Hello guys, sorry for super late upload. Got a problem financially, and I had to sacrifice my budget for wifi to get through a few months. But I'm okay now, I guess?
Anyway, enjoy this new chapter.
[ You're late... idiot. ]
Hearing Yuka's voice behind him, Hajime smiles faintly before limply raising his prosthetic arm. Her voice contains different emotions, but what caught Hajime's attention the most, was the faint relief.
[ I time it right though... ] Once those words left Hajime's mouth, the Dragon's tail came whipping with strength that could shatter a boulder with one swing.
But Hajime simply catch it with his prosthetic arm, without getting knock back.
Even with all the wind pressure, and cloud of dust rising from that dragon's blow, Yuka keeps her eyes towards Hajime's back. Perhaps, because she's in the verge of the death a few moments ago, life was still flashing through her eyes, and she saw his back looking alike that time during their first excursion back on the Orcus Labyrinth. Unyielding, and firm. And because of that, tears starts trickling down from both of her eyes. She can't help but to rely on him, to save her once again.
Amidst that, Hajime held the dragon's tail with both his hands, and shift his body's center of gravity to do an aikido throw. Even with all the dragon's weight, and size, it looks like pillow in front of his strength.
BOOOOM!!* Another cloud of dust rose from the dragon's impact, which also caused the ground to shake.
Yuka's knees crumples, and she starts sobbing like a kid.
[ UWAAAA!! You idiot! You idiot! idiot! ]
Hajime sighs, and looked at Yuka with eyes full of exasperation. Even Aiko, still on Yuka's arm, was taken aback from Yuka's crying. She don't even know what to do, cause she herself wants to cry.
[ Oy. What are you crying for? Could you stop already? It's annoying. ] Hajime said clearly exasperated.
Even with that, Yuka didn't stop from crying [ It's because you're late, that everyone died! If only you help us out earlier, no one needs to die! ]
Being reminded of her dead students, Aiko was also in the verge of crying.
[ Not you too, Sensei. ]Hajime said. Yue, and Shea landed next to him at that timing, and Yue hands him Taeko's whip. [ Here I'll give you both a balloon. ] He said clearly making fun of them.
[ Like a balloon will fix everything! I don't need it! You suck! I hate you! I hate you! I HATE YOU!! ] Yuka shouted still crying. Her eyes was full of tears, that she can't see anything clearly, but something huge is floating above Hajime.
She really looked like a kid throwing a tantrum in Hajime's, Yue's, and Shea's eyes.
Shea heaved a sigh of exasperation [ Stop messing around Hajime-san. I like her cooking, you know. So I hate seeing her in this state. ] She said before throwing a rock towards the sky.
The sound of a bubble popping *POP* resounded. What comes next was...
[ [ AAAHHHHHHH!! ]
[ CATCH ME! CATCH ME NAGUMOCHIII!! ]
[ I'LL GET YOU BACK ON THIS SOMEDAY! ]
[ YOU ASSHOLE!! ]
Different familiar voices echoed loudly, and Yuka's tears retreated to its dock. Both her, and Aiko looks up to the sky, and saw Taeko, Nana, Tamai, Akito, and Noboru falling.
Before they make contact to the ground though, Yue snaps her fingers, and all of them stops mid air, seconds before they landed with their faces.
All of them, who unconsciously stops from breathing because of fear, sighed in relief. But a second later, another snap entered their ears, and they all landed with painful thud.
Painful groans, and complains comes out from them in small voice, but the culprit herself only stared at them with listless eyes.
Out of annoyance, Taeko raised her voice first. [ What was the point of the Nagumo-kun! ] She said while standing up, eyes on Hajime glaring fiercely.
[ Yeah! ] Nana followed up. [ What's the point of you saving us, if you'll treat us like that! ] She said, still on the ground cradling her body in pain.
Taeko tried to encourage Tamai, Akito, and Noboru to protest too, but the three only averted their gazes, muttering [ No, H-he saved us. ] [ Y-yeah isn't that enough. ] with weak voice, that nobody should be able to hear. It seems their complains a few seconds ago was only because of blood rushing to their heads, and now they can't even look Hajime in the eyes.
But everyone here has enhanced hearing so of course they heard them. [ You morons is saying that, but when we were falling at that time, you guys was shouting how much you want to get back at him, right! ] Taeko shouted in annoyance while glaring at the three.
Hajime only stared at them with listless eyes like Yue did, and replied [ Why are you guys blaming me. ]
Taeko returned her furious eyes to Hajime, and starts voicing out her feelings. [ You! You left us behind to fight against that dragon by ourselves! You know well how strong that thing is! And you just hide your ass, leaving us behind like we are nobody! ] Taeko's eyes grew more fiercely seeing that Hajime didn't react at all to anything she said. [ And out of nowhere, you came out and saves us! Are you trying to act cool, or hero like to make us fall for you! We won't join your harem just so you know! Not after putting us on that bubble like a joke, and making us fall on our faces! ] Taeko's breath becomes ragged from too much rage she's feeling at the moment. But despite that, Hajime's expression didn't change even for a little bit.
[ First of all, it was Yue's idea to put you in that bubble. ]
[ Then you should've stopped her!! ] Taeko shouted.
[ Whatever Yue wants, I'll forgive it. ]
[ How about us!? We're the victims here!
[ You deserve it. ] Yue said, with voice lacking any intonation. [ You guys are getting cocky towards Hajime. Don't forget I haven't forgiven any of you yet. ]
Taeko went silent from shock.
[ That's the second reason. ] Hajime said, continuing after Yue. [ You guys wants to showoff right? From the beginning, I know what your goal is, but I'm kinda confused what your purpose is. Is it to intimidate me? Or brag about your new powers? But whatever it is, I thought it was worth a shot to make you guys do whatever you want. That's why I left you on your own to fight. ]
Everyone's eyes were round wide after hearing Hajime's explanation.
[ And now you're complaining? Have you forgotten what my stance towards you guys. As long as you don't get in my business, I won't intervene on yours. Whatever you want has nothing to do with me. You should be thankful that I take you on a ride. Also, I save you guys to return the favor. ] Hajime said the last bit while his eyes were pointing at Will. And at that timing, behind Will at the distance, the Black Dragon he threw earlier rose up from the ground, and let out a loud roar.
[ GRAAAAAHHH!!!! ]
Seeing that, Hajime draw both Donner and Schlag smoothly, and said [ And now, I'll throw that thing out as a bonus. With this, you guys can now shut the hell up. ]
Everyone was speechless. Shame, and fear was gnawing on their minds after hearing Hajime's side. Other than Yuka, they all thought that Hajime was selfish, and uncooperative, but it seems he's far considerate than they had thought. They keep Will safe, while he wasn't there, and he return the favor himself by saving them. If they think it more carefully, they were the one being selfish, going with him solely for their desires.
While everyone was silent, Hajime stared at the Black Dragon with a fearless smile pasted naturally on his face. There's no shed of fear or even a doubt that he will lose. Only a determination to kill his enemy.
In a blink of an eye, Hajime vanished, and appears up in front of the Black Dragon. He's literally standing mid air like a joke which shocked everyone. And that shock grew more from the sudden gust of wind blowing from behind. They all look behind to see what it was causing it, which causes for more surprise.
