The bear lost it.

The moment it spotted my sword, it instantly dropped its gentlemanly facade and threw its huge body forward to attack.

The distance closed in an instant, and I couldn't move a muscle.

I had completely frozen up, overwhelmed by the dense, colored killing intent and the roar emanating from this gigantic monster.

"Jirou! Dodge!!"

"Master-dono!!"

I could hear their voices.

My field of vision narrowed, the world went into slow motion.

The bear's log-like arm, its claws sharpened like daggers, came rushing toward me.

I-I've gotta dodge!

But my body wouldn't react properly.

Am I... gonna make it...!?

『Demon Sword "Heart of Blood", Magic Color 'Nuregarasu' (Slick Raven) Skill Activated.』

The dull-gray claws tore the air right in front of my eyes—but I was unharmed.

My body automatically initiated an evasive maneuver, dodging the bear's strike by a hair's breadth.

"Agh, that was close! I almost died! Give me a break here, seriously."

"I will give no such thing. It seems your sword's skill saved you this time, but it will not activate endlessly. Prepare yourself!"

The bear was dead set on killing me.

It had suddenly flown into a rage, and the overflowing killing intent it radiated now felt nothing like the typical C-rank monster it had shown itself to be earlier.

Or maybe...

When I watched it fight Marina from the outside, it just looked weak, but when you actually stand in front of a magical beast, it feels this overwhelmingly strong...?

Well, in any case, the battle had begun.

I had no choice but to fight.

"Jirou! Fall back and regroup!"

Shello-san rushed in, intercepting the bear.

Even the enraged bear, taking a fierce blow from Shello-san's claymore, momentarily backed off.

"Jirou, my bad. This guy's way beyond C-rank. Its power suddenly surged. What we saw before must have been a disguise or something. We'll all take it on together!"

So it was way beyond C-rank after all!?

But with all of us...

"I'll be the tank! Let's go with 'Shooting Star' formation!"

The Shooting Star (Nagareboshi) formation.

We've been training under Shello-san and Rebecca-san for quite a while, and they've taught us a bit about battle formations.

Among them, the Shooting Star formation is deployed against powerful monsters, magical beasts, or sometimes groups of warriors. To put it bluntly, it's a formation where everyone gangs up and beats the snot out of the target at once.

The key is for the most skilled person to act as the shield, and while the opponent is occupied with them, everyone else goes in for the kill. In practice, this requires unspoken coordination to avoid friendly fire and is surprisingly difficult.

Well, we've trained for this, so we should be okay.

"Diana, use Spirit Magic! Marina, stick to my right side, try not to swing your weapon too much so you won't get in the way! Elepipi and Aurica, stay hidden!"

Those who can fight now are me, Shello-san, Rebecca-san, Marina, and Diana.

Five against one. No matter how strong the enemy, as long as Shello-san didn't go down, we could win.

"Jirou, don't let your guard down. This thing is on the level of a Swarm leader. Its killing intent is enough to raise goosebumps; this is no ordinary opponent."

"I know! I almost got killed just now after all! Hahaha! Now, my adrenaline is pumping!"

Right now, I'm experiencing near-death mode.

I'd heard long ago that people with the [Swordsman] vocation tend to charge straight into battle and die first, but I wonder if I have that kind of disposition too.

That's possibly true—because in this situation where everyone faces a formidable enemy together, my whole body was burning hot with excitement!

The bear charged toward me.

It seems its target is still me.

"Not on my watch!"

Shello-san's claymore roared. He slammed his entire body into the bear from the side, forcing even the mighty beast to stagger back.

"GRAAAARRR!!! Out of my way!! My business is with that man!!"

The bear lets out an angry roar.

The roar of that giant beast is a kind of attack that assaults you with sheer mass.

Someone with a weak heart would probably freeze up instantly.

In fact, I had frozen up just moments ago and couldn't move.

But now—

"Let's go, Marina! We'll poke it gently without getting in Shello-san's way!"

"Understood, de arimasu! A vertical strike would be effective, de arimasu!"

"And the reason is?"

"It won't hit the person next to me, de arimasu. The person next to me is Master-dono, de arimasu. Marina will absolutely protect Master-dono, de arimasu! Even if it costs my life!"

"Haha! Value your own life more! You're being dramatic!"

At this point, we had already slipped into a kind of trance.

A mere beast's roar wasn't going to shake us anymore.

* * *

The battle had probably been going on for about 30 minutes.

The bear was still in good shape, with no sign of its magic core dissipating.

It seemed extremely wary of attacks from my demon sword, so I struggled to land hits. And if there was even the slightest opening, it ignored everyone else and came straight for me.

No one had taken a solid hit from the bear yet, but fatigue was starting to set in. The situation wasn't exactly comfortable.

The demon sword—the [Heart of Blood of Nuregarasu (Slick Raven)]—was without a doubt the source of this bear's fury.

