Don't you just love Christmas Break?
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Little Wing It
Volume 3
In A Virtual Reality Without My VisiPhone!
Chapter 5
Emilia The Dragon Slayer
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I
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As soon as we stepped across the next area, everything was washed over with blue light, and when it receeded, we found ourselves in a completely different place.
Instead of a lush forest, we were now in what was supposed to be a volcanic cave of sorts. The walls were rocky, and there was even lava in some places.
I'd expect it to be sweltering hot, but that wasn't the case at all. In fact, the temperature was the same as the forest earlier. I'll just chalk it up to some more VR weirdness, I guess.
Yut looked around, looking a little startled by the sudden change. But one moment later, he was back to being disappointed.
"We're somewhere different, but it feels like nothing changed. Everything seems distant... weak."
Oh, here we go again...
"I don't know about that, Yut. I think we're in for something big here. So would you knock of the running already?!"
He took a few seconds to look affronted at me, before shaking his head vigorously.
Geez, what's so hard to understand about what I'm trying to say?
"But taking risks is the only way to get any real training in this place! I can practically feel my senses dulling! I have to make myself stronger!"
Quite dramatic, wouldn't you say?
Surprisingly, Lumia spoke up next.
"I agree. Our time in this useless simulation would be better spent on the investigation."
Oh, for crying out loud! What is wrong with you people? Why are you all so... so...
So troublesome!
"It's bad enough I have to deal with Yut freaking out! Don't you start with me!"
"I thought you hated the Guardians? Why should you care what happens to me?"
Here we go again! It's 'if he dies, be dies' all over again! I just don't get it! How can someone take this kind of act this far?!
I've had it!
I stomped my way over to her and got up in her face. She recoiled back in surprise.
"This is between you and me! Not the Guardians!"
"What?"
"Okay, the Guardians aren't on top of my friends list, but you know what, Lumia? I can't bring myself to hate you! Believe me, I tried!"
I really, really did. I hate the Guardians with every fiber of my being! That's why when I learned that we had to team up with one back in Neudaiz, I wanted to throw up!
But whatever it is I hated in the Guardians, I didn't find it in Lumia. I'd seen how she was willing to face a giant dragon alone to save people. Even when we were telling her how bad of an idea it was. That alone should convince anyone that she wasn't a bad person!
"I... can't hate you! Not after seeing how dedicated you are! And I have to admit, you even manage to look pretty badass while you're at it! I even thought I'd like to be as tough as you someday! But look how you're acting!"
I don't even know what I was saying! It was just so frustrating! I knew she was a serious person from the start but the way she's acting now is on a completely different level! It's like she doesn't even care about anything else besides her mission, whatever it is!
I took a short breath to calm myself down a little. Even though I still remained irritated, maybe I blabbered on too much there. I guess Yut's stressing me out more than I thought.
"I should probably stop running my mouth..."
"I'll say."
Red chimed in, acting like she's part of the conversation. You know what, I don't care. I'm too worn out to.
"But Emilia's right. You really need to shape up, lady."
Huh? What was that? Did she agree with me? And she actually called me my name for once? Huh.
"Loosen up a bit, y'know? I get that this wasn't what you were sent to do, but hey."
"... you're right. I'm sorry. I always try to everything by myself. I'm not comfortable when I'm not the one in control."
Well, that's just unhealthy, isn't it? I know that she has her duty or whatever but... that shouldn't mean that that's all she is.
Lumia then surprised both of us when she suddenly smiled, bringing me out of my thoughts. What? What's she smiling for?
"Heh. This may be the first time anyone's ever really talked to me. Not me, the Guardian. Or me, Ethan's sister. Just me, for who I am. Lumia. Thank you... Emilia."
"Hey, so what am I? chopped liver?"
Huh? That actually worked? I was just venting off my stress...
Well, it's good that she understands, I think! Yeah! If I act like this was the plan, then it should all be fine!
"S-sure, I guess. As long as you get the message!"
"Hmmm..."
Darn, I stuttered. Red seemed to pick up on it, but as long as she doesn't say anything, then I won't as well.
But I guess it all worked out! Maybe we'll be able to finish this simulation without a hitch and have fun while we're at it, after all!
Y'know, like I originally thought!
"I don't think I get anything. All I know is that the only way to get stronger is to keep moving forward!"
"Wha- Yut!"
Oh, mother of-! That was such a great moment! Why'd you hafta ruin it by running away again?!
"He's too eager. Nothing you say will get through to him."
"How awfully familiar. Whatever. But you're settled down now... right?"
I'd be seriously upset if she still goes on like we're wasting our time here!
But thankfully, it seems like we won't have that problem. Lumia didn't have that anywhere-else-but-here look in her eyes anymore.
"Yes, thanks to you. I realize I may not be as perfect as I'd like to think I am."
