Extra in a Romance Fantasy

48 – Transformation (2)

Rift.

It’s a kind of ‘passage.’

A passage that opens when monsters from another realm cross over to this world.

In a sense, it’s not such a rare phenomenon.

Rifts themselves occur more frequently than one might think.

However, the issue at hand was the scale.

The size of the rift before us was too massive to treat as an ordinary occurrence.

“I’ve never seen a scale like this before…”

Ethan spoke with a voice that sank next to me.

“Do you agree, Tutor?”

“I’ve always thought, change the way you address me. It’s cringe-worthy.”

Frowning at me once, Ethan continued.

“I’ve seen my fair share of rifts, and many were quite large. But a scale like that, I’ve never encountered. So…”

His gaze became heavy.

“It might not be as easy to handle as we think.”

“……”

If Ethan, who has seen his fair share, hasn’t encountered a scale like this, it’s a significant level.

Well, even without going that far, the tension is palpable just from the energy emanating from it.

“Some bastard is coming, and I can’t even guess who…”

A shudder—

Ethan touched the hilt of his sword at his waist.

“Well, the atmosphere doesn’t feel good.”

And as he finished speaking.

Thud—

The energy emanating from the crack became even more intense.

Gradually.

Crack—

As if seizing the opportunity in the air, the size of the crack widened in an instant.

And.

Growl—

Through that gap, something massive walked out.

How should I express it?

In terms of movement, it reminded one of a wolf, considering its form.

Apart from being larger than a house, that is.

However, it was difficult to simply call it a wolf.

The tentacles all over its body, and the giant eyeballs covering its upper body and face, gave off a grotesque feeling.

“What on earth is that…”

“…Looks like the appearance that makes you want to throw up.”

Even the companions standing behind, faced with the grotesqueness, each showed their own reactions.

I couldn’t help but furrow my brows, and the others, especially the women, would unavoidably feel nauseated.

The real problem, however, wasn’t its disgusting appearance.

“…That guy is at the level of a calamity-class demon.”

With a hardened face, Ethan spoke.

“A c-calamity-class…?”

“It’s possible…”

Hearing Ethan’s words, the companions all reacted as if shocked.

It was a natural reaction.

A calamity-class demon.

The impact of that short word is immeasurable.

A demon that can shake an entire nation with just one.

That is the disaster-class demon.

Literal living calamity, a monster that could be called nothing less.

Strictly speaking, the monsters from that other world are not demons, but there was no way that my impression of them, resembling those monsters, could be light-hearted.

“It has been a long time since I’ve met someone like him….”

Edan muttered.

He was a figure who had jumped into the front lines during the full-scale war against demons.

Moreover, considering the power he possessed, it was strange that he had never come across a disaster-class demon.

However, it was also a given that someone like him had recently not encountered such monsters.

With the front lines now practically peaceful, becoming a presence as difficult to encounter as the Emperor of the Empire, who was considered a disaster-class demon.

If they were to appear once, there was no way they would go unnoticed, so considering the fact that there had been no rumors related to them in the past few years, it would probably mean that they had not revealed themselves at all for several years.

“For a sudden rift to appear, and for the one who appears to be a disaster-class demon of all things… this will surely make quite a commotion.”

Stretching his body here and there, Edan spoke with a casual tone.

Just as he said, this news would become a significant event that would spread throughout the entire continent.

By maybe a few days later, almost everyone would know.

The impact of that magnitude is present in the name disaster-class demon.

Strictly speaking, it is not a demon, but it will spread with a similar feeling.

“Well, nevertheless, there is no need to worry too much.”

Edan began to loosen up his body lightly.

Negative emotions such as tension or anxiety could not be felt in his actions.

“There’s no need to worry because I am here.”

At first glance, it might sound arrogant.

To say such arrogant words while facing a monster that can shake an entire nation, even surpassing a disaster-class demon.

But.

If the one saying those words is Greman’s Ten Swords, Edan Bertrand, then the story is different.

Although the disaster-class demon does show an almost calamitous presence, it does not mean that there is no way to counter it.

It may be a presence that is difficult to see now, but at the time when the war was intensifying, disaster-class demons were not an uncommon existence.

Yet, humanity survived and ultimately emerged victorious.

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The story goes that they successfully defeated such monsters.

Such power is inherent to humanity.

And, unusually, there are those who have felled such calamity-class demons single-handedly.

Those who have written legends with their own bodies.

Now, living legends, soaring with a reputation as the strongest warriors—the “Ten Swords.”

And one of those Ten Swords is none other than Edan.

