There was still some distance between the two groups, but they were close enough to make out each other's expressions— and actions. An impossible distance was covered thanks to Rororo’s effort and determination, bringing the three lizardmen this far with no injuries.
“Rororo…”
Zaryusu didn’t know what to say. In the end, he chose a clear and simple phrase from the millions of expression in his mind.
“Thank you!”
After shouting his gratitude, Zaryusu sprinted without looking back. Crusch and Zenberu were right behind him.
A weak cry that was almost inaudible came from behind. That was a cheer for one’s family.
♦ ♦ ♦
Speechless. His ‘fireball’ was negated, making him express his disbelief with words.
“Impossible!”
Iguvua cast ‘fireball’ once more. He was not willing to acknowledge that the lizardmen rushing at him had dispelled his magic.
A ‘fireball’ rocketed towards the three lizardmen.
It was blocked by a wall of mist conjured by the leading lizardmen with his sword, and it disappeared together with the wall. That’s right, it was the same situation as before—
“Try all you want! I will block all your attacks!”
The angry roar of the lizardman projected over.
Iguvua clicked his tongue with a face of displeasure.
For the magic casted by me, who was created by the Supreme Being Ainz-sama to be blocked by a mere lizardman!
Iguvua suppressed his wrath with all his might.
It was very likely that ‘fireball’ wouldn’t work anymore, but since they had to hide behind the hydra during their approach, there should be a limit to how many times this defence could be used. It might be ten times, or it might only sap some stamina for each use, and could be conjured indefinitely after recovering enough.
How should I deal with them? If possible, I want to test his words out...
Iguvua could shoot many more fireballs, but it was hard to judge which of the lizardman’s words were true.
Iguvua and the lizardmen were less than forty meters apart.
The lizardmen charging in seemed to be warriors and as an undead magic caster, Iguvua wanted to avoid melee combat.
He couldn’t use fireball in this situation. Iguvua wasn’t dumb enough to confirm how many times they could block his spell. If they didn’t hide behind the hydra in the beginning and had closed the distance, Iguvua might test it out. But that chance had been destroyed by that damn hydra.
“Curses… just a mere hydra.”
After spitting out these words, Iguvua decided his next course of action.
“— Well then, how about this?”
It just so happened that they were running in single file. Iguvua pointed his finger at the three charging lizardmen who were drawing close. Electricity sparked on his finger.
“Taste my 「Lightning」!”
A white flash of lightning emerged and—
Even from this far, the white light on Iguvua’s finger could be seen— ‘Lightning’.
Icy Burst from Frost Pain could fend off fire or ice element attacks. But Zaryusu had never used it against Lightning before, and wasn’t sure if it would work.
Should they try their luck, or spread out to minimize the damage they will take?
Zaryusu gripped Frost Pain tightly.
The air was buzzing with static electricity, proving that a lightning attack was imminent.
“Leave this to me—!”
Zenberu made his judgment before Zaryusu did and jumped forth with a shout. The spell was casted at the same time.
“— 「Lightning」”
“Warrghhh— 「Resistance Massive」!”
When the lightning looked as if it would pierce through Zenberu, his body buffed up, deflecting the lightning arc that was supposed to hit the other two behind him.
Resistance Massive.
A skill of monks, granting the ability to reduce magical damage by dispersing the Qi from one’s body in an instant.
This was the skill Zenberu had learned as a traveler after losing to the Frost Pain's ‘Icy Burst’. Although it was a wide area attack, it worked against any magic that dealt damage.
Both friend and foe yelped, but Zaryusu and Crusch who trusted their teammate weren’t too surprised. Hence, the lizardmen drew nearer while the undead was shocked.
As Zaryusu ran, he finally figured something out.
If he used Icy Burst during his duel with Zenberu, he would be blocked by this skill. He would then be wide open for an attack and lose. That was probably why Zenberu was luring Zaryusu to use that skill.
“Haha! Too easy!”
Zenberu’s casual voice made Zaryusu smile, but his face tensed the next moment. Zaryusu realized that his voice had hints of pain in it.
Even a male lizardman like Zenberu couldn’t suppress his pain completely, his wounds must be serious. Furthermore, Zenberu wouldn’t agree to hiding behind Rororo if this technique was perfect.
Zaryusu stared ahead, the enemy was less than twenty meters away. That impossible distance had been cut down to this last stretch.
With the distance drawing close, Iguvua judged the group before him to be strong foes that were not to be underestimated. They could defend against his spells and were worthy of praise. Iguvua had other means of attacks, but he needed to consider his defences too.
“Not bad for a sacrificial offering, worthy enough for me to show my might.”
Iguvua activated his magic with a cold sneer.
“「4th Tier Summon Undead」.”
The wetland bubbled and skeletal bodies with four hands holding round shields and scimitars emerged to protect Iguvua. They were undeads known as Skeleton Warriors, much more powerful than normal Skeletons.
He could summon other undead, but he chose skeletons for their resistance against cold attacks. Iguvua and monsters made from bones were immune to cold attacks.
Iguvua looked loftily at the approaching enemies under the protection of his guards. That was the attitude of a king facing against challengers.
The distance had been closed.
There were just — 10 meters left.