Volume 3, Chapter 9: Battle
Already, the Sea Serpents had been relocated to several nests, ready to fight at any moment.
And Apolito's reconnaissance skill was incredible, capable of covering a considerable range. However, it was tiring to maintain it continuously, so we decided on a specific time to conduct the search.
Depending on the response, they might launch an attack, but I intended to crush them with this combination.
"Looks like they're coming. It's a big one."
Apolito looked at me.
"It's in the sea. Quite massive."
"Interesting. They're still motivated, it seems. Have the Sea Serpents gradually surround it. Encircle and lure it in for the final blow."
In preparation for the battle, I adorned myself in the armor that had been stored as a merchant's insignia. I grasped the Thunder Roar (Gōten) that had been placed beside me.
"This is probably the creature that came from the sea during the last confrontation," Aoi informed me.
"Huh? From the sea?"
Oh right, I remember now.
"It's a Leviathan," Aoi affirmed.
"What should we do? The Sea Serpents will also suffer significant damage if it's a Leviathan," Aoi expressed concern.
"Huh? Is it powerful?" I asked.
"It's the strongest creature in the sea," Apolito replied.
"No way!"
"It's heading straight for Kazanzakis-san's mansion," Apolito stated.
"What do we do?"
Aoi asked.
"We have explosives prepared just in case," I asked Murasaki.
"It's all set. We've made extensive preparations," Murasaki reassured.
"Is it certain that it's coming straight to Kazanzakis-san's mansion?"
"No doubt about it," Apolito asserted.
"In that case, I'll ask the Asanato group to prepare barrels of explosives along the course where it'll come straight up from the sea to the mansion. We'll likely crush it on land, which is probably its weakness. Oh, and make sure to place those sharp metal shards on top of the explosives. We'll ignite the gunpowder with the Thunder Roar and crush it in one fell swoop."
"Understood."
Murasaki left the room along with the Asanato members who were present.
"As for the Sea Serpents, they shouldn't fight the Leviathan. Just lure it out. They're kind-hearted ones who came with me because I'm alone."
I told Aoi, and she nodded.
"I understand. I share that sentiment."
Apolito choked back tears.
My adopted brother is truly a good person.
"Wait, they're coming from the sky too! Over a hundred!"
Apolito shouted.
"Huh? From the sky?"
"They're Wyverns. It's that woman we saw from high above. They're heading towards us."
Aoi stated confidently.
"I see. So this is Yamato's response. How interesting! I'll annihilate them!"
I stood up and shouted.
"Leviathan is about to make landfall soon!"
"Understood. You go ahead first. I'll follow."
"Wait, please."
Aoi approached me and kissed me.
"Oh, so this is what they mean by 'come out on top,' huh?"
My first kiss is happening right now!
Although I say that, my late father apparently kissed me about a thousand times when I was around three years old because he doted on me too much. But I don't count that.
"Tch, I envy you, brother," Apolito laughed.
"I'll borrow your strength," Aoi said something strange.
Huh?
Was she going to say something like, "Let's get married after this battle"?
Oh no, that's a death flag.
I can't have that.
"I'll take care of the wyverns. That should handle the delivery matter as well," Aoi said with a great smile. Delivery matter?
What is she talking about?
I don't get it.
Anyway, it seems that Leviathan has landed on the beach outside the mansion, and it's getting noisy, so I hurriedly left the room.
As I rushed out of the mansion, there it was, Leviathan was landing on the shore and heading towards us.
I unsheathed the Roaring Heaven sword.
"Even though you're called the strongest, it's impressive that you came here alone! I'll praise you! Get ready!"
While saying that, I prepared the Roaring Heaven sword, and flames appeared on its blade.
At that moment, I saw it.
Leviathan's body was quite tattered, as if it had scraped against something on the ground.
Why is it so beaten up like this?
Leviathan turned its watery eyes towards me.
Huh?
Just one?
Huh?
And it's all beat up because of that?
What is this déjà vu?
"You... could it be... are you really... that lonely?"
Leviathan stared at me with teary eyes.
"No doubt. This one is lonely too," Apolito, who came to help me, placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Stop..."
I stopped preparing my sword and sheathed the Roaring Heaven.
"I can't kill someone who's lonely."
I muttered.
Apolito nodded in agreement.
Leviathan approached us with teary eyes and shed tears.
We embraced each other.
Of course, Leviathan is ridiculously huge, so Apolito and I are just clinging to it.
And so, a new bond of brotherhood was formed.
Leviathan.
The name fits perfectly.
It's fine to treat him as a human from now on.
Later, this new brother would become the mascot of my company.