Chapter 267.2. Cutting Down The Sacred Tree

“Monster, by my magic, I shall incinerate you!”
[Fireball]
Creating a one-meter-wide fireball at the tip of his staff, Baron Hotta launched it toward the doll-like figure.
“We’ll follow suit!”
“Oh!”
“Everyone, attack together!”
[Fire Arrow]
[Magic Blitz]
[Wind Cutter]
The young men also cast spells one after another. Although they were low-level spells, I couldn’t underestimate their sheer number. They hit the doll-like figure, causing explosions and sand smoke.
“Did we do it?”
Baron Hotta’s template line. It’s a template line because it’s something people tend to say.
“Watch out!”
“Ugh!”
In an instant, I approached Baron Hotta, who was watching to confirm the results and grabbed him, throwing him away.
Like a projectile, Baron Hotta flew, knocking down trees before landing on the ground.
From where Baron Hotta had stood, tentacle-like appendages shot out from the sand smoke at a wind-like speed, narrowly missing him.
“Are you okay? That was close!”
“…..”
It was a close call. If I had hesitated and stayed still, he would’ve been pierced by those tentacles and died.
So, even if Baron Hotta’s limbs were twisted in the wrong direction or his neck was at an odd angle, he was on the brink of death, and he should forgive Mii-chan.
Although Baron Hotta was now limp and unable to speak, he had undoubtedly received Mii-chan’s gratitude, so there was no need to worry.
For the time being, I cast recovery magic on Baron Hotta, and as the sand smoke dissipated, I searched for the enemy.
[OOOOO!]
As the sand smoke cleared, the doll-like figure emerged, shrouded in a radiant magic barrier, completely unharmed by Baron Hotta and the others’ attacks.
I heard a crow’s caw and saw the analysis result projected into the air.
-Hvergelmir: Level: Unknown-
What’s this? It has an intriguing name, but oh well.
“Everyone, run from here! Nimue, please protect everyone!”
“As you wish, my master.”
Emerging as if seeping from the space, the faithful heroic spirit respectfully appeared and lightly bowed while holding her skirt.
She usually only shows her foolish side, but Nimue takes her role as a guardian seriously.
“My master, may I defeat that creature?”
Nimue glanced at Hvergelmir and made a combative suggestion, but I shook my head to decline.
The analysis result is suspicious, and I think I’ll deal with this myself.
“No, I think this one is strong, so take everyone to safety!”
“As you wish. I will follow your instructions.”
Hvergelmir began to walk away slowly. Hvergelmir was supposed to be the name of a spring. It’s not a doll. Its names and appearances not matching wasn’t something to worry about now.
Hvergelmir swayed its hand gently and assumed an attacking posture toward the young men. 
But in an instant, its hand split into numerous tentacles, swiftly closing in on the young men. 
“You won’t get away with this.”
[Icicle Wall]
Nimue’s eyes sharpened, and she waved her hand. She formed a thick wall of ice along the path of the tentacles.
Nimue created the wall by the coldness produced by her excellent water magic skills. She showed her power. However, the wall of ice created by the mana was supposed to prevent the tentacles, but…
“Uh?”
The ice wall seemed as if it didn’t exist at all, and failed to protect the young men. Nimue, whose own magic was easily broken through, showed a hint of surprise on her face.
“Dangerous!”
[Stone Fire]
Mii-chan immediately threw a garlic soy sauce fried chicken, which she had stored in her item box, into the mix.
“Geheh!”
“Gaheh!”
“Kuboo!”
Everyone who received the thrown garlic soy sauce fried chicken was blown away and rolled through the gaps in the trees.
“It was a close call, but I won’t let my comrades die so easily!”
Mii-chan proudly conveyed to Hvergelmir. It was a close call; without Mii-chan, everyone would have died. Fried chicken is versatile.
Although they paled, I used area heal and displayed an aura of gratitude to the young men, who thanked her but hadn’t done much.
“Nimue, I’m counting on you!”
“Unfortunately, my magic isn’t suitable for this situation. Everyone, please follow me.”
Quickly assessing the situation, Nimue nodded and addressed the fallen people.
“Ugh, w-was I saved?”
“Ouch… What’s this, fried chicken?”
“…It hurts, but it’s tasty…”
“For now, let’s run.”
“We went through a rough time…”
The young men, with bewildered expressions as they nibbled on the fried chicken, picked up the unconscious Baron Horita and fled with their utmost effort.
Yeah, I get it. This monster is eerie and seems strong.
“Now, it’s time for Takano Miu to face you!”
I aimed my hand at the approaching Hvergelmir.
“First attack!”
[Plasma Bird III]
With a snap, my palm discharged, creating a plasma bird that could blow away mountains. It headed toward Hvergelmir.