Chapter 77: Ruins and Chimera

“Well then, I’m off!”

At Risou’s declaration, everyone at the second camp raised a cheer.

“We’re expecting souvenirs!”

“Don’t hog ’em all!”

We, having finished cleaning up after the Antraptor battle, decided to head out for the ruins exploration after a full rest. Deploying are us S-Rank adventurers, and several A-Rank adventurers as guards, up to the ruins’ entrance. Among them, Liliera was also included.

“We’ll protect you, Rex, until the ruins’ entrance.”

Liliera, full of spirit, struck the butt of her spear on the ground.

“I’m counting on you, Liliera.”

This was a consideration so that we S-Rank adventurers, whose main task is exploring the ruins’ interior, wouldn’t use needless strength. And the remaining people were busy guarding the second camp, butchering the defeated Antraptors, and further strengthening the camp’s defenses. It seems even those not directly involved in ruins exploration have many things to do.

◆

“Hah!”

“Serya!”

The guard adventurers subjugated the monsters along the way.

“Sei!”

Liliera also repelled the monsters with swift, continuous spear thrusts.

“As expected of the kid’s partner. Her spear’s sharpness is no less than my companions’.”

So, Rody cheerfully praised Liliera.

“Thank you. I think Liliera will be happy to hear that.”

“Hmph, but my partners haven’t lost, either. Though, they’re on camp guard duty this time.”

Rody’s party members were busy with healing and camp reinforcement, so it seems they couldn’t join this escort.

“Geez, even though we defeated high-rank monsters, not being able to collect them is a waste.”

“Can’t be helped. Our job is guarding the S-Rank team. If you want materials, do it on the way back.”

“Hope they’re not eaten by other monsters by then.”

The guard adventurers are disappointed they can’t collect the defeated monsters. Monster butchering takes time, you see. So, they were told to prioritize the guard mission and postpone collecting monster materials. By the way, Liliera slyly stored only the monsters she defeated in her own magic bag. It bothers me she didn’t collect everyone’s monsters, but maybe she has her own reason for that.

◆

After that, we advanced through the cave while being attacked by many monsters. And about 30 minutes after starting the exploration, we finally reached the target ruins.

“There really are ruins underground…”

The ruins were covered in white outer walls, with decorations visible here and there. Since I recognize the design, they’re probably ruins from an era close to when my past or past-past self lived. But why build them underground?

“Well, we’re heading for the ruins investigation. You all, return carefully.”

“Yes, you all be careful too.”

“Don’t get attacked by being too absorbed in collecting monster materials on the way back.”

“We know.”

Risou and the guard adventurers exchanged farewells with light jokes.

“Rex, you be careful too.”

Liliera says farewell with a worried look.

“Well, with your ability, Rex, it might be needless worry.”

“That’s not true. But I’m very happy to be worried about.”

Because in my past lives, there were people worried about losing my power as a sage or hero, but no one worried about me personally. That alone makes me very happy.

“O-i, we’re heading back!”

A guard adventurer calls for Liliera.

“Well then, I’ll be going back.”

“You be careful too, Liliera.”

“Yes.”

And so, Liliera’s group set off on their return.

“Alright then, shall we get to work too!”

As if to change the mood, Rody raised his voice.

“You’re loud, Storm. We’re exploring unknown ruins, so quiet down. We don’t know what’s inside.”

“My apologies.”

Risou scolds Rody for being loud, but Rody himself doesn’t seem very remorseful.

“Detection magic feels many monster reactions near the entrance. This many A-Rank average monsters, this’ll be tough from the start.”

So, when Rameez reported the info from his detection magic, Risou grinned.

“Can’t be helped. Guess we’ll force our way in.”

Meaning, by force.

◆

“Comin’ through!”

Saying that, I, Risou of the Twin Great Fang, leaped into the ruins, weapons in both hands. The monsters in sight noticed and turned, but they suddenly screamed and writhed in pain. The reason was the powerful light magic the Celestial Mage cast, floating behind him. What happens when monsters, who rule dark places and live by faint light, are suddenly bathed in strong light? The answer: their eyes are burned by the light like this, temporarily losing sight.

