Kays Translations

Chapter 76: Queen Ant

Coming with a tremendous noise were two mine ants. One had wings sprouting from its back, while the other was several times larger than a regular mine ant, with its lower body swollen like a balloon, an alien-looking mine ant.

After the gigantic ant glanced around, seeming relieved upon seeing the eggs, it exhaled deeply.

"Are you alright, Master, Vigna-sama?"

"Yeah, somehow..."

"Hey, Grace, don't touch weird places."

We were swiftly lifted by Galatea and nestled into a recess in the ceiling, observing the movements of the two ants.

"Likely, the one with wings is a messenger ant. It moves swiftly to convey the queen's will to the others. That one's for Vigna, and the queen ant is for Galatea to take down. I'll... provide covering fire from here."

With a hint of regret, I issued instructions to the two. I knew that in combat, I had to rely on them, but it was still difficult.

"If I went head-on, I'd just be a hindrance."

"Don't worry. This is what we're here for."

"Yeah, but you're the one giving us instructions. We're counting on you."

"...Thank you."

They gently reassured me, sensing my downcast expression. Then, as the two ants turned away from us, Vigna and Galatea leaped down from the recess.

"I'll split them up. Please take care of the messenger ant."

"Leave it to me. Like this, it won't be able to fly anymore!!"

Vigna's magic gunblade pierced through the wings of the messenger ant, while Galatea's kick sent the queen ant's massive body flying. It was our usual winning pattern.

Then, without hesitation, Vigna swiftly attacked the struggling messenger ant and defeated it. As for the queen ant...

"Galatea!!"

I fired my magic gunblade in support as the queen ant struck Galatea with its massive arm, but it narrowly dodged, avoiding critical hits.

In its eyes, I could see a definite intelligence, and as if angered, it hurled rocks at us with a high-pitched sound.

“ーーーー!!!”

"Uwaaaaaah!"

"Are you okay!?"

Vigna hastily caught me in a princess carry as I jumped down. This wasn't the time to comment on the reversal of roles.

"Galatea, are you alright!?"

"Master... that enemy is quite troublesome. My attacks aren't having any effect."

Galatea, who was blown away, sounded unusually flustered. It was a first. Whether in battles with dragons or wars with Kyle and others, Galatea had always overwhelmed enemies with her overwhelming strength.

For her to say such a thing...

Observing the queen ant, I noticed its body was covered in skin akin to mithril, likely designed to dissipate impacts from attacks. It seemed like a bad match for Galatea, who primarily used physical strikes.

"It's likely getting a large amount of mithril from the mineral ants. No wonder its body is so tough. But, its weak points are the same. We'll find a way to defeat it!!"

I encourage the two with a spirited shout. The queen ant's troublesome aspect wasn't just its resilience. Its eyes reflected a definite intelligence, making it crafty. It would surely try to avoid its weak points at all costs.

Moreover, hearing that shout earlier might attract other mine ants. As I pondered this, I immediately heard footsteps approaching.

A pincer attack?!

Thinking this, I turned around, only to be met with an unexpected reunion.

"You guys were supposed to lead the vanguard... What, Grace?"

"Georg...? You've already defeated the mine ants?"

Georg and his subordinates, their armor stained with the blood of the mine ants, stood before us.

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