Capítulo 29: Chapter 28
It's coming a little late, but Merry Christmas.
Chapter 27: Spider Queen's Raid.
IN THE LONG-DISTANT PAST…
The world was split into the forest elven kingdom of Kales'Oh, the dark elven kingdom of Lyusula.
The human Alliance of the Nine, the underground realm of the dwarves, and various other groupings along racial lines, and while there were skirmishes at times, the land was at peace.
But one day, something happened, and a hundred varied regions from around the world were cut in circles from the earth and summoned up to the sky.
The circles were under two miles across at the smallest and over six at the largest.
They were stacked in a conical formation to form a gigantic floating fortress a hundred floors tall.
This castle held its countless towns and villages, mountains, forests, and lakes, and never again returned to earth.
The magic powers that caused the old civilisations to flourish were lost, and with them, the nine kingdoms of man.
Most towns reverted to maintaining themselves, and the floors lost contact with one another.
And since then... a great length of time passed.
"Force 1, 2, block its attack!"
CLANK!
A loud clank echoed in the dark space as a group of tanks blocked an incoming attack from a shape that curved like a scythe.
"Force 3, 4, switch!"
"Force 5, 6, prepare to rotate."
At the commanding line, far behind the players who were battling the Spider Queen in the dungeon to the south.
[Spider Queen's Cave].
He wasn't part of the teams fighting the boss; he was just the commander.
Apparently, it was necessary as the Guild Master to participate in this event.
Not only that, this was also to get used to the commanding role that comes with being a Guild Master.
And for some reason his commands were always spot on, like he was a born tactician as reckless as he was.
No. That was not it.
The Guild Members had entrusted their lives to him.
Should anyone meet their end here, it would be a result of his command.
Hence he had no choice.
And should they be in danger, he would obviously butt in and save them.
'Tch, that Diabel guy….'
Of course, he didn't willingly come here of his own volition.
Diabel had announced to the Guild Members that Sharia would be accompanying them on the Spider Queen's raid and was only told minutes before they set out.
And by their numbers.
Around thirty of them had gathered.
"Force 3, 4, retreat; Force 5, 6, switch; don't give it time to shoot its sticky spray attack!"
"Watch its movement patterns. When it's planning to attack with its legs. The other one twitches, Force 1, 2 aim for that moment."
[Spider Queen: NEPHILA REGINA].
[HP: 30%]
[HP: 100%]
The spider queen, bulging body with round, glowing, red eyes, eight legs the size of tree trunks, and a dull purple exoskeleton with silver patterns.
Yikes. For a monster named a queen, it sure is ugly—Sharia thought.
But there was no time to think about it.
He had to be grounded.
"Yes, sir!"
The teams of Force 5 and 6 pushed back against the Spider Queen.
Force 1, 3, and 5 contained a full squad of «Tankers,» while the subsequent 2, 4, and 6 were «Attackers.».
It was a pair-turn-based strategy that allowed one team to «Tank» while the other «Attack».
The strategy was pretty much an unconvenient method.
Each «Tank» is attached to an «Attacker».
That is—
Force 1 and Force 2 members. One «Tanker» from Force 1 is assigned to an «Attacker» of Force 2.
"To test individual ability, and—"
When they are not lined up to protect against an AOE attack, a «Tanker» can pretty much battle with an «Attacker».
Diabel and Lind are perfect examples of this combination.
It was unconventional really, but they worked well.
Diable is both a «Tanker» and can pretty much be an «Attacker.».
But for this raid, he is shielding Lind, who in turn is an «Attacker».
This was: «Shicksal's Pair-Turn-Based Two-Man Team».
And, to say the least, the strategy was working well.
Of course this wasn't a reckless strategy they could use against a Boss Monster.
But a field boss was more than enough practice to see how this strategy would work.
"Force 1, 2, it's your turn again."
"Let's go!"
"Ooh!"
Diabel led Force 1 to the front, bashing their shield against the Giant Monster.
"Now activate «Tank Skill»!"
Even though Sharia was the supreme commander, each squad captain could still pretty much call the shots when on the front line as long as it didn't go against the supreme commander's—Sharia's—orders.