“Alright, breaking through! Storm, rear guard! Monster Eater and Celestial Mage, provide support!”

I hold my two greatswords forward like a boar’s tusks and charge. Monsters in a straight line, not knowing what’s happening, are blown away by my partner “Twin Great Fang’s” charge. Some die instantly, some survive. But I don’t finish them.

Since the monsters are numerous, fighting them all is impossible. Just because we’re S-Rank adventurers doesn’t mean we’re absurdly strong. Instantly judging which to fight and which not to fight is the trick to a long life. Several monsters that dodged my rush counterattack immediately. Good reaction, for an enemy. They bite at my arm from the side as I pass, but an attack like that can’t pierce my guard.

“Take this!”

I swing Black Fang, cutting down the monster in one blow, then ready my sword and resume charging. I don’t mind my own damage. If it comes down to it, the Saint is here. My role is to charge and open a path.

“Hm?”

I look, and over ten monsters are blocking the path ahead. Breaking through that will be tough.

“Spiral Rain!”

Then the Celestial Mage’s voice rings from behind; dozens of water pellets spin at high speed, piercing the monsters.

“Good work!”

He’s a difficult guy, but he gets the job done. Seeing the monsters’ wall crumble from the Celestial Mage’s magic, I charge into the swarm, swinging my two greatswords wildly. The monsters fall back further from my reckless charge.

“Sei!”

Then, from the side, the Monster Eater cuts down a lightly wounded monster, providing support. To cut down a monster in one blow with that thin sword, it’s quite the fine blade. Just me alone, the Saint and Celestial Mage would likely be attacked while breaking through, so that helps. And beyond the monster wall, a single door was visible.

“Saint! Put up a monster-repelling barrier when we pass that door!”

“Leave it to me.”

And reaching the goal, I instantly open the door, swinging my sword down as I roll inside. A rough anti-ambush tactic, even for me. But it seems there was no ambush. Moreover, this wasn’t indoors. The ceiling visible until just now isn’t there; dark shadows spread out. And I can see earth at my feet.

“Did we pass through the building and come out the other side of the cave!?”

“O Lord! Thy divine protection! Field Wall!”

The Saint, entering next, puts up the monster-repelling barrier.

“Alright, get in!”

Confirming everyone following behind had rolled into the barrier, I quickly shut the door. And confirming the pursuing monsters’ line of sight was blocked, I quickly entered the barrier.

“Storm, Monster Eater, guard the surroundings! Celestial Mage, use detection magic, find pursuer reactions!”

Even if they break the door down, they can’t find us inside the barrier. Now, we just have to stay still in the barrier until the monsters give up looking. But strangely, there was no sign of the monsters breaking the door. Not even the sound of pounding. As I found it suspicious, the Celestial Mage tilted his head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Strange, the monsters suddenly turned back.”

What does that mean? Their territory is only inside the building? Well, if so, that helps.

◆

Confirming our immediate safety, we quickly looked around. When I entered, the light only reached near the entrance, but now the Celestial Mage is here, so light magic illuminates the area evenly.

“This is… a courtyard…?”

The question mark is because not a single plant was growing there. But the ground has cobblestone paths, and stone decorations that were probably planters. Surely, when these ruins weren’t ruins, many ancient people were here. However, now it’s just desolate ruins, only remnants remain.

“Anyway, guess we’ll rest here for now.”

Some guys are probably injured from the forced rush, so we’ll regroup.

◆

“By the way, Risou, that weapon of yours is a magic item, right?”

While resting and healing in the barrier, the Monster Eater said that.

“Oh, you noticed?”

“Earlier, you were bitten by a monster, but you weren’t wounded. Instead, I saw one of the fangs on the back of the black sword break.”

He’s surprisingly observant.

