<Isn’t This a Strategy Game? Episode 86>

A bell rang out in the plaza, its sound so massive it felt like my ears were going to pop. The grand noise drew everyone’s attention, including that of Dragan, all eyes turning towards the source.

The origin of the sound was the bell tower at the highest point of the plaza. And standing atop the bell tower was―

“Ah, Asmun…?”

Confusion spread across the faces of the Emperor and everyone else, but Eden couldn’t help but smile as she finally spotted Asmun.

“What the heck is he doing…?”

Kiris, stunned and bewildered, had her jaw drop as she watched Dragan turn towards Asmun, her eyes widening as if she had been smacked in the back of the head.

“No way….”

Kiris trembled with anxiety, wondering if Asmun somehow knew how to deal with Libyatan, while feeling a small relief as he slipped out of Dragan’s line of sight, keeping a keen watch on him.

“No, that’s impossible. Even if he knows how, he wouldn’t have the guts to take down Dragan… Hahaha…”

After all, Libyatan’s critical weakness was something Asmun couldn’t handle, and perhaps it would be better if he ended up getting in a mess with Dragan instead.

Kiris let out a snicker at what seemed like a sound plan, but the pale complexion on her face didn’t change.

“His Highness the 3rd Prince! The 3rd Prince is up on the bell tower!”

“He’s going towards His Highness the 3rd Prince!”

People in the plaza were quickly piecing the situation together.

Asmun effectively lured it away and climbed along the rooftops, dashing off quickly.

‘He’s heading to the most visible spot for everyone…!’

Eden instantly grasped Asmun’s intentions. Just as expected, he was making his way to the high roofs visible to all in the plaza.

Kyaaaaaaak―!

Behind him, the enormous Libyatan was hot on his heels. It soared into the sky at full speed, surging right above Asmun’s head to block his path. Truly, it was as intelligent as described in the Bestiary.

Trapped by the blockage, Asmun skidded to a stop, gazing up at the imposing figure of Libyatan.

“…….”

Asmun slowly raised his hand, preparing to confront Libyatan. In his hand, he held a rugged sword.

“Hesmor’s Sword…!”

The Emperor recognized him and held his breath.

This time, even Eden couldn’t smile and merely held her breath. She had faith in Asmun, but despite that, sweat beaded in her palms.

Kyaaaaaaaaaaak!

After a brief face-off, Libyatan lost its patience and opened its maw wide.

And it happened in an instant. Flames erupted from Libyatan’s gaping mouth, mercilessly engulfing the spot where Asmun stood.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaak!”

A chilling scream echoed from all around, as the horrific scene unfurled. Eden, breath held tight, stared at the place where Asmun had been standing just moments ago.

Amid the fierce flames, Asmun’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

“N-No, he killed the 3rd Prince…!”

Gasps and sobs of dread resounded everywhere. Eden didn’t scream along with them but found herself gripping her skirt tighter.

“Ha…! Foolish…!”

Kiris, having seen her fears confirmed, let out a thrill-filled groan.

Karon, Ibthan, and Jepar also held their breath as they witnessed the frightening spectacle.

As if certain of its victory, the flames issuing from Libyatan’s mouth slowly began to dwindle.

“No…!”

Everyone anticipated the charred remains of Asmun, already shedding tears and covering their mouths when suddenly—

“Huh…?”

Each pair of eyes watching the unfolding events let out gasps of shock. Where the ferocious flames had threatened to consume everything—

“Asmun!”

Asmun stood there completely unharmed. Not even a single hair of his had been scorched.

“Ha….”

Eden finally released the breath she had been holding, a triumphant smile stretching across her face.

‘It worked!’

If the plan had succeeded this spectacularly, there was no need to see anything else unfold.

“His Highness the 3rd Prince survived the flames…!”

“No way, how…?”

“The flames were certainly raging!”

Questions poured in from all directions, and Asmun moved to answer them.

Taking advantage of Libyatan’s surprise at his unharmed state, he began his counter-attack just as the dragon prepared to unleash a massive blow of flames again.

“Look over there!”

The move he chose for the decisive counter was utterly unexpected.

“F-Fire!”

“Dragan is engulfed in flames!”

Seeing the mighty flames rising up from below Libyatan, Eden recalled the information she had on the dragon.

『<Libyatan>

– Length: 50 feet / Weight: 4,500 pounds

– Dragon form / Superior class

– A dragon with black wings and red eyes, possessing bat-like wings. It’s said to be a creation of the Demon King, and if Libyatan is reborn, the Demon King will revive. It reacts sensitively to bell sounds, unleashing black flames that incinerate anyone who disturbs its peace. Interestingly, its weakness is also fire. In particular, it suffers critical damage from fire imbued with magical power.』

Eden had already understood Libyatan’s information a long time ago and had communicated every detail to Asmun, preparing experiments to save monsters like Libyatan that used black flames.

