บท 27: Chapter 27: Gray Wolf III
[Race] Goblin
[Level] 26
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King's Soul>> <<Ruler's Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death's Border>> <<Red Snake's Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> <<Third Impact (The Third Chant)>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] Kobold (Lv9)
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>
I had the druids get used to fighting as three-man cells, and at the same time, I had Gi Za teach me the basics of magic in order to defeat the gray wolves.
As for Reshia, I've sort of learned my lesson.
And while I thought to keep my distance from her for a while, I happened to see a tottering kobold pass by me.
So I took a slab of dried meat, and waved it in front of it.
It vigorously wagged its tail. So knowing full well that it was interested, I threw the meat into Reshia's jail. The kobold followed the slab of meat, jumping into Reshia's room.
Heh… This is for keeping me awake all night.
I think I heard Lili scream just now, but let's ignore that. Ignore…
"How adult of you," remarked Gi Za as he shot a cold glance at me.
Considering last night, something on this level is just fine.
"That aside, teach me your magic," I said, brushing away what just happened.
"Mn," replied Gi Ga as he nodded, then he began his lecture on magic.
"I think you know this already, but…"
"Yeah, just keep it short and simple."
With another nod, the lecture on magic began.
To put it simply, magic is god's grace, while magic power is something exhibited through the consumption of something within living beings that is known as ether
For humans, they call it mana, for everyone else, they call it ether. And it is by consuming this ether that Gi Za is able to summon blades of wind and tornadoes.
Ether is something that belongs within the body of living things. As soon as it touches the air or the water, it will immediately disperse, and return to the body. Magic can be demonstrated as long as the ether hasn't dispersed yet.
Because ether disperses upon contact with foreign body, gathering power and casting powerful magic is not something common.
"So what you're saying is that ether is something that is normally used within the body?" I said.
"No, that's not it either," replied Gi Za as he shook his head.
Ether is difficult to use inside the body.
For example, if one wishes to strengthen his muscles with ether, he would have to fill his body with ether, set a course for it, and manipulate it until one achieves his desired effect.
The fireball casted by the friar that I fought before wasn't just throwing a ball of flame.
If he had made a mistake in his control, that fire ball would have simply dispersed. But if he had tried to pour the ether into his body to strengthen himself, in the worst case scenario, his body could have been torn apart, while consuming the ether within.
"But there's no way to know other than trying it out, right?" I said, arguing to use said ability. To which Gi Za sarcastically asked, "In the middle of a fight?"
That question left me at a loss.
Is it impossible after all for someone with an unstable mind like me?
After thinking for a while, I asked for something else.
"Then would you happen to have any techniques for increasing speed? Like that Accel you used," I said.
What I need to watch out for the most in the coming fight with the gray wolves is that speed of theirs. If I could just put a stop to that speed, then in the worst case, I could at least exchange blows.
"That spell only requires ether to be released around the body with a direction set. However, getting used to the force is quite difficult," said Gi Za.
A one-way jet pack in other words.
But then again, it seems like Gi Za was casting it quite a lot.
"But of course, after all, I have the divine protection of the god of wind. I can create a boundary in front of me as long as I have magic power."
Divine protections have that sort of effect?
Hmm… Unfortunately, mine isn't that reliable.
In any case, I should go and practice this.
"Alright, come with me for a bit. I'll give it a shot."
"Now?" asked Gi Za, a little surprised.
"Of course. Whether I can use it or not in battle depends on your guidance after all, right? So please help me out, teacher."
"Teacher… That doesn't sound bad at all," replied Gi Za, pleased.
Taking that goblin rare who was quite pleased with himself, we left the village, and I practiced magic.
◆◇◇
9 days has passed since my I began my special training in magic.
Somehow someway I managed to get my control over Accel good enough for me to be able to use it in battle.
It took a long time, but finally, we're ready.
"Gi Za, do you know of the gray wolves?" I asked.
"Yes, a rather powerful enemy," he replied.
"I'm going to hunt that pair. If it was up to you, which goblins would you bring?"
Gi Za folded his hands and pondered. Then after a while, he said,
"The goblins under me alone will be enough."
In other words, normal goblins can't do anything.
"I'll have you change that way of thinking," I said back.
Then wielding my steel great sword on my back, we ended the training.
When I got back to the village, I called the goblins above the rare class, and ordered them to gather.
"Gi Ga, Gi Go, Gi Za, Gi Gi, take 10 goblins with you each, and prepare for a hunt… Our target… the gray wolves!"
"It shall be done even at the cost of my life!" replied Gi Go.
