NOVEL WEB Chapter 131
“…What the heck happened here?”
After recovering, I immediately headed to Brazil in South America via the [Gate]. What greeted me were plants of an unusual level. No, not just unusual—everything was completely overgrown with plants to the point where it was impossible to tell what was what.
“Damn… It’s even harder to distinguish in the dark…”
Moreover, it was nighttime. The already horrifying sight became even more indistinguishable in the darkness. So, I decided to use my magical foothold to stay airborne.
“…Disgusting.”
The plants covering the area seemed to recognize my presence, as they started shooting seeds and vines toward me. However, anything that got close to me went berserk and was crushed down to the atomic level, disintegrating. It seems these plants are far removed from the witch’s influence. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been destroyed so easily.
“Can I use this to measure the distance…?”
If I can measure the distance, I might be able to launch a surprise attack from here. But even if these plants are weak, they’re still under the witch’s influence. That means she probably noticed my presence the moment I appeared. Too bad, but I should probably discard that idea.
“Well, well, a new source of nutrients has arrived.”
“Are you the witch?”
“Huh? Ah~… You must be Rampage, the one Pandora mentioned? I’m Overgrow, the Witch of Growth. Nice to meet you!”
I thought she was the Witch of Plants, but she’s the Witch of Growth? That means these plants are just a byproduct, and her true power is 「Growth」. No matter how I think about it, she’s going to be a troublesome opponent.
“Fufu… Seeing as the reactions of the Witch of Light and the Witch of Fire have disappeared, it seems you’ve already cleared those two areas? Well then, the ‘Trial of Growth’… I hope you can clear this one too…!”
“Straight to the attack, huh? You’re quite aggressive.”
“Well, of course~. War doesn’t follow formalities!”
“That’s a good mindset. I think the same way.”
This girl is attacking right away too… And what’s this about a trial? She’s saying some strange things. I have no idea what Pandora is planning. What is she trying to achieve by using these witches as disposable pawns against me? What’s the reason for all this?
…Well, I’ll find out when I meet her.
“By the way, you’re using a greatsword? Doesn’t really match your name.”
“Hmph, really… Doesn’t it?”
“Huh? …?!”
This girl… She just grew her greatsword in an instant to attack me…? Wait, how can something that’s not even organic grow like that…? Hold on, that weapon… It looks like metal, but is it something else similar to metal…?
“You… What’s going on?”
“Hmm~ I guess it’s fine to tell you? This is… ‘Metal Cells.'”
“Metal Cells?”
“Exactly! Cells with the properties of metal! So, I can manipulate them freely~.”
“……”
This is another level of annoying. I have to analyze every move, predicting when and how much she’ll grow or shrink that thing… Otherwise, I won’t be able to keep up with her.
…Wait, no. Come to think of it, I’ve done something similar before. When I attacked the Witch of Fire… I did something like that too, didn’t I?
“…? You’re attacking in a really strange way?”
“If we’re talking about strange, you’re the strangest.”
“Thanks for the compliment~.”
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
“Then die!”
When I said it wasn’t a compliment, the Witch of Growth suddenly accelerated, extending her greatsword in an instant to stab at me. But my new technique… uh… well, [Burst Slash], easily deflected it. Her rapid-growth attacks are quite threatening, but my [Burst Slash] has even greater destructive power, so it was easy.
Now, all I need to do is observe how she uses her unconventional growth techniques and judge accordingly.
“Hahp!!”
“……”
As expected, it’s not just about increasing size and length. Her weapon isn’t just metal—it’s ‘Metal Cells,’ so it can grow into any form she desires. That’s why, even while attacking, she can extend tendrils, ignore my sword strikes to stab from the side, or grab my weapon and grow new spikes to stab me. It’s a good thing I’m using [Burst Slash] to deflect her attacks, or I’d probably be in serious danger from her growth techniques.
“…!!”
“Watch the ground, you idiot!”
“…Thanks for the advice.”
Damn, she’s using these overgrown plants in battle too. The moment I step on the ground, they entangle me, trying to restrict my movement. And since these things are also made of Metal Cells, they’re annoyingly tough. Of course, I can crush or neutralize them by going berserk at maximum output, but doing that every time is exhausting. Increasing the output of my rampage means I’ll tire out faster too. Well, I’ve trained enough to handle dozens, even hundreds of times without getting tired, so it’s not a big problem.
“Whew~… The warm-up’s over, let’s get serious!”
“…You can control all these plants at once?”
“Of course! They’re my minions!”
Tch… This girl is really annoying. Since Metal Cells absorb shock well, destroying them isn’t easy. Of course, I can cut through the thinner vines in one strike, but… her sword is still a problem. I never imagined she’d have a talent for using a weapon with durability and power rivaling a staff, even though it’s not one. Staves are soul weapons, after all, so they’re better than most things…
“Now… Let’s rise even higher…! Sun of Growth!!”
Wait, the sun? Here? Oh, no… Is she going to grow and strengthen all these plants covering the ground?!
“I’ll turn the sky into plants too!!”