What an unsettling way of thinking. Is this what it's like to have a relative that's famous all over?
But seriously, I just wanted her to calm down a bit. What caused the sudden self-reflecting?
"What's with the soul-searching? Who'd have thought a VR simulation could be so life changing?"
"Aaand ladies and gentlemen, she's back."
"You shut it."
I don't know what Red's harping on about now, but I don't want to hear it!
"I never dreamed I'd find myself being lectured by you. In this or any reality. But I suppose whoever likened this a dream may actually have been onto something after all."
What's this now about dreams and reality? This girl really likes to run her mouth, doesn't she? How theatric can you be? I'm sure Kara'd be having a field day if he was here.
"Next lesson: When to shut up!"
"Someone who doesn't know when to shut up is the perfect match for you. Or perhaps your tastes are different?"
"Ah, so you've noticed too."
"Of course."
What? What's these two smiling for? I don't think I'll like the answer. I narrowed my eyes at them.
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Never you mind. Let's go find Yut!"
And off they go. Seriously, I don't get it. What's with that suspicious behavior?
As we chased after Yut, another window titled Score Card appeared in my point of view.
'Score Card'
Evil Shark Group: 10 points
Poison Lily Group: 15 points
Pal Shark Group: 20 points
Grass Assassin: 30 points
Nano Dragon: 40 points
Sand Rappy Group: 100 points
???: 200 points
It's a little lower, but it looks like the Sand Rappies are still worth some major points. There's also the Evil Sharks Kara and I encountered back in the relic site. Heh, memories. I think I also remember the Poison Lily from Moatoob.
Seems like the lineup is tougher this time around. The Pal Sharks might be a tougher version of the Evil Shark. And I don't think I've seen a Grass Assassin before...
And a Nano Dragon either, for the record. I don't know what it is but it sounds terrifying.
And there's that 200 point jackpot. That has to be the boss, right? That's double the points of the Bonus Sand Rappies!
'Load Complete. Launching Simulation...'
"I'm ready for whatever comes! Bring it on!"
"Speak for yourself, you crazy lunatic!"
What's that battle obsessed moron screaming for now? He's nowhere in sight but we still heard him! Talk about an indoor voice.
'Complete the VR 'Cave' Simulation!'
Don't worry, we intend to!
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II
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'Bonus Round initializing'
Right off the bat? Well, it doesn't matter. If they're gonna hand us points just like that then we'll take it!
As soon as the first wave appeared, which was composed of our old friends Evil Sharks, Yut was already on them. But since this was a bonus round, waves came up simultaneously.
Another wave of Sharks arrived, and Red flew off. The third wave, however, was different. Plant-like monsters sprouted on the middle of the area, looking like sentient flowers. Poison Lillies, I think they were called.
They were supposed to be native to Moatoob's Crodog region, which me and Kara went to before. But I never managed to fight one back then. Tonnio and Liina insisted on quickly dispatching them. Guess I'll know why.
"[Foie]!"
Lumia sent a ball of fire at the Lillies, which made sense if it's nature-based. But also because it's apparently an ice-type monster, which I don't really know the reason to. They don't particularly seem ice-y.
Never mind the fact that she totally stole one of my favorite techs.
The fireball collided and burned one of them, and the others retaliated by spitting clouds of poison gas at us. Return fire, then! I took aim and unloaded a few rounds at them, sending in a charged shot here and there.
Due to their stationary, well, nature, it was relatively easy to fight these things. Makes me wonder just why Tonnio and Liina treated these with urgency. A few moments later, I found out why.
I managed to get close after a while, and slashed at the weakened Lily, seemingly killing it. Instead of dematerializing, though, it straightened up and vibrated harshly.
"Emilia! Get out of there!"
"Huh? G-got it!"
I didn't bother questioning Lumia's sudden order, and seconds later, I was infinitely grateful for it. The Lily exploded into a thick cloud of noxious poison gas. Just looking at it made me sick.
"Whew. Thanks, Lumia!"
Before long, we managed to clear the waves. The enemies were a bit stronger than before but still not enough to cause us major trouble.
One of the metal gates opened up with a mechanical whirr, revealing a steel bridge suspended over lava.
"Um. I know this is a simulation but... how is that not melting?"
"Convection Schmonvection. Keep up, tomato person!"
"Con-wha? And I said don't call me that!"
"Then don't be a tomato person!"
"That makes no sense! And if anything, you're the tomato, you redhead!"
It was still a little unnerving crossing a bridge over lava without feeling even the tiniest bit of heat but... VR, I guess.
And I guess Yut didn't bother questioning it at all, since he just went straight through the moment the gate opened.
In the next area, it was Sand Rappy time. It's really sad that these things were much more troublesome than the regular enemies.
Perhaps the developers were onto something by giving them huge points?