Shea's whole body was overflowing with mana, that it creates a gust of wind from pressure.
[ Let's go Yue-san!! I'll blow that dragon's brain out, desu! ] Shea said with a fearless smile.
Such words put everyone in shock. For as cute, and beautiful as Shea, those words she just utter was definitely out of character.
Regarding to Shea's words, Yue only raised her arm and stop Shea on her tracks. [ Stay here. Hajime is more than enough. ]
Shea look at Yue with shock expression. [ Ehhhh! Are you sure about that Yue-san?! If it's you, I thought you'll do whatever it is to become useful to Hajime-san, desu. ]
[ Yes... That's why I'm protecting this guy. ] Yue said while pointing at Will with her index finger.
[ Well-- I kinda understand now. But you should be able to protect him on your own, right!? I'll go help Hajime-san, desu! ]
But before she could leap towards Hajime, Yue casted gravity magic on her, and pin her on the ground.
[ Y-Yue-san! What are you doing! ]
[ I just said you can't. ]
Shea struggles to free herself, but Yue increase the output on her magic, which causes cracks that looks like a spider web to appear under her. [ Yue-san is so meanie!! I just want to fight someone, you know, desu?! ]
[ Then fight me. There's should be no problem right.]
[ Eh- But I prefer that huge dragon though, desu. ]
[ Try to free yourself then. ] Yue said with deadpan stare.
Seeing that reminded Shea of her training on the Sea of Trees under Yue. She knows, she can't do anything when she's like this, and decided to surrender instead.
Yuka, and the others watch Yue, and Shea interaction with such curiosity. They had never seen Yue act like that, and it feels like the two were siblings. Yue is the older sister of course, base on how she scolded Shea.
While that was happening, Hajime's fight with dragon started already.
Such ferocity, and strength was displayed with unbelievable techniques they had never seen before.
This is the first time, Yuka, and the others had seen Hajime fight seriously. The Gun-Kata that they could only watch on TV was performed with the height of skills and rationality. They know Hajime was fast, but he's currently displaying his skills that even them could see every details. It wasn't so fast, and yet the dragon can't do anything about it, but stand still. The dragon itself, was doing its best to distance itself from Hajime. Even with its size, the speed it displays was unbelievable, and yet Hajime always caught on it with simple kicks, and shooting.
But despite the fierce attacks from Hajime, the Black Dragon was able to display such strength, that he was having a hard time pinning it down. It was skilled on manipulating wind, and fire, that even a fraction of second was fatal enough for him. He had never seen a normal monster like this. He started to doubt now it's origin. He already hypothesised that this monster was created by those liberators, which make him doubt the purpose. Was creating such monster, and letting it free on the surface was something those liberators will do? He thought. And yet, he can't get through it. What's more to it was.
[ You're still ignoring me, huh? ]
The Black Dragon fires a huge black Fireball where Yue, and the others currently was. ]
[ Ice Barricade! ] Yue shouted, and huge wall of ice rose up to block the fireball. Despite her attitude towards Yuka and the others, she protected them without any complaints.
[ If you don't want to die, get behind me. ] She understands how Hajime respects Aiko above his classmates, and so it's only natural that he wouldn't let her student die considering how important they are for Aiko.
Seeing that, Hajime snickered, and look at the dragon with a hint of anger. He knows that Will was in good hands, and now he could go all out.
He returned both Donner and Schlag on its holster, and raised up his hand. His Treasure Trove shines, and a 3 meter long weapon pops out out of nowhere.
This new weapon Hajime summoned was called Schlagen. He created this out of that scorpion monster that was guarding up on Yue's cell. This was 10 times stronger than his handguns, which could be fired once before reload. Since it packs more power, the size, and weight it has is no joke, but Hajime had no trouble carrying it with one hand considering his monstrous strength.
Also, this was used against the guardian located on the 100th floor of Orcus Labyrinth, so it was no doubt that it will be effective on this dragon, that is far smaller than that hydra they fought.
Hajime points Schlagen into the dragon, and pour out his mana through it. At the tip of its barrel, vast amount of mana starts gathering, and it starts making a whirling noises. Back when Hajime created this, it required vast portion of his mana to fire it in full power, but thanks to the previous Ancient Magic he just acquired, he just need to activate it, and the Artifact itself will gather the mana necessary from the surrounding.
The amount of mana gathered on the tip of the barrel was so vast that it causes the air around it to distort, and starts glowing like a star in the sky.
There's no way for the black dragon to ignore such danger, and it immediately directed its attention towards Hajime.
The whirling noise coming from Schlagen intensifies, and at that moment, Hajime smirks.
[ Die... ] He said before pulling the trigger.
The bullet travels in speed of light, and Yuka, and the others could not fathom how much damage the dragon will receive once hit by it. They were 100% sure that it won't come out unscathed.
But the dragon won't just lay down and accept its faith, and instead fire its own dragon breath towards Hajime. The power behind it was able to destroy a portion of the mountain, and create a river. It was no joke that it was a breath for annihilation.
The question is... which one is more powerful.
A single bullet that travels in speed of light, or a dragon breath that could be classify as a laser of destruction.
Both sides' attacks collided midair, which causes a huge shock wave that reaches even Yuka, and the others on the distance.
Even with all the wind preasure, nobody can't divert their eyes away from the battle. No one wants to miss the conclusion of this fight.
But that intense feeling died down in an instant, cause the battle was instantly decided.
The single bullet Hajime fired was able to split apart the dragon's breath like a joke. The black dragon tried to dodge at the last second, and managed to avoid an inta-kill damage, but the cost of it was one of its wings.
Yuka's and the others' eyes was shocked open from seeing such scene. They can't believe that a single attack was enough to damage that flying fortress to this degree, that not even with her's and others' power combined can't leave a scratch.
With one of its wing gone, the dragon can't maintain its flight, and crashed on the ground like meteor.
Seeing that, Yue, and Shea immediately sprint towards where the dragon landed. Yuka carried Aiko on her arms, and immediately follows after the two, and the rest also went where the dragon landed.
Reaching the place, they can't a see a thing from the cloud of dust cause by the impact.
Hajime lowers himself with foothold made of mana, and landed next to Yue, and the others.
Yuka, and the others gasp seeing the weapon Hajime was carrying up close. It was far more larger than they had expected at this distance.
Yue look at Hajime with a smile, and said [ Good work... ] with sweet voice.
Hajime didn't say anything, and instead replied with a smug expression.
[ Is it over Hajime-san? ] Shea asked a little downhearted since she didn't had any chance to fight.
Hajime expression turned serious, and replied [ Not yet. Although it's faint, I could still feel its presence. ]
Yuka, and the others can't believe that Hajime didn't finish it yet. So Yuka decided to ask a question.
[ Why won't you kill it then? ]
Hajime looks at her like she's and idiot and replied [ That thing is already warry of me. It's probably waiting for me behind those cover. ]
Yuka, and the others can't believe what they heard. Despite Hajime strength, they can't believe he's being careful approaching that dragon. It just mean that he acknowledge that dragon's power, and also that despite the power he possessed he never underestimated his enemies.
Everyone watched the cloud of dust, waiting for it to disperse. And after a few seconds.
