Crack—!
"RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Akumo's shout jolted everyone present back to their senses.
—KIIAAAAAAAK!!!!!!!!!!!
"H-Help—"
Crunch!
However, no one there could truly match the Juggernaut's velocity. Its tail whipped through the air, claiming a life in a heartbeat.
Whish—!!!
The monster swung its razor-sharp claws, its intent clear: it would not stop until every soul that had scarred the Dungeon was eradicated.
BOOM—!!!!!!!!!!
"Dammit, don't underestimate us! With just this—"
Swoosh!
The adventurers, unaware that the claws striking the floor were merely a feint to create a smoke screen, were blindsided by the true follow-up attack.
'Ah... I'm dead—'
Crunch—!!!
"...Huh?"
'I'm alive....?'
Griiind—!!!!
The Juggernaut's claws had been lunging forward, poised to impale the Amazoness who had spoken with Bell earlier. Expecting death, she had squeezed her eyes shut, but the killing blow never landed.
"Shit.... I said RUN!!!!!!"
""""!!""""
Akumo, who had been embedded in the wall, had sprinted with everything he had to block the Juggernaut's claws.
Seeing this, the adventurers quickly grasped the situation and tried to flee while Akumo held the line. However—
THWACK—!!!!!!!!!!
"Not paying attention?"
"Son of a....!!"
CRASH—!!!!!!!!
Akuo closed the distance and sent Akumo flying once more with a heavy punch. The strike carried a singular, violent demand: Fight me.
"R-Run!!!!!!"
Whish—!!!
".....What?"
That distraction was all the Juggernaut needed to resume its slaughter.
Crunch—!!
"Brother!!!!!!"
Snap—!!!
"Dammit—"
Crack—!!!
Before they could even blink, the Juggernaut had moved, crushing a male beastman from Bell's group in its jaws. When another man rushed forward in a rage, the monster's tail lashed out, snapping his spine instantly.
""...""
'What is that....'
'A monster.....'
Bell's mind couldn't keep up with the horror unfolding before him.
Whish—!!!
The Juggernaut didn't care for his shock. It approached the remaining adventurers as if clearing away pests.
"KYAAAAAAH!!!!!!"
Grab—!!!
The Juggernaut unhinged its maw, ready to bite a female adventurer in a cheongsam in half.
Griiind—!!!!!
"T-The [Pioneer].....!"
"Get out of here, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Using superhuman instincts to break away from Akuo, Akumo had returned to save another life. The sight of him holding back the beast left everyone awestruck.
"Bell!!!!! Take the others and—"
"Seriously, enough!!!"
BOOM—!!!!!!!!!!
"I told you to focus on me."
Despite his increasing wounds, Akumo had pried the Juggernaut's jaws open and was about to shatter them when Akuo, visibly irritated, sent him flying again.
—....
Thump—!!!!!!!
"Everyone, run!!!!!"
Dash—!!!!
"Cranel-san...! We have to go, quickly...!!"
The Juggernaut paused for a moment after Akumo's interference, but seeing the adventurers flee, its red eyes flared with murderous light.
Whish—!!!
"Stop!!"
CLANG—!!!!!
"Cranel-san!!"
"[Rabbit Foot]!!"
Meanwhile, Akumo was trading blows with the man blocking his path, Akuo.
"Move!!!"
THWACK—!!!!!!!!
"I don't think so!!!"
BAM—!!!!!!!
Akumo needed to get past Akuo and handle the Juggernaut to save the adventurers as quickly as possible.
"Why the hell are you stopping m—"
THUD—!!!
"You still don't get it!!!?"
CRASH—!!!
"Just fight me already!!! Like you did before!!!!"
Akuo simply wanted a battle. He had set the stage to recreate their previous clash, even drawing his sword to ensure Akumo fought him in earnest.
Schwing—!
"Ha!"
THUMP—!!!!
But Akumo's gaze remained fixed on the Juggernaut and the adventurers struggling against it.
"Cough...!!"
"Does it bother you? Now of all times!!!?"
BOOM—!!!!
"How is this moment any different from the last?"
CRASH—!!!!
"To hell with the collateral damage, just fight me!"
BAM—!!!
With his focus divided, Akumo was forced to take hit after hit. Akuo couldn't understand his hesitation.
"Sigh....."
Finally, Akuo stopped in front of him and let out a long breath.
"Where did the man I fought before go? Why is there only a dumbass left?"
Grab—!
"The situation is diff—"
"Bullshit."
Grip—!!!
Cutting Akumo off harshly, Akuo grabbed the arm he was using to reach for Gram and continued.
"The situation isn't different at all. Then and now, I came here to fight you."
"Just like that brat Bell fought Asterius, leave those bastards to fight their own battle....."
Ssshh—
"And you just fight me."
Akuo let out a cold, mocking sneer. Akumo immediately shot back.
"Those people were just caught up in this! Just like the Xenos!"
"Don't give me that crap. You think those bastards were just 'caught up'?"
".....!!"
"You think I don't know?"
Grip—!!
"They crawled all the way down here, blinded by greed for a bounty. You think they shouldn't pay the price for that?"