NOVEL NEXT Ch58 - The Queen's Answer
Chapter 58: The Queen’s Answer
“You make such presumptuous demands. You want me by your side? You’ll leave if I come with you? Don’t be absurd. You’re mistaken. I’m not someone who can be kept in someone’s grasp. People who desire to serve me gather around me.”
“S-Serve…!” the familiars roared in unison.
Queen Lena declared this boldly and confidently. Her sweet voice overflowed with self-assurance, her regal aura palpable to everyone present. Even the elderly mages, overhearing her words, gaped in astonishment. Her queenly presence was overwhelming.
The familiars, needless to say, were ecstatic, their voices filled with adoration. “It’s an honor to serve you, Lena-sama!” “Oh, Master, you’re so cool!” The slimes and Lily were completely immersed in the act, while Hamaru was deadly serious. The adventurers were taken aback by the intensity, and Luca was on the verge of a stomach cramp. He’d glimpsed Lena’s inner turmoil with his magic eye again, as she lamented, “No! I didn’t mean to say it like that!”
The sorcerer, rubbing his swatted hand, widened his eyes slightly, staring intently at the strange girl.
“See? My familiars are very cute, aren’t they? And strong, too.”
Ignoring the sorcerer, Lena gazed lovingly at her “children.” …We can’t let Master be embarrassed after saying that! Hamaru and the slimes resolved to fight harder, their morale boosted.
The giant sheep, who had been losing against the dragon, snorted powerfully, digging its hooves into the ground and, with sheer willpower, began to push back!
Forced back, the scales on the dragon’s forehead crumbled and peeled away. Kureha and Izumi slowly dissolved and consumed the scales and rotting flesh where they made contact with Slime Guard. Gruesome. White bone was exposed, and the dragon roared in pain. Seizing the opportunity, the adventurers attacked its legs, forcing one of its massive limbs to the ground! For now, the Dryad sprout was safe.
Lily, in her butterfly form, harmlessly slapped at the dark barrier separating her from Lena.
“Hmm. I don’t understand what the monsters are saying, but…you are certainly admired as their master. You’ve motivated them with just your words. Impressive.”
The sorcerer watched the giant sheep’s valiant efforts with apparent admiration.
“You’re so irritating. Call me Lena-sama.”
“…How amusing. Lena-sama, is it?”
“My, how obedient. However, you’re such a scoundrel that it completely negates any goodwill, so I still feel nothing but disgust.”
“I don’t mind. I prefer this straightforwardness to women who cling and flatter.”
“…Would you mind not looking down on me while we speak?”
“Then, bring me to my knees with your power. I’ll give you the opportunity. …This is quite enjoyable.”
The sorcerer seemed intrigued by the Queen. He’d never met a woman like this before. Of course not, sadistic queens weren’t exactly common.
A dark glint appeared in the sorcerer’s narrowed eyes. He smirked, a rather unsettling expression, but his inherent handsomeness made it work, and the male adventurers cursed the unfairness of the world.
“That smirk is much more repulsive and suits you better!” Lena remarked. He nodded in satisfaction, dropping the fake, refreshing smile. If his charm didn’t work on his target, it was just a bothersome distraction. Explode, ikemen aura!
“Now, what will you do? Does Lena-sama have any other tricks besides her familiars? Something interesting I don’t know? I’ll wait. Show me everything.”
Despite the blatant provocation, Lena, maintaining her haughty demeanor, calmly formulated a plan to win. She had no intention of losing. At worst, she had to force a draw and drive him away. The adventurers afflicted with the Corruption Curse and Sylphine were nearing their limits.
To land a blow on this troublesome sorcerer, piquing his interest and making him step back was the best approach. A surprise attack was impossible due to his [Observant Eye] skill, which allowed him to react instantly to the slightest movement. A brute force attack would only be blocked by the dark barrier. Now, with Lena inside the barrier and the sorcerer having no intention of killing her, was her only chance to counterattack! She had to play her strongest and most reliable card.
Lena briefly made eye contact with Luca, using him as a messenger to her familiars. “(Understood),” Luca replied telepathically, then glanced at Hamaru, the slimes, Lily, and Sylphine. He relayed his own plan to Lily as well. Though surprised, Lily flapped her wings cheerfully and moved away from the dark barrier, hovering near Sylphine’s barrier.
Then, Sylphine landed softly beside Lena, inside the barrier. The sorcerer couldn’t see Sylphine.
The stage was set. Confident in his overwhelming power, the sorcerer patiently awaited the petite queen’s counterattack.
“Do you know what this is?”
“…No. I don’t recognize that magic tool.”
“It contains flower seeds. It’s a newly released magic tool.”
“I see. But if that’s Lena-sama’s final card, I’ll be disappointed.”
“You can trust me on that. You’ll be on your knees soon enough.”
“Hmm.”
The sorcerer smirked, intrigued.
Lena confidently presented a white, capsule-shaped magic tool. It contained the seeds of those infamous flowers. She held it in her small hand, displaying it clearly to the sorcerer.
