"Sir, using a combat skill consumes a lot of 'mana.' Please be careful not to overuse it."
"Is that so? Thanks for the info."
So, it uses the power of 'Fire Magic' and 'Elemental Magic.' No wonder it drains so much.
...This is a problem that only comes with this level of growth, but it's becoming a hassle to test how many uses it takes before I feel unwell. My 'mana' is 441, and I'd need to cast nearly 150 regular Fireballs. With 'Mana Recovery Lv2,' it's a hassle to check every time.
I really need a way to check the mana consumption...
"‘Luck,’ do something about it..."
"Sir?"
"No, it's nothing. ...‘Crimson Blade’"
As I said this, the method to use the skill came to mind.
...I see, it's like overlaying a Fireball onto a sword.
*Boo!*
When I imagined it, flames enveloped the sword.
If I touched the blade, I could feel the heat, but it didn't reach the hilt. It wouldn't be usable if the user had to endure the heat.
"Wow... It's so shiny and beautiful!"
I tried it out on a nearby goblin. It seems the cut burns and can spread the fire. It's like a Fireball with the sharpness of a sword.
This is a very useful ability.
After about 10 minutes, the flames disappeared.
The blade itself doesn't seem to be damaged by the heat. It probably generates on the outside of the blade. In any case, it's safe to say that the pure attack power has increased.
"The feel is excellent. I can activate both at the same time, so it's a great skill."
"Congratulations, sir."
"Sir, you've become even stronger, and I'm very proud!"
"Yeah. Let's go hunt the last 100."
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
"That makes 99."
Just before 100, I looked at the girls I was with. Ayane shows some fatigue, but Aila remains expressionless. Even I feel a bit tired.
"Both of you, a rare monster will appear next, and it might be different from usual. Stay alert."
"I understand. It's called an 'Enhanced Body,' right?"
"Yeah. ...By the way, where did you hear that?"
"I was listening to the meeting!"
"Is your father the branch manager or something?"
"Yes. I was listening in secretly!"
We knew each other through family connections, so it's not strange that she knew. Plus, Maki, who isn't a branch manager, also attends, so it might be that trusted families can join casually.
I heard the meeting was interrupted halfway through due to the request I heard at lunch, but I wonder if the main points were conveyed?
"Anyway, I'll take the lead, but if you think it's necessary, please support me."
"Can we make that judgment ourselves?"
"Yeah. I trust you both that much."
Ayane's face brightened at this. Aila immediately bowed, so I couldn't read her expression.
"Let's go."
Near a corner, we defeated the 100th. As usual, smoke headed for the nearest corner, but this time it moved almost twice as fast.
It seems the enhanced body appears immediately. The 'Golden Bug' also moved abnormally fast, even though it was far away.
The smoke reached the corner and immediately expanded, and a physical form emerged from the smoke.
But even from a distance, its abnormality was clear.
"Hey, isn't that big?"
"It's big, isn't it? It's probably about three meters tall."
"Your guess is correct. Its weapons and armor are also enlarged to fit its body."
"‘Appraisal’"
＊＊＊＊＊
Name: Hobgoblin
Level: 30
Strength: 300
Dexterity: 200
Toughness: 280
Agility: 150
Mana: 500
Intelligence: 40
Luck: None
Equipment: Magic Iron Greatsword, Magic Iron Full Armor
Skills: Super Strength II, Limit Break
Drops: Random Magic Iron Equipment, Hobgoblin Trophy
Magic Stone: Large
＊＊＊＊＊
Unlike the 'Golden Bug,' which didn't grow in size, this one is quite different.
"...I see, this will be tough. Both of you, help me."
"Yes!"
"Leave it to me."
"Let's go, ‘Crimson Blade,’ ‘Swift II’!"
I drew my swords, both enveloped in flames, and shouted.
When the distance was about half, it finally noticed me.
"Guooooo!!"
Its roar was 50% louder due to its size.
"Shut up!"
I grimaced and tried to attack, but its massive body was covered in a huge 'Magic Iron' armor. At first glance, there seemed to be no place to attack. However, the larger size made the joints clearly visible.
"Here I go!"
*Zap!*
I slashed and burned the Hobgoblin's side. It seems the ‘Crimson Blade’ has some effect even on 'Magic Iron.'
"Guoooh!?"
"It's been noisy! Big Fireball!"
A huge fireball, which can be cast with 'Fire Magic Lv3,' was launched. The ball, about as tall as Ayane, consumed 30 mana and hit the Hobgoblin's face.
"Guoaaa!!"
It dropped its weapon and desperately tried to protect its face from the explosion.
"There's an opening."
Aila, who had been hiding, appeared behind it and stabbed its Achilles tendons. Unable to support its own weight, the Hobgoblin fell to its knees, and its neck was in a perfect position.
"Sir!"
"Master!"
"Yeah! ‘Super Strength III,’ ‘Adamantine Strength II’!! Here I go!!"
I used my two swords like scissors, slicing through its neck. The sword flash alone wasn't enough to decapitate it, but the additional effect of the explosion sent its head flying high into the sky.
The Hobgoblin's massive head, like its remaining torso, dissipated into smoke.
"Phew..."
[You have obtained the Hobgoblin Trophy]
[Level Up]
[Your level has increased from 5 to 46]
Ha, a 40-level jump. The low-level bonus is too strong.
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