Chapter 214: Trump Card
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Zzonkedd
Edited by Gumihou
The roar of the crowd shook the heavens.
Even so, Director Bear’s voice was powerful enough to pierce through the feverish clamour.
“Sorry to interrupt the excitement, but the danger is not over yet. We must now hunt down the remaining monsters. I would like half of you to stay and defend the place; those who are willing to head out, please gather at the gate.”
After making that announcement, Director Bear led his team towards the gate.
Many hunters have already started to gather. At this rate, we should have enough people to go monster hunting now.
“Director, we’ll stay here as gatekeepers,” said Karios
“Just in case,” Gors added.
With Karios and Gors here, there’s no need to worry about our rear defence as we mop up the rest of the monsters ahead.
Somehow, it seemed most of the Clearflow Lake hunters ended up playing defence while hunters from Dark Forest and Rocky Dog Mountain Floors gathered at the gate to participate in active monster hunting.
As expected, the volunteers were all aggressive, skilled warriors out to do battle.
“With the enemy forces weakened, this is our opportunity to strike. The Director of the Beginning Floor and the Director of Darkness have taken command of [1] majority of the hunters to clear out nearby monsters. The rest of us will charge ahead and strike at the heart of the enemy,” declared Director Bear.
It looked like Director Bear was determined to use this opportunity to hit the enemy where it hurts. [1] Speaking of which, in addition to the original strike team from earlier, we also have Hevoy, Hyurumi and four of the Big Eater’s members with us. It was a good team of locals familiar with the monsters on this floor.
Our party set out with the Big Eaters running alongside the cart. I used binoculars to check out enemies in the distance. There were several dozen Crocodile Demons, the Frog Demon King with dozens of Frog Demons around it, as well as two five-meter-tall Serpent Demons.
[2] “There are quite a lot of Crocodile Demons ahead, but there’s no way we could lose with this lineup,” Hyurumi said as she turned a bitter smile at us.She was right. Even though Crocodile Demons were stronger than Frog Demons, we have people in the group who could take down one with a single slash. Also, Ramis’s skills have improved since the last time we fought one.
Even if the Frog Demon King was in front of us, we can [2] just attack it without hesitation.
“We’ll take care of the Frog Demons,” smirked Mikene.
“They’re delicious when roasted,” said Pel as he licked his lips.
[2] As expected, we can leave the Frog Demons to the Big Eaters.“I heard that Frog Demon King could absorb blows, [2]” said Mishael. “Is it alright if I take care of it, Master Hakkon?”
“Ye-es”
“[2] It also sets itself on fire! Count me in on that thing!” The Director of Scorching Sand roared, clearly as fiery as ever.
While he had an annoying attitude, it was certainly reassuring to know that we have plenty of firepower on our side.
“Now then, shall we take down the Twin Serpents, Grandpa?” said Granny Shimerai.
“A little lacking as opponents, but, why not?” said Grandpa Yumite.
“This reminds me of the old days,” said the Principal.
“Then it’s decided, leave the Twin Serpents to us four,” said Director Bear.
[3] With the veterans taking care of the more dangerous monsters, the rest of us could put our focus on taking out the rest of the monsters.“Now then, let us take care of these Crocodile Demons. Be sure to take care and not damage your shoes, everyone.”
“What a terrible advice-su…”
“I won’t… let them damage… Hakkon…”
The three former Whimsical Fools’ party members were undoubtedly skilled. While there were quite a number of enemies in front of us…
“We’ll take care of the Crocodile Demons too!”
“Welcome”
With [1] Ramis and I joining the fray, we should have no trouble dealing with the monsters. Not to mention, we have a group of hunters chasing from behind as well.
As long as we could hold out here, barring any unexpected situations, we should be fine. Not to mention, despite how many monsters were packed together, they showed no sign of reaction to our presence.
It did not look like a ‘Commander’ was with them. It was possible that this person may have fled the place.
We leapt down from the cart and charged towards the monsters we were responsible for.
“I’ll be waiting here! Don’t do anything reckless!” [1] Hyurumi cheered from the cart.
Everyone raised one fist in acknowledgement.
Finally, the enemy made a move. As soon as we crossed a certain distance, something in them recognised us as foes and surged forward as one.
[1] The Crocodile Demons reacted to our presence and came running, and were shot down one after another. Although these creatures were known for their thick hides and high defensive strengths, each arrow pierced soft spots such as their eyes and joints.“Keep firing!”
[1] Far from being mindless, the Crocodile Demons responded to the attacks by hunching forward to protect their weak spots as they continued their charge. However, the moment they arrived within Hevoy’s range, the monsters fell under the power of his spiked iron ball.With the added effect of [Super Strength], Hevoy’s extendable chained morning star weapon crushed through the Crocodile Demon’s defences with ease.
