Chapter 48

As I floundered in confusion, Fiole and Almoa locked gazes, sparks practically flying between them.

It was like two eternal rivals facing off.

No… that’s not it… that’s not what I wanted…

—After that.

The monster hunting intensified even more.

Each time an enemy appeared, they’d charge immediately, racing to see who could land the very first blow.

Apparently, they were competing to lead their combined attacks, each trying to say, “Follow my lead.”

But since they both had moves that could be considered “finishing blows,” the monsters often ended up flying before they even had a chance to coordinate.

I had no choice but to watch helplessly. I almost wanted to cry.

“Argh. Next!”

“That one’s weak against fire. Let’s time it with Avril’s flames.”

“Almoa! You’re being way too cautious! We could chain our attacks even more!”

“Fiole, watch me a little more! You’re too absorbed in your own world.”

“Ugh, whatever! Next, next!”

Oh?

They’re still yelling each other’s flaws, but somehow, it seems like they’re actually managing to communicate now, maybe even starting to have constructive discussions.

Once the wave of monsters subsided, the two of them started consulting each other about something.

“…Make sure to sharpen your blade…”

“Avril… just fit in the words…”

“Maybe we should use the move that makes it go up… blazing fast…”

“No one ever told you about your naming sense, did they…?”

They seemed to be getting along better somehow. They’re working hard.

Thank goodness. I’m really glad.

I’ll ask Gloza later to make them their favorite desserts.

I think I heard something about “naming sense,” but it’ll be fine. Almoa will handle it somehow.

I’m counting on you, Almoa. Stop her if it comes to that.

“Wow, those girls are so cool!”

At that moment, Miti came out from inside Raederia.

It seemed like the intense fighting had piqued her interest.

In the past, Miti would have been scared, but she seems to have grown stronger, probably influenced by the older siblings at the orphanage.

With the monsters gone, she started to toddle towards Fiole and Almoa.

I jumped down from the driver’s seat and followed her.

“Hey, that’s dangerous, Miti!”

“Eek!”

Miti squealed playfully.

Right then, it happened.

A monster suddenly appeared from the ground.

A mole-like monster with sharp claws and spraying clumps of dirt.

It was barely three meters from the little girl.

“Miti!”

I ran with all my might, grabbing Miti in my arms.

As I raised my head, the enemy loomed directly in front of me.

I shielded Miti against my chest and turned my back to the monster.

Prioritizing her safety delayed activating my “Sample” ability.

A sharp claw grazed my back.

A flash of heat surged there.

The pain at the corner of my eye caused a slight spasm.

Thanks to my reflexes, I avoided a direct hit, just barely escaping a serious wound.

Close… way too close.

I fell forward, still holding Miti.

“Teacher!”

“I’m fine. Are you alright, Miti?”

“Yes… I’m sorry, teacher.”

I patted the little girl’s head, her eyes brimming with tears.

Then I quickly shifted my focus.

Could I activate my Gifted Skill Thrust Flash bare-handed? Or maybe I could use Barrier to knock the enemy back.

No hesitation. I had to protect her, no matter what.

Ignoring the pain in my back, I twisted my body.

I faced off against the monster.

And then, a golden and silver glimmer cut in between us.

From the left, Fiole, and from the right, Almoa, swung their weapons horizontally.

Their spear and staff struck the monster’s torso in unison.

Perfect timing and spacing.

But the enemy was tough. The high-pitched clang of metal echoed like they’d struck a solid hunk of steel.

This one was clearly different from the usual weak monsters that kept appearing earlier.

A rare monster, perhaps…?

Fiole. Almoa.

They wouldn’t be able to take this down as easily if they stayed uncoordinated.

“Haaa!”

The two girls’ determination harmonized.

I widened my eyes in amazement.

With perfect synchronization, they spun like tops, unleashing a chain of blows.

The spear.

The staff.

Both sweeping from left and right to strike its torso.

They slashed its arms.

They struck its head.

A four-hit combo!

The monster staggered.

Fiole and Almoa’s gazes met.

For a moment, I thought they were vying to see who would deliver the finishing blow.

It was just needless worry on my part. An assumption I should reflect on.

Fiole shifted to the front, and Almoa took the rear.

“Avril!”

At Almoa’s signal, the great spirit unleashed a burst of flame.

The ignition point—the space between Fiole and the monster.

A concentrated heat. The ground ablaze. Flames erupting.

Right in the center, Fiole’s ultimate Thrust Flash detonated.

The impact of her quick thrust, the blade of light, and the great spirit’s flames merged into a single, sweeping current that engulfed the monster.

Heat and wind surged over to where I stood.

Clang…!

I opened my eyes to the sound of metal hitting the ground.

It was the sound of Fiole and Almoa’s weapons striking in unison.

With their mastery of the True Spear Technique and True Staff Technique, their bodies had been refined to the level of experts, standing tall, an impressive sight.

The monster had been obliterated.

The gouged-out ground where it once stood had turned glassy from the intense heat.

The natural breeze carried away the lingering heat of the battlefield.

“Flame Blade Chain Attack: Valengio.”

The two of them murmured in unison.

Fiole turned back, looking relieved, and raised a finger confidently.

“It’s a good thing we decided on a name for it.”

And that was the finishing line of their spectacular cooperative attack.