Kays Translations

Chapter 9: This is how I fight

"Everyone, we can win this!!"

I said, trying to encourage my companions.

None of us have a way to break through the Minotaur's ironclad defense.

In other words, all our attacks are ineffective.

Certainly, the situation seems hopeless.

But there is a chance to win. I was convinced of it from the data.

And to pull that chance closer, I open the status screen. Allocating the accumulated skill points, I assign them to a new skill.

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I allocated 1 skill point to <<Ice Arrow>>.

◇ Owned SP Skill Points: 0

◇ Owned Skill List

- <<Skill Analysis>> Lv3

- <<Life Barrier>> Lv1

- <<Swordsman's Pride>> Lv1

- <<Magic Arrow>> Lv1

- <<Hunter's Dexterity>> Lv1

- <<Double Slash>> Lv1

- <<Ice Arrow>> Lv1 ← New!

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<<Ice Arrow>> is one of the basic archery skills, quite a commonplace skill.

However, in the current situation, it can be extremely effective.

I draw the bow, aiming at the Minotaur—no.

"<<Ice Arrow>>!"

The blue arrow I released bursts at the Minotaur's feet, blooming into a flower of ice.

"Guaa!?"

The ice immobilizes the Minotaur's feet, making it unable to move.

"As I thought. I may not be able to deal damage, but I can at least restrain its movement!"

I feel relieved that my prediction was correct.

"B-But, if we can't deal damage, it's pointless, right!? We need to defeat it to escape from this room!"

Jade is right.

But,

"For now, we just need to buy time! If we can buy enough time, we can win!"

I say, trying to boost the spirits of my companions.

Upon hearing those words, Jade and the instructor exchange glances. It seems my assertion that we can win is hard to believe.

Their reaction is entirely reasonable. You can't just trust the opinions of amateur adventurers who have just undergone the aptitude ceremony. I understand that sentiment well.

However, amidst it all, the one who vigorously nodded was Lindy.

"I believe in big brother!!"

Lindy says, then stands next to me, once again poised with her sword.

Seeing her, the instructor and Jade also follow suit.

"A-Anyway, we have to do it!"

"Yeah, let's do this!!"

The four of us once again assume a fighting stance, facing the Minotaur.

"Everyone, spread out and avoid the enemy's attacks! Conserve your MP!"

I give instructions to the three of them.

While we were discussing, the Minotaur thrusts its axe into the ice at its feet. The ice shatters, freeing its massive body.

"Guaaaaah!!"

With a roar, the Minotaur charges toward me again.

I draw its massive body toward me as much as possible before shooting another Ice Arrow at its feet.

Once again, the ice halts its movement. Seeing that, I put some distance between the Minotaur and myself.

We need to buy time using hit-and-run tactics.

"<<Ice Ball>>!"

Jade, being a mage, also joins in using ice magic to immobilize its feet.

From here on, it's a cat-and-mouse game.

Freeze its feet with ice. The Minotaur's axe shatters it. Freeze its feet again.

Repeat this process, tirelessly buying time.

I'm checking all of the Minotaur's skills.

Indeed, its defensive skill <<Extra Barrier>> is overwhelmingly powerful.

However, aside from that, its other skills are quite ordinary.

From this, I can deduce that the Minotaur in front of me is a defense-specialized type.

In other words, its defense is incredible, but its other stats aren't that impressive!

If my deduction is correct, we definitely have a chance.

But...

"Damn, isn't it done yet?"

There's a limit to how much time we can buy.

The party's magic power and the Minotaur's magic power.

Which one will run out first—

　

"Gruu!?"

The Minotaur suddenly stops. Confusion or perhaps impatience. It seemed to have that kind of expression.

With that, I am convinced.

"Now!! Attacks will work now!!"

Upon my words, the party members are skeptical.

But to prove my words, I kick off the ground.

"<<Double Slash>>!"

I unleash the trump card I had been saving onto the Minotaur. Then, a completely different reaction comes back.

"Guaaaah!?"

That day, for the first time, the Minotaur's screams echoed in the dungeon.

If I could see the opponent's "Life Points," they would undoubtedly be decreasing.

The ironclad defense that had protected the Minotaur until now has disappeared.

Seeing that, the instructors, who understood that now was the opportunity, also join the attack.

"<<Invisible Strike>>"

"<<Fireball>>"

"<<Magic Slash>>"

Each of us delivers our maximum firepower attacks.

The Minotaur, having lost its defense skill, now has no way to resist these attacks. It helplessly takes the onslaught.

Under the concentrated firepower, it takes a step back, then another.

At that moment, I unleash another attack with all my might.

"<<Double Slash>>!"

That single strike became the finishing blow.

"Guaaaaaaahhhhh!!"

The Minotaur lets out an especially loud scream and then collapses to the ground, its massive body shaking the dungeon.

"W-We really defeated the boss."

Jade mutters.

"Senior bro! You're amazing!"

Lindy raises her sword high, excited.

However, I continued to stare at the Minotaur without letting my guard down for a while.

Maybe it would move again.

But that was a completely unnecessary concern.

The next moment, the voice of the goddess resounds in my mind.

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I have leveled up.

Lv2 ⇒ Lv5

I have gained 3 SP skill points.

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"... We won."

In response to the goddess's voice, I finally felt the victory.

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