episode_0048

crack.

That’s a kind of ‘passage’.

A passage that forms when monsters from another world come to this world.

If you think about it, it’s not that rare of a phenomenon.

The cracks themselves occur more often than you might think.

However, the problem now was its scale.

The scale of the crack that was visible before my eyes was too large to be ignored and treated as something that happened all the time.

“This is my first time seeing something of this scale… .”

Ethan spoke in a quiet voice from next to me.

“You mean you too?”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but you should change the way you sing it. It’s cringeworthy.”

Ethan frowned and looked at me, then spoke again.

“I also saw quite a few cracks, and many of them were big ones. But I have never seen anything of that scale. therefore… … .”

Those eyes sank heavily.

“It may not be as easy to organize as you think.”

“… … .”

It is a considerable scale that even Ethan has never seen before.

… Well, actually, even if you don’t get there, you can’t help but feel nervous just from the energy you feel.

“I can’t guess what kind of guy will show up… .”

Suddenly─

Ethan fiddled with the sheath of the sword on his belt.

“Young, I have a bad feeling.”

And as soon as he finished speaking.

Boom─

The energy felt in the crack became stronger.

yet.

Quad Deuk─

As if someone had grabbed the gap in the air and tore it open, the size of the crack widened in an instant.

and.

Crrr─

Something huge walked out through the gap.

How should I express that?

It walks on all fours and its shape is reminiscent of a wolf.

Except for the fact that it is bigger than a house.

However, it was difficult to simply call it a wolf.

The tentacles all over the body and the huge eyeballs covering the upper body and face gave it a bizarre feel.

“What the hell is that… … .”

“… That appearance makes me nauseous.”

The party members standing behind each showed their own reactions to the strangeness.

I also frowned involuntarily, so I can’t help but feel nauseous to the rest of the group, especially the women.

The real problem wasn’t its disgusting appearance, though.

“… That guy is at the level of a disaster-level monster.”

Ethan said with a stiff expression on his face.

“Ashes, disaster level… Hey… ?”

“That can’t be possible… .”

Everyone in the group who heard Ethan’s words reacted as if they were shocked.

It was a natural reaction.

A disaster-level monster.

Because the impact of those short words cannot be small.

A monster that can shake a country with just one monster.

That is a disaster level monster.

Literally, a monster that can be called a living disaster.

Strictly speaking, the monsters of that other world were not monsters, but the feeling of seeing a monster comparable to those things with my own eyes was by no means light.

“It’s been a while since I met someone like that… .”

Ethan muttered.

He is a person who jumped into the front lines when the war against monsters was at its peak.

Moreover, considering the power he possesses, it is strange that he has never encountered a disaster-level monster.

However, it was also natural that he had not encountered such monsters recently.

Now that the front is virtually at peace, disaster-level monsters have become as difficult to encounter as the Emperor of the Empire.

These guys are bound to become a hot topic once they appear, so considering that I haven’t heard any rumors about them in recent years, it would probably mean that they haven’t been seen at all for several years.

“In the crack that suddenly appeared, the person who appeared was at the level of a disaster-level monster… This is going to get pretty loud.”

Ethan spoke in a light tone, stretching his body here and there.

As the saying goes, this news will become very big news and spread throughout the continent.

Perhaps in a few days, most people will know.

The name disaster level monster has that much impact.

Strictly speaking, that guy is not a monster, but it will spread in a similar way.

“Well, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Ethan began to lightly warm up.

I did not feel any negative emotions such as tension or nervousness in that action.

“Because I am here.”

A statement that may sound arrogant at first glance.

These are very arrogant words to say in front of a monster that is comparable to a disaster-level monster that can shake an entire country.

but.

If the person saying that is him, then the story is different.

If you are Ethan Bertrand, the warrior of the Ten Swords.

Although disaster-level monsters literally display a majesty that borders on disaster, it does not mean that there are no countermeasures.

Although they have become rare now, at the height of the war, disaster-level monsters were not that rare.

Despite this, humanity survived and ultimately won.

That means that those monsters were defeated safely.

That kind of power exists in humanity.

And on rare occasions, there are people who have defeated such disaster-level monsters on their own.

Those who wrote legends with human bodies.

Now they have become living legends and are making a name for themselves as the strongest warriors.

‘Ten swords’.

And one of those Ten Swords is none other than Ethan.

So there is no need to worry too much.

Ethan is there, and if the situation arises, I am also there.