[ Hajime-san! ] Shea shouted in panic. Her skill Future Sight has a handy derivate called Automatic Activation that activates whenever there's an approaching danger that could cause her life. Hajime and Yue had lost count how manytimes they were saved by that, and that's why the two of them always trusted Shea's intuition all the time.
But Hajime replied [ I know... ] calmly. He too could see the approaching danger with his Demon Eye afterall.
Behind the cloud of dust, and huge black fireball comes out, and approach everyone's position.
[ Hiiiiihh!! ] Will screech in fear seeing that, and everyone else could only scream in front of their inevitable death. But before anyone could notice, Hajime draw out Donner at high speed, and accurately shot at the center of the fireball.
Like an illusion, it dispersed into thin air after meeting Hajime's bullet. Yuka, and the others were speechless. Especially Noboru's who knows the trick behind that.
In order to pursue more strength, everyone on Yuka's party devoted themselves on studying more techniques and magic. That's where they discovered the components of a spell. Every spell that exists composed of three parts, the core, the veins, and the mana. The core holds every information what the user desired it to be. Like what element, the speed, power, and the structure of the spell. While the veins spread that information throughout the spell itself, on which received by the mana. With the help of magic circle, the user could transfer their thoughts into the mana. By that order, the spell will be formed, and the user could freely control it, like adjusting the mana output which affects how strong the spell is.
So it's common sense that the spell can't maintain itself once the core was destroyed. And since Hajime's Demon eye had the ability to see mana, like how Noboru's Predator works. With his extraordinary accuracy, he can shoot through a size of a needle hole. So even with the spell's core that have the size of needle that moves around the spell at high speed, he could still shoot it atease. Something Noboru could never do even if he trained with his whole life.
With their mouth gaping open, and eyes that can't blink anymore, Yuka, Will, and the others turned their gazes to Hajime. Looking at him closer, they can't find anything that says "he just went to fight a dragon". Not a scratch or even a sweat could be seen. The way he dominates that dragon without even breaking a sweat scares all of them.
While everyone was still looking at Hajime with dumbfounded expression, the dragon sweeps the fog of dust on the surrounding with its remaining wing.
[ GRAAAAAHHH!! ]The Black Dragon let out an ear splitting roar. The loudest everyone heard until now, which causes everyone to crouched down and covers their ears. But Hajime stands alone, unpertubed by the noise.
He watched the black dragon with a complicated expression. Once the noise died down, he declared his decision.
[ Shea, Yue. Time to finish this. ] He said, and his Treasure Trove shines, sign that he's pulling out something again.
A cylinder metal pop up above Shea, and she hurriedly catch it up. [ You got it, Hajime-san! ] Shea said with fearless smile.
While Yue on the side only nodded with eyes of concern towards Hajime.
[ Yosh, Let's Gooo! ] Shea shouted while pouring mana to the cylindrical metal she's holding. *gashak* Mechanical noise resounded, and the short metal, barely noticeable, on the middle of it suddenly extended.
Yuka's and the others' eyes widened in surprise. They hardly expected that thing Shea's holding was actually a huge hammer. The length of it is equal to her height, and the design is very simple. But the mana it emitted was tremendous enough to distort the air around it.
It's Shea's personal Artifact Hajime dub as Druken. It's a heavy weight hammer equipped with number of gimmicks. It was made of compressed different ores, and coated with the most toughest ore, azantium, which makes it practically unbreakable.
Carrying it on her should like it was only a toy hammer, Shea vanished in the blink on an eye.
[ Oryaaaaa! ] A loud voice echoed where the dragon was. Yuka, and the others turned their gazes towards the voice and saw Shea on front of the dragon, swinging Druken on its head towards the ground.
boom!* An explosive noise echoed from the impact between Druken and the dragon, and the dragon's head plummeted to the ground.
Yuka's, and the others' mouth hangs open from shock. That power coming from the frail looking body of a girl, it was unbelievable in more ways than one.
[ Next one! ] Shea shouted. It seems she wasn't done yet.
With the momentum from her falling speed, she's planning to land another attack on the dragon's head. She even spins in the air using Druken as focal point to even increase her momentum.
[ Doryaaaaa! ] With a weird battle roar anyone had heard before, Shea attacks the dragon by the head with all her might.
But the dragon was surprisingly studry. [ Wah!? ] The Dragon managed to recover from Shea's initial attack, and managed to dodge the second attack by simply tilting its head.
Shea hits the ground with Druken which causes a mini earthquake and created a small crater at the center of the impact.
The black dragon used that chance and attack Shea with its claw.
Because of the shock from the impact, Shea was immobilized for a few seconds, which causes her to react late on the incoming attack! If she received any kind of powerful attack like that unguarded, there's no doubt that she will most likely to die! But surprisingly, she wasn't worried.
bang!* With a loud gun noise, the black dragon's claws was pinned down on the ground.
With fast, and precise shooting, Hajime stops the black dragon's attack before it hits Shea.
The black dragon look up in surprise, and saw Hajime mid air, pointing his gun towards itself. Knowing the power Hajime possess, it immediately reacted, and leaps towards him.
With only one wing, it can no longer fly, but it still manages to maintain itself midair for a few seconds, and tried to swallow Hajime.
But Hajime stops it with his raw power. Using both hands, he stops the dragons mouth before it could close its mouth, and drop a hand grenade inside it.
Once he's done, he kicks the dragon, and immediately take distance from it. Not even a second after that, a huge explosion occur inside the dragon's stomach.
[ Graaahh!! ] The black dragon let out a roar from pain.
Hajime already know that it's sturdy, but he didn't expect that it was to this level. He really expected that it will explode into tiny pieces of meat after swallowing his grenade.
The black dragon falls back to the ground. It can't even neutralize its fall, and hit the ground with its own body because of the damage it just receives. Regardless, it still tried to get on its feet as fast as it could. But Shea, who was waiting on the ground, didn't let it recover, and immediately launch an all out attack.
[ Take this! ] Shea shouted, while swinging her hammer. [ And that! And this! And That! And this! And That! And this! And That! ] She attacks with consecutive heavy blows using Druken, which creates shockwaves every impact. Her target now is its stomach since she wants to inflict more damage on it, and she's well aware that this dragon could regenerate itself, and want to prevent it from recovering.
The black dragon can't do anything, but to let out loud roars from intense pain. It tried to attack Shea multiple times, but Hajime, who was hovering midair stops it everytime. It's obvious that it stand no chance against Hajime, and Shea alone, and it suddenly gets desperate. It uses its only wing, and bring forth a huge gust of wind to blow away Shea. it wasn't a simple wind that was created by the force of its wing, but the kind that combine with magic. It even blows some of the nearby trees, and boulders cause of how strong the force of it.
Even Shea shouldn't be immune to it, but contrary to what should had happened, she remains standing on the same spot.
Her whole body was covered in light blue mana, but no external spell was used to neutralize the blow of the wind.
[ Nn... As expected of Shea. ] Yue muttered, looking at Shea proudly.
[ Wh-what... do you mean, Yue-san?... ] Yuka asked in confusion.
Taeko, Nana, Noboru, Akito, and Tamai looks at Yue, also confused.
