Continent 2
"How many are left, Chong!?"
"Less than 70! I'll leave the rest to you guys—I'll join back soon!"
"Got it!! Rest up, we'll handle the rest!"
"Drop the barrier!! Prep MP potions!!!"
Vwingggg!!
"Let's go!!!!!!!"
"OOOOOHHHHH!!!!" x1000+
After the ferocious attack from the man acknowledged by all ends, the signal to lower the monster-blocking barrier rings out. Battle cries echo across the city, followed by a massive charge of brave adventurers rushing to strike down the monsters that survived the onslaught.
"Chong! Where ya going? Not helping the team?"
"Yeah, are you exhausted from that power?"
"Charin, Jury, go help the others. I'll catch up!"
"Alright!" x2
Chong Jin-gu, called by his last name so often it's stuck, the young man who unleashed that massive attack, still has plenty of strength to help take down the remaining monsters. But he can't shake the earlier incident with Fipa (me) going berserk, so he declines to join the adventurers and his party.
Manta (true body) HP-4
Dash!
He zooms toward Fipa, who's struggling to break free from the binding skills of his heavy-armored shadow soldier and four other shadow warriors, with lightning speed.
"Let go… Urgh… I said let go, didn't I!?"
"Who are you, really…? Red… I mean, Grand Redic, that shadow, LV.550, got taken out by a single arm swing from you."
"Uh… Urgh… I-I…"
Damn it!!! How do I answer this!? This is way off-script! I'm usually the master of planning everything perfectly, but I never expected this situation!!!
Swish!
"And what's your real goal? Why'd you try to stop me from casting that power?"
He leans in, staring Fipa down up close. What's this, the hero glaring at the captured heroine? Straight out of a romantic slap-kiss drama!
"L-Let me go first, then I'll talk!"
"Your eyes scream you're up to no good, don't they?"
Freaking genius detective!
Hearing that, Fipa looks away.
Think, think…
It's the most awkward moment ever. Sure, Fipa's strength right now outclasses these shadow warriors, but escaping? Nope. Vanishing outright? Can't. Using that crazy power from earlier? Bad idea… This body doesn't have any god-tier skills to show off or slip away with—just Bipe's skills, but stupidly overleveled…
Worst of all! The Goddess is watching this mess!
Bluff? How do I bluff…
"Not gonna talk, huh? Guess I've got no choice but to force it out of you."
What's this guy planning…? Don't tell me he's gonna…
Zoom!!
Suddenly, a shadow warrior resembling a human woman appears, casting some skill on Fipa.
[Status]
Monster Name: Fipa
Monster: Bipe
Race: Bird/Humanoid Monster, LV.1288
Grade: Very Rare, Rank: SS
[Status]
No way… This guy has a minion that can check others' stats without a device!?
"A humanoid monster, LV.1200?! No, disguised as a human to stop my attack? What's your real goal!?"
Chong looks even more suspicious, stepping back from Fipa and raising his weapon.
This is bad—really bad!!! A monster like this exists in this world!? I knew they did, but it shouldn't show up here! Branch of CurseHBless, help me! If those angels are questioning this, drop Manta's HP!
…
No drop? A save, huh? What's that mean? These chicks think it's normal for a monster this strong to blend in as a human and pull stunts like this? Has this happened before…?
Whatever, fine! At least it's good. If that's the case, I'll break free and bolt!!!
Revert to Trueform!!
Flash!
"Coo!!!!"
"Reverted to Bipe? That's a real Bipe!? But Very Rare grade, huh."
With a smaller body, all the traps and bindings slip off.
Haha, I'm free, you idiot!! I didn't escape earlier 'cause I was scared the Goddess would get suspicious, but now? See ya!!!
Crack!! Zzap!!
"Coooo!!!!!!!"
Before I could fly off, an electric net of energy surrounds the area in all directions. Fipa crashes into it, taking massive damage, falling to the ground, and reverting to human form to reduce the pain.
"Urgh…"
This guy's too strong… Not just the highest-level hero I've ever faced, but his tricks are insane! What kind of blessing did he get? Or is he like me?
"I knew you'd try to run… If you don't spill everything, don't blame me for what comes next."
Clang!
He presses his sword to Fika's throat, issuing an ultimatum. His eyes burn with resolve—if I don't comply, he's for real…
Pretty cool, huh? But if I die, you won't get my secrets, buddy! And I'll get to test my full power against a hero… I won't die that easily!
"If you're gonna push me this far… then let's fight!"
"…Fine… Die, then!"
End of Chapter 67
If You're Gonna Force Me… Let's Fight!