“That’s right. This sword is Twin Great Fang, a two-piece magic item set.”

I pause the exploration and hold up the black one of the two greatswords.

“This black one is Black Fang. Its 10 fangs take the brunt of attacks. Each attack breaks a fang, and it takes one day to regenerate one. Also, too strong an attack breaks multiple fangs.”

And next, I hold up the white greatsword.

“This white one is White Fang. When attacking, it adds the damage taken so far and returns it. Used well, it’s my trump card, able to deal a huge blow unscathed.”

Yes, this is the biggest secret to how I’ve survived as an S-Rank adventurer. Some guys might think relying on item power is cheating, but I found this in a dungeon’s lower levels. Meaning, I got this item precisely because I had the skill. When guys made stupid accusations, I’d say that, and they’d usually shut up.

“…Was it okay to reveal that much?”

He must not have expected me to say that much; the Monster Eater looks surprised. Hahaha, I tell them because I want to see this face.

“Doesn’t matter. After all, Twin Great Fang is a greatsword, just as it looks. There aren’t many people who can handle two at once. And one by one, they can’t show their true worth.”

Right, the reason I freely teach Twin Great Fang’s ability is ’cause greatsword users who can dual-wield are rare. A magic item with no user, even high-spec, just gets expensive, making it hard to find a buyer. At best, it’d be decorating a noble’s wall.

“Besides, if we’re fighting in the same party, it’s better to know your allies’ strengths, right?”

“That’s true.”

The Monster Eater nods repeatedly, “I see.”

“But, that doesn’t mean you must reveal your trump card. This is an industry where yesterday’s ally can be today’s enemy. In my case, this was just a trump card I could show.”

It’s cruel to tell a rookie to show his hand.

“Well, healing’s done, time to go. If we’re too late, the camp guys will worry.”

◆

“Th-This is!?”

We resumed exploration, looking for a door in the courtyard leading back into the ruins via another route. A different entrance might reduce the chance of meeting monsters. But on the way, we encountered an abnormal sight. It was a mountain. However, it wasn’t a mountain of earth or rock. It was a mountain made of golems.

“This is… a pile of golem wreckage?”

As the Celestial Mage said, the golems forming the mountain were all destroyed.

“It’s like a golem graveyard.”

Storm said it jokingly, but it didn’t entirely sound like a joke. This sight was exactly like a graveyard. A sight as if all the golems in these ruins had gathered here to die. The golem bodies themselves even look like grave markers.

“Just what happened here…”

We were fascinated by this bizarre scene.

“This golem damage… it’s not from swords or magic.”

And, in that strange atmosphere, the Monster Eater suddenly muttered.

“What?”

“Look, these are bite marks and scratches. Wounds like they were attacked by some huge creature.”

The golem the Monster Eater pointed to had a round hole my arm could fit into, and huge claw marks that must have torn apart a human-sized golem’s torso. I mean, if these are claw marks, just how big is the owner that inflicted them!?

“And most of all, these wounds…”

The Monster Eater paused a beat, then delivered more shocking news.

“They’re relatively new.”

“…What?”

New? That means…

“Considering the golems’ condition, these wounds were made very recently.”

“Wh-What did you say!?”

It was then.

OoooooOOOOOoooooN!!

“””!!”””

A groan, loud enough to echo through the ruins, resonated. It sounded like a roar, but it certainly wasn’t the cry of any normal creature.

“Something’s coming! What about detection magic!?”

“Nothing! There wasn’t such a huge reaction anywhere until now!?”

The Celestial Mage let out a scream-like voice. Is something nearby that makes this man lose his composure!?

“It’s coming!”

Snapped back by the Monster Eater’s voice, I ready my weapons. A few fangs broke in the last fight, but many remain. Even if it’s a dragon, I can buy time to escape. Vibrations approach. It seems to know exactly where we are. An eerie pressure approaches from the darkness.

And then I saw. Its blasphemous form.

“Eek!?”

