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The scorpion’s rampage was cut~

***
　
“…Hyahhhhhh!”

Together with a vigorous shout, Kasumi’s whole body spun in mid-air, her scimitar leaving a trail of slashes on the ground as she finally managed to raise the giant scorpion’s front leg, after wearing down the huge monster during a lengthy fight.

“We won’t let you go any further!”

Before the scorpion could regain its balance, Hinagiku, her blade covered in blue flames, raised it up into the air before swinging it down with all her might, slicing off the scorpion’s front leg on the other side from Kasumi.

A shower of sparks came off the thick scorpion shell as Hinagiku’s blade cut through it, and the scorpion was unable to keep supporting its own weight, its hill-sized body crashing onto the ground.

“…Everyone, attack the head and upper body, it’s time to end this!”
“ “ “Yeahhhh!!” ” ”

The nearby players all replied to Crim’s shout, climbing up onto the scorpion’s body and using their own weight to put more force into their attacks. Most of the scorpion’s shell was extremely thick, but the upper side was comparatively thin.

It did not take long before the last of the scorpion’s health was chipped away, its body twitching and toppling over…which made the whole forest shake.

“…Alright, we took care of the big one. Time to clean up the little ones!”
“ “ “Let’s goooo!!” ” ”

The high of defeating such a huge monster drove the players to chase and take down all the smaller scorpions that had come following the big one.
Crim watched them go, and then looked around to see the damage left by their previous fight.

…It was horrible.

The once lush and beautiful forest was ravaged and torn apart, dirt turned over everywhere, and trees trampled over. It was hard to imagine just how long it would take before everything grew back to its previous state.

*…So three made it in.*

The giant scorpion’s rampage had destroyed many trees, including the young Harunia Trees.
In total, six trees had been lost in the A area. There had been a total of twelve, so only half remained.

And there had been three scorpions, one in front and one for each flank… Which meant that overall there had been a lot of destruction, though as one would expect, it was not as bad on the side of the Northern Empire led by Sorleon.

On top of that…

“Suzaku, is the southern E area safe?”

Crim had received a report that a large swarm had also appeared in the southern side, where their defenses were the thinnest. The queen had also spotted Bomb Wasps there…

*”This is Suzaku in area E. Three made it in, but we were able to push them back so we’re good here.”*
“I-I see, that’s good then…”
*”Hey, stop, don’t get clo-“*

There was a sudden crashing sound before the call was overtaken by static.

“Hey, Suzaku, what happened..?!”
*”…Leave me be. I told you we’re good here. Just focus on your side!”*
“Wait, I just heard an explosion at alarmingly close range. Pray tell me thou didst not use the Skill Dragonblood Hero Siegfried (approximation)?!”
*”What’s it to you? I’m just doing my job here so let me-“*

…There was another explosion.
After another moment of static, the call resumed.

*”…be, go!”*
“I see thou shalt never learn to play it safe!!”

It sounded like Suzaku had activated Dragonblood Hero (approximation) and was rushing headfirst into the Bomb Wasps to tear them with his bare hands.

Despite having died many times over, his spirit remained unbroken, which was commendable in its own right, and if no one else was being affected, then there was no reason to stop him.

Then again, everyone had their hands full, so the rear group could not rely on receiving assistance at this point. It was only a matter of optimizing one’s HP and MP…until eventually the battlefield was cleared.

Another five minute break began, which the players used to regroup and prepare for the fifth wave.
As they waited…Crim suddenly noticed that the countdom looked different this time.

…There was an extra label there, [NEXT: FINAL PHASE]

“…So it’ll all end with the next one.”

Crim raised her head, staring north far into the distance, not looking relieved…but desolate.
That was the same for the other players around her, who were also trying to recover as best as they could in time.

“Hahah…somehow this reminds me of the final battle of R’lyeh.”
“Yes, but I think the stakes are even worse now.”

Crim let out a dry cackle, and Frey shared in the sentiment.

“We got this far, we just have to keep pushing a little more!”
“Freya, there shall be yet more of those bugs thou so fearest, wilt thou be alright?”
“Somehow I feel like I was pushed so far I circled around not caring anymore.”
“Heh, very well then.”

Freya laughed with indifference, something new for her. That also had the effect of improving Crim’s mood a little.

Soon Lycoris, Hinagiku, Kasumi, and Setsuna who stopped her scouting duties to help in the frontline, all gathered around Crim, their eyes still filled with determination.

*…It’s alright, we can still fight.*

Taking another look at the players around her, Crim stood up and took a deep breath, wanting to give another rallying speech.

“Listen up, everyone! It’s time to put an end to this trash game, and grab that bratty devil and spank her mischievous rear!”
“Ditzy Lord, is that devil cute?!”
“Why is that the very first thing thou askest?! Thou truly art the worst!!”

As Crim retorted to that question, all the players began laughing.
Even the players who had been lying on the floor exhausted began to stand back up, holding their weapons ready to face the enemies gathering in the north.

“And yet…I can’t say I’m surprised by such a scandalous question. But yes, she’s a cute devil, I can guarantee that much!!”

Everyone cheered loudly when Crim replied.
They might have all been idiots in their own right…but having some idiotic banter in such situations was always good to lift morale, even if it was mere bravado.

The final phase…in other words, all out war with all the remaining bugs.
The northern side of the minimap was soon dyed red from all the countless enemies appearing there…