Forest of Beginnings 4

Returning to the battlefield in an instant, now able to use wind magic once again.

Looking at everyone's condition, they already bear wounds of various sizes and severity.

We're on the front lines. Alex and Kenny are seriously injured... First things first, we need to focus on getting them healed.

It descended sharply, standing behind the two of them.

Taro! What are you doing here? You're a mess—aren't you injured? If so, fall back immediately.

"Ugh."

"You're in just as bad shape. First, get healed."

I activate the healing crystal at maximum output. A surge of light envelops the two of them, rapidly closing their severe wounds.

As soon as the emergency treatment is complete, I shift my focus to observing my opponents.

"What are you doing here!?" Noelle rushes up from behind, "Oh, long time no see—wait, why are you—?" Clara chimes in from behind as well.

I take note of their respective reactions.

"Now is not the time to worry about that—let's focus on defeating the monster."

All eyes turn toward the beast.

The monster remains encased in its tough, unyielding hide. When we defeated the previous giant creature, we burned it from within to cause it to shed its outer layer. We’ll have to do the same this time.

"Kenny, Alec, keep it distracted—don’t worry about holding back. Noel, Clara, strike when you can—aim for the joints. Slow it down. Burn through its outer layer so it sheds its skin. Then cut it down."

Each of them responds in kind.

First attack—now!

Withdrawing the special arrow, he activates the rune-etched gemstone on it. Channeling the magical energy absorbed from the surroundings, he unleashes a lightning spell. Taro doesn’t notice, but no pattern appears—instead, particles of light overflow and scatter.

Taro hurls a arrow with his hand. The arrow flies at an unbelievable speed, piercing the outer layer. Purple lightning flows through the monster's body, temporarily paralyzing it.

Seizing the opportunity, Alek and Kenny spread out in front of the monster, while Noelle and Clara temporarily hide.

The monster, aiming to deal with Alek appearing at its feet, lashes out with its sharp limbs, launching an attack. Alek gracefully dodges and counters, slashing at the limbs with precise strikes.

Of course, it sustains no damage, but it's delivering sufficient impact. Shifting slightly off-balance, it uses its remaining leg to target Alek. However, Kenny switches places with Alek and intercepts the attack. Since it's attacking with numerous legs, several of its limbs are firmly anchored to the ground.

Noel and Clara do not miss their chance. In an instant, both of their attacks reach the joint of the legs. They inflict noticeable damage, leaving wounds.

The monster's joint becomes unable to move properly, slowing its movements.

But the beast does not overlook the two who have stepped forward to attack. Its mouth twitches, spewing out a white, viscous fluid.

That substance hardens wherever it touches, acting like an adhesive.

I'll turn that against them.

Move in front of the monster, absorb the surrounding magical energy, and activate the spell.

Direct the tornado-like wind into the ejected slime. The slime and tornado collide, creating a standoff.

Not yet— I can still increase the output. Absorb more magical energy from the surroundings and boost the spell's power. The tornado pushes the slime back, causing it to rebound and fall directly onto the monster itself.

The slime rises in smoke as it hardens. It truly resembles a powerful adhesive.

The monster's legs and torso stiffen, clearly becoming immobilized. With its remaining limbs, it continues attacking Alex and Kenny.

"Buy me a little time, everyone! I'm preparing an attack."

Four voices respond in unison.

Confirming their responses, I begin preparing the attack.

My strongest attack—something I've fired off repeatedly without aiming. I've been pondering what that was. Drawing on all the knowledge I possess, I reflect on my own actions.

That's right—it was a plasma cannon.

It's not a question of whether I can do it. I've already pushed beyond limits. One final shot. This much, I should be able to manage.

Focus, deepen the image. Infuse energy into the surrounding air through electricity. As energy rises, it ionizes and transforms into plasma. Gather and store this plasma, affected by electricity. Repeat this process, further concentrating the plasma.

Eventually, a ball of light, its energy too great to contain, forms.

"That's enough! Everyone, get back!"

At my command, the four of them instantly pulled back from the monster.

As soon as they were clear, I released the accumulated plasma sphere toward the beast.

The plasma stretched into a rod-like shape and then became a beam, enveloping the monster completely.

A high-frequency, indescribable sound and blinding light spread through the area.

The light quickly vanished, revealing the monster—its body partially missing, its outer layer entirely burned away.

The monster's outer skin cracked and flaked off in places, crumbling away in pieces.

Even so, it still won't fall?

It was already pushing beyond its limits, and then it endured an impossible attack. Reaching its breaking point was inevitable.

An irresistible drowsiness overcame me. My consciousness began to fade.

But it doesn't matter. Amidst the fading awareness, Noel and Alek advance toward the monster, now unable to move.

Just as I landed a magnificent blow, my consciousness completely faded.