Nonetheless, we cleared this area as well, leaving us with a points total in the 300's range.
Thud.
The next area, though, was more of a death trap. Seriously, who designed this simulation? Probably someone sick in the head!
The color coded laser fences were back, but this time, there were crushers in the walls. Some of them were spiked, while some of them were the vanilla pancake flavor. And this was in a narrow hallway!
Thud.
"... who wants to go first?"
Look, even the unflappable Red is unnerved! This is seriously messed up!
I don't see Yut anywhere, though. Has he already made it through? Even with the knowledge that we can't get hurt, I still have reservations with this place! That kid has a spine of steel!
"Well, I'll go then."
"Yeah! Go, Lumia! We're right behind you!"
"Best of luck!"
"You two... Sigh."
I let out a small chuckle. Red and I were just being silly. I thought you'd stop being so serious all the time?
Although was that what she said? I'm not sure. Do I care? Course not!
Lumia stepped on one of the switches and deactivated the first obstacle. She then stood in front of the the wall-type spiked crushers, which were slamming into each other on set intervals.
Thud.
"Um."
"What's wrong? I thought you'd go first?"
I can't believe it! She's having second thoughts! That just confirms it! Whoever made this is a psycho!
It took a few moments, but Lumia finally managed to find the courage to jump through, clearing the crushers. She looked back at us triumphantly. Don't act like you weren't afraid of getting iron maidened!
Red went next, passing through the trap in record speed. Heh! It's a rare thing to see her shaken.
It's totally my turn now, though.
"Alright, okey-dokey. Okaaay. Here we go. I'm the boss!"
"Just get on with it!"
"Shut up, I'm concentrating!"
Doesn't she get it? This maneuver requires finesse! Grace! Not just blitzing through and being done with it!
Lumia just waited patiently but Red was obviously sighing. Excuse me, then!
"Here we go! On three! Onetwothreegyaaaaaa!"
And there! I made it through!
"... real sophisticated. Get up, we've got a jungle boy to catch!"
Never mind the fact that I was on the floor, I made it!
We continued our way through the death trap, disabling more lasers and jumping through a few more squashers when a wave activated. But it was just one monster.
It was a giant mantis-like insectoid. The Grass Assassin. It was easily twice our height, and it had scythes for hands. Do insects even have hands?
Anyway, I was wondering why it wasn't listed as a group on the score card, yet it yielded 30 points. Well, suffice to say, I wasn't wondering anymore.
Lumia started off by buffing us with Deband, which I thought was pretty sensible! If I had to choose, I'd rather get hit by a Bil de Vear!
Red leapt at it and attacked with her twin sabers, engaging the giant insect in a swordfight. She's really good with that thing, isn't she?
"[Diga]!"
Lumia's earth-type tech smashed into the the creature's... face? Do insects have faces? I think they do!
I followed up with a charged shot, further disorienting it. Red capitalized by hacking off one of its scythe-arms.
It roared in outrage, scuttling over to slice at us with its remaining scythe.
I rolled out of the way and slashed at its side, making it recoil towards Red's direction. She wasted no time and performed a cross slash on its head.
'Grass Assassin defeated! 30 points awarded!'
Our points raised by said amount, and then it went up again after a few seconds. Yut must have defeated one on his own, wherever he is.
Sigh. This was really not in the spirit of things.
We went on, passing by a metal gate that we had no idea how to open. We left it for now and went through a different path. This time we encountered a crusher of the pancake-variant. It was mounted on the ceiling, and it probably gives complementary butter and syrup too.
Thud.
On its landing pad, though, was a shining red rectangle thingie.
"Hey, what's that?"
"What's what?"
"There under the thing. A key card?"
Lumia came over and inspected the thing, and nodded after a couple of seconds.
"It would seem so."
"Ah. So, who's getting it?"
Before we could decide, though, something approached from behind. Lumia and Red instantly raised their guard.
"Huh? Yut?"
"There it is! I was looking for it!"
Without giving us a chance to react properly, Yut passed us and grabbed the key card without a second thought. The crusher fell down and slammed into the pad just a few miliseconds after Yut left it.
Thud.
He looked completely unfazed.
"Hey! You reckless idiot, come back here! Hey! Oooohhhh!"
I resisted the urge to stomp my foot. But I really was getting very irritated! When I catch up to him, that kid's so gonna get it!
"Boy, that dude's really something, huh?"
"Don't encourage him!"
"Eh. All I'm saying is, he's either absolutely fearless, or he's sick in the head."
It's probably just his sixth sense or something not registering these as lethal traps. Yeah, that's gotta be it.
Else, how does he not flinch when that thing just passed by his back? It probably even grazed his poncho thingie!
"He's troubled. He lost to the person he was chasing after, didn't he?"
"Yeah, but..."
"Has he exhibited such behavior in the past?"
