Chapter 91: Interlude 5 - Override

Chapter 91: Interlude 5 - Override

The hero party are aiming for the Diagal Empire in accordance to Philias’ request.

Under usual circumstances, the journey would have taken more than a month but thanks to Philias’ magic tool, they were able to pass through Serafide Mountain, which normally had to be bypassed, significantly reducing their travel time.

Furthermore, as they were able to purchase a horse-drawn carriage while emphasizing on mobility at the town after crossing the mountain, they are progressing through their journey at a speed that cannot be matched by commoners. Further adding to the equation is the fighting power of the hero party, which could not be underestimated.

Magic beasts attacking them during the journey are nothing in the face of their ability.

However, even they could find themselves in a bind.

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Misaki casually muses in the corner of her head.

ーーー『I’m glad I don’t have any extreme dislike of reptiles.』

Otherwise, she would have fallen into a panic upon witnessing the giant lizard over ten meters long confronting them.

The lizard, covered in fiery red skin, opens its mouth so widely that it can easily swallow her whole in one bite and then spews fire from the back of its throat.

gou!!

With the sound of fire scorching through the air, the resulting heat roasts Misaki’s cheek. The heat is such that even with the resistance granted by her flame attribute, she feels [hot]. If anyone else from within her party were to receive a direct hit from the heat, they will not get away with a mere burn.

「deyaa!」

After evading the lizard’s flame breath, Misaki immediately accelerates with the help of her leg armament to drive a kick into the cheek of the lizard while instantly adding another explosion to raise the impact. If it were goblin at the receiving end of that assault, far from being incapacitated, they would instead be pulverized. However, it seems that this lizard has durability matching its large built. Misaki’s assault could not take it down in that one hit.

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Nevertheless, it had enough impact to send it flying. Instead of pursuing it, Misaki hands over the baton to Yuuzuki, who’s clad in the light of [Overdrive]. With his physical ability greatly increased, he is the spitting image of a [flash of light]. And then, a flash of sword strike from him tears through the lizard’s nose tip.

For all that effort, that wound is but a scratch to the lizard and all it did was to make the lizard angrier. With a speed mismatched with its size, the lizard then rotates sideways, slamming Yuuzuki with the centrifugal force concentrated in its tail.

Yuuzuki promptly assumes a defensive posture by using his sword. The damage was all but eliminated by the sword, the armor he’s wearing and the strengthening effect from his [Overdrive] but he could not nullify all the inertia and got blown away.

The lizard opens its mouth wide while aiming at Yuuzuki who just landed and haven’t recovered his bearing yet. Red hot temperature is gradually building at the back of its throat.

「That’s correct, the wholesale store is out of stock.」

《its 3 times now. need to figure out this sentence》

Ayana calmly mutters while squeezing the trigger of her railgun and circulating a large amount of mana, contrasting her own words.

When the bullet packed with a spell hits the large lizard, it explodes, interrupting the lizard’s build up for another breath. Although she was able to stop the lizard from targeting Yuuzuki, this time it changes target to Ayana and launches its breath.

「Ayana!」

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Just before the flame engulfs Ayana, her best friend, Misaki, grabs her by the scruff of her neck and hauls both of them away by using explosion from her feet as propulsion.

Mere moments later, red hot flame scorch the area where they had been. Ayana does not go into fluster because she is confident that Misaki will back her up. Although incredible heat can be felt even from a distance, sweat caused not by heat is flowing down her cheek despite her calm expression.

While carrying Ayana, Misaki maneuvers swiftly by repeatedly sending forth burst of explosion from her feet and joins up with Yuuzuki in the distance.

「………It is far more durable than expected.」

Ayana comments while reloading new bullets. The bullet she shot earlier has the power to crush a rock with a diameter of one meter in a single shot but it only resulted in the lizard having a slight flinch.

「In terms of defense, it’s probably the highest since we came to this world.」

Even for Misaki, the lizard bounces an extraordinarily hard feedback the moment she hit it. She did not have the impression of the lizard suffering damage from her assault. She expected it to have vitality befitting its size but its defense was beyond her expectation.

「Good grief, we sure are unfortunate. Why did we encounter such a big magic beast as soon as we enter the valley, I wonder?」(misaki)

「It may possibly be a good fortune instead. If unsuspecting merchants or adventurers were to encounter it, they would have been burnt to death without any means of resisting.」(ayana)

Going by appearance, this lizard could be identified as a [Blaze Lizard]. It is a lizard-type magic beast normally found in volcanic areas. Ecologically speaking, it is impossible for it to appear in this place. Unless it is the place called the [Blaze Lizard Valley].