For him, this battle is also a funeral for the goblins he couldn't protect.
"As you will," replied Gi Ga as he kneeled.
The goblins each nodded to me. Then after they finished picking their 10 goblins, we prepared the necessary rations, and then left the village, heading northwest.
Leading from the front were Gi Gi's beasts.
What he brought with him this time was a double head, a double-headed ostrich. Its body was big enough to easily carry a goblin, and with enough strength to do so without even losing speed.
Gi Gi rode on a double head, while giving his subordinate beasts orders.
Gi Ga guarded our rear while following the main unit from behind.
And Gi Go and Gi Za protected our flanks, while keeping vigilant.
–––It's too quiet.
When these many goblins are moving, there would at least normally be some birds or rabbits who would be startled. But right now, not even a single cry could be heard.
No way, could it be…
Could it be that the gray wolves have already eaten everything in this area?
If so, then the gray wolves should appear by themselves without us having to look for them.
–––Such delicious preys are throwing themselves before it after all… There's no way it wouldn't come.
And as if my mind was read, the vanguard unit led by Gi Gi stopped.
–––Are they here!?
"They're coming!" I yelled.
Immediately, Gi Ga went in front just as I've ordered him to ahead of time. And Gi Go and Gi Za merged with the main unit to protect the flanks.
And just as much as I could wish for, the land before us was a land with few trees, almost like a meadow
The gray wolf led over 20 wolves behind it, gazing at me with the gaze of a predator looking at its prey.
That dignity, that majesty, the aura of that gray wolf shook my soul!
And my face twisted into a smile!
The arm wielding Iron second. The tips of my feet that bore into the ground. From the red snake coiled on my arm all the way to the entrails beneath my skin and the blood flowing through my veins. Everything was screaming to me, burning into me the sensation of my brimming power.
"GURUuuuOOOooUooOAAo!"
My soul maddened, I bellowed out a howl.
[Skill] <<Overpowering Howl>> activated. The subordinate wolves have been stunned.
"UUuuoOOuuuOO!"
At the same time, the gray wolf howled an indomitable howl, and many of my subordinates fell to their knees.
"Gi Ga!"
"By your will!"
I left the command of the forces to Gi Ga who was at the rear.
"Gi Za, cover me!"
"Leave it to me!"
"Gi Go, don't lose focus!"
"I know," replied Gi Go as he drew his curved sword.
"Gi Gi, this time, don't let your beasts die."
"Yes, chief…"
Could it be that the one who's having a hard time keeping himself together is me!?
"Go!!" I yelled.
At my lead, our force became one unit, and we charged into the pack of wolves.
But the wolves were only a moment slower.
"UoouUoou!"
The howl of the gray wolf woke the subordinate wolves from their stupor.
But this is exactly what I was aiming for.
Wielding my sword on my side, I gripped it tight.
We'll do this in one breath!
"My life is like a cloud of dust (Accel)!"
Ether gathered behind me, then like an explosion, I was sent flying forward. Then focusing the ether towards my blade, I chanted,
"Turn me into a blade (Enchant)!"
Having been propelled at a speed that instantly shortened a distance of 30 steps to zero, it was as if a wall of air was pushing against me, keeping me from breathing.
But even so, this is something worth doing!
"UoooUUoO!"
The howl of the gray wolf seemed to have echoed, but my ears failed to catch anything. Only that the gray wolf's giant frame suddenly appeared before me.
–––Tch!
Grinding my teeth, I endured the force.
My body grazed against the gray wolf, causing its power to weaken slightly. I tumbled on the ground, but immediately, I stopped the momentum, and stood up.
–––Where is it!?
"GAaoOoAA!"
–––A groan from right beside me!?
With the power of the [Skill] <<Swordsmanship B->>, I swung my sword according to instinct. The sword smashed into something that felt like a giant tree. Then immediately after, a great pressure came. It was the gray wolf!
Using all of my strength I forced back the grey wolf.
The sight of its sharp fangs and its giant claws sent a chill running through my back.
No, that's wrong.
This is something that I've been yearning for. This is something that I myself should have been yearning for!!
A strong foe! A chance to wash away the shame of that day!
Activating the [Skill] <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>>, I scanned for my opponent's weakness.
The eyes, the fang… the heart… Hmm? It's close to its back!?
[Skill] <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> activate!
For the first time, I released the rampaging soul on my own volition.
"GURUuOAaoOOooo!"
While suppressing the urge, I released my power!
I activated [Skill] <<Insurgent Will>> and <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> at the same time!!
