Volume 17 Chapter 28 Red, Yellow, And Orange
"These guys──"
Like Razerseid, who fought earlier, they exude an aura akin to an 'Absolute One,' isolating humans.
"I'm Marzeno, the [Red Knight]. They all look weak, geez."
A wild-looking young knight with fiery crimson hair declared.
He wore armor of the same color.
"[Yellow Support Mage] Nanareia here! Nice to meet you♪"
A cheerful blonde woman in a yellow robe laughed.
She held a yellow staff, again.
"[Orange Fighter]. Reshival. Why do I have to deal with such guys? What's Razerseid doing?"
A small boy with spiky orange hair grumbled.
The knuckle guards on both his hands were a vivid orange.
"[Arch Legion]... Three of them at once...!"
Bernard stared at them with trembling awe.
On the other side, Flora, their strongest force, had been suddenly defeated.
Was there even a chance to win?
No, could they even survive?
Thump, thump, thump...!
Bernard's heartbeat echoed in his ears.
He'd fought many battles as both a court magician and an adventurer.
But he'd never faced such a hopeless battlefield──.
"What's wrong? Scared, guys?"
The [Red Knight] Marzeno stepped forward.
The sword he drew was crimson from blade to hilt.
Since he hadn't drawn it until now, the one who took out Flora earlier probably wasn't him.
Judging by appearances, it was likely Reshival, the martial artist, who landed a punch or kick.
I couldn't see the exact moment of attack, so I can only guess──.
However, their aura suggests they're all equals.
In other words, it's safe to say all three possess abilities far superior to Flora's.
(──Impossible)
Bernard realized instantly.
There's no way the remaining members could win.
"Bernard-san..."
Rath trembled.
"What should we do...?"
"...Let's run."
Bernard whispered softly.
"Huh?"
"No matter how you think about it, there's no chance of winning. Tell that to Mirabell and the demon too. If possible, take Flora along."
"Bernard-san...?"
"I am."
Gulping, Bernard turned to face the three [Arch Legion].
His heartbeat now pounded so fast it felt like it might tear apart his chest.
This was the first time in his life he'd felt such fear.
If he could, even he would want to run away.
He didn't want to die, and he was terrified.
"Stop them."
But Bernard uttered, grinding his teeth tightly.
If he didn't, his teeth would chatter from fear.
"Impossible!"
Rath's face paled.
"No matter what, it's absolutely impossible! There's no way we can win──"
"Yeah... I'll probably die."
Bernard's voice trembled.
"But you all stay alive. Especially Rath... you're young. Mirabell too. As for the demon, well, I don't know..."
"Bernard-san...!"
"Stay alive. Got it?"
Saying that, Bernard turned to face Rath.
"Let me have a cool last moment in my life."
He forced a smile.
* * *
Forcing Rath to fall back, Bernard gripped his staff and faced the three [Arch Legion].
"Well then... Let's do this."
Just standing there made sweat pour from every part of his body.
"What? Are you planning to fight us all alone?"
"Huh? Maybe you look weak but you're actually strong, huh?"
"Haha, to do that with just the three of us? You're overestimating yourself. I'd be inclined to kill you."
The three seemed very relaxed.
Judging Bernard as insignificant, they probably weren't on guard.
That... is fine.
The more they underestimate him, the less likely they'll attack seriously.
That would increase Bernard's survival rate and time, making it easier to buy time.
(I never thought I could win from the start. Just focus on buying even one second...!)
He reminded himself again.
For now, maintaining distance is key.
In close combat, there's no chance of winning.
But in a magic battle, Rath and the others might buy time to escape.
"──Alright, let's do it!"
Bernard raised his magic power.
"[Fire Vortex]!"
A swirling fireball erupted from the tip of his staff.
It's the maximum power magic Bernard can cast.
Moreover, this staff has received Rain's [Enhancement Bestowal], greatly increasing its power compared to a normal 'magician's staff'.
"With this shot, how much damage can I deal..."
Bernard's expression was grim.
It consumes a lot of magic power and can only be used once a day.
Launching such a decisive attack at the first strike──.
"Hah."
The boy with orange hair... Reshival, stood before the swirling flames and sighed.
"Ridiculous, isn't it?"
Pin!
With just one finger, he blew away the swirling flames.
Character Notes:
Mira - Once the daughter of a noble family in the South District, Mira became a skilled martial artist and officer at Felward Fortress. After being severely injured in a Beast Monster attack, she recovered under Abyss Vena's care. She later became Garvey's concubine, swearing loyalty and aiding him in leading the forces. Following the rebellion, she became a key officer in the South District's military command
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