The Garden Of Pearl Spitting Tortoise (6)

Chiiiing!

This laser-like intense noise resonated.

The source of the noise was [Water Breath].

Passing trees were instantly torn and shattered by its destructive force.

What was even more chilling was the aftermath.

There were marks left behind, as if something sharp had gnawed at them.

Not only was the destructive power evident, but the piercing power it had was no joke.

Ma Hana, facing the rapidly closing stream of water, recalled what Yu Seha had told her.

―It will definitely shoot the [Water Bomb] first. And if it’s you right now, you can barely manage to endure up to four hits with [Raise Shield].
―…Yes, definitely… that might happen, so…
―The problem is the second attack. It’s almost certainly [Water Breath]. And not just an ordinary one, but one fired with full force with the intent to kill.
―Mm, Meow?! Th-that’s unstoppable…
―From the front, yes.
―…Meow?

Yu Seha explained.

[Water Breath] was a piercing skill that fired water at ultra-high pressure, like a water jet, by applying intense pressure to the water.

It was powerful and fast.

But at the same time, it was easy to counter.

‘All its power is only concentrated at the initial point of impact.’

The stream of water that followed was significantly weaker and slower than [Water Bomb].

This was a typical weakness of the [Water Breath] attack.

Thus, if one could somehow deflect the initial strike, it could be countered.

―…However, can I react fast enough to handle the [Water Breath]?
―You can’t. The difference in abilities is too great.
―…Eh? Th-that’s harsh!
―That is why you need to foresee and respond in advance. You have the item that makes it possible, don’t you, Meowi?
―…Ah, no, could it be that one? Did you ask Hyeja Unnie to make a socket for that purpose?
―Right! As expected of Meowi, you are so smart.
―Moew. Don’t subtly touch my cat ears.

After catching her breath, Ma Hana crouched so that her small frame was completely shielded by the large shield.

A sturdy iron wall of a shield.

Normally, one would only see a rough metal surface, but through Ma Hana’s eyes, every move of the Pearl Spitting Tortoise was clearly reflected.

This was possible through the inside of the shield.

A smoothly formed jewel that looked like a pearl.

It was thanks to the [Transparent Vision] effect possessed by [Shine].

Like a clean mirror, the [Transparent Vision] reflected everything in front of her, granting her faster judgment and action time.

Thus, even though it might be slower than [Water Breath], she could anticipate and react in advance.

Immediately after, [Water Breath] struck her shield directly.

Crack!

“Ugh!”

As expected, it was a heavy blow, enough to cause a groan like “ugh!” to escape from her.

It chipped and shattered.

The chilling sensation of her long-time partner (the shield) breaking and dying in an instant was transmitted up to her arms.

Through the gradually forming cracks, streams of water, filled with the intent to kill, drenched her body.

In such a desperate crisis, ironically, Ma Hana realized that now was the opportunity.

―……
―Scary, isn’t it?
―…Yes, ah, no matter how much I look… A-a dropout like me… can’t possibly try and…
―No, it’s precisely because it’s you that it will be possible. I guarantee it. A tanker with the same specs as you. No one else could do as well as you.
―…Why?
―Because you are one of the rare Myoin race among tankers. And…

No one else but me has chosen you as the only tanker.

“Meowww!”

Bang!

With a raging roar, the first part of [Water Breath] was slightly deflected sideways.

The stream of water grazing along her armpit tore through her leather armor, but it did not damage her body.

‘Good!’

Yu Seha, who was watching, wore a full smile on his lips.

Parrying.

What Meowi just did was precisely what was commonly called a [Complete Defense] judgment that tankers had.

It was the driving force behind tackling the [Garden of the Pearl Spitting Tortoise], even those with the lowest specs in the community.

This was only possible because of Meowi.

It was a result shown together with her beast-like senses and unyielding will.

“Krruk?!”

The Pearl Spitting Tortoise was catching his breath after finishing [Water Breath].

His eyes twitched at this.

The abominable intruder, who should have been torn apart with the Water Breath, remained intact, causing his face to turn red and blue.

Anger that surpassed the critical point surged through the Pearl Spitting Tortoise’s mind to the tips of his hair, soon affecting his systems.

‘We have overcome the critical moment…!’

He clenched his fists as the message came through.

The Pearl Spitting Tortoise’s basic temperament was calm and composed.

