Day 311-320/Day 320

Day 320

Google Translation, needs cleaning/editing and a few correct translations

[Ed note: Only probably around 10 lines need to be done everything else is complete,its only names and few others,main Tl can replace it with proper names.Its no more a google translation as it 96 edited&cleaned ]

Whoever wrote this ED Note above this sentence, you gave me a huge headache. It's not even proper grammar and the google translate even did it better. Major edits on the Dragotaurus perspective since there are a lot of mistranslations. -DarthCzy

Edited a bit for grammar and missing words, as well as changing a word or two. -riverson24

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Day 320

Festival Day 10

I'm paying attention to Rusty Iron Knight today.

Rusty Iron Knight's event is [Cavalry Battle].

The skeleton cavalry group that Scarface led was enchanted by magic that allows them to occasionally defeat all enemies in front of them, the reason being that the person left at the end will win the Cavalry Battle.

Because Familiars will be used to ride and fight in the [Cavalry Battle], today's event will focus on training to mount and ride Familiars since we haven't previously.

With the general improvement of combat technology, besides Goblin Riders and those who possess [Job - Knight], Black Wolves are cooperating in groups to assist individuals who have little experience riding [Familiars].

Therefore, to keep the experience gained from the training combat from being too low, the number of people riding [Familiars] will be kept at a minimum. This cavalry warfare will also be considered a training exercise for future plans.

For now, the skeleton cavalry team began to align their numbers under the order of the Black Skeleton Horse Soldier, Scarface, whom has an appearance similar to a skeleton version of a centaur.

Being reasonably strong and suitable for this purpose, he would be the perfect training partner.

Receiving strength from the title [Annihilation Corpse] while commanding the skeleton cavalry team, Scarface will be much more difficult to defeat.

■ ◎ ■

[A certain Half-Lord Dragotaurus' perspective]

One kilometer into the large forest, there was an open field.

On the ground spread nutrient-rich black soil. Supported by this fertility was a battlefield wherein countless cavalry began preparing to converge.

Among the 300 cavalry standing here, the enemy numbers a thousand, forming an orderly formation.

Leading the cavalry of black skeleton knights was the fearsome commander, Scarface.

Individually, the enemy's average strength isn't that high, but the commander class with Scarface at the top is exceptional. In addition, the movement and strength of an army lead by a commander as if it's one gigantic creature is so great that you can feel it in your body.

Furthermore, with the fact that more undead can be reproduced and can begin to outnumber you, one shouldn't hesitate if it becomes necessary to withdraw.

Therefore, determined not to be tricked by the hallucinations of the muddy stream of bones created by our formidable enemies, we strengthen our minds.

"Oh, what a wonderful battlefield."

Voicing the joy that begins to spring from the mind, you mind will dance to the excitement of the coming battle.

On the plains battlefield stood a Half-Lord Dragotaurus.

The dragon's lower torso, limbs and tail runs across the ground much faster than a horse and the humanoid upper body that wears armor crushes the enemies. It is a habit engraved in instinct, it's hard to control it at will.

The same applies with the half-horse Centaurs, who are also close relatives, and are calmly confirming their bows with excitement. I'm not the one who's weird, this is normal.

(ED Note: The weird part about them being excited with facing a lot of enemies.)

It was not only instinct that inspires my species but, in fact, the presence of our king who oversees us.

"Look at my spear!" 

The right hand that held the spear [Flame Dragon Spear Forbard] was raised towards the heavens.

Made from fire dragon bones and tusks, along with flame bag in the throat that's like a shining crimson lotus.

(ED Note:I don't know what that Guren is supposed to be since it's translated as such by GT and MT)

(ED Note:There was the Guren word there, but to overcome that word, I took the kanji that made up the word Guren, translate each kanji and take the literal meaning of all the kanji since it makes sense, which in this case is deep red lotus, which can be rewritten as crimson lotus)

The pike harbors the dragon flames of a majestic dragon, burning intensely as if it were alive. The magic spear that embodies the tremendous ability of a fire dragon that burns everything.

"Please look at my shield!"

I swung my left hand that held the [Earth Shield Asgabard] towards the ground. The scales from the robust earth dragons are piled up in layers, its size enough to cover my body. On the bottom of the Earth Shield Asgabard is a pile that can not only be used for defense, but can also be used for offense.