[ Shea could use Gravity Magic. ]
[ [ [ [ G-Gravity Magic!? ] ] ] ] Yuka, and the others shouted in suprise.
They already studied all of the existing Ancient Magic, and it still surprised them that someone had possessed such unbelievable magic.
[ But unlike me, her affinity to it was only a fraction. The only she could do with it is adjust her weight. ]
Hearing that explanation makes them understand some of the unexplainable phenomenon happens until now. Yue's power to force anyone to plant their faces on the ground, that water bubble they rode when Hajime rescued them, Shea's light weight body that could perform acrobatics midair, but still manages to land an attack like a meteor, and having resistance from wind strong enough to blow trees and boulders.
Somehow... it all makes sense now. Along with how tremendous the gap between them is growing. It frustrates everyone from that fact.
[ But it seems she wasn't used to it yet. ] Yue muttered before casting [ Updraft. ]. It's wind spell that used usually to jump higher, or push something upwards. But with precise timing, it could also be used to catch something.
[ Unyaaaa! ] A cute scream echoed on the distance, and it's slowly closing in where Yue, and the others are. Not long after, Shea landed on the Updraft Yue casted.
[ That dragon is something! I can't believe it still have this much power after all the fight! ] Shea complained, clearly frustrated.
[ It just means that you need more training. ] Yue replied.
Shea landed next to her, and frown a little. [ I know that, but still... ]
Yue looks at Shea, and smile warmly. [ But there's no doubt that this dragon is something. Just stay here for now. ]
Yue steps forward, and eyed the black dragon.
Since it managed to blow Shea away, it managed to recover a little, and now standing on its feet.
Hajime was now again dealing with it. He continuesly shoots it, while successfully landing heavy kicks on its vitals, and sometimes plant hand grenade under its scales. But as expected, it was still standing. Decapitated wing, internal bleeding, and looking at its scales, there's number of damages that could be clearly seen, regardless, it was still fighting the same as before like it was possessed.
Sensing the mana around, Hajime immediately takes distance away from the dragon.
Yue lifts her right hand above her head, [ Asura. ] and brought it down after muttering her spell.
A huge black hole materials above the black dragon, and makes contact to it.
The black dragon wasn't able to do anything for real this time.
The weight of Asura is 100 times heavier than the ice combination spell it Nana, and Akito casted.
Asura is a gravity spell that rather than swallowing everything from the surrounding, it pushes everything outside, preventing anything to come close it its center. It's dense enough to flatten a hill, so it's no surprise that this dragon was no match to it.
The black dragon was pinned to the ground, unable to move. Using that chance, Yue nodded to Shea as a signal for her to go.
[ Yosha! I'm gonna use the full power now, desu! ] Shea shouted excitedly while mana starts gushing out from her body. Holding in one hand above her shoulder, Druken starts filling up with mana. The amount of it is so vast that the light blue mana she possessed turned white.
Shea shortened the gap between her and the dragon in an instant, and attack the dragon [ Doryaaaaa!! ] with all her might.
boom!* A huge tremor occur, and her surrounding instantly covered with cloud of dust.
[ Hajime-san! The new feature you just added to Druken is really strong, desu! ] Shea said happily, looking up in the sky. The feature she mentioned is the Gravity Magic her personal artiact has. She can shift the weight of it no matter how much as long as she have mana whenever she wants.
[ Idiot... It all amount to nothing if you don't hit the target. ] Hajime replied in exasperation.
Everyone was confused when they heard that, but it all come to light when the cloud of dust cleared up.
The black dragon that should had been pinned down by Yue's Asura, dodge Shea's attack by tilting its head again.
As soon Shea heard Hajime's reply, she slowly turned her gaze on the dragon, and her expression twitches from shock.
[ This--! ] Before she could voice out her complain, the black dragon attacks her with her head. A desperate headbat from a monster!
Caught off guard by unexpected attack, Shea flew away from the dragon [ Unyaaa! Not again! ] with weird scream, and landed on the nearby river.
Losing Shea's chance, the Asura, Yue casted, dispersed. Even her ,who only acquired Gravity Magic a few days ago, can't maintain such enormous spell that consumes lots of mana for long time.
The weight was gone, and so the dragon get back to its feet once again. But no matter how tough it was, it's obvious that it's nearing on its limit. The black mana that was covering its wing was starting to flicker, and its healing speed falls drastically.
Hajime wants to deliver the decisive final blow now. One that cannot be blocked by even with the toughest ore.
His Treasure Trove shines, and something, a normal human couldn't imagine to carry by themselves, appear on thin air.
It's size was double of Hajime's height, it has four arms at the barrel, and a solid metal stake on the center of it. It automatically attached to his prosthetic arm, and it starts emiting crimson sparks. Hajime dubbed this as Pile Bunker.
[ Yue. Hold it in place... ] Hajime said while looking at the black dragon with cold gaze.
Yue looks up, and nodded. [ ...Crystal Coffin. ] She whispered, and the wind instantly gone cold.
It didn't even take that long before the dragon froze in place. Caused by exhaustion, and mana deprived, it struggles to break free.
Crystal Coffin is an Advance Ice spell that could hold it's target in place by freezing it. The effectiveness depends on the users affinity, and targets immunity. Meaning there some cases which it might not take effect.
Nana knows this very well, and was quite shocked seeing this spell casted in such scale. She already tried it multiple times, and the maximum size she could freeze is the size of an adult human. Yue's spell couldn't be described as Advance spell anymore, and most of all, she casted it without chanting and any magic circle visible.
But it was still in such scale that cannot be maintained for long. It will only take a few seconds before the black dragon break free, but that is long enough for Hajime to finished it.
[ Let's see how tough can you get! ] He shouted, and dive from the sky towards the dragon.
Seeing him, the dragon tried to fire black fire balls at him with the remaining mana left to it, hoping to stop him. But on contrary, he continues from free falling unscathed from its attacks.
Hajime have covered himself with Diamond Skin.
It was one of unique skill he acquired down in the Abyss. It was strong enough to block his bullets back then, so such level of attacks such as fireballs had no effect on him.
It didn't take long before Hajime landed on the back of the black dragon. He Transmuted the soles of his shoes into spikes in order to hold himself even with all the ice covering the dragon's back.
He readies, and place the Pile bunker directly above the dragon's back, where its heart was located underneath. The arm of Pile Bunker launches wires, and automatically attached itself on the dragon's scale. Without hesitation, he pressed the trigger, and the Artifact let out and whirling sound *wrrrrrr, and the crimson it emits increase tremendously. After a few seconds, there's an ear splinting noise like a metal hitting another metal, and the stake at center plows the dragon's scale.
A small smirk manifested on Hajime's face for some reason.
The answer for that wad because he could directly see how his Pile Bunker is struggling. It weighs four tons of compressed metal, and coated with Azanthium core. He already tested the power of it by plunging it a huge golem that was covered in Azanthium armor, and it was absurd that the scales of this dragon was tough enough to block his Plie Bunker.
[ Graaaah! ] The black dragon let out a load roar, regardless whether the stake of Plie Bunker is sinking to its skin or not, the power it possessed adds burdens to its injury!
After pushing more, and increasing the mana input into his Pile Bunker, it didn't take long before it broke apart.
