Konbini Ossan Volume 3 Chapter 24 — The Power of Calculator
After defeating the Mithril Plate Golem, I used my «Iron Blood» skill to extract only the mithril from its surface, then continued our exploration.
Since then, we hadn’t run into any monsters. Lucky, or unlucky. In exchange, we found plenty of ore veins.
But so many veins and no monsters? That was unnatural. Ore veins are a byproduct of golem generation.
Two possibilities came to mind.
One, the monsters were gathered somewhere else in a horde. Two, a massive, powerful monster was responsible for the number of ore veins here.
Either way, it could be dangerous for the children or for Arisa. We’d have to stay sharp.
“O-ossan.”
Lost in thought, I heard Joan-kun call out from the front. I focused my gaze in the direction he pointed.
Speak of the devil — up ahead loomed a massive Steel Plate Golem. Surrounding it were several dozen more Steel Plate Golems.
So it seemed both my guesses were right.
“Looks like we’ve got a tough one. I’ll take point, so everyone else fall back to safety. Arisa-san, cover the rear.
…
Those of you who can use magic, support me — just be careful not to hit me. They’re only slow golems.
…
As long as I hold them, it’s safe practice for your support fire.”
I gave my instructions lightly, almost joking, to ease the tension.
It worked — smiles spread across the children’s faces as they nodded.
We shifted formation, me at the front. That’s when Arisa suddenly spoke up.
“Hold up, ossan. Something’s off.”
Her eyes narrowed, fixed on the massive Steel Plate Golem that looked like their leader.
“My guess? That thing’s core is iron too.”
Her words made my eyes widen.
“You can tell?”
“Yeah. The way it moves — it’s different. Remember how even the stone ones had differences in their movements?
…
So I figured, what if one of those patterns got scaled up? This one doesn’t match.”
“I see. So you’re saying the movements don’t line up with expectations.”
“Exactly.”
I studied the giant, but I couldn’t see it at all. No subtle differences between golems, no strange movements.
This must be the effect of «Calculator».
To make accurate calculations, one must first perceive accurate information. Even in math, if your measurement is off, your result is too.
Then, parsing subtle variations, running mental simulations on top of that — something no ordinary person could do on the fly. Much less a high school girl like Arisa-san.
Considering that, it was safe to assume this was one aspect of her skill at work.
“Arisa-san, if you notice anything else, don’t hesitate to say it.”
“Okay, leave it to me!”
With her role confirmed, our preparations for battle were complete.
“Now then, let’s move in on the Steel Golem pack.”
Taking the lead, I advanced. Once we’d closed some distance, I broke ahead alone. Joan-kun tried to follow, but I stopped him with a hand.
I plunged into the cluster of golems and triggered «Self Destruct». With a booming DOGOH!!!, eight Steel Plate Golems around me collapsed.
That was the signal. Tio-kun, Tiana-chan, and Rosa launched their support fire.
“Ice Shot!”
“Air Shot!”
“Uh, Rock Shot!”
Each fired magic according to their attributes. Their spells only managed to blow back their targets — the golems’ durability was too high.
Even with the kids’ level advantage, their spells didn’t do enough damage.
Still, if they kept it up, the golems would go down in a few shots. Unlike physical attacks, their resistance to magic wasn’t that strong.
With that cover fire, I pushed forward toward the giant. I struck its torso for a test hit — solid, heavy, far tougher than stone.
So Arisa was right. Its insides were iron too. This was a Steel Giant Golem.
For clarity: the difference between Steel and Iron Golems lies in tempered metal.
Steel is forged, tougher, darker in hue. Iron is brittle and breaks more easily. Naturally, Iron Golems are weaker than Steel.
That holds true for Plate Golems as well.
Which means this giant, being steel through and through, was extremely sturdy. To destroy it with «Self Destruct», I’d need overwhelming force.
But a blast that strong would drag in allies. I couldn’t use it here.
So then — what to do?
The answer was simple.
“Well then, I’ll be taking this.”
I made a shallow cut on my palm and touched the Steel Giant Golem.
Then activated «Iron Blood». Since its entire body was metal, my skill could consume it whole.
Broken down to particles, not even a Steel Giant Golem could resist. Instant death.
In just seconds, the massive form was completely absorbed.
Total victory.
——————
E/N:
Seeing Arisa-chan's growth is really endearing! Finally, some more action! And there's more to come! Stay tuned! (3/5 chapter)
——————
Comments