Flowery Reincarnation

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Paul Greyrat awoke with a gasping breath, the air thick with the scent of charred earth. Above him, the sky blazed in hues of angry orange and red flames. It was the earth itself, scorched in unnatural patches, devoid of life. The forest around him, once rich with life, had been reduced to a desolate wasteland.

"Rudy…" Paul rasped his son's name the first word to escape his lips. Every muscle protested as he struggled to stand up, the agonizing reminders of broken fingers and a dislocated shoulder making him grit his teeth. Yet, despite the pain, he forced himself upright. His body was battered with bruises, his strength waning, but his priority was singular.

"RUDY! R-RUDY!" His voice, hoarse and desperate, echoed through the silent landscape. He pushed forward, stumbling with each step, the pain gnawing at him like a relentless fire.

Then, a familiar voice reached him. "Father!" Relief surged through Paul's veins as he saw his son standing there, unharmed. Behind Rudy stood Laws, weary but upright.

Paul's gaze relaxed, with heart swelling at the sight of his son alive and even smiling faintly, though this time with a solemn look Paul never saw. Rudy was safe. He nearly forgot his anger from earlier, the rage that had filled him when Rudy had sliced his hand open, allowing blood to flow freely in a magical ritual. But Paul shook off the thought; his relief at Rudy's safety outweighed any reprimands he had planned.

A soft, glowing light radiated from Rudy, his magic knitting together Paul's wounds with surprising tenderness. He felt his skin close, the sharp pain lessening with each pulse of warmth. "Laws," he managed, turning to his friend, "are you alright?"

The elf smiled, a flicker of hope in his eyes, despite the toll of the battle. "Rudeus healed us both as soon as we came to. Seems like we weren't out for too long." He gave a weary chuckle, though the tremor in his hands betrayed his exhaustion.

Paul chuckled dryly, wincing as he shifted. The thought of this encounter made him feel every bit of his age. "Guess we're getting too old for this."

Laws raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You're the only one complaining, Paul."

Paul's laugh was interrupted by a coughing fit, the lingering pain refusing to let him rest. "You're right, Laws," he replied, looking down at his son with a fatherly smile. "Though that monster…" He trailed off, recalling its twisted form and concerning intelligence. It had been unlike any monster he'd ever faced.

"It fed on the other creatures we defeated," Laws murmured, his voice tinged with unease as his gaze scanned the horizon. His fingers quivered over his bow, his grip tight as he remembered their earlier encounter.

Rudy's expression shifted abruptly, a rare look of anxiety crossing his young face. "Just now... It started absorbing the blood I left behind."

"What?" Laws demanded, his eyes narrowing as he glanced between Rudy and the forest. "How could you know that?"

"Let's leave that for later," Paul interjected, sensing his friend's frustration building. He turned to Rudy, urgency sharpening his voice. "Laws, let it go. More importantly, Rudy, what does that mean?"

Rudy grimaces, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him. "It kills and kills, absorbing mana from their bodies and integrating it into its own pool. In doing so, it's theoretically possible for it to grow abnormally large."

Paul's brows furrowed, his mind racing. He could feel the dread creeping in. "If it keeps feeding…"

"It could reach the village next," Rudy finished grimly, his voice trembling slightly.

Paul felt a growing dread at the thought of the monster closing in on innocents. He cast a sidelong glance at his son, whose expression had become unsettlingly intense. He'd seen Rudy like this before with a seriousness that belied his years, a focus that Paul couldn't fully understand.

"Why 'theoretically,' though?" Paul asks confusion etched on his face.

Because no normal being should be able to do that unless somehow modified by a magus or another party. The amount of mana our bodies can hold is far more vulnerable than we realize. Even if the target is a mana monster, the idea of it growing that large is still... outlandish.

Merlin was about to elaborate on this unsettling thought when he caught himself, reminded that these were not things a child should know.

I guess I'm losing myself in the moment.

"It makes sense?" Merlin says, his tone tinged with self-doubt.

He was already disturbed enough after overusing his sight and witnessing firsthand how that pseudo-phantasmal creature had gulped down his blood like a drunken Ancestor savoring his last drink. The sclera of his eyes had begun to show burst blood vessels—a telltale sign of strain—that Merlin quickly healed before anyone could notice. Any further strain could lead to dangerous bleeding, so he instinctively closed his eyes. This ability was intricately connected to his soul and body, which was why merely recovering the body would never suffice. It explained why, even after reincarnating, the color of his eyes remained unchanged.

