第３５７堀：冒険者と傭兵団 (Part2)
"Not... troublesome. There are about thirty of them, at most."
"We cannot use wide-area magic. It would involve civilians."
While running, I finished assessing the enemy. I left the analysis of how undead could exist on a continent where magic power is so depleted to Yuki; for now, I had to focus on the immediate threat.
"No changes to the original plan. We’ll crush them head-on. Don't let your guard down."
"Got it."
"Understood."
We entered the combat zone.
"It hurts! My, my leg—!?"
"Gogoaaaah!"
It was an Orc undead; its head was already nothing but bone. It was just about to drive its spear into the man collapsed on the ground.
"Hiyah!"
"Guhyu?"
Using the Bastard Type-14, crafted by Narjia, I didn't slice with the blade but swung with the flat, shattering it into pieces. For undead, it’s more effective to break the body apart than to cut it. However, since it wasn't entirely skeletal...
*Splat, splat...*
Rotten flesh went flying everywhere.
*Stinks!*
That’s the worst part about zombie-type undead. Even the adventurers don't like taking on zombie-extermination jobs. They’re just that foul-smelling. Yuki once said, "Maybe they’re designed that way on purpose? The zombie types," and I feel like I’m starting to understand what he meant. This really drains your will to fight...
But, no, I can't lose focus. I wiped out the surrounding zombies. Raiya and Curse were handling their business without any trouble, but just like me, they were holding their noses, which meant they still had some breathing room.
Just as we were down to the last ten, a group of armed people appeared from down the road.
"Are you alright?! We’re here to provide support! You held out well!"
It was a brave-sounding declaration, but to my surprise, it came from a woman’s voice.
"You lot, don't let yourselves be outdone by these old men!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
She stood at the front, charging in with a warhammer.
"Hiyah!"
*CRUNCH!*
The warhammer swung down from directly overhead, and the zombie burst into fragments.
*Ugh, the smell!*
Still, this girl was clearly used to the battlefield.
"Don't let your guard down! We outnumber them, so just like before, pair up on each one and take them down for sure!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
I thought about pulling back so we wouldn't cause confusion, but then I saw one of the mercenaries the girl had brought with her get sent flying.
"Gogaaaaah!"
The one letting out that roar was an Orc zombie, but... that’s a King. This might be a bit much, even for them.
"Tch, you guys get back! Over here, you monster!"
The girl swung her warhammer in what was almost a surprise attack, but...
*CLANG!*
"What!?"
The Orc King deflected it with the shaft of its spear, spun around, reversed the grip, and thrust the tip forward with lethal precision.
*Tch,* its performance was just like a living Orc King. At that rate, the girl was going to be skewered.
"Raiya!"
"Right."
At my call, Raiya immediately threw his spear...
*CLANG!*
"Gumo?"
He deflected the spear tip that would have pierced the girl.
"Curse!"
"Understood."
He fired off a barrage of fireballs, forcing the King zombie back. In that split second, I stepped in.
"Gugo..."
*Splat...*
I slashed the King zombie's legs, and it collapsed on the spot. Once you take away its mobility, the rest is easy.
"If you were on the level of John, maybe things would have gone differently."
"Gugohaaaah!"
I swung the Bastard Type-14 down, shattering it into pieces, and the battle ended.
...Actually, if John were a zombie, that would be impossible to handle. Wait, would it be safe if I had a cucumber?
"Now then, miss. Thanks for the support. Are you alright?"
"Y-yeah. Old man—no, you guys are incredible."
"Well, I've been in this line of work for a long time."
"Haha, no doubt. My name is Rosetta. As you can see, I’m a mercenary just like you. I lead a company, for what it's worth."
"I’m an adventurer, just wandering around with these three."
"An adventurer?"
Ah, I let that slip out naturally.
"Ah, no. Lately, there’s been a lot of sightseeing, so it’s more of an adventure than mercenary work."
"I see. In that case, 'adventurer' fits. Honestly, I think it’s a good profession."
So, it was good that we made acquaintances with a mercenary company, but... these zombies were all wearing the same pendant. I’ll need to have Yuki look into this.
***
**Side: ???**
"It seems they were defeated by the mercenaries."
"Hmph, disposable pawns, after all."
"No, it doesn't seem that simple. The mercenaries they faced were the company led by Rosetta."
"Oh? To hold out for nearly an hour against that strong-armed girl's company... that’s quite impressive."
"Rather, it was a matter of time running out. According to the scout's report, the moment they thought they were one step away from the kill, the body collapsed, and the mercenaries who joined the fray later delivered the finishing blow."
"I see. Those mercenaries were lucky."
"Yes. Since they managed to take down an Orc King zombie, the nation should probably grant them honors and a reward."
"Well, that is none of my concern. Continue with the improvements."
"Yes, sir."
Well then, the mastermind has finally appeared!
Now, how will Yuki and the others handle the situation?!