Amidst the throng of Arzotoc village guards engaged in battle, a conversation of significant import took place between Riku and Arisu. Recognizing the skepticism surrounding outsiders' claims, Riku contemplated the most effective means of persuading Arisu to trust his suggestion regarding the Garaga monster.
Riku was well aware of the disbelief that his idea would face, particularly from figures like Cuifer and Albert. The notion of an outsider arriving in the village with a solution to a longstanding problem was undoubtedly met with skepticism. While Riku harbored resentment towards the guards who had subjected him to torment, he acknowledged the potential good amongst them, as exemplified by individuals like Pan.
Focusing on minimizing the casualties and guiding Arisu towards his plan, Riku approached her, acknowledging her formidable swordsmanship skills. He suggested that she had the potential to reduce the harm incurred during the battle.
Arisu, while confident in her abilities, understood the importance of gathering information before engaging the Garaga monster. She approached Riku, intrigued by his assertion that she could defeat the monster with a single stroke of her sword – an achievement that had eluded all within the history of the Arzotoc village.
Though hesitant due to the apparent impossibility of the claim, Arisu recognized Riku's sincerity through the change in his aura. He assured her that with her strength and speed, their plan could be successful.
Embracing her cautious approach, Arisu agreed to hear Riku's plan, emphasizing that if it proved unfeasible, she wouldn't proceed with it.
With an affirmative gesture, Riku conveyed his readiness to share his strategy. He directed Arisu's attention to the violet crystal on the monster's chest, a feature known to all villagers as the vessel containing the monster's mana. However, he provided a revelation – it was actually the monster's core or heart.
Arisu absorbed this new perspective, her understanding expanding. The implications of Riku's insight began to dawn upon her, as she awaited his explanation with heightened interest.
With clarity, Riku corrected the misconception regarding the crystal present on the monster's chest. He emphasized that the component was not a vessel that, when destroyed, would result in a catastrophic explosion, as some villagers might have believed. Rather, it was the core or heart of the monster, an essential element that would not cause a calamitous event upon its destruction.
Arisu's brows furrowed in thought, recognizing the potential significance of this revelation. It was an unconventional approach that had never been considered before – targeting the core of the monster rather than engaging in traditional combat.
However, she expressed her reluctance, concerned that destroying the core might inadvertently result in the destruction of the village. Riku hastened to reassure her, explaining that the act would not lead to an explosion but rather the shattering of the crystal.
He proceeded to detail the shortcomings of conventional attacks against the Garaga monster, highlighting its self-regeneration capabilities that rendered standard offensive strategies ineffective.
Arisu couldn't help but question Riku's extensive knowledge on this particular type of monster, prompting him to shift his focus to the pressing matter at hand. The groans of dying guards and the monster's relentless assault underscored the urgency of the situation. Riku urged Arisu to put aside her inquiries for now, emphasizing the immediate need to halt the monster's rampage and seal the hole it had created in the village's defenses.
The gravity of the situation was palpable as Arisu sought to comprehend their plan for defeating the monster. Riku responded promptly, determined to relay their strategy without delay.
With the plan in place, Riku intended to draw the monster's attention and divert its focus away from Arisu. However, Arisu expressed her concern about Riku's capabilities, pointing out that his current speed and strength might not be sufficient to execute this dangerous maneuver successfully.
The conversation between Riku, Arisu, and Cuifer caught the attention of the latter, who initially thought that Riku was interfering with their plans. Arisu clarified the situation to Cuifer, detailing Riku's proposed plan to take down the monster. Cuifer's reaction, however, carried an air of maliciousness, leaving Riku suspicious of his intentions.
Riku recognized that Cuifer's opposition might be rooted in his own personal motives rather than a genuine concern for the plan's success. Still, Riku remained determined and focused, fully aware of the risks involved in executing the plan.
With the plan endorsed by both Commander Albert and Tactician Cuifer, the guards assembled, making space for Riku and Arisu to carry out their task. As the battle commenced, Riku addressed Arisu, encouraging her to stick to the plan while he took on the role of diverting the monster's attention.
Arisu's confidence in the plan seemed to stem from an inexplicable feeling of success and assurance. The two of them exchanged smiles before executing their respective actions against the fearsome Garaga monster.
For Riku, this was a novel experience. Having only recently awakened his unique gene and ventured into a new world, encountering mythical beasts and engaging in battles with them was an entirely new realm for him.
With confidence stemming from his knowledge of Earth, Riku believed he and Arisu could emerge victorious in their battle against the Garaga monster. Aware of the creature's limited range, he calculated his movements precisely, ensuring that he stayed within a safe distance to avoid any potential harm.
As he taunted the monster and drew its attention, Riku noted the effectiveness of his strategy in luring the beast away from Arisu. Cuifer, who had been skeptical of Riku's abilities, was surprised to see him effectively evading the monster for an extended period, far surpassing his expectations.
Cuifer and Albert observed Riku's performance with differing emotions. Cuifer, the first tactician, couldn't help but be amazed at how Riku managed to hold the monster's attention for several minutes. Meanwhile, Albert, the first commander, found himself bewildered by the sight of Riku playfully evading the monstrous creature with a smile.
As the encounter continued, Cuifer issued orders to prepare the cannon for when the monster would be within firing range. However, it became apparent that the cannon wouldn't be ready in time, leaving them in a precarious situation.
Riku's movements seemed to shift as he reached a critical distance from the monster, and Arisu prepared herself for the decisive moment he had discussed with her. With determination in her heart, she braced herself and followed Riku's lead.
This was the culmination of their carefully devised plan – a moment that would determine whether their strategy would succeed in taking down the formidable Garaga monster.
Swoosh!
Riku's agile movements allowed him to evade the monster's claw and expertly navigate its body. With a swift leap, he found himself climbing up the monster's arm toward its head. The creature attempted to ensnare him with its claws, but unbeknownst to it, Riku's intention was to reach its core, which was now exposed and vulnerable.
As Riku positioned himself to strike the monster's core, an unexpected explosion erupted. The sudden turn of events caught everyone by surprise, including Riku and Arisu. The ground beneath them quaked as a shockwave reverberated through the area.
Amidst the chaos, Riku's focus was unwavering, and he managed to drive his sword into the monster's core just before the explosion occurred. The impact sent shockwaves of energy rippling outward, shaking the ground and causing debris to scatter in all directions.
In the aftermath of the explosion, a cloud of dust and smoke obscured the scene, making it difficult to discern the outcome of the battle. Arisu, Cuifer, Albert, and the other guards were left in suspense, awaiting the settling of the dust to reveal the fate of the Garaga monster and Riku.