Ch.40 11-3. One Step Behind, You’re Always There
The behavior of giant hornets.
One notable trait is that when a hornet is captured, it releases pheromones to summon others to its rescue.
In the real world, traps have been devised to exploit this behavior.
“Alright. Bait secured.”
I was about to use this exact method.
I captured one of the armored bees, a subordinate of the Armored Queen Bee, and confined it in a cage-like structure created using Mardol’s glass magic.
This should prompt the other worker bees to come rushing to its aid.
─Buzzziiiinnng.
Fortunately, the Armored Queen Bee hadn’t noticed us yet. It hovered in the air, its enormous body suspended while placing sugar flowers brought by the bees into a container on its back.
“Now’s the time. Kainel, Ariel.”
I signaled to the warrior couple stationed on the opposite side.
Some of the bees had already taken off to locate their captured comrade. Missing this timing would be a grave mistake.
“Got it, Helmet!”
“Let’s go, Ariel!”
「Shine Fireworks!」
The combined attack was unleashed toward the swarm of bees flying our way.
The moment Kainel’s sword strike exploded like fireworks, the scene became unforgettable.
‘This is why Ariel’s nickname isn’t something like Crimson Flame or Scarlet.’
Magician of Blazing Flame.
A title befitting someone of her caliber, perfectly complementing her role as a Hero of Light. She specialized in magic that took the form of fireworks—a talent that truly suited her moniker. At this rate, even their ultimate moves might synchronize.
─Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions erupted in a riot of colors: gold, blue, and red—a reflection of the colors of the couple’s hair and eyes.
The brilliantly flashing fireworks engulfed the armored bees.
“Bzzzzzz-!!”
The swarm became visibly chaotic. Black clouds of bees scattered and regrouped repeatedly, leaving gaps in the forces protecting the queen.
“Mardol, you know what to do next, right?”
“Of course, Licht.”
「Howling Wind.」
Awooooooo—!!
When the glass-armored knight swung his sword forward, a sonic wave burst out with a sound reminiscent of a wolf’s howl.
This was a powerful skill, once used by Emperor Roque in the game, that inflicted a stun debuff on enemies.
Sadly, I couldn’t learn it myself because it consumed mana.
‘It was a sword technique the original Licht had mastered.’
At least I could still use Wolf Fang, the first form, which relied purely on physical ability. Timing it carefully, I sprinted out of the bushes with Mardol, targeting the hive the Queen was carrying.
“Be careful, Licht.”
“What? It’s completely defenseless….”
Mardol issued a warning as if he’d sensed something.
Why? There seemed to be plenty of time to unleash Vacuum Slash. I was even in the stance for a Drake-style move when I paused.
‘Something’s missing. Think.’
That’s when it hit me. Despite many of the Queen’s guards being stunned and grounded, I couldn’t shake an ominous feeling. The numbers were too few.
On a hunch, I turned around.
“Bzzzzzzzzz!!”
A deafening buzz, loud enough to rattle my ears, erupted behind me.
It could only mean one thing.
‘The Queen split her forces in two from the start. She knew we were here.’
We were in serious trouble. A separate swarm of armored bees had returned to defend the Queen, leaving Mardol and me vulnerable.
「Vacuum Slash.」
I had no choice but to target the Queen, who lacked physical resistance. Fighting the armored bees would be much tougher.
─Clang! Clang! Clang!
But the Queen’s black eyes glinted mischievously as she deflected my wind pressure effortlessly. Moments later, the reserve swarm came charging at me from behind.
There was no avoiding this. I was done for—
「Mirror Shield.」
Oh, right. I wasn’t alone.
Mardol erected a glass wall around me, halting the bees’ advance. Seeing his magic in action, I was reminded once again of how overpowered it truly was.
“Thank you, Mardol.”
“You were reckless, Licht.”
“…You’re not wrong.”
I took a moment to catch my breath, separated from the chaos by just a thin barrier. Maybe I’d underestimated this six-star monster.
Glancing at the surrounding swarm, I was lost in thought.
‘This feels tougher than the game….’
The Queen’s intelligence seemed far superior to what I remembered. As we stood behind the shield, she prepared to charge, her massive body heaving ominously.
“Mardol, can this hold?”
“…Probably. I’m stronger than her.”
Even as he reassured me, his calm nod was unsettling.
─Bang!!
The Queen rammed into the transparent glass wall, but Mardol’s magic held. Still, he didn’t relent, slamming into it repeatedly.
“Are you sure it’ll hold?!”
“…Not sure.”
Bang! Bang! The wall shuddered under the Queen’s relentless assault, cracks starting to form. Glass wasn’t an ideal match against ground or physical attributes. I racked my brain for a solution.
“Helmet!”
“Licht! Mardol! Are you alright?!”