「In the trivia Fii told me, there’s a story about a big magic beast that appeared 100 years ago, but who would’ve thought that we would encounter the creature from that minor legend.」(hetare)

「The one from 100 years ago was already subjugated by the hero of that period. This is definitely a different individual.」

Ayana speculated that this blaze lizard variant was once at the top of a food chain elsewhere and left the land where it was born in search of food. But there is no point in presenting her theory right now.

「So, what should we do, Ayana? Do you have any ideas?」

「The BlazeLizard’s movement is not much of a threat. Misaki-san and Yuuzuki-kun are more than capable enough to handle that much. If both of you are careful, you will not be taken down easily but…………the problem lies in that high defense.」

Misaki’s assault, accompanied by the explosion is the greatest instant firepower in the hero party. Even though Yuuzuki acquired more light attribute spells, many of those are support-type spells and the slash attack empowered by [Overdrive] is his current maximum attack power. And while Ayana’s railgun can provide a stable firepower over long distances, it does not have the capacity to exceed the damage output of the other two.

At present, they have fallen into a stalemate in which none of them could land an effective hit. And that is not the only concern of Misaki and Ayana.

「Damn, what am I supposed to do………」

With a sidelong glance to the mortified Yuuzuki, the two of them are whispering among themselves.

『………Apparently his loser side isn’t coming out yet.』(misaki)

『But it will only be a matter of time if this continues any longer. I prefer to break through this situation before Yuuzuki-kun’s bad habit comes out.』(ayana)

『Moments such as this is when we need Kanna the most. He might whine and complain about it but he can make full use of Yuuzuki’s abilities.』(misaki)

The usual Yuuzuki would be able to perform most things flawlessly because of his overflowing talent but for those who knew about his major flaw, it is an element that must not be given the opportunity to erupt in their current situation.

If only the young man who is also the best friend of Yuuzuki had been present, he would be able to cleverly guide Yuuzuki’s mental state. The girls are regretting the fact that they left that role solely to [him].

『When push comes to shove, Misaki-san will have to slap him verbally.』

『That’s the only way isn’t it.』

Without knowing that an unsettling discussion concerning him is happening in his immediate vicinity, Yuuzuki takes a step forward to face the Blazelizard again.

「This time I’ll be the vanguard. I’ll leave my back to you both.」

「Okay. Then, I’ll cover Yuuzuki so Ayana could aim for a critical shot.」

「Affirmative desu.」

With each of them at the ready, all three are poised to move simultaneously.

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「Please wait, everyone.」(black)

But on the verge of starting their second round, Philias who was supposed to be waiting at the carriage with her royal guards addresses the heroes.

「Fii!? It’s dangerous here! Stay back!」

The sudden appearance of the frail princess surprises Yuuzuki but he immediately yell sharply at her. However, Philias remains steadfast despite his frantic look and looks ahead at the Blazelizard.

「Truly unexpected. To have the same kind of magic beast that was defeated by the [heroes] 100 years ago appearing before the present generation [heroes]. This may well be some form of fate.」

The three heroes felt an enigmatic presence from her unusually serious gaze.

「………Apparently, the [time] has come. The time for the esteemed heroes to attain power far higher than what they have obtained when they first came to this world.」

「Fii, what are you saying?」

Philias did not answer Misaki’s question directly but instead holds both hands in front of her chest and begins to concentrate her mana. Ayana’s breath is taken away by enormous amount of mana she converged in an instant.

「Wh-What’s with the presence of this spell? Support? Offensive? No, this is much more different in nature………!?」

「And since all of you have tempered yourselves at the Serafide Mountain, there is no reason for me to conserve [this] any longer.」

Philias was hiding a talent beyond even the greatest magicians within Yulfilia, the royal court magician employed directly by the royal family. As the possessor of the greatest talent in the history of the country, she successively creates majestic magical formations one after another. Even from the eyes of the genius Ayana, each of them are complicated and elaborate.

Less than a minute after the spell was invoked, a huge magical formation with a radius of about 5 meters centered on Philias is completed. In a normal situation, the Blazelizard would have taken advantage of the gap and trample of them down with its flame but it was frightened by the enormous amount of mana which left it whimpering.

