Chapter 229: What Man Would Like to Try
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Gumihou
Structures that had miraculously survived the previous disaster were now being levelled by monsters. Now that the collapse of the dungeon was a certainty, hunters felt no need for restraint and battled the monsters without regard for the village’s infrastructure.
The newly appeared Lava Demons and Frog Kings were formidable, but they were no dungeon bosses. It looked like the King still could not summon those yet, or so I’d like to believe.
Leader Keyroil and his family moved forward to intercept the approaching Lava Demons that were closing in and burning the surrounding rubble. Sulrim had gone ahead and joined them without prompting. With her powers as a Snow Spirit, dealing with these Lava Demons became significantly easier.
That left the Frog Kings. These were easily dealt with by a barrage of arrows from Shui and Principal Hoxie, followed by concrete slabs thrown by Ramis.
The days when we struggled against such foes felt like a distant memory. Rest in peace, frog.
On the other side, Lava Monsters had begun to solidify under Sulrim’s cold aura. If things kept on like this, Leader Keyroil’s team should take care of things soon.
A quick look around showed that only a few residents remained, waiting to be evacuated. After that, it was holding out until all the hunters escaped this place.
With cover from long-range arrows and support from Grandpa Shimerai, the Lava Monsters were dispatched without much trouble. At this rate, we might actually get everyone out safely.
『Well, well. You certainly are persistent. It seems I underestimated the hunters who challenge this dungeon.』
Without warning, that voice—the one I never wanted to hear again—echoed in my head. While the people around me looked about in confusion, someone spotted the source and let out a shout, pointing upwards. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to a figure floating near the ceiling.
The Ruler of the Netherworld. He certainly knows how to pick his timing.
『I am moved by your valiant struggle. Therefore, I shall open that door for you.』
The doors, which had previously only been open a crack, swung wide. The people immediately began a mad dash toward the staircase leading to the surface. What was he playing at? He wasn’t the kind of character to let people go out of the goodness of his heart.
『And a little extra parting gift for those of you working so hard.』
As if mocking the hunters lined up before the open doors, countless monsters began to emerge from the ground. It was a horde that made it instantly clear that everything up until now had been mere play. The swarm covered my entire field of vision; the ground was no longer visible.
“You’ve got to be kidding… Oi, stop it.”
“Ugh, this is impossible. It’s just impossible!”
“Run! Everyone, run!”
The hunters, who had held their ground until now, turned tail and fled. Looking back, I could see that the people had not yet finished climbing the long staircase. If the monsters flooded this place now, it would be a massacre.
Could I protect the area near the door with my companions? No, the opening was nearly ten meters wide and just as high. There were too many flying monsters; I don’t think we could stop them all here. To make matters worse, the ground was shaking violently. The whole place could collapse at any second.
『What a fine retreat. Don’t you think the true joy of the hunt lies in cornering and tormenting fleeing prey?』
This skeleton had a really rotten personality. Did he really think that no one else, aside from him, deserves to live? He was clearly drunk on his newfound power. I would rather die than end up like that.
My family had a motto: “A person who cannot be kind to those weaker than themselves has no value in living.” Well, it was just something my mother came up with on a whim. It’s ironic that I’d remember those words and find myself in total agreement now that I’m a non-human vending machine.
My body is made of steel, and my insides are machinery and products. But in my heart, I still consider myself human.
“W-what should we do? We have to run too!”
Ramis’s face was pale with despair. Even my companions, who had survived countless brushes with death, were paralysed by the sheer volume of the approaching horde.
It was obvious that we could not win against such numbers.
There was only one way to deal with that army. I immediately used [Form Change] to become a [Cardboard Vending Machine], activated my [Barrier] to bounce off the carrier, and leapt into the air. Once I hit the ground, I reverted to my standard form.
“HE-RE”
I spoke at maximum volume. They seemed to realise my intent immediately, and everyone moved toward the staircase beyond the doors. When you’ve been together this long, I really appreciate this kind of silent understanding.
Staring down the monster horde that was mere moments away, I used [Form Change] to become the largest vending machine in Japan. My massive body completely blocked the doorway, acting as a giant plug for the stairs leading outside. From this state, I activated my [Barrier], creating an ironclad wall.
The monsters slammed into the [Barrier], but I had no intention of letting a single attack or creature through.
『Ho. So you stand in my way, Magic Item Hakkon. You intend to hinder me until the very end? However, I already have information on you. You cannot maintain that form for long, can you?』
It was true. Using [Barrier] with a body this size drained my points at an incredible rate. Back when I challenged the Everlasting Floor, I would have reached my limit in a minute or two.