""«Skill: Fighting Spirit»! Haah!""
The five-man group of Force 1 all channelled their skill into their shield—Battering ramming their shield onto the Spider Queen.
"Force 2, Switch!"
"Heh! I've been waiting. Force 2, unleash your Sword Skill."
Perhaps it was because Sharia was watching their backs; they all went all smiles against the menacing Spider Queen.
As long as Sharia is here, we are invincible—they all think.
Having witnessed his skills for two floors straight, it was pretty much what they believed.
[Nephila Regina]?
It was just a cute spider in his eyes—they all thought.
And if that was the case… why should they be afraid?
-Meanwhile-
While that was happening.
A group of three were spying against said Guild.
Mainly, the Black Swordsman and arguably the best fencer in the whole game, Asuna.
Along with one other person. A third person they had met, and a very much necessary person for the progression of the side quest, which they are currently in the completion of.
Kizmel.
—A dark-skinned Dark Elf, with pointy ears, lilac hair, and onyx-black eyes.
"What amazing teamwork."
Kizmel muttered with fascination as she focused on the entire sequence of their raid against the Spider Queen.
On the other hand, Kirito had a grim expression as he swallowed while he muttered.
"What the—This strategy is unheard of and was never in the beta or guides; if so, there's only one person that can come up with such a strategy."
He looked towards Sharia with a deep sigh.
One more reason to respect this player again.
"Haha… this sorta feels like déjà vu. Even when he isn't fighting, it's like he's fighting alongside them."
Asuna said that with a wry smile. As someone who had fought alongside him, it was natural to think of it like this.
Or perhaps Sharia was just that charismatic?
They wouldn't know.
But certainly, just as Sharia has fun during raids, his guild members also seem to be having fun.
It was almost contagious.
But on the other hand, Kizmel, who had just heard or seen of Sharia now, interested, directed her gaze to the male on the far end of the wide space.
Seeing him. It immediately clicked with her.
"Kirito… who's that person? Even though he isn't fighting, I can feel he's strong."
She said so, her gaze aligning with Kirito's, who at that moment made a wry smile.
"That person over there? That's Sharia. In short. A monster."
"To call him a monster is…."
"Asuna, you're pretty much one yourself."
"Eh?"
Even with his knowledge as a beta tester, having more skills and «mods» to them.
Asuna was still able to keep up.
While he—Kirito—was currently on LV. 16. Asuna was close behind at just LV. 14.
And that's pretty much higher than most high-ranking players currently.
Besides, he and Asuna are relatively high among the current high-ranking players.
"I see…. And that strategy, I've never seen that before."
Kizmel muttered as she asked again.
After all, for all she knows. Kirito was more knowledgeable on most things than she, a resident of this world, was oblivious about.
"I don't know; it has to be made by him. He's the only one that'd make such a reckless strategy, and it'll work."
"in short. That raid over there is only possible and easy because he's there."
Hearing that, Kizmel's eyes fell on Sharia once more, who continued giving orders.
"Sharia, huh…?"
-At the same time-
[Spider Queen: NEPHILA REGINA].
[HP: 00%]
[HP: 26%]
"The Boss is nearing its final phase; be on guard for any changes that are not in the guidebook!"
"If you notice any immediate change, fall back immediately!"
Sharia ordered with a shout as he swung his arm.
For some reason, they were fighting recklessly at some point.
And even then, things were going all too smoothly.
Too smoothly even.
Or were they that competent despite their recklessness, just like him….?
'It can't be…'
At this point, he couldn't even help but grab his longsword's hilt, just in case.
It wasn't that he didn't have faith in them.
It was just…
"They have too much faith in me for me to let them down."
That sums up what he was feeling.
He didn't hate the feeling, but at the same time, It weighed heavily on him.
"KYRAAA!"
The boss let out a feral howl as its massive bulging eyes looked around the space until….
Its eyes finally landed on Sharia.
Artificially intelligent they may be, made to mimic animals, but they still retained a little bit of intelligence.
