Chapter 41
"Combine them, [Meld]"
"[Gales Embrace]+[Sparrow Shot]+[Curve Shot]"
Swoosh!
Chirrup!
Chirrup!
Killing another 2 [Brown Feathered Sparrow], I then took another arrow from my quiver. It was already my third time replenishing my arrows as it only have 36 each, so within this battle, I was able to waste atleast, or overtake, the amount of kill I took during the time we accepted that silver rank quest, the [Hobgoblin Quest], which I took down 106 {Hobgoblin Variants}, {Hobgoblins}, and {Goblins} and used 96 arrows against them.
The situation in the north area has already been subdue or taken care of, as everyone has been cooperating with good coordination, and well maintained position or roles. The adventurers that was assigned here didn't hold back to their punches, as they obliterate those enemies in front of them.
Though not everyone was completely unscathed as some were heavenly injured, and some were taken out from the battlefield as they can't fight anymore. The situation didn't became worse right after darling scorched some those monsters with his strike, taking down along those innocents of course.
'Well, I think it was a merciful act rather than a slaughter'
For them to be traumatized that much, and not just one, but a whole bunch of them at the top of that, I can't say if everyone will be saved especially when they are cornered that much, so killing them will be the least mercy we could take, or so I think
Assisting them at the top was able to help maintain the balance of the adventurers in the brawl, and also taking out those monsters aerial support was also one of the reason the tide of the war was tilted towards us.
Right after I finished or almost finished the subjugation of the monster that was rampaging at the north, a shrieking sound then came right after. The sound was terrifying that it almost broke me apart. My head feels like exploding into pieces as if it was being grinded, or pulled in different direction. Everyone in the vicinity was also affected on it, as they scrunched down and agonized, but thankfully it didn't last long thanks to that bombardment of explosion came.
After that, another huge explosion came as the ground rumbled, though it was weak, but seeing it shook before that huge fire pillar came, I suddenly felt anxiousness. Looking towards the direction where darling is, I felt uneasiness. So I hurriedly finished my task here before heading towards the south, though I know darling is okay seeing how strong he was, but the feeling of distress never let go from me, so I swiftly took care of my assignment here before rushing towards him, until
[I need assistance]
"!!!"
I then suddenly heard Isabelle voice, asking for help. Turning my head toward my back, I then found no one standing behind me neither at my side, nor tools or monsters beside me, which made me puzzled as the voice seems near.
"..."
Though it was pretty suspicious for Isabelle to call for assistance from me, especially as she's 4 rank higher than me, but
'This uneasiness....'
But the feeling of anxiousness seems to be intensifying more than ever, so with those clouding me, I then hurriedly jumped down the building I am currently using as my stronghold.
Jumping below, some of the adventurers then noticed my presence, so with that, I then spoke as I commanded
(Author's POV)
"I'll be leaving this place to those who can still able to fight. Those that are injured should be attended and be place at the back line, while those that aren't mortally wounded should be assigned at the center for support"
Hearing her words that is filled with commandment of a leader, everyone were felt confused, triggered, and somewhat overbeared by the anxiety they are feeling, clouding themselves for both fear and exhaustion
A man with a once was a clean white bandage on his abdomen, towards his right shoulder, step in, carrying with him was a giant battered axe, with a wounded eye and a weary body. His armor was already wreckage, leaving his body with a minimal defense from his ruined iron suit.
As the man went upfront, he then pointed his once magnificent axe towards Natsumi
"Who told you to be in command with us? Just because you got that bastards backing, doesn't mean we follow you like a stupid Lamb"
Everyone then sympathize with the man, looking at her with question and complain. Being an adventure has its risk and worth, but not everyone could gain a fortune or two, if they become terrified to gamble. Though they knew what lies ahead of their profession, they still moved forward with head up high, and posture that defines pride and resolute.
Some does it for money, some does it for fame, some for kindness which is a bewilderment to be asked, and some were merely for thrills and fun. Though everyone knew what treasure are buried underneath the ruins they venture, there are still danger that lurks and awaiting their way. Everyone have their purpose but none are stupid, but yet, yet here they are, fighting with their lives on the line for few gold coins. Seeing upon their eyes was a monster they never knew was born, with flesh of a man but a power of a God.
