Chapter 32 - Inside the Labyrinth (2) (2/2)
An instant later, the thing everyone had mistaken for a protrusion suddenly changed color and began to move. The creature that had assumed the shape of a wall was actually a dark brown color, and it stood there on two legs. It began beating its c.h.e.s.t. Seemed the monster was a gorilla that could camouflage itself like a chameleon.
”A Rockmount! Watch out for its arms, they pack quite a punch!” Captain Meld's voice resounded throughout the cavern as Kouki's party prepared to engage the enemy.
Rio and Ryutarou repelled the Rockmount's enormous arms with their fists. Rio could do this fear because he enhanced his physical strength and body's durability with his mana. Meanwhile, Kouki and Shizuku shuffled to either side to flank it but were unable to properly surround it because of the rough terrain.
Realizing it couldn't get past the impenetrable wall that was Rio and Ryutarou, the Rockmount fell back and s.u.c.k.e.d in a deep breath.
”Graaaaaaaaaaah!!!” Seconds later, it looked back and roared so ferociously that the entire room shook.
”Guh!?”
”Uwaaah!?”
”Kyaaah!?”
Though the shockwave of sound that hit the students did no harm, it made everyone stiffen in fear. That was the magic Rockmounts were capable of using, ”Intimidating Roar.” It was a mana-infused roar that could temporarily paralyze all who heard it.
Kouki and the others, who took it head-on, found themselves unable to move an inch. Rio, meanwhile, faked his paralyzed state. He still kept his facade to the end. They expected to be attacked while stunned, but the Rockmount sidestepped past them, picked up a nearby boulder, and hurled it at the rear group group. And what a spectacular throw it was! It flew cleanly over the heads of the immobile front line and headed straight toward its intended target.
They all pointed their magic gun at the boulder and prepared to intercept. There was no space to dodge. However, they stopped midway, the sight of what was coming toward them shocking them into inaction.
The boulder the Rockmount had thrown was a second Rockmount! It somersaulted in the air and spread its arms wide, heading straight for Kaori. The way it spread its arms out resembled the Lupin Dive. The resemblance was so uncanny that one almost expected it to scream ”Kaori deaaaaaaaar!” as it hit her. It even had the bloodshot eyes and heavy breathing down pat. Kaori, Eri, and Suzu all screamed in terror and forgot to keep chanting. Only Hajime who was in a good state and he pulled his magic gun trigger to end the life of the creepy Rockmount.
”Oy, what do you think you're doing in the middle of a fight!? And good job with staying calm in the middle of the fight, Hajime!” Captain Meld reprimanded the girls and praised Hajime's willpower and self-control.
The girls quickly apologized, but that must've been quite the disgusting sight to see, as their faces were still pale. In fact, Kaori was hugging Hajime's left hand for her dear life. A certain someone completely snapped when he saw how rattled the girls were. Amanogawa Kouki, the class's resident self-styled hero of justice.
”Bastard... How dare you hurt Kaori and the others... I won't forgive you!” He must have mistakenly thought their paleness came from their close brush with death, and not how disgustingly creepy the Rockmount had looked. Kouki flew into a rage over that rather cliched reason. Pure white mana began leaking from his body, and almost as if in response, his holy sword began to glow.