I hate being in pain, so I think I'll make a full defense build

Itai no wa Iya nanode Bōgyo-Ryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu 482

Defense Specialization and Daily Life (13)

Maple’s powerful defense skill, [Aegis], managed to deflect the boss’ attack. But in the next moment, the boss transformed into a dragon and soared into the air. Once again, flames spewed from its mouth.

Considering only [Aegis] could block it, it’d be difficult if the same attack were to be repeated. Although they probably wouldn’t be wiped out, but if they didn’t have enough defense resources to protect Mai and Yui, they’d have to forget about winning.

In the current situation, where [Dedicated Affection] couldn’t be used, it’d be counterproductive to start a half-hearted endurance battle.

“It’s [Breath]…!”

“We have to do something about it!”

Mai and Yui couldn’t do anything about the torrent of flames that continued to fall. However, they could still do something about the boss’ ultimate skill, [Breath].

“Okay! Kanade, Iz, lend me your hands!”

“Leave it to me.”

“I’ll stop it to some extent!”

““[Cover]!””

Iz used an item, Kanade blocked the flames using a barrier, while Maple and Chrome used their tower shields to stop the remaining flames. In the next moment, the boss unleashed a deadly fire that scorched everything.

“Sister…!”

“I got it…!”

Mai, who was being protected by Chrome, instantly jumped out and brandished 8 sledgehammers.

Without hesitation, Mai stared at the approaching flames and swung out the sledgehammer she was holding.

“[Giant’s Work]!”

The sledgehammer collided with the flames. Although the boss’ [Breath] had extremely destructive power, the same went for Mai.

Speed, endurance, and reflexes. Mai’s sledgehammer, which had sacrificed various other elements to obtain attack power that was unrivaled by other players, flawlessly repelled the surging flames towards the boss.

“Both of you, follow me!”

Sally took command and led Mai and Yui forward. The boss’ attack range continued to expand. Although the flashy [Breath] was powerful, the current situation wasn’t all bad.

“That size. Looks like we don’t need any setup.”

Kasumi dispelled the flames with her [Blood Sword], while sally conjured a wall with magic, securing space, albeit for a moment.

There was no need for careful and advance preparation like before.

The size of the enemy had grown larger, and its movement speed had also decreased. If that was the case, the two could easily land their attacks.

““[Flying Attack]!””

In fact, the boss only had one more HP left. The aim was a swift conclusion. They had the necessary firepower to achieve that.

“[Commence Attack] [Ancient Weapon]!”

After using [Aegis] and switching her equipment, Maple launched an all-out attack using [Ancient Weapon] as well.

“Maple, lend me that! [Commence Attack]! [Reversal of Lies]!”

“I’ll help!”

“I’ll support you!”

Along with Maple, Sally deployed her weapons and the two of them provided cover fire. Next to them, Iz fired bomb while Kanade shot magic amidst maintaining the barrier.

“[Multi-Cover]!”

As the four dealt damage, Chrome bought time. Even so, the boss’ HP wasn’t depleted. Once again, the boss was about to fire [Breath].

—They had expected that much.

This time, Yui stood in front of the incoming hellfire.

What Mai could do, Yui could do as well.

The success was pretty much guaranteed.

“[Giant’s Work]!”

This time, the rolling hellfire was repelled by Yui. Ravaged by its own hellfire, the boss lost all its HP. But when they thought they had won, they saw that the boss still had a small chunk of HP left.

Flames erupted from the boss’ mouth and the burning wall behind it as it regained its stance.

“Uh-oh…”

“Maple!”

“[Atrocity]!”

At Sally’s voice, Maple transformed and jumped forward. Flames engulfed Maple, yet she managed to stop the boss’ flames.

The seven people behind her escaped, and Maple rushed towards the boss, her entire body covered in flames.

A preemptive attack by the boss’ flames, followed by its sharp claws. Maple nullified them with her defense and flew at the boss mid-air.

The flames that burst out of Maple’s mouth burned the boss as the sharp claws shredded its body.

“How about this!?”

Maple bit the boss’ neck.

The HP that everyone had shaved off finally became zero, and the boss—which had been a dragon—reverted back to human.

Then, the flames on the wall subsided and the space shrunk to its original size.

Everything signaled the end of the fierce battle.