Everyone felt distress and confused, but here they are, fighting in the frontline with their life at stake, but can they defy? Can't they defy the man that told them the strength of a mortal can't achieve? They can't. Just to make sure such behemoth won't bare its fangs towards them, they need to push themselves forward, exceed their limit until they break and collapsed, not for loyalty, not for bravery, not even for glory, but for fear, fear that they may be the one next, to be trampled like an Ant.
Feeling their sense of fear, Natsumi then gazed at them with a unwavering look and a sympathetic glance. Taking a breath out of pity, she then took an arrow from her quiver.
"Combine them, [Meld]"
Placing her arrow to the string of her bow, she then pointed her arrow towards the man as she outstretched the string of her bow.
"[Gales Embrace]+[Tempest Storm]+[Gale Storm]"
Their confused expression seeing her action was then turned into surprised, then molded into fear as her arrow screamed in terror and wrath. The man then hurriedly placed his battered axe to shield him as he raise it up
Swoosh
Like a swift gale her arrow sprinted upfront, rushing with magnifying speed
Bang! Crack!
Crashing the man's iron axe, and breaking the top side of his iron suit
"!?!"
"!!!"
"!?"
Shivered in fright as everyone was chilled by the sight of how a strong gust of wind, dashing in a sprint of a strong gale that swiftly pass through the man's neck, breaking his already wormed axe, damaging his almost ruined armor
Drip Drip Drip Drip
Blood then dripped from the man's pale neck, as he stood their stunned, utterly petrified to his spot, with eyes peeled wide open.
"I hope that will settle this dispute"
She spoke with an overbearing distinct tone, as she glare at them with a fiery look
Groowwll!
Grunnnt!
Chirrup!
Aoon!
Nraaa!
Kraaa!
Monsters then cried as they stumble down, dying headlessly as they lay down, bathing to their own blood. Putting her bow down, Natsumi then spoke in a commanding tone, waking everyone up from their relentless self
"Fortify this section and make sure no monster would dare probe in. Some of you will scout the area to find any survivors or any wandering monsters, the rest will stay in this area and recover. Those who can fight protect those who needed aid"
She then turned around and added
"If the west section needs assistance, give those who can still moved and have the energy to fight, but make sure some will still stay here to guard this place"
She then jump up like a feather being drift by a passing wind, and easily arrived at the top. Not looking back with a smug on her face, she then run forward in dashing speed.
(Sheryl's POV)
"We are done here!"
"This section is already secured!"
"The left side is already clear!"
"Well done everyone, but to make sure, some of you will scout the surrounding area to find any hiding monster in the vicinity. They might be lurking in between the houses, so thoroughly investigate every nook and cranny"
"Roger!"
As I stated that, some of the adventurers who still have energy to spare then swiftly leave the area, and went to each designated location.
Right after I joined the fray in the west area, everyone then suddenly turned like a loyal subject towards me. Some even went upfront to lay a path for me, while some guarded my side, and the others were vigilantly discerning my surrounding. I became their leader without me knowing
'Should I thank darling?'
I asked, as I could feel why such abrupt action came from them
'It is mostly brought by fear thanks to someone showing off'
Sigh
Sighing with disinterest
"!!"
A sudden dreadful feeling then came at me, as my chest was being tightly squeeze, suffocating for some unknown reason, and it all happen right after a high dreadful pitch echoed the whole vicinity. Everyone in front of me was kneeling down, and groveling the ground, as they can't bear such groaning pain.
My throat felt dry, and my body felt heavy, as if I was carrying a boulder behind me while walking in the endless, scorching desert.
"...?"
Just like how fast it came, it then suddenly vanished right after, leaving upon its trail were confusion and distress. Standing up as I felt my body swiftly turn back normal, I then turn around and looked towards darling's direction. Feeling uneasy and concern, I then sudden heard
[I need assistance]
Isabelle's voice then abruptly appeared as if she was next to me. Looking around me with uneasiness suddenly overwhelming me, engulfing me with a sense of distress. Sensing that, I then glance forward and ordered the men that is station in the west area, in an hurried and anxious tone
"Keep this area secure, and uptight. Those who are injured will rest and will be prioritized to be aided. Those who can fight will guard those who are injured and survey the surrounding. If the south area needed assistance, don't hesitate to lend them a hand"
"Where are you heading Miss Sheryl?"