[ED Note:Pile is like the thing launched on Pile Bunkers. I would translate it into spike, but I think Pile is something else compared to a spike]

The thick and sharp stakes made from the tailbone of the earth dragon that potrudes slightly digs deep on the ground and by fixing itself on the ground, the shield becomes an immovable wall that stops any attacks.

"And my assault, finally see it!"

Wrapping the human upper half and the horse lower body was a scale mail that can produce fierce winds, [Wind Dragon Scale Mail Wibrubard]. Using the light and strong scales of a Wind Dragon and its hair is so light that even though it wraps the whole body, it doesn't have any weight yet defensively stronger than steel armor.

The resulting wind repels the enemy's attack, willingly bringing mobility that can overrun anyone.

In addition to this, I am fully equipped with magic items and pledged victory.

Even if the enemy in front is incredibly powerful, there is no choice of retreat. I wish to present my victory to my King.

"Haha, haha, haha!"

My blood intensifies before the battle. The atmosphere is making me excited.

Thanks to my dragon blood, my power increases as my fighting spirit intensifies and my magical power increases the more I get excited.

"Calm yourself, Labra-dono. Too much fighting spirit would lead to recklessness. Unreasonable assaults won't work against such opponents."

"Of course, I understand. I just can't help it."

In front of the battlefield, comrade Duke Raven called out to me who is getting too excited.

Comrade Duke Raven is a Headless Knight [ Dullahan ] who is dressed in a spartan like armor and holds a knightly spear and a shield in his right hand while the left hand is holding onto the reins of his horse [Headless Horse-Koshuta-Bower].

(TN:Even the horse is headless, damn how do they tell their sense of direction, ANS: Like a mantis with no head can live a while but with magic)

As an unparalleled spearman and swordsman, his attacks while riding his horse is so sharp that it fascinates me. It strikes the enemy like thunder and cuts through the enemy's defenses with the knight's sword in his waste.

He is a reliable comrade, and also a close friend who works hard.

"My king is present, is he watching!?"

"I understand what you are currently feeling, but you need to calm down. In order to not show any unsightliness, keep you fighting spirit in check until the time comes."

The ever calm and composed Duke restrained me.

Certainly so, the battle is about to begin and I can see the overseer, Rusty Iron Knight, is about to start.

I suppose that we shall wait for that time while improving our magical power. "...Yosh, let's get started! Are you all ready!? Well then, begin!"

[ED Note: I find this part hilarious since even though I'm using Google Translate, I never got what the original TL got. I even read the japanese version and even I know the meaning of the words, which is most commonly used in anime. Here is the original TL:"......The Cattle is is nice and prepared, get ready to start."]

After a while, the declaration to start was sounded by the Rusty Iron Knight.

At the same time, the assault begun. Not just ours, but also the skeleton cavalry's.

"Uoooo Ooooo Ooooo, Keep going!!"

"Do not disturb the ranks, continue without reducing the speed!"

As we persistently advance forward while maintaining an arrowhead formation, the skeleton cavalry group, led by Scarface, was constructed into an assault formation called [Trident Formation].

The Trident formation appears like a 3-pronged trident where it penetrates 3 points and those caught in between these points are pinched and crushed. It's a double-edged sword that would easily collapse without excellent cooperation.

However, due to their characteristics, the Skeleton Cavalry won't be easily disturbed and the destructive power would be beyond imagination.

"Uoooo Ooooo!"

The most important part of the [Trident Formation], which is the center point, is naturally Scarface, and at both sides of the pike were heavily armed commander-class Black Death Cavalry Knights that kept the cavalry firm.

If we are hit from the front, then Scarface will be able to crush the formation, which will inevitably lead to us being destroyed by a pincer attack from both sides. Because of that, it was inevitably determined that the front breakthrough is impossible.

"Concentrate at the front!"

Aiming at one of the Black Death Cavalry Knight at the front is easier than Scarface.

Though I can charge towards the left or the right, considering the terrain that is open to the right, I immediately chose the right.

Although the course is slightly tilted, it's hard to aim well since the enemies would also make fine adjustments. If you stick to a path, the formation would be divided by Scarface.