"I see," Paul responds, still not fully comprehending but recognizing the urgency. "We need to kill it; otherwise, the next target will be the village."

Not exactly. Considering that Merlin's blood was akin to dopamine, overflowing with mana, it was clear where the monster's attention would inevitably turn next.

It hadn't forgotten the scent.

What should they do? The sensible course would be to retreat as soon as possible, seeking refuge far from this village. The correct choice would be to—

It's wrong.

What had he just thought? To flee from this place of comfort? How foolish! He is the renowned Magus of the Arthurian Era, one of the most prominent figures of mankind.

Merlin frowned, grappling with the unusual thought that had crept into his mind, unaware of where it had come from. Let's focus.

Paul glanced down at his empty hand. "Where's my sword?"

Without a word, Merlin's hand flicked toward the rubble, and Paul's weapon lifted, gliding through the air into his grip. He steadied himself, inhaling deeply as the sword's familiar weight settled in his hand. There was no time to regroup as the enemy was near.

A violent tremor echoed through the ground, trees splintering as the monstrous creature tore into view, its form made even more horrifying under the burning-red sky. "Laws, aim for the eyes! Rudy, keep back and support!" Paul barked, raising his sword and charging forward.

Branches like jagged spears shot out, each swiping a deadly assault. Paul weaved through them, his sword flashing as he searched for a weak spot. Laws released a flurry of arrows, each one glowing with a faint pink aura that sliced through the air, burying into the monster's eye with a sickening squelch.

At the same time, Rudy—or rather, Merlin—gathered mana in his palms, a fierce concentration contorting his features. The Mana Blasts he unleashed crackled with power, striking the monster's scales in rapid succession, each impact sending waves of energy through the creature's towering body.

A Mana Blast is an attack that harnesses highly concentrated mana, channeling it to unleash a powerful strike. Unlike elemental spells, which rely on specific attributes, pure mana can be far more destructive as long as the caster can focus all of it and manage its chaotic nature to maintain stability.

But the monster, scorched yet unyielding, roared back, its flesh regenerating, the burned skin knitting back together. "Magic resistance?" Merlin's voice trembled slightly, disbelief flickering in his eyes as he watched the creature deflect spell after spell.

Much to Merlin's astonishment, this Mana Monster was capable of withstanding a direct hit from a powerful magical spell without so much as a scratch.

The Wizard knew he could easily overcome this resistance if he had access to a staff capable of harnessing the ocean of mana coursing through his body. Unfortunately, the most formidable staff was currently locked away in the Garden, well out of reach.

Across the battlefield, Paul Greyrat danced like a skilled performer, evading a storm of heavy blows that threatened to engulf him. He moved with the grace of a dancer, narrowly avoiding the apocalypse that sought to consume him in its frenzy. His great sword sliced through the air with a speed that would be impossible for a normal human to track.

With deft precision, Paul countered the next attack, his black sword carving a clean cut across the enemy's clawed hand. To everyone's surprise, the blade sliced through the monster's flesh as if it were nothing more than paper. Unbeknownst to Paul, this was no ordinary weapon; it had transformed into something far more significant.

Seizing the opportunity, Paul continued to evade the onslaught, deflecting blows while inflicting deep wounds on the creature's body. Laws, from his vantage point, unleashed arrows that found their mark, burrowing into one of the monster's eyes. It almost seemed as if victory was within their grasp.

"It's over," the half-elf proclaimed, but Merlin felt a gnawing uncertainty.

Even from the sidelines, he sensed the precariousness of their situation. A deep unease settled within him; despite their apparent success, the Monster did not seem ready to concede defeat.

Suddenly, the remnants of the horde they had fought earlier caught up with them. The Bounded Field that Merlin had established had been compromised by prior interference, allowing the remaining lower-rank wolves and boars to break free from the illusion.

"It's escaping!" Paul shouted as the Monster abruptly pivoted, sprinting toward the smaller beasts. He chased after it, urging Merlin and Laws to keep up.

The Monster barreled toward them like a ravenous beast locking onto its prey.

Merlin's instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong, and he cursed himself for allowing the situation to spiral further out of control. Sweat trickled down his forehead, a testament to his exhaustion from casting spells and bolstering his body.

Wait! I can't keep up! Merlin's physical exertion paled in comparison to the fierce pace of the hunt.

