Chapter 22 (1/2)

Chapter 22: 10 Second Interval

Right now, we’re behind the last corner in the pa.s.sage that leads to the dome.

We haven’t left the alternate plane, but it’s impossible to settle down in a place where the [nest] is still in line of sight, so we retreated a bit.

“In order to use [Meteor], I need to be in that dome.” (Gio)

[Meteor] should still be useable in a dungeon. But with that said, if I cast it from within the pa.s.sage here, chances are it’s going to hit a wall and explode before reaching the intended target.

“So, we’ll go down into the dome, come out of the alternate plane, then you’ll use your wizardry?” (Sedam)

“Exactly. For the 10 seconds I’ll need to do the chanting, I leave my protection to all of you.” (Gio)

“Won’t such a large explosion in that s.p.a.ce also blow us apart?” (Claura)

Despite being able to come in and out of the alternate plane as much as we want, the transfer would take another 10 seconds. So what Claura pointed out is indeed very appropriate.

“I’ll use a special spell for that. It is……” (Gio)

♥♦♣♠

Several minutes later.

“GuRUaaah!”

“GaaAAh!”

Large, reddish-brown forms are emerging from the pa.s.sage and charging into the cavern. They are ogres that I’d made with [Create Ogre Platoon]. I had the same spell charged twice, so there are 12 of them in total.

“GuRUaah!”

The ogres rush down the stone steps, then spread out to attack the [nest], the freshly sp.a.w.ned rock demon, and the other anki.

When I made them, I’d already used [Wall of Iron] to block off the back of the pa.s.sage, thus eliminating the worry of the other anki joining as reinforcements.

Of course, I don’t actually expect the ogres to destroy the [nest]. I’m sorry, but they're just the distraction.

The rock demon’s reaction to the surprise attack is very dull. The ogres’ weapons sink again and again into its rock-colored skin. But despite that, it seems that the ogres can’t seem to deal a fatal blow. There are some of them that are already being flung off by the rock demon’s swinging arms.

The anki in the vicinity of the [nest] are apparently different species from normal small demons. Some of them have reverse-jointed legs that give them jumping power similar to springs, which they are using to slash at the ogres. When I take a better look, I notice that their arms have also been altered into sharp sickle-shaped blades. True to their appearance, they are apparently called ‘sickle demons.’

The sickle demons’ attack power is quite a sight to behold. Although not to the point of one-hit-one-kill, fresh ogre blood is spurting out and splas.h.i.+ng everywhere.

“GuRUuu!”

Furthermore, arrows of fire suddenly appear next to some anki that had remained immobile near the [nest] and fly into the ogres.

“GuAh!?”

These fire arrows are much more powerful than Jyagul’s ice arrow had been. They pierce through the breastplates of several ogres and light them up like a torch.

“Those are magic demons. 10 years ago, we confirmed only 1 of them.” (Gunnah)

Vice-Commander Gunnah quickly gives us a short explanation. They are taller than small demons, and each holds a staff. I see, so there are also magician-type anki. Which means there are most likely knight-type and cleric-type ones too.

If things continue as they are, then it’ll only be a matter of time before all 12 ogres are wiped out.

But contrary to how things seem to be going……

“GyaRUuuuuu!”

Reinforcements are at hand! The large red bulk with folded wings lying in wait inside the pa.s.sage where we’re at is actually a red dragon that I’d created with the level 9 spell [Create All Monster]. Measuring 6 meters head to tail, and with a wingspan of twice that number, it’s actually just a Small one, but it is an honest-to-goodness level 12 monster.

The red dragon heads straight for the rock demon and starts gouging its durable skin with teeth and claw.

Naturally, the magic demons and other anki s.h.i.+ft their focus onto the dragon, but they are unable to deal any significant damage.

“Awesome…… At this rate, won’t they finish the job all by themselves?”

“I doubt that. At most, they can only serve as a diversion.” (Gio)

At the moment, the [nest] has yet to react in any way. However, my instinct as a gamer is shouting at me that that thing must have some last boss tier move. While it is still unresponsive despite being threatened by ogres and even a dragon, we have to hit it with our greatest firepower.

“Just like we discussed. We can’t mess this up!” (Gio)

“Who do you think you’re talking to?” (Claura)

“Of course! Leave it to me!” (Gillion)

Then everyone nods wordlessly.

♥♦♣♠

“We got out!” (Gio)

“Told you so.” (Sedam)

While the fierce battle between the ogre-dragon allied force and the anki raged on, we made our way to the floor of the dome. Of course, we didn’t charge straight ahead like idiots. Rather, we fully utilized the characteristics of [Move Outer Plane] by circling to the opposite side of the s.p.a.ce while staying within the rock walls.

Despite the trip being only several tens of meters, we were able to move forward with our sight completely sealed solely thanks to Sedam and his reliable sense of direction.

“ShaAAAah!”

“GoruuuUu!”

The dragon has the rock demon pinned down and is bathing it in its fiery breath. Its swinging tail and powerful breath has already mowed down or incinerated many of the sickle and magic demons. However, there is still no change in the all-important [nest].

Having gotten within a hundred meters of the [nest], the sense of wrongness that we felt from the start is now much, much stronger.

♥♦♣♠

Our resolve is made. Thus, we s.h.i.+ft back to the physical world.

“Gugyaahh!”

“GyuuOOOO!”

At once, the monsters’ roars and bellows and screams jump up a decibel and wash over us.

“Let’s show them the power of a Carbanera!” (Gillion)

“We’re counting on you, Wizard-dono!” (Gunnah)

Gillion, Lioria, and Vice-Commander Gunnah raise their s.h.i.+elds and stand in front of me. Sedam and Claura take my left and right. I’ve already cast [Physical Boost] and ]Enchant] on them and their weapons ahead of time. Although the duration of the buffs is short, their attack and defensive power should both be greatly enhanced.

But of course, all of that is only meant as insurance.

“By means of this spell……” (Gio)

It takes me 10 seconds to chant a spell.

Before the eyes of my Inner World self, the Door of Wizardry appears.

“KIIII!”

“ARURURU!”

Several sickle demons and magic demons have noticed us. d.a.m.n, how sharp-sighted of them. The magic demons turn their staves toward us, and the sickle demons give the blades on their arms a good glare before leaping over.

“That all you got?!” (Gillion)

“Something of this level!” (Lioria)