Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 98: Skirmish

Episode 98: Skirmish

“(That’s the ‘Colossus’…)”

The appearance of the main Golem in the Colossus Zone was surprisingly easy to locate.

This was because the surrounding terrain was quite unique.

Essentially, the Goronomea Mountain Range is either mountains or valleys. But around the ‘Colossus,’ there was a flat wasteland stretching about the size of two mountains.

In the middle of this exceptionally clear plain stood the ‘Colossus,’ striking a bold pose.

“(That’s not [Dominion]… no, it’s different.)”

Although the distance was still too great to make a definitive judgment, there was no sense of the oppressive control typically associated with [Dominion].

Perhaps this was just the nature of the terrain.

“Then, I’ll wait here.”

To reach the plaza, we would have to cross another mountain, but Fisu jumped off me.

This was due to a certain rumor about the ‘Colossus’.

It was said that the ‘Colossus’ had an extraordinary |Mana| detection ability, capable of pinpointing its location even from the edge of its detection range using analysis magic.

It was also said to have exceptional long-range attack power, able to precisely target even if detected from a great distance.

Though the rumors did not detail the specifics of its attacks, it was said to have sniping capabilities over extremely long distances.

Although it would likely remain undetected if magic wasn’t used, there was still a risk of stray bullets. So, Fisu would stay behind in this area.

“(Oh, this side is its back. That saves me the trouble of circling around.)”

As I proceeded through the mountains, I muttered to myself.

The ‘Colossus’ was facing away from me, so I could approach from the open wasteland to a certain extent.

Carefully adjusting my forest chain and using [Concealment], I advanced across the wasteland.

I also took extreme caution with the ‘Colossus,’ which remained perfectly still.

Its unmoving form resembled a gigantic statue.

Unlike the typical bulky Golems with thick arms, legs, and torso, this one had a streamlined body, like a professional athlete.

Its body was encased in golden armor-like material, with indigo lines running along its surface.

It was a size taller than me and the “Earth Splitter”, about ten times the height of an adult human.

The most distinctive feature was the crystals protruding from its shoulders and back.

These crystals were a translucent crimson color, similar to the Mana Crystals I found in the Grand Beast Region… Could it be that it has absorbed Mana Crystals?

Exceeding first-class quality, such a large Mana Crystal would contain an unimaginable amount of |Mana|.

It seemed better to avoid a prolonged battle.

“(I’ll stay around here, using [Replicant Form].)”

Though I was still a hundred meters away, getting too close could risk detection.

Thanks to [Trajectory Prediction], my accuracy had improved, so I decided to snipe from this distance.

I equipped two poison bows with explosive arrows.

Since Poison doesn’t affect Golems, I didn’t include |Mana|. It would also increase the risk of detection.

I aimed the two arrows and completed the charge for [Heavy Shot], just as I was about to shoot.

Suddenly, the ‘Colossus’ jumped.

“(It noticed that from just this?)”

Moments before attacking, shifting my focus often caused a brief lapse in concealment. But that was usually the case when [Concealment] was still [Stealth].

Since its upgrade, such occurrences were rare… It seems I underestimated the ‘Colossus’s’ detection ability.

“([Heavy Shot]!)”

I quickly adjusted my aim and shot the arrows.

The arrows were on a precise trajectory to pierce the ‘Colossus,’ but as it turned while jumping, it raised its arms and deployed a semi-transparent barrier.

A strong defensive wall made of a massive amount of |Mana|.

However, my explosive arrows, which were refined to their limits, were of the highest quality. Plus, I fired two simultaneously.

The clear sound of the barrier shattering was drowned out by the explosion.

The blast pushed toward the ‘Colossus.’

“([Conduction], [Frenzied Charge]!)”

Before seeing the results of the attack, I had already applied buffs and began running.

I wouldn’t engage in a shootout. I aimed to bring it to close combat and finish it quickly!

“(It’s obvious, [Jump]!)”

Feeling a strong |Mana| wave, I leaped.

Immediately afterward, a laser beam shot through the explosion smoke.

It seemed that while it was skilled at |Mana| detection, its |Mana| concealment wasn’t as proficient.

