The road, which was lush with greenery, had changed into one of gravel and large rocks strewn about.
With each step, pain shot up his legs.
If he tried to focus on avoiding the large rocks, he would needlessly exhaust himself.
Hiro thought he would be sore tomorrow for sure.
「Hiro, are you okay? I can carry you on my back if it hurts.」
「No, I can’t possible have a girl carry me… I am a guy too, you know.」
While feeling grateful towards her, Hiro kept his eyes on the summit.
Although it felt close, it was still far. But he could tell he was moving forward with the change in scenery.
Also, Liz would intermittently call for a short break.
I’m sure it’s for my sake.
Because no one else expressed their fatigue on their face as much as Hiro.
He knows he’s being a hindrance, but he isn’t allowed to complain.
The soldiers didn’t complain about Hiro’s hindrance either.
With each break, they would say things like, 「You got some guts there,」 or 「Just hang in there a little longer.」
Hiro was moved by the good-natured soldiers.
「This is where it gets hard. There are many monsters ahead, so you absolutely have to stick close to me.」
「Are more monsters like ogles* going to show up?」
(TL note: This was previously translated as “ogre”, but you’ll see why I changed this later.)
「Yeah. Or actually, groups of ogles.」
「Are you serious…?」
「I’m serious…」
And as Liz mimicked Hiro, a large group of rocks came tumbling down from in front of them.
「Hide in the shadows of the boulders!」
As Tris yelled out, the soldiers moved with swiftness.
Hiro didn’t move at that instant, but Liz held his hand and didn’t show any signs of moving either.
The ground shook violently, and it was difficult just to stand upright.
One of the rocks crashed into the boulders Tris was hiding behind and shattered with a bang.
The swarm of rocks fell from above like shooting stars.
A large rock flew out and was approaching Hiro to crush him. Hiro closed his eyes as he thought it was over for him.
But no matter how much time passed, he didn’t feel any pain.
Hiro timidly opened his eyes, and he saw before him, the large rock which was split in two and beginning to melt.
「Eh, what is this…?」
Hiro looked on, noticeably confounded.
But it wasn’t just one rock.
Using the melted rocks as a foothold, she flew overhead with a heavy thunk.
As a large shadow enveloped Hiro and the others, that’s when it happened.
Suddenly, the rocks were engulfed in flames and exploded.
The fragments avoided Hiro’s group and scattered near them.
As Hiro stood there dumbfounded, Liz called out to him.
「Hiro! Don’t move from that spot!」
As he looked in her direction, Liz was running towards the cluster of rocks.
The soldiers hiding in the shadows appeared calm.
Cerberus yawned beside Hiro.
BOOM!
The sound of an explosion shook the eardrums of a dazed Hiro.
In his peripherals, Liz kicked the ground, and landed in front of a rock.
BOOM!
Another rock exploded.
The fragments melted in the air, and fused to the ground with a zwoop sound.
Hiro finally realized that Liz was holding something in her hand.
「Oh, is this your first time seeing that, boy?」
A soldier said as he pat Hiro’s shoulder.
Hiro replied as he kept his gaze.
「Eh, what do you mean?」
「I mean the Spirit Sword, Laevateinn.」
Hearing the soldier’s words, his heart pounded hard.
「Ah, yes… I think it’s my first time.」
He held his chest back while staying locked on to the dancing girl.
She held a crimson sword in her hand.
A clear, crimson blade, as beautiful as pigeon blood ruby.
(TL note: Apparently “pigeon blood” is a type of ruby that’s more valuable than regular rubies.)
The golden grip shined brilliantly with the sun bathing it.
She cut the last rock to clear them away, and after finishing her disposal, she looked towards Hiro and waved her hand.