Still unsatisfied, she had chosen an item as a reward for clearing the ‘Hamun’s Flower’ quest.

Right then, the most fitting item had dropped.

‘1st Grade Defense Scroll.’

That was why Asmun was able to withstand Libyatan’s attack.

Moreover, miraculously—well, probably it was predetermined—but the fire Asmun wielded had the ability to resist black flames.

At this point, the fact that Asmun could handle fire was nothing short of crucial.

“Your Highness the 3rd Prince! You mastered fire…!”

“Oh my, Hamun…!”

Just as it was said in legends, the Original Emperor built the Empire with magic, making royals capable of using magic the epitome of legitimacy.

Conversely, Kiris and Patriar had yet to wield proper magic.

“That’s impossible…! What the heck…! This is nonsense!”

True to form, Kiris’s face turned pale, a stark contrast to her previous bravado.

But it was futile to deny it. Asmun’s abilities were nothing but the true strength he possessed, unlike the deceit Kiris relied on.

Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak!

As Libyatan writhed in agony as the flames consumed it, half the roof crumbled beneath the struggle.

Seizing the opportunity, Asmun lunged at Dragan. The flames encircling the creature vanished the moment his feet touched its leg.

“The fire’s gone!”

Sensing the fire had extinguished, Libyatan spread its wings, attempting to flee. However, Asmun’s sword was even faster as it pierced the dragon’s heart.

Kyaaak!

As the blade struck true, the once-glinting red eyes went dull.

“……”

An incredible silence settled over the vast plaza.

Everyone held their breath, gazing in wonder at the prince who had plunged his sword into Dragan’s heart.

“The bearer of Hesmor’s Sword will save the Empire from the wicked powers of evil…!”

Someone shouted out the legend of Hesmor’s Sword in an overwhelmed voice. Simultaneously, the now entirely lifeless body of the dragon fell to the plaza.

Grrrrooooaaan!

With a sound like the earth splitting apart, a tremendous quake shook the area. Slowly, the dust cleared to reveal Dragan, rigid in death.

The pitch-blackened Dragan lay there, unable to even close its eyes, completely lifeless.

Seeing the dragon’s demise with their own eyes, the citizens of the Empire released the breaths they had been holding and erupted in cheers of joy.

“Ah… Long live Asmun!”

“His Highness Asmun has defeated Dragan!”

“Asmun, Your Highness!”

Praises and awe for Asmun poured in from every direction, and Eden felt joy swelling in her heart.

Ding, ding, ding.

Notifications filled with excitement and exuberance popped up continuously above the jubilant plaza.

『【★】Congratulations! You’ve reached Level 6.

A special skill will be unlocked as a reward.』

『【★】As a level-up reward, you’ve gained the special skill ‘Intermediate Healing’. You can now heal all internal injuries.』

『【★】Your ‘Intermediate Healing’ ability has increased your Divine Power. Your Divine Power has risen by +10.』

Eden couldn’t help but beam with pride. Taking down such a massive monster was bound to bring her level up.

Intermediate Healing ability, what a treat!

‘Given that the previous one was Intermediate Monster Extermination, if I level up just two more times, I’ll have Advanced Healing!’

Eden raised her head and looked up at Asmun, who stood under the vast sky. The radiant sun rose above him, glowing magnificently.

It was a flawless success.

‘Asmun…!’

Choosing Asmun before entering the game had been an undeniably perfect decision.

Just then, a Dark Sorcerer lurking behind a wall attacked Eden.

In an instant, just as she was about to be hit by the attack without realizing anything.

“……!”

Suddenly appearing, Hagen’ti wrapped around Eden and swiftly deflected the incoming strike. The Dark Sorcerer’s eyes widened in shock, and his attack rebounded right back into his chest.

“Cough!”

Hagen’ti watched as the Dark Sorcerer coughed up blood, quickly wrapping Eden in his cloak and vanishing in an instant.

The Dark Sorcerer bled profusely as he vanished among the panicking crowd.

“……”

One person, who had witnessed everything, froze in shock.

“Hagen’ti!”

Instantly transported far from the plaza, Eden felt dazed and confused until she realized that Hagen’ti stood before her, and she let out a shriek.

Only then she understood that Hagen’ti had momentarily teleported with her. It was all so sudden.

“Where the heck have you been…!”

A wave of relief washed over her panic-stricken and confused face as she quickly embraced Hagen’ti, looking back and forth into his gray eyes.

“You’re not hurt, are you?”

At his concerned voice, Hagen’ti’s eyes softened like melting wax.