Therefore, those who use long-range [Magic] attacks, attempted to interfere with the Scarface who stood in the way of our course.

A rock wall rising from the ground. A wall of flame that burns in pale colors. There are various way to interfere with them, such as an arrow of a strong bow that can pierce through shields.

I thought that it's impossible to pass through those that has been stacked in layers.

"Gatatatatatatata"

Scarface moved his chin a little and collide with his teeth to make a strange noise.

The three heads of Scarface, including those on his lower body, opened their mouths and with an image that looked like that of a cereberus.

(ED:i think this is what the author meant)(ED: Check Scarface's wiki page to see for yourself)

From each of the mouths three different types of attack were emitted; a hell fire that will dissolve even metal in a short period of time, huge amounts of charging water that is like flash flood, and countless amount of stones that are about the size of a child's head, were shot out of each mouth one after another.

The attacks not only destroyed the obstructions, but also attacked me, who was running, dampening my charge and clashing with the [Earth Shield Asgabard]

The high-temperature fire that made even breathing difficult, the high-pressure water that discharged an electric shock when touched, and the sturdy bullets of stone that's constantly being pelted were blocked by Asgabard. (???Devin moths driven to the light)

"Gunuuuooooooooooooo!"

However, the pressure is terrible, it seemed like I would be defeated without wondering if I could exert any force in my body.

To begin with, Scarface was allowed, as a creation of my king, to have a variety of performance enhancements.

One of them is an attack that was similar to the [Dragon Breath] technique of the dragon species.

I knew about it in advanced, so I have prepared for such an attack.

My role is to take the lead and charge, and to receive the enemy's attacks faster and to help the others.

"Labra-dono, splendid work!"

Attacks also eventually began to wane.

When the attacks stopped, the distance was pretty small, but due to the many obstructions in Scarface's formation and the left side being destroyed, the distance became large to the right side.

Although not perfect, the objective was achieved, it was an opportunity to cut the enemy forces.

"Comrade Duke, let's give up on the first spear!"

Duke without his head is now running faster than me, who has lost momentum.

"Iyaaaaaaaa" [ED Note: It could just be a noise or can mean "Nooooooo". I can't decide which is which just based on context so I'll leave it like this]

Along with a strong spirit that tears anything, the knight's spear, that's wielded as sharp as thunder, diverted the knight's spear that's held by the Black Death Cavalry Knight, and proceeded to hit its sternum.

Both of their momentums was fatal, and their bones kept on shattering without fear. 

Subsequent attacks also continued to go after the Duke, bored into by the enemy.

The momentum gained here was dominant, and the enemy was overrun and shattered. If you look at it as an individual, this is superior, and if you do not make it as a group, it will be a natural end.

(ED Note:I don't get what it's saying so I can't edit it to make it simpler. If you understand this part, do change it.)

But without haste, Scarface allows it to easily catch up .

"Gatatatatata"

Scarface raised his four pairs of arms, following after the leader of the charge.

Holding seven living body weapons - [Fish Bone Great Sword (Fish Spikes Sword of Broken Blade}], [Hatchet of Sacrifice Killing], and [Morning Star of Grinding], [Right Hand - Square Shield], [ Left hand - Light Tower Shield], [Long Spear of the Scorpion], [Synthetic Composite Longbow] and gripping the bone spear stretched out on the side arm that was folded on the side of the lower body.

Despite the concentration of close -distance and long-distance attacks such as arrows and throwing swords, it was all destroyed by Scarface's attack which moves as if leaving a black afterimage.

Scarface faced us through the stormy attacks, but we were all speeding towards each other, so we passed through each other for a moment.

"What a hunt for a single moment!"

However, with that alone, he was able to make at least 20 drop out.

More people were exposed to Scarface's attack and were injured.

"Gatatatatata"

Scarface, who excels in maneuverability, defense and attack, is calmly observing us with his 2 skulls while controlling th 100 skeleton cavalry.

Drawing slowly in a big arc while letting out a sound as if it was mocking, the extent of damage has begun trimming the assault formation again.

It is also the same for us, who are one step away from colliding once again.

"Oh, oh. Again ~Tsu yoshi~tsu."(ED: Yoshi=Ok now,all right )

Seesawing, the gas will continue to rise in the blood alongside the meat dance battle.

