Chapter 16 – Critical Hit!!

The enemy is about the size of a fist.

It’s hard to aim at it, but it’s definitely a small fry. I was optimistic that I could take it down with a single blow from this weapon. But that was a big mistake.

The queen conch suddenly grows to a huge size.

It grew to about the size of a dog or cat, and its spines extended… Whew! I almost got skewered. However, I received a grazing wound on my cheek. Ouch!

“HEAL!”

Skor’s support skill kicked in, and my cheek healed. Phew, I’m glad there’s a holy maiden elf around. Without any recovery items or healing, I would have been done for.

“Oi, oi, that conch is a monster!”

“It, it looks like it…”

But the fact that I managed to dodge it means that my level has also increased. No, maybe it’s my stats. As the level of the island increases, so do my abilities.

So, I should be able to defeat it.

“Skor, continue with your support as is! I’ll take down the queen conch!”

“Understood!”

I took out a “stone” from the item box in Gale Tulle. With this, I can use “Stone Throw”. In other words, it’s a long-range physical attack.

“――Take this!!”

In order to increase my hit rate, I threw five at once. One of them hit and staggered the queen conch. Now’s my chance!!

Despite that, the thorn attack is approaching and grazes my side and knee. Thanks to Skor’s healing, I charge without worrying about it and drop Gale Tulle’s “Spearhead Pick”.

Along with a sharp and intense sound, I landed a critical hit. The attack power of the weapon itself is low, but reflects my own status and deals high damage.

The shattered queen conch dropped the food item “Conch x3.” I quickly collected it.

“Wow, Rasty-san, you’re amazing!”

Skor, who had been supporting from behind, came running over and jumped on me.

“Whoa, Skor!”

“Because you looked cool!”

“…..W-wahahaha! How about it, this is my ability.”

Uh, it’s soft. Skor’s body was pressed against mine, hitting me in various places. No, but more than that, I was happy to be able to hunt together. After all, the sense of accomplishment when defeating a monster is really good. I can’t stop now.

I thought about defeating another queen conch like this, but I don’t think I can move anymore. I couldn’t move because I felt exhausted and Skor was clinging to me tightly. ……Well, I guess it’s fine to stay like this for a while.

This was my first time being hugged by a girl.

“Rasty-san, it’s barbecue tonight, right?”

“That sounds good. Alright, let’s get more ingredients–“

Suddenly, a huge wave came crashing down with a splash.

Hmm…what’s this? I sense a presence.

From across the sea… is anyone coming?

“…! Rasty-san, look!”

“Skor, stay behind me. Don’t you ever leave my side.”

“…okay.”