Chapter 64 - 72: Wrath Shield (1/2)
”Meteor Sword!”
”Meteor Bow!”
Ren and Itsuki's prided Meteor Series attacks are fired at the pope, but the pope is covered by another barrier, keeping a cool face while wielding the replica spear.
Ren and Itsuki's companions also use their skills and magic, however the barrier is deployed again so nothing comes close to harming the pope.
”As expected of imposters, you only have this degree of strength.”
”Damn...”
”This is harsh. To think he would have such a hidden-card to play.”
”What did you guys even come for?!”
Even with these guys our chance of success is still almost nil.
”Do you guys even have any plan in mind?'
”Just how much long do you plan on making fun of us?”
Ren and Itsuki's weapons start to glow, but this time they charge up their energy before attacking.
”Thunder Slash!”
”Thunder Shot!”
The pope looks startled and his eyes open wide as he receives the attack, his barrier creaking.
”It's too late! I've already bought enough time!”
The barrier was destroyed due to my Self-Burning Curse last time, and Motoyasu and the rotten heroes were also able to break through it this time.
”I could still fight... But I'm out of SP.”
”That's just the whining of a loser.”
I haven't helped them so far because I did not expect them have such strong skills.
Is it too late to jump in? Have I been too cautious?
”Fufufu... foolish heroes. Did you truly think you could beat me, the wielder of the legendary weapon?”
This is troubling. The attack that took so much effort to land was healed in one go.
”If the others help suppress you, I'll defeat you. It is my duty as a hero.”
”Everyone. The aria of judgement will now commence.”
The pope's believers nod and begin to recite magic.
”All of the imposters and their companions are evil.”
Wow. Quite fanatic.
I'm not sure we can win this fight even if the reinforcements that Ren and Itsuki called show up.
”Now then, shall we finish this?”
The pope is going to seriously kill us. Brionac has been ready for a while and now he charges at us.
”Naofumi”
”What?”
Ren approaches me and asks.
”Let's combine our power and beat this guy.”
”Honestly, co-operating with you guys is far too unpleasant.”
It's impossible to successfully escape.
Furthermore, if they use the spell, ”Judgement,” again, I don't think that I can endure it.
”Someone must attack me with hostility, and then I must get in close proximity of the pope. After that, get away from me – my attack will affect anyone in range.”
The only effective weapon I have is Self-Burning Curse. If it comes to close range I should somehow manage.
”I understand.”
”Then, what are you waiting for!?”
I cast support magic on everyone and issue instructions, preparing myself to protect those who will attack with close combat from both physical and magical damage.
The heroes attack, supported by magic, their defence buffed, in an unexpectedly organized formation.
”Let's go!”
We rush towards the pope first.
The pope is ignoring us and concentrating on his skill.
The only way for me to deal a decisive blow is to receive a hit myself.
Since I regularly develop my defence, this skill requires a lot of damage to activate.
”Naofumi!”
Motoyasu's spear hits my shield, activating Self-Burning Curse.
”Uoooooooooooooooooo!”
The believers not singing the Aria of Judgement try to purify the flames, but of the barrier shatters anyway.
Immediately I cast Air Strike Shield and Change Shield, then use Hook to withdraw behind the other heroes. Hook's special effect lets me manipulate it however I want, so I tie it around my arm and use it as an anchor.
”Thunder Slash!”
”Lightening Spear!”
”Thunder Shot!”
The other heroes use their strongest skills against the pope.
”Brionac!”
However, the pope counters with his skill!
The Pope's skill and the heroes skills clash against each other, and the two side's conflicting energies fill the air with the electric crackling.
”Goooooooooooooo!”
”Yooooooooooooou!”
”Deryaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”
I am reminded of an old anime where two beams collide and fight for superiority in both offence and defense.
Tsl note: KAMEHAMEHAAAAAAAAA
Ed note: AVADAAA KEDAVRAAAAAAAA
The heroes' companions are also support them with magic, pushing the pope back little by little.