After all, even though you can say it's a predator's instinct, some animals are wise enough to set traps for their prey.
Such a thing is close to what is happening now.
"Shit. Force 3, 6, block the boss, and don't let it pass!"
It was Diabel that gave the command.
Yes. Sharia could very much solo it alone at this point.
But it would be pathetic of them to let him do so.
Pathetic that they couldn't stop a measly spider from coming close to their lord, that is.
—The Spider Queen had dashed past Forces 1 and 2 and was closely approaching where the other five-man forces were.
"Force 3, 6, stop it at all costs!"
On Diabel's command.
"Oou!"
Ten «Tankers» line up in a single file, taking the charging Spider Queen head on.
But before the Spider Queen rammed into them, a command from Sharia came from the back lines.
"—«Tankers»! Timing! Time its charge and use your «Skill» to counter at the right time!"
"You can do it!"
His words momentarily stunned the «Tankers», even Diabel and Lind, who were affronted.
Was Sharia telling the «Tankers» to aim for a counter strike?
As easy as it sounds, if one person were to fail, it may backfire on them.
However, his next words suddenly gave them the courage to try it.
They can do it—they thought.
"Lord Sharia's faith…"
"...we cannot betray it."
"Everybody, on your marks!"
The Spider Queen was close now, about five meters till impact.
Four….
Three…
Two…
One meter until impact….
"«Skill: Fighting Spirit!» Haah!"
BAAAM!
On that count, the ten «Tankers» had activated their skill just as the Spider Queen rammed onto them.
However, countering it wasn't so easy even with that said.
But then, with the mindset of the Spider Queen, bypassing their defence to reach their Lord.
It was unacceptable!
"«Tankers» by all means, defend with all your might; if the monster passes you, you'll pay for it!"
Lind shouted that as he and Diable, along with the rest of Force 1 and 2.
Force 4 and 6 hearing that jolted out of their reverie too….
""U-us too! Force 4 and 6, support them by dealing damage from the side!"
"O-oou!"
They too jumped at the boss.
However, for the «Tankers, just as Lind said. It was unacceptable!
Hence—
"ARGGHHHHHH!"
"OUUUUUUUUU!"
With primal screams—
They that were getting pushed back by the Spider Queen, all of a sudden, simultaneously, planted their feet on the floor sturdier than before.
Now. They had begun pushing back against the Spider Queen.
"KYRAA?"
"Together, on the count of 2, push back with all your strength at once."
"2… 1….! Push!"
Putting all their strength in their body, from their legs to their arms, in one go—
Pushed back the Spider Queen.
""Counter!""
The Spider Queen was sent flying back.
""Yoosha!!!""
Seeing this, the «Tankers» cheered.
They safely protected the Spider Queen from Sharia.
It would have died a worse death from Sharia instead, so it should be thankful instead—they thought.
"Diabel, Lind, don't waste that opportunity; the Spider Queen is heading for you now."
Sharia's command once again brought them out of their reverie, and when they snapped—
"Whee!"
The massive structure of the Spider Queen was actually flying towards them.
"Lind! Let's do this as practiced."
Diabel looked to his right at Lind, who nodded.
Then in a moment, both swapped positions with Diabel to the right and Lind to the left.
Then preparing Sharia's and Kirito's Special—
"«Skill: Mid-air Sonic Leap»!"
SHIEENN!
Both used Sonic Leap to fly at the airborne Spider Queen.
The Counter from the «Tankers» had chirped the Spider Queen's health to around 10%.
Now. With this attack—
[Spider Queen: NEPHILA REGINA].
[HP: 00%]
[HP: 00%]
The Spider Queen's visual froze mid-air before swelling then—
Burst into many fragments of light.
[CONGRATULATIONS!]
A screen appeared in the middle of the room, and first came silence.
Then a slow realisation as they all screamed—
""YOSHA!""
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
Brionac_
Brionac_ Sorry for bot updating. Finished exams since last week, but has a lot on my hand. And motivation wasn't just coming, but I can't stop and come back again after a few months, so I did my best and motivated myself to write something. Hope y'all enjoy it.
Anyways, Merry Christmas.
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