[LN] Volume 3: Chapter 6.3

[LN] Volume 3: Chapter 6.3

Volume 3 Chapter 6.3

Once Again, The First Step Part 3

Translator : PolterGlast

As Irisdina and the others, who were trying to rescue Nozomu, were confronted by the [Cracked Crown], which for some reason was trying to prevent them from doing so, there was suddenly a deafening thunderous explosion in the area.

A torrent of light erupted. A cloud of dust and smoke billowed up, and the burning wreckage was smashed to pieces and sent flying into the sky along with the cinders of fire.

As the wreckage fell to the ground and burned the vegetation, a human figure rose up from the shimmering flames.

"...... No-, zomu?"

Irisdina unintentionally muttered such words of confirmation.

It was undoubtedly Nozomu who slowly raised himself, but there was something wrong with his appearance.

The clothes he was wearing were charred black in several places, and a red drop was running down from his head and dripping on the ground, perhaps having been injured by debris when the hut collapsed.

He held his drawn katana in his right hand. The bare blade was shimmering in the light of the surrounding flames.

More than anything else, what Irisdina doubted her eyes were the piercingly cold atmosphere that Nozomu was clad in.

A murderous intent that slammed indiscriminately into the surroundings. A deadly atmosphere that could instantly decapitate anyone who tried to approach it. And then there were his eyes, dyed red like burning flames.

There was not the slightest trace of the man who had just revealed his feelings to his friends.

"U~......"

Nozomu's murderous glare was directed at Irisdina and the others.

Irisdina's eyes widened in surprise at the hostility directed at her, and she retreated as if she were being pressured.

*Gigigi......*

The [Cracked Crown] turned towards Nozomu. This demonic beast seemed to be no longer interested in Irisdina and the others, directing its murky eyes only at the boy standing in the flames.

A bad premonition rapidly swelled within Irisdina, and she involuntarily gulped her saliva.

In an instant, both Nozomu and the giant centipede moved at the same time.

*Chk-chk-chk............!*

The [Cracked Crown] began to clench its fangs and clad its entire body in purple electricity.

A swarm of lightning, which traveled through its body sections and converged on top of its head, was shot at Nozomu.

"Oooooooo!"

Whilst screaming, Nozomu explosively released the Qi contained in his legs and leaped into the oncoming shower of lightning.

[Flash Step・Curved Movement]

Weaving through the gaps between countless thunderbolts, he traversed the distance to the [Cracked Crown] in one swift movement.

There were the giant centipede's numerous legs. Aiming at one of the gaps between those joints, he swung his katana.

"~!?"

One flash, two flashes, three flashes. The first flash ripped through the soft membrane of the joint, and the following two flashes sliced through the inner flesh, severing it completely in two.

"Aaaaaaa!"

Furthermore, Nozomu dashed around the [Cracked Crown] and hammered it with a series of precise ultra-high-speed blows at all of its joints, cutting off its legs one after another.

*Gigigi!*

Perhaps surprised by the unexpected counterattack and the pain it received, the [Cracked Crown] reflexively counterattacked by twisting its huge body.

It laid its body down and encircled Nozomu with its huge body. Furthermore, it began to clothe its innumerable legs in lightning.

It was truly a cage of lightning fangs. Countless thunderbolts traveled without any gaps, and its legs, as big and sharp as fangs, attacked Nozomu from all directions at once.

"Fuuuu......"

As the swarm of bluish-white flashes and countless numbers of legs closed in to pierce his body, Nozomu let out a shout and raised his left arm.

Begone!

As if in response to his rising anger, the Qi that converged on Nozomu's left arm gradually began to radiate a five-coloured brilliance, and clad itself in even greater elemental power. It was the source element of Tiamat. It was the light of destruction that could paint and destroy everything.

"Ooooooooo!"

He then slammed the power he has drawn out onto the ground. The next moment, the five-colored elements erupted like a volcano.

[Qi-jutsu・Light of Annihilation]. The source elements of the Dragon King erupted from the ground and blew away the legs of the [Cracked Crown] that was closing in on Nozomu along with its thunderbolts, and scorching its huge body.

