My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 65: Lizard Paladin

Episode 65: Lizard Paladin

“Lizard Paladin… Even among the star-3 bosses, it’s one that ranks highly.”

Most boss monsters are known for charging with their massive bodies as weapons. But those that fight by showcasing individual strength are considered special specimens. Considering that the Lizard Paladin is still classified as a top-tier boss despite not being that large, it might be one of the rare exceptions.

“What will you do? Are you handling it alone?”

However, the opponent is a star-3 boss monster, meaning it only has the strength equivalent to a D-rank.

“Of course.”

Rindou had already defeated the Eldias Kong with a B-rank level. For him, there was no option to not fight here. Rather, he was excited. He saw this as a perfect opportunity to test his current strength.

“I’m not too worried. But just don’t let your guard down.”

“After all, it’s a monster… and a boss.”

Rindou unsheathed his Gale Sword and aimed the tip at the Lizard Paladin.

“…GyrurarararaaAAAHHHH!!”

Perhaps sensing Rindou’s killing intent, the Lizard Paladin grinned. With a mighty roar, it raised both its sword and shield. Its body was clad in shiny black armor. And from the gaps, its crimson eyes glared menacingly at Rindou.

“Come at me, Lizard Paladin. Let me test how far my skills will go against you.”

“GyalarararAAH!!”

Whether Rindou’s provocation worked or not, the Lizard Paladin thrust its shield forward and charged at him.

“A shield bash?”

The shield bash, where the opponent uses their shield to push forward while utilizing their own body weight. It is an attack that combines offense and defense. If the enemy is forced back in a direct clash, they can follow up with a sword strike. Even if avoided, the opponent’s movements can still be tracked and countered. Which makes it a common strategy for shield users with good physiques.

“Hah!”

Rindou dodged the charging Lizard Paladin by moving to the side. And as they passed each other, he slashed diagonally with his Gale Sword.

——Clang!

However, the Lizard Paladin had shifted its eye from the shield to follow Rindou’s movement. It immediately swung its sword, and their weapons collided fiercely. The Lizard Paladin tried to force a sword lock. But Rindou quickly decided to retreat, knowing he would lose in terms of strength.

“Gyururagh!”

The Lizard Paladin growled in frustration. It charged forward once more. It seemed it was determined to end it here. But Rindou felt the same way.

“Hah!”

As Rindou leapt backward and landed, he charged forward. He striked during their passing.

——Slash!

“GyarriryaAAAHHHH!?”

Thick, dark-red bl00d poured out from a gap in the armor as the Lizard Paladin screamed. Flames erupted from its body as it pressed its hand against the likely wound.

“This is the skill activated when the Lizard Paladin is in danger—[Heat Surge].”

This skill rapidly raises the Lizard Paladin’s body temperature. It allows it to move faster than usual while releasing intense heat, dealing damage to any nearby opponents. However, the skill also puts its life on the line by burning its body. Which is why it’s often referred to as a self-destructive skill.

“This fight will likely be over in an instant.”

“GyururaraaAAHHH!”

The Lizard Paladin stepped forward with such force that its footprints were left on the ground. The sword it swung was so powerful that it generated gusts of wind. It was making it nearly impossible to block.

“D-rank level, and this is all it can do?”

Rindou received the powerful diagonal strike with the belly of his Gale Sword. He immediately redirected the sword’s path, changing his position. The sword embedded itself into the ground, creating a small crater. Using the momentum of the Lizard Paladin’s strike, Rindou spun in mid-air. He spotted a gap in the armor and used the Gale Sword to sever the left arm.

“GigeyaaAAHHH!?”

Despite the loss of its arm, the Lizard Paladin refused to fall. It attempted to burn Rindou with the flames erupting from its wound.

“[Reflect].”

As the flames rushed toward him, Rindou activated his skill [Iron Wall Reflection]. He absorbed the heat and unleashed a swift horizontal slash.

“…Ge…gegee…”

The slash, propelled by the reflection, cleaved through the Lizard Paladin and its armor. It led Rindou to claim victory.