Checking the sword's status through [Mirror of Truth] earlier—I could see the attribute: [Anti-Magical Beast A].

It also had [Evasion Rate Up B] and [Absorption C], but the bear's rage and caution are obviously triggered by [Anti-Magical Beast A].

In other words, my sword's attacks were extremely effective against this magical beast.

Shello-san, with superhuman swordsmanship, intercepted, parried, slipped past the bear's attacks, and landed blows. Frankly, he seemed strong enough to win even one-on-one. What is this Berserk-like strength?

On the opposite side of Shello-san, Marina repeatedly attacked, using the length of her halberd. Thrusts, sweeps, overhead strikes.

The bear hardly attacked Marina (maybe it was targeting by attack power? It seemed to almost ignore everyone except me and Shello-san), but she sometimes came close to taking a hit, which was nerve-wracking. Marina is a bit too brave.

Rebecca-san, skillfully wielding the large bow Shello-san usually used for hunting, was consistently landing shots (insisting on headshots). Since three people are ideal for a close-quarters formation like the Shooting Star, she was taking the role of ranged attacker.

Diana was using spirit magic to make the grass grip the bear's feet. The effect was minor—sometimes it only made it lose balance slightly. Even so, it still made a big difference.

As for me, my top priority was dodging attacks, but I also took opportunities to land small hits. I couldn't possibly fight as bravely as Marina.

While "safety margin" might not be the right word, one solid hit meant certain death for me. Furthermore, if I were incapacitated, there was a risk of the entire group being wiped out. I couldn't afford to be careless.

"UOOOOOOOHH!!"

I landed a diagonal slash on the bear, which had been tripped up by Diana's spirit magic. Sparks of light scattered from the cut.

It was hard to tell how effective the attacks were against the bear—or monsters in general. No blood came out, and its movements didn't slow.

It should've taken quite a bit of damage by now, but...

Man. This thing really isn't dying yet...?

This was supposed to be a casual quest attempt, but it turned into something insane.

What would I do if the reward was terrible... or if we couldn't even clear the quest?

"Jirou!! Don't lose focus!"

"—!"

By the time I heard Rebecca-san shout, the bear—its eyes glowing deep crimson—was already right in front of me.

I hadn't meant to let my guard down.

But after 30 minutes of battle, my concentration must've been slipping.

30 minutes of exchanging blows where a single hit meant instant death. It would've been strange not to lose focus.

This time, truly intent on annihilating me, the bear raised its massive arm, about the thickness of my torso.

With my power, I couldn't block or parry this bear's attack. Trying to would only result in me being crushed.

Damn it! Dodge...! Can I make it...!?

The bear's lethal strike rushed toward me.

In the compressed, sharpened awareness of the moment, I understood clearly:

—I won't make it.

With no armor at all, I couldn't possibly withstand this hit.

My left arm would be shattered into pulp—if I was lucky, it'd just be severed.

My left lung would rupture, the ribs on the left side completely shattered, possibly piercing my heart or liver, leaving me beyond recovery—

It wasn't a cool resolve.

I simply accepted reality and gave up.

Maybe my death would satisfy this bear.

Ahh... I should have written a will or something.

"I've got you now! Beast Slayer Number Four!!"

The bear's massive arm roared.

"Master-dono!!"

In that instant—

A purple shadow leaped before my eyes.

Pushing me aside, it took the bear's attack in my place—

"Wha—"

The shadow was blasted away in a spray of blood.

It tumbled to the ground, ten meters away.

Lying face down, bleeding, yet with a satisfied smile on its lips.

In its hand... was a pale-purple spirit stone, proof that—"she" had achieved some kind of [Guidance].

—Two Guidances appeared at once, de arimasu!

—As for the other one... if possible, I want to keep it a secret, de arimasu.

—Marina will protect Master-dono, de arimasu. Even at the cost of my life.

"MARINAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

Back then, Marina had said two Guidances had appeared.

One of them she wanted to keep secret from me.

She'd looked so genuinely happy—saying it was like a special anniversary.

She had been so excited to work hard to fulfill her Guidances...

"Marina... You idiot...! A real idiot... Screw those Guidances! You should've just ignored them...!"

What's the point of achieving a Guidance if you die doing it?!

Dammit! Marina needs proper education!

Sacrificing yourself for others is absolutely unacceptable!

"Interfering again!! But now you're down one. Don't even think these sneaky tactics will work on me forever!"

"...Shut up, you honey-loving bear."

The immediate priority was to treat Marina. If necessary, I'll bring a doctor here to save her. Secrecy of the other world? That's nothing to weigh against a life.

To do that, I have to eliminate this bear as quickly as possible.

"Diana, no more magic. Look after Marina instead. Rebecca-san, please help her too."

