Novel All
Chapter 182. Preparing For The Decisive Battle
Chapter 182. Preparing For The Decisive Battle
We have three days until the decisive battle against Peony.
Coincidentally, thats the same amount of time we had when we were dealing with Titan.
Within three days, we had to satisfy the conditions for the expansion of the Mayors Safety Zone
(That took a lot of work as well.)
I had to go to the neighboring town with Fujita-san to ask the Self Defense Force for assistance.
On the other hand, Ichinose-san had to collect materials with Momo in order to enhance our weapons.
Nishino and his friends also did their share of the work by raising their levels.
We did everything we could at the time to defeat Titan and Alpha.
There were still things that we could have improved on, but the time limit of three days hindered us from doing so.
(Things might be even tougher than before this time)
What we can do right now is very limited.
Peonys vines have latched onto the barrier of the Safety Zone, so theyll prey on whoever dares to step outside carelessly.
(Peonys hunting ground is spread out over an extremely large areaIts safe to assume that its vines and roots could reach anywhere inside the town.)
We wont be able to hunt monsters and raise our levels, neither would we be able to replenish our supplies.
Without having the ability to enter or exit freely, were pretty much trapped in this cage known as the Safety Zone.
(But there are still things that can be done.)
We have a chance at victory, not to mention that weve prepared an escape route.
For now, I should concentrate on whats before me.
I must help Nishino-kun confirm something.
Sora, itll be all on you from now.
Umu.
Thus, Sora and I begin our preparations.
*****
Meanwhile
So we have to keep doing this?
Rikka asked Nishino a question while swinging the hatchet in her hand.
Yeah. Right about now, Kudou-san and Fujita-san should be busy making their preparations. We should also do what we can.
You mean endlessly cutting down the vines on the barrier?
Yes.
Since early morning, Nishino and his friends had been hacking down Peonys vines that were stuck on the barrier.
However, each of these vines was as thick as a persons arm.
As such, cutting them down required a decent amount of physical exertion.
Furthermore, they had to be careful not to wander out of the barrier in fear of getting preyed on by Peony.
Although it sounded like a simple task, it needed a lot of strength and concentration.
As the person with the highest status in the group, Rikka was the only one who could continue without break.
Whats the point anyway? Theyre going to regenerate as quickly as we cut them down.
No need to worry about that. Or rather, didnt I explain everything beforehand?
Did you? I forgot.
You
While feeling exasperated, Nishino stared at the stopwatch on his hand.
Three seconds
Next, he opened his status screen and sent someone a Mail.
A reply immediately came back.
Good. Everyone, cover your ears!
Huh?
Rikka was confused for a second, but she followed her instincts and covered her ears when she felt an electric signal travel down her spines.
Soon after
ZUDOOOOOOOOON!!!
They heard an explosion which shook the earth.
W-what was that?
It was from Soras breath attack.
A huge pillar of fire appeared where Peonys main body was supposed to be standing.
A single glance at the scene was enough to tell that Soras attacks had become much more powerful compared to the previous day.
Rikka was aware that the attack had been unleashed from an ally.
Nevertheless, she trembled at its destructive power.
I-incredible
Sora had over 100 SP at her disposal.
With that many points, it was no wonder that she had become this strong over the night.
Several skills, especially the offensive ones, should have been raised to their upper limits.
That said,
It was no good after all.
Nishino calmly muttered these words as he stood next to Rikka.
He had taken out a binocular before anyone realized.
The dust settled, and Peony was found standing as erect as before.
This has to be a lie
Even though the breath was powerful, it seems like the distance between them was too big. The attack was blocked before it could reach the main body
He had somewhat expected this outcome, but he couldnt stop himself from flinching.
It wasnt just its size.
Peonys defense and reaction speed were monstrous as well.
Still, it received some injuries.
Eh?Oh, youre right.
When they looked more closely, they saw that dozens of Peonys roots and vines had been burnt to crisps.
Peony probably sacrificed a considerable number of them to block Soras breath.
Nishino quickly checked his mail.
Around 10 seconds
He scribbled down the result on his notebook.
Rikka quietly watched him as he did so.
Okay, lets get back to work, everyone.
Something bothering you, Rikka? If not, stop loitering around and get back to work.
Hmm? Ah, I was just thinking about how Nisshi seems to be back to normal.
Hearing that, Nishino smiled.
What do you mean back to normal? Its not the time to be cracking jokes. Go back and do your job.
Okay~
They continued their task of cutting down the vines from the barrier.
In the background, they heard Sora shooting out breaths over and over again.
*****
Ichinose was on the rooftop of the City Hall.
Ive gathered as many as I could, but there arent that many materials
She had lined up all the materials that she could use as a Weapons Craftsman.
The floor was filled with things like metal scraps, magic stones, shells of Giant Ants, bones of Skeletons, branches of Treants, and many others.