Eventually, they stumbled upon the Monster, devouring what appeared to be the corpses of other mana monsters. The sight churned Merlin's stomach, reminiscent of cannibalism, as he observed drops of blood staining the creature's maw.

"N-no way..." Laws whispered, horror etched across his face as the Monster's flesh began to stitch itself back together, its body growing larger with each passing moment.

It was easy to see why the elf appeared defeated. One moment, the group seemed poised to triumph over the beast, and the next, it had regenerated as if nothing had happened. Yet Paul, unfazed by the apparent resurrection of their foe, clashed with it again, feeling firsthand the surge of strength that emanated from the creature.

Faced with such an unknown entity, even seasoned adventurers felt a chill of unease.

Unparalleled speed.

That was the revelation that struck Paul when his sword missed its target. He was taken aback by the monster's sudden acceleration, and before he could react, it struck him with a devastating blow. The power behind the attack was enough to crush human bones, leaving Paul with several cracked ribs despite the Battle Aura and Reinforcement Magecraft bolstering his body.

The raw strength required to achieve such devastation surpassed anything he had anticipated. Paul was sent flying through the air, but thanks to Merlin's magic, he was prevented from completely vanishing from sight.

Merlin's heart raced as he wished desperately to heal his father, but the monster's slit eyes were locked onto him as they closed.

Then, the monster let out a beastly cry, its eyes gleaming with a renewed bloodlust. It lunged forward, barreling through Laws' next shot and landing a crushing blow that sent Paul sprawling further, the impact echoing through his bones even with the magical reinforcement.

"Rudy!" Paul called out, his voice laced with pain, but the beast only seemed to mock him. In an instant, it leaped toward Merlin with terrifying force, leaving a gaping crater where it had been moments before. The ground beneath Merlin glowed ominously and erupted, the shockwave from the impact causing the Monster's flesh to burst, its scales losing all semblance of their original form.

Refusing to relent, Merlin channeled all his power into a spell, determined to overwhelm the creature. The sound of creaking and shattering flesh echoed in the air as his spell struck true.

A fatal blow was landed, and with a merciless push, Merlin sent the Monster staggering back. Simultaneously, he forced the stunned Laws away with a powerful gust of wind magic.

In the chaotic dance of the battlefield, something went terribly awry. A claw dug deep into Merlin's shoulder, causing him to cry in pain as blood poured from the wound, revealing the burst blood vessels beneath. To his horror, the blood that spilled from him was instantly absorbed by the Monster, fueling its power and regeneration further.

With a furious shout, Paul swung his sword down, aiming for the Monster's neck, intent on severing its head once and for all. But gravity shifted as the hulking form of the beast rotated, its newly formed arms slamming into Paul and sending him crashing to the ground with a resounding thud.

At that moment, the Monster turned its hungry gaze toward Merlin, preparing to consume him whole.

Unbeknownst to them, a figure nearby sensed the intense surge of concentrated mana, her instincts kicking in as she prepared to intervene.

"Supple spirit of water and princess of streams that flow through the earth, sweep away all things with your hidden inner might!" Her voice rang out with fervor, channeling the essence of the water element.

The strength of this spell surged beyond mere intermediacy, resonating with raw power.

"WATER CANNON!"

In an instant, a ferocious torrent of water slammed into the Monster with the force of a crashing wave. The ground erupted beneath the impact, sending shards of earth flying. The Monster was hurled backward, its body slamming into the ground like a fallen meteor. With each violent spin, it peeled away parts of its scales, a bloody display as it collided with rocks and trees in its chaotic descent.

Finally, the beast managed to dig its claws into the dirt, halting its wild momentum. It glared furiously at the source of its suffering—the short girl standing defiantly before it. Her striking blue eyes shone with determination, framed by a large hat that obscured much of her hair.

The diversion created by the girl was just the opportunity Merlin needed. With a swift incantation, he focused his remaining mana to heal his shoulder, the pain ebbing away. Then he turned to Paul, a few feet away, and began to mend his injuries as well. At that moment, Merlin felt glad for stalling, his heart racing as he caught glimpses of the girl's impressive magic.

"Your eyes are bleeding!" Roxy exclaimed, her shock evident as she noticed the crimson dripping from Merlin's gaze. She rushed to his side, instinctively trying to staunch the flow, her concern palpable. "You're too young to be using such powerful magic!"

