Chapter 90

Chapter 90

The dense smoke cleared.

In the pouring rain, the flames subsided quickly.

Shielding my face with my arms from the heat, I cautiously lowered my hands.

A hulking mass of metal, still glowing hot, came into view. Three archers from the Shadow Squad aimed their bows, murmuring apprehensively.

"Wheres the boss monster?"

"Seems like... its dead?"

Writhing.

As those words fell, the metal heap twitched. Everyone on the field tensed, gripping their weapons tighter.

Crrrr...

That... the Gargoyle Chieftain, was still breathing.

Despite being directly hit by a fire spell, half its body melting away, the beast was still moving.

Still aflame, it struggled to rise.

Krrraaa...aahh!

And then it started moving again.

Its target was clear.

The one who had attacked it most powerfully.

It moved towards Lilly. Aggro was fully drawn.

Krraaaaaaa-!

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The Gargoyle Chieftain bellowed, resuming its charge.

"Danger, Prince!"

Damien pulled me aside, rolling away. His quick action narrowly saved us from the creatures path.

"This crazy bastard!"

"It wont stop!"

The archers, busy with their arrows, screamed, dodging its trajectory.

But Lilly.

Unable to use her legs, she could not evade.

If she had any magic power left, she might have been able to avoid it with [Flame Skin], but did Lilly still have that much magic power?

Her face pale, Lilly simply watched the monster charging towards her.

Accepting her inevitable fate with an eerily calm expression.

Thats when it happened.

Whooosh!

Godhand darted between the monster and Lilly.

And caught the beasts remaining molten hammer, swung with the remaining arm, with both his hands.

Crunch.

An appalling sound echoed nonchalantly.

"Kraaaak...!"

Godhands hands and arms were crushed. His blood splattered violently around him.

But even in that situation, Godhand, like a true metal sorcerer, used his skills.

With his crushed hands, he grabbed the Gargoyle Chieftains body and...

Ripped it apart.

Inside the beasts metallic body was a red spirit core.

Godhand, his face pale, glanced at Lilly and asked softly.

"Can you launch one more attack, senior mage?"

"Grr...!"

Instead of replying, Lilly clenched her teeth and stretched out her hand.

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The exposed spirit core exploded into sharp flames.

Within moments, the blazing spirit core cracked, and soon shattered. Clang!

Krr...uh...

And finally, the boss monster ceased moving.

Thud! Thump!

Its melted bulk collapsed long to the side.

A moment of silence passed. I was the first to regain my senses.

"Damien! Give emergency treatment to Godhand!"

"Y-yes, Your Highness!"

At my command, Damien hurried off. The other members of the Shadow Squad flocked around Godhand.

"Argh..."

Flesh tore and bone splintered. Damien quickly staunched the grievously injured Godhands bleeding arms.

"...Why?"

"No more gargoyles are approaching."

Lucas, who had been watching the southern sky, turned to me and flashed a broad smile.

"Weve won, my lord."

"..."

I looked up at the clearing sky. Was it just coincidence that it rained precisely when we were engaged in battle?

"It was a bit of an arbitrary downpour..."

I turned around and met the gaze of my soldiers. They were all looking at me.

"Hmph."

After taking a deep breath, I stretched out my hand and shouted.

"Transport the injured to the temple! Report any equipment and fortress damage, and meticulously record todays battle report!"

Even if it seemed old-fashioned right after victory, what needed to be said, had to be said.

"If you made any mistakes in todays battle, make sure to remember and learn from them for the next battle. Thats how you will grow."

I thought back to the mistakes I had made during this defense. I reviewed things that could be improved.

One must engrave the faced crisis into their bones. Thats how the strategy becomes more perfect.

Thats how, people dont die.

"Each day as you become better soldiers, this place becomes a stronger frontline. And as this place becomes a stronger frontline, I am becoming a more competent commander."

I looked at each of my soldiers and my party members.

The main party members who had crossed the line of death with me today, and the sub-party members who had suffered greatly upon joining.

"You are helping me become complete. Truly, thank you."

After speaking sincerely, I shouted out loud,

"Enough with the stiff formalities! Prepare the meat and drinks! Tonight, the bills on me!"

The soldiers cheered as if theyd been waiting for this moment. I chuckled awkwardly.

Well, I couldnt remember a time when I hadnt picked up the tab.

Among the jubilant crowd soaked in the joy of victory, I spotted Godhand, lying on a stretcher and being hastily carried to the temple.

I also saw Lilly, who was sitting dazed on the ground, staring blankly at the scene.

"..."

I turned my head and looked up at the southern sky again.

After the downpour had ceased, a rainbow appeared in the distance.

Thus ended another defensive battle.

***

[STAGE 4 - CLEAR!]

[STAGE MVP - Lilly(R)]

[Level-up Characters]

>Main Party

- Ash(EX) Lv.24 (2)

- Lucas(SSR) Lv.37 (1)

- Evangeline(SSR) Lv.39 (1)

- Lilly(R) Lv.26 (3)

- Damien(N) Lv.32 (2)

>Sub Party 1

- Godhand(SR) Lv.36 (1)

- Bodybag(R) Lv.30 (1)

- Oldgirl(R) Lv.29 (1)

- Skull(N) Lv.26 (1)

- Burnout(SR) Lv.24 (2)

[Casualties and Injured Characters]

- Ash(EX) : Lightly injured

- Lilly(R) : Lightly injured

- Godhand(SR) : Seriously injured

- Oldgirl(R) : Lightly injured

- Skull(N) : Lightly injured

- Burnout(SR) : Lightly injured

[Achieved Items]

- Gargoyle Legions Magic Stone : 341 pieces

- Gargoyle Chieftains Magic Core(SSR) : 2 pieces

[Stage clear rewards have been issued. Please check your inventory.]

- R grade reward boxes : 5 pieces

- SR grade reward boxes : 2 pieces

>> Get Ready For The Next STAGE

>> [STAGE 5 : The Unforgiven]