CH 174

Chapter 174 – Reason for Appearing

“Tanbu! Damn it! Everyone, aim for Vodara!” (Dragia)

At Dragia’s command, the soldiers readied their bows. But as that happened, the ring on Vodara’s finger began to glow even brighter.

At that moment, the soldiers all fell to the floor one after another, pressed to the ground on all fours. Some of them were like Tanbu, forced to lie completely prone on the ground.

It wasn’t just the soldiers. Everyone, including Ze’ev and Dragia and the others, all had stiff expressions as if they were trying to endure some force.

“What in the world is that ring…?” (Bouchi)

I used the [Appraisal Looking-Glass] to identify the black ring on Vodara’s finger.

It turned out to be an artifact called the [Ring of Gravity], which had the ability to manipulate gravity.

I see. It can multiply the force of gravity in the area up to several dozens of times, depriving people of their ability to move.

This was also the reason why Tanbu suddenly fell from the sky.

“He’s got some pretty troublesome items, huh?” (Bouchi)

A quick search in the revealed that the [Ring of Gravity] was a rare item with a price tag of ¥500,000,000. Moreover, it seemed to have been crafted by Vodara himself, meaning he was the only person in the other world with that ring.

Come to think of it, I had heard that hurons were skilled at creating artifacts. It was thanks to this ability that they were able to compete with the garbels, who had superior physical abilities, and the elfins, who were skill users.

With that logic, there was a good chance that Vodara had a number of other troublesome artifacts.

When I looked closer, I saw that he was wearing a number of other rings. Upon appraising them, I found that they were all unique items with powerful, unmatched effects.

I had heard from Izu before that artifacts that could control the forces of nature were incredibly powerful. However, because they were so powerful, there was a danger that people who were inexperienced with the artifact could lose control, causing the power to run amok.

To handle such artifacts, one needed a steadfast willpower to not be swallowed up by the power in addition to an incredible imagination to control it.

Seeing as Vodara had multiple of this kind of artifact, it was easy to tell just how powerful Vodara was.

“Ghh…. ROAAAAAR!” (Dragia)

As everyone was continuing to struggle under the weight of gravity, Dragia let out a roar and leapt forward.

His target was of course Vodara. He raised his right arm, muscles bulging explosively, and swung his fist down at Vodara’s head.

However, Vodara maneuvered in the air and lightly evaded Dragia’s attack.

In response, Dragia spread the huge wings at his back and remained in the air, glowering at Vodara.

“Hoh, as expected of the dragonkin race, the so-called strongest race of garbel. I’ve heard that you dragonkin are supposed to be of comparable caliber to the Four-Colored Beasts.” (Vodara)

“Vodara, I will kill you here. Your existence is a plague upon this world.” (Dragia)

“Kukuku, you can speak all you want. Well… I originally didn’t intend to make an appearance before you all. I only came here to grab what I needed. But something a bit out of my expectations occurred and put a bit of stress on me. I was just thinking this was a good chance to blow off some steam.” (Vodara)

“Unexpected…? What are you talking about?” (Dragia)

But I could somewhat guess what Vodara was referring to.

It was something that Vodara needed. It was a black and white cube.

I immediately opened the and looked down, leveling my gaze at the item.

It was—the item called [Gear].

Its use was completely unknown, and I had originally found this mysterious artifact in Vodara’s hidden vault.

“Tch… you really don’t seem to know. Then who in the world…” (Vodara)

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but do you really have the time to look around?” (Dragia)

“What?” (Vodara)

“…?! You are…Ouza—?!” (Vodara)

He thought that Ouza was stuck under the weight of gravity like the rest of them, but he had ended up in the air at some point. What was even more astonishing was that he was running through the air on all fours, accelerating through the air as if he had footholds in the sky.

As he charged towards Vodara, he opened his large maw wide and tried to take a bite of him—but just as they were about to collide, Vodara’s whole body turned red, as if it became superheated.

“…! Ouza, get away from there!” (Dragia)

Dragia shouted out an order, sensing a bad premonition. When Ouza dutifully obeyed, attempting to brake and change direction, Vodara’s body suddenly swelled up like a balloon and let off a massive explosion.

““““UGAAAAH!!””””

The effects of the explosion were tremendous. The people on the ground were sent flying from the blast.

Dragia and Ouza, who were relatively close to the epicenter of the explosion, were no exception. They tried to protect their bodies as they were blown away.

When the explosion subsided, Vodara’s voice echoed out from seemingly nowhere. “―Let’s look forward to the next time we meet. Until then, you should enjoy playing ruler to the fullest extent, while you still can.”

Vodara’s laughter echoed out as his presence suddenly vanished.

“Damn it… Vodara!!!” (Dragia)

Dragia, who had been blown away by the explosion, punched the ground in frustration. Ouza also seemed to be safe, having landed right next to Dragia.

But then—

“―Huuuuh?! They’re gone!!”

The one who cried out in astonishment was Meykhri, one of the Four Heavenly Beastmasters.

She looked ahead and saw that Ze’ev and Julaf, who had been there just a moment ago, were now gone.

“…Did they take advantage of that explosion just now to escape? What should we do, King Dragia?” (Ouza)

“It’s just one thing after the other…! Of course, search for them! But there is still a possibility that Vodara is hiding nearby. Maintain utmost vigilance!” (Dragia)

“But there are many wounded.” (Ouza)

“They can still stand! Just go!” (Dragia)

“….Understood.” (Ouza)

Upon receiving Dragia’s order, Ouza looked like he wanted to say something, but eventually, he began to give instructions to his subordinates.

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