Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 161
161. Mari-Nee and the Battle Under the Moon (Part 2)
“Why…?”
There was no mistake in the attack pattern we had grasped.
In fact, it wasn’t just me, even Vel chirped frantically, “Piyo-pweep pweee!”
And now, as if to prove that the earlier miss was no coincidence, our predictions continued to be off.
Right before each attack, there was always some movement from one of the clones.
But the regularity of it had collapsed.
“Ugh!”
Gils, who had taken the attacks head-on multiple times while trying to identify the pattern, staggered.
I tried to rush over, but Gils stopped me by raising his palm towards me.
The yellow and green eyes entrusted to us by Nero and Kuuga were telling me:
“Don’t worry, leave that to me.”
“Gils… Vel!”
“Piyo!”
Sensing the intention, Vel sharpened his gaze even more at the Roulettes.
I, too, focused even harder, staring ahead.
Think… There’s no change in the Roulette-sans’ positions, and the signs of attack are the same.
Yet, while our predictions are off, there are times when we can still defend as usual.
What on earth is the difference…?
Observing closely, by the time Gils endured the attack for the umpteenth time…
The shield made of threads from Magic Silver that I wove to reduce damage reflected the moonlight just before it crumpled, coincidentally illuminating Roulette-sans.
It was only for a brief moment, but the things that floated up caught my attention, and I realized.
“So that’s it…”
The difference wasn’t in their movements, but in their expressions.
Moreover, the change was so subtle that it was barely noticeable, and it only appeared for a fleeting moment.
The expressions invoked negative emotions such as anger or sadness, and from what I observed, there were nine distinct variations.
These differences created the variation in the direction of the attacks, and depending on whether the movement came first or the expression appeared first, the pattern either followed the existing one or branched off into a new one based on the expression.
While I found a clue to counter it, it was difficult for me alone to keep all nine Roulette-sans in my sight and distinguish their momentary actions and expressions.
“But I’m not alone.”
“Piyo pwee!”
Vel responded valiantly.
If one person couldn’t catch everything, then two could make up for it.
Vel would keep watching the Roulette-sans’ movements as usual, while I would focus on their expressions.
And whoever noticed something first would shout to alert Gils.
Though it took some time for Gils to get used to it, as our coordination with Vel improved, the damage Gils took visibly decreased.
What concerned me was how long this attack would continue.
Even with our defenses, Gils was still taking damage.
Is there anything else we can do…?
As I mulled over our options, a sense of unease crept into my vision.
Thanks to my focused observation, I quickly identified the source of the unease.
The central Roulette-san and the nine floating around her had the same blue eyes, or at least, they should have. But upon closer inspection, the color in the latter’s eyes had significantly faded.
If that indicates the remaining time, then if we can just hold out a little longer…
Half-wishing for that to be true, I watched as the nine Roulette-sans lost the color in their eyes, and then they disappeared, as if being absorbed into the central Roulette-san.
And then, that voice was heard once more.
“As expected of the one who breaks through… In that case…”
Roulette-san’s blue eyes shone even brighter, and the instant her raised leg completed a large, sweeping arc above her head…
The air itself screamed, and a cloud of dust surged up.
I quickly raised my arm to shield myself, and as soon as the dust settled, I checked the situation…
“What…?”
I was left speechless at the sight before me.
It was as if the earth had split open—nine deep gashes were carved into the ground.