Therefore, there should be no need for great concern.

With Edan present, and with me as a backup if needed.

It seemed not only I entertained such thoughts, as tension rippled through the faces of the group. However, fear or apprehension did not show.

Swoosh─

“I’ll handle that guy. The rest of you quietly wait in the back─”

In the moment Edan was about to step forward, drawing his sword with a familiar grace.

Squelch─

The already massive rift.

Ruptured again!

And.

Thud─

From within, another monster revealed itself.

A creature with a striking resemblance to the one previously exposed.

“…….”

Silence hung in the air.

The unfolding scene before their eyes was indeed bizarre.

“…Ha.”

In a state where everyone was at a loss for words, Edan chuckled as if in disbelief.

“Two of them? That’s unexpected. It’s a sight I used to occasionally see during the height of the war….”

Truly astonished, he mumbled.

“Hey, you should get moving too.”

He turned his head towards me and said so.

“I can’t handle two of them, can I?”

“…I guess not.”

Even for someone like Edan, facing two monstrous beings of disaster-level magnitude alone was impossible.

It wasn’t merely a matter of lacking strength; it was due to the various special characteristics these monster types possessed.

Typically, when dealing with disaster-level monsters, they weren’t just strong and large; they often had unique abilities, even if only one or two.

Moreover, these were not ordinary monsters but rather enigmatic entities with unknown identities.

Even someone as powerful as Edan had to approach the fight without a moment of complacency.

Engaging in a one-on-two battle against such creatures was an exceedingly perilous act.

So, I had to join the fray here.

While it was a bit concerning to have my face exposed, it could be resolved by circling with a cloth or two during the fight.

I had experience battling monsters from another realm.

But I had never faced monsters of a level similar to myself.

Certainly, this was a situation that required vigilance.

Although I confirmed the fact that I could stand against a top-tier swordsman, fighting monsters was an entirely different story.

I needed to maintain tension and move cautiously in this situation.

However,

In this situation, what filled my chest wasn’t tension.

“…”

“Huh? What’s up, kid? Nervous? Well… you probably haven’t battled these kinds of monsters before. But don’t be too tense. I’ll help you no matter what happens.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Whether Edan thought I was tense due to my expressionless face or not, he lightly tapped my shoulder and chuckled.

His attitude, composure, and the overall atmosphere emanating from Edan were undoubtedly trustworthy.

However,

The reason I wore this expression wasn’t because of tension.

In a corner of my heart, there was an indescribable sense of unease.

And that unease wasn’t originating from the two monsters in front of me.

Something else. There was another reason.

I couldn’t precisely identify the reason, but such vague thoughts crossed my mind.

“Let’s start by testing the waters. We don’t know what characteristics these guys have. Draw their attention first and observe their reactions.”

“…Yes.”

Edan took a step toward the lake as dictated by his words.

And simultaneously.

Crunch─

A monstrous figure emitted a low growl.

Gradually.

Keek─

Kig─

A faint whimper echoed.

Countless faint whimpers.

Simultaneously.

On the other side of the shattered space.

In the pitch-black darkness where nothing was visible.

Numerous small lights flickered.

“…Insane.”

Edan, who hadn’t lost his composure even in the face of two calamity-level monsters, suddenly spat out a curse.

“…….”

I didn’t say anything separately, but I felt the desire to curse along with him.

Revealing their forms one by one in the rift, a mixture of octopuses and humans, yet the size was half that of an adult, countless monstrous creatures would make anyone unable to breathe.

“…I guess I should cancel the words about letting go of tension.”

With a heavily hardened face, Edan added.

“Don’t let go of tension. If you do, your neck might fly off.”

The situation had changed drastically.

Just like Edan said, the moment you let go of tension, your life might slip away.

Even if you were a top-tier swordsman.

“And you guys…….”

Edan turned his head to look at the party.

““…….””

The party showed various reactions.

However, they all had one thing in common—their expressions were equally serious.

“…It might be better for you guys to just run away.”

With a gaze that sank, Edan declared, “Spread the word around, evacuate as soon as possible, and make yourselves scarce. If you can, spread the news elsewhere. The more you can poke at the higher-ups, the better.”

It was a cold, calculated judgment.

The party’s competence was not lacking.

Rather, each individual here had exceptional achievements compared to their age.

However.

The situation was far from rosy.

Dealing with a number of monsters like this could introduce unforeseen variables.

Even a veteran with a hundred battles under their belt couldn’t predict how they might lose their life. Leaving those who hadn’t experienced such a situation behind was an extremely risky choice.

