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"So—Orun, you're saying there's a chance the black dragon could spawn more than ten mists at once?"
During black dragon strategy—when I shared my concern—Selma-san asked.
"Yeah—possibility isn't zero. I have similar mana interference ability—so I understand. Not sure if human and monster senses match—but for me, focusing solely on **Mana Convergence** lets me interfere with mana more than usual. If our plans hit perfectly—one-sided fight. In that case—if same rules apply—black dragon might drop everything else and focus solely on mist control."
I'd fought black dragon twice—First Unit once—no record over ten mists.
Guild records too—no precedent.
But no precedent doesn't mean impossible.
With such thorough planning—ignoring "impossible" risks is dangerous.
Over-preparation can cause confusion on unexpected events.
"A hundred would be bad news."
Will muttered half-joking.
"Then Will's sword just eats them all—problem solved!"
"No way! Can't leave front of black dragon much. Even if I could—a hundred's impossible. Physically."
"Come on! Spirit!"
"Don't be ridiculous..."
"Haha. Hundred's exaggeration—but yeah—assuming only ten max is risky. If more than ten—what then?"
"My trump card lets Heaven Flash hit wide area faster than Rain-san's spells—but still experimental. Can't guarantee erasing all."
"**Magic Sword Union – Alteration**? Saw it yesterday—but why does matter turn to mana? Never heard of that."
Rain-san asked.
Right—showed **Schwarz Hase** transforming to jet-black mana—but didn't explain.
Busy with other stuff after.
"**Schwarz Hase** treated with Hide Turtle blood on black dragon scales/deep ores. Details skipped—but reacts to converged mana via **Magic Sword Union** formula—transforms."
Hide Turtle—lower-layer turtle monster.
Adapts to surrounding mana—alters body to blend with background.
Incorporated trait—**Schwarz Hase** normally masterwork sword—but adapts to specific formula mana—becomes fluid mana mass.
"Hoe~... Kinda get it, kinda don't... Anyway—Heaven Flash that needed time now fires instantly multiple times?!"
"No—multiple impossible. Mana total fixed—each Heaven Flash consumes. Instant fire's bonus. Main use—"
Explained **Magic Sword Union**'s true purpose.
Will stared blankly.
"Hey Will... I'm no expert on frontline martial arts—but that's not normal, right?"
"...Obviously. No way greedy style succeeds easily. But watching Orun this month—not just standard swordsmanship... incorporates various martial arts. Plus monster-level physical boosts and broken **Impact**. Considering all—maybe possible... Lucre—don't think this normal. He's beyond expectations. Damn glad he's ally."
Saying whatever...
I'm right here...
True—disrespectful to serious martial artists.
But I need victory—survival. Means and process irrelevant.
"Ahem—off-topic. If black dragon spawns over ten mists—all targeting front line—you two okay?"
Selma-san redirected.
"No issue for me."
"Me neither."
"Then—if targeting us rear—what? I'll handle—"
Selma-san explained her counter.
Yeah—seems solid.
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Countless needles flew toward rear three.
And—passed through their bodies.
Selma-san's original spell: **Phantom**.
From battle start—Selma-san cast **Hide** on rear three—concealed them—projected illusions elsewhere.
Black dragon attacked wrong spot.
"How was our confused acting? Thought you turned tables? Too bad! All you can do now—stand still and be our punching bag!"
While black dragon focused illusions—Will closed—chaotic mana blade uppercut to jaw.
Face blown upward—neck arched—caught me in view.
I already positioned above.
"...**Form Four: Mont Fière**."
Muttered while manipulating jet-black mana sword-shape in right hand.
Jet-black mana shifted—from sword to spear.
"Short-sighted individual—lucky for us. Never thought you'd dump full capacity into mist control. Clear opening—thanks. This ends now!"
I threw spear-shaped **Schwarz Hase** at one point.
Point Rain-san hammered relentlessly.
Scales there—tattered.
Near black dragon heart.
Thrown spear pierced body.
—Pierced heart on path too.
Black dragon screamed—dissolved to black mist.
Left: large magic stone, some scales/claws.
**Schwarz Hase**—returned to longsword—stuck in ground.