The fiery consuming magic, we like Kakeru.

"Exactly, here ya go! This is the battlefield that thrills mel ~Spits~."

But while Takeri the enemy and destroyer plugs holes. We like the battlefield was applied.

■ ◎ ■

Occasionally, it was a good time spent strengthening up with Scarface , and we were also able to study the fashion of cavalry battles in its own way.

But it is also good that there were individuals of different strengths in the cavalry battle, it was quite useful because such members that are familiar with the basic way of cavalry battles may become a model for other team members.

Especially the Dragotaurus Toka Centaur, his performance was excellent.

Well, still but a translation direction of Scarface is strong.

What, generation trying to brag mainly.

Anyway, the festival's final day is tomorrow.

At the end, we all watched big-ass fireworks display, and committed to remove the fatigue and nourish all of the excellent talent.

To experience all of the events till the festival's last day, there were only a few members who did not drop out, it is willing Nante I'll do Tatakikon to everyone that hit rock bottom.

Stomachs full of delicious rice being eaten, and good dreams.

As I lie on the bed to sleep..

[World Psalm [Black Eclipse Demon Story] 18 Demon Warlords Oniwaka [Rank Up] (Evolution)] [Condition "1" With the [Presence Evolution Rank-up] clear, title [Rampaging King] is awarded]

The Announcement was heard in the verge of consciousness that was interrupted.

Slightly later than Auro and Argento, apparently Oniwaka also seems to have [Rank Up] (Evolution).

Because there was also other results to be expected of, I quickly fell asleep.

BACK TO TOP

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Day 319 == Day 320 == Day 321

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PLACE TRANSLATIONS ABOVE THE BAR. THESE ARE THE RAWS, LEAVE THEM HERE UNTIL SOMEONE DOES A REAL TRANSLATION (NOT JUST A GT OR RUSSIAN TRANS). CLICK EXPAND TO VIEW THEM.

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　“三百二十日目”

　祭り十日目。

　今日は鈍鉄騎士のところに注目してみようと思う。

　鈍鉄騎士の催しモノは“騎馬戦”だ。

　ちょいちょいと魔改造しているスカーフェイスが率いる骸骨騎兵団を相手に、騎乗した状態で眼前の敵を全て叩き落とし、最後まで誰かが残っていれば勝ち、という内容だ。

　≪使い魔≫に騎乗し戦うというのは、これまでは重点的に鍛えていなかった部分になる。

　個としての戦闘技術の向上や、集団としての連携を主に伸ばしていたので、ブラックウルフに騎乗するゴブリンライダーや【騎士】持ちなどの例外を除いて【騎乗】を得意とする者は少ない。

　騎乗できる≪使い魔≫の数は十分居るし、最低限乗れる程度には鍛えているが、今後平原で騎乗戦になる事も考え、多少無茶でも実戦経験を積んでおくべきだろう。

　とりあえず、骸骨騎兵団はケンタウロスのスケルトン版とも言えるブラックスケルトン・ホースソルジャーをメインに数を揃えてみた。

　それなりに強く、目的にも適しているので、訓練相手にはうってつけだろうさ。

　まあ、骸骨騎兵団を率いる、【殲滅骸(せんめつがい)】という称号を得て飛躍的に強くなっているスカーフェイスを倒すのは一苦労するだろうけどな。

■　◎　■

【とある半竜馬(ドラゴタウロス)視点】

　大森林の中にある一キロメルトル四方の開けた一画。

　豊穣を支える栄養豊富な柔い黒土が広がるそこは、無数の騎馬達が穂先を交えるために用意された戦場だった。

　そこに立つ我ら三百騎に対し、整然たる隊列を組む敵は約千騎。

　恐るべきスカーフェイスに率いられし黒骨の騎兵隊である。

　敵の平均的な個体としての能力はさほど高くは無いようだが、スカーフェイスを筆頭とした指揮官級などは別格であり、また一糸乱れぬ統率された動きは巨大生物のように一体的で、その強さがヒシヒシと身体で感じられる。

