Banishment is Fine: As a Genius Saint, I Can Shine Anywhere. - Chapter 4

“I’m sorry, but protecting the people is all I can manage!”

“That’s more than enough, Lady Saintess! Monster-slaying is our job!”

“Let’s go!”

“Yeah! Follow the captain—!”

The knights fearlessly launched themselves at the monster, now just a stone’s throw away.

While in mid-air, Lionel, who had been relentlessly attacking the beast, shouted out orders.

“Slashing at the scales is useless! They’re too hard! Aim for its underside—the part touching the ground!”

As the monster lifted its head, Lionel twisted in the air and plunged downward, his blade slicing deep into its chest and belly.

“Gyaaaaaaah!”

The monster’s spine-chilling screech echoed across the battlefield. Seizing the moment, an archer knight immediately fired an arrow.

The arrowhead, blessed by Meteora’s prayers, embedded itself deep into the beast’s flesh—and would not come loose. From within, the monster would feel as if it were being burned alive.

But instead of subduing it, the pain only fueled its rage. The monster thrashed violently, whipping its massive tail like a scourge and demolishing trees and buildings in its path.

“Whoa! That power…!”
“Don’t falter! Focus on its weak spot!”

Lionel and Seguin shouted to rally the knights, who swallowed hard but held their ground.

But no matter how well they aimed—

“Aaah!”

The monster’s long tail swung with terrifying force, smashing into a row of houses.

Then, as if suddenly noticing Meteora and the civilians behind her, the beast widened its gaping maw, revealing massive fangs—and lunged straight at them.

A deafening clang rang out as the creature crashed into Meteora’s barrier.

The sheer impact made her stagger. Cracks spiderwebbed across the protective field, and with the slightest lapse in focus, it would shatter completely.

(I’ve never felt a shock like this before…!)

Cold sweat beaded on Meteora’s forehead. Behind her, the townspeople screamed in despair.

“Nooo! I’m scared…!”

A small child clung to its mother, sobbing. Elderly villagers looked pale and trembling while grabbing their hands in desperate prayer.

Meteora, with all her might, holds her staff tightly with both hands.

(I won’t let this barrier break. I have to protect not just the people here, but also those who fled—this monster must not get through!)

Pouring all her strength into the staff, she reinforced the barrier once more.

But the monster refused to relent. It rammed the barrier again and again, sinking its fangs into it, pummeling it with its tail.

Each blow sent harsh, grating sounds reverberating through the air.

“Ugh…!”

The impact shook her to the core. Several times, her hands nearly lost their grip on the staff.

Lionel and the knights continued their relentless assault, but the monster hardly paid them any attention. Instead, it was solely focused on breaking through Meteora’s barrier. It shook off their attacks as if they were mere nuisances—its true goal lay beyond.

“Damn it! Lady Chuli is holding the talismans right next to Meteora—why is this thing so determined to get closer!?”

Lionel shouted in frustration mixed with bewilderment as he struck at the beast’s snout.

(That’s true… Why is it moving toward the talismans?)

Normally, monsters instinctively avoided protective charms.

Chuli had several of Meteora’s talismans held in her arms, and even amidst the battle, she was diligently sticking them onto the townspeople’s backs.

This entire area should have been a safe zone.

(Could it be… that the talismans don’t work on this monster!?)

If that were the case, the situation was terrible.

If the barrier broke, both the townspeople and Meteora herself would be helplessly wiped out.

Moreover, the monster’s eyes remained unfocused, staring blankly ahead. And now, drool was dripping in thick streams from its gaping maw.