Translator: "Pink Tea" Editor: "Ryunakama"

Marion and others successfully stalled the ancient dragon that came to attack the City of Stars. However, the damage was huge—

「…… Good grief, this is just against the rules.」

　Marion got on her knees and took a deep breath mixed with blood.

　Her body had wounds gouged from the scales of the ancient dragon.

「It's big, tough and quick. And yet it has a good head for a beast. Honestly, it's simply too strong……」

　Marion spat blood that acc.u.mulated in her mouth and looked up at the ancient dragon that just attacked her with it's tail.

「Raaaarr!!」

　The ancient dragon was still vigorously swinging around the tail and the wings that are parts of his giant body. Furthermore, it was consuming destroyed structures, scattered around equipment and body parts of combatants.

　…… It's a miracle that we still have no deaths on our side.

　A couple of minutes after the start of the battle, those that still could move, myself included, were reduced to a very small number.

　Those who tried to aim at the back of the neck were struck by the tail and wings of the ancient dragon, and those that aimed at the torso were torn apart by their claws and fangs.

　That's how some of the combatants suffered serious injuries, but before they would die, they were retrieved by us, supports.

　We entrusted them to the rescue squad behind us, so, for the time being, they shouldn't die. Even if one loses a limb, they can be treated with medicine to some extent.

　Just barely but we were able to avoid human losses. However—

　……But if he manages to break through us, the support crew in the back and evacuating citizens will perish……

　If there is someone with strong magic power at our side, the ancient dragon tries to eat that person.

　Though we can't use aggro skills, if we can maintain the frontline, we at least should be able to confine it here. Were my thoughts when—

「Well, Marion-kun. It seems that beside us no one can move.」

　Dort came from behind, walking unsteadily.

「Are you okay, Kaufmann-san? You just got blown away when you tried to hit the dragon on the chin.」

「Not a big deal, only one arm and a couple of ribs were broken. I still have another one.」

　As he said that, Dort clenched a fist with a hand that wasn't mangled.

　He also had injuries all over him.

「Marion-kun, what about you? You seem to be swaying already. Earlier, when you were recovering fighters, didn't you get hit by a stray shot… Or rather a stray tail? You can retreat if you want. You have an important role in representing the guild.」

　To Dort's words, Marion smiled back bitterly and replied.

「I'd like to, but it's not the time yet. When residents behind us are still yet to evacuate completely, we have to keep baiting it until the heroes arrive. Besides, this city itself is just as important as human life.」

　The central part of the city was already destroyed.

　However, other parts of the city are still yet to be ravaged.

　That's because until now, along with the combatants, they were attacking the ancient dragon, aiming at its head and other sensitive parts, staggering it and keeping it in check.

「As the guild's representative, I have to protect as much as possible. I can't run away after getting this far.」

「He he, you are right. I'm of the same opinion. I have my pride as vice chief of a guild. I can't afford to back down.」

　After saying that, Marion prepared the dagger and Dort readied his fist.

「The parts not protected by the scales are vulnerable even for our weapons. Let's cut it as much as possible, Kaufmann-san!」

「Yes… !」

　And so the two headed towards the ancient dragon once again.

　And almost simultaneously with that.

「Geooo… !」

　The dragon's head quickly moved.

　Its eyes were directed at something behind them.

　Most likely, the area with people incapable of fighting.

　As soon as it has done that, the dragon spread its wings widely.

「No way, it changed target and intends to take flight?!」

「No good! We have to stop it!」

　Marion and Dort dashed to the ancient dragon. But before that—

「Guoooo!」

　It turned around and slammed wing against the ground.

　As if telling them, that they were a sorry nuisance, that attack was about to blow them away with sheer air pressure alone—

「… ?!」

「Mmmnn… !!!」

　Marion, along with Dort, was completely swept away and hit the ground.

　Cras.h.i.+ng so hard that she was unable to breathe, Marion kept bouncing along the pavement of the city.

「Guh… uu…」

　She spilled a lot of blood, and when the dragon noticed that, it fixed its gaze on her as if it saw something very delicious.

　Floating in the air, it slowly moved its wings and drew closer to her with a visible composure.

　Apparently, it intends to first eat us and then go after evacuating residents.

　…… Ahh, good grief. Though my job is not of a combat type, to think I would be this powerless against it. This is vexing…

　Marion lamented her lack of strength.

　But even then, she stood up, shaking in her knees, intenting to resist until the bitter end.

「…… I won't be eaten that easily… 」

　The moment it swallows me, I will stab him.

　If it will earn us at least a little bit of the time then I will be content.

　With those thoughts, she looked at the approaching ancient dragon. Opening a mouth filled with giant fangs, it brought it closer to swallow Marion.

　It was that second.

「——【Dragon Shoot】…!」　

　Along with that shout, something has fallen from the sky with tremendous speed. Then—

「Gu—ooooo?!」

　It tore off one of the dragon's wings.

　The ancient dragon was thrown to the ground by that attack, shrieking.

「Eh… ?」

　For a second, that momentary event brought Marion's thinking to a halt.

　However, her eyes were following the one who came down from the sky.

　The person that has fallen from the sky by diagonal trajectory now landed on one of the buildings that still maintained its shape, and that visage——

「Axel-san?!」

　There was a carrier with a transportation bag in his hand.

　A dragon of red and golden color stood next to him.

「I finished the request of highest difficulty and returned, Marion. Uncle Dort… Well, it seems that I will have to work a little overtime though.」