“Their hides would make fine shoes, don’t you think?” [1] Hevoy observed as he continued to crush the creatures.
[1] For a moment, it looked like the two of them were enough to wipe out the enemy. However, there were simply too many of them, and some Crocodile Demons managed to push through and got too close to Hevoy.Instead of retreating, Hevoy retracted the chain and swung the morning star in its standard form, bashing in Crocodile Skulls with the weapon. Shui was especially vulnerable against close-quarter battles, but that was when Pitee dashed forward, batting aside every attack that came her way.
“Thanks, Pitee!”
“Leave defense… to me…”
Just like that time they had battled the Red and White Twins, the pair fought as one, their seamless offence and defence preventing the enemy from getting close.
We had been facing a lot of powerful opponents lately, so I was unsure how strong my comrades were. But as expected, my party consisted of talented and determined people.
“It’s our turn next!”
“Welcome”
Spurred by her teammates, Ramis charged towards the nearest Crocodile Demon. It thrust its spear in our direction, but Ramis just ignored it and darted forward to slam a palm into its chest.
And I mean, right into its chest. The beast’s chest cavity collapsed right before it was sent flying.
Ramis had always sent her opponents flying with her strikes. This time, however, I quietly noted that the beast only flew back five meters. She used to send them skywards in the past.
However, this did not mean that her strength had decreased. In fact, as Director Bear had once explained, it meant that she was getting better at controlling her strength and using her power more efficiently.
While I don’t know anything about martial arts, even I could tell that this woman who had once struggled fighting against Frog Men had grown strong enough to crush Crocodile Demons.
As I observed her battle, I launched a juice bottle into the face of a Crocodile Demon who was creeping up behind her.
My comrades battled steadily against our foes. Other hunters eventually caught up, which meant victory was mostly assured.
Leaving the stragglers to newly arrived hunters, my companions gathered around me.
“Has anyone seen anyone who looked like a commander?”
“Not me, what about you, Hakkon?” asked Ramis.
“Too bad”
Since no one had seen the commander, it was assumed that they must have fled. Just as the final enemy fell and Director Bear was about to order a retreat…
“Looks like this isn’t over yet,” [1] said Grandpa Yumite.
“Seems like it, Grandpa,” [1] agreed Granny Shimerai.
“Goodness me, looks like the real fight is just starting,” [1] said the Director of the Beginner’s Floor.
“Fumu, so that was their plan all along,” [1] said Director Bear.
The four senior hunters were all staring in the same direction with narrowed eyes. My companions and I looked in the same direction.
And saw it.
“Hey, is that thing… the Floor Boss that Master Hakkon had defeated once?” [1] said Mishael.
“Cor-rect”
[2] The monster in question was an Octo-Crocodile. A massive crocodile-like creature with eight limbs, the Floor Boss of Clearflow Lake Floor.The last time I defeated it was by allowing myself to be swallowed up before enlarging my body and exploding it from within. Should I use the same tactic once again?
“Hakkon, you’re not allowed to let yourself be eaten this time!”
Ramis’s cheeks puffed up as she glared at me as much as she could from her position.
Oof, looks like I won’t be able to convince her of letting me try that again.
“Well, we’ll just have to take the straightforward approach. Eh, Granny?”
“Indeed, with everyone here, there shouldn’t be any problems.”
The elderly couple’s blatant lack of concern cut through the tension felt by the younger generation.
That’s right, we had grown much in strength and even have allies we could depend on. As I looked around, I realised that it would be way harder to lose with this team than to win.
I should remind myself just how lucky I was to be surrounded by such reliable comrades.
“It’s rare to see such a powerful lineup. I look forward to witnessing our seniors in action.”
“Today, I shall surpass the Principal-su!””
“No matter what comes… I shall… deflect all…”
“All right! Let’s gooo!”
Inspired by their seniors, the next generation cheered. Director Bear smiled at them, clearly proud.
“Then, we should show the youngsters how it’s done.”
“Not ready to be outdone, eh?”
“I shall lop off a leg or two.”
“Should I lose to Shui, I shall hand over my bow.”
Looks like the seniors also caught some of the youngsters’ energy. Looking at this team, I could not imagine us losing.
“Yeahhh!!! Time to fire up!! Set your soul on fire!!!”
The Scorching Sand Director was literally on fire. Normally, the man was a bit much, but now his flames only added to the spirit of the moment.
Together, we set our eyes on the earth-shaking Eight-Limbed Crocodile and stepped forward as one.
[Gumihou: Uh oh, I suddenly felt sorry for the big monster]
[1] Added details to make the situation clearer [2] Changed details to reduce repetitions [3] Deleted details to prevent repetitions
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