My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 27: Queen Ant ①

Episode 27: Queen Ant ①

Rindou was facing an exponentially greater number than the ones defeated in the passage earlier. Surrounded by Soldier Ants, he fought with determination. 

Still, thanks to the evolved skill of [Intermediate Swordsmanship], he was able to take down the Soldier Ants with ease. Even if it was in this overwhelming situation.

“…Incredible, this [Intermediate Swordsmanship]. I’m not even out of breath.”

Despite the increase in physical ability, there was a limit to stamina. However, the [Intermediate Swordsmanship] skill seemed to have raised even that, which left Rindou in awe.

[More than 100 gacha pulls have been made. Shortening the summary.]

When over 100 pulls were activated, Rindou eagerly hoped that his skill proficiency would be among the rewards.

[You have acquired 4 or 5 rare equipment, rare items, and additional gear. Details will be provided later.]

So far, it was as expected. The real question lay with the next notification.

[You have gained 7.5% in skill proficiency.]

“…7.5%? That’s a pretty mediocre number, isn’t it?”

Although he had hoped for a higher proficiency gain, the actual result fell short of his expectations.

“……….Could it be that because I’ve upgraded to [Intermediate Swordsmanship], the amount of proficiency I can gain has decreased?”

If it was possible to earn the same amount of proficiency, the evolution of the skill would be much faster. Rindou reasoned that, for the evolution to be balanced, the proficiency gain might have to slow down when advancing to a higher-tier skill. He decided to accept this conclusion.

“Even so, 7.5% is still an increase. If I keep this up, evolving into an even higher-tier swordsmanship skill might not be impossible!”

With a renewed sense of hope for greater strength, Rindou clenched his fist.

“If [Basic Swordsmanship] is an E-rank skill, how strong is [Intermediate Swordsmanship]?”

If it was on par with C-rank, then it should be sufficient for taking down the Queen Ant. 

However, asking someone about this wasn’t an option. After all, Rindou had registered as a player with [Basic Swordsmanship].

“……….Would falsifying my registration be a violation of the rules?”

Eventually, Rindou decided he could figure it out later and chose to focus on the situation at hand.

“There’s a Queen Ant deeper in this passage.”

Exhaling softly, Rindou tightened his resolve once again.

The Queen Ant was a far stronger opponent than any monster he had faced up to this point. While there probably weren’t as many Soldier Ants as he had just fought, they would undoubtedly still be waiting for him. 

However, Rindou had no intention of turning back.

“…Alright, let’s go.”

He started walking slowly, remaining vigilant of his surroundings. But there were no Soldier Ants hiding. And he didn’t encounter any monsters until he reached the innermost room.

“…So, you plan to kill me head-on, huh?”

As Rindou entered the innermost room—

“GI-GIIII-GA-GAA!!”

A terrifying screeching noise echoed through the room. It was coming from the massive Queen Ant.

The ceiling and walls shook. It sent dust falling and caused the small stones on the ground to rattle. Rindou instinctively covered his ears while glaring at the Queen Ant.

“Gi-gi-giii! gi-giii-gi!” 

Then, the Soldier Ants that had been surrounding the Queen Ant started moving.

Rindou had already gripped his Gale Blade. He took a defensive stance. But the movement of the Soldier Ants was different from before.

“…….…What’s going on? They’re not charging at me?”

Instead of attacking immediately, the Soldier Ants slowly began to encircle Rindou. It was as though they were observing him.

“…I see. So, this is the Queen Ant’s ability.”

The Queen Ant was capable of commanding only ant-type monsters. It stood still, while the Soldier Ants seemed to be moving to observe him. But it was because the Queen Ant itself was the one observing him.

(If things keep going like this, I’ll be surrounded with no way out. In that case–!)

Before the Queen Ant could set up the ideal situation, Rindou decided to take the initiative.

The Queen Ant made a slight movement. But instead of attacking directly, it was the Soldier Ants that lunged at him.

Rindou was aided by the bonus from [Intermediate Swordsmanship]. He continued to effortlessly slash through the Soldier Ants. However, once a certain number of them were killed, the wave of attacks stopped.

“These guys, they’re waiting again!” 

Frustration built up inside him. 

If this dragged on too long, his stamina would eventually reach its limit. Even if he still had stamina left, in three hours, Kyousuke would arrive.

Rindou was hoping for a reward from defeating higher-level monsters. For him, simply surviving wasn’t enough to bring him joy.

“To get stronger, I absolutely need to defeat you within the time limit!”

With that thought, Rindou charged at the group of Soldier Ants. Which had momentarily backed off.

“GII-GI-GA-GA-GAAA!”

It was as if the Queen Ant had been waiting for this moment. It let out a sharp screech.

Then, the Soldier Ants on either side of the group moved forward and flanked Rindou. They positioned themselves behind him.

While the Soldier Ants in front fell victim to Rindou’s attacks, more than double the number of Soldier Ants he had already slain emerged behind him. 

Soon, he was completely surrounded, and the tides of battle shifted dramatically.

“GII-GII-GII-GI-GYAA-GYAA-GYAA!”

“…What’s this? You think you’ve already won?”

“…GYAA-GYAA?”

Rindou was now fully surrounded and in an overwhelmingly disadvantageous position. But he showed no signs of giving up. While the Queen Ant made a confused-sounding cry as if it didn’t understand what was happening.

Yet, certain of its victory, the Queen Ant seemed calm and continued to remain still. It was not attacking.

“Try it if you think you can!”

“GII-GII-Gi-GA-GAAA!”

“Gii-Gii-Gii! Gii-Gii-Gii!”

At the Queen Ant’s signal, the Soldier Ants charged at Rindou from all directions. They attacked him simultaneously.