Episode 24: Kaiser Dragonia (Real Name: Goro Tanaka)

The Orc was gone before the stream had even properly started.

Kaiser, who had been watching the spectacle, turned to me with a slightly apprehensive look.

"Reima... is that weapon of yours capable of actual offense?"

"I suppose? I mean... yeah, it can... do that?"

I knew the original Reima used a bit of mana for his attacks, so I could probably bluff my way through. Or rather, I had to. Otherwise, I’d just look like some kind of mana-obsessed freak.

"I see. I was merely startled. I have never seen a gunshot with the same destructive power as my own fist. Tell me, just how much mana did you pour into that shot?"

〔It’s rare to see Kaiser actually surprised.〕 〔But Kaiser can do that much too, right?〕 〔Well, maybe if he’s in dragon form.〕 〔Being able to rapid-fire shots like that is a total cheat.〕 〔Suppor...ter?〕

"W-well... we have enemies to deal with, don't we? Let's focus on the task at hand."

Forcibly changing the subject, I decided to dial my mana adjustment down to the absolute limit for the next shot. I was never very good at fine-tuning my output, but if I didn't get it under control, everyone was going to mistake me for a dedicated attacker.

A swarm of Orcs, enraged by the death of their comrade, came charging in alongside a flight of Gargoyles.

Getting swarmed by that many targets would be a pain, so I swapped to area-of-effect rounds and fired off a speed-reduction debuff. The shot triggered just in front of the Orc pack, deploying a thick, mist-like shroud for a few seconds.

"Kaiser, can you charge in?"

"Is it safe to enter that mist?"

"The mist itself will dissipate in two seconds. The debuff will stick, though, so don't worry."

The Orcs were still trying to move forward, but they were visibly sluggish, unable to muster any of their natural speed. Based on the amount of mana I’d used, it probably felt like they were being crushed by five or six times the force of normal gravity. In that state, there was no way they could dodge Kaiser’s attacks—especially since he was currently buffed. His arm shifted into a monstrous, draconic shape, and he tore through them with a single horizontal sweep.

"That leaves the Gargoyles... My turn, then."

Flying Stone Demons.

They were high enough off the ground that I’d usually have to rely on my gun or some other long-range method. However, if I relied on my mana for another direct attack, I’d stand out too much. I decided to fire a buff at Kaiser instead.

"Hm? An increase in leg strength?"

"Yeah. Take out the ones in the air."

"Consider it done. [Dragon Leg Transformation]!"

It was a magic spell—or more likely, a skill. As Kaiser activated it, his arms returned to their human form while his legs began to mutate.

Using nothing but raw leg strength, Kaiser launched himself into the sky. He used the nearest Gargoyle as a literal stepping stone, crushing it underfoot before leaping to the next, systematically shattering every opponent in the air.

"Combat over. You’re incredible, Reima! I’ve never met anyone who could support me so effectively."

"No, you’re the impressive one. I’m just glad you trusted me."

"It is only natural, given what I was told beforehand. Besides, Asahi’s buffs were a great help as well!"

"Ah, ehehe... I’m just glad I could be of use."

〔Cute.〕 〔A top-tier beauty, as expected.〕 〔Isn't Reima-kun’s debuffing a bit too cracked?〕 〔Debuff (Orc Obliteration).〕 〔You mean he debuffed them out of existence?!〕

"Um, Asahi is a boy... for the record."

I’d been bothered by it for a while, but the comment section was treating Asahi like a girl. I figured I should probably set the record straight.

〔What?〕 〔Wait, a real-life femboy?〕 〔They actually exist...〕 〔Cu...te!〕 〔New favorite character unlocked.〕 〔Hey, Asahi-kun, how about joining our guild?〕 〔A precious Enchanter... and a cute one at that. Come to our guild.〕

"Fueh... R-Reima-kun, what do I do?!"

"Sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"That’s not an answer!"

Despite the mounting chaos, we pressed on.

Cyclopes were known to spawn in the middle layers, but they were considered high-ranking monsters even for this Dungeon. Apparently, they were more common the deeper one went. We continued through the tunnels, clearing out trash mobs while making sure Kaiser didn't have to do all the heavy lifting. Eventually, we reached a massive clearing that looked like the [Underground Temple Ruins].

"This is the final floor of the middle layers," Kaiser noted. "If no one else has been through here, there’s a guaranteed Cyclops spawn. Since Ayane and her group are streaming from the lower layers, it should still be here."

He was right. Standing at the far end of the ruins, guarding the stairs that presumably led to the lower layers, was the target. Or rather, targets.

They were one-eyed giants with sickly green skin. One held a greatsword, another carried a massive bow. Standing between them was an exceptional specimen, wielding a blade in each hand.

"Three of them? I’ve never seen a spawn like this. And they’re supposed to use clubs, aren't they?"

The moment the words left Kaiser’s mouth, the archer Cyclops drew its bow and loosed a massive arrow at us.

The projectile moved at an absurd speed. The arrow was at least three meters long; a direct hit would be catastrophic. Kaiser and I might survive it, but Asahi was finished if it hit him.

If I recall... there was a shield spell recorded in Reima’s White Gun.

The moment the thought crossed my mind, I poured a generous amount of mana into the gun to ensure the block.

"[Protect Shield]!"

The barrier held, completely neutralizing the attack. However, while the shield stood firm, the sheer kinetic energy transferred into the ground, spider-webbing the floor beneath our feet.

"Tch. Kaiser, let's end this quickly. Can you go all out?"

"Understood. I shall call upon the strength of my sworn ally! [Summon]!"

Wait, this guy has Summoner powers too?

I watched in surprise as he invoked the familiar magic.

"My sworn ally, the [Silver War Dragon], [Valkyria]! Now, let us show them the true worth of a [Dragon Rider]!"

A mystical dragon appeared, covered in shimmering silver scales. It possessed piercing blue eyes and radiated an overwhelming aura that seemed to heavy the very air. It spared me a brief glance. I didn't know what it was thinking, but I knew one thing for certain: this dragon was powerful.

〔Val-sama! It’s been so long!〕 〔She’s too beautiful.〕 〔Wait, isn't this overkill for the middle layers?〕 〔No way, look at those Cyclopes. They’re definitely variants.〕 〔Can the other two even keep up with that?〕 〔They should probably just stay back...〕

"Asahi, give Kaiser every buff you’ve got."

"Eh? What about you, Reima-kun?"

"I’m the support and the debuffer, right? I’ll just do enough to keep from being a burden."

Since this is being broadcast, I have to mimic Reima’s fighting style. For the sake of the guy I’m borrowing this body from, I can't use my actual power. I need to see how well I can fake it. "Support" is a broad term, anyway. I can probably fudge the details.

If I provided hidden support for the Summoned Beast while pretending it was all the gun’s doing, no one would suspect a thing. Operation: "Reima and his Magic Items are Amazing" was a go. I was going to clear this floor using nothing but imitation.

"Here comes the second wave!"

"[Dragon Arm], [Dragon Leg]! It has been a while since we faced a worthy foe. My heart dances, Valkyria!"

Kaiser’s limbs shifted into their draconic forms once more. Alongside him and his dragon, I charged the Cyclopes.