After several near misses from the Ash Serpent’s tail strikes, Oleg was left panting.
The 73-year-old branch chief had to admit that age was taking its toll.
Facing the Ash Serpent summoned by Splurt, he had yet to inflict any significant damage.
The serpent’s body was covered in scales as tough as iron armor, and Oleg’s iron fists and warhammer had failed to breach its defenses.
On the defensive end, Oleg’s chainmail could not withstand the force of the serpent’s tail strikes; a single hit would likely cause his organs to shut down.
Furthermore, the venomous fangs in the gaping maw of the Ash Serpent posed a lethal threat.
The two sturdy, razor-sharp fangs could easily pierce Oleg’s chainmail.
A single injection of venom would spell the end of his life.
Unable to penetrate its defenses or withstand its attacks, Oleg’s only option was to bypass the Ash Serpent and directly target Splurt, which had been his intention all along.
However, with the colossal body of the Ash Serpent providing cover, Oleg had no chance to approach Splurt.
—(At this rate, I’ll exhaust my stamina first…)
Oleg thought, casting a quick glance towards the bounty hunters. If they could join forces, their magical attacks should be able to damage the Ash Serpent with its incredibly high physical defense. 𝐎𝑽ℯ𝒍xt.𝔠𝑂𝗆
But Oleg was still several hundred meters away from the bounty hunters, who were likely too preoccupied with the relentless assault of the demon rats to lend a hand.
—(Desperate times call for desperate measures!)
Deciding that it was better to gamble on a wild idea than to fight a losing battle, Oleg maneuvered around the Ash Serpent and launched another attack towards its head.
“STOMP!”
Utilizing the skill’s counterforce, Oleg leapt high into the air.
The Ash Serpent, however, had already seen through his tactics and greeted him with a swift tail strike, accurately hitting Oleg, who was unable to dodge mid-air.
“INDESTRUCTIBLE!”
In the nick of time, Oleg activated his second skill, significantly increasing his body’s hardness. He managed to withstand the attack almost unscathed but was sent flying.
—(Success!)
This was precisely Oleg’s plan: to use the force of the Ash Serpent’s attack to propel himself towards the bounty hunters in one fell swoop.
Just then, the bounty hunters, who had been engaged in chaotic battles with the demon rats, initiated a rallying charge led by Banning, the very person upon whom Oleg had pinned his hopes.
—(Perfect timing, Lord Banning!)
Oleg rejoiced as he saw this unfold mid-air. However, his trajectory was slightly off, and his landing speed was too fast, causing him to roll a considerable distance before finally coming to a stop.
“Branch Chief!”
The bounty hunters gathered around, deeply concerned for his safety.
With their help, Oleg managed to stand up, his expression pained. It took a few seconds before he felt slightly better.
Oleg’s pain stemmed from the impact of the landing.
The duration of “INDESTRUCTIBLE” was limited, and its protective effect could not cover the moment he hit the ground.
“Lord Banning… I cannot express my gratitude for your assistance tonight!”
Oleg promptly sought out Banning, but upon seeing Oleg, Banning’s expression turned rather somber.
Oleg, surprised by Banning’s perceptiveness, quickly gestured with his eyes for Banning not to speak further, and then reminded everyone that the enemy’s pincer attack was imminent, urging them to prepare at once!
“I shall deal with the Ash Serpent!”
“Lord Banning, I implore you to take command and hold the line against the rats!”
Oleg’s rallying cry greatly bolstered everyone’s morale, and they swiftly resumed their formations.
Banning, however, continued to scrutinize Oleg with a serious gaze.
“Branch chief, there must be more to your presence than these few words, am I right?”
Banning’s words struck a chord within Oleg’s heart.
“You truly see everything… But fear not, I have a plan.”
Oleg reassuringly patted Banning’s shoulder, his unspoken words dwelling within the gesture.
Banning, sensing the situation, refrained from further inquiry, simply bidding Oleg to “take care” before returning to command the frontlines.
“Tier-1 Earth Magic: Rock Wall!”
“Tier-1 Wood Magic: Vine Zone!”
“Tier-1 Water Magic: Icy Thorns!”
“…”
The echoes of mages casting spells resounded behind him, but Oleg knew he needn’t worry about demon rats attacking from the rear. His primary task was to confront the rapidly approaching Ash Serpent.
To accomplish this, Oleg had to break through his own limits, a resolve he had come to terms with when the Ash Serpent first cast him aside.
“Emilia!”
Oleg strode towards Emilia, and without needing words, she willingly handed him the sword sheath.
This was Oleg’s “last resort” that he had carefully planned before the battle.
“Branch chief…!”
Oleg saw the same look in Emilia’s eyes as he had in Banning’s—a blend of respect for his decision and heartfelt concern.
“Do not worry, child. I still plan to attend your wedding day.”
Oleg laughed heartily, patting Emilia’s head before accepting the sword sheath and making his way towards the Ash Serpent!
.
—(It’s ironic… The one who was most opposed to using your power now must rely on it…)
Oleg unsheathed the jet-black sword while walking.
The blade shimmered with a pulsating red glow, as if urging Oleg to wield it against his enemies and drink their blood.
—(But even if your flames consume me in the end, it’s better than handing you over to Splurt… That man has fallen too deeply into darkness…)
Oleg gripped the hilt and drew the sword in one swift motion.
Instantly, a searing wave of magical power surged from the blade, nearly causing Oleg to drop the sword.
However, the heat quickly subsided, replaced by Oleg’s own magic power being siphoned into the blade.
—(So this is the true power of a cursed sword… Show me your strength!)
With a steadfast heart, Oleg tossed the sheath aside, clutching the sword with one hand as he charged the Ash Serpent!
The Ash Serpent hissed menacingly, feigning an attempt to bite Oleg, only to abruptly twist its body and convert its forward momentum into a powerful tail swipe. Its thick tail once again hurtled towards Oleg!
“Aaaahhh—!!!”
Oleg gripped the sword with both hands, roaring as he leaped into the air, evading the tail strike and slashing the serpent’s tail in the process!
The blade, which had reached several hundred degrees at some point, not only failed to be repelled by the steel-like scales but also left a long, deep gash in the serpent’s flesh.
The Ash Serpent writhed in agony.
Seizing the opportunity, Oleg pressed his attack.
Disregarding the danger, he leaped onto the serpent’s body, thrusting the blade into its flesh and dragging the cursed sword as he raced along its length.
The magic overflowing from the sword ignited the blade, which in turn set the Ash Serpent ablaze!
After decades of absence, the Secret Saber: Blaze Steed once again revealed itself to the world!