Added to this, he was a spiritual being with considerable intelligence, making him resistant to trickery and scams.

So normally, he would only use [Water Breath].

This meant there was no chance of winning against him.

However, in a state of lost rationality and filled with [Rage], his attack pattern became fixed.

This was truly the key to defeating him.

The second attack wasn’t just any [Water Breath], but a full-powered [Water Breath].

As all the water and magic stored in his body were used, it took a long time for the cooldown.

At this time, he could only use one attack skill.

‘[All-Out Headbutt].’

Since the Pearl Spitting Tortoise’s strength stat was only 12, the power of [All-Out Headbutt] wasn’t very high.

However, Ma Hana’s condition was not good either.

Could Ma Hana, with a cracked shield and most of her strength depleted, withstand an [All-Out Headbutt] enhanced with [Rage]?

Thinking coldly, it was impossible to do anything.

But it’s okay.

‘This much should be good…’

Even if she would be knocked down and faint, she had more than done her part.

No, she could just turn around and run away without hesitation right now.

I could take care of the rest.

I lifted my head to shout at her to run away.

However, I couldn’t utter the words that rose to my throat.

“……”

Ma Hana.

My beloved cat.

My favorite character.

Despite being hurt, torn here and there, and bleeding, her whole body was shouting.

Her eyes were speaking to me.

‘I can do it.’

Above all, she was shining brilliantly.

I couldn’t say anything in that light.

So, I decided to believe.

The character I chose, and the tank’s resolution.

---

Kagagak!

“M-Meow… Meeeeoooowww!”
“Krrrak!!!”

The Pearl Spitting Tortoise emerged from the water.

And Ma Hana was blocking his headbutt with all her might.

A shield and a forehead as hard as stone.

Their last weapons were engaged in a fierce contest of strength.

“…Kuuuk!”

Ma Hana swallowed back a faint groan.

Indeed, even though she successfully parried (B+) grade rare boss’s special move, the cost of blocking it was terrifying to witness.

‘…The shield is completely destroyed!’

The glove part fell off, and the handle cracked, which gave out this screeching metal sound.

It was practically as good as dead now.

“…Sorry.”

Ma Hana apologized to her partner.

This was an insult to the deceased.

It was no different from using a corpse to block the enemy’s attacks.

“…Sorry.”

She apologized once again.

And she was thankful at the same time.

“Thanks for hanging on until the end…”

For bringing me this far.

Thank you for letting me meet Seha.

Gradually, strength left her hands.

In that moment, Ma Hana thought.

Even getting this far was a miracle.

Hadn’t Yu Seha said it to her?

Just blocking [Water Breath] was enough.

That she had done more than her part.

He would handle the rest, so she should rest.

“…Just a little…”

Maybe it’s okay to rest just a bit?

Yes, just a little…

―I don’t think I can follow your lead anymore.
‘……!’

Someone’s voice reached her ears.

Far away, she could see Moon Bora disappearing with her back turned.

―…Lower your shield.

“…Euk!!”

Ma Hana injected strength into the grip that was trying to escape.

Lacking in strength, she pushed with her shoulder and added her weight as well.

She felt a bone-rattling pain rise within her body but did not care.

“…No!”

It won’t do.

Just doing her part didn’t seem enough.

She did not want to see another person like Moon Bora, disappointed in her again.

‘…I am a dropout.’

A failure.

A loser.

That’s why I’ve been rolling on the lowest positions for a long time.

I’ve lived gratefully, eating even the crumbs that fell to the floor.

A life without a bit of hope.

While others climbed up the high stairs far away, I wasn’t allowed even a single step.

To such a me, a miracle descended.

A light that seemed impossible even in death descended.

‘……’

Yu Seha.

He led the way.

He said.
That he would lift her up.

But Ma Hana thought differently upon hearing his words.

‘I want to lift you up.’

Now she wanted to protect Yu Seha, to protect him.

Now she wanted to be his unyielding shield.

Now she wanted to walk beside him.

All the way ahead!

Kuuuu!

“…Kruk?”

The Pearl Spitting Tortoise, who had been relentlessly pressuring Ma Hana, was momentarily flustered by the dizzying blue light.

And even Yu Seha, who was watching, was taken aback.

‘…What is that?!’

The identity of the light was mana.

Mana is the fundamental force and the product of miracles in the world of ‘GAL’.