"Yeah, back in Neudaiz. He said his brother told him that to get stronger, he has to touch death or something. Got on Kara's case about it too."
"I see. That would do it."
"Hold on, this is the first time I'm hearing about this. Does this have anything to do with coffee boy apparently dying before?"
Huh? How'd Red know about that? Kara must have told her some time before. Maybe back in the cafe?
Well, if she knows about that, then also probably knows about Mika. Sigh. Look at my partner revealing information without me. I know I agreed to tell Red, but he went and did it on his own! We'll have a few words after this!
"Coffee boy... You mean your party leader, Kara, was it? What's this about dying?"
Uh-oh. Lumia wasn't supposed to know about that. I glared at Red for the slip-up, but she just threw her arms up in surrender.
Oh well.
"He almost died saving me before. I guess Yut took it as touching death or something."
Red raised an eyebrow at my true yet false explanation. Ah, can it. That's about all I can tell her without revealing Mika's existence.
It's not that I don't trust Lumia. It's the Guardians I'm worried about. I don't want them learning about Mika.
Thankfully, Lumia seemed to accept what I said.
But I wonder, how long can we keep the Ancients business just to ourselves? If things progress further than they are, we might have to tell her too.
I shook my head. Now's not the time to be thinking about that. We had a runaway Yut to chase.
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III
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"What? You want to know about my brother?"
Lumia recoiled in response to my idle chatter, looking honestly surprised.
What? I was curious because she mentioned him earlier. And besides, I know he's a hero or something, but I have no idea why people call him that.
"Who wouldn't? I mean, we all know he's the biggest hero in the world... or something. I just don't know what it is he did."
Red snickered, but didn't say anything. That's right, stay quiet. Everything goes more smoothly if you do!
That said, all I know is that he somehow saved the universe. Or system.
Lumia looked exasperated for a second, sighing deeply. Well, excuse me, princess!
"I don't believe it. After all you've said about my 'brother the hero', you don't know what he did?!"
What's she getting angry for?! Are you really that much of a bro-con?!
Hold on, calm down. I was the one who asked, after all.
"Hey, I got my reasons for tuning out the Guardians, okay?"
"Hmph. Alright, I'll tell you. Though, I warn you, he hasn't really done anything I'd call heroic."
Huh? What's with that response?
Do you worship him or do you hate him? Make up your mind!
Lumia must have seen the confusion on my face. She sighed again and started to elaborate.
"He was trying to save someone important to him... and wound up saving Gurhal. That's all. He never set out to save the system or anything grand like that."
And now she's acting like a proud sister. I don't get it. One moment earlier, she was downplaying his achievement. Or maybe I just read that wrong?
But that makes sense, I suppose.
Look at us. We were on a mission to save Gurhal. Well, at least, I think we are. But I wouldn't exactly call any of us heroic.
Hmmm... except Kara, maybe. I'm sure he'd disagree but he did save my life once. Tee-hee.
"Which is why he doesn't really like being called a hero himself. He doesn't think he's done anything to deserve it."
"You mean he just 'happened' to save Gurhal, is that it? How does someone do that, exactly?"
Actually, I take that back. Look how far Kara's gotten just from trying to save me! Injured!
But wait, he got injured saving Red. Heh. He really is heroic, isn't he? Or maybe Red coined it better. A self-sacrificing idiot.
"Perhaps they'll call us heroes for what were doing someday. Emilia the hero, how does that sound?"
"Really silly."
"... I agree, but hearing you say that still pisses me off."
Red really loves interrupting conversations, doesn't she?
Emilia the hero, huh? Hmmm. I wonder. If we somehow succeed stopping the Ancients, will people call me that?
That might be nice, but it really doesn't suit me at all.
With that topic done with, we continued on the lava-filled caverns, taking out some monsters along the way and passing more traps.
Once we entered the next area...
"Watch out!"
A laser beam was already being fired at us! We leapt out of the way quickly.
"That was cheap! What was that?"
On closer inspection, it wasn't a laser that was fired at us. There in the room was a reptilian floating in the center of the room.
It was the Nano Dragon. Although it looked like more like a wyvern to me, but who am I to judge?
The dragon sent fireballs towards us, and we scrambled away to avoid it. I countered with the gun, but it flapped out of the way easily.
"[Megid]!"
Lumia fired the ball of darkness at it, but that was also dodged. Red tried a leaping slash but alas, she missed.
"Stay still, will ya?!"
Lumia tried Diga next, but they were obliterated when the dragon fired its laser breath again.
Now what to do? It obviously doesn't plan of coming down here and fighting us in melee!
"[Rising Crush]!"
Red flew. She stabbed with both sabers and kicked off the Nano Dragon, causing it to lose altitude.
I fired a few shots and then a charged shot while it was distracted, nailing it and making it crash down on the ground.