[ You really are tough! ] Hajime said before leaping away from the dragon. He's unconcerned for his equipment cause he could repair it anytime.
At that timing, the black dragon flap its wing, [ Graaaaah!! ] while letting out another roar! The Pile Bunker's stake that was partially piercing its scale was blown away, along with Crystal Coffin Yue casted, from the shockwave created by the dragon.
[ Asura! ] But Yue hit the dragon again with another of her spell. The intensity of her voice becomes severe from casting another huge spell. After throwing advance spell on this scale one after another, but still failed to hold down the dragon probably damaged her pride as the strongest mage in history.
Even the intensity doubled too, which creates a huge crater around the dragon.
[ Shea! ] Hajime called out, and Shea come out from the river, and starts running in the air.
The small ripples of mana that appears every step she takes was thanks to her boots that was enchanted with Aerodynamics by Hajime. It's the Air Dance derivative he acquired from one of the moster he consumed.
Using that as foothold, Shea launch another attack, pouring her all mana into her Druken, and once again aiming at the dragon's head.
In perfect condition, it might be able to dodge again, but not this time. The black dragon was hit with Druken in the head without any resistance.
Shea didn't let her guard down this time, and stared at the black dragon in amazement with a hint of annoyance.
But the black dragon remain laying down this time, even with all the weight Asura had, vanished. That final attack from Shea probably knocks it down.
[ Phew! That's my revenge for blowing me away, desu! ] Shea said before putting Druken into stand by, and placing it on her back.
[ This sure is tough, desu! Even Miledi-san's golem can't survive from Hajime-san's Pile Bunker, but this guy is unbelievable! ] Shea added while looking at the black dragon.
The part she, and Hajime hits with strong attacks only managed to shattered a few number of its scales, but they still failed to deal damage underneath it. Looking closer now, it looks like its whole body is covered in scales. It was amazing how Hajime managed to cut its wing with Schlagen.
This happens after their last dungeon. Hajime had to improve Schlagen after their fight with Miledi. Because, despite being a weapon that specialized on piercing power, it was lacking and put to shame with Pile Bunker that's exceeds more on destruction. Thanks to all the materials he acquired from Miledi, each bullet he creates for Schlagen was made of Azanthium. Now it has the power to cleanly penetrate the same material it's made of.
Hajime approach the black dragon, still wary of it. Despite its condition, he could sense that it was still alive. And all of sudden *thud* something landed behind him. He turns his gaze behind, and a small smile appear on his face. It was Pile Bunker's stake. [ Good timing... ] He said before picking it up.
He circled around the black dragon, who was still laying still, and said in a loud voice [ I heard from an acquaintance of mine that this part of the dragon is the most vulnerable! ]
Seeing him carrying that stake, and the place he was heading, everyone shudders in understanding.
Hajime jerked back the stake his holding, and says [ Take this up your ass and Die! You stupid dragon! ] before shoving it literally inside the dragon's ass without hesitation.
Everyone was expecting a loud roat, but on contrary [ Ah-Aaaaaaaaahhhh! ] a femine voice suddenly brust out.
Everyone was confused, and shocked, that they thought it was their imagination, but [ My backside! My poor backside! ] words that sounds too feminine came out. They still doubt it if it was the black dragon since its mouth wasn't moving at all, and they haven't heard any monsters that understands human language, what's more speak with it.
But Hajime already put the pieces together. Looking at the black dragon from the back, [ You are...a dragonmen. ] he said with a hint of amazement.
He frankly can't believe how strangely lucky he was. Ever since arriving on this world, he has this strange luck that let him run into rare, and unique people. First was Yue, which is a vampire, and the last among her species. On top of that, she's a royalty. Next is Shea. A demi-human with magic, that even her entire race (except Haulia) considered her as taboo. And now this Dragonmen, which was historically says had gone extinct. Fate seemed to be having fun matching him with amazing people with extraordinary traits.
But Hajime don't give a fuck. He punched the metal stake, that was sticking halfway through, further up the dragon's ass. [ Aaahhhhhh! Stop! The stimulation! Ahhhhh! ] The dragon screams. Seeing that it wasn't struggling to get away from Hajime tells how much exhausted it was.
[ You didn't answer my question! You stupid ass Dragon! ] Hajime says, while continuously pounding the stake with his fist. He already had the answer, regardless, he's just pissed of it for some reason.
[ Aahh! Aahhh! Stop! Y-Yes! ] The black dragon answers in panic, and Hajime stops after hearing her answer. [ I'm a proud member of the dragonmen race. ] She said in defeated tone.
The dragonmen race had gone extinct for everyone's knowledge, so Hajime couldn't think of any reason why she was reluctant to admit it other than she was trying to hide it.
[ There's number of reasons why I ended up here. I will explain everything, so could you kindly remove that thing out of my back? I'm almost out of mana to maintain this form, and if I ended up returning to my human form with that up my butt... it's suffice to say that my backside will end up in... unsightly state. ]
Ignoring the dragon's plea, Hajime have fallen in deep thought.
Since the conversation won't progress at this rate, Yue walks near the dragon [ Why are you here?... ] and ask a question.
Like Yue, a vampire, the dragonmen race also lives up far in history, and she hypothesized that this dragon was also last of her race like her. The interest, and curiosity makes her eyes sparkled.
[ Like I said. I will tell you everything after you remove that thing on my backside... My mana is almost depleted... Hey stop that! Stop pounding it even deeper! The stimulation- the stimulation will- ]
[ Stop idling! Yue's the one asking the question here you punk! ] Hajime said while pounding the stake with his fist, acting like a common thug.
The dragon writhed, and screamed. The dignity it previously radiated upon their meeting was nowhere to be seen.
Since Hajime's group approached near the dragon already, everyone else get near to her warily to look at her up close.
[ What's the member of a lost race doing here! Why are you so obsessed on killing those adventurers! I'm pretty curious about your answers, so spit it out already before I shoved this stake all the way to your mouth! I'll delay your death until you answer so show me some gratitude and start talking, you stupid dragon! ] This dragon was so odd that he was willing to delay its death just to fulfill his curiosity. Of course he didn't stop from pounding the stake on its ass. He's unaware of it yet, but a sadistic smile was floating on his face right now.
Aiko, and the others, even Taeko who also had a sadistic side on her appalled from Hajime's callous attitude. But he hardly give them any attention.
He stops for now inorder to give the dragon some beathing room to answer his question, but he keeps a hand on the stake in case he wants to resume anytime.
The black dragon let out a sigh of relief, and hurriedly give an explanation. Hajime wasn't sure about it yet, but the sensuality from her voice kinda creep him out.
[ I was being controlled. I had no intention of attacking any resident of this world, but the man who controls me ordered me to kill the witnesses. ] She beckoned Will, and Yuka's group with her gaze. They all start trembling from seeing that gaze directed to them, but something inside of Will had change after seeing Hajime's fight. There's flame on his eyes, a combination of anger and courage.
[ But how, and why? ] Hajime asked.
[ Allow me to elaborate from the beginning. It happens a few months ago-
Among the dragonmen race was an exceptional one when it comes to perception, had sense a huge amount of mana a few months ago. This had never happened before, as far as everyone was aware, and to established a proper countermeasures, the elders had decided to investigate it.