*Gi, giiii~i~i~i~i!*

The [Cracked Crown], which had its cage of lightning fangs blown off, sprawled around with an inaudible scream, but eventually, as if a thread had been severed, it fell flat on its huge body with a thud sound.

In the very center of this, Nozomu was breathing roughly, with five-colored source elements drifting out of his body.

"Such, such a thing-......."

He wielded terrifying power while radiating a chaotic murderous intent, and in the blink of an eye, he drove one of [The Six Bad Omens] to its death. Irisdina and the others were speechless at this indescribable spectacle.

Certainly, Nozomu had told them that he is a dragonslayer who exists only in legend.

However, there was a difference between being told in words and actually witnessing his power, and there was a stark difference in the sense of reality thrust upon them.

And they understood it at a glance. That power is clearly not something a person can possess, and is tinged with a will to kill everything in the world.

If that power were to be wielded against them, they would certainly be exterminated in an instant.

"............"

With the [Cracked Crown] lying on his side, Nozomu glared at Irisdina and the others.

A glare tinged with hatred pierced them.

It was not the look he always directed at his friends, but a sharp and fierce glare that he would direct at his enemies.

There was no trace of his usual kind and compassionate figure.

Irisdina's body trembled and her heart sank. Her soul cried out a warning to take at least one step further away from him.

But at the same time, her heart also tightened helplessly at the sight of him seething with rage and spewing his power in an uncontrolled manner.

(Just ... how anxious he must have been this whole time)

In Irisdina's mind, the image of Nozomu, who confessed his thoughts to her, resurfaced.

The smile that rejoiced that they could start over again.

This was what made her stay in a situation where everyone else would have turned their backs and fled in a cowardly manner.

"~! I'll face you properly, once again ...... I promise."

Irisdina's pained voice, as if she were praying, echoed through the forest.

In Irisdina's mind, the image of Nozomu, who confessed his thoughts to her, resurfaced.

The smile that rejoiced that they could start over again.

This was what made her stay in a situation where everyone else would have turned their backs and fled in a cowardly manner.

"~! I'll face you properly, once again ...... I promise."

Irisdina's pained voice, as if she were praying, echoed through the forest.

The worst possible outcome in her own mind, and the heartbreaking cry of not wanting to admit it.

As if to sever such a wish of hers, Nozomu stepped forward with a murderous intent that sent chills down the spines of all who saw him.

She reflexively raised her rapier with which she had invoked the [Magic Sword・Lunar Eclipse].

"Gah~!?"

A shock hit both of her arms, and Irisdina's body was flung off like a pebble.

She then slammed into a tree and a follow-up attack came at her as she let out a groan.

"Kuh~......au!?"

Although she succeeded in parrying the downward slash, her body was pinned against the tree behind her and she was unable to move.

Her rapier creaked under intense force, and her lungs screamed under its pressure. In front of her eyes, Nozomu's face was stained with hatred and his katana's blade was gleaming. But then she felt something strange.

( No Qi infused to [Mumei]? )

There was no sharp Qi-blade on Nozomu's katana. If Nozomu had applied [Phantom・Coat], Irisdina's body would have been bisected on the first strike.

Besides, she noticed that the blade pattern of the katana has also changed.

At least a few days ago. When they were training early in the morning, the blade pattern should be like that of a clear stream.

However, the blade pattern on the current [Mumei] resembled that of chains. And the countless chain rings were trembling slightly as if resisting the force that was being poured into them.

"Nozomu, stop!"

Mars swung his greatsword from the side in an attempt to save Irisdina.

A heavy blow with sufficient weight and physical strength added to it. However, Nozomu, while maintaining his katana in his right hand, unsheathed the scabbard from his sword belt with his left hand and easily blocked Mars' slash.

"Kuh~, I can't even slow you down, huh? ...... uoo!?"

Nozomu shifted the axis of his body by lowering his waist to divert the force that was pressing down on him.