　また死んでも代わりがいる生成体である故に、自爆すら躊躇わず実行してくる事だろう。

　まるで骨の濁流であるかのような幻覚を見て、油断ならぬ強敵だと判断し気を引き締める。

「おお、おお。素晴らしきかな、我が戦場よ」

　それでいて内心から湧き出す歓喜を声と化せば、奮い立つ戦意に身が踊る。

　平原での決戦こそ我等半竜馬(ドラゴタウロス)の本能が滾る戦場よ。

　竜の胴と四肢と尾を持つ下半身は大地を馬よりも遥かに速く駆け、ヒト型の上半身で振るう武具は敵を粉砕する。それは本能として刻まれた習性であり、意思でこの感情をどうこうするのは困難だ。

　近親種でもある半人馬(ケンタウロス)達も同じようで、手にする弓の調子を興奮しながらも冷静に確かめている。我だけが変なのではない、これが普通なのだ。

　それに何より、我が王も見ておられるのだ。種としての本能だけでなく、ここで奮起せずして何とする。

「我が槍捌き、とくとご覧あれッ」

　右手に持つ【火炎竜槍フォルバルド】を天に突き出すように掲げた。

　火竜の骨と牙、そして喉にある火炎袋を素材に造られた愛槍は紅蓮に輝いている。

　竜の威容を宿した穂先には竜炎が宿り、生きているが如く燃え盛る。掠れば燃やし、突き刺せば焼き尽くす、恐るべき火竜の能力を体現した魔槍である。

「我が盾使い、とくとご覧あれッ」

　左手に持つ【大地竜盾アスガバルド】を大地に振り下ろす。

　堅牢な地竜の竜殻を幾重にも重ね、我が体躯を隠すほど大型のアスガバルドの下部には、守るだけでなく攻撃にも使える杭が備わっている。

　少しはみ出している地竜の尾骨で造られた太く鋭利な杭は大地に深く食い込み、大地に固定された事によって一切の攻撃を防ぐ不動の城壁と化した。

「そして我が襲歩、とくとご覧あれッ」

　ヒトの上半身と竜馬である下半身を包む【風竜鱗鎧ウィブルバルド】が風を生じさせる。

　風竜の軽く強靭な竜鱗や体毛などで造られたウィブルバルドは全身を包んでいても重量を殆ど感じないほど軽く、それでいて防御力は鋼鉄製の防具よりも遥かに高い。

　また生じる風は敵の攻撃を弾き、轢殺させる機動性を齎してくれている。

　その他にも複数のマジックアイテムを身に帯びた完全武装の我、ここに勝利を誓わん。

　例え眼前の敵が強大だろうとも、後退する事はありえぬ。我が王に勝利を、それだけが我の願いである。

「いざッ、いざッ、いざッ！」

　戦いを前に血が猛る。興奮で胸が躍る。

　竜の血が流れるからか、戦意が猛る毎に力も漲り、興奮する事に魔力が増した。

「落ち着かれよ、ラブラ殿。過ぎたる戦意は時として無謀を行う。あれを相手に、無茶な突撃は通用せぬぞ」

「無論、我も良く理解している。されどこの滾りは止みはせぬ」

　戦場を前に、興奮する我に声をかけたのは戦友デューク・ラーベンである。

　“首無し騎士(デュラハン)”である戦友デュークは質実剛健な全身鎧を身に纏い、右手には騎士槍を、左手には盾と騎乗している“首無し馬(コシュタ・バワー)”の手綱を握っている。

　類稀なる槍術と剣術の使い手であり、愛馬であるコシュタ・バワーとの人馬一体から繰り出される攻撃は惚れ惚れするほど鋭い。まるで雷鳴のように敵を穿ち、腰にある騎士剣を抜けば敵の防御をすり抜けるように切り殺す。