A woman dressed in a white robe, once a white robe as blood and dirt completely painted on her dress, with her disheveled hair and scratches on her glossy skin. She was the Healer of this place, a once Nun who became an adventurer.
"I'll be heading south, I felt something amiss in this situation"
"B-but isn't that where he is?"
She asked in distress. Looking at her before I glanced forward, I then respond
"No worries, his not someone who will recklessly place his life in a situation he can't win, I just need to look at that area for a bit, so take care of this place"
"[Swift Feet]"
Without waiting for her reply, I then sprinted forward and dissappeared among the shade of the houses, as I merge myself with the shadow of this buildings.
'Please be careful'
(Author's POV)
As they rushed towards the south area with great stride, the two fasten themselves not caring about anything but one. Feeling an intense sense of distress inside them, as they get nearer and nearer, as if they being drowned by an overwhelming sense of worry.
Not knowing why, they just keep running and running and running, finding their way through the debris, dead bodies, and alley.
Nastumi jumped from one building to another, dashing forth as if the wind itself is pushing her forward, while Sheryl dashed in the shade, covering herself with the shadow of the building. The two had an expression of anxiousness on their face as they rushed forth.
As the two arrived at the south area
"What the?"
"What happened?"
Puzzled and completely shocked to what they saw, as the north area was almost utterly destroyed with debris, battered houses, scattered buildings, tattered ground, and a huge broken wall.
Sheryl then saw Natsumi up above a half destroyed building. Spotting her, she yelled
"Nastumi!"
Natsumi hearing someone calling her, she then looked down and saw Sheryl coming out from the shade.
"Did you see darling?"
"I don't!"
She replied. Natsumi feeling more anxious out of nowhere, she then cast her sensing skill
"[Gales Embrace]"
Discerning the surrounding area with her senses as she use the air current, she then found who she is looking for
"I found him!"
"Really?!"
Sheryl asked, overjoyed to the news.
"Darling wasn't alone, he is with Isabelle and the Prince!"
"What!?"
"There is also someone who seems to be unconscious, can't say who is it, but he seems to be a Knight!"
"Where is he?!"
"Just a distance from here"
Natsumi pointed to her right as she report. Without wasting anymore time, Sheryl then vanished as she sprinted forward, merging herself with the shadow as she dissappeared. Natsumi then followed her as she jumped from one building to another.
As both arrived to where Isabelle was and the Prince
"!?!"
"!!!"
Both were confused and shocked to the scene they saw, as the man they loved is about to attack Isabelle, and doesn't seem caring about the Prince, neither the man behind him. Without hesitating, as none has any time to discern what is happening nor could they ask, both then pushed forward, not sensing a foreign emotion surging towards them.
Natsumi directly jumped forward as there is a distance between the next building and the building she was currently standing. Like a weightless leaf, Natsumi glided from one spot to another, and jumped to the next. As she arrived there, she then dashed to the side as she readied her bow, and took an arrow from her quiver.
Still feeling skeptical to the situation, Natsumi gritted her teeth, and let what will happen later be her punishment for the crime she was about to commit. Nearing just a distance from where they were, Natsumi then arrived right after Creeper punched the first Prince of this kingdom like nothing, and kicked Isabelle right at her gut.
Kneeling down as she slide herself, she then outstretched her bow's string and
"Combine them, [Meld]"
"[Gales Embrace]+[Tempest Storm]+[Curve Shot]+[Sparrow Shot]+[Swift Shot]"
'I'm sorry'
Swoosh
And fired a strong, dashing strike towards Creeper. Noticing something amiss as he about to land his sharp spear towards Isabelle, Creeper then jumped back to the sudden attack. Glaring to whom he was dealing with, he then suddenly halted as he saw her.
Their eyes meet but both spoke with different emotion, the other was guilty and confused, but the other was shocked and puzzled.
"Su-!?"
"[Shadow Slash]"
Slash!