But things were different now. My points were overflowing. The reason I wasn’t worried about points was that just before we entered the teleportation circle, the Dungeon Master had handed over all his treasures to me.
I could convert the gold and silver coins into points just by having them inserted into my coin slot, but I wasn’t sure what to do with the other precious metals. So, I had turned into a [Coin-Operated Vacuum Cleaner] and sucked them all up. It turns out I could convert precious items into points that way, too.
I currently have a staggering amount of points in reserve and could keep up this [Barrier] until every last person escaped.
“Hakkon! Hakkon, what are you doing?! At this rate, you will be left behind!”
Ramis, who still hadn’t left the dungeon yet, cried out as she hugged me from behind. I could hear the tears in her voice.
Since I have [Barrier], even if the dungeon collapsed on me and buried me alive, I could survive long enough for them to dig me out… I think. Which was why I figured that this would be the best way forward.
I already decided on what to say.
“Go on”
“Lea-ve to me”
“Go”
[1] It was quite a pain to have so few words to convey what I wanted to say. While I am not one to be self-destructive or was looking for a way to die a glorious death, there was something noble about staying back and letting others go while I defended the rear. [1] I had always admired heroes like that.“No! If Hakkon is staying, I’m staying too!”
“Pitee… will stay too…”
“Master Hakkon, I shall accompany you!”
The reaction from the three of them was expected. I knew all too well that they would be the ones most difficult to persuade.
In fact, I could probably do my best and hold out with the [Barrier] with them and try to run away together. Even if we are buried together, I could still provide protection, food, water and oxygen for my friends but it would all drain my points that much faster.
In all honesty, my chances of survival would be higher when alone. I wished I could explain all of this, but we were running out of time and the Ruler of the Netherworld, who hadn’t moved since throwing the doors wide open, was still hovering over us with all four arms crossed.
The King did not look at all worried or show signs of anxiety. He was probably waiting for me to run out of energy to mock me or something, or, he may have already thought of a countermeasure based on our previous encounter.
It was difficult to read his expression since he was a skeleton, but his entire demeanour was perfectly composed.
In short, if was best to continue as we can for now and evacuate everyone as soon as possible before that creature decides to act.
“I think Hakkon’s chances of survival are higher if we’re not with him. Isn’t that right, Hakkon?” Hyurumi said.
“Ye-es”
[2] As expected of Hyurumi, she saw through my words and read my intentions. Ramis could have done the same thing, but she was too emotional to see clearly now. Hyurumi did not like my plan, but she was willing to speak my words out loud.“B-but, if we do that, Hakkon will…” Ramis sobbed.
“Ramis, you know it too. Back when we were buried alive before, I was nothing but a burden to Hakkon. That’s why… we should retreat.”
Buried alive together. That brings back memories. That was the first time I met Hyurummi, back when I was kidnapped. Even as Hyurumi was persuading the others, monsters continued their reckless assault on my [Barrier]. Each attack drained a large chunk of points. I still had plenty, but I won’t be able to relax until they reached somewhere safe.
“But! But, but!”
Even though she understood the logic in her head, her heart refused to accept leaving me behind. She clung to my back, her hair a wild mess.
It’s alright, Ramis. I have no intention of dying or breaking.
Which was why I refused to allow her to come inside the [Barrier].
Ramis, who had been pushed outside of the [Barrier]’s range, stared at me with a stunned expression. She did not seem to understand what was happening as she locked tear-filled eyes with me.
“Please come again”
At that fixed phrase, Ramis wiped her tears and forced a smile just for me.
“Alright, I understand. I won’t be selfish anymore. But you absolutely can’t die!”
“Welcome”
Technically, I’d ‘break’ rather than die, but I’m happy to promise to return to Ramis.
“I mean it, absolutely!”
“Pro-tect”
“Okay, I got it! Even if you’re buried, I’ll dig you right up, so wait for me!”
Ramis ran up the stairs, waving her hands energetically even as she disappeared from view. The rest of my friends bowed once to me before following after her.
As I watched their backs disappear from sight, I mentally expressed my gratitude to them. After all, it’s not like I have a mouth to properly express my thanks.
Now that I’ve decided what needs to be done, all that’s left is to do it!
[Gumihou: It’s amazing how actually meaningful this all is] [1] Lost in translation, adjusted the wording to convey a similar problem. [2] Adjusted details for clarification
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