It Seems My Job Aptitude Didn't Come with Human Rights

【Prologue】Battles in Another World 2
In this sequel, our carefree lord Van has a version where he can fight vigorously! *:・ﾟ✧（ ﾟωﾟ ）/.:+

However, since there are many restrictions, if the invincible feeling falls a bit short, I apologize _:(´ཀ`」 ∠):.

***

「Master Lars...! D-danger! Please step back!」

Irinya hurriedly grabbed Lars' hand, intending to pull him back. Smiling wryly, Lars raised a hand to hold her back.

「Thank you, Irinya. But I'm already, for all intents and purposes, exiled from the count's family. So feel free to prioritize yourself over me.」

At these words, Irinya shook her head vehemently, refusing to let go of his hand, tears spilling from the corners of her eyes.

「Please don't say such things! Mikel and Rolf are buying us time! There's no need for Master Lars to sacrifice himself as well!」

Irinya's voice was almost a scream as she desperately clung to Lars. Rolf, still dodging the attacks of the earth dragon, voiced his complaint.

「We intend to survive too!」

「Stop dawdling and get out of here! Lars showing up isn't going to change the situation!」

Following Rolf, Mikel shouted angrily. Certainly, in the face of a threatening earth dragon, an overwhelming foe, a small boy might appear powerless.

But Lars, with a serious expression, glared at the dragon and spoke.

「... It's okay, Irinya. Can't you trust me?」

With lowered eyebrows and a troubled smile, Lars turned around. In response, Irinya stood frozen, tears in her eyes. Finally, she released her grip.

「N-no, I... I trust Master Lars.」

Though she seemed anxious, Irinya professed her belief. Lars responded with a smile befitting his age and nodded reassuringly.

Then, with a decisive look, he turned towards the earth dragon and kicked off the ground, beginning to run.

「Mikel! Rolf! Get back for now!」

Lars shouted loud and clear. Responding instinctively, Mikel and Rolf leaped to the sides, putting distance between themselves and the earth dragon. Seeing the small boy running towards them, their eyes widened in unison.

「What the...!?」

「Lars! What are you going to...」

Ignoring their voices of astonishment, the boy stood before the dragon and opened his mouth.

「... Magic-Powered Automaton - Machine Golem, Create!」

The moment Lars uttered those words, bluish-white light streaked across the ground. It traced a massive magic circle, causing the earth to tremble slightly.

Sensing that something was happening, the earth dragon halted its movements. It crouched, ready to spring into action at any moment. In response, from the magic circle drawn in bluish-white light, a huge figure emerged. It resembled full plate armor, with bluish-white light seeping through its seams. Runes were engraved on its armor and limbs, indicating it was no ordinary suit.

It stood about four meters tall, nearly matching the height of the earth dragon it faced.

「What in the world!?」

「What is this...?」

Amidst Mikel and Rolf's voices of shock, the massive armored soldier took a heavy step forward. The earth dragon growled, planting its back legs firmly, preparing for combat.

「Automaton!」

At the instant Lars commanded, the armored soldier, referred to as the magic-powered automaton, began to advance towards the earth dragon. The dragon reacted by opening its mouth wide. It roared, a sound that pierced the ears, and charged at a startling speed. The massive creature, over ten meters long, lunged with its gaping maw. Its countless sharp teeth gleamed as it aimed to rend the magic-powered automaton to shreds.

The golem swung its arm towards the gaping maw. A resounding impact and a deafening roar filled the air as the dragon's head snapped up, causing it to stagger. Though smaller in volume, the magical soldier wasn't lacking in weight.

Not missing the moment of hesitation, the magic-powered automaton swung its arm two, three times, delivering powerful blows to the dragon's head and neck. The dragon attempted a counterattack, but without the destructive force of its charge, it was unable to drive the machine back.

Desperately, the dragon slashed with its claws and then spun, aiming the middle of its tail at the golem with incredible speed, a move that, given its weight, surely carried devastating force. The armored soldier blocked the claws with its arms, but the tail strike connected cleanly with its torso.

However, having settled into a brace position, the golem only slid a meter to the side, absorbing the blow. It then caught the dragon's tail with both hands and lifted.

[Throw it, automaton!]

With Lars' simple command, the golem embraced the dragon's tail with all its might, spinning its body. The spin yanked the dragon heavily, causing its massive form to rise and fly through the air, crashing headfirst into the ground.

The ground quaked as though under the grip of an earthquake, with the impact rippling through the atmosphere and spreading outwards. The greater the dragon's mass, the more severe the recoil it suffered upon impact. The blow to its head was enough to render it incapacitated.

Yet, without a moment to confirm the dragon's condition, Lars collapsed on the spot. Seeing this, Irinya ran towards him, calling out his name with concern.