Working Together
A centipede-type monster had appeared in the mana mine.
To take it down, Elina, Gary, and I coordinated our efforts.
“Where do you think you’re looking? I’m right here, you centipede bastard!”
Gary leapt out boldly and launched the first strike.
His fighting style was similar to what Latasha had just attempted, but he had far more experience under his belt.
He watched the enemy's movements carefully and took the optimal actions with minimal effort. Thanks to that, even when something unexpected happened, he had the leeway to respond swiftly.
Still... that brute strength of his really hasn’t changed.
“You’re amazing, Senior Gary!”
Meanwhile, Elina matched Gary’s movements, using her proud speed to outmaneuver the centipede-type monster.
Whenever the monster’s attention seemed to shift toward Gary, she would immediately provoke it, drawing its focus back to herself.
Using that opening, Gary would land a powerful blow.
Honestly, the two of them alone could probably take it down, but we didn’t want to waste too much time.
Once it was weakened enough, I would end it in one blow with the power of the holy sword.
I focused my mind and poured mana into the holy sword.
This would amplify its strength to several times that of an ordinary blade.
“Now!”
“Now’s your chance!”
Gary and Elina called out the timing for me to strike.
As if I’d been waiting for that signal, I swung the sword wide and charged at the centipede-type monster.
One clean slash.
The centipede-type monster was sliced cleanly in two.
It writhed for a few moments… then stopped moving entirely.
“That should be the end of it.”
I sheathed my sword, but monsters of this type had a nasty habit of playing dead and striking when you let your guard down.
I had the other knights keep watch and headed over to Lord Doyle and Lady Alyssa.
“Are you hurt?”
“No. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, I’m alright.”
“That was a truly splendid display. As expected of someone who bears the title of Holy Knight.”
“It wasn’t my power alone. We brought it down because everyone created the opening.”
Especially with large monsters like that, coordination was essential.
It was a huge advantage that I’d been working with Gary and Elina for years—we could sync up our movements instinctively, even on the fly.
The two of them, along with the knights who had participated in the battle, each received personal thanks from Lord Doyle and Lady Alyssa—
But one person wasn’t part of the group.
Latasha stood alone, disheartened.
She’d charged in recklessly and been beaten back.
“Latasha… I understand why you’re feeling down, but we’re still in the middle of a mission. You need to refocus. There are still plenty of chances to redeem yourself.”
“S-Senior…”
It wasn’t unusual for young people to lose control in the heat of the moment.
She was lucky it hadn’t cost her life this time.
Latasha had potential.
If she could keep a cool head and carry out her missions steadily, I truly believed she would rise through the ranks one day.
What do you think about this chapter?
