★

The battle had reached its climax.

While I focused on defense using 《Absorption》, Ray, Kaya, and the others took on the role of attackers.

…I think Leon got blown away by Vanitas Roa midway through, but… yeah, let’s pretend I didn’t see that.

He’s the Silver Sword Saint, after all—he’ll be fine.

Thanks to that surprise attack, we lost a crucial opportunity to strike. I’ll admit I was being petty, but just that once, I deactivated 《Absorption》.

“Ugh…”

Leaning against the wall, the Silver Sword Saint Leon lay unconscious beside Dudley.

I didn’t expect much from the start, but yeah, we probably can’t count on him as a fighter.

We’ll have to take down Vanitas Roa on our own.

“UGAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!”

With its crimson eyes sharpened in fury, Vanitas Roa let out a thunderous roar.

Its whole body twisted as it unleashed countless black flames. Of course, since I had 《Absorption》 active, all of them came straight at me.

“Arios!”

Ray shouted in concern, but this much was nothing.

While handling the flames with the sacred sword Levatein, I activated one of my abilities: 《Visualize Target’s HP》.

Then I shouted toward the closest ally—Lassen.

“Lassen! The left leg! Aim for the left leg!”

“For Arios-samaaaa—hrah!”

Lassen charged forward and swung his massive sword with fearless strength.

Even as a C-rank adventurer, the sword’s power—now quadrupled—was nothing to scoff at.

“GyaaAAAAAAAH!!”

Vanitas Roa shrieked and reeled back. Another chance to attack.

“Did it flinch again…?”

“It’s been flinching a lot… Arios, it’s almost like you knew this would happen…”

Yuya and Kaya murmured their thoughts, and I raised my voice again.

“Both of you, now go for the right leg! Please!”

“R-roger that!”

“Here I go!”

The two of them slashed at Vanitas Roa’s right leg. As expected of B-rank and A-rank adventurers, their movements were flawless.

—Thud.

Vanitas Roa’s right leg gave out, and it collapsed on the spot.

Now’s our chance!

I extinguished all the black flames and dashed straight for Vanitas Roa.

“Arios!”

Running beside me was Ray.

The princess who had always stood by my side—my childhood friend.

“I’m going too! So—”

“Yeah. I’m counting on you!!”

“Right!”

Ray’s right arm glowed as she unleashed holy magic on Vanitas Roa.

Beams of light rained down from the heavens onto the monster. Though her buffs were focused on attack power, it wasn’t enough for major damage. Still, it helped restrain Vanitas Roa as it tried to get back up.

“OOOOOOOOHHH!”

As I ran, I focused everything into my blade.

What was this feeling?

It was like a gentle warmth wrapped around me again… as though the first Sword Saint, Farlus, were cheering me on by my side.

—Become a true Sword Saint, Arios.

Hearing that voice in my mind, I felt I had reached a new level.

Engen Style, First Form.
True Godspeed Flash.

All my strength carved deep into Vanitas Roa.