Middle-Aged Man Isekai Summoning - Chapter 45

 Subjugation

When I finished ejaculating, I hurriedly headed toward Iris. There stood Iris, anxiously watching Aria with an uneasy expression.

"Iris! I'm sorry to keep you waiting! How did it go, is it done? Did you tell Aria about the plan?"

"Yup!"

(As expected, she can do it if she tries!)

Impressed by Iris, I checked on Aria. Though showing signs of exhaustion, she was struggling single-handedly against that monster.

(Even though she's sticking entirely to defense, it's really amazing that she's enduring those attacks...)

With no time to lose, I tried to receive the information on the heart's position from the bats, but Iris answered with a worried face.

"Iris, what's wrong?"

"Um... there's too much..."

"???"

It seems that because each of the bats held partially scanned data, the amount of information became massive. Having to cross-reference and process all of it could put a heavy strain on her. That was the cause of her anxiety.

"Sigh, encountering problems right at the first stage, huh... Guess this happens when you don't list out potential issues beforehand..."

Although I felt like complaining, we didn't have the luxury of time right now.

"Iris, I'm sorry. I'll endure it too, can you do your best as well?"

"Hold me."

Iris spread her arms out. It seems she might collapse under the burden, so she wanted me to hold and support her. I gently picked her up.

(Iris's body is soft and warm as always, huh♪ And even in a situation like this, she trusts me❤️)

While I was immersed in such thoughts, Iris activated her skill.

"Mm...『Shared Will』"

At that moment, the vast amount of scanned data collected by the five bats flooded into my head all at once.

(W-What is this huge amount of information!? Amazing... but do I have to organize all of this?)

I cross-referenced the data collected by each bat from different angles one by one. While eliminating duplicates and contradictions, I had to analyze the structure of the Shield Serpent and pinpoint the location of its heart.

(Damn... my head hurts like crazy... but I have no choice!)

As I endured the pain and organized the information, Iris whispered in a small voice.

"Dai... are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't push yourself either, Iris..."

Supporting each other, we proceeded with the analysis.

[5 minutes later]

(Phew, managed to analyze it somehow... I know where the heart is, but there are still tons of problems. We can't reach it with a spear unless the whole body is brought down, and since the heart itself is huge, a single thrust won't inflict fatal damage. But even so, this is no time to say "impossible"!)

Having made up my mind, I gently set Iris down. She put on a slightly lonely expression, but I immediately set to work preparing.

"Iris, can you ask Aria to use her armor's ability to restrain the Shield Serpent and bring down its whole body? Also, I need you to communicate the timing for the restraint."

"Yup...!"

Though looking exhausted, Iris nodded faintly. Determination dwelt in her eyes.

"That helps a lot, thank you! I'm counting on you!"

I spoke to Iris with full trust. She was giving her all despite the harsh circumstances. Touched by her effort, I patted her head and immediately sprang into action.

Returning to the battlefield, Aria was thoroughly exhausted yet still fighting desperately against the Shield Serpent. Her armor was covered in scratches, and her breathing was ragged.

"Aria! Did you get a message from Iris?"

"Haa... haa... I did...! But honestly, I'm almost at my limit..."

Aria's voice seeped with fatigue. Yet, she kept staring forward while holding her shield up. Seeing her like that made my heart swell.

"Just a little more, hang in there! Iris should send the signal soon. When she does, use every last bit of your strength!"

"Understood...! It's desperate, but I'll do it!"

I shouted to Aria while tightly gripping my spear. I watched intently for the exact moment to strike the heart in one blow.

That moment arrived. Using the bat beasts, Iris read the Shield Serpent's movements and relayed the information. Just as the Shield Serpent raised its large mouth toward the sky to prepare a breath attack—

"Aria, now!"

"Understood! 『Gather, O Blue Light — Blue Coral Garden』!"

As Aria chanted with force, her armor emitted a dazzling light, and countless blue corals began entangling the Shield Serpent's body. The corals moved as if alive, sealing the Shield Serpent's movements. Then, they brought its massive head crashing down to the ground. The impact shook the surrounding trees and made the earth tremble.

"Alright, now's the chance!"

I leveled my spear and kicked off the ground with all my strength to target the heart. While running, I activated the skill 『Premature Ejaculation』 (Sourou) and thrust the spear forward. The tip of the spear pierced through the Shield Serpent's hard scales, and the sensation of puncturing its internal organs transmitted to my hands.

(Here's the heart! All that's left is—)

I subtly adjusted the angle of the spear and moved it to scrape through the insides by extending and retracting it to inflict more damage. However, as if making a final desperate struggle, the Shield Serpent began thrashing violently.

"Guh...!"

I gripped the spear firmly and tried desperately to hold on, but the Shield Serpent's force was beyond imagination. Unable to withstand its violent thrashing, I was launched into the air and slammed onto the ground. However, I managed to adjust my posture in midair and break my fall, avoiding fatal damage.

"Damn... I thought I was going to die... What now!? The effect of 『Premature Ejaculation』 is running out too... Everyone's effort will go to waste...!"

As I scrambled frantically to think of the next move, a dignified, powerful voice suddenly echoed across the battlefield. A sharp chant sliced through the air.

"『O Earth, obey my will and bind that foe — Earthbind』"

The next instant, countless earth pillars emerged from the ground, firmly pinning down the raging Shield Serpent. With its giant body immobilized, the surroundings briefly fell silent. I looked toward the source of the voice in surprise. There stood Giselle, bearing a dignified expression.