At the same moment, Mars' body, which had lost all resistance, was propelled forward.

Nozomu slipped under Mars' defenseless flank and pressed his shoulder against it.

Oh no. The moment such thoughts came to his mind, and Mars reflexively boosted his Qi with all his might, a blow struck him in the stomach that felt as if he was being hit by a battering ram.

"Gaha~ ......"

[Mikagura-style・Oscillation]. A powerful blow pierced his lungs and momentarily drained the life out of Mars' body.

As he collapsed to his knees, a returning scabbard was casually hurled down at his head.

"I won't let you!"

"Kuh~. Ora~~ Nozomu! Get a hold of yourself――!"

However, Nozomu's lethal blow was intercepted, this time by Mimuru and Feo.

The daggers and staff were unleashed with exquisite timing and trajectory so that they could avoid hitting Mars and Irisdina.

Nozomu instantly changed the trajectory of the scabbard he was swinging down and deflected their attacks.

At that moment, a talisman filled with magic power fell from Feo's pocket, emitting an intense light.

"~!?"

In the split second that Nozomu was blinded by the flash of light, Feo and Mimuru attempted to retrieve Irisdina and Mars and then retreat from the area.

"Alright, we just need to take them with us and run away......Uhya~!"

"Nyowaaaah!"

However, even though the flash of light had blinded his vision, Nozomu still managed to accurately pursue them.

He instantly moved ahead of the two who were trying to retreat and swung his katana and scabbard toward them.

Feo and Mimuru quickly let go of Irisdina and Mars and barely manage to block the oncoming slash.

"Ugugugu...... What the heck, shouldn't he be unable to see!?"

"T-this is bad...... What a ridiculous power!"

The two faces turned pale as they heard the screams of their own weapons.

At that moment, Razward, rushing in from the side, came to the rescue.

[ Oi you guys, don't move! ]

A powerful wind conjured by the lesser spirit blew Nozomu away and separated him from Feo and Mimuru.

Furthermore, the rampaging gust of wind spiraled and enveloped Nozomu in the blink of an eye, trapping him in a cage of violent winds. It was a magic unique to spirits that did not require any techniques.

"Y-You saved us~~"

"S-Sorry."

[ No, it was my bad. Tiamat's source element got the better of me, and I couldn't help but get flustered. This sure has turned into a bad situation, huh....... ]

"Ooooooooo!"

Along with a cry, Razward's cage of wind was obliterated by [Qi-jutsu・Light of Annihilation].

A glare of hatred directed at her. Her resolve almost shrunk and became overwhelmed, but not willing to give up, she stepped towards Nozomu.

What came to mind was the radiant smile Nozomu showed her when he was confessing his thoughts to her. The moment when she thought she could finally communicate with him, who had been wavering amongst his insecurities.

(Me, too, once again with everyone ......)

Nozomu wanted to confront his feelings once again. Yet, that feeling was even being taken advantage of by Tiamat.

Irisdina couldn't stand that.

"Nozomu, can you hear me!?"

I will bring him back no matter what it takes!

With this determination in her heart, Irisdina shouted his name at the top of her voice.

"Is this what you have been burdened with? I see, it is indeed fearsome and powerful! In the face of this mighty power, we may be no better than puppies!"

Stepping straight forward, she swung her rapier toward Nozomu as if to confront him with her feelings.

Their weapons interlocked, their gazes crossed at such a close distance that they could almost catch each other's breath.

Irisdina's jet-black eyes reflected his crimson-tinted eyes.

His eyes were wavering so much that it could be noticed visibly at a distance.

"Nozomu!"

"~......!"

The moment his name was called, Nozomu backed away like he was being pressured.

"Raz, Tima-san, now!"

Shina's voice sounded from behind and immediately afterwards, Tima strengthened Nozomu's restraints with all her might. At the same time, the elf girl rushed towards Nozomu, with Razward pushing her back with the power of wind spirits.

Shina, who had borrowed the power of the wind spirits, accelerated in an instant and leaped straight at Nozomu.