The Saint screamed at its utter hideousness. IT had a giant lizard’s torso. Its front legs were beast legs, its hind legs were bird legs. Its tail grew an eyeless snake at the tip, occasionally revealing a crescent-moon-like red mouth. From its back, scaled arms grew in layers like tree branches. And its head was the height of abnormality. At first glance, a cute, cat-like face. However, both eyes grew fangs like a lamprey, and both ears had bulging eyeballs. From its mouth grew various beast legs, squirming eerily. A monster evoking physiological disgust, as if God made a mistake assembling its parts.

KruoEuaoooAuaaa…

Naturally, such a mouth couldn’t produce a proper cry. IT was making a nauseating groan.

“What is that…”

Clearly not a normal creature. Even the vile Demonic Beasts said to be born of evil gods had more normal shapes. That’s how messed up the being before us was.

“…It’s a Chimera.”

Amidst that, the Monster Eater muttered quietly.

“A Chimera? That!?”

Chimera, the name of an ancient civilization’s creature, made by combining multiple life forms. As an existence insulting God-given life, it’s despised by the Saint’s church, in a different way than undead.

“Yes, that isn’t the form of a proper creature. It’s clearly a Chimera, born of someone’s malice.”

The Monster Eater declared. That declaration was almost a relief. Such an abnormal being shouldn’t exist naturally. That’s how abnormal IT was.

UrororosiiiAea!!

The Chimera stood, letting out a bizarre roar, and raised its foreleg.

“Everyone, scatter!!”

Reacting to my voice, three moved instantly. But one, the Saint, was late.

“Tch!”

I shoved the Saint, taking the Chimera’s claw with Black Fang. With Black Fang’s power, I can withstand several hits, no matter how strong! The Chimera’s claw, rivaling my Black Fang, strikes Black Fang. Leaping back, I killed the impact as much as possible, intending to return the blow with White Fang.

“Dodge!”

At Storm’s urgent voice, I stopped my attack and jumped back further. Immediately after, my body was blown sideways. From the feel, I knew it wasn’t a direct hit. But even so, I felt pain like my body was being torn apart. My blown-away body hit the ground and bounced. I thought I’d be sent flying, but luckily or unluckily, I hit the golem wreckage pile and stopped. But the falling golem debris hurts.

“Sorry, healing!”

The Saint immediately casts recovery magic. My body won’t move from pain; seems I’m badly injured. I move my eyes, looking at Black Fang in my hand. I want to praise myself for not dropping it.

“Wha!?”

Unbelievable, all the fangs on Black Fang’s back are broken. Meaning, that last attack took out all of Black Fang’s defenses. Hey, hey, one of these fangs blocks a B-Rank monster’s attack! Does that mean its one hit is several B-Rank monsters, probably A-Rank or higher? And despite Black Fang taking that much damage, I’m still this wounded? If the Saint weren’t here, I’d be dead.

Right now, Storm and Monster Eater are distracting it, Celestial Mage is attacking with magic. But as it takes the Celestial Mage’s strong magic, the Chimera’s body regenerates.

“What is this regeneration!?”

“Probably used a hydra or some high-regeneration monster for the torso. And that caused abnormal growth, resulting in this monster?”

“Monster Eater, you know about chimeras too!?”

The Celestial Mage looks happy, despite being in combat. Seriously, that knowledge-freak’s hobby doesn’t care about location.

“To beat a hydra, burning the wound is basic. Storm, Monster Eater, I’ll burn it, so don’t you dare stop attacking!”

“Got it!”

“Understood!”

The Celestial Mage casts a feint magic; Storm and Monster Eater charge the Chimera. No, if its attack hits even once, they’re dead.

“Wai- ghh!”

I tried to warn them about the attack, but the pain kept me from speaking properly.

“Please rest now. You’re deeply wounded!”

The Saint scolds me for trying to move. Damn, my job is to be the party’s wall and open a path, this is pathetic. Besides, the two were already closing in on the Chimera. At this point, I could only pray for their safety.

