Introverted Archer 40

Test

40. Rational Escape!

"Hey! Has the danger disappeared!? What's going on!?"

"There are no others! Just the three of us from Devil's Tongue managed to escape!"

Panicking adventurers. Amidst the chaos, the Golem continues its relentless attacks without concern.

"Uwaaaaah!"

Another person is sent flying, as if a furious child casually throws away a toy.

"It's simple! We got set up! Those three used us as decoys to escape!"

The escape item has a slight time lag from activation to actual movement.

For humans, it's an instant so brief it's hardly noticeable. 

But for monsters, it's a significant vulnerability.

The Devil's Tongue used other members as decoys, buying time during that lag to ensure their safe escape.

It's a selfish move, but there's no time for the people on the scene to blame the Devil's Tongue. The Golem is approaching right before their eyes.

"What do we do!? Should we also try to escape!?"

"Idiot, if no one moves, we'll be completely vulnerable, and all get taken down!"

"But I don't want to die yet... and you, didn't you say you could stop the Golem's attacks on your own!? Buy us some time!"

"Calm down!"

Amidst the bickering, Mirei puts an end to it sharply.

"This is not the time for infighting! We need to coordinate now and fight together, or we'll be wiped out!"

"But, how... How do we fight against such a monster!?"

"Paladins and Guardians in front! Everyone activate your defense skills at the same time! If three or more, we can withstand the Golem's attack!"

In a desperate situation, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Mirei. Adventurers exchange glances and activate their defense skills as instructed.

"Here it comes!"

"Goooooooolem!"

The Golem swings its palm with the force of a tsunami. The Golem's palm clashes with the shields of the vanguard, creating a stalemate.

"Amazing! If we follow Mirai-chan's instructions, we can defend against it!"

"You guys, do your part too! Let's go!"

Mirei steps forward, gripping two swords. Slashing at the Golem's body, the attack hits with an explosive sound.

"...It's not doing any damage at all!"

"We'll keep going!"

Other adventurers launch their attacks individually. Attacks accumulate on the fortress-like Golem body.

However.

"Goooooooolem!"

"Hey! Is it really taking any damage!?"

Despite being attacked, the Golem shows no change and continues rampaging with the same intensity as before.

"Golems boast high attack and defense. So, it was inevitable it would turn into a battle of attrition. I thought that much, but..."

Nevertheless, the attacks are not having much effect.

The vanguards activate the skill <Lightning Rod>, drawing attacks towards them, allowing other members to attack. 

However, this also means that if the vanguards reach their limit, it would lead to devastation.

Despite continuing the attacks as per Mirei's command, there's no sign of a decisive blow.

Mirei makes the most rational decision. However, the situation has become quite dire due to the personnel loss midway.

"It's... It's hopeless! We can't hold on!"

Just two minutes later, the vanguard shouts.

Their shields are cracked, and the effectiveness of their defense skills has significantly weakened.

"What do we do!? The Golem doesn't seem weakened at all!?"

"At this rate, we'll be annihilated!"

As adventurers panic, Mirei sighs deeply.

"...Looks like we're not enough after all."

"What are you talking about!? Don't tell me you're also suggesting we run away like cowards...!"

"I'm not running away. But even after coming this far, I hate to admit it's futile."

Mirei pulls the spherical camera closer and long-presses the power button. The stream stops, and the camera loses its light.

"Did you see this outcome coming? But, for someone like you, I trusted you for quite a long time, didn't I?"

"What are you talking about?"

Adventurers, hearing Mirei's words, are bewildered. They don't understand the meaning of those incomprehensible words.

But, the meaning reached me.

"Tag in. Eimu! Go all out!"

Finally, it's my turn.

"<Anchor Arrow>."

I shoot the materialized arrow into the wall, allowing us to see the view beyond. It's because the arrow is utilizing the effect of the <Observer>.

What if I activate the escape item's effect on the arrow stuck in the wall?

At first glance, the escape item merely connects the inside and outside of the dungeon. However, interpreting it differently, it's [Instantaneous Teleportation].

From this point, following the arrows stuck on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 10th floors in order—!

"I believed you'd come. Thanks for coming."

"Jeez, you took forever to call me. I was getting tired of waiting."

—It means we can teleport from the dungeon entrance to the 10th floor instantly.