I’m not sure if I’m the only one who thinks like that, but the faces of the group only showed tension, but there was no sign of fear or panic.

Sereung─

“I will deal with that guy. Are you waiting quietly in the background─”

Ethan was about to step forward, pulling out his sword with familiar movements.

Jeokjeok─

The crack was already huge in size.

Pachang!

Once again, it was expanded.

and.

Boom─

Another monster appeared inside.

A monster that looks exactly like the monster that appeared earlier.

““… … .””

There was silence in the room.

Because the scene unfolding before my eyes was so strange.

“… Ha.”

While everyone was at a loss for words, Ethan snorted as if he was dumbfounded.

“Two? This is ridiculous. It’s a sight I only saw occasionally during the height of war… .”

He muttered like that, as if it was truly absurd.

“Hey, you should move too.”

He turned his head towards me and said that.

“I can’t handle two, right?”

“… It can’t be helped.”

No matter how much Ethan he is, he can’t handle two monsters of the calamitous level by himself.

It is not wrong to say that it simply lacks power, but rather, it is due to the various special characteristics of that type of monster.

Naturally, disaster-level monsters are not only strong and large, but they often have one or two special abilities even if they cannot.

Moreover, these are not just monsters, but strange monsters whose identity is unknown.

Even someone as strong as Ethan has to fight without letting down his guard even for a moment.

Fighting alone against two of those guys is a very dangerous act.

So, I have to participate here.

I’m a bit worried about my face being sold, but that’s a problem that can be solved if I just put on a proper cloth and fight.

I have fought monsters from another world before.

But I have never fought a monster of that level.

It’s definitely a situation where you have to be nervous.

I confirmed that I can work on Ten Sword-level warriors, but fighting monsters is a completely different story.

This is a situation where we must be cautious and move cautiously.

but.

In this situation, what filled my heart was not tension.

“… … .”

“Huh? Why are you like that, kid? Are you nervous? Well… Even you probably have no experience fighting such a monster. But don’t be too nervous. No matter what happens, I will help you.”

“… yes. Thank you.”

Ethan must have thought it was because I was nervous that I had a hard expression and didn’t say anything, so Ethan lightly tapped me on the shoulder and laughed.

The attitude, composure, and atmosphere that Ethan gave off as a person were clearly trustworthy.

but.

The reason I had this facial expression wasn’t because I was nervous.

It was because of an unknown anxiety that emerged from a corner of my heart.

And that anxiety didn’t come from the two monsters in front of me.

something. There is another reason.

I didn’t know exactly why, but I had a vague idea.

“First, let’s check the liver. Because I don’t know what characteristics they might have. First, draw attention and see the reaction.”

“… Yes.”

Following Ethan’s words, I took a step toward the lake.

And at the same time.

Crumbling─

A monster with a grotesque shape let out a low cry.

yet.

Kiik─

Kigeek─

A small cry was heard.

Countless small cries.

At the same time.

Behind the broken space.

In that pitch black darkness where nothing can be seen.

Numerous small lights flashed.

“… Crazy.”

Ethan, who had not lost his composure despite being faced with two disaster-level monsters, suddenly let out a curse.

“… … .”

I didn’t say anything, but I wanted to follow him in swearing.

Everyone will be able to resist seeing the numerous monsters that appear one after another from the cracks, resembling a mixture of an octopus and a human, but half the size of an adult.

“… I guess I have to cancel what I told you to let go of your tension.”

Ethan added with a stern look on his face.

“Don’t relax. If I do that, my head will be blown off.”

The situation has changed so much.

As Ethan said, the moment I let go of tension, it became a situation where my life could have been taken away.

Even if he is a ten-sword level strongman.

“And you… … .”

Ethan turned his head and looked at the group.

““… … .””

The group was showing various reactions.

However, they all had the same serious expression.

“… You’d better just run away.”

Ethan declared this with sunken eyes.

“Inform the surroundings of this and evacuate them, then run away. And it would be nice if you could post the news somewhere else if possible. The more you poke at the top line, the better.”

It was a cold judgment.

It’s not that the level of the group is lacking.

Rather, the people here are all people with outstanding achievements for their age.

however.

The situation is not so easy.

I don’t know what kind of variables will arise when dealing with that number of monsters.

In a situation where even a veteran who has experienced a hundred battles does not know how his life could be lost, leaving behind those who have never experienced such a situation is a very dangerous option.

So here, as Ethan said, it would be right for the group to evacuate.

However.

“What are you deciding on?”