And brimming with power, I stopped my great sword with my arm, and supported my body with my legs.
Magical energies flowed through my body, and my blood boiled within me.
Sparks appeared as my great sword clashed with the fangs of the gray wolf.
Focusing more of my strength, my feet sank into the ground. And the gray wolf's pressure challenged me from in front.
"GURUuoAA!"
The frothing cells within me, the rushing blood within, and the magical energies within burned hot like scorching flame.
"Turn me into a blade (Enchant)!"
My blade ignited, and with its flames alit, I pushed the sword into the gray wolf's fang and nails.
And then I swung the blade.
–––Argh!?
But at the last moment… I missed.
Right before my great sword hit it, it jumped back. I suppose it's just what you'd expect from the reflexes of a wolf raised in the wild.
But after taking a better look, blood was clearly flowing from its right leg, and from the left part of the scruff of its neck.
It was wounded from Accel and Enchant.
The distance between us is short.
"UooUUoOo!"
The gray wolf howled, and its subordinate wolves began to retreat.
Looks like it told its pack to protect the rear.
And then gradually, the gray wolf before me began to retreat.
But…
"I won't let you run."
Silently, I sharpened my resolve, and I yelled,
"After them!"
With that order, my subordinates began to chase after the subordinate wolves. If the gray wolf tries to interfere with my subordinates' chase, I'm going to make use of that opening, and pierce it dead.
Each time the gray wolf retreated, I would move forward to shorten the distance lengthened.
That leg most likely is no longer capable of using the same speed as it did before.
Then in that case–––.
"UoooUuU!"
But then suddenly, the gray wolf's body became hazy.
–––What!?
"Gu, ha."
Then without even having the time to cast shield, I was blown away.
But!
The power of its attack has weakened.
Victory is right before me!
Tumbling on the ground, I stopped the momentum, and I picked myself up.
"Tch!"
But the gray wolf was already running by the time I managed to stand.
"I told you… I'm not going to let you run!"
Cancelling enchant, I chased after the gray wolf with all my strength.
◇◆◆
As I ran after the gray wolf, I recalled something I had forgotten in my fervor, causing cold sweat to permeate my back.
Why is that gray wolf fighting by itself?
It was definitely a pair before.
–––Where did the other gray wolf disappear to!?
The worst scenario flashed through my mind.
Could it be that the gray wolves purposely ordered its subordinates to withdraw in order to separate us!?
If so, then I've been made a fool out of by a beast twice!
–––Fuck!
In any case, I need to beat the gray wolf as soon as possible, and gather my subordinates, otherwise–––.
But… the more impatient I become, the worse I'll move. Even if the gray wolf is wounded, it's legs are still better than mine.
Following the trail of blood and stench, I left the meadows and entered into the dense forest.
–––Fuck, now even if I gather the goblins, it's still going to be a tough fight.
Even if I use [Skill] <<Overpowering Howl>> and call the goblins, they'll have a hard time finding me.
Then again, if this isn't a trap, then this might be the best opportunity I'll get to destroy the gray wolves.
While gradually getting impatient, I reached the end of the forest. But just as I was about to go through–
"Garuruuu!"
One of the gray wolf's subordinates attacked me from above.
"GARUUuu!"
I quickly cut it, but then another three came, attacking me from below, and from both flanks at the same time.
"My body is inviolable (Shield)!"
Immediately, I casted shield, and swung my blade to get some distance.
Then I kicked away the biting wolves, crushed them under my foot, and sheathed my sword.
–––Are they buying time!?
For what?
Could it be that they're missing a part of their group, and are waiting for the other group's return?
If so, then the wolves can't win against me.
Immediately, I activated the [Skill] <<Overpowering Howl>>, weakening the wolves. And then I left the forest.
What greeted me ahead was a cave where the gray wolf was lying in.
–––It's not dead.
Having lost too much blood, its legs shook as it stood.
"UuuOouuU!"
I can't let my guard down.
Slowly, I shortened the distance between us.
But then––
UuoOoOoooN!
I heard a voice from inside the cave.
For just a moment, the gray wolf looked towards the dark cave. Those pupils seemed to be enduring something. Then as its gaze returned to stare at me, anger could be visibly seen in them.
And then it howled a howl with ferocity unlike any of its previous howls, causing my hair to stand on end.
"GaRuAaaAaUUuu!"
Without any care for its defenses, it literally turned itself into a bullet as it rammed its body against me.
Tch–––.
A sudden change after hearing that voice from within the cave.
Something's definitely up.
"GARUuu!"