Mana is greatly influenced by the owner’s effort and emotions.

The stronger the light one possessed, the stronger the power it reciprocated.

The will that Ma Hana had once again erected after being bent and broken.

Here and now, it has been rewarded.

“Meeeooow!”

Magic began to coil around Ma Hana’s hands.

It soon extended to the shield she was holding.

“[Push Shield]!”

Bang!

It ended with the newly learned skill.

A heavy shockwave burst out in a 180-degree range.

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t that strong of a blow.

Ma Hana, not being a [Dealer Class] couldn’t help it.

But the shockwave that hit the Pearl Spitting Tortoise’s brain was significant.

“Kweeeek!”

The Pearl Spitting Tortoise’s eyes trembled, and blood flowed from between them.

It was a phenomenon caused by the brain inside his head receiving a severe shock and shaking.

“Meowww.”

Ma Hana staggered.

She collapsed on the floor with only the handle remaining of her shield, which was shattered into pieces.

Yet, she did not forget to shout that name.

“Seha!!!”

Rustle!

Yu Seha, as if waiting for that shout, dashed out.

His calves, reacting with the elasticity of a released bowstring, propelled explosive speed.

“Hoo…!”

The Pearl Spitting Tortoise was like a boss made for beginners to catch, pulling out of the water as an environmental factor.

And a weak point for the kill.

These two tricks were certain with this guy.

The Pearl Spitting Tortoise’s durability was not high.

Thus, attacking anywhere could be fatal.

But his body was a whopping 10 meters in height.

‘Attacking his weak limbs, his shell filled with upper leather, or under his belly isn’t efficient.’

However, there was a critical weakness when using [All-Out Headbutt].

His vulnerable neck extended out.

And Meowi’s unexpected growth exceeded expectations, causing him to fall into [Stun].

I gripped the hilt of my sword, my legs running as if they would shatter.

‘If I can’t pull this off…’

Yu Seha, never mention the title of ‘Supervisor’ anywhere again, you brat!

My body, flying ceaselessly, evoked the sensation of becoming a sword itself.

Swoosh! The sharp blade pierced the Pearl Spitting Tortoise’s neck like it was butter.

Cutting through skin, severing tendons, slicing muscles, and finally, chillingly severing his neck bone.

With the feeling of taking life, I struck down decisively.

Good!

I won!

‘…Hm?’

In an instant.

I saw the tip of my sword get wrapped in white flames.

‘…What is this?’

I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, the flames had completely disappeared.

“…Was it an illusion?”

Ah, it seems it was indeed an illusion.

‘It must be the effect of leveling up.’

Casually dismissing it, I shook the blood off my sword.

Then, an entirely unexpected information window followed.

‘Oh?’

It activates here all of a sudden?
When it has never appeared before?

I was utterly baffled, a hypothesis flashed through my mind right then.

‘Ah, could it be because I watched [All-Out Headbutt] from start to finish?’

So, that’s why the related trait [Combat] appeared?

‘Hmm.’

It was a bit strange, but I decided not to mind it, and moved on. It’s good if a good thing happens.

I sheathed my sword and briskly created some distance to the side.

Right next to me, thump! A large head of the Pearl Spitting Tortoise rolled around.

There seemed to be no need to check if he was dead or alive.

I was about to run straight to Meowi

But soon, I had no choice but to stop due to the noise coming from behind.

“…Huh?”

Bubble, bubble!

The severed neck of the Pearl Spitting Tortoise burst forth a wave of blood, covering Meowi and me at the same time.

“M-Meow!?”

“Meowi!”

Ah, shoot! It’s all getting in my mouth!

It’s terribly salty and tasteless.

I was about to spit out the sticky blood, but…

Wait, what now?

What’s increasing!?

“Ugh, ugh!”
“Meowi! Don’t spit it out, drink it all!”
“M-Meow. All of it?!
“[Durability] is going up!”
“…?! I-I’ll drink it!”
“Yes!”

---

A moment later.

“…I-I feel like I’m going to burst.”
“…So it… cough… seems.”

Having been too greedy, we looked up at the sky with our bellies as big as Namsan¹

Indeed, greed is never good.

But the effect was good nonetheless.

“…S-Seha… It’s my first time seeing the system despise something…”

“Cough… What does it matter…?”

As long as the outcome is good, that’s all that matters.