She let out a sigh.
(With only these, I cant make weapons like the Pile Bunker and the Anti-Castle Rifle)
To activate Weapon Creation, she needed a lot of materials.
When they were facing off against Titan, she had been able to make powerful weapons thanks to Momo and Kazuto doing their best to collect materials from outside.
Unfortunately, that wasnt an option this time around.
It was really frustrating.
Now that her level was higher, she wouldve been able to make weapons that were more powerful than the Pile Bunker if she were provided with the materials.
(Then again, the request this time was for something completely different, so things might work out one way or another)
Her task wasnt to make a weapon that was stronger than the pile bunker.
She had been asked to create something different.
With her Weapon Creation skill, she was capable of crafting existing weapons and their components.
She read the documents that had been handed to her.
(Wow, its extremely complicatedThere are so many technical terms and components that Ive never even heard of)
On top of the commission from Nishino and Fujita, she had also received a commission from Kazuto.
Both of these commissioned weapons would play critical roles in the decisive battle that was to come in three days.
In a sense, her creations would determine the result of the battle.
(Uuu, my stomach hurtsIm about to throw up.)
A lot of people had encouraged her on her way up to the rooftop.
However, Do your best, You can do it, and Were expecting a lot from you were the three things that shouldnt have been said to a hiki komori.
If she had been her former self, she wouldve thrown up and escaped because of the pressure.
But she was different now. She was no longer the shy girl that she used to be.
(Thats right. Kazuto-san is working hard right now, and so are Ricchan and Momo-chan. Theyre all trying their best.)
Everyone was giving their all and squirming to survive.
Knowing this, she couldnt bring herself to remain as a bystander.
HuuOkay, lets do this, Aka-chan!
Furu furu!
Motivating herself, Ichinose began working alongside Aka.
The pain in her stomach had faded away before she knew it.
*****
Igarashi Touka was at the entrance of the City Hall with a large crowd standing in front of her.
Group A and Group B, prepare some soup in the kitchen. Group C and Group D, go to your assigned locations and organize our luggage. Group E, wait for Nishino-kun and Fujita-sans groups to return and provide them with your assistance.
Understood!
The residents listened to her commands and heeded her orders.
The fear and anxiety from yesterday were nowhere to be found.
(I had to shave off my sleep hours and cast Enchantment repetitively, but it paid off in the end)
She had been tasked with suppressing the turmoil and taking control of the residents.
In a short amount of time, Touka had executed Kazutos orders flawlessly.
By sacrificing her sleep and casting Enchantment over and over again, she had eventually leveled up her skill.
This in turn allowed her to Enchant an even great number of people.
The residents had been at their wits end due to the attacks from Sora and Peony.
As such, their unstable hearts soaked up Toukas words like sponges would water.
Now, they eagerly listened to her words and followed her will.
Their attitudes were like that of a devout believers.
In fact, they were something of that nature.
She wasnt particularly bothered by this since things were more convenient this way.
The City Hall was sorely lacking manpower.
Even though these people couldnt fight, they could handle other things beside combat.
(The people have come together under a single banner. Oh, what a lovely sight)
Touka was delighted to witness such a scene.
It felt good to have people move according to her will.
Tens if not hundreds of people were obeying her orders.
She felt a sense of superiority that was downright irresistible.
By some twist of fate, she had gained what she desired after being disciplined by Kazuto.
(Convincing Gramps and that f*cking father of mine was a massive pain, but Im glad it turned out well.)
Although they were pretty shocked when she first told them about her brainwashing abilities, desperate times called for desperate measures.
Fujita and the others reluctantly agreed to her measures as they were so busy that they wouldve gladly accepted help from even a cat.
(Things might become messy when the battle is over, but I can just ask that person for protection when the time comes. Fufufu)
Kazuto and his companions were the strongest powerhouses in the City Hall.
Nobody dared to go against him, not even the adults.
As long as she did her job properly and remained as someone that Kazuto needed, she would be protected by the strongest shield.
Thats right. Its his responsibility. After subjecting me to such a terrible treatment, Kazuto-san should take responsibility for it. Fufuufufufu.
Ah, as per usual, nee-chans smiles are dark.
Youre right, little brother. Thats the onee-chan that we all love.
Beside her, Shiori and Shido, her twin siblings, were laughing innocently.
M-my smiles arent dark, thank you very much! That was very rude of you two.
That so.
That so?
The twins cocked their heads.
Oh well.
Touka sighed lightly.
Shiori, Shido. Theres something that you two must do. Can you hear me out?
Okay, onee-chan.
Understood, onee-chan.
Touka gave them some new instructions, instructions from Kazuto himself.
*****
Fujita had come to a certain place with Towada and the other Self Defense Force personnel.
I guess its time for us to get to work. Lets see around once per five minutes. Can you do it?
Of course. Lets get started.
They dove into their work.