　信頼できる戦友であり、切磋琢磨している親友でもあった。

「我が王が見ておられるのだ、見ておられるのだぞッ！？」

「分かっているとも、私もその気持ちはよく分かるとも。しかしだからこそ、落ち着かれよ。無様を晒さぬために、時が来るまでその猛りを内心で溜めておくのだ」

　穏やかとすら思える声音のデュークは、我をそう制した。

　確かに戦はもうすぐ始まる段階に来ており、監督官である鈍鉄騎士殿がそろそろ開始しようとしている素振りが見受けられた。

　ならばその時まで、我も魔力を練り上げて待つとしよう。

『……うし、始めるぞ！　用意はいいなッ！？　では、開始ッ』

　しばらくし、鈍鉄騎士殿による開始の宣言が響いた。

　それと同時に突撃を開始する。我等だけでなく、骸骨騎兵団も同様だった。

「オオオオオオオオオオオオオオオッ、我に続けェッ！！」

「隊列を乱すなッ、速度を落とさず突き抜けろッ！」

　まるで矢尻のような陣形を維持したまま進む我等に対し、スカーフェイス率いる骸骨騎兵団は【トライオルの激動】と呼ばれる突撃陣形を構築した。

　まるで三叉の矛(トライデント)のように突出した三点で敵を穿ち、三点の間に入り込んだ敵は挟撃して磨り潰すという攻撃的な陣形は、優れた連携が無ければ容易に崩れる諸刃の剣である。

　しかし骸骨騎兵団はその特性から乱れというものが無く、その破壊力は想像を超えるだろう。

「オオオオオオオオオオオッ！」

　【トライオルの激動】で最も重要な中央の穂先は当然のようにスカーフェイスであり、その両隣の穂先はブラックデスナイト・キャバルリという重武装した指揮官級が固めている。

　正面から当たれば、個として優れるスカーフェイスに我等の陣形は砕かれ、両の穂先によって挟撃されて壊滅するのは必至。ならばこそ、正面突破は不可能と判断せざるを得ない。

「正面右に集中せよッ！」

　狙うはスカーフェイスよりはまだ楽なブラックデスナイト・キャバルリ一択である。

　左右に居るが、右側の方により開けた空間がある地形上、即座に右を選択した。

　進路をやや傾けつつ疾走するが、敵も微調整してくるので上手く狙えない。無理に固執すれば、スカーフェイスに陣形を分断されかねない。

　その為【魔法】などの遠距離攻撃を使える者達が思い思いにスカーフェイス達の進路を妨害しようとした。

　地面から隆起する岩の壁。青白く燃え盛る炎の境界。渦を巻く水の城壁。盾を貫く強弓の一矢など、妨害方法は多種多様だ。

　幾重にも重ねられたそれ等は、容易に踏破できない、と思われたのだが。

『ガタタタタタタタタタッ』

　邪魔をするなとばかりに、スカーフェイスは顎を小刻みに動かし歯を衝突させて異音を発す。

　そして下半身にあるまるでケルベロスのような三つの竜頭が口を開いた。

　それぞれの口からは金属すら短時間で溶解させるだろう業火、鉄砲水のように膨大な量がある帯電水、一つ一つが子供の頭ほどの大きさがある無数の石礫、という三種の攻撃が放たれる。

