LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 35
Chapter 35. Chimera
Bara-bara-bara, the slicing sound of wind fills the air, stirred into motion.
The source is the helicopter in front of me. No, calling this a mere helicopter might be a bit of an understatement.
With its metallic armor capable of deflecting even cannon fire, an air resistance-blocking barrier, and jet engines providing forward thrust, it’s said to surpass the speed of sound. Somewhere, I once heard helicopters have a set speed limit, but seeing this, I can’t help but marvel at the evolution of technology.
It seems we’ll be traveling to the scene in this helicopter.
To be honest, this will be my first actual journey through the skies, so I’m unexpectedly excited. Sure, I’ve leaped through the air, been blown away by monsters, and shouted, I can fly! On multiple occasions, but I’ve never experienced flight without mortal danger.
The purpose of this trip includes more than a fair share of life-threatening elements, but I’ll turn a blind eye to that for now.
“Alright, let’s go. Are you all ready?”
“All set.”
“Good to go!”
“Perfect~.”
After confirming our readiness—mine, Hattori-san’s, and Sairenji-san’s—Kongo-san nods lightly and boards the helicopter. We follow her lead.
During the helicopter ride, I look outside to see a stunning landscape unfold.
Beautiful places often come with their share of danger, but someday, I’d like to visit such spots purely for leisure.
…
After a pleasant aerial journey, we land on a heliport atop a skyscraper.
From there, we transition to a four-wheel-drive vehicle to head into the forest. The path consists of rough, unpaved animal trails, causing the car to jolt repeatedly, the vibrations reaching our seats. While Kongo-san sits unbothered with his eyes closed, Hattori-san and Sairenji-san wear discomforted expressions, and eventually both end up sitting on my lap.
“Senpai, this feels like hazing! Also, thanks, I guess.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“You owe me~.”
If touching a beautiful woman’s body only costs money, I suppose it’s a bargain.
Wait, what am I even thinking?
No, no, this isn’t good—I’m more nervous than I expected.
It’s hard not to be, considering that ominous prophecy, but if I stay like this, it’ll interfere with the mission. I slap my cheeks lightly to snap myself out of it.
“Oh, fired up, are we?”
“There’s no point in being scared.”
I can’t afford to die here. I want to stay in the best condition possible.
◇
“We’re here.”
After traveling for several dozen minutes, we finally reached our destination.
There stands an abandoned factory, surrounded by overgrown vegetation. The outer walls are grimy, with parts visibly crumbling. Given its location, it feels as though the building was deliberately hidden to avoid detection.
“Let’s move in.”
Remaining cautious, we enter the structure.
Inside, it’s dark, the air heavy and stagnant.
At the factory’s center, we come across a cave that is obviously unnatural. There’s no doubt—this must be the labyrinth we’re here for. A chilling cold leaks from it, more spine-freezing than refreshing, giving off an eerie atmosphere.
“Ugh, I can’t handle ghosts or anything like that. And teleporting doesn’t work here, either.”
“Yeah, physical attacks don’t work on them, so I’m not a fan either.”
I wonder, do ordinary women even think about attacking ghosts in the first place? Then again, these two aren’t exactly ordinary. I quickly resolve my own question—anyone who throws knives at strangers upon first meeting can’t possibly be normal.
“From here on, expect the unexpected as we proceed.”
“Understood.”
With Kongo-san in the lead, followed by Sairenji-san, Hattori-san, and then myself, we delve deeper into the building.
Though sunlight doesn’t reach the labyrinth, it’s somehow brightly lit, allowing us to see everything clearly.
The ground beneath our feet feels unusually solid, different from ordinary terrain. As we move further in, strange plants begin to appear—none of them resembling anything found in nature, all incredibly otherworldly.
“Think any of these are poisonous?”
“No idea, but it’s best not to touch them. We didn’t bring any antidotes.”
Having to retreat due to poison would be more embarrassing than anything.
I would’ve liked to show these to Ao, but that will have to wait for another time.
We continue advancing down the labyrinth’s passage.
“Graaaah!”
As we turn a corner, something attacks us from behind.
Without turning around, I swing my arm backward.
Squish!
A sickening sound and unpleasant sensation travel up my hand.
We stop for a moment to assess the attacker.
On the ground lies a wolf-like monster with its head crushed.
