Settling the Score with the Boss Monster
My full-face helmet, partially shattered by the monstrous creature’s blow, barely hangs on.
*Screech!*
A screech, like metal on metal, fills the air as a fetid breath assaults my senses.
Before me, an insect-like maw gapes open. Wicked fangs, dagger-like, poised to tear into my flesh.
“Do you think you’ve won?”
“You fool!”
In the face of desperation, a triumphant grin spreads across my lips. This situation is dire, the brink of a fatal blow looming.
“You…!”
From a flying kick to a flurry of hand-to-hand combat, this isn’t mere recklessness.
In each strike, magic flows, seeping deep within the monster’s core. The groundwork is laid now to harness it!
“Take this!”
With every ounce of my strength, I unleash the deadly magic.
Shockwaves ripple from me, coursing into the beast through the arm I grasp. The infused magic, targeted at its vital points, is now activated.
But there’s more. The technique amplifies the shockwaves, ravaging the monster from within.
*Groan!*
An anguished scream escapes the monster. Its large, dragonfly-like eyes reveal no emotion, but were it human, the pain would contort its face.
It tries to free itself, releasing my arm, but I seize this moment. Now, I grab its arms instead.
“Feel the full force of this shockwave!”
Magic surges once more.
*Screech!*
The creature convulses, expelling a viscous fluid. The shockwaves have undoubtedly obliterated its internal structure.
“Haaah!”
Underestimating a monster’s vitality is a mistake. I leap, igniting a flame blade on my arm.
*Flash!*
The warped carapace at its neck gives way easily to my blade. The monster’s head falls with a thud. I land, spinning, as I retract my power and extinguish the flame.
How about that?
The headless corpse collapses. This is a complete victory.
“Who would’ve thought the spell I designed for breaching castle gates would be so effective here?”
Life’s unpredictability amazes me. I silently commend my past self for this research that led to victory.
This monster, with its impenetrable carapace and ability to nullify and absorb energy, seemed invincible. Yet, its internal weakness was its downfall.
Pondering Ente’s information, the leader’s absence in our reconnaissance was puzzling. It seemed to have materialized from nowhere. But dwelling on it here serves no purpose.
I discard the ruined helmet and turn to Ente.
“Hey…”
The tension’s aftermath is visible. The elf girl, slumped, gazes up as she approaches.
Silence hangs between us. She’s at a loss for words.
What now? Reflecting on my life, I realize I’ve never reprimanded anyone.
Being a prince, I’ve been scolded plenty but never needed to rebuke anyone myself. My life was devoted to studying magic and martial arts, and my experiences didn’t include teaching others.
I acknowledge my naivety. So, foolish prince, how will you handle this pivotal moment in her life? The impact of my words on her development weighs heavily on me.
Concealing my anxiety, I ponder. Ultimately, I decided to kneel, meeting her gaze.
I gently stroke her head, offering comfort.
“I’m glad you’re safe.”
My words are simple, expressing relief. At 25, with limited social interactions, sincerity is my best approach.
Ente’s eyes, filled with regret, meet mine.
“Hmm…”
She doesn’t shy away but gazes back, a mixture of defiance and vulnerability.
“… Aren’t you going to scold me?”
“Scolding isn’t my forte. If it’s what you wish, I’ll try. But you recognize your mistake, right?”
“Yes… I was presumptuous.”
“No more needs to be said. Your father’s words, though, may differ.”
“Ugh…”
Curiosity about her father’s method of reprimand piques my interest, but it’s their moment, not mine.
I take pride in protecting their bond, a treasure now beyond my reach.
“Come, stand up.”
“Hmm…”
I extend a hand, helping Ente to her feet.
Our attention shifts back to the crisis at hand.
“Good… the terminal is safe.”
Relieved, I find my mobile terminal intact despite the suit’s failure. It played a key role in our victory.
As I prepare to contact the village, a new threat looms.
A formidable presence approaches from the sky, heading straight for the elf village.
“Asuru…”
“Yeah…”
Our eyes lock in a shared sense of foreboding as the wind whispers ominously.