Volume 2 Chapter 29 It Was Undoubtedly an Arm
"......An arm?"
That was my thought.
An arm.
A massive, thick golden right arm was floating in the air.
There was no torso connecting it.
The length of the "arm" was probably 5 meters, considering both the upper arm and forearm.
Elite fighters, including the "Steel King", stood ready with swords and large shields, facing that arm.
It was a truly bizarre sight, but was this the cause of the commotion inside the facility?
And around us, soldiers lay on the ground.
Fortunately, it didn't seem like they were badly injured, but what in the world was happening?
"What... what in the world is this...?"
"You need to step back! We will assist!"
I told the bewildered guide this, and exchanging glances with Lene, we nodded and rushed towards the "Steel King" with our staffs in hand.
"Your Excellency! We have come to assist!"
"Ryuuji!? And Lene too!? What are you doing here?"
The "Steel King" was surprised, but kept his body facing the arm, only glancing over at us.
What a deft maneuver.
At that moment, taking advantage of the opening, the arm lifted at an angle and unleashed a sweeping attack.
However, the "Steel King", standing right at the edge of the attack's range, easily dodged it.
The arm returned to its original position.
"I had just come by for a delivery. What exactly is that?"
"...The reconnaissance team sent north has partially returned, but among them was one who had been controlled by the Dark Mage. That one has summoned"
The Steel King, speaking with regret, pointed with his sword to where a soldier stood slumped with his hands hanging lazily at his sides, eyes cast down.
"...Oh, is that voice belonging to the enchanter Ryuuji?"
The downcast male soldier's mouth let slip an unexpected feminine voice.
This voice is──
"...Adiliana!"
"Yes, yes, that's right~. Thanks to the soldier who rudely peeked at me from the shadows, I've taken control of his body like this."
Is she controlling him just like she did with Lene before?
That soldier must fight without getting hurt, which is quite troubling.
"Dark Mage Adiliana, what is this arm? Answer me!"
As the Steel King pressed for answers, a deep, mocking sigh escaped the male soldier's lips.
The contrast between the man's appearance and the woman's voice is striking.
"Such arrogant words~, Duke Hoffman. ...Well, never mind~. This is the arm of the Evil God Abnella."
"An arm of the Evil God, you say...!?"
The unexpected revelation sent ripples of disturbance not only through the Steel King but also among the others present.
Why would the arm of an Evil God manifest here?
"...Ah, of course, it's a replica of Lord Abnella's arm, but it still possesses more than enough power to trample on you."
As Adiliana said, even a replica must hold immense power.
I can't even imagine how to fight against it.
"I wonder if it's possible to counter the power of that 'God Slayer' summoned using a lot of magic crystals? It's a shame I can't see it with my own eyes, but please enjoy to the fullest."
After saying that, Adiliana's presence vanished with a poof, and the enchanted soldier crumpled to the ground.
"The connected Magic Power has disappeared, so they've likely severed the link with Adiliana."
Lene seemed to be diligently searching for the Magic Power.
However, the main body should be in the Marquis Strauss territory.
It's not like I can chase it down even if I locate it.
"So they just said what they wanted and disappeared, leaving us with this troublesome mess."
I muttered that, but unfortunately, Adiliana wouldn't hear it anymore.
Well, even if she did, she would probably just laugh it off, which would be adding insult to injury.
"Your Excellency, does that 'arm' use any special attacks?"
I couldn't help but be concerned about the soldiers collapsing around us, so I asked.
It seems there's damage even in areas quite far from the 'arm.'
"That 'arm' launches invisible long-range attacks. After raising its fist, it strikes in an instant."
"...Is there a way to counter it?"
"Just endure."
...That's a straightforward yet tough option.
I might be able to dodge it, but for Lene, who struggles with coordination, it's a tall order.
"Mr. Ryuuji, weren't you just thinking something rude?"
"I just thought it's probably impossible for Lene to dodge."
"At least try to soften your words a bit..."
Lene sulked, but even if I tried to appease her, the outcome wouldn't change.
I suppose I'll have to protect her from the front.
"Do we have any spare large shields!?"
"Y-Yes, right here!"
When I called out, one of the young soldiers struggled to bring the large shield over to me.
Alright, with this, we should be able to fend off that invisible attack.
"Man, this is heavy. As expected. With this, casting magic will be tough."
I was thinking of attacking with magic while holding the large shield and staff, but this makes it hard to maintain focus.
It's even difficult to get into the incantation.
"It would be more efficient for me to protect while Lene attacks with explosives..."
"Yes, the one who was manipulated is down nearby. Using explosives might be dangerous."
Lene furrows her brow, looking troubled.
Yeah, we need to help that soldier lying over there first; otherwise, we can't do anything.
We probably can't even use area magic.
"Here they come!"
The voice of Your Excellency rang out, and I quickly shifted my gaze to my arm.
My arm was raising a clenched fist.
When that comes down, will the invisible attack come flying at us?
"Then, shall we give it a try?"
I braced the large shield while channeling Magic Power into the magic stone in my pocket.
If this is possible──then I should be able to go help that soldier.
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