The dragonmen race had a policy of non-intervention when it comes to this world affairs, but they couldn't stay ignorant about this mysterious power, so an investigation was necessary. To avoid getting notice by any beings, they decided to send a single dragonman to investigate. And it just so happen that it was this black dragon Hajime fought with.
[ The distance of this continent from our village exceeded my expectations, that I thought I could reach this place with only a few days if I fly with my top speed. But I didn't expect that it will take a month and a half to reach the edge. Afterall, it's been hundreds of years since I've been on this place. ] The black dragon said with a hint of shame. [ I was exhausted, looking for a place to fill me with information. I was planning to head to that small town down the mountain to search, but I decided to take a rest after passing this mountain range before I descend this mountain. ]
The black drgaon paused, and looks down in shame before continuing [ And that was the biggest blunder I made in my entire life happens. ]
A man wearing a hood starts casting a spell on me. I put myself into deep slumber and I rely fully to my natural resistance. But that man was a genius. He bypassed all of my resistance against negative statuses and managed to take control of me for only a day.
[ Wait. ] Hajime said, stopping the dragon from talking. [ If that guy casted a spell on you within the day. Should you had noticed it already? ] He asked.
Everyone nodded in agreement, and they all look at the black dragon like it was an idiot.
[ W-well... Like I said. I was exhausted. None of you may be able to experience this, but we dragonmen sleeps much heavier than an average human. And we often ignore our surroundings during that time, unless it was serious threat. ] The black dragon said, averting its gaze away from anyone else.
Actually, there's some details regarding their sleeping habits, but it seems the black dragon refused to tell that out of embarrassment. Atleast she's not lying though.
Not everyone was convince of that explanation , especially Hajime who's always knowledgeable about this kinda of topic, and Yue, who had known the dragonmen race for long time. So the first thing Yue said is [ Continue... ] with a hint of disappointment on her eyes.
Hearing that, the black dragon continues, ignoring the two's gazes of disappointment.
[ The first thing that man ordered me to do was to subjugation of monsters around this mountain. ]
I gathered every monster species I found around as ordered, and he used the same spell he used against me, and he managed to take control of them in an instant.
[ And there was multiple times I was spotted. ]
[ You mean, someone saw you?! But I heard nothing about a black dragon here on the mountains! ] Will yelled in anger.
Aiko and the others looked at him with sympathy, but they refuse to say anything since they haven't heard the whole explanation yet.
[ That's only natural, because... ] The black dragon paused, and let out a sigh and said [ I killed all of them. Nobody lives to tell the tale ] with a hint of pity behind its voice.
[ How! Why would you do that!? ] Will asked, his voice became more intense.
[ Weren't you not listening? I wasn't at myself at that time. This one isn't guilty. ] The black dragon replied casually.
Which triggers Will's anger to sky rocket. [ You stupid dragon! You expect me to believe that after you killed my comrades. Gale-san, Navare-san, Lent-san ,Wisry-san and Kurt-san! All of them are kind people, and yet you mercilessly killed all of them! ]
[ ... ] The black dragon didn't say anything. It only stares at Will's eyes filled with sorrow and anger. But that calm attitude only put fuel to Will's anger.
[ Besides! We don't even know if this monster is telling the truth! For all we know, this is all bullshit you made up so we spare you life! ]
The black dragon's eyes snap wide open hearing that [ Everything I just told is the truth. I swear it on my pride as a dragonmen. ] she said with a hint of anger behind.
Will was about to open his mouth again to protest, but Yue cut him off.
[ She's not lying... ]
Will look at her for a second and said [ And what proof do you have? ] with beads of sweat rolling from his forehead. He knows how powerful Yue was, and he was afraid to appear being rude in front of her.
But Yue didn't even lookbat him and spoke [ Dragonmen are known for their loyalty and integrity. I've lived far longer than any of you. And when I was around, stories about Dragonmen were far more common... And now they are mere history that you could read in inaccurate tomes created by random people. Unlike on those tomes, Dragonmen are known to how prideful they are, and now she's staking that pride of hers to her story. It's definitely not a lie. ]
Hearing Yue's explanation left everyone astonished. It's already well know to Yuka and the others that Yue is far older than she looks. But that astonished expression, suddenly turned into confusion. That's because she was muttering something like [ I know what a liar's looks like. And she's no liar... ] while look in the distance.
This might be the part of her past she refused to tell them during their girls only meeting that night at the castle. They could somehow imagine what kind of environment she lives back then, and they could only conclude it as sad and lonely.
Yuka, Nana, and Taeko who had heard the story of her meeting with Hajime, could somehow picture now how it feels when they met for the first time. Hajime's straightforwardness was like a light for her who dwells inside the darkness full of lies.
After listening to Yue, the black dragon perked up, and looked at her half in shock, and half in admiration. [ Oh, I did no expect to see those who still knew us in this day and age. Wait, how long did you say you lived? ] Her voice was kinda pleasant when she said that, even with the metal stake still stuck on her butt.
Yue looked at her in the eyes [ ... Long enough. I am the sole survivor of vampire race. ] and replied proudly. [ Three hundred years ago, our monarch looked to the Dragonmen as models of how to live, as well as how to rule. ]
In other words, to Yue the Dragonmen were the symbol of righteousness. At the very least, she spoke of them with respect. That has nothing to with her stopping Will's tirade.
When she heard Yue's heritage, the dragon was even more shocked.
[ Unbelievable! A vampire... and three hundred years old at that... ]
Even Aiko, Will, Yuka and the others were shocked hearing this.
[ I see... Our sources from outside world had told us that vampires had been wiped out, but it seems their princess still yet lives. ]
Another shoking fact for Yuka and the others.
The dragon continues telling everything she knows [ I believe your name was... ] but before the black dragon could tell Yue's original name, she stops her with her own voice.
[ Yue... That's my name. The person I treasure the most in this world gave it to me. Please use that. ] She was blushing, and holding her hands close to her chest like she was cupping something dear.
Yuka, Nana, and Taeko remembered that reaction back then too when she told them the source of her name. And even though they already saw it once, they couldn't help but get captivated too like Tamai, Akito, Noboru, Will, and even Aiko.
But this love talk probably triggered something inside Will, which brought back all of his resentments.
[ Even so! It doesn't change the fact that she killed them. Even if it was against your will... you still did it! Gale-san said he was going to propose once this mission is over! Just what did they die for... ] He already came to understanding that this dragon wasn't responsible for their death, regardless, his heart couldn't accept this fact. That's all it takes to messed up with his judgement.
Hajime, who was in deep thought for a while now, turned his gaze to Will. That's one hell of a flag he raised there. He thought, before awkwardly turning his gaze back to the dragon.
After hearing Will's statement the dragon let out a small sigh. [ Whether it was by my will or not, it doesn't change the fact that I stole the live of many innocent people. If you say that I must die for my crime, then I shall accept that punishment. However, could you not give me some time? Before I die, I must destroy that dangerous man! ]
Hearing that, Aiko saw it as a chance to ask the dragon about the identity of that man.
[ A-anoo... Can you describe what that man who manipulated you looks like? ] The hint of anxiety lingers behind her voice was open for everyone to see.
