Chapter 323 Drifting Road of the Divine Tree ④

Part 2

　In an instant, the aftermath of the beam turns into a terrifying heat that burns my skin. But I do not care about the pain.

　I open my eyes widely and swallow my breath at the suddenness of the situation.

　It was definitely not intended. I do not like that human very much, but I do not hate him enough to want to kill him.
　To begin with, the deployment of the barrier was done in the spur of the moment, so I couldn’t even grasp where 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 was standing.

　However, no amount of excuses would change the reality that the beam that was deflected by our barrier swallowed 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. Even Lapis, our leader, is pale as a rock.

　The Magic that was unleashed was extremely primitive. It was a Magic that burned the enemy with an enormous amount of energy, and that was all. However, because it is so simple, there are only a limited number of ways to counter it.
　Until the moment he was attacked, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 probably didn’t think that the Magic would come towards him. After all, if Astor and her companions hadn’t put up a barrier, the attack wouldn’t have gone his way.

　My body stiffened, and my mind was whirling with unhelpful thoughts. At that moment, Kruz clings to me as if she is going to ram me.
　When she grabs my clothes, she *gakugaku* shakes me.

“Caa-Calm down, Astor! Yowaningen, is safe, desu!” (Kruz)

“!?” (Astor)

“That was dangerous…………!” (Cry)

　《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is still standing there, unchanged from before the attack. Although his words show impatience, he does not seem to be particularly afraid of the Spirit.

　That attack was definitely not something a human being could take on. Even if it was possible to do so with defensive measures such as a Barrier Ring, it would be natural for him to feel some impatience and even fear.

　However, what about this man? Contrary to what he said, he is looking at the Spirit that attacked him with the same tensionless expression as usual.

　I heard that any kind of attack would not work against 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, but it was hard to believe it even after seeing it with my own eyes.

　Even if it has lost its mind, it might still have enough of it to remain wary of the enemy who has completely blocked its attack, so the target of the Spirit’s consciousness has switched from Anthem to 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

　The power gushing from the Spirit mingled with the power that made up the Drifting Road of the Divine Tree, creating an unidentifiable atmosphere.
　It is amazing that he is unperturbed after receiving that blow, but the Spirit cannot be defeated just by blocking its attack.

　It seems that the use of a big Magic has worn it off, but the fact remains that the Spirit in front of me is the owner of overwhelming power. It is no less than a miracle that we were able to deflect the initial blow.
　It has time on its side and strength. Even for 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》, it is difficult to keep creating a barrier of that level when it attacks.

　How are we going to overcome this pinch?

　A strong wind swirls, and in an instant, a power incomparable to the one before gathers in front of the Spirit. And when that power was about to be released.

“Cry-chan, I saved her!” (Liz)

“Hh!!” (Astor)

　I look in the direction of that voice. Before I knew it, 《Absolute Shadow (Zetsu Ei)》 went around the Spirit and dragged out our kind, who had been swallowed up by it.
　The spherical body of the Spirit is cut wide open by a stick she is holding in her right hand, and we can see that its magic power is *bachibachi* gushing out from the scar.

　Maybe because she has been hit by its Magic power, her expression doesn’t seem good, but her movements are firm, and there is no hesitation or fear in her expression.

　Normally, it should be impossible to cut through a Spirit’s body, which is composed of dense Magic power, but is there some secret behind that stick?

“It is a 『Anti-Mana Metal』 rod which penetrates magical defenses. Since we are going to Yggdra, I thought we might have a chance to fight Spirits. I was right to bring it.” (Sytry)

　Says Sytry from a little distance away. Apparently, that was what she threw at the same time as when 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 spoke.

　It is hard to believe. In other words, with one single word from 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, everyone instantly grasped his strategy up to this point.

　Anthem and Lucia distract the Spirit, Sytry replenishes items and the fast-footed Liz rescues the captive.
　It is easy to say it in words, but considering that the opponent is an unknown Spirit and that the captive is unknown whether she is dead or alive, it should not be a trivial thing to carry the plan out.
　What’s more, this time, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 did not say anything specific.

　Even 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 has at least some battle formations, but it is impossible for us to work so close together.

　This is――Is this the power of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 which is regarded as the strongest young Party in the Imperial Capital?

　Sytry throws a bottle of Potion at Liz. Almost at the same time, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 points his finger at the Spirit that was standing there in a daze, and gives his first instruction.

“Attack!” (Cry)

“!?” (Astor)

　Instead of running away――Attack, you say!?
　This is foolish, there is no way we can win. If it was a living creature, a cut through its stomach would be fatal, but the opponent is a Spirit that has no material body.

　Contrary to Astor’s surprise, Lucia and Ansem begin to move. They move as if they are convinced that his instruction is correct――.

　Then Lapis, who has been confirming the situation with a keen eye, exclaims.

“Hmph…… You have shown me something interesting. We cannot just stand by and watch. We are also attacking!” (Lapis)

“Hh! Yes!” (Astor)

　If that is how it is going to be, I will do it. Lucia Roje is indeed an outstanding Magi, but even my companions and my Magic will not lose.

　I cast the spell in desperation. When the opponent is a Spirit of this caliber, I am fundamentally lacking in power. There is no point in thinking about its weaknesses.

　Various Magic attacks hit the Spirit from all directions. These attacks would have been excessive against normal Monsters, but this time, I do not feel like it is effective against this opponent.
　As I fired a series of Offensive Magic shots, I gradually became short of breath. My head ached and a sense of weariness covered my entire body. It is a phenomenon that happens when you lack Magic power, but I cannot stop now.

　The Spirit does not move, perhaps bewildered in front of this onslaught. However, in Astor’s eyes, I could clearly see that the Spirit’s enormous power is slowly fading away.

　But the difference in power is clear. If we could scrape away the Magic power that makes up its body, we would be able to defeat the Spirit, but no matter how you look at it, our power will be depleted before that of the opponent.

　The blood has already drained from both Lapis and Kruz’s faces. Even Lucia, who boasts an inhuman amount of magical power, would not be able to shave off the power of this Spirit.

　I release my technique in a trance. It is a desperate battle that I have never experienced in my life.
　One second felt like minutes or tens of minutes. My last shot, which squeezes out the last of my magical power, pierces the spirit, and I finally fall to the ground with my strength drained from my legs and my entire body.

　I feel no pain. However, there is only a feeling of emptiness that seems to sink into my whole body. I cannot even move a finger.
　The sounds of battle that my senses could perceive are also becoming sparse. While all of us are exhausted, only about 30% of the Spirits’ strength has been reduced.

　However, I should be proud that we are able to shave off 30% of its power. When it first showed up, I thought the only thing I could do was run away――.

　Finally, the sound of the attacks completely ceased. A chilling silence reigns all around.

　…… What in the world, is going on?

　I scold my body and force myself to twist my body to change my posture to get a better view.

　What came into Astor’s eyes is the appearance of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 facing the Spirit at the center of the scene where everyone has collapsed.

　However, it doesn’t look like they are fighting. It is almost like they are having a conversation――.

“No way………… The Spirit’s consciousness is………… Back?” (Astor)