CASE 3. The Case of Natalia, a Black Rank Adventurer (3)
“They’re coming!”
The Phantasm Wings simultaneously spread their wings and launched an illusory attack.
However, we had enchanted cloth, so it didn’t affect us.
Since they were defenseless during the illusory attack, Akumi fired an arrow, but it broke halfway.
The fact that the arrow broke in the middle suggests interference with wind magic.
However, breaking an arrow in midair requires exceptional control!
“Mm, using projectiles during their illusory attack seems futile.”
“It seems so. When they try to do it again, shall we all charge at once?”
“Let’s do that. If you can dodge, dodge.”
The Phantasm Wings stopped their illusory atack postures and collectively soared into the sky.
They attacked with feathers and wind magic from above, but we could dodge the visible feather attacks.
The Wildcat Claws team could also repel the wind magic with their armor, and I could neutralize it with the clothes I received from the goddess.
Even Talat managed to dodge invisible wind magic and create shields with spider silk, remaining unharmed.
In this situation, Natalia was the most vulnerable, and the attacks started focusing on her.
She managed to dodge the feathers but seemed unable to avoid the wind magic, sustaining injuries all over her body.
This seems to be a result of the difference in equipment and experience.
“Natalia! Hide behind me!”
“Y-Yes!”
I hide Natalia behind me, adopting a solid stance with my shield instead of dodging.
Fortunately, the impact of both feather attacks and wind magic was weak, so enduring them wasn’t too difficult.
The challenge laid in the attacks coming from all directions.
Unable to do much about it, I gradually retreated, positioning myself with my back against a tree to narrow down the direction from which the attacks come.
This should reduce the chances of a defensive gap.
“KUEEE!”
“What? An illusory attack?”
I noticed that all the Phantasm Wings have landed on the ground, taking an intimidating posture.
Unlike before, they were not lined up in a straight row but arranged in a semicircle. In the center of that circle was Keuko… This might be bad!
“Keuko! Move back!”
“Huh?”
“KUEEEEE!”
Before I could give instructions, the Phantasm Wings moved.
A targeted illusory attack struck Keuko, causing her to sway weakly.
Then, in the next moment, she swung her swords down towards me in a rapid approach.
I blocked it with my shield, but… it was really heavy!
“Ugh… come back to your senses!”
I stabbed my spear into Keuko’s hand.
The pain broke the illusion, and she quickly sheathed her sword.
“Lady Lily!?”
“It seems that even with enchantments, we can’t fully defend against consecutive Phantasm Wing illusory attacks. Be careful from now on.”
“Yes, understood.”
Hmm, we are lacking a decisive move.
Talat has been shooting spider silk into the air multiple times, and Akumi has been firing arrows, but everything was dodged, and no effective hits were landed.
The sky was the domain of the Phantasm Wings.
In that case, the only option is to attack when they are on the ground, intimidating… Oh, right!
“Talat, when the Phantasm Wings land next time, try throwing spider silk of a net-like pattern.”
(Got it.)
I’ve given Talat instructions, and now we just have to endure until the next illusory attack.
They should also know that attacks from above are ineffective, so the next phase will likely determine the outcome.
After about 30 minutes of ground-to-air combat, the Phantasm Wings finally landed on the ground, taking an intimidating posture.
If we’re going to attack, it’s now!
“Talat, now!”
The net of spider silk launched by Talat entangled three Phantasm Wings.
Surprised by this, the Phantasm Wings froze, and the members of the Wildcat Claws wasted no time.
Each of us used our own attack methods to make the Phantasm Wings faint.
When only one was left, it showed a submissive gesture, signaling the end of the battle.
Phew, that was exhausting.
After the battle, we treated the injuries of Natalia and the Phantasm Wings.
Natalia started taming the Phantasm Wings one by one.
Since it was already nearing dusk, we camped there for the night and departed the next morning on the Phantasm Wings towards Vardmoi.
The journey that took five days on the way here could be completed in half a day using the mountain crossing route on the way back.
Flying monsters are indeed advantageous.
As for me… I guess I don’t have a place to keep them anyway.