Its subordinate wolves attacked me from behind.
I held back the urge to click my tongue, and swung my blade behind me.
"GUURuuusuAAAa!"
Raging in anger, the gray wolf rammed itself into me, blowing me away along with its allies.
Has it lost its sanity!?
The wounds on the gray wolf has been bleeding nonstop. But without even so much as looking at it, the gray wolf ran towards me to kill me.
––––Have it your way then… Have it your way, you mutt!!
"My body is inviolable (Shield)!"
"GRRuuuAAaAA!!
"
Wielding my blade, I received the gray wolf's fangs that were aimed for my neck.
And then––
"Turn me into a blade (Enchant)!"
I can't cast enchant and shield at the same time, so the shield was cancelled when I used enchant, and the gray wolf bore its fangs into me.
Blood spurted into the air.
But in exchange… [Skill] <<Third Impact>> activated.
–––You think I'll lose!?
With a vigor that sought to exhaust my ether, the flames of darkness wrapped itself around my blade.
"This is the end!"
I thrusted Iron Second into the gray wolf, piercing through its hard fur, gouging out its entrails.
"GA, GRRuu!"
But the gray wolf renowned for its life force, refused to release its fangs from the scruff of my neck.
And instead it bore its fangs even deeper into my body.
At the same time, half of my strength left me, and the condition for a skill was met.
<<Dance at Death's Border>> Stage 1 activated.
–––Physical Strength, Agility 20% UP.
"GU, RURUuuuUOOoOAaAAaA!"
The thrusted blade, sank even deeper into the gray wolf's body.
The gushing blood from the wolf's mouth mixed with the spurting blood from my neck. Whose blood belonged to who could no longer be discerned.
But even then, the gray wolf refused to let its fangs go.
Our gazes locked, and we spat curses at each other.
"I'll do it as many times as you want!"
[Skill] <<Dance at Death's Border>> Stage 2 activated.
–––Physical Strength 30%, Agility 30% UP.
Iron Second sank even deeper, and its tip could now be faintly seen through the back of the gray wolf.
"GuRuaAaaAAAA!"
Mustering the last of its strength, the gray wolf howled. And it bit into my shoulder as it continued to spit out more blood.
Madness and killing intent mixed. And the fountain of blood dyed my vision in crimson.
–––But, even then… Even thenNn!
"OOooAAaaAAaA!"
Victory will be mine!
Mine!!
[Skill] <<Dance at Death's Border>> Stage 3 activated, at the same time, a second <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> activated.
–––Physical Strength 40%, Agility 40% UP.
Along with that rise in power, violent, burning emotions surged from the depths of my body.
–––Fine… Since it's become like this, I'll accompany you until the bitter end!
More blood spurted as the gray wolf tried to tear off the tip of my shoulder. It knows that its wounds will open if it tries to forcefully raise its head like that with its fangs stuck to me, yet it still refuses to let go.
As that pain that felt like I was being torn to pieces, insanity took me. And I raised my sword while being skewered by the gray wolf. At the abnormal bulging of muscles, more blood spurted from the gray wolf, showering my whole body in blood.
"I am aAAaaAA!"
I swung my great sword.
"OOOA゛A゛AaAaA゛ a゛!!"
–––And I severed the gray wolf's body into two.
The gray wolf died with its fangs firmly sunk into me.
Then as if I had entered silence itself, all the sound around me began to fade.
Half alive, and half dead… a pool of blood spread around me.
There was no one else here. No gray wolf, no subordinate wolves. Just me and a pool of blood.
"Chief!"
Then I heard Gi Ga swallowing his breath.
…Ah, so they're safe.
Thrusting my sword into the ground, I leaned on it like a cane, and I sank down to the ground.
I don't want to show such an unsightly appearance to my subordinates… But I've lost too much blood.
"Gi Gi, call Lady Reshia now!"
I can hear Gi Ga's voice.
"Gi Ga," I said.
"Chief!?' he asked, panicked.
"Make sure that the other goblins are safe. I'm going to sleep… for a bit."
Like that I lost my consciousness while leaning onto my great sword.
◆◇◇◆◆◇◇◆
Your level has risen.
26 => 60
After having gained proficiency with [Skill] <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>>, you have unlocked a hidden power.
Soul of a Crazed Warrior will now attack you mentally.
Physical Strength 30%, Agility 30%, Magical Power 30% UP.
You will also not be affected by other mental attacks aside from the effect of Soul of a Crazed Warrior.
Your fighting spirit will rise towards opponents you have defeated before.
Damage reduction 20%
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