Twilight Alchemist 23.1

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23.1. If You Have Determination, You Can Dispel Fear, Isn't It?

What loomed before us was a nightmare, the most famous, strongest, most ferocious, and worst monster in the world. 

It was a creature known as a dragon.

Finally sensing our presence, it slowly raised its head and glared at us. Elaborate horns, resembling withered trees, extended from its head, reflecting sunlight and gleaming.

"Huh!" The involuntary scream came from Soral, the ranger.

I couldn't help but think about how surprisingly feminine his voice was and how inconsequential it seemed.

Including Raidoc's party, we were advancing directly towards the dragon. It was certainly not an ordinary fear, even for the seasoned Solar. 

My own heart was pounding dangerously high.

However, strangely, I didn't feel much fear. More than that, the overwhelming desire to protect everyone prevailed, allowing me to calmly observe the dragon's movements.

"Raidoc."

"Yeah... Alright! First unit, commence attack!"

"""""Oooohhh!!!"""""

Moda, the warrior, took the lead with his shield raised. 

Raidoc and Persia, standing diagonally behind, shouted.

"Vacuum Soaring Slash!"

"Slash Sky Fang Soar!"

Of course, thanks to the magic from the priest Bep, our bodies were already enhanced. 

At the same time, Soral and the hunter Jitaro released arrows from their bows, both equipped with luxurious Mithril alloy arrowheads.

"Finishing Touch on the Dragon!"

"Searing Flame Bullet!"

Solar had a penetrating technique with his bow, while Bardock unleashed a high-temperature fireball. 

Despite collapsing on his knees, Bardock quickly stood up after drinking a potion, evidently recovering his magical energy.

I decided to use most of the mana potions prepared this time. 

It was the result of the adventurers pleading about the efficiency of distribution between us, the magicians.

The majority went to me, followed by Bardock and Bep. 

The remaining few were distributed to each squad, reaching an agreement.

Furthermore, adventurers assigned to the first unit each delivered their most powerful long-range attacks.

A ferocious concentrated firepower, capable of obliterating an ordinary monster, converged around the dragon's forehead. 

Even the dragon seemed to have suffered damage, raising its head and roaring.

"Gyaaaargh!"

The roar shook the ground and felt like an exploding atmosphere. 

Some adventurers scattered left and right, their knees trembling.

It was a first-time experience thinking you'd be killed by sound!

After clenching my back teeth, I shouted. 

"Look! That dragon screamed in pain!"

Hearing that, Raidoc continued.

"That's right! The one in front of us is not a god impervious even to pain! Keep pushing! First unit, continue the attack!"

A multitude of attacks followed. 

Attacks relying on stamina remained unchanged, but those dependent on magical power had their effectiveness reduced by everyone, likely preparing for a prolonged battle.

Nevertheless, the concentrated vicious attacks persisted. Once again, the dragon screamed in pain.

This time, the feeling of victory was stronger than the fear.

It's working!

The damage is getting through!

At that moment, the dragon's thick forelimb slowly began to rise.

Presumably, it was raised for an attack.

"Everyone! Retreat!"

Simultaneously with the command, everyone dashed back just out of reach of the dragon's forelimb.

In the nick of time, the forelimb descended emptily in front of the first unit.

But.