Merlin shook his head, fatigue bubbling beneath the surface. "It's fine! Let's focus on the Monster right now, okay?"

Roxy's brows knitted together. "A-a big monster like that rampaging through the village? What rank is it!? It looks barely scratched!"

"Ughh…" Paul roused from his painful haze, glared at Roxy as she hovered near the injured Merlin. "And you are…?"

"Ah! Right!" Roxy stumbled over her words, her stoicism faltering under the scrutiny. "I'm Roxy. I was appointed as a tutor in this village, but then this… this happened! I couldn't just leave!" Her voice wavered, revealing the tension beneath her calm exterior. "Um, do you need my help?"

"It's coming back again!" Laws yelled, his voice tinged with urgency as he pointed at the massive form of the Monster approaching them once more. Its eyes burned with boiling rage, and the ground trembled with each thunderous step it took.

Paul stood up, shaking off the dust and debris that clung to him from the recent skirmish. The residue of the Monster's chaos was a stark reminder of the battle. At Laws' words, his gaze sharpened, nostalgia flickering in his eyes as he took in the sight of his comrades.

"Get ready!" Paul shouted, adrenaline coursing through him as he gripped his black sword tighter. "We're not done yet!"

Merlin felt the weight of responsibility settles heavily on his shoulders. The Monster had to be stopped, but now, with Roxy by their side, there was a glimmer of hope. "Let's coordinate our attacks!" he urged, rallying his comrades as he prepared to unleash his magic once more.

The air crackled with tension as the Monster charged, its primal roar echoing through the battlefield.

Ah, it's just like in the past.

Paul - the tank.

Laws - the ranger.

Roxy - the mage.

Rudy (Merlin) - the support.

Despite not knowing Roxy well, her decisive intervention to save his son was enough for Paul to place his trust in her. In that moment, they felt a bond forming, a kinship forged in the fires of battle.

"Let's take this thing down!" Merlin's voice rang out, igniting a spark of determination in the group, and boosting their morale.

As the Monster loomed before them, the air thick with bloodlust, it became clear that they were no longer the easy prey it had hoped for.

With their combined efforts, they pushed the creature back, but the fury within it was palpable akin to a storm. It refused to yield, not until its sinister goal was achieved.

A deafening roar erupted from the Monster, shaking the very ground beneath them. Fresh bones sprouted from its back, and flesh writhed and shifted in a grotesque display. It felt as if an unseen force was mocking their efforts, laughter echoing in the back of their minds.

"I-It has wings!?" Roxy exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and dread as she took a step back. Her eyes widened, reflecting the horror that stood before them.

The others shared her disbelief, their hearts sinking as the reality of the Monster's transformation set in. Great, leathery wings unfurled from its back, stretching wide like a dark omen, each beat of its newfound appendages sending gusts of wind swirling around them. This was no ordinary creature; it had evolved into something far more dangerous.

Merlin's mind raced as he assessed the situation. The Monster was adapting too quickly, and they couldn't afford to hesitate.

It doesn't have enough time to adjust, he concluded silently, focusing his magic. With a swift movement, he summoned blades of wind that sliced through the air with deadly precision, severing the emerging wings before they could fully form.

It's useless if you cannot use them. Merlin's mind raced, processing the implications of the Monster's transformation.

The creature roared in fury, but its voice was muffled by the rush of wind as the magic took effect. Merlin knew that Magic Resistance wouldn't save the Monster from this. Each fresh body part was rendered vulnerable in the face of well-placed spells.

"Then I will fire the next one!" Roxy declared, her resolve hardening as she readied her next spell. The memory of her previous attack was still fresh in her mind—its staggering impact had left the Monster reeling.

Maybe this is enough to cut its head, she thought, determination glinting in her eyes.

As the swirling torrent of water surged toward the Monster, it crashed against its body with a resounding force. But instead of retreating, the Monster dug in its claws and stood firm, only pushed back slightly. Paul seized the moment, lunging forward for another strike, but the creature's intelligence shone through, and it sidestepped with surprising agility.

"Damnit!" Paul cursed, frustration boiling within him.

"It's almost like I'm fighting a rock—no, a mountain!" Roxy exclaimed, bewilderment evident in her tone. "I can barely make it bulge! What kind of Mana Monster is that?"

She couldn't comprehend the sight before her; it felt like a different beast altogether from the one she had encountered previously. It was as if the creature was continuously learning, discovering new tricks that forced them to shift tactics at every turn.