[ Y-yeah... ] Yuke added. [ You're also targeting us right? Why is that? Even though this our first time getting up here on the mountains... ] Nana, Taeko, Noboru, Akito, and Tamai nodded. They too find it weird why they're getting chased too.
[ Hmm... I see. I could only conclude, that this man is your acquaintance. ] The black dragon said with certainty.
Hearing that had shocked Aiko, Yuka and the others.
[ He shared his memories of you, and ordered me to eliminate you all when I come across anyone of you. Kinda foolish really. I mean with thee power alone should be enough to attack that town there and kill all of you. But he takes his time and gathered all those monsters regardless... Ahh, his appearance is quite average. He has a black hair and eyes, and was muttering something strange like "I am the real Hero" ]
Hearing that explaination confirmed Aiko's, Yuka's and others' suspicion. They all fallen into panic state.
[ Wait a second. ] Hajime suddenly brought back everyone to reality. [ Can you repeat that? ] Hajime asked.
Aiko, Yuka and the others somehow calmed down hearing that. That's right! Panicking won't change the result. There's still a chance that someone else did it, that's why Hajime was trying to confirm what he just heard.
[ You mean the appearance of that man? ] The dragon asked.
Aiko sighed in relieved seeing that despite everything that happens, Hajime haven't still fully abandoned them...
[ I don't give a fuck about that guy. It was obviously Shimizu. ]
or not...
[ I mean the monsters he's gathering. Tell me the details. ]
Hajime's cold tone blow away Aiko's hope for him, regardless, this is the new Hajime, and she needs to used to it now, cause it will only feels weird if he gets worried for them.
[ I see... I don't know when he started gathering them, and I joined his ranks a week ago. But based on what I know, he already accumulated 5000 monsters of different species. ] The black dragon explained with grim tone.
But Hajime looked at her in doubt, he stayed silent and turned his gaze into the distance.
Lured by his gaze, everyone also turned their gazes to where he was looking.
[ What's wong? ] The black dragon asked.
Hajime sighed, and replied [ I think you missed a digit there. ] with casual tone.
[ [ [ [ What!?... ] ] ] ] Aiko, Will, Yuka and the others exclaimed.
Even the black dragon was shocked hearing that. [ That person is quite talented. But I can't believe he gathered that many only within this area. ]
Aiko, Yuka and the others were silent. They still haven't accepted the fact that the one behind this was their own classmate, what's more to it was, the fact that how powerful he is.
[ Well, it's not like I'll deal with him anyway. Time to finish you now. ] Hajime's tone came back to being cold.
Hearing the sudden change of topic brought back the dragon in panic. [ Wait! Delay that for now! Let me handle that man first before you execute me! ] She pleaded.
[ I don't care about that. ] Hajime replied before cocking back his prosthetics arm. He's planning to punch the metal stake all the way inside the dragon. No matter how tough it was, there's no way it could survive from that.
One of the gimmick his arm has was the shotgun shot that was installed on the elbow part. Hajime could shot a powerful buckshot with that, but he could also use it to boost the power of his punch.
Everyone was too preoccupied with their thoughts before they noticed what Hajime is planning, so no one was there to stop him.
But before Hajime could activate his shotgun punch, [ You'll kill her? ] a single voice echoes inside his ears.
Hajime stopped, and turned his gaze where the voice came from.
It was Yue. She was tilting her head while looking on him alone, with eyes full of concern.
In this situation, she should be worried about the dragon, but rather, she was worried more for Hajime instead.
Hajime's cold gaze turned softer gazing at his beloved. [ Of course. ] He replied casually [ It's natural. ]
Yue squints her eyes, and replied [ But... she's not your enemy. ]
Everyone was shocked by that revelation. It was already well known that anything that gets in Hajime's way is his enemy. They're confused why this dragon was different, but nobody need to ask that cause Yue already answered it.
[ But... she never dared to become your enemy. ] It feels like Yue just repeated herself, but for some reason those words carried different meaning.
[ We were fighting for our live a few minutes ago. ] Hajime returned his gaze back to the dragon.
The two gaze at each others eyes, and something clicks in inside Hajime.
[ Yes... But she's not your enemy. ] Once again, Yue repeats herself. [ Killing her will only defile the rules you set for yourself. She never directed any animosity towards any of us three. She was being controlled, and only attacked us to protect herself. ]
Hearing that explanation still confuses everyone, but not Hajime. He sets this rule by himself at the bottom of the Abyss, so if there's anyone who understands it will be him alone.
Regardless [ Is killing her necessary? ] Yue's voice was full of worries. She too understands this rule afterall.
Yue walks near Hajime until their faces was almost touching. [ You'll only lose your humanity, the moment you take her life. ] A sweet scent drifted his nose, and it helps him to think calmly. [ Is killing her something you have to do? ]
Hearing this repeated question, Hajime starts analyzing his battle with the dragon. In the first place, she was being controlled, and now that she was free, was it still fine to count her as his enemy? As he stared at Yue's eyes close to his, he starts considering his own principles.
But a strained voice interrupted him back from his thought. [ Uhhmm... I'm sorry to interrupt your flirting. But if you're still debating, could you remove this stake behind me first. I'm not healing my wounds anymore to conserve some mana, but I'll die regardless when I ran out. ]
[ Huh, what do you mean. ]
[ I mean, I said it before right? I'll return to my human form once I ran out of mana. Now, Imagine that with that huge thing on my back. ]
[ [ [ [ Hieek!! ] ] ] ] Aiko, Yuka, Nana, and Taeko screams while covering their butts in sympathy. Even the boys was white pale imagining that scenrio.
[ While I am interested seeing what lies on the afterlife, dying like this is would be unsightly to bear! Think about the future generations when they heard about this! ] While her voice sounded like she's happy, it's still strained. Sign that she's telling the truth about her situation.
Hajime didn't have much time to consider. So, while scratching his head [ Fine. ] he reluctantly agreed with her.
With both hands, Hajime holds the stake, and starts pulling it.
[ AHIIIII! WAIT WAIT! DON'T BE SO ROUGH! SLOWER PLEASE! ] the dragon screeched from the sudden sensation.
But for some reason, Hajime can't pull it out in one go. He placed one of his foot on the dragon's butt and start pulling again.
[ NOOOO! THE STIMULATION! WHAT IS THIS! ]
Ignoring the scream as much as he could, Hajime give his best in pulling the stake out. He even twist it left and right to losen it a bit, but that only makes the dragon scream more.
Although, Hajime has enough tolerance to ignore this, Shea, Aiko, Will, Yuka and the others was kinda grossed out from the scandalous scream the dragon was letting out. And after a few more attempts, Hajime successfully extracted the metal stake from the dragon's butt.
[ I asked you to be gentle, but you didnt show an iota of mercy... Amazing... This is the first time I-I've felt this- ] A few seconds after her incoherent rambling, her whole body was covered with black cacoon made of mana. It slowly shrunk until the size of a normal adult human, before it pops.
What comes out behind it, was no exaggeration to be called a beautiful woman on her twenties. She was sitting on her knees with one hand caressing her butt, while the other was supporting her body weight.
She has a black hair, and a piercing golden eyes. She was weaing a traditional kimono with open chest, showing her voluptuous breast that looks like about to spill out.