Even if it makes sense, not everyone will accept it.

“No matter how great you are, do you think the two of you can solve this together?”

The woman who will one day stand above all people.

Even in this situation, he spoke confidently with unwavering eyes.

“There is no need to worry about treating it like a child. Because I have the ability to protect my body. No, I’m probably superior to you in terms of my ability to deal with random things.”

“… … .”

After hearing that majestic declaration, Ethan stared at her, Estelle, for a moment.

“… I don’t know what she’s doing, but I strangely trust her.”

Ethan muttered hesitantly.

“… Well, if you’re at the level of a young lady’s escort, you’ll be able to get rid of yourself no matter what. Miss, you can stay.”

I nodded more calmly than I expected.

After doing some calculations in his head, he seemed to have decided that there was little chance that Estelle would be in danger.

The basis for that judgment did not seem to include her own abilities.

“… … .”

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“… No.”

“Hmm. It looks like you’re worried about me. Hehehe.”

She laughed softly, out of character for the situation, as if she was happy that I was worried about her.

Normally, I would have immediately denied it, but it was difficult to do so now.

Because it was true that I was worried about her.

No matter how many skilled escorts I knew there were, I was still worried.

“Don’t worry too much. As I said, I have the ability to protect my body. Besides, don’t you know? What abilities do I have?”

With her usual unique smile, she spoke to me.

… Certainly, considering her abilities and gifts, there is a high probability that she will be of great help in this situation.

As she said, she might be better than Ethan or me when it comes to dealing with small monsters.

But understanding it mentally and not feeling worried were two different things.

However, my worries could not come out in words.

“I will stay too.”

Because another voice came in and stirred my brain.

Mary resolutely suppressed the clearly visible fear and tension.

Anyway, Mary’s case is different from Estelle.

It’s true that Mary has excellent skills, but that doesn’t mean she can protect herself in the chaos that is about to unfold.

So, I immediately tried to stop her.

“Mary, that’s—”

“If we run away like this, other people will be in danger.”

However, Mary cut me off with a strong voice that I could feel the sincerity in.

“Tugwinim, Wade, there… Well, even if Estelle joins, we can’t block all that many people. And when that happens, other monsters will probably target other people around.”

“… … .”

“And if we can’t stop it, the damage won’t just stop around here. So, we have to stop it here.”

As I faced Mary’s eyes, which resembled the clear sky, I was unable to immediately pour out words denying her words.

Because I knew in my head that it was right.

As Mary said, even if Estelle joins, they won’t be able to stop all the monsters, and they will naturally spread to the surrounding area.

And that would probably cause huge chaos and damage.

Because I knew that fact well, I was speechless.

“… I will also do my best.”

“Well, me too… … .”

“… There is nothing more important than human life.”

“I planned to fight from the beginning.”

As if they were riding the wave, the rest of the party also expressed their intention to fight.

“Even if you know that damage will occur, you cannot run away for your own safety. You will definitely regret it later.”

Rachel, with a faint smile, says something that reminds me of something I once said.

“Being the one on top, you can’t run away in vain.”

Alexis tries to smile even though she looks nervous.

“It will be a good opportunity to gain experience.”

Cedric calmly draws his sword.

“Well, I… I will protect others… … .”

As always, Aira makes a promise with a trembling voice and unwavering eyes.

“… … .”

I faced those gazes and couldn’t say anything.

Because I’ve heard that they don’t say things like that lightly.

“It’s good to create a warm atmosphere, but this is real life, kids.”

And in that atmosphere, Ethan’s subdued voice penetrated coldly.

“That noble will to save others? Yeah, that’s good. But then you could die.”

In an atmosphere befitting the title of one who has reached the pinnacle of martial arts on the continent, he warned his companions.

“This means that your life, your life, could end here today. Are you still going to stay?”

Those realistic and heavy words.

“Yes. I will stay.”

Mary nodded without hesitation.

And, there was no wavering in the eyes of the other party members.

“… Well, should I criticize this or praise it… .”

Ethan noticed those looks and clicked his tongue.

“… Well, do whatever you want. After all, it’s your life.”

After finishing his sentence like that, Ethan turned around again.

“Sweetheart.”

“Yes.”

“We have to catch those big guys as quickly as possible. You know?”

“I know.”

The longer it takes for us to defeat the two disaster-level creatures, the more dangerous the party becomes.

It will not stop there, and the damage to others will also increase.

so.

Above all, we must quickly decapitate those monsters.