Side Story - Side Fecner Iv, Part Two
The most important thing to note about the Steel Mantis is its huge scythe-like blades on both hands. These blades are the Steel Mantis's biggest weapon and boast the highest strength even within its already tough skin. They are almost as strong as steel itself.
To defeat the Steel Mantis, the basic tactics are to target the softer joints of its relatively flexible body or deliver a powerful impact to cause damage to its internal organs.
While I have some confidence in my slashing attacks, it is difficult to cut through the Steel Mantis's tough outer skin. Moreover, if I were to clash with its scythe-like blades, there is a risk that my weapons could get damaged.
──Now, the strategy is simple and straightforward.
Shion the priest and Mayuri the magician provided support from the back. I caused chaos with my speed while Gabert and Brave took charge at the front.
Originally, it was a request that I took on, and at first, I offered to take the front position. But Gabert said, "This is also part of Brave's training," and arranged the formation like this.
Gabert is a skilled mercenary. After calmly analyzing Brave's abilities, he must have judged that he could handle the front position. Although I felt a bit hesitant about entrusting important tasks to others, it was convenient for evaluating Brave's abilities.
However, when I actually witnessed Brave's fighting style, the scene was far more impressive than I had expected.
"Enchanment - White Flame Infusion!"
When Brave chanted those words, the Holy Sword was enveloped in white flames. Whether it was due to magic or some other power, I couldn't tell.
What is certain is that the Holy Sword, surrounded by flames, easily cut the scythe, which should have the highest strength among the Steel Mantises, as if pressing a hot knife against butter.
The severed scythe of the mantis sticks into the ground far away. Monster of the insect species, with dulled pain receptors, continues to attack without a care even if it has suffered some damage. However, the Steel Mantis, whose most proud part was easily torn apart, let out a high-pitched scream that pierced the eardrums.
The enraged giant mantis swings the remaining scythe towards Brave. Brave doesn't forcefully pursue, but instead jumps back when the scythe is cut.
The great scythe cuts through the air in vain. Gabert delivers a powerful blow from the side to the body of the Steel Mantis, which swung down its biggest weapon with all its might. The impact unleashed from the massive sword, approaching his height, deals severe damage to the Steel Mantis's internal organs covered in steel.
I was waiting for an opportunity, carefully aiming for the ankle joint of the Steel Mantis and striking it repeatedly. The Steel Mantis is tough, but with each strike, its movements gradually slow down.
Thanks to the hostility of the Steel Mantis towards us, Mayuri can focus on preparing her magic from the back. The flames from her magic burn the surface of the monster.
Shion continuously chants support magic, constantly enhancing the strength and agility of our bodies. Although he jokes about having drawn the short straw, there is a reassuring sense of stability that convinces me it's not just that.
Everyone understands their role and respects each other's boundaries, showing impressive teamwork. And within that, Brave shines the brightest.
Brave's fighting style might sound strange, but it was truly 'traditional'. It seemed like he had elevated the most basic movements that swordsmen in this country rely on.
He may not be as skilled as Gabert, but his boldness and decisiveness in crucial moments was impressive.
Just six months ago, he was just a boy performing vigilante duties in a rural area. Even I could see that his growth speed was definitely unusual.
──Is this the 'Brave' called the hope of humanity?
I thought so just then.
Just as I thought that, Steel Mantis, who had more wounds than before, raised his scythe high. Although the speed of the downward swing was quick, the movement itself was predictable. If you didn't misjudge the 'start', avoiding it was easy.
However, from my experience as a mercenary, I felt 'danger' in that movement. Gabert probably felt the same. He had been keeping a greater distance from Steel Mantis than before.
Brave was late to retreat. It was difficult for him to sense "it" on his first encounter, as he was still new to being in battle. He tried to avoid it by keeping the same distance as before.
"Get away!"
I shouted instinctively, and Brave finally noticed. However, before he could react, the giant scythe of the Steel Mantis swung down.
As the tip pierced into the ground, fragments of shattered rocks attacked Brave. Thanks to the support magic cast by Shion, he probably wasn't injured, but he couldn't withstand the full impact and fell to the ground. To make matters worse, in that moment, his Holy Sword was knocked out of his hand and ended up far away.
"Oh no──! Brave-dono!"
I hurriedly rushed to his aid. But just as I took a step forward, Gabert grabbed my shoulder. He had somehow come close without me noticing.
"What are you going to do!?"
"Well, just watch. There's nothing to worry about."
In contrast to my anxiety, Gabert was incredibly calm. It was as if Brave knew he would overcome this situation as a matter of course.
Brave stood up and once again faced the Steel Mantis head-on. No matter how much his defensive power increased with support magic, a direct hit from that scythe could cause serious injury.
Nevertheless, Brave remained composed and fearless.
He proclaimed loudly.
"Come, 'Holy Sword'!"
He raised his right hand in front of him. Light overflowed from the Stigma, the proof of Brave, engraved on the back of his hand. Eventually, the light gathered in his hand and formed into the Holy Sword.
As he grasped the hilt of the 'Holy Sword,' Brave cloaked himself in white flames and cut the approaching scythe into two.
The Steel Mantis lost both scythes. The Brave, on the other hand, stepped forward and swung the Holy Sword, cleanly cutting the monster in half. The upper and lower body separated, and with a loud noise, the giant collapsed.
──I suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.
The Holy Sword appeared from the empty space accompanied by light. The scene of defeating the enemy with it awakened memories deeply engraved within me.
Yes, it was the day when I regarded Yukina-sama as my lord.
When he stood in front of the Kobold King. The 'spear' appeared along with the jet-black light. That figure, swinging it and slaughtering the enemy.
Yukina-sama and Brave are from the same hometown. However, other than that, there are no similarities at all. From the weapons they use to their behavior, and even their personalities, they are completely different.
But for some reason...
Yukina-sama's and Brave's backs seemed to overlap in my eyes.
At first, I was simply curious.
But when I saw Brave fighting with his Holy Sword, it made me think a little differently.
What exactly is Brave?
What makes him different from the 'Hero (Eiyuu)' I found.
Even though it was a short period of time, we would be acting together.
──For about a week and a little bit, until I would meet Yukina-sama again, I would continue observing Brave to figure him out.
This is just a side note, but even though I was surprised by Brave's abilities when we acted together, my loyalty to Yukina-sama never wavered. It was a relief for me personally.
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