The sorcerer kept his hand on his magic rod but remained in a waiting stance, seemingly intrigued by Lena’s words. He showed no signs of attacking.
The adventurers, who had been watching the exchange while fighting, gulped. Lena took a deep breath and, in a manner reminiscent of a crystal inscription chant, began to speak. This was purely for show, to captivate the sorcerer.
However, Smartphone-san, in its eagerness to help, added an unnecessary step. The already flamboyant chant underwent a cringeworthy transformation, stirring Lena’s inner embarrassment. She cringed inwardly. It wasn’t over yet. Sylphine, sensing her friend’s heightened emotions, added dazzling wind effects, as if offering a bonus service.
▽Here we go!
Queen Lena’s majestic figure, wreathed in sparkling wind, her red robe billowing gracefully, was etched into the adventurers’ memories…! It was a disaster. Luca, teary-eyed, struggled to contain his laughter.
“The shimmering wind sings the melody of the green and blue spirits.
The silver wind blows because it admires me; it is inevitable.
The crimson sacred robe is my aegis and golden sword, Harpe.
This world echoes and blesses my words; it is fate.
My name is Lena.
The Monster Tamer who gathers all blessings and fortune.
Call me Queen.
My pure white servants, reveal your majestic forms here and now!
Guided by the moonlight…!”
Moonlight power. In broad daylight.
“Revel in your fleeting existence, Super-Fast Holy White Macho Men!”
“Let’s water them! Here we go♪”
Lena dramatically pulled back her leg and pressed the magic tool’s activation switch with a flourish! Sylphine enveloped the flower seeds in a water sphere. The pure white seeds glowed brightly…
▽Miracle!
▽Super-Fast Holy White Macho Man born! x10
The pure white macho bodies glowed with a mystical silver light, their faces adorned with large white roses. They were flowers. Standing at an astounding 40cm, significantly larger than the usual White Macho Men, their numbers were fewer. But each one possessed incredible physical abilities and holy power! In perfect synchronization, they struck a double biceps pose!
The dark barrier was now packed with mini macho men. Uncomfortable with the cramped space, the sorcerer stepped back from Lena and dispelled the barrier.
“…Interesting! Lena-sama wasn’t supposed to be a summoner, was she? Yet, how can you summon such beings? How did you conjure a water sphere without Aqua magic or skills? Did you borrow the power of that weakened spirit? I thought your aptitudes were Dark and Green magic…but you also control Blue, a ‘Triple’ aptitude…? What special effect did that chant have? I’ve never heard of such a crystal inscription. Fascinating!”
While he was enjoying his analysis, it should be mentioned that it was all just self-inflicted cringe.
Driven by his thirst for knowledge, the sorcerer bombarded Lena with questions, but the Queen, surrounded by her servants, merely smiled serenely, her chin held high. She wasn’t about to explain her tricks to the enemy. The sorcerer raised an eyebrow.
“You won’t tell me? Oh…how disappointing. When I was a Thief, I had the [Appraisal Eye] skill. I could have seen almost all of your stats. Hmm…I’m usually quite lucky, but it seems my luck has run out this time.”
“Luck is always on my side. Fufu, you should have chosen a different opponent.”
“Is that so? Well, fine. If I capture you, I’ll find out everything, won’t I?”
The sorcerer’s eyes gleamed with dark curiosity as he finally made his move! He channeled his magic power into his rod.
“Skill: [Corruption Curse].”
A test, for now. Dozens of dark needles appeared around the Holy White Macho Men.
“…Release the power within, bestowed by the holy name!”
Lena chanted more nonsense as her servants prepared to counterattack. She cracked her whip, using [Inspire] on the Macho Men and her familiars. Their spirits soared. Even the bloomed Macho Men seemed to be recognized as Lena’s familiars.
The dark needles rained down, about to pierce the Macho Men’s beautiful muscles! …Or so it seemed. Just before impact, they transformed into dull, magicless needles and bounced harmlessly off the Macho Men’s bulging muscles! Wow!
The sorcerer’s eyes widened, scrutinizing the bizarre sight, his mind racing through various explanations. He grinned, clearly amused.
Meanwhile, several arrows flew towards the defenseless sorcerer, but he swatted them all down with his rod. Truly formidable.
The Holy White Macho Men struck another pose, their bodies glowing from within.
“Ah!”
Sylphine, grazed by the light, gasped, clutching her chest. The heaviness that had weighed her down due to the taint lifted, and her breathing eased. The hidden effect of the Holy White Macho Men, specially evolved by Lena’s gift, was “Darkness Dispelling.” The sentient flower seeds, upon blooming, seemed to class change according to their master’s desires, gaining a special ability.
“Go!”
At Lena’s command, the Macho Men launched their attack. Kicking off the ground with powerful legs, they jumped high, closing the distance to the sorcerer.
“[Shadow Hole].”
The sorcerer calmly cast his dark barrier, but the Macho Men’s unknown special ability was “Darkness Dispelling.” The first Macho Man to reach the barrier unleashed a powerful flying knee kick. One after another, the Macho Men’s kicks and punches rained down on the same spot! A large crack appeared in the magically reinforced barrier—the sorcerer’s dark barrier was finally broken! His decision not to use a crystal inscription this time suggested he was enjoying the thrill of a challenging fight.
