Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~ - Chapter 357.2: 《Infinite Variety's》 Strategy ③

“Our…… Purpose………………!!” (Tino)

Tino’s eyes open widely. That’s right. The purpose this time is not to defeat the enemy. The reason we sent Marin and the others was to buy time. What’s more, protecting the device is――Unnecessary!

The Phantoms are still watching the situation. Sytry and the others are more capable than me, so I am sure it is going well on their side of the strategy. Sytry said that if we weaken the Treasure Shrine, it will no longer be able to maintain its form, but how long will it take to disappear?

Can you please disappear right now……

At any rate, in order for Tino to hide inside Mimic-kun, I reassure her by declaring this.

“I have――A plan.” (Cry)

“Hh!?” (Tino)

At that moment――A crushing sound similar to an explosion suddenly echoes in the air.

*Kirakira* Sparkling shards of glass fall from directly above me. The Mana Materials Stirring Device is half destroyed. Black arrows are sticking out here and there.

I can not react to anything at all, but it seems that the Phantoms attacked the device.

I am sure you didn’t know anything about the device, but………… You guys are sooo smart.

“!? Master!” (Tino)

“Ca-calm down, Tino. I don’t need, the device.” (Cry)

What matters is our life. Apparently, we don’t have time to wait for them to weaken.

Suddenly, a Barrier Ring is activated. Arrows are getting bounced off and I realize that I have been attacked.

Its speed completely exceeded my perception abilities. It is no longer at the level where you can avoid it.

The Black Knight swings his sword and cuts off the arrows and Marin uses a powered-down wail to intimidate the Phantoms. Tino exhales shortly with a determined expression on her face, and she swings her fist in front of me, who is standing still. Several arrows pierce the ground. Did she deflect them from their trajectory…… Parrying arrows that I can’t even see from Level 10 Phantoms with her bare fist, is she a monster?

“Hh! Ma-Master, the Magi are accumulating power!” (Tino)

Tino lets out a scream-like voice. It seems that the Phantoms have stopped their wait-and-see approach. I panic and look at the sky as I hear a *baribari* cracking thunder-like sounds.

Light is gathering in the sky from all directions. A Magi’s technique takes a long time to accumulate in proportion to its size. Moreover, this is――Ritual Magic. An extreme blow from multiple Magi. They plan to use the arrows to keep us in check and wipe everything out.

Well, but I have Barrier Rings. I have only activated one so far, so I have plenty of leeway. Large-scale Magic required for wiping everything off and Barrier Rings are very compatible. If it is Fire Magic, it is pretty bad, but if it is lightning, it is still okay.

“!? Hyaaa, Ma-Master~!?” (Tino)

I pull Tino, whose expression hardens. Barrier Rings are basically for one person, but if we are in close contact, it can barely protect two people. As for Marin and the Black Knight…… Well, they will probably be fine even if I don’t protect them. Since they are curses.

Then, as I am casually trying to lift the staff I am holding in my hand, I notice something.

The Staff is――Heavy. I can’t lift it.

Fearfully, I look down. The lower end of the staff is sunk into the ground. No, I don’t think it is accurate to say that it has sunk into the ground.

――The lower end of the staff, which stretches out like tentacles, is piercing the ground.

It seems the staff that is piercing the ground splits like roots, and the ground is pulsating. Occasionally, root-like things are sticking out.

I try to pull out the staff with all my strength, but it doesn’t budge.

………………………… What a strange staaaff.

Tino, who I am protecting, notices what is happening below her feet and stiffens.

Then, the roots that have been wriggling beneath the ground suddenly turn in one direction and shoot out like an arrow.

What the roots are targeting is the destructive energy that is being built in the sky.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Countless roots touch the light and are blown away. Half of the roots are burned off and a strange smell of burning fills the area. However, the staff do not give up. Countless roots that have branched out further rush into the light regardless of the damage it will take.

Then――The ground shakes violently. So I quickly grab the staff.

The earth splits open and something black rises from beneath the ground. No, that is――A trunk. A jet black trunk, the same color as the staff.

It seems that the staff that was stuck in the ground was growing inside the ground. My feet are getting lifted more and more, and my perspective becomes higher. It looks like I am about to fall, so hastily tighten my grip on the staff. Mimic-kun takes out its arm and grabs the trunk.

Tino speaks up in front of me, who can only smile because of the completely incomprehensible situation.

“!? ………… Th-That’s………… The Black World Tree!?” (Tino)

Thanks for reading! Happy Chinese New Year!

If you are in a generous mood and want to support me, I will be very grateful! : Click here for Ko-fi donation or the button bellow