So, in this case, following Edan’s advice, the party should evacuate.

However.

“What makes you think you can decide everything on your own?”

Not everyone accepted words that fit the situation.

“No matter how amazing you are, do you think the two of you can handle that?”

The woman who would one day stand above all of humanity.

In such a situation, with eyes unwavering and a confident tone, she spoke.

“No need to worry like handling a child. I have the ability to handle my own body. In fact, my ability to deal with pests is probably superior to yours.”

“….”

Having heard her dignified declaration, Edan looked at her, Estelle, in silence for a moment.

“…I don’t know what kind of lady you are, but strangely, I trust you.”

Muttered Edan with a somewhat awkward tone.

“…Well, whatever. If your escort level is decent, you should be able to escape from any situation. You can stay.”

He nodded more decisively than expected.

After calculating in his mind, it seemed that Estelle’s potential danger was judged to be minimal.

The basis for such a judgment did not seem to include her own abilities.

“….”

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“…It’s nothing.”

“Hmm. It seems like you’re concerned about me. Hoho.”

As if being worried about her was a joyful occasion, she smiled faintly, which didn’t quite fit the situation.

Usually, I would have denied it outright, but now it was difficult to do so.

Because the truth was, I was worried about her.

No matter how many skilled guards were around her, the worry remained.

“Don’t worry too much. As I’ve said, I have the ability to protect myself. Besides, you know what abilities I possess.”

She said to me with her usual unique smile.

…Indeed, considering her abilities, her gift, she would likely be of great help in this situation.

As she said, she might be more adept at dealing with minor creatures than Edan or I.

But understanding that intellectually and not feeling concerned were two different things.

However, my worries didn’t take a clear form to be spoken aloud.

“I’ll stay too.”

Another voice interjected and disrupted my thoughts.

Mary, forcefully suppressing visible fear and tension, stood resolute.

However, despite everything, Mary was different from Estelle.

While Mary had remarkable skills, it didn’t necessarily mean she could protect herself amidst the impending chaos.

That’s why I immediately tried to dissuade her.

“Mary, that’s—”

“If we flee like this, others will be in danger.”

But Mary cut me off with a determined voice that conveyed her firm resolve.

“Even with Lord Edan and… um, even if Lady Estelle joins, I alone can’t fend off a number like that. And if that happens, other creatures will target the people nearby.”

“……”

“And if we can’t stop that, the harm won’t be limited to just this area. So, we need to stop it here.”

Looking into Mary’s eyes, as clear as the sky, I couldn’t bring myself to refute her words.

In my mind, I knew she was right.

As Mary said, even if Estelle joined, we couldn’t fend off the sheer number of creatures, and it would inevitably spread chaos and harm around us.

Knowing this fact all too well, I found myself unable to continue speaking.

“…I’ll lend my strength too.”

“I-I will too…”

“…Nothing is more important than human lives.”

“I intended to fight from the start.”

As if carried away by the current, the rest of the group expressed their intention to fight.

“I can’t run away knowing that harm will come. I’ll sacrifice myself. I’ll surely regret it later,” said Rachel, with a faint smile, uttering words that reminded me of something I had said before.

Standing above, Alexis, despite the tension, forced a smile. “As the leader, I can’t just run away without a plan.”

Cedric, calmly drawing his sword, commented, “It seems like a good opportunity to gain experience.”

“I-I’ll… I’ll protect the others,” a determined child pledged with a trembling voice and unwavering gaze.

Silent, I couldn’t find words while meeting their eyes, realizing they weren’t saying such things lightly.

“Warming up the atmosphere is nice, but this is real, youngsters,” Ethan’s deep voice cut through the air, injecting a chilling reality into the seemingly noble determination of the group. “The noble intention to save others? Sure, that’s good. But in doing so, you might die.”

In a tone befitting the title of a top-tier adventurer in the continent of Ten Blades, he warned the group, “Your lives, your existence, could end right here today. Are you still willing?”

“Yes, we are,” Mary nodded without hesitation, and the eyes of the others showed no sign of wavering.

“…Well, whether I should curse this or praise it….” Ethan sighed, assessing their determined gazes. “…Whatever, do as you please. In the end, it’s your lives.”

With that conclusion, Ethan turned away once again. “Young ones.”

“Yes?”

“We need to bring down those colossal foes as quickly as possible. Understand?”

“Understood.”

The longer it took for us to defeat the calamity-level duo, the more dangerous the situation became for the group.

Not stopping there, the damage to others will likely increase gradually.

So.

Above all, swiftly, the necks of those monsters must be severed.