That carelessness, that leisurely observation of the Macho Men, proved to be his downfall. Lena and her familiars were giving it their all. The Macho Men cocked their powerful fists.
▽Holy White Macho Man’s Uppercut!
▽Hits the sorcerer’s abdomen!
The sorcerer groaned, his tall frame bending over in pain, his feet lifting slightly off the ground from the force of the uppercut.
▽Holy White Macho Man’s Right Straight!
▽Hits the sorcerer’s cheek!
His cheek struck by the Macho Man’s fist, the sorcerer finally fell to his knees. He managed to break his fall, but he was undeniably down.
A roar of triumph erupted from the adventurers. At that moment, the sorcerer’s concentration broke, and the [Shadow Bind] on Luca’s feet vanished.
A pure white warrior, fists raised in a muscle-flexing pose, charged forward, ready to press the attack. But the sorcerer wasn’t going down without a fight. Propping himself up, he smoothly drew a dagger and, with surprising speed and force, swung it horizontally, repeating the motion several times. Each strike landed on a vital point, and the pure white warrior withered and shriveled, its life extinguished.
The sorcerer spat out blood and wiped his nose. Reaching for his magic rod, he quickly reconstructed a smaller dark barrier with a crystal inscription. “‘Thou shalt not enter the domain of darkness’…” This barrier wouldn’t be easily broken by the White Macho Men’s fists. However, each punch created small cracks, suggesting it could be destroyed eventually. The sorcerer laughed, clearly amused by the unexpected turn of events.
“…Kukuku! Good! [Shadow Bind]!”
“!”
Dark tentacles snaked out from the ground, wrapping tightly around the Macho Men. For whose benefit, one wondered.
The sorcerer then activated a skill he’d apparently acquired during the battle.
“Skill: [Resentment Amplification].”
“Gwwwwaaaargh!!”
The target was the already battered and decaying dragon. Lena, hearing its earsplitting roar, whipped around to look at her familiars.
Consumed by a surge of rage, the dragon, ignoring its pain and decaying flesh, began to thrash wildly! Hamaru, who had been locked in a headbutt contest, lost his balance and stumbled forward as the dragon turned abruptly, no longer caring about its condition. He barely managed to catch himself with his forelegs, avoiding falling flat on his face.
“…Get a hold of yourself! I don’t want to see my familiar with his head on the ground. Do you understand? Hamaru, if you win… I’ll whip you!”
Lena’s words snapped Hamaru back to focus.
“Such bliss! Long live the Queen!”
“If you win!?” the male adventurers exclaimed in unison. One could understand their sentiment. But Hamaru’s morale was definitely boosted. …Lena’s magic power was running low, so she had to resort to verbal rewards to motivate him. She wasn’t enjoying this.
The dragon, like a child throwing a tantrum, thrashed and rolled on the ground, scattering the high-ranking adventurers. Contact with its rotting body and blood would spread the curse, so the adventurers resorted to ranged attacks, but they were struggling. They couldn’t afford to fall to the blood-soaked ground.
As the dragon’s vision returned, Lily enveloped its head in [Black Fog].
Cursed blood seeped into the earth, and Sylphine’s sister cried out in agony. The elderly mages, sweat dripping from their brows, continued casting [Purification Purge], straining their magic power.
Amidst the chaos, the sorcerer moved again.
“I want you.”
“You insolent fool!”
“So, Lena-sama. Is this acceptable?”
That wasn’t the point. Holding his rod close to his side and a dagger in his other hand, the sorcerer charged! He was about 6 meters from Lena. Seven Macho Men stood in his way…and a magic swordsman at the edge of his vision was also within his awareness.
▽The sorcerer’s dagger dance!
It wasn’t a skill, but a brute force display of his exceptional physical abilities. He swiftly and efficiently stabbed each Macho Man to death. Thrusting was faster than slashing, and the slain Macho Men withered and became thin, eliminating the need to retrieve his dagger. This was working in his favor.
He was almost at Lena. Only two Macho Men remained as her guards. The magic swordsman was approaching, but his movements were strangely slow.
The dagger claimed the life of the last pure white warrior…!
Lena, whip in hand, stood her ground, glaring defiantly at Ivan. Their eyes met. The sorcerer’s tall frame loomed over her.
“Gotcha.”
The sorcerer smirked.
“I don’t recall giving you permission to touch me, villain. Know your place.”
To speak so boldly in this desperate situation, against such an overwhelming opponent! The sorcerer chuckled, clearly amused. Lena continued to meet his gaze with unwavering defiance.
“Don’t tell me you think you’ve already won…?”
“!”
Lena’s “Crimson Queen” title finally awakened, in its true form. The sorcerer’s hand, touching the crimson Robe of the Dread Emperor, sizzled and burned. Blinding light filled the clearing.
▽Next: The tide of battle turns, Crimson Awakening.