　それ等は妨害しようとした一切を消し飛ばしただけでなく、やや減衰しながらも先頭を走っていた我にまで襲いかかり、構えた【大地竜盾アスガバルド】と激突した。

　呼吸すら困難なほど高温の業火が、触れるだけで感電する高圧水の放流が、絶え間なく射出される高硬度の石の弾丸が、しかしアスガバルドによって防がれる。

「グヌウウウオオオオオオオオオオオッ」

　しかしその重圧は凄まじく、全身から力を捻り出さねば呆気なく押し負けそうだった。

　そもそも我が王が創造せしスカーフェイスは、様々な強化が施されている。

　その一つが竜種の【竜の息吹(ドラゴン・ブレス)】を模して造られたこの攻撃である。

　事前に知っていた、故にこの程度の攻撃は覚悟済みだった。

　我が役目は先頭に立って突撃する事であり、また敵の攻撃をより速く受け止めて後続の助けとなる事である。

「ラブラ殿、見事ッ！」

　攻撃もやがては衰える。

　攻撃が止めば彼我の距離は既に僅かしかなかったが、多数の妨害によりスカーフェイスと左側は陣形に乱れが生じ、標的である右側から距離が離れていた。

　完璧ではないが目的は達成され、敵勢力を削る好機だった。

「戦友デューク、一番槍は譲ろうッ」

　最初よりも速度を落とした我の横を、速度を上げた頭部のないデュークが駆ける。

「イヤアアアアアアアアッ」

　裂帛の気合と共に、雷鳴のように鋭く突き出された騎士槍は、同じく突き出されたブラックデスナイト・キャバルリの騎士槍の軌道を逸らし、その胸骨に深々と突き刺さる。

　互いの勢いが乗った一撃は致命的で、その骨体は呆気なく砕け散った。

　後続もデュークの後を追うように続き、敵陣形を穿っていく。

　勢いに乗ったコチラが優勢で、敵は轢殺され砕け散っていく。個体としてみればこちらが優位、群体として相手にせねば、当然の結末と言えるだろう。

　だが追い付いたスカーフェイスがそれを簡単に許すハズもなく。

『ガタタタタッガタタタタッ』

　我等を追っていた後続に対して、スカーフェイスは上半身にある左右四対の腕を大きく広げた。

　手に持つ七個の生体武器――【刃壊しの魚骨大剣(フィッシュ・スパイク・ソード)】、【生贄殺しの大長鉈(ラムル・ダオルト)】、【粉砕する鉄棘星(モーニング・スター)】、【右方の城壁盾(ライト・タワーシールド)】、【左方の城壁盾(レフト・タワーシールド)】、【鉄蠍の長槍(スコーピオン)】、【合成構材の大弓(コンポジット・ロングボウ)】――を構え

、下半身の竜馬の側面にある折りたたまれていた副腕を伸ばして骨槍を握り。

　尚も近づけまいとして我等が放つ魔法の数々と矢や投剣などによる遠距離攻撃が集中するも、黒い残像を残す程の速さで乱舞するスカーフェイスの攻撃にその尽くが粉砕される。

　嵐のような攻撃を切り抜け我等に迫ったスカーフェイスは、しかし互いに速度に乗っていたので、すれ違ったのは僅かに一瞬の事だ。

「何とッ、あの一瞬で狩り獲るかッ」

　しかしそれだけで、少なくとも二十名近くが脱落しただろう。

　スカーフェイスの攻撃にさらされ、損傷を負った者はそれ以上に多い。

『ガタタタタッガタタタタッ』

　機動に優れ、攻撃に優れ、また防御にも優れたスカーフェイスは我等に配下である骸骨騎兵団を百体程削られながら、その二つの頭骨で我等を冷静に観測している。

　その程度の損害など問題にならないと嘲るような音を出しながらゆっくりと大きく弧を描き、再び突撃陣形を整え始めている。

　それは我等も同じであり、再びの衝突まであと僅か。

「おお、おお。やはり強しッ」

　一進一退、血湧き肉踊る戦闘に気が高まり続ける。

　燃えるように魔力を消費し、我等は駆ける。

「まさにこれぞ戦場の醍醐味よなッ」

　ただ敵を駆逐せんと猛りながら。

　戦場を我等は駆けた。

■　◎　■

　ちょいちょい強化しているスカーフェイスの調子も良く、またそれなりに騎馬戦でのやり方も勉強する事が出来ただろう。

　種族的に騎馬戦が得意な者も居たが、そういう団員は他の団員の手本になったり、基礎的なやり方をよく知っているのでかなり有用だった。

　特にドラゴタウロスとかケンタウロス当たりは優秀だった。

　まあ、それでもスカーフェイスの方が強かったりするわけだが。

　何て、生成主として自慢してみる。

　ともあれ、祭りも明日で最終日だ。

　最後はドデカイ花火にしたいので、皆の英気を養い疲労を取り除く事に尽力する。

　祭り最終日まで全ての催しモノを体験し、脱落しなかったメンバーは少数ながら居るが、全員をどん底に叩き込んでやろうなんて所存である。

　腹一杯美味い飯を食べて、いい夢見ろよ。

　何て思いながらベッドで寝転ぶ。

　［世界詩篇[黒蝕鬼物語]【鬼乱十八戦将】である鬼若が存在進化(ランクアップ)しました］

　［条件“１”【存在進化(ランクアップ)】クリアに伴い、称号【暴乱王(ぼうらんおう)】が贈られます］

　意識が途切れる寸前に聞こえたアナウンス。

　オーロとアルジェントにやや遅れ、どうやら鬼若も【存在進化】したらしい。

　予想通りの結果でもあるので、さっさと寝た。

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