「The magical formation which had summoned our esteemed heroes from another world. Along with it, the secret art handed down through generations of Yulfilia Royalty. Henceforth, the heroes shall step forth onto the next stage.」

Philias who was concentrating on constructing the spell, slowly opens her eyes.

And then,

just like a whisper,

as if she is praying,

as though she is singing,

Philias invokes the spell.

「[Override]」

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

「Good………The power is considerably familiar. Even if I can’t go all out, I should be able to exert about 10% of my power.」(hetare?)

「I am glad to hear it but before that, how are the two of you feeling?」(black)

「Ahaha!? Look at this body! Isn’t this too glamorous? As for [you], aren’t you a little too short!?」(misaki?)

《anta, misaki never called ayana like that》

「………This is certainly a meager body compared to the ones up until now. Nevertheless, its mana amount is exceptional though it is inferior to [his]. Additionally, the idea of developing her own weapon to cover her weakness is commendable. How long since they have been summoned?」(ayana?)

「A little over a month.」(black)

「Truly magnificent. She developed such a high quality magic tool in such a short period of time. There are still room for improvement but conversely, it is a weapon I will wait with anticipation.」(ayana?)

「Your [chest] doesn’t seem to have the same promise though?」(misaki?)

「Sound to me like you want to be killed. Please let me do the honor. I’ll do it right away.」(ayana?)

「Don’t joke with me! You’ve always made fun of me for being a flat loli! Be prepared because I’m going to blast you to pieces as you wished.」(misaki?)

「Calm down, both of you. Don’t be so belligerent to each other. We can only stay this way for a short while after all. Squabbling will only be a waste of time. It’s more worthwhile to finish this quickly for a more enjoyable conversation later, no?」(hetare?)

「………Well, it can’t be helped if you say so. I’ll pull back.」(misaki?)

「tch This bitch is going into heat.」(ayana?)

「Whadja say, slut!!」(misaki?)

「You wanna go? I’ll blow off that inflated chest of yours and make it deflated like a flat tire.」(ayana?)

「Stop, both of you ! !」(hetare?)

「「uuu………I’m sorry.」」

「………Shall we proceed?」(black)

「hn? Oh sorry. It’s our first reunion in a hundred years. Our tension went up in a strange direction. So, is that little lizard our opponent?」(hetare?)

「It’s nothing. We’ve dealt with it before.」(misaki?)

「Are you an idiot? This one and the previous one are obviously different beasts, you know? Apparently, the nutrients necessary for your brain was poured into your breast by mistake during your growth. Being forgetful at such a young age is much too sad.」(ayana?)

「(:/) Our age didn’t change from when we defeated this thing!! ………Anyway, do we only need to beat the crap out of it?」(misaki?)

「Please.」(black)

「Fine. Let’s get this over with quickly.」(misaki?)

「Wait, please don’t hog the prey to yourself. Let’s get along with the three of us, like we used to be.」(hetare)

「If it was up to me, I want to dump a certain person somewhere and be intimate with [you].」(misaki?)

「haaa? That’s my line. But if [he] says to go with the three of us, I’ll follow along.」(ayana?)

《they call hetare? anata, kare, koitsu》

「Hahaha, both of you never change huh. Then, let’s start.」(hetare?)

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

Yuuzuki, Misaki and Ayana fall to their knees from the tremendous sense of enervation assailing their bodies. Ayana is struck especially hard, collapsing face down on the spot.

「Haa………haa……… Wh-What was that just now?」(hetare)

「The fatigue isn’t half-baked at all………Ayana?」(misaki)

「…………………………」(ayana)

「Ah, she’s done for. Her consciousness isn’t there.」(misaki)

Misaki whips up her tired body and approaches Ayana. Her breathing is stable and Misaki is relieved as Ayana does not have any noticeable external wound.

Smiling while looking at the two of them, Yuuzuki then turns his attention to a different direction. Lured by his action, Misaki also looks at the same direction. Both of them lost their words. What spreads before them is a spectacle that can not be described merely as [terrible].

A deep line was carved up where the ground and valley intersects.

If the depth is measured, the traces of a slash would be around 2 or 3 meters deep. In another spot, there are a lot of huge craters with a diameter of a few meters. In yet another point, the ground was vitrified and even now, it is still emanating heat.

And finally, in the center of all that destruction lies the corpse of the magic beast called the Blazelizard. This one is an abnormal variant within the species that exceeds a total length of 10 meters. What remains of it is only a small piece of bloody meat and a patch of red scaly skin.

