Chapter 396: Multi-headed Dragon

A multi-headed dragon living in the sea. Its body was as massive as a small island, making me worry whether firing the ballista would even deal significant damage.

“……I see. A Hydra.”

When Panamera muttered that upon seeing the multi-headed dragon, Dee readied his greatsword and nodded.

“This is my first time seeing one as well, but it is quite large.”

It seems the two of them knew what that large magic beast was.

“Is it a dangerous magic beast?”

When I asked, Dee nodded deeply.

“I believe there are records of a town facing the sea being destroyed by it in the past…… There are stories of it being repelled, but I don’t think there are any records of a Hydra being subjugated.”

“A magic beast that has never been subjugated before, huh…… That really does sound dangerous.”

I answered Dee’s explanation with a sigh. However, at that, Dee laughed out loud.

“Wahahahaha! Well, that is because I had not yet encountered a Hydra!”

Dee laughed merrily. Was it an expression of confidence that he could subjugate it? No, perhaps he also had the feeling of wanting to inspire his subordinates.

In fact, as Dee made his bold statement and laughed loudly, smiles returned to the faces of the knights who had been filled with tension.

And as if responding to Dee’s powerful laugh, Panamera also laughed in amusement.

“Hahaha! Sir Dee is truly a hero as expected! I cannot afford to lose either. Let us carve the name of the Hydra’s subjugation into history.”

Panamera lifted the corners of her mouth, quietly showing her motivation. Their reliability was like a lion and a tiger forming a tag team.

It was strange how looking at the two of them even eased my own tension.

Someday, Khamsin might also stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

While I was thinking such things as I watched them, the sea became noisy. Raising violent splashes of water, the Hydra was roaring. Even though it should have been quite far away, it was a roar that seemed to shake one’s body.

However, its eyes were not directed toward us. The mermaids must be drawing the Hydra’s attention.

Thanks to that, the Hydra was getting closer to us.

“Alright! It’s somehow within hitting distance! First, from the ship!”

Confirming the situation, I issued instructions. Hearing that, Dee nodded and called out to his subordinates standing by on the ship’s deck.

“Fire the ballistae! Do not use the iron bolts yet! So as not to miss, fire two shots simultaneously! Absolutely do not hit the sea surface!”

“Sir!”

Dee’s carrying voice and the clear replies from the ship. Knowing that the Seatoh Knights were by my side made me honestly happy.

Right in front of me was Khamsin’s small but reliable back. Behind me were Arte and Till preparing the puppets. Arb, Law, and the others were also in the fort. And then there were Ortho and his group, specialists in magic beast extermination.

With a lineup like this, I felt we wouldn’t lose even to a large wyvern.

Perhaps it was because I hadn’t been able to see everyone on the deserted island for a while, but I was deeply moved.

However, setting aside my feelings, the curtain was raised on the battle. A loud impact sound overlapped with the sound of cutting the air, and the large ship shook.

“How was it!?”

“I-I believe it was a hit!”

A vague reply came to Dee’s inquiry. There was no doubt the ballistae were fired safely. However, the opponent might have been too far away for them to track the bolts to the end.

“……If it were a little closer, we would probably see some kind of reaction from the opponent if it hit, though.”

If it was too far, the power of the ballista would likely decrease as well. If the Hydra is also a type of dragon, its scales would be hard, and there was a high possibility the bolts were deflected.

“Alright, I’m heading over there too!”

“Sir!”

Perhaps wanting to see with his own eyes, Dee boarded the ship. Seeing that, Panamera also raised one hand and started walking.

“Then, I, who am in charge of mid-to-close range, will wait on the ship as well. It seems it will be easier to hit from there than aiming from the pier.”

Saying that, Panamera climbed the stairs leading from the pier to the ship’s deck.

“Hmm, for now, let’s stay here.”

“R-Right.”

Not really feeling like getting on the ship, I looked at the Hydra, which was past the end of the pier, from in front of the fort. Arte seemed to feel the same way.

“……Lord Van. Even if you do not worry, I believe there is no longer a need to get on the ship.”

“Hm?”

Tilting my head at Khamsin’s words, I faced forward. Then, I immediately understood the meaning of his words.

The Hydra, which should have been far away, was quite close before I knew it. Moreover, it was clearly advancing while facing us, not the sea surface.

“It seems it was a hit.”

“You’re right…… It looks really angry……”

While having the precious experience of being approached by a furious Hydra, I answered with a distant look in my eyes.