Chapter 30 I Don't Want To Die
"Haah, haah, haah...!!"
While holding my aching body, I'm running through the forest.
I told Monica that, but to be honest, I'm not really counting on any rescue.
It's already strange that all the knights are gone, and on top of that, monsters suddenly appeared.
It clearly feels intentional.
I don't know who is being targeted or what the purpose is, but if this is really a setup, then the knights are on "that side".
Rather, I hope that Monica and the others are protected by someone other than the knights.
Right now, that's all I can wish for.
"So at least... I'll tear you away from Monica and the others!!"
"Gwaaa!!"
With a roar, a bear monster approaches from behind.
Just as it gets close enough, I activate (Decoration) again.
I blocked the monster's line of sight.
"Gwaaa!!"
Of course, since it's the second time, it was quickly torn apart.
But even a moment is enough.
"G...wa...?"
In the now unobstructed view, I felt like the monster let out a confused sound.
Well, I understand how it feels.
"""This is my trump card... Illusion magic, (Phantom Clone Parade)."""
After all, right now, there are "me" all around the monster, running around in various ways.
"""Now... can you tell which one is the real one? Come on, if you can tell, try attacking like before. Nyah!"""
"Gwaaa!!"
The monster fiercely lunges at my clone, which is provocatively sticking out its tongue.
I quietly watch from up in the trees.
"Well... I hope this can fool it... I wonder how it will go..."
Not only did I climb the tree, but I also used (Decoration) to blend in with the surroundings, and applied (Wind Wrap) to mask my scent.
Furthermore, to enhance the realism of the clones, I used (Echo Amplification) to make it seem like they were making sounds.
And on top of that...
"Gwaah!?"
A clone attacked by the monster disappears with a blinding light, dazzling the monster's eyes.
I've packed my (Light Up) into my clones as much as I could, so every time I attack, it's a flash of light as a gift. Heh, annoying, right?
"Well... my magic power is completely gone now..."
Originally, I didn't have much magic capacity.
(Phantom Clone Parade) uses a ton of magic, and I don't have the strength left to even bluff.
On top of that, the symptoms of magic deficiency are giving me a terrible headache and fatigue, so I don't even have the energy to move a finger.
If I get found, it's definitely over.
"I just hope they give up before my clones disappear..."
The monster, with its dazzled eyes now recovered, lunges at the next clone, getting hit by another flash of light.
For a wild beast, losing sight must be a huge fear.
It seems to be the same for monsters, as they start to attack a bit more cautiously from the third one.
"Only... 7 left..."
The remaining clones feel like they represent my lifespan.
Just one person, dying alone in the forest without anyone to see me off... thinking about that is really scary.
"Groar!!"
The ground is deeply gouged by the attack on the intangible clone.
Seriously, using that much power to kill a weak girl like me is just overkill.
If I took a direct hit, I'd be turned into ground meat, and there wouldn't be any bones left.
If that happens... would anyone even notice I'm dead...?
"Groar!!"
Maybe I should have researched cuteness that works not just on people, but also on monsters like this?
But, I'm really not good at cuteness based on beast standards... well, if I get another chance, I'll practice then.
"Groar!!"
I wonder if Monica and the others managed to escape properly? They're still kids, and I hope they don't feel weirdly responsible because I died.
Especially Monica... she seemed really responsible, so I'm worried...
"Groar!!"
I also wanted to apologize to Manila for tearing the dress.
I gained confidence from making this dress, and she said she wanted me to wear a dress designed entirely by my (own) power someday... I might not be able to keep that promise.
Haha, I'm just full of apologies, aren't I?
"Groar!!"
Father, I wonder what you're doing right now.
I heard you couldn't focus on work just because I went to the capital, but I hope you're still feeling that lonely.
Mother, even though there's still a bit of awkwardness, you were reaching out to love me as best as you could... If I die, will you be sad for me?
If so, that would make me happy.
"Growl!!"
Elder Brother... just because we can't see each other for a bit, you hugged me so tightly.
I've never been cherished so directly by anyone before... If possible, I wanted to be held by Elder Brother one more time.
...Ah, I see, I...
"I don't want to... die..."
"Growl!!"
The last clone was blown away, and the shockwave unfortunately knocked down the tree I was hiding behind.
My disguise was broken, and I fell to the ground.
The monster wouldn't let go of its prey, a pitiful creature whose consciousness was fading as it exhaled all the air from its lungs without being able to brace for impact.
The monster roared with genuine joy at finally taking down the opponent that had given it so much trouble, slowly raising its arm as if to show off.
"I don't want to... I don't want to die... Someone... help me..."
There's no one here to hear this voice.
Even knowing that, I couldn't help but wish.
I couldn't bear to watch the powerful arm coming down, so I tightly closed my eyes──.
"...Huh...?"
The impact I feared never came, so I cautiously opened my eyes.
And there... was the person I had wished for the most, my beloved.
"Sorry, Yumie. I'm late."
Still holding onto some youthfulness, but with a well-defined face.
Those straight eyes shone with a gentle light, and the arms that held my battered body were warmer and more reassuring than anything in this world.
"Elder, Brother...!"
Tears streamed down my face as I clung to him.
I forgot the situation I was in and just held on tightly, sobbing.
"I was scared... I was so scared, Elder Brother..."
"Ah... you did well. Leave the rest to me... just rest easy."
"Yes... Elder Brother..."
With relief, joy, and something even more than that.
All sorts of emotions mixed together, and while just shedding tears──I lost consciousness, leaning my body against Elder Brother.
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