“……”
Just as I thought. She’s annoyingly accurate with her predictions. No, now’s not the time to think about that. I need to quickly find a way to destroy the plants clinging to me while attacking.
…Wait, no. In situations like this, I don’t need to think too much. If I want to destroy them quickly, I just need stronger firepower and faster speed.
“Whew… This is the best feeling, being entwined by my children…”
“You’re wearing that as armor too?”
“Of course! Shock absorption is basic in combat! Right?”
Well, that’s true. Reducing damage is a basic strategy in battle. I solve that by enhancing my body through rampage. Though, honestly, my main goal is to increase power.
…Anyway, it seems she’s going all out, so I’ll ramp up my rampage to maximum output too. And for a moment, I’ll increase my focus… and unleash all my light cross swords with [Burst Slash]…!
“?!!”
In an instant, the plants and seed bullets surrounding me were wiped out by the countless [Burst Slash] attacks from my light cross swords. The Witch of Growth looked utterly shocked. I don’t know why she’s so surprised, but seeing her like this, it seems I’ve gained the upper hand.
“You… Are you insane?! How can you push your brain that hard?!”
“…Is it strange?”
“Yes! Of course it’s strange! To achieve that level of control and output, you’d have to overwork your brain… Everyone knows that!”
“Is that so… Well, I guess. But… I’m 『Rampage』. As long as I don’t exceed my limits, even my brain won’t take damage from 『Rampage』. Have you ever seen a 『Concept』 harm itself with its own 『Concept』?”
“……Hah! I see! So that’s why Pandora took an interest in you!!”
It seems the Witch of Growth relies on her bizarre techniques, but fundamentally, her power is limited to growth-based quantity and size. If someone can surpass that with sheer destructive power, like me, then she’s at a disadvantage. Especially if they have a talent for absurdly increasing power like I do. Of course, if you can’t do that, you’d be swallowed by her overwhelming numbers and size.
She’s a simple opponent where the difference in power determines the outcome… Well, it’s easier for me since her plant-based binding attacks don’t work on me. If they did, I’d be in serious trouble.
“Fu, fufu…”
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing~… It’s just that, our role… ends here, you know~… It’s a complicated feeling!”
“…I see.”
This girl has already sensed her own defeat. Her judgment is much faster than the others. It’s a shame she didn’t continue as a magical girl. Well, I should blame Pandora for that. After all, she’s the one who took all these witches and made them her subordinates.
Still… Thanks to you all, I’ve evolved another step. You’ve given me a new technique to develop, something beyond just increasing my magical power.
“But… I have no intention of dying quietly!!”
The Witch of Growth created a three-dimensional plant prison, shooting seed bullets and all kinds of poison gas from all directions while manipulating vines to hinder my movement. All while seamlessly clashing swords with me. As we exchanged blows, her smile grew wider. I have no idea why she’s smiling like that, knowing she’s going to lose.
“Why are you smiling?”
“…Because I’m happy.”
“About what?”
“Fighting to the death like this makes me happy… And most of all, being freed from this role… is the happiest thing of all!!!”
“……”
…She’s a bit messed up in the head. Well, if that’s what makes her happy… I’ll kill her with all I’ve got. …[State of Extreme Focus].
“Kuh…?!”
The [State of Extreme Focus] I just activated doesn’t just speed up my thoughts. With my concentration abnormally heightened, my magical control and efficiency also increase. That’s why I overexerted myself when I quickly defeated the Witch of Fire. But since this isn’t as urgent, I’m moving at a level that won’t strain my body too much. Even so, she can’t keep up… It seems I didn’t need to push myself so hard against the Witch of Fire.
“You… You’ve been hiding your trump card…!!”
“Of course. Don’t you have one?”
“I do… but I tried using it secretly, and it didn’t work…!”
“Why, did you try using your 『Growth』 ability on my body?”
“…Bingo!”
“I see.”
A trump card… That probably didn’t work because I’m 『Rampage』. What a pitiful girl… No, not pitiful. I don’t sympathize with my enemies.
Anyway, with this onslaught, the Witch of Growth’s stamina is nearing its limit. If so, I can create an opening to finish her cleanly. First… I’ll make her drop her sword… by twisting it slightly downward and then slashing upward…!
“This is the end.”
“Come at me…!!”
The attack I used on the Witch of Fire caused too much collateral damage, so this time, I’ll go with a stab. I’ll position myself to maximize acceleration… and the moment I accelerate, I’ll unleash the technique…!!
“……”
Even though I used a stab instead of a slash, the surrounding area was still devastated. But unlike the slash, there doesn’t seem to be any major issues.
“…You’re in tatters.”
She must have focused all her energy on defense at the last moment. Since she couldn’t nullify my stab, she had no choice but to defend. But even so, she’s in this state… The stance was too wide, but the power is undeniable.
Well, the mascots can handle the corpse pieces… I need to move on to the next one. The next one should be the last, right? By the way, how’s Hatred doing? I don’t think Hatred would lose, but… Well, she’ll be fine.