“A wolf-type monster. Rank E.”
“But where did it come from?”
Looking around, I notice small passages near the ceiling of the corridor. However, due to the way light hits them, they’re difficult to spot.
“How sneaky. Well, if this is all we’re up against, it’s no big deal.”
Muttering this, Kongo-san summons seven barriers.
The barriers float around us protectively, awaiting her command.
“Eliminate anything that attacks us.”
Upon receiving the command, they begin to glow faintly, as if cheering in response.
Kongo-san’s ability, [Paladin], not only allows her to control ten robust barriers but also lets her assign unique properties to each one.
Currently, the properties she can imbue are [Absorption, Explosion, Distortion, and Disintegration].
Even with just these, her ability is exceptional, yet it’s said she hasn’t even reached her full potential—truly terrifying.
With Kongo-san’s barriers accompanying us, we resume our advance.
◇
Previously, when I fought with Kongo-san, I judged his ability to be purely defensive, but I was wrong, and I will correct that.
Now, seeing the scene before me, there’s no way I can say it’s that simple.
“Gugyaaah!”
A monster, humanoid in shape, leaps out.
At first, when a monster appeared, I slightly braced myself, but now, I no longer feel the need to do so.
A single barrier near the monster tilts to be perpendicular to it, then rapidly moves and decapitates the creature.
Others are hiding in the distant rocks, trying to ambush us, but above them, a barrier has already targeted them. Just as the monster is about to leap, the barrier above drops, crushing it.
The severed head of the monster is sent flying and rolls to my feet.
“…”
Its face wears a grotesque smile, likely having been confident in the success of its ambush. The gleaming eyes seem to say, “Hyah-hah! I’m going to kill you!”
The result ended in such a tragic way, but… if it could die laughing in the end, then it might be one of the lucky ones.
Around us, barriers are flying and slaughtering monsters one after another.
Kongo Takeshi. His power boasts overwhelming defensive strength, but because of that, the solid barriers become blades that cut through anything, and when they surround you, they turn into an inescapable cage. Truly, he embodies the idea that defense can also be the greatest form of attack, a super defensive type, and yet, he’s also an attacker.
As Kongo-san advances, crushing monsters along the way, he spots something unusual.
A pair of double doors, about six meters high, stands at the end of the corridor.
And everyone feels it in their skin. There’s something dangerous within.
The scent of death, something only experienced after many battles.
Tension is visible on each of their faces.
“Is everyone ready?”
He lightly jumps to check his condition.
(It’s not bad. I might be in top form.)
I remember this morning when Ao said, “I took away your fatigue, so be grateful, you lucky guy!” with a smug face. Maybe she did something for me. Though I’m a bit uneasy since I don’t know when, but she shouldn’t have done anything strange… probably.
“I’m ready.”
“We’re good to go! I can finally move my body!”
“Everything’s perfect.”
“Alright, then I’ll open it.”
Kongo-san places his hand on the door and slowly opens it.
Inside, it’s gloomy, and the full view is impossible to make out.
However, the moment we step inside, lights embedded in the walls begin to glow, lighting up the entire room and revealing the interior.
In the vast space, it’s there.
A monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a poisonous snake.
Its murderous eyes glare at us, and its body moves with lethal intent.
“GRRRAAAA!!!”
A roar that strikes the air like a whip resonates through the space.
We immediately brace ourselves, ready to strike at any moment.
“A Chimera. Watch out for its tail. It’s deadly poison.”
I nod quietly in response to Kongo-san’s warning.
The Chimera growls deeply and jerks its head back, a faint flame leaking from its mouth, indicating what’s about to happen.
Then, with a heavy swing of its neck, it unleashes a blast of flame.
The heat from the flame causes its trajectory to glow red and melt.
“Protect!”
Barriers unfold in front of us.
There are five of them, three are destroyed upon impact, but the fourth barrier completely blocks the flames’ force.
“Crush it, [Decompose & Explode].”
I quickly repair the destroyed barriers and summon two more to sandwich the Chimera from both sides.
But these aren’t just regular barriers; each one is imbued with special attributes.
On the right side, a barrier with [Decompose], and on the left, one with [Explode], both close in on the Chimera, forcing through the wind with their relentless approach.
Recognizing the danger, the Chimera leaps high, pushing its legs with great strength.