Nozomu tried to intercept Shina as she jumped at him, but Tima's magic restrained his movement, and furthermore, Irisdina added more power into her body and obstructed him with all her might.

"U......."

Nozomu, whose mind was disturbed by a thousand different things, was unable to push Irisdina away.

And then, Shina pounced on Nozomu's neck and pressed her own lips directly against Nozomu's.

"N~!"

"~!"

Nozomu's pupils dilated at the sudden turn of events. Shina and Irisdina's plan is to establish a simple contract so that they can deliver their voices directly to Nozomu's mind.

They are unsure to what extent Tiamat's mental erosion has spread. And in the first place, it is not certain whether Shina can establish a contract with the current Nozomu.

It is a risky, deadly gamble. Even so, the girls dared to take this difficult path.

All in order to get back someone precious to them ......

"Haa!?"

"Eeh!?"

"A-ara ......"

"...... Hmm."

However, Mars and the others, who had not been told anything, were taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

On the other hand, Irisdina, although she understood that it was necessary, when she was presented with the kiss in front of her eyes, she felt a black emotion welling up within her.

"The simple contract is a success! Now you can telepathically communicate with him through me!"

But still, the first stage of the gamble was a success. Shina has succeeded in connecting her magic path with Nozomu.

"But Tiamat's influence is so strong that it won't last long! Hurry up ...... kyaa!"

"Kuh~!"

Qi was released from Nozomu's body with explosive force. Shina's body was blown away and she was thrown to the ground.

Irisdina was distracted for a moment, but immediately returned her gaze to Nozomu.

His appearance had clearly changed.

His body swayed unsteadily with his head held down, and his crimson-tinted eyes were repeatedly flickering like fireflies.

"I- ......"

What should I say? What sort of words can bring him back?

When it came down to it, her head was spinning and she couldn't speak.

Nozomu's eyes, which had been wavering, began to be filled with murderous intent once again. The tip of his katana was slowly lifted up.

Yet her head remained blank. But she has to convey her feelings anyway.

"I-......"

At first, it was pure curiosity. The bearer of swordsmanship that surpassed her own. She wanted to know the secret of it.

Then, she felt gratitude and affection. The one and only sister. In the face of a crisis, he helped her, even though he had no obligation to do so.

And now .......

"I-, I want to be your strength!"

Naturally, these words came out of her mouth.

You have helped me, therefore, this time, I want to be the one to help you.

At the same time, she finally became aware of her true feelings behind those thoughts.

"I want to be by your side and protect your back. And in turn, I want you to protect my back!"

I want you by my side. That was Irisdina's wish for Nozomu. That's why .......

"Please come back to us. Stay by our side!"

"U-Ugh ...... uoooo!"

With a pain-stricken cry, Nozomu pointed the tip of his katana at her and stepped forward with the momentum to slam her with his entire body.

The attack accelerated by [Flash Step] could easily take his opponent's life.

"Nozomu!"

"~!"

Even in the face of the looming deadly blade, Irisdina did not avert her gaze and shouted his name.

Nozomu's wavering eyes widened.

The illusions shown by Tiamat were cracked, and the figure of a black-haired girl peeked out from the peeling cracks.

(Don't tell me, I'm ......~!)

[ What!? ] The color of sanity returned to Nozomu's eyes, and the chains-like pattern engraved on [Mumei] were tinged with a pale light.

In the next instant, Tiamat's illusions were shattered apart and crumbled away with a cracking sound.

However, his blade had already launched and was about to pierce Irisdina's neck.

"No- ......!"

Nozomu reapplied ability suppression to his body in a hurry. Invisible chains entwined themselves around Nozomu's body to contain Tiamat's power and try to restrain him.

However, although the ability suppression was able to seal Nozomu's power, it was unable to stop the momentum of his rush.

Driven by inertia, the blade of the katana loomed forward to pierce Irisdina's neck and her life.

"Aaaaaaaa!"

Nozomu quickly thrust out his own left hand.

Immediately afterward, the two collided upon impact and were thrown to the ground.

◆

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