"Wait, Jirou! Breaking formation won't work against this opponent! Even without Marina, we all have to fight—"

"—Shello-san and I can manage. Marina... Please, take care of her!"

I turned to face the bear.

If the demon sword attacks are most effective, then I'll finish this thing with maximum firepower.

...What the, when I think about it, it's the same as the training I always do with Shello-san. The only difference is whether the opponent's weapon is a greatsword or claws. 

Either way, getting hit means death. Right. It's simple.

I stepped in where Shello-san was engaging the bear.

"Shello-san, I'll take over."

"J-Jirou? You sure you're okay...?"

"I'm fine. Please let me—No, I have to do this."

The bear was saying something, but I didn't need words for a beast. Only swift extermination.

The bear's claw descended with a terrifying whooshing sound. But when I looked closely, the movement was simple. It was honest, linear, without the concept of a feint. I avoided it by shifting my body half a step to the left. I counter-slashed the bear's right flank while it was wide open.

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Damage to magical beasts tripled.』

The enraged bear, having taken a hit, quickly spun its body and extended its arm in a sweeping attack to knock me down. I avoided it with a back-step.

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Evasion rate increased.』

I plunged my sword into the bear's neck as it exposed its vulnerable back due to the momentum of its spin. Fragments of light scattered violently.

『Critical Hit』

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Critical rate against magical beasts increased.』

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Damage to magical beasts tripled.』

The bear, its eyes bloodshot red, lunged into a beastly biting attack. This full-body charging attack was tricky. But I avoided it by sliding between its legs. As I passed, I held my sword upright.

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Damage to magical beasts tripled.』

『Magic Sword Skill: "Absorption" activated. HP recovering.』

As I passed between its legs, before I could fully regain my posture, the bear quickly turned and extended its arm.

I stepped forward to evade it. My clothes were torn by the claws, but I was fine.

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Evasion rate increased.]

Using that momentum, I slammed my sword into the bear's face.

Sparks of light scattered fiercely, and the bear's body flickered.

『Critical Hit]

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Critical rate against magical beasts increased.]

『Magic Sword Adjustment: Damage to magical beasts tripled.]

『Magic Sword Skill: "Absorption" activated. HP recovering.]

Slice, dodge, slice, evade, thrust, slice, dodge, slice.

My movements became streamlined, focused solely on these actions.

The bear's attacks, which I initially had to evade widely, became something I could parry with smaller and smaller movements.

I didn't feel tired. Every time [Absorption] activated, all my exhaustion vanished. I felt like I could fight for hours.

After dozens of exchanges, even this monstrously durable bear finally fell to its knees.

"...Grrruu. To think... I would be defeated... How ironic, that I would end up helping a Beast Slayer grow... 'Beast Slayer Number 4'. My name is Arcas of the North Star Polaris. Do not forget that name—"

"—Just die already."

It was saying something, but I cut it down in a single stroke.

The bear left behind an enormous magic crystal, then dissolved into particles of light.

'Polaris's Arcas', my foot. Giving yourself such a cute name with that huge body!

Now! I need to—

"Ooohh! As expected of Master-dono, de arimasu! To think you'd defeat it alone... Marina can’t help but feel unworthy and overwhelmed with admiration, de arimasu!"

"!!!???"

"...What is it, de arimasu? You're reacting as if you've seen a ghost, de arimasu."

"A... Ah? M-Marina...? Are... are you okay? Your injuries..."

"I'm perfectly fine, de arimasu?"

Before my eyes was Marina, tilting her head with a smile, completely uninjured.

This didn't seem like a hallucination from battle high or a dream.

In reality, Marina stood there, healthy as if the bear's attack had never happened.

"M-MARINA!!"

I threw down my sword and hugged Marina.

"Ugh!? W-w-w-wah wah wah wah. An unexpected development, de arimasu. A bolt from the blue, de arimasu. To think there would be such a reward. Hawawawa."

"Marina... I'm so glad... you're safe... I really thought... sob."

"Ha-wah-wah... Ah... Master-dono...? Are you crying... de arimasu?"

"......"

The tension of the battle vanished all at once, and my tear ducts gave up completely.

Not wanting anyone to see my face, I hugged Marina with my back to the others.

"T-This is not good, de arimasu. Not good in two ways, de arimasu."

Marina squirmed, muttering strange things.

"Ah, Master-dono, there there... There there, de arimasu... Marina will always be with you. Cry on Marina's chest, de arimasu..."

Marina suddenly displayed maternal instincts.

Held in her arms—(or rather, I thought I was holding her, but I ended up being held!), I felt her definite warmth and felt my strength draining away with relief.

"Ah... crap. My legs just gave out."

"Fufu, it's okay, de arimasu, Master-dono... Marina is holding you firmly, de arimasu... nyufu."

Supported entirely by Marina, I was wrapped in her embrace.

At a crucial moment, acting uncool like this... This sucks.