With the enhancement from [Instant Shift], I advanced swiftly and passed the impact point of the explosive arrows, just as planned.

Since the ‘Colossus’ had also retreated, I ended up leaping right above it.

“([Aerial Jump], [Impact], [Charge Slash]!)”

I dove straight down.

Imitating the forest halberd for defense penetration and the ant blade for earth attacks, I struck with all my weight.

The ‘Colossus’ couldn’t avoid the strike and went into defense.

The |Mana| barrier that was erected again tore like thin paper. And just as it was about to be cut in half, two swords appeared.

These swords emerged from the ‘Colossus’s’ arms.

“Where did those come from, damn it! Did it create them with |Mana|?”

From the sides of its arms, semi-transparent and thick |Mana| blades emerged.

They caught my descending attack, and while cracks appeared on the blade, they were quickly repaired.

Since it was shaped by |Mana|, repair must be relatively easy.

“(But the rest of its body isn’t like that!)”

The ‘Colossus’ had cracks at its feet, and small craters had formed.

These scars illustrated the enormous amount of energy packed into the previous attack.

The ‘Colossus’ must have put significant strain on its joints such as its elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees.

“([Compact Thrust]! Huh?)”

I thrust with my halberd, expecting the next attack to be unavoidable.

However, the ‘Colossus’ evaded it with its agile movements.

The damage to its feet wasn’t too severe— 

“(No, that’s not right.)”

Observing the ‘Colossus,’ I corrected my information.

It hadn’t jumped with its feet. It had expelled |Mana| from the crystals on its back to fly.

Seeing the ‘Colossus’ flying at low altitude, I thought it would be problematic if it escaped from the plaza. So I mimicked the bow and prepared.

The ‘Colossus’ then turned around and landed, kneeling heavily.

“(Well, that makes sense.)”

Having taken my descending attack head-on, it was only natural for its joints to be strained.

The damage wasn’t limited to its feet; its left arm was hanging limply.

<──Left Manipulator, signal lost──>

The right arm was also not fully raised.

<──Right Manipulator, severe damage──>

If it took another hit like before, it wouldn’t be able to defend itself.

…However, it was unusual for it to deliberately stop moving.

It didn’t seem like it had run out of |Mana| for flying, so it might be trying to lure me into an attack.

I decided to observe from a distance and attack. This way, even if it started to flee again, I could quickly target its back.

<──Calculating enemy’s combat capabilities… Complete. Threat level: Class E. Solo subjugation is impossible. Requesting assistance from allies──>

Just as I was about to take out an explosive arrow, four shadows emerged from the mountain behind the ‘Colossus.’

<──Call: Azure Dragon Spear – Cataract Buster, Unlocked──>

<──Call: Flame Phoenix Wing – Burning Wing, Unlocked──>

<──Call: Swift White Tiger – Storm Driver, Unlocked──>

<──Call: Black Turtle Shell – Glacier Shield, Unlocked──>

“(…Huh?)”

<──Confirming the remaining units of allied machines. Executing Full Unite Armament──>

What happened next was a blink of an eye.

<──Purging normal parts──>

The ‘Colossus’s’ arms and lower body were separated, and it began to jet |Mana| from its abdomen to fly into the sky.

<──Initiating connection with allied machines──>

The four newly appeared machines gathered around the ‘Colossus,’ merging to supplement its missing body parts.

<──Full Unite Armament, Complete──>

The ‘Colossus’ acquired a new right arm, left arm, legs, and wings.

It was an incredibly rapid combination. There was no time to intervene.

In the moment of stunned surprise, everything was over.

The ‘Colossus,’ now imbued with the power of four machines, landed in the plaza.

Due to the high-altitude fall, the ground shook violently.

<──Output stable. System, all green. Crystal Link, good connection──>

<──Sovereign Tier pseudo-magical construct MGD-EX-0. Commencing elimination of hostile entities──>

Seeing this newly enhanced ‘Colossus’ exuding an entirely different presence, I thought deeply within myself.

“(Hey. Aren’t you completely in the wrong GENRE???)”