Its a good thing that two people who acquired that skill in advance joined us.
Yeah, thanks to them, we can work more efficiently.
Towada took a glace at Fujita as they worked.
Your daughters really amazing. To think shed come up with such a strategy.
It wasnt Touka-chan. Nishino-kun was the one that came up with it.
Oh, so it was him. Ive exchanged a few words with him a couple of times, and it makes me wonder if hes really just a high school student.
The strategy to subjugate Peony.
They were taken aback when they heard what the plan entailed, and they were flabbergasted that the idea was from a high school student.
He has matured a bit. Hes no longer holding himself back.
?
Im saying that he has grown mentally. When he first arrived here, there was a shadow hanging over his face. However, that shadow has disappeared. Things are about to change. I have no idea who counseled him, but that person has done something big.
One must look at a boy in a different light after three days of not seeing him.
Watching children grow always filled with him joy.
Ironically, his daughter had become somewhat twisted, but he was still happy to witness her growth.
I was surprised, you know? I didnt think you guys would take part in this operation.
Really?
Yeah. You were constantly shaking in fear until now. What brought about this change?
Running away wont change anything. Also
Also?
Towada looked towards a certain direction as he continued on with his work.
When I saw the Dragon, I recalled something. Someone had entrusted us with something. I cant remember who it was, butI get this feeling that hell laugh at us if we continue to cower before that big tree
Who do you mean by someone?
No idea, but
Towada searched his memories but failed to recall the details.
What had he been entrusted with?
Who entrusted him with it?
Even though he didnt have the answers to these questions
I want to believe that he was a good father and an ideal family man.
Their memories of the time before they moved to the City Hall were nonexistent. Nay, they had been deprived of their memories.
Towada devoted himself to his work, almost as if he was trying to desperately dig out memories from the past.
*****
Everyone was trying their best.
Be it Kazuto, Ichinose, Nishino, Rikka, Shibata, Goshogawara, Igarashi, Momo, Aka, Kiki, Sora, Fujita, the Mayor, Shimizu, Nijou, Towada, the members of the Self Defense Force, the staff members of the City Hall, or the residents without levels, everyone was pouring out their souls to prepare for the decisive battle.
Their enemy was huge beyond comparison.
Even so, they had to keep moving forward while believing that it was their only hope for survival.
Three days went by in the blink of an eye.
*****
On the night of the third day
Ive wrapped up my preparations and had my dinner.
Im currently relaxing on the rooftop and sky gazing.
What are you doing up here?
Nishino-kun
Nishino-kun greets me.
He has two cans of coffee in his hands.
He offers one to me, and I gladly drink it.
Cant sleep?
No, I was just thinking about tomorrow.
Weve done everything that could be done.
The only thing thats left is to execute the plan.
Nevertheless, its nerve-wracking.
Weve done what we could, so we should be proud even if we were to failas if.
Indeed. Failure is not an option.
Failure means our deaths.
Well be devoured by Peony and forgotten by everyone, leaving behind no evidence of our existence.
I wouldnt want such a future.
(Ive learned a lot in the past three days.)
Without being able to hunt monsters, my level didnt go up.
However, I was able to gather a lot of information.
In these three days, Ive thoroughly analyzed Peonys abilities, its biological traits, and its thought processes.
We even had an unexpected harvest thanks to Kiki.
Whats more, Ichinose-san has completed what I asked for.
(Soras eyes have completely healed as well. Were ready to go)
All thats left is to win.
Let win.
Definitely.
We clink the coffee cans in our hands and return to our respective rooms.
Afterwards, I chat with Ichinose-san for a while and stroke Momo to my hearts content before falling asleep.
*****
The next day
Were at the edge of the Safety Zone.
Peony is still standing guard in the perimeters of the town.
Standing before Peonys towering figure, I look back towards Ichinose-san and the others that are behind me.
Everyone seems to be in their position.
Yes.
We confirm each others position with Mail and go over the strategy one last time.
The operation will start in one minute.
Huuu
I exhale heavily.
Ichinose-san.
Yes.
Momo.
Wan!
Aka.
Furu furu.
Kiki
Kyu!
Sora.
Fuun.
One by one, I look at their face and nod.
The sound of something being fired is heard.
Thats the signal that indicates the beginning of the operation.
Okay. Were up first. Lets start off with a bang, Sora.
Umu.
Sora flaps her wings and soars into the sky above.
She stops just before she crosses the invisible barrier of the Safety Zone and takes a deep breath.
Cover your ears, everyone!
We all close our ears in an instant.
I wave at Sora.
Sora nods and opens her mouth.
GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
A blinding light flashes by as Soras roar echoes in the surrounding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!
The roar is accompanied by a fierce wind.
A huge column of fire appears, and Peony screeches.
Its the time for conquest!
With this, theres no turning back.
The curtain to our battle against Peony finally rises.