“Hah!”

Storm slashed the Chimera’s thick foreleg, but only cut a few thick furs, no effective blow.

“What’s with this fur! It’s like iron!?”

The Chimera’s fur was harder than expected; Storm screams.

OrouAquaaeoaoaoa!!

The Chimera’s angry foreleg swiped at them, but they both dodged it easily. But simultaneously, the branch-like arms from its back attacked them. So that’s what hit me! A simultaneous attack by multiple arms branching from its back, that was the attack that disabled Black Fang in one hit.

“Dod…”

Useless, still can’t speak.

“Sonic Lancer!!”

The Celestial Mage’s magic blows away several arms attacking Storm; Storm manages to dodge. But the Monster Eater dodged in the opposite direction, getting no support. At this rate, the Monster Eater will also take the simultaneous attack! And unlike me, he doesn’t have Black Fang. Taking this undodgeable attack means certain death.

“Physical Boost!!”

At that moment, the Monster Eater’s body blurred.

“Tch!?”

And unbelievably, the Monster Eater’s arms extended in all directions simultaneously, slicing off all the Chimera’s branch arms!?

“Wha!?”

“What happened,” no other words come.

“Rameez! Burn them!”

“!? F-Flame Blast!!”

Snapped back by the Monster Eater’s words, the Celestial Mage casts magic, burning one side of the Chimera’s branch arms.

KyuRoroRakuuua!!

The Chimera suffers, letting out a disgusting, metal-screeching scream.

“Now!”

The Monster Eater dives in again.

“Melting Sword!!”

The Monster Eater’s thin sword is enveloped in a pale, flickering light, then slices the Chimera’s leg. Impossible, an attack with such a thin sword can’t deal an effective blow to the steel fur protecting… So I thought, but the Monster Eater’s sword cut the Chimera’s left foreleg as if cutting cheese, then sliced the hind leg too. Its two left legs severed, the Chimera lost balance and fell.

“Wha!?”

He cut off the Chimera’s leg, which even Storm couldn’t, in one blow!? His sword is a fine blade too! What kind of weapon allows such a cut!? That strange attack with multiple arms, and this attack… is this sword technique!? Or magic!? I thought that, but seeing the Chimera’s stump, I remembered this wasn’t the time. At this rate, the leg will regenerate. Burn the wound, Celestial Mage! I panicked, but then wondered why the leg showed no sign of regenerating.

“What’s going on!?”

And then I noticed. The Chimera’s stump is scorched. And, the Monster Eater’s sword is flickering with a pale light. That light must be enchantment magic. The magic’s effect must have burned the wound simultaneously with the cut. Watching from a distance like this, I wouldn’t have noticed.

“What skill.”

Usually, magic swordsmen are half-assed. Prioritize swordplay, magic suffers. Vice-versa, the sword is weak. But the Monster Eater’s skills are both first-class, no, super first-class. The Chimera uses its remaining branch arms for an all-range attack, but he dodges them lightly. I only know this watching from a distance, but his movements have no bodily blur. When humans lose balance, their movement becomes unnatural. Especially with a simultaneous attack like that. But the Monster Eater’s movements never wavered, even when off-balance. If I were fighting beside him, I probably wouldn’t have noticed that abnormality.

“One more!”

And the Monster Eater slices and burns the Chimera’s body, one after another. Storm and Celestial Mage provide support, but as anyone can see, it’s needless. And soon after, the Chimera’s body was cleanly dissected.

“Phew… Ah, are you okay, Risou?”

The Monster Eater, tension gone after beating the Chimera, waves over here. His form is that of an innocent rookie.

“Yare yare, guess I’m still inexperienced…”

Lately, I’d gotten complacent, thinking Black Fang would protect me. This is the result. I was made to realize I’d been unconsciously relying too much on my magic item.

“Although… I don’t feel like I could learn that move, even with training.”

A move that looks like multiple arms? That’s normally impossible.