"[Grants]!"
And Lumia finished it off with a strike of light, awarding us 40 points.
'Bonus Round initializing'
Bonus Round again? They're really being generous with their points now!
This time, Pal Sharks, which were purple fire-type variants of the Evil Sharks, appeared as the first wave.
There were also the regular Evil Sharks mixed up in there. A pair of Grass Assassins emerged from the corner, and another Nano Dragon completed the set.
"Well, they're certainly not pulling any punches, that's for sure."
Suddenly, something collided with the Nano Dragon, bringing it down onto the ground harshly. A cloud of dusty smoke formed from the impact.
That spurned on the rest of the monsters.
"Woah! Yut, I'm telling you! When I get my hands on you, I'll-!"
I didn't get to finish. A Pal Shark leapt towards me and attempted to slash at me with its blade arms. I hopped back and slashed in retaliation.
And then I had to get away again as another Pal Shark attempted a sneak attack.
Red, Lumia, and Yut were all busy with their respective opponents. The Nano Dragon managed to recover, shooting fireballs and lasers from the air. The Grass Assassins were the major threats, keeping Red's hands full.
Geez, isn't this too much? I know I complained that it was too easy, but this was an insane difficulty spike!
Well, this leaves me no choice! Time for something I was itching to try out!
"Hey, boltie! What're you grinning like that for over there?"
"Shut up, I'm gonna try something!"
Ignoring the noisy midget, I stretched my arms out and focused my energy. Let's see if our enemies can still push us around after this!
... It sure is taking a long time, though!
"A mirage blast? Judging by the color of your aura, though... Wait! Emilia!"
What was that? Lumia seemed like she was saying something but I couldn't hear her very well. I was too busy being awesome!
Yellow glyphs appeared in front of my outstretched hands, spinning to set themselves in place before activating.
In a yellow flash, the yellow and orange bird-shaped spirit of lightning appeared. What was the name again? Err, Canna, yeah!
"Let's go, Canna! [Thunder Flash]!"
Canna blitzed around the area, dropping numerous lightning bolts at the enemies. One of the bolts hit a group of Pal Sharks, instantly turning them into points.
Alright! It was so worth buying this module!
Another bolt hit the Nano Dragon, shocking it and sending it down. Yut finished it off with a swift thrust. Next, the Evil Sharks and the Grass Assassins were electrocuted. But... it looked like they weren't being damaged much... nah. A few more bolts should do it!
After a few seconds, the bolts lessened in frequency and then ultimately stopped. Everything besides the Pal Sharks and the Nano Dragon were still spectacularly standing.
"... wait, that's it?"
What a scam! It didn't even do that much! If I wanted a Pal Shark killer then I would have just casted techs!
I don't understand! Lumia's and Yut's Mirage Blasts were able to beat dragons and Seeds! What was wrong with mine?!
"[Radiga]!"
Lumia finished off the remaining Evil Sharks with an explosion of rocks, while the Grass Assassins were taken care of by Red with a flurry of blindingly fast saber slashes.
Our points ballooned up to 600, but I didn't feel like celebrating at all!
Red came over, a sickeningly smug grin plastered on her face.
"Using an electric-type Mirage Blast against electric-type monsters... You really are a bolthead, aren't you?"
"... noooo!"
I can't believe I forgot! I was so excited about my newly bought blast module that it slipped my mind!
Sigh. At least it took out the Pal Sharks and stunned the Nano Dragon long enough for Yut to finish it off but...
How depressing!
"I'm sure you'll learn from the mistake. Right now, we have other things to focus on. Like your teammate."
"He slipped away again. Darn it."
We crossed another physics-defying bridge and arrived at an area similar to the earlier Sand Rappy room.
True enough, said little creatures came after us one after the other. They still didn't pose much of a threat so long as we were careful. After just two waves, though, the system declared the Bonus Round completed.
"Huh? What gives? We're only at 800 points."
Red had a point. There were no more enemies as we progressed, looking like the simulation might be close to over. But we were two hundred short. Is it time for the mystery 200 point enemy?
"There's still that unknown enemy that's worth 200 points."
"Yeah! We just need to find the boss! I have a feeling it's gonna be a big one!"
"A boss... like a game?"
As if to answer our questions, a loud roar echoed throughout the cave.
"It's about time we found something that can put up a fight!"
"Yut! Graahh!"
Yut sped off, ignoring my protests. I'm getting really sick of chasing that idiot!
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IV
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After a while of running, we were able to reach what can only be the boss-room. Yut was off on the middle standing on his own, clear puzzlement on his face.
Strange. This was surely the final area. Where was the boss? In any case...
"Yut! Get back here!"
The crazy jungle boy's pointed ears perked up as I called out. He looked at us and pondered for a few seconds, before trudging back with a disappointed expression.