This Monster was not just powerful; it was a relentless juggernaut, its physical capabilities effortlessly shattering boulders and absorbing magic attacks with insatiable greed. It felt like it was born as a counter to spellcasters, a nightmare for anyone relying on magic to win their battles.

Laws, despite his best efforts, continued to fire arrow after arrow. But even with his enhancements, they barely pierced the thick hide of the Monster, bouncing off harmlessly. Each failed shot felt like a hammer blow to his confidence. "It's hopeless," he muttered, the grim reality settling heavily on his shoulders.

"I'm running low on mana," Roxy whispered to herself, desperation creeping into her voice after another series of spells. She was throwing everything she had at the Monster, spamming her magic in a frantic effort to keep it occupied. Each incantation drained her reserves further, and she could feel her strength waning.

If it can break through our barrage, then it's over, she realized, the stakes becoming clearer with every passing moment.

The Monster, seemingly undeterred, began to advance again, its eyes glinting with malice. The group braced themselves, knowing that their chance of opportunity was closing fast.

Merlin formulated a plan. "Father! Your sword can injure it, so let's focus on that!" He turned to Roxy, hurry lacing his voice. "Miss Roxy, team up with Father. Use your strongest water spells to keep its attention!"

"What—"

"Let's do it!" Paul interjected, cutting off Roxy's protest. He met her gaze, a fire igniting in his eyes. "We can't waste this chance."

Roxy took a deep breath, steeling herself against the overwhelming pressure of the situation. Her staff rose high into the air, determination coursing through her.

If they pray for water, then so be it. There is enough for everyone. With a surge of power, she tapped into her last reserves.

"Scatter the falling droplets, blanket the world in Splash!" she commanded, unleashing spheres of water that rained down with terrifying speed. Each droplet struck the Monster with a force that could shatter stone, the terrain around them becoming a tempest of liquid fury.

"Rapid muddy currents, gush forth! Flood Flush!" Roxy continued, directing the torrents to envelop the Monster. It was as if a small lake had formed, drowning the beast beneath a deluge of swirling water. Earth and sand were violently uprooted, creating a gaping hole beneath the raging waves. The aim was clear: keep the Monster preoccupied, give it no moment of respite, and force it to fight for its life.

With the Reinforcement magic provided by Rudeus, pulsing through him, Paul felt his body surge with energy. The Battle Aura fueled his spirit, and with a powerful leap, he ascended a dozen feet into the air, sword raised high, ready to deliver the finishing blow. His father's stamina was astounding, Merlin thought, each movement fluid and unyielding as he readied himself for the culmination of their efforts.

"T—that should be it," Roxy murmured, leaning heavily against her staff, her blue hair framing her pale face. Fatigue threatened to drag her under, her eyelids fluttering as she struggled to stay awake.

"This is it," she thought, her heart racing. I can't let it end like this. But as she stumbled to one knee, panting heavily, it became painfully clear that Roxy was at her limit. The weight of her magic was draining her, and despite her efforts, the world around her started to blur.

Merlin watched over them, satisfaction setting in his chest at their teamwork. My role as a support was good enough, he thought, a small smile breaking through the haze of chaos. But then—

A sudden rumbling beneath the earth shattered his moment of triumph.

Before any of them could react, the ground erupted. A sickening sound echoed as flesh was pierced, sharp and visceral.

"A-ah."

Pain slammed into Merlin like a tidal wave, his body going cold as something wet pressed against his stomach. The shock was instantaneous; the pain registered too quickly, his mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened. A burning sensation clawed at his throat, leaving him unable to scream, only a small whimper escaping his lips.

It had a tail?

Laws and Roxy froze, horror dawning on their faces as they witnessed the horror unfold.

With a brutal flick, the Monster tossed Merlin aside like a ragdoll, the malicious glee in its eyes evident as it reveled in their despair.

I—In the end, I let my guard down, Merlin thought, blood pouring from the wound, crimson splattering against the earth in stark contrast to the gray landscape around him. The world dimmed, colors leaching away into a dull haze.

As he lay there, struggling to focus, everything felt distant. The panic in Roxy's eyes, the horror on Laws' face—they were fading, replaced by the weight of darkness creeping in.

It's an awful color, he realized as the blood flowed, pooling beneath him. The red, once vibrant and alive, was now a harbinger of the inevitable.

All he could think of was the weight of his failure and the crushing dread of what was to come.

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