113. A Problem When Something Unexpected Happens During Busy Times, Isn’t It?

“Craft!”

Alphard calls out to me while shifting his gaze to the Hydra battling with Raidoc and his men.

Our current position is on the beast path created when the Hydra rampaged towards the divine sake.

Well, calling it a beast path is a bit of an understatement; it’s wide enough to line up several carriages side by side.

The Hydra is far from here.

“We should join up with Myrna-sama who’s hiding. Wouldn’t it be better to take a big detour?”

“No, that Hydra moves too fast. We should pass behind Raidoc’s group and support them while heading to the other side. But…”

I turn my gaze to Kyle.

I’d prefer him to stay hidden, but that would just put him in the same situation as Myrna.

So, while Myrna hides, should we take down the Hydra all at once? It’s a tough decision.

“Brother Craft, I understand the danger. It’s more dangerous if we get separated from Raidoc and the Hydra attacks. We learned that from the garrison attack. But we can’t leave Myrna alone.”

“…Sorry, I can only think of plans that put you in danger.”

“No! I’m the leader! I was prepared when I decided to join the swamp subjugation!”

Yes. Initially, I opposed Kyle’s direct participation.

But considering negotiations with Zaid and other matters, it’s less troublesome to be together.

Also, part of me thought, “It’s just a Hydra…”

I close my eyes tightly.

“Alright! Let’s rescue Myrna!”

“Yes!”

Alphard takes the lead. The formation is wedge-shaped with Kyle and Jabil-sensei at the central rear.

I’m in charge of their direct escort with Van.

Although I’ve almost exhausted my magic power, Van is protecting us.

I’ve recovered just enough magic for one defensive spell!

And Zaid is with us.

But ever since meeting Kyle, Zaid’s been acting strangely.

I hope he doesn’t get in the way…

To dispel my worries, Alphard swings his sword with strength.

“Alright! We’ll pass behind the front line! Decide whether to push through or stop to support the adventurers on the spot! Everyone, stay alert to orders!”

“””Yes!!!”””

With Alphard’s command, we charge at full speed.

Many of Kyle’s private soldiers are former adventurers who understand the Hydra’s terror but do not fear it. Good sign.

Everyone advances like an arrowhead!

As we approach the rear of Raidoc’s adventurers and lizardmen, Alphard shouts.

“Raidoc! Need support!?”

“No! Please rescue Myrna-sama! You can also escort Kyle-sama to safety!”

Though I trust Raidoc, facing the eight-headed Hydra alone would be disastrous.

Kyle firmly replies.

“I won’t abandon my comrades! I’ll be back to help soon!”

“Kyle…”

Raidoc smiles.

“We’re counting on you, Kyle-sama!”

Then the adventurers and lizardmen shout.

“Kyle-sama is the best!”

“Alright! We’ll slice this beast into sashimi before Kyle-sama returns!”

“So we can show off to Myrna-sama!”

“Hey! Are you a lolicon!?”

“Time to repay the favor!”

“Chance to impress Craft-niisama!”

“Watch your language!”

“Let’s do this, Raidoc!”

“Are you hitting on Raidoc in the chaos!?”

The atmosphere is lively.

Kyle’s words boost morale significantly.

The front line’s movements visibly improve.

“It looks like we might actually take it down.”

I mutter, and Van replies.

“In war, morale is paramount. Of course, equipment and training matter, but a soldier trembling before the enemy is useless. Kyle’s charisma is genuine.”

Van nods, satisfied, and I feel happy.

“That’s Kyle for you!”

“Nii-sama…”

Kyle blushes slightly. How cute.

In the midst of this, a refreshing moment on the battlefield occurs.

“What! Kyle has charisma!? I refuse to accept it!”

Zaid suddenly shouts, eyes crazed.

“What’s happening!?”

I stare at Zaid in shock.

“Kyle! You should be at the back… No! Charge ahead and die! Foolish! My brother!? No! He’s…!”

Zaid’s madness disrupts the unit’s formation.

At that moment, the Hydra, which was fighting the adventurers, changed its focus.

All five remaining heads aim at me!

No!

“The Hydra is targeting Kyle!”

I’m certain.

The Hydra understands that Kyle’s words boosted everyone’s morale!

The five heads attack Kyle recklessly.

But this creates a huge opening.

“[Crimson Rising Dragon Strike]!”

One head, the closest and most aggressive, is blown off by Raidoc’s finishing move!

We finally reduced one head.

But the remaining four heads bypass Raidoc and charge at Kyle.

“Not on my watch! [I am the steel shield that protects my master from all calamities]!”

Van rushes out, horizontally holding his huge sword, activating an unheard-of sword skill.

His left hand is gloved, but the glowing crest is visible.

Van crouches and takes the hit with his sword’s flat side!

Blocking two heads simultaneously.

“No way!? Taking on two heads at once, each as big as a mansion!?”

Thanks to his skill, Van blocks the two heads unnaturally well.

I didn’t realize Van was this powerful.

In defense, he surpasses even Raidoc!

But two heads remain.

“I will protect Kyle-sama at all costs!!!”

Alphard shouts.

“Oooohhh! [Rock Splitting Crash]!”

Though Alphard’s technique deals massive damage and slows the Hydra, it’s not enough.

Normally, the Hydra would retract its heads to regenerate, but it relentlessly targets Kyle, ignoring its injuries!

“I’ll stop you!”

Our guild leader, Leafan, leaps in.

“[Adamantine Roar]!”

Likely a hammer technique, Leafan tries to stop the massive head with her small body.

But it’s too much, even with Alphard slowing it down. This is a foe that even Raidoc struggles with!

Leafan’s effort weakens the Hydra significantly.

Amazing!

Kyle’s soldiers swarm the slowed head.

“Protect Kyle-sama!”

“Take this, you serpent!”

“Don’t underestimate former adventurers!”

The Hydra, now slower, is swarmed and hit by everyone.

Bleeding, it retracts its head.

These five-headed attacks happened almost simultaneously, leaving no time for others to assist.

Everyone acted with maximum speed and effort, but four heads were barely stopped.

One head remains.

I grasp my last magic bomb and shout.

“Come eat me!”

I spread my arms wide, standing before Kyle.

Many soldiers are knocked away by the charging head.

Unlike the head Leafan stopped, this one has momentum. Soldiers can’t stop it.

I’ll use my remaining magic to make the bomb explode, causing significant damage inside its mouth.

As it charges with its mouth wide open, I leap towards it.

Suddenly, the Hydra twists its head, avoiding me!

“What!?”

It anticipated my self-destruct attack!?

With a forced twist, the head loses momentum.

If it targets Alphard, Van, or Leafan, there’s no problem.

But it’s desperately stretching towards Kyle.

Its massive body can crush Kyle with a slight push.

Jabil-sensei and Zaid are nearby but out of its path.

Pale-faced, I try to jump to Kyle, but my momentum only throws me off balance.

“Kyle!”

Though adventurers could dodge at this speed, there’s no way to stop it!

The Hydra’s huge jaws open wide to crush Kyle.

“Damn it all!”

Someone! Anything! Save Kyle!

“What do you think you’re doing to my brother!”

The scene is unforgettable.

Zaid, discarding his sword, rushes to push Kyle away.

“…Huh?”

Kyle, having accepted his fate, shows a serene face but is slightly bewildered by the unexpected turn.

Zaid, who pushed Kyle away, is swallowed whole.