Volume 1 Chapter 21 Chimera
When handling the iron lump sword, it is important to apply [Weight Increase] at the right timing or the sword will start swinging me around.
I had swung it around a lot during self-training, but every time I mistimed it, my arm would be taken along for the ride. I stumbled and threw the sword, my spine shivered countless times.
That's why I had made a promise among the party that practical application would only start once I had absolutely mastered it in practice without making any mistakes. And so, recently I became able to freely manipulate the iron lump sword.
"Chimera, let me test the power of this sword."
Upon my declaration, Chimera growled deeply. I stood directly in front of Chimera.
We locked eyes, facing each other. It was weird to confront a monster the size of a big car on even ground. Still, I was determined not to back down. Even though I knew it was the boss, I didn't let it scare me.
Taking a breath, the darkness becomes silent. In the midst of the quiet, there's the strong breath of the chimera nearby. But I'm holding my breath. I'm completely focused, not moving a muscle.
The tension builds up slowly. Neither me nor the chimera blink. We're both frustrated but holding back. As long as it's holding back, everything's okay.
But the chimera is just a monster, nothing more. It couldn't contain its frustration and anger.
It let out a roar. By the time I realized it was the chimera roaring, it was already charging straight at me.
"Don't rush, premature lion."
I quickly move, using gravity magic to control my movements. I dash forward with "Weight Reduce," then hit hard with "Weight Increase."
The close-range attack erupts.
In an instant, I passes under the leaping chimera. At the same time, blood spurts out. My iron sword grazes the chimera's belly.
"How was that?"
I quickly turned around and faced the Chimera. It stumbled but recovered quickly and faced me again.
The wounds were superficial. The blood dripping wasn't enough to be fatal even for a human.
I clicked my tongue and got ready again. While doing so, I gave instructions.
"Let's do that move again! Anyone who can move, come over here! Next, we'll strike when the Chimera falls!"
""Got it!""
"Alright, I'll follow your lead!"
Ice, Clay, and Frain hurried over to join me. The Chimera seemed distracted, but when I shattered the ground beneath my feet, it refocused its gaze on me.
We glared at each other once more. The Chimera realized it would lose if it attacked recklessly.
The next move wouldn't be easy. The cautious Chimera didn't attack while keeping an eye on me. I stared back at it without flinching.
Then, Frain called out to me in a low voice.
"Hey, Wade..."
"Don't rush. Wait until the Chimera's behavior clearly changes."
"So, it's okay if it's obviously strange?"
"...What do you mean?"
"The second head, the goat. Isn't it chewing on something?"
"Huh...?"
I glance over. That's true, the goat's mouths are moving repeatedly. Is there some significance to it? I wonder. But it's something I don't understand.
Just then, Clay shouted,
"It's magic! We need to stop it!"
"Huh!?"
Clay jumps out. Magic. I faintly remember receiving a brief explanation from the instructor. Magic from non-humans towards human magic. Generally, it's stronger than human magic.
"Frain! Aim for the goat head! Everyone else, follow me!"
"Tch, fine!"
""Got it!""
Frain's fire arrow shoots through the air. The Chimera, caught off guard during its incantation, takes the fire arrow head-on.
Then, our Wade party charges in, launching attacks one after the other. I lead with a close-range strike, followed by agile Ice and Clay with his hefty hammer.
I swung at the Chimera in front of its eyes. My goal wasn't to land a decisive blow but to distract it for the follow-up attacks from the others.
So, even when the sword was stopped by the lion's neck, I didn't panic, but instead increased the [Weight] to create openings. My strength alone wasn't enough against the Chimera, but the weight of the iron lump sword could create opportunities.
"Ice, go for it!"
Then, seizing that opening, Ice moves in close. Target: the vulnerable torso. But we still lacked experience against this monster called the Chimera.
"―――Ugh! Aaahh!"
The Chimera's tail or the serpent swiftly counterattacked Ice. Ice was thrown back and couldn't move. But Clay arrived just in time.
"Quake!"
The hammer, imbued with vibration, struck the serpent. Instantly, it shattered into pieces. Ice managed to land a hit despite being countered.
"Darn it. Ice, are you okay!?"
I threw a right straight at the lion's face and forced it to release the iron lump sword. Then I quickly used gravity manipulation to rush to her side.
Ice was lying down, grimacing in pain. There seemed to be fragments of fangs, probably from the snake, stuck in her neck.
"This...!"
"I'm, I'm okay, Wade-kun... Don't worry about... me..."
"Don't talk! Clay, can you do something about this?"
"I have some regular antidote here, I’ll try giving it to her. But I'm not sure if it will work against a boss monster like the Chimera's poison."
"Alright, give it to her. Then carry her to the corner of the room and make sure she's comfortable."
"Got it. But, if we leave it alone, the monsters that come near might target us. What should we do?"
"Just keep an eye on her. Frain and I will try to handle it."
"Understood."
"Hey, Wade-kun, I'm okay, ugh..."
Even though Ice was trying to act tough while sweating profusely, I couldn't help but chuckle.
"You don't have to act tough. You're helpful, Ice. You and Clay defeated the Chimera snake..."
"I'm sorry... but at least..."
With those words, Ice weakly cast an Ice Blow spell on her two rapiers. I realized that if I could use this properly, it would open up a way for us.
"Thank you, I'll make use of it."
"Good luck, Wade, kun..."
Just as she said that, Clay picked up Ice. Holding her, he retreated to the shadows at the entrance of the hall.
Sensing danger, I quickly jumped out of the way. The Chimera's fangs immediately struck where I had been standing.
I regained my stance and faced the Chimera, ready for action as Frain spoke.
"Hey, have you finished playing house yet?"
In response to that sarcasm, I replied, "Yeah. It’s a bit tough, but it can be done."
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