Not Running Away
* * *
<<<T-This is a bit bad. I really dont feel like we can win>>>
Having gained some distance and finally looking back, Zaratopu muttered in a daze at the water giants size.
Its breathing heavily.
Its probably nearing its physical limit soon.
But I want to kill it. Cant we get close?
<<<In this case, its better to give up, Anego.>>>
Taking a deep breath like a human to calm its breathing, Zaratopu speaks clearly but with a tearful voice.
<<<Not only the seawater that makes up that water giant even the surrounding seawater is currently under that barnacles control. The moment we enter that range well easily be strangled to death.>>>
What about that path of seawater floating in the air earlier?
<<<Sorry, its impossible I hardly have any magical power left>>>
<<<Tsubobooboboo! This is the final warning! Isopod and lowly land creature! If you house barnacles on your body and become my subordinate, I shall forgive your previous insolence! I shall permit you to serve as a knight at the lowest seat among my subordinates! Now, what will you do!?>>>
An unpleasant Telepathy voice descends from above, sounding victorious.
Of course, I refuse.
I absolutely dont want a life controlled by barnacles.
I unintentionally stand up wanting to kill it, but my side aches sharply.
Probably because of that barnacles surprise attack, my bones are cracked.
I wont heal unless I sleep for a night.
Zaratopu is out of stamina and out of magical power.
I cant move my body fully due to the damage.
Feeling frustrated and vexed, I unintentionally grind my teeth while glaring at the water giant.
Am I going to lose to such a nonsensical barnacle?
Cant I win?
Is there really no way?
<Lets run away, Emi.>
But contrary to my feelings, Extra-sama recommends fleeing.
<The odds are against us. This is the sea. That barnacles territory. They have the upper hand, and we are battered. Theres no chance of winning. Lets run away with all our might if we can reach land, maybe->
<<<Lets run away, Anego.>>>
In response to me freezing silently, Zaratopu says something similar.
<<<Ill swim with all my might. Ill somehow try to deliver you to land! If we do that>>>
If we do that.
If we do that, I might be able to escape.
If we do that, I can create plenty of opportunities for revenge later.
But.
If we run away, Zaratopu what will happen to you?
<<<<>>>>
I might somehow manage if I can escape to land.
But what will happen to Zaratopu?
This guy cant go on land.
It cant escape, can it?
Dont screw with me.
You are my underling. Right, Zaratopu?
<<<Yes.>>>
Ive decided, Extra-sama.
<>
Then, its an order.
I wont run away.
Fight together. Were going to kill that barnacle.
Abandoning my underling and escaping by myself.
Thats not something an Anego should do, right?
<<<B-But but! Theres no way!?>>>
But this underling impudently disobeyed my order!
<<<As I said earlier, I hardly have any magical power left!>>>
Such an underling tells me again about the desperate situation.
Words filled with frustration and negativity.
<<<I cant use Aerial Waterway anymore! I cant get close! If I cant get close, Anego, you cant fight, right!?>>>
Indeed, thats right.
I cant fight if I dont get close.
Moreover, my condition isnt good either.
But.
But, however.
I dont want to give up.
Zaratopu, you.
I dont want to give up on you!
Isnt there anything?
Isnt there any way!?
<<<Lets run away, Anego.>>>
To me desperately thinking of a breakthrough, this underling impudently tells me that again in a gentle voice as if soothing a child.
I refuse.
<<<Theres nothing we can do anymore.>>>
I refuse.
<<<As long as Anego is safe, Im more than satisfied with just that.>>>
I refuse.
I absolutely wont nod my head.
I absolutely wont.
Hearing my voice like that.
Zaratopu begins to get angry with a tearful voice.
<<<Its impossible! Please give up already!>>>
I refuse.
<<<Weve already reached our limit! Lets run away!>>>
I refuse.
<<<I have no magical power left! I can only shoot Water Cannon a few more times! Theres nothing we can do anymore!>>>
What did you say?
Hey.
Hey, hey, hey.
Wait, Zaratopu.
<<<Huh? No, I mean I dont have any magical power left>>>
Even so, you can shoot Water Cannon? The one you spit water from your mouth?
<<<Anego thats just false hope. Water Cannon cant inflict damage on that barnacle.>>>
In response to my question, Zaratopu sighed in frustration.
<<<As I said earlier, all the seawater that makes up that water giant is under the barnacles control. Even if my Water Cannon hits, it will immediately take control of the water bullet. The impact will be absorbed, resulting in no damage.>>>
If its a water-based attack, it wont work.
But.
What if its not water?
Zaratopu, I thought of something.
<<<Huh?>>>
Its a gamble without preparation, but.
We can do it.
I have some track record, at least.
I tap the forehead of Zaratopu, who is dumbfounded and dazed, then puff out my chest despite the pain in my side and glare at the top of the water giants head in front of me Barnacle Garozg, protected by height and a water membrane.
Were going to kill that guy.