Good! Now maybe we took a wrong turn somewhere...
"...! The ground's shaking!"
Lumia suddenly said. She's right! And it was getting stronger!
The ground shook harshly for a couple more seconds before it abruptly stopped. A few seconds of silence followed, and then something big exploded from the room's centre.
"Gyaaaoooo!"
"A dragon! And it's huge!"
What emerged actually was a dragon which was larger than the Nano Dragons we encountered earlier. Its wings and arms were conjoined, though, so it still edged closer to a wyvern. It had a horn and its tail split into two.
Weird thing, though. The system was saying that its name was simply Dragon. How uninspired. It was also apparently fire-type like the Nano ones.
Well, there's our boss fight... But what about Yut?
"Aha! Finally! A strong opponent!"
That idiot!
Yut jumped and thrust with his spear. It wasn't very effective, but the dragon clearly noticed, brushing off Yut's strike and slapping him away with its tail.
Well, he got his wish, I guess. There's still no actual danger but here's a powerful enemy.
"[Shifta]!"
"[Deband]!"
Red and Lumia cast their respective buffing techs, boosting our attack and defense substantially. Huh, so Red can use techs too. Was that a Tech-Mag she was using?
The dragon issued a challenging roar, and charged straight towards us. Guess it's not planning on a hit-and-run strategy like its Nano minions!
"Uh-oh! Spread out!"
"Don't need to tell me that!"
We swiftly got out of the way and began our assault. Lumia started off with a super-effective Barta, causing the dragon to recoil from the icy attack.
It looked effective, but I really wish she'd stop stealing more of my techs!
Red came next, slashing at the dragon's face and instantly dodging the jaw snap that followed. She landed on the ground and leapt away from a stomp attack.
Since I'm using a relatively low power weapon choice, I'm sticking to keeping my distance and waiting for an opening. Red and Lumia's got firepower covered, anyway!
The dragon made to chase Red, but was slightly blown over when something collided onto its side. It moved to retaliate but a well placed Diga from Lumia halted that motion.
Alright, how about this?
I fired repeatedly at the confused dragon, making it even more undecided on where to attack. Yut then thrust his spear heavily into the same side he attacked, tipping it over.
It got angry, though. It let loose a massive fireball at the approaching Red, buying it time to try and stand.
"Can't have you forgetting about me! Hiya!"
I slashed at its knees and slid away. Haha! Kneel, lesser being!
"[Damgrants]!"
The beam of light hit the dragon's face, blinding it long enough for Red to cross-slash its chest, pushing it back a little only for Yut to slam it again.
This seemed to finally get it mad, roaring loudly before focusing all its attention on the persistent tribesboy.
Huh. Who knew simulations could get mad.
Yut tried avoiding the stomps and bites, mostly succeeding through skillful dodging and parrying, but a sudden tail whip hit home. It followed up with a fireball to the thrown Yut, which was thankfully intercepted by a Barta from Lumia.
It didn't mind, turning its attention towards Red. It charged, and while she was able to dodge, the dragon followed up with the stomp, snap, slam approach it used on Yut.
"Heads up!"
I fired a charged shot at it, bit it didn't do much. It ignored my shots and continued its onslaught.
Red dodged the attacks, countering with saber slashes as she did, much to the dragon's irritation. She swiped at one of its legs and went for the face, making the dragon roar out in pain.
It still persevered, though, nailing Red with a surprise claw attack.
"[Nosmegid]!"
Lumia tried hitting it with a dark tech, but the dragon suddenly flew up, and then went straight down, disappearing in a cloud of smoke. The Nosmegid hit the wall uselessy and scattered a bit of dust.
Wait... it left a mark...
"It burrowed! Everyone, stay alert!"
"Geez, this is one troublesome monster..."
"Come out, coward! Fight me with honor!"
"It's not gonna listen to you!"
There was a large gaping hole where it dug, which was slowly filled with magma.
The ground started shaking again, and Red leapt out of the way as the ground beneath her exploded in a fiery blast.
The fireball continued up into the cave's ceiling, blasting away numerous rocks and boulders. So the walls are damageable...
"It feinted with a fireball?!"
"Huh?!"
"What the- Yut, get out of there!"
I shouted out a warning, but Yut blatantly ignored it and raised his spear to point it at the ground.
And what's that gonna do?!
The dragon reemerged from beneath Yut faster than he can strike with his spear, sending him flying into the air and awaiting its gaping maw.
"[Diga]!"
Nice! Lumia managed to strike the head with the tech, allowing Yut to control his fall and use the momentum to deliver a powerful spear attack.
The dragon recovered, landed, and immediately burrowed again.
"Yut, you need to calm down! We need a plan to take this thing down with less risks!"
"Less risks?! Then what's the point?! We need to fight, that's all!"
"I'm telling you! Just listen!"
