Necromancer 7

Test

7. Floor Boss 2

Mirage and I continued our strategy discussion while keeping a close eye on Rockface's movements.

"Wouldn't Mirage have a better chance of finishing it off than me?"

"If I take the offensive role, you’ll have to draw the Floor Boss’s attacks. One mistake and you’ll die."

Mirage explained calmly.

"But if I attract the Floor Boss's attacks, at worst, I’ll disappear. Your risk will be greatly reduced."

Honestly, I’m terrified of the Floor Boss. I don't want to stand in front of that thing.

That's why, when Mirage took on that role, I felt deeply relieved.

"O-Okay…"

My voice wavered as I nodded.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Mirage's demeanor was confident.

Unlike me, it didn’t seem afraid of the Floor Boss. Maybe because it's an undead monster, it doesn’t feel fear at all?

"Are you scared?"

Mirage asked, as if seeing right through me.

"...!"

At that moment, memories of everything that had happened since I came to this world flashed through my mind.

[You idiot! Realize you're a burden!]

[Useless!]

[When weaklings like you are around, our chances of survival go down!]

A few classmates punched and kicked me––.

I couldn’t resist.

Their skills were for combat, and with my [Necromancer] abilities, I had no chance of winning.

More than anything, I was simply terrified of the violence they inflicted.

I trembled.

Yes, I’m a coward.

No, anyone would be scared.

Violence––against a force stronger than yourself, an ordinary person can only fear and cower.

Only a select few heroic people can stand up to that kind of fear with courage.

"…Of course I’m scared. I might die. Aren't you scared?"

"I feel the risk of disappearing, naturally. But I simply make the best choices for victory. There's no room for emotion in that."

Mirage’s response was steady and composed.

"So, do your best too. It’s okay to be scared. Just do what you can as you are."

"My best…"

"Let's go, Master."

Mirage drew its sword and advanced toward the Floor Boss.

With zigzag movements, it feinted, dodging Rockface’s attacks.

Though Rockface occasionally shot beams of light, Mirage’s unpredictable movements made it hard to hit.

You’re doing great, Mirage… hang in there just a bit longer.

While cheering it on silently, I managed to sneak around behind Rockface without being noticed.

I aimed for the moment when its attention slipped, ready to strike––. With my usual strength, it would be hard to land an effective blow on a monster.

But with part of my servant’s power-boosting me, my stats were up––.

"Ughhh…!"

Suddenly, Mirage let out a pained cry.

It was blown away by the aftershock of Rockface’s attack. Even so, it quickly regained its stance and swung its sword.

Clang! Its blade bounced off Rockface’s rocky surface, and then–– Mirage’s arms were blown off by one of Rockface’s beams.

"Damn it!"

Now it couldn't attack or defend. All Mirage could do was dodge.

It wouldn’t last much longer.

"N-No…!"

I stepped back instinctively.

Scared.

Scared––.

"It's the same as back then––"

Yes. Just like when my classmates punched and kicked me back then…

"...If Mirage gets killed, I’m next... Ugh."

My teeth chattered uncontrollably.

Of course, there’s no way I could win alone.

"I-I’m going to be killed for sure…"

I was so terrified that my legs gave out. In that pitiful posture, I continued to back away.

Scared.

I don’t want to die.

Somebody, help me––.

"Am I really going to be paralyzed by fear again…?"

Mirage’s body was being pierced all over by Rockface’s beams.

"Guh... ugh..."

Mirage groaned in pain.

At this rate, it would be tortured to death.

"Mirage…!"

––Don’t worry. I will protect you.

Mirage had said that to me before the plan.

It’s being torn apart by Rockface to protect me.

And all I’m doing is watching.

No, I’m about to abandon it.

"...No."

I gritted my teeth.

"I don’t want this anymore."

I don’t want to be weak, terrified, and running from an enemy’s strength.

I want to be someone who can face my fears.

I want to erase the weak version of myself who was scared of my classmates and did nothing. "I want to be reborn, so…"

I stood up.

"To save Mirage––I’ll make my decision right here, right now!"

I steeled myself.

Ooooooooohhhh…!

With a scream in my heart, I rushed toward Rockface from behind.

A perfect sneak attack––.

But if it notices and turns around, if it fires that beam,

I’ll be wiped out without a trace.

Thump, thump, thump.

My heart pounded painfully fast.

This was a life-or-death charge. For the first time in my life, I was truly risking everything––.

Slash!

The tip of my sword pierced its core.

Unlike its seemingly solid rocky front, its back didn’t seem to be as durable. It wasn’t made of rock, but some squishier material that my sword could penetrate.

"Take this…!"

I put all my strength into the stab, determined to drive it in up to the hilt.

"Gruh... OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!"

Rockface let out a scream.

Then,

Thud…!

With a rumble, it finally fell.