Also, she was blushing until the tips of her ears, and sweat was rolling down towards her chest. If anyone listen closely, she was also panting from ecstasy, which could cause any teenagers desire to go wild. In fact, Tamai, Noboru, and Akito can't turn their gazes away from her.
Overall, she's very seductive.
[ Wow... amazing... ]
[ I can feel now that I'm in a different world. ]
[ Dammit! If only I brought my phone with me! But that thing is out of juice already so its useless! Dammit! ]
Tamai, Akito, and Noboru managed to ignore eveyone else like it's natural, and start ogling at the beautiful woman in front of them while spouting ridiculous lines.
The girls gazes on them was cold as ice, like looking on a trash at the sidewalk (TN: No Littering!). In fact, Nana, and Taeko is itching to punish them, but their Artifacts is not to its best condition, so attacking them with that might be dangerous since they don't have full control of it.
[ Haah...Haah... Thank you very much for sparing my life. But my butt still feels weird. But it's nothing compared to how my whole body aches... ] Still panting, the black haired woman gazes at Hajime and said [ I never thought that pain could feel so sweet. ]
A chill ran down Hajime's spine. It's different from facing an enemy. It was like a demon was gazing at him.
After a few minutes of non-stop panting, the black haired woman composed herself to sit straight in order to introduce herself properly. Regardless, that panting and blushing only ruined her effort.
[ I have cause you all so much grief. Please understand that I had no intention to commit any of that, regardless I'm truly sorry for everything that I had done. I am Tio Klarus. A dragonman of the Klarus clan. ]
After her introduction, Aiko asked her everything regarding about the guy who control her, and about the monster he's gathering.
Wiithout leaving a single details, Tio explained it. About the plan to attack all the nearby villages, and gave a few hypothesis how he gathered that many throughout this mountain range alone. She also gave constructive information about the man who controls her, but Aiko was still not convince that it was Shimizu. Those traits she just said wasn't that rare in first place afterall.
After finishing her explanation, Tio too asked for information. Yuka was the one who explained everything. About how they were summoned a few months ago, and the mission given to them by the church. Which shocked Tio.
Hajime noticed some points about the god that Yuka almost spilled without thinking. But he stayed silent and listen to them patiently.
After Yuka's explanation [ I can't believe it... A visitor from another world. ] Tio was the first one to voice out her thoughts. [ That's explains your abnormal powers. Despite your age, you all are skilled enough to rival our average warrior. ]
That puts a shock to Yuka and the others. They haven't thought they were that strong in the first place, since they lost to Tio. But that helps their moral to return, and confidence starts building up inside them again.
[ And you must be the "Hero" they are talking about. With that strength that violates me even through my powerlessness... ]
[ I'm not the Hero. ] Hajime broke his silence a second after hearing that. [ Also, could you stop saying that I violated you. It's disgusting. ] he added with cold tone.
[ Urgmm! Yes! Those gaze! ] For some reason, Tio starts panting again. And Hajime's gaze turned even colder, which only added to her excitement. It's a never ending cycle.
[ Tio-san! Focus for now! ] Aiko can't bare to see that. Also her concerns about her student was only expanding the more she heard Tio's description. [ A black haired man, with black eyes. He specialized on dark magic, and well informed about the hero. Just who could possibly be him? ]
The dark, and gloomy lingering on Aiko's eyes returned. It's been a few days since Yuka saw this, but she can't think of any way to help Aiko now. Shimizu's action a week ago before he disappeared, and Tio's description only points to one person they knew very much. Also, it seems he has an accomplice, based from their investigation a few days ago.
Everyone remains silent with their thought, which only irritates Hajime.
[ If you got nothing else to talk about, I'm going now. ] He said while walking pass everyone, and grabbing Will behind by his shirt.
[ Argg! Wait! Hajime-dono! How about those monsters! ] Will said in concern.
Hajime didn't turned his gaze back, and only drags Will with him. [ That stupid, perverted dragon is on to it now. Plus it got nothing to do with me. ]
Yue and Shea followed behind him without saying a word. They too had their own thoughts, but Hajime was right. It got nothing to do with them.
Aiko hurriedly chased after him. [ But Nagumo-kun we can't leave those monsters alone! ] She coerced with teary eyes. [ Also, I need to find this man Tio-san was talking about! ]
Hajime stops, and replied [ If you want to do that, you're free to do anything you want. I'll go back even without any of you. ]
[ But!- ]
[ But Hajime-dono! You're strength should be enough to deal with those monsters, right?! There's no doubt you alone can stop this! ] Will's opinion was on point.
Everyone starts recalling what they saw back on the castle, and the battle now. There's no doubt that Hajime possessed the strength to stop this disaster.
[ Whether I could do it or not doesn't matter. My mission is done now, I'll go back. ] Hajime replied with certainty. [ Also, no matter how strong I am, there's still 50000 monsters, you know? I can't wipe them all within this terrain. The best bet we have is to go back in town and inform the village on this incoming threat. ]
Aiko, and Will was shut silent hearing Hajime's explanation. They both understand how serious the situation is. With her who has zero experience on fighting, Will who was barely qualified as an adventurer, they could hardly do anything. It's different story if Tio joined them, but right now, she barely had any mana to keep the dragon form, so it was doubtful she could cast any spell that could chunk the number of 50000 monsters.
[ Mas- .. *ahem* that man is right. Rather than killing those monsters now, we should first evacuate the villagers first to avoid any casualties. If there's even a single one of them slipped through us, it may cause havoc to townsfolks. ] Ignoring the way Tio addressing Hajime, her opinion makes sense.
[ Also, I too have to recover my mana first for the incoming fight. I don't even have enough strength to stand and walk alone. ] Tio added while looking at Hajime with pleading gaze.
[ T-then, if you're having a hard time walking, I could probably carry you on my back. ] Tamai said casually and starts closing the distance between him and Tio.
But Akito grabbed him by his sleeve and said [ Hey don't get ahead of us! ].
[ I should be the one to carry her, cause I'm the fastest! ] Noboru said while casually walking passed by the two. But Tamai grabbed him also by the clothes behind, and stop him from his tracks.
The three starts fighting, arguing on which one should carry this beautiful onee-chan. The girls eyes turned cold from looking at them. It was gaze that was looking at something annoying, like an insect.
But Tio ignored the three. Still looking at Hajime with pleading gaze, [ I don't even have the strength to stand and walk alone. ] she repeats what she just said a few seconds ago.
Hearing what she was trying to imply [ Houh... ] Hajime turned his cold gaze to her, which only fuel her excitement. He let go of Will's sleeve, which cause him to hit the ground and he starts squirming from pain. He approached Tio with heavy steps, and grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and starts dragging her.
Aiko, and the other girls was about to complain to him about how he treats Tio, but they all stop after seeing her ecstatic expression. She seems happy about it, anyway so they decided to let it go.
They all followed after Hajime silently, ignoring the painful scream and panting of Tio with all they had.
Once Hajime found an open area, he summons Brise and everyone rides on it including Will, who was shocked from the car popping out lf thin air, and Tio, who was ecstatic from being tied in the roof.
Hajime drives towards Ur as fast as he can, with thousands of monsters marching behind them.