“Bingo!”
But, by that time, I’m already soaring above it.
The Chimera’s eyes widen in shock, as if asking, “Why are you there?”
It’s simple. I observed Kongo-san’s attack and predicted the Chimera’s next move. Its muscle movements, eye shifts, and breathing all serve as combat cues.
I strike with a fully prepared punch.
“Doooon!”
The sound of impact echoes as I slam the Chimera down into the ground.
“Gugaaah!”
The Chimera’s anguished cry escapes as it struggles.
“Nice!”
Hattori-san-san races forward, and a silver flash gleams.
The Chimera reacts by swinging its powerful arm in a horizontal slash. The shockwave creates a windstorm strong enough to blow away a building, but Hattori-san-san has already vanished from its sight.
“Wow, it’s tougher than I thought.”
The Chimera, confused by the voice coming from behind it, wonders how the woman who was just in front of it is now behind.
And before it can process, countless streams of blood erupt from its body.
The Chimera’s scream echoes.
Hattori-san-san moves at a speed the Chimera can’t even detect and rends its flesh apart.
Her ability, skill, and courage are exceptional. Her speed would be an overwhelming advantage in a one-on-one battle.
But that’s not all. The Chimera’s body momentarily swells, and smoke begins to billow from its mouth.
Thanks to the ability of Sairenji-san, [Teleport], a bomb is transferred into the Chimera’s body. It’s a savage way of using the ability, but it’s effective against all types of enemies. She’s someone I wouldn’t want to face.
“Goooorrr!!!”
However, the Chimera’s body is incredibly tough. No matter how much it’s slashed, or how much its insides are blown up, it isn’t fatal.
Filled with even more rage and murderous intent, the Chimera howls again.
“Hmmm, maybe we lack firepower. Yanagi, can you finish it?”
“If you give me a few seconds to charge…”
“Got it. We’ll buy you some time. Let us know when you’re ready.”
“Understood.”
I focus my fighting spirit, while the other three work to keep the Chimera distracted.
As if sensing something, the Chimera rushes at me, but it’s shoved aside by Kongo-san’s barrier, sending it flying.
Hattori-san-san and Sairenji-san relentlessly target its vital points and continue to restrain its movements.
“Kongo-san, we’re good now!”
At my shout, Kongo-san smiles slightly, then calls out to Sairenji-san.
“Got it~.”
With those light words, Sairenji-san transfers next to the Chimera, touching its body.
“Alright, let’s finish it properly.”
The next moment, the Chimera suddenly appears right in front of me.
I’m slightly surprised, but my course of action doesn’t change. I unleash the gathered fighting spirit.
“[Star Piercer].”
My punch shoots straight into the Chimera’s face, creating a massive hole in its body.
The Chimera, mortally wounded, convulses a few times before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
“Phew…”
I exhale lightly.
As I look at the defeated Chimera, the three approach, smiling faintly.
“Wow, that’s some serious firepower.”
“As expected. This time, with two high-firepower fighters waiting in the back, Yanagi’s presence is invaluable.”
“No, normally we don’t get that much time to charge. It’s thanks to everyone’s strength. But seriously, Sairenji-san, if you’re going to transfer the Chimera, could you at least say something first?”
“Haha, well, we killed it, so it’s fine, right? If you keep stressing, you’ll lose your hair.”
“I won’t go bald!”
What is that supposed to mean!?
My dad has thick hair, so I should be fine! My grandfather’s a bit bald, though…
“Anyway, let’s check around here. There might be something.”
We begin exploring, looking for any changes in the space unlike before.
We’ve fought many monsters, but so far, there’s been no real results. Plus, since we haven’t found any of the investigation team’s remains, I think there’s still somewhere else we need to explore.
“There’s nothing here… huh?”
As I casually rotate my neck to stretch, I catch a glimmer of something.
It’s from the Chimera’s corpse. Curious, I approach to inspect it.
“A gem?”
There’s a small, ten-centimeter diameter orb rolling there.
It’s translucent, with a beauty that seems to suck you in.
Thinking of the danger, I decide not to touch it and look back to Kongo-san for guidance, but just as I turn, the orb suddenly begins to shine brilliantly.
“Crap?!”
I quickly try to retreat, but my reaction is a bit too slow.