"No! I'm going to defeat this enemy and become stronger!"
This... This...! Aggghhh, enough!
"Red!"
"What is it? Kinda focusing here!"
"Call me chicken or whatever! I don't care! I've had enough of this!"
I switched to my staff and immediately started chanting with my teeth clenched. I was so frustrated that it was almost starting to grind!
This time, the ground beneath Lumia glowed red, signifying another fireball feint. Not this time!
"Lumia, move! [Rabarta]!"
I concentrated the tech into a small point and poured larger amount of power into it. The heating ground froze over, halting the explosion.
The dragon emerged after, and I immediately slammed it with another Rabarta, blasting it away from its intended attack course.
It burrowed again, but it didn't bother with the feint. It resurfaced behind us this time, obviously wary about the Rabarta.
"[Razonde]!"
The bolt of lightning struck it head-on, bringing it down onto the ground and keeping it there, the tech's stun capabilities immobilizing it.
"Woah, bolthead. You were holding out on us?"
Red remarked and went for the stunned dragon, scoring a good number of hits. Yut joined in, spearing it repeatedly. The dragon cried out in outrage and pain. Mostly pain, I would hope.
"[Grants]!"
Lumia kept it in place with her tech, but it was slowly starting to stand up again. Not on my watch!
"Red, drag Yut out of there! [Rafoie]!"
"Rafoie? But that's a fire-type!"
"Let's go, jungle boy!"
"H-hey, stop!"
I paid no mind to Lumia's protest. I fired the tech at a particular spot in the cave ceiling, just right above the dragon.
Boom! Just as I expected, the boulders came crashing down onto the struggling creature.
"... I see."
"[Rabarta]! [Razonde]!"
The icy explosion froze the entire groups of boulders trapping the dragon, and then the lightning bolt struck the dragon, producing a violent blast of frozen rocks and electricity.
After a few seconds of waiting, the smoke cleared to reveal an unmoving dragon, sparks still dancing across its form. The ground around it was both scorched and wet from the melted ice.
'Dragon defeated! 200 points awarded!'
ooo000ooo
V
ooo000ooo
'VR 'Cave' Simulation Complete!'
'Final Score: 1000 points! Rank: S!'
The system let out another celebratory jingle. Would you look at that? Back-to-back perfect scores! Wait till Kara hears about this!
The dragon's unmoving form disappeared in a flash of light, and a gate in the back of the room opened up, revealing an exit.
I dismissed my trusty rod and inspected our surroundings. Boy, we really did a number on this place, didn't we? There were lots of holes and rocks scattered about.
Red and Lumia dusted themselves off after putting away their weapons, not looking particularly exhausted. They did look a little winded, though. That was a lot of running around.
And as for Yut...
"... is that all? I'm ready for more!"
Give me a break! The dragon was already defeated, but he's still on this issue?!
"Yut, c'mere for a sec, will ya?"
I called him over just a little bit forcefully. Fortunately, he heard me and went on over to our direction.
He still looked discontent so I gave him the sweetest smile I could muster.
"What is it? We finally found something challenging but it's still not enough!"
"The simulation's over, so that'll have to do for now. But there's one... more... thing!"
Whack!
I gave him a good smack on the noggin'. He wasn't expecting it at all. He recoiled back and clasped his head with his hands.
"Ow! What's the big idea?!"
"You can't go running off on your own like that! And definitely not taking on dangerous enemies without us! And if I tell you to listen, you listen! Got that?!"
Yut looked at me dubiously, as if he doesn't understand what he did wrong. No, he definitely doesn't understand what he did wrong. He looked ready to protest but didn't say anything back.
Probably in fear of another smack. That oughta knock some sense into that thick head of his, but I held back.
"Sigh. Did you ever think about what you put us through? Keep it up and you'll get yourself killed for real!"
"But... but if we don't test our limits, how can we learn? How can we get stronger?"
"If you're dead, what good will it do you?"
I know it's good to regularly test your limits and step out of your comfort zone. Kara drilled that lesson into me from day one. In fact, that's why I was even bothering with the saber and gun in the first place!
But too much and you're just putting yourself in unnecessary danger. You can get stronger as much as you want but if you die doing it, then what's the point?
"I know you want to learn to fight better, but there's a fine line between being brave and being reckless!"
"Y-you don't understand!"
Even now, he's still making a fuss! Ugh, calm down, Emilia. If you get lash out at him now, then he's never gonna keep what you say in mind!
"Bolthead's right, you know? You're never getting that Land-Mother of yours back if you kick the bucket."
Huh? Red? She's agreeing with me again? What's going on?
Although she went back to calling me bolthead. Ugh, whatever.
"You can get stronger without casting yourself into fire every time, you know? A little discipline here and there goes a long way."
"See? I'm not the only one who thinks so. Do you get it now?"