If a person who knows nothing about how the situation came to be, they probably would not be able to distinguish the corpse as the same type of magic beast that appeared 100 years ago.

「We………did this?」

Leaving his sword on the ground, Yuuzuki stares at his hands. Was is really due to fatigue that his hands are trembling intermittently? The ones who created this [devastation] is undoubtedly the three of them but Yuuzuki could not, in any way, assert that with certainty.

The sound of footsteps enters his ears. Looking at it, Philias is approaching them with a relaxed gait. Yuuzuki and Misaki are stunned to see the [dregs] of the magic beast in the center of the scene of devastation but Philias is smiling benevolently so much so that it would not be unbefitting to call her a saintess.

「I am once again convinced that my esteemed guests are heroes chosen by God. I see that my eyes did not fail me.」(bitc-black)

「huh, Fii? What the hell was that spell? It felt like my body was no longer my own.」(hetare)

「That was the secret art handed down within the royal family called [Override]. It is a magic that unleashes the latent power hidden within all of you esteemed heroes and dramatically enhance your ability.」(bitch-black)

「It’s not the same as Yuuzuki’s [Overdrive]?」(misaki)

「[Super Reinforcement {Overdrive}] directly increase the subject’s physical ability, whereas [Override] temporarily unleash the subject’s potential. The power the three of you wielded just now is the culmination of talent you will achieve.」(pitch-black)

「………In……other words………borrowing……in advance……is that what you……are saying?」(loli)

Ayana who regained her consciousness in Misaki’s arms unnoticed, breathlessly speaks her own conjecture.

「As expected of Ayana-san. Ever so precise.」(black)

「I………see. If that’s……the case……I can agree……with……this extreme………fatigue.」(ayana)

「Ayana, we can roughly understand it so you don’t have to force yourself.」(misaki)

「Thank you……very much. I leave……the rest……to you.」(ayana)

After saying so, Ayana closes her eyes again and let go of her consciousness.

「Borrowing in advance huh……… Was it too much of a burden on a body with an incomplete foundation?」(hetare)

「It could be a trump card but this spell feels closer to a gamble.」(misaki)

Although not affected as much as Ayana, the exhaustion on both Yuuzuki and Misaki are quite intense. Continuing a battle in their condition would be impossible.

「However, if you utilize this spell repeatedly, your growth rate will increase dramatically.」(black)

「………This [Override], is it perhaps a spell not for combat use but for growth instead?」(misaki)

「If that’s the case, maybe we should make use of it when we have the chance later. Fii won’t always have the time to construct [Override] like this time. And even without depending on that spell, getting stronger is within our goal.」(hetare)

「Good point. ………Though I’m not really keen on it.」(misaki)

Misaki consents to Yuuzuki’s positive words despite her misgiving.

In their original world, Misaki was a member of the karate club and she is familiar to the physical training that puts a burden to the body. If [Override] is a spell that channels the culmination of their growth, the burden on their body as a result of that is definitely not a misconception. By using it repeatedly, their bodies will eventually get used to it. In other words, a body that can endure their culmination would be tempered. Of course, excessive use will result in bodily abuse, damaging it instead.

However, by taking plenty of rest while waiting for their body to recover after each use, they will get a similar result from a high intensity, short interval training.

As Yuuzuki have said, there are no doubt on the need to raise their strength. In the Diagal Empire where the heroes are heading to, the [Devil] awaits. The same Devil they could not even hope to compare. To be honest, contending with her at this stage with their current prowess is one of their point of concern.

For their future growth or as a trump card in an emergency, Philias’ [Override] is an assuring asset. But even so, the [uneasiness] within Misaki could not be dispelled.

A mysterious sensation could be felt by her from the time when Philias activated [Override] until the effect disappeared. She clearly have the memory of moving her own body. In spite of that, in the corner of her mind, an alarm bell is ringing about [something].

『Kanna……… I’m scared.』

Misaki whines lightly in her heart to a friend who would be worried about herself in their original world. That alone eases her mind, if only for a bit.

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After that, the group of heroes who are immobilized from extreme exhaustion took a ride inside the horse drawn carriage. As they travel through the valley, the heroes bear witness to a giant [icicle].

In a serious tone, Philias notes that it is nothing more than a scar left behind by the [Ice Devil].

Premonition of a rematch against their [nemesis] looms over the heroes.