My body was weary, breathing rough, and mana nearly depleted. Magic and weapons were beyond my reach, surrounded by unknown enemies with unique abilities and formidable combat skills.
Yet, in this seemingly unfavorable situation, an unexpected brightness adorned my face.
'It's been so long since I've felt this.'
Like anyone else, I had faced countless challenges in my life as a warrior. Initially, life-and-death situations occurred frequently, but as my strength skyrocketed, I found myself controlling it on the battlefield.
The reason?
Mostly, I fought against enemy soldiers without personal animosity. Although many comrades fell to 'demons,' I lacked the desire to destroy those in front of me.
As my comrades died, so did the enemy's side daily. Gradually, I lost excitement in fighting, opting to minimize battlefield deaths. Provoking enemy withdrawal became a common tactic, stopping the slaughter while achieving military feats for future plans.
This time was different.
I faced powerful enemies engaged in heinous human experiments.
No reason to hold back.
Now, with almost all forms of attack rendered useless, my decision to defeat the enemies was clear.
"GRAB HIM, DON'T LET HIM MOVE!!!!"
Utilizing my superhuman strength and hand-to-hand combat skills, two men lunged to restrain me.
"AHHGGG-" Instead, I grabbed them. Seizing one by the ankle, I shook him violently, slamming him to the ground. The scene resembled a certain green giant in a superhero movie but appeared more violent given the victim's limited durability.
Amid this spectacle, I couldn't help but think:
'I think I overreacted again.'
The Colonel or Angelica would likely scold me for behaving unheroically. Well, it wouldn't be the first time they got mad at me.
It wasn't that they were wrong.
But the thrill of going a little crazy in battle was unparalleled!
I released the remnants of my victim, hitting another nearby enemy.
The remaining enemies, recognizing the futility of close combat, opted for distance attacks to weaken and tire me, capitalizing on their numerical advantage.
Mid-battle,
- Crack.
An earthquake struck, and cracks emerged on the ground.
"Wooaaahh-"
!!!
I narrowly evaded, tumbling into one of the cracks.
What's happening?
Dismayed at the unexpected turn, I considered:
Wait...
Don't tell me that-
- Brrmmm!
A colossal explosion erupted from the ground.
Suddenly, mysterious green smoke billowed from holes and cracks.
The robed men, grasping the smoke's origin, retreated. Unaware, I maintained a cautious distance.
A life-saving decision.
The smoke swiftly killed wild animals and altered the forest's appearance, leaving only snow.
But that wasn't the most alarming part.
???
Oh my god.
What the f*ck is that?!
Grotesque giant tentacles emerged from the earth.
I panicked, thinking of Cthulhu.
No, no, calm down Franz.
There are no cosmic terror creatures in this world.
After deep breaths, I calmed down, realizing the underground monster must be the Chimera.
Still, the sudden appearance of tentacles, especially their exaggerated size, surprised me.
I wasted no time and swung my sword at one.
Unfortunately.
"Ughhh-!"
The tentacle countered, sending me flying. I managed to regain control, landing on my feet with my sword buried to halt backward movement.
However.
"Ugh-!"
The once-white ground now dripped red.
Blood oozed from my mouth and nose.
That hurt more than expected...
Fortunately, my right arm had blocked the attack, but it broke in the process.
'If that thing gets near the village...'
Thoughts of Natasha, a brave girl who risked her life, flooded my mind.
A country girl risking her life for a stranger like me. What kind of hero would I be if I can't do the same?
Determined, I stood up.
With a broken right arm, I raised my sword with my still-functional left hand and advanced toward the Chimera.
"Don't let him get close to the Chimera, take advantage of attacking him now!" Thomas ordered.
'It's a relief that the Chimera is okay! Now it will be easier to kill this bastard!' Thomas thought gleefully.
The black-robed men resumed their attack. Physically impaired, I barely evaded their combined assaults, with tentacles adding to the challenge.
Unable to pay attention to multiple targets, I endured.
Suddenly, a strong earthquake shook the area.
"It's always the same with you, idiot!"
An angry voice echoed.
"Was it so hard for you to wait a bit before causing such a disaster?"
"..."
'They finally arrived.'
I sighed, realizing the girls had come to help. Natasha had informed them of the situation.
Originally, we planned to attack as a group, but I had impulsively attacked alone upon arrival.
"Why did you attack alone again, Franz?" Angelica asked, cold eyes locking onto me.
I winced as a blow hit my greatest weakness.
"Ugh- Don't you think it's a bit excessive to kick me in my current state-?!" I complained.
Angelica's cold gaze persisted.
"You have no opinion on this, Franz... You know how worried we were, and when we got here, we found that you once again threw yourself into madness."
Next to her, Eva looked at me with pity.
She seemed to be thinking, 'Does he never learn?'
Fortunately, thoughts weren't audible.
Eva was right to think so.
'Oh, that was kind of fun.'
Because I had no regrets at all.