518 – In the Shadow of Battle (side: treant)

Volk-dono straddles lecherta-dono, and they fly up to meet Lilixira’s vanguard.
Together with Aro-dono and atlach-nacha-dono, my role is to intercept those who draw close to the ground.
Last time, I was left behind in the mine, but this time I will surely live up to master-dono’s expectations, avenge left-head master-dono, and protect Aro-dono and atlach-nacha-dono.

The reason I was able to evolve into my current form was most likely because of my desire to protect my comrades.
If I don’t fight effectively here, there’s no point.
I am lacking in strength and speed, but my ability to take a hit is great than Aro-dono’s and atlach-nacha-dono’s.

“Treant-san!”

Aro-dono calls out to me.
I twist around and nod.
I understand, Aro-dono.
I will draw all their attacks to me.
The time to show the power of a [Tyrant Guardian] is finally here.

“Please use [Physical Barrier]! For atlach-nacha too! Quickly, they’re almost here!”

『Ah… That’s right.』

…It would be best if I could cover everything, but there are many enemies.
It’s better to fight with some leeway.

“Once you’re done, hide behind me! Dragon-god-sama said that in your tree spirit form, you’re not as tough or strong!”

Oh…?

『Aro-dono… I was about to return to my original form…』

Aro-dono opens her mouth in surprise and vigorously shakes her head.

“N-no! You’ll get surrounded right away!”

“…In that stupidly big form, you can’t dodge their attacks.”

Atlach-nacha-dono pitches in, tilting her mask towards me.

『But, but, I am the toughest of all of us…!』

“The difference isn’t that large.
In the first place, Volk is tougher than you.”

……Is that so? I hadn’t realised.

I look up.
The dragon riders number about twenty… Certainly, if four of them were to attack me together, it might be too much.

『……Well, okay.
B-but, then, what should I do?』

“Umm… C-can you use magic in that form?”

Aro-dono nervously asks.

『Yes, I think I can.
But [Earth Tremor] and [Heat Ray] might be a bit difficult…』

“Then, please heal atlach-nacha as she needs it, and shoot magic with me!”

『……Okay, I understand.』

I’d like to push myself a little harder, but… N-no, the fact that I’m not able to can’t be helped.

I cast [Physical Barrier] on Aro-dono and atlach-nacha-dono.
Their resistance to physical attacks should be temporarily raised now.
Once the effect begins to weaken, I’ll cast it again… To be honest, that might be the most I can do.

I flap my small wings to float in the air behind Aro-dono.
Aro looks back at me and does a double take.

『Is something the matter, Aro-dono?』

“Sorry, treant.
It’s distracting, so please stay on the ground…” 

『M-my apologies.』

As I land on the ground, I see Volk-dono cutting through a pair of dragons far above.
The battle has finally begun.
About ten of the dragon riders are closing in on us.
Aro-dono casts magic into the sky.

“[Gale]!”

A violent windstorm appears and flies upwards.
But, the dragons are fast and the sky gives them multiple avenues of escape, so aiming it seems difficult.
The dragons split apart, neatly dodging the tornado.

『How vexing… It might be best if I draw them a bit closer.』

“Now I know how fast they are.
If it’s just that much, then I can deal with it.
The fenrirs were faster.”

Aro-dono declares without the slightest sign of worry.
As expected of Aro-dono, how strong…

“Until they get close enough, I’ll keep them in check with [Gale]! Treant and atlach-nacha, aim for them as they get disorganised!”

『U-understood!』

Following me, atlach-nacha-dono nods her head.
With these numbers, we’ll be at a disadvantage if they surround us.
It’s preferable to fight at a medium distance to wear them out.

“[Gale]!”

Aro-dono produces another tornado.
I shoot out a [Clay Sphere], and atlach-nacha-dono shoots out a [Dark Sphere] to attack the dragon riders as they scatter from the tornado… Unfortunately, my [Clay Sphere] doesn’t hit.
But, atlach-nacha-dono’s [Dark Sphere] hits one of the dragons’ chests in a spray of blood, causing it to then spiral towards the ground.

G-great, this should be enough to steadily reduce their numbers.

“According to Saint-sama, their ranks range from upper B to lower A! Don’t rush it! Fight slowly and deliberately! Don’t try the impossible, and if it gets dangerous fall back! Fight with an aim to win a battle of attrition!”

One of the dragon riders, a fat man, calls out to his allies.

It’s a plan to exhaust our mana.
However, that strategy probably favours us.
If they stay above to try and drain our mana, then Volk-dono will be able to take them out.
As long as we can reduce their numbers a little, we can focus only on the ones that draw close to keep our mana consumption low.
Once their numbers are reduced enough, I can release my [Tree Spiritisation] and rampage…!

“I didn’t think I would meet you at the edge of the world like this, legendary swordsman, [Ascetic]! As a fellow swordsman, I challenge you to a duel! But, this place has too many hindrances.
If you accept my challenge, then follow!”

Looking up, I see Volk-dono flying away from us.
A short moment later, a dragon carrying two soldiers flies after him.

『V-V-Volk-dono! That’s not the plan…!』

While we fought from the ground, Volk-dono was to fight from the sky to deny them a terrain advantage.
The one who proposed that strategy was none other than Volk-dono himself.
I had thought he wasn’t the sort to recklessly discard his own plan…

“D-did something happen…?”

Aro-dono anxiously looks at Volk-dono’s back as he flies away.
Another dragon, faster than the rest, flies down nest to the fat man.

“He will be left to Howgrey-dono.
I will resume command here.”

“Hah! Understood, Alexio-sama!”

Atop the dragon is a blond-haired, blue-eyed man.

“He was fighting on equal terms with Volk-san until just now…”

Aro murmurs.

『O-on equal terms with that Volk-dono!?』

It’s unbelievable… Even without the other soldiers, that man could probably fight us by himself.

“If we take our time too much, the evil dragon might come.
I will take the vanguard, charge together!”

Alexio readies his sword and looks down at us.