"....... Let's play a big game.

　I'm not a fan of disposable items and boss battles, as I'm the type of person who can get through a game without ever using an elixir, but I don't want to get hurt by it.

Well... I'm sure you'll be happy to know that the amount of time you spend struggling here can be paid for by hunting down demons.
You're right, if I may say so myself.

　If you go into the forest and hunt one of the Stub Burrows, you can cover the cost of a few explosive arrows.

　I know that.
　But it feels like a waste.
　That's poverty.

Shall we do it then?
"Yes.

　Once you've made up your mind, there's no need to hold back.

　Four more branches fall from the explosive arrows and the explosive flames that explode in rapid succession.

　As expected, there were no more branches that could reach my location, and Haruka's safety was secured behind them.

　I would have liked to continue to cover the other areas, but there was a problem.
　It was a huge branch that was still lying on the ground.

　It didn't matter to us who were attacking from a distance, but to Toya and the others who were wielding weapons near the roots, it was a dangerous obstacle.

　I couldn't just leave it there, so I took out a rope and hastily wrapped it around the branch.

"Okay, Haruka!　Pull!
"Yeah!

　The two of us dragged the branch away from the battle area.
　It was a branch, but it was a size. It's almost the same as cutting down a tree.
　That's four branches in total. It's hard work.
　The two of us finished our work, breathing hard, and checked the status of the other three.
　Mitya seemed to have the most leeway since he hadn't attacked, but all the branches were still intact.

　Natsuki was able to remove some branches, but due to the weapon she was using, she was not able to deal with the thicker parts.

　Of the three, Yuki seems to be the one with the least room.



　In addition to the difference in physical ability, one of the factors is probably the fact that the branches that fell from the flames are blocking their movement.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Copy that.

　I'm not sure what to do.

　I'm not sure what to do. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.



I'm not sure what to do.　It's dangerous!

　We decided to deal with it with magic and explosive arrows, and it took about 30 minutes.
　The battle was still going on.

　Most of Yuki and I's magic, plus Haruka's explosive arrows, eliminated the overhead attacks, but Elder Trent was not so naive that it would end there.

　As the upper part of the body became lighter, the attack of the roots became more fierce, and they even attacked from underground to the ground, extending their roots as if they were thrusting.

　It was this attack that made Toya jump back in panic.

　I can't help but shudder at the sight of the thin roots stretching out as if they were aiming for Toya's buttocks. In a double sense.

　Of course, Elder Trent may not have meant to do that, but I definitely don't want to be stabbed in the ass and die.

　Even if you're lucky enough to survive, it's pretty humiliating to have to ask Haruka or Natsuki to heal you, even if it's with ...... magic.

　Fortunately, you can manage to perceive them with your [Enemy Search] skill.

"Hey, Nao. Can't you do something?
I can't. I can't. If I use any more of my magic power, it will interfere with my actions.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

　The branches broke under their own weight, but not the roots, which could be repaired if damaged to some extent.

　Even so, I was able to tear out a number of roots by concentrating my attacks, but Yuki and I's magic power, as well as Haruka's arrows, were already gone.

　So the five of us, minus Mitya and Haruka, are surrounding the area and chipping away at it little by little.

　The job of Haruka and the other two is to clean up the cut roots.

　If they stepped on the roots and fell, they might be pierced through the body, so this was a simple but important role.

But I think we're almost there, aren't we?

Why?

We haven't moved since a while ago. It would be better if there were no more roots to move ......, right?



"Just hope!　But yes. It's a possibility.

　If it moves, it will fall.

　If Natsuki is right and we can reduce the roots to that level, we'll be saved. .......

I hope so. I really hope you're right. It's just too hard.

　I nodded to Toya, who continued to attack while breathing hard, and raised the Bardiche.

　However, despite Toya's hopes, it would be another 30 minutes before Elder Trent was defeated.

　　　　I'm not sure what to say.

"Hahahaha!　Finally!
I'm so tired. ......

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

　Even though they had been given "Recover Strength" several times along the way, they had been on the move for over an hour with their nerves worn out. I suppose it can't be helped.

　Elder Trent is still wriggling his roots a bit, but he's probably not going to get up from that state. ...... No, he's not going to relax.

Yuki, Natsuki, let's cut the roots.
Yes.
Yeah, I think he's still alive.
Me, help!
Okay. Then you and Natsuki pair up on the other side.
All right!

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

　But just to be safe, we kept hitting it with the axe until the [Search Engine] response completely disappeared, and finally our defeat of Elder Trent came to an end.

We managed to defeat them without incident.
"Good work. Are you hurt?



　Toja and Mary raised their hands in response to Haruka's question.

I've got a broken arm and finger. I don't think they're broken. ......
I was hit in the chest ...... and it hurts a bit.

　It was apparently impossible to avoid all of those attacks.
　She was hit in several other places, but that seemed to be the worst.

So, let's start with Mary. ...... Oh, and Toya and Nao, turn around and keep an eye on your surroundings.

"Yes, sir.

　Chainmail is a pretty good protective gear, but the downside is that you can't even see the affected area until you take it all off.

　We turned toward the forest so that we wouldn't see Mary, and concentrated on [searching for the enemy].

　Even though we had been brawling for quite a long time, there was no change in the appearance of the forest, as if other demons were not allowed to enter the boss area.

　I'm grateful for that, because it's impossible for a small group of players to kill the monsters if they keep gathering there, but it's a little strange, considering that the boss can leave the boss room.

　Well, it's a dungeon, so there are plenty of strange things.

Oh, that's a broken rib. Mary, you've persevered. "Cure.

"Oh, thank you, that's much better. It was painful to breathe. ......

That's true. How could you fight in that condition? You could have taken over, you know.

No, I'm the vanguard!

　From what I could hear, Mary's injuries were quite severe.

　It was inevitable that she would get hurt as an adventurer, and it was her own choice, but considering Mary's age, was it a bit arrogant to feel sorry for her?

"Hey, can I turn around now?　I'd like you to treat me too.
"Hold on, ......, yeah, sure.

　I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

I'll take care of it.

　As soon as she said that, Toya also started to take off her armor, but she occasionally frowned, as if it hurt to move her arm.

I'll help you.


Oh, I'm sorry. Thanks.
Oh, no, no, no. There you go, Toya. There you go.
"I'm a kid!

　I'm just a kid!" He argued, but there was no doubt that the pain was severe.

　With Natsuki's help, he pulls out the chainmail from Toya, who sits there and hails him.

　He also took off his armor to expose his injured arm. .......