin with.
“No signs of the enemy. The enemy has temporarily withdrawn.”
The first to notice that was Milia, who had a helmet equipped with excellent detection abilities by default.
She subtly turned around and sent a glance to Fiona and Sariel, both of whom seemed to have a vague sense of it. Of course, I couldn’t help but notice if the enemy’s offensive weakened like that.
“It might show up anytime soon.”
“Just about time. We’re almost at the destination.”
An hour had passed since we entered the forest. Judging from our attack speed, we’d covered a significant distance. Without needing to check the map, I felt that we’d reach the waterfront soon.
We ran through the silent forest where the slimes had thinned out, before finally arriving at our destination.
“—Suhtop.”
A small, open swamp in the forest. A person stood there.
“I see, that must be the humanoid clone.”
The one who stood on the surface of the water amidst the swamp was, in fact, not a person. The information had circulated in the guild. Apparently, it was a special slime with advanced intelligence that Pride Gem unleashed.
Due to their appearance and behavior, they were called like that among adventurers.
“It’s definitely a [Copy].”
After all, he looked the same as me. A man in menacing full-body armor with a demonic design. However, there was no mistaking him as me.
Despite our resemblances, our heights were simply different. Yes, it’s THAT huge. The guy’s three or four times my height.
“I did hear that the [Copy] stole the adventurers’ armor, so this is what they meant…”
Basically, the body was made of the same viscous liquid, but the armor itself consisted of many swords, shields, helmets, and other equipment. Without a doubt, it was the equipment of the fallen adventurers, collected and arranged to the shape of an ‘armor.’
“Adventurer.”
I didn’t know where it came from, but even his voice sounded like mine. Despite that, the voice was utterly devoid of emotions and intonation. Even the pronunciation was unnatural, as expected of a monster.
“Adventurer, arrives, Kurono.”
“Fiona, Sariel.”
This time, I heard two female voices.
“Did they copy everyone?”
Alongside my clone, the clones of Sariel and Fiona also emerged from the rising swamp. These clones used a little less equipment, and more than half of their bodies was made of slime.
“All right, for starters, let’s defeat these guys and secure this place—”
—Just as I was about to destroy these unnerving imposters, the surrounding trees rustled.
“Adventurer, man, woman—”
“Let’s, go, Fiona—”
“Sagitta, Sagitta, gatling, Ignis—”
More and more clones appeared. These times, they were huge.
They all muttered what we’d said since entering the forest, cornering us.
Three, four, five—damn, it’s over twenty.
A swarm of giant clones that looked just like us surrounded us.
“That’s great firepower. Is this the power of a Rank 5 monster?”
The sight was straight out of a nightmare that an ordinary adventurer would have a mental breakdown. But Fiona, with an extremely cool voice, expressed her thoughts about the bizarre army of giant slimes in front of her.
Then, she overtook me, who was gripping [The Greed], and took a step forward.
“But it’s troublesome, so time to finish them off—”