And before she could even call her name, another abrupt strike came at his back. Bending down as he dodge such swift strike, he then took a glance to the sneaky bastard behind him, and as if the world suddenly halted as he backed away, everything seems misty and confusing to him, everything seems to be comfounding to him
"Sully, Ling-Ling..."
Clenching his fist in a tight grasp
"You two dare betraying me!!!!"
He yelled in a furious roar. Sheryl and Natsumi then jolted upn hearing his deafening cry. Sheryl back away as she stood upfront of Isabelle, while Natsumi took another arrow from her quiver and pointed it towards him
(Isabelle's POV)
'Thankfully I placed some [Fleet Aid] at each of them right after that night' (Note: she is talking about that foursome before they separated)
I said, as I wipe the saliva that was dripping from my mouth right after dar- after he kicked my abdomen with such force.
[Fleet Aid] is a one time use spell that will connect the one who place the spell, and the one who is placed by that spell, to send a momentary short words from the sender towards the receiver, but it has its own flaw. After the message was sent, the sender won't know whether the message was sent or not, as there will be no feedback from the receiver, but other than the receiver who is placed by the spell, no one can hear the message. (Note: this skill is based on linear transmission model, the most simple communication model)
"What is happening here, Isabelle? Explain!"
Sheryl asked as she stood in front of me in her fighting stance. Both Natsumi and Sheryl seems to be confused to what is happening, and feeling a great deal of guilt to what they just did.
"That is not darling"
"What?"
Confused she asked
"What do you mean? Was he possessed? Is that a fake? Are we dealing with a double? A Shifter? What!?"
She inquired in a hasten tone
"Calm down. When I said he isn't darling, I meant someone is occupying inside him"
"..... [Dominion of Control]?"
"Might be, but one thing I do know, that man isn't the one we loved"
(Sheryl's POV)
Hearing Isabelle's words, I felt complicated to what is going on.
'If that man isn't him, then why do I feel that he was? Why?'
Utterly confused as the feeling I am somewhat sense is that one who longed, as if missing him, as if we just reunited for a long time
'What is this? Why do I felt such sensation? Back then I never felt such intensifying longing to him, so why now? Why?'
My mind is completely clouded by emotion I never felt before.
(Isabelle's POV)
'' Something is wrong here'
I thought, as I saw Sheryl seem to be reluctant and amiss, as if she is acting not herself.
'Not good'
Sensing that, I then gaze at Natsumi and called her out
"Natsumi!"
"What?"
"That is not the darling we know!"
I directly spoke without rounding my words out
(Natsumi's POV)
"Wait-what? What!? Huh!?!"
I bewilderingly exclaimed.
"I don't know how, but darling seems to be possessed!"
"What!?"
'Possessed? Darling? What the hell!?'
"Right now, I am not sure but, that is clearly not the man we know"
'What does she meant not him?'
Thinking about it, I then looked at him, but even how much I tried observing him, all I could see is the man I loved and cared for 7 years of my life and
'Why do I feel a sense of longing at him? Why?'
Bewildered with this sudden emotion I am feeling, seems to be clouding my senses
(Isabelle's POV)
'Even Natsumi? What the hell is happening here!?'
I distressingly asked myself, as it seems that not only Sheryl who I felt somewhat amiss, but even Natsumi herself too
Foooo~
(Author's POV)
Suddenly feeling a chilly atmosphere, the three then put their guards up as the man before them abruptly changed. Tensed to what is happening to them, the three then vigilantly observed the situation before them
Hwooo~
Taking another deep breath, Creeper then gazed up. Painted in his face was sense of discomfort and agony. Gazing up with a dreadful glance, he then looked upfront, facing what is reality before him
"So I guess, that none of you are the woman I longed for, isn't it?"
He said in a tone different to his usual prideful and poetic words. Hearing his question, the three were confused as they frown, staring at him with anxiousness written in their face. He might be not the man they love, but the man he currently residing was. Creeper once again staring up above the sky, and spoke
"Oh how pitiful, how unfair. If this is fate that bounds to happen...."
He then stared forward and smiled with a glint of madness and ferocity
"Then let thy wrath shall engrave in history, be this be the mark that shall carved thy agony"
"!?!"
The three then felt a chilling sensation as he stared at them