"I... I get it, okay? But I have to become stronger! The man in black was so powerful, even Kara wqs defeated! I won't stand a chance against him if I don't become stronger! I have to keep training!"
There it is. The heart of the issue.
I get it. The man in black was really powerful. Scarily powerful, even. I'd like to think that Kara was a lot stronger than he was when we first met, and he still lost pretty easily. Even Red who, despite everything, was one of the strongest people I know.
Shizuru faced them both at the same time and wiped the floor with them. Kara even got put out of commission for a while. What can Yut and I do?
I have no delusions about what would happen if Yut or I fought Shizuru one-on-one as we are now. But that's the thing. We're a team. We don't have to do it by ourselves.
"But you don't have to face him alone!"
"... huh?"
He looked a bit lost. Really? Did he really think we wouldn't be with him when he fights the fight of his life? Shizuru terrifies me but...
I promised Mika, didn't I?
"He must be defeated, yes. But we can defeat him... together."
"Lumia?"
Even Lumia? Guess what I said to her earlier really worked, huh? Too bad she's with the Guardians. The five of us made a pretty awesome team!
Hmm... I wonder if we can get her to transfer over to us? Nah, she's too committed to her duty or whatever. But she's the only Guardian I would work with!
"Did I say something wrong?"
Oh. I must have been staring. Silly me. I just gave her a smile and waved her off. I returned my attention back to Yut.
"You gotta learn to trust your friends more, Yut! You gotta trust us! Pull any more of this kind of stunt and you can forget getting any more pudding outta me!"
"All right, all right! I'll try to learn to work with the rest of you while training..."
"Not quite but that's more like it!"
He still looked like he hasn't fully understood yet, but I think I can leave the matter here for now. If he acts up again, I'll just have to nag at him again to get my point across!
Okay, maybe Kara had a point when he calls me out for nagging... But this is all for Yut's sake so I'm sure he'd understand!
I let out a small chuckle. I really am blessed with good friends, huh? To think how much things have changed since the relic site...
"Resorting to bribery now, eh? Gotta say I expected more from you."
"It's not bribery!"
"That's right! That's just Emilia's payment for doing things she told me to!"
"That's what bribery means, puddingface."
"Not helping, Yut! Whatever, don't mind the midget. Now how about a trip to the cafe as soon as we get back? I'm sure Kara would love to hear about our performance!"
"I don't think he's exactly the type to want to listen to you gloat. You just want to rub it in his face that he missed out, don't you?"
I don't know what Red's talking about but it's assuredly not true. Kara's a great listener! When he's in the mood...
"Heehee. Things never get this lively when I'm not with you people. I suppose I should be glad for it."
Lumia suddenly went and said something sentimental. She turned to me with a sincere expression.
"Emilia, I want to apologize for the things I said earlier."
"Huh? Oh, that? It's all water under the table! As long as you understand!"
"... wasn't that 'water under the bridge'?"
"Gahaha! Oh man, wait till he coffee boy hears about this!"
"Y-you wouldn't!"
I glared at Red, but I eventually found myself laughing too. I don't get it! I'm the one being made fun off but I'm laughing!
Even Lumia's chuckling a bit! Yut just looked confused, though...
Heh. Even though we were all as incompatible as we can be, we've really gone and made ourselves a team, huh? Nah. We made ourselves one happily dysfunctional crazy family.
Right, partner?
ooo000ooo
VI
ooo000ooo
"Kara here."
"Good. I figured you'd be up and about."
The visage of our actual boss, Ursula, appeared on my comms. I gave her a small nod of greeting.
It's been a few days since Emilia and the others returned from their VR escapade, and it looks like things turned out well. Seems like Lumia and Yut caused quite a bit of a commotion but surprisingly, Emilia managed to get it under control.
Heh. Maybe I'm not giving her enough credit. She's improved by leaps and bounds since we first started. I'm honestly a little proud.
These past few days have been unbelievably dull because of my injury, but hopefully, the party would be a lot easier to handle by the time I'm ready for active duty again.
"Is the boss back yet?"
"Yes. And by the looks of things, something's up. Is Emilia there?"
"Not at the moment. Hold on, I'll go get her."
"That won't be necessary. Kraz called only for you."
Huh? Not necessary? That's a little weird. Also, I can't help but feel something's off. Why just me?
Before I could ask further, Ursula spoke up again.
"Kraz wants to speak to us. It's about Emilia. We'll be waiting at the office."
She cut the line off without waiting for my response. Well, that wasn't ominous at all.
Still, what could have Kraz possibly found that connects Emilia to the investigation?
My mind immediately went to the possibility that Emilia went and caused trouble again, but with the way she's acting nowadays, it's highly unlikely. Probably.
Well, I'm not gonna find out by trying to figure it out myself. I made my way to the office.
And that was where it all went to shit.