"Now, hurry! Even if it's restraint magic, it'll dissipate soon due to its scale ability!"

Giselle barked orders at me with a sharp glare, though she was out of breath.

"Thanks!"

I offered a brief thanks and moved immediately. Grabbing the spear that remained stuck in the beast, I poured all my strength into it.

(This time I'll finish it!)

Rapidly extending and retracting the spear, I opened up countless holes in the Shield Serpent. The feedback gradually built up, and the moment those holes merged into one large cavity, I re-gripped the spear, touched the magic stone, and began chanting.

"『O Fire, obey my will, become an arrow of flame and pierce through — Flame Arrow!』"

The spear's magic stone glowed bright, and the released arrow of flame shot straight through the heart. A burning sound resonated, and the Shield Serpent shuddered before gradually ceasing all movement. Then, it became completely still.

"Haa, haa, haa... We did it... We actually did it... It's finally over."

Resting my hands on my knees, I caught my breath, my heart filled with accomplishment and relief.

"Haaaa~ Great work out there. Really... you did splendidly."

Aria slumped onto her knees, smiling with an utterly exhausted expression. Watching her repeatedly push past her limits during the fight warmed my heart.

"Mm..."

Iris also let out a sigh of relief with a relaxed expression. I stood on the spot for a moment, soaking in the reality that the battle was over. Just then, Giselle, showing deep fatigue, came walking over with tottering steps. Seeing her, I raised my face and called out.

"Giselle, is your leg okay? Didn't you force yourself to come over?"

As I asked anxiously, Giselle paused while catching her breath and suddenly hugged me tight.

(Eh?!)

Before I could even be surprised, she began weeping while trembling.

"Ugh... thank you so much for saving me... I was so scared..."

Giselle's trembling voice tugged at my heartstrings. Though bewildered for a second, I gently stroked her head and answered in a soft voice.

"Giselle. We won because of your magic. Thank you so much."

"Yeah... sob..."

Giselle kept crying while burying her face in my chest. Aria and Iris, watching from a slight distance, cast gentle eyes upon her as well.

Eventually, Giselle took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and slowly pulled away from me. Blushing red, she muttered in a tiny, embarrassed voice while looking down.

"S-Sorry... for hugging you all of a sudden... ///"

"No, don't worry about it at all. If anything, it was my lucky break❤️"

When I offered my gratitude with a smile, Giselle covered her face in slight embarrassment.

"Fufufu♪ Don't be silly...❤️"

Seeing her like that, a sudden question popped into my mind, so I asked my companions around me.

"How are we going back now?"

I looked around as I spoke. I could tell everyone was completely spent.

"I can't walk anymore..."

Aria sat down powerlessly, fatigue clear on her face. Her eyes looked at me dependently.

"I can't either. Besides, I want to wipe my body down with water..."

Giselle also said flimsily, as if all her strength had left her. Frustration was palpable in her voice; she clearly wanted to rest right away.

"U... mm..."

Iris was breathing heavily and walking with unstable steps, but suddenly her legs gave out and she collapsed.

"I-Iris, what's wrong!?"

Startled, I rushed over to Iris and held her in my arms. She was breathing, but her face looked pained, and sweat beaded on her forehead.

(Overusing 『Shared Will』 to that extent must have pushed her brain to its limit. But camping out here is dangerous...)

"You two... sorry, can you walk a bit more?! I want to put Iris to bed as soon as possible!"

"Going all the way to town is impossible for Aria-san. But there's a rest shelter near this lake equipped with beast repellers, so let's go there. Though, it won't work on high-rank beasts, so hopefully it hasn't been destroyed—"

"Then where is it! Where is it located!"

I interrupted her words and pressed closer. I wanted to know where she was pointing to as quickly as possible.

"It's pretty close... if we head in that direction, it should be there."

Giselle pointed in a direction with her finger, looking a bit taken aback.

"Alright! Aria, do you still have enough strength to cling to my back?"

"I do!!!!"

Relieved by Aria's energetic response, I added with more conviction:

"Then, since my arms will be holding Iris, make sure to hold tightly onto my back!"

"Um... that's not what I imagined, so my strength is suddenly fading away..."

(Why though?!)

Aria slumped her shoulders with a disappointed face upon hearing my reply. Seeing the interaction between Aria and me, Giselle burst out laughing innocently.

"Pfft! Ahahaha! It's amazing how you two can still enjoy yourselves at a time like this♪"

Her voice lightened the tense atmosphere, if only a little.

"Huh? Speaking of which, Giselle-dono's tone of voice has gotten quite frank, hasn't it?"

Aria asked Giselle with a slight laugh. Though feeling a bit embarrassed, I felt reassured by Giselle's frank attitude.

"Yup♪ Because using polite speech with you guys started feeling silly!"

Giselle answered with a cheerful laugh. Aria laughed along with her.

"I think that's great too! Ahahaha!"

Aria replied with a full smile, and her cheerful voice made me chuckle involuntarily too.

"Ahaha... anyway, let's hurry..."

Laughing, I carried Iris in a princess-carry and started walking, unable to hide my eagerness. Aria clung tightly to my back, leaning her weight against my shoulder. Following Giselle's guidance, we moved forward, praying to reach the rest shelter as soon as possible.

[Rest Shelter]

We arrived safely at the rest shelter, but my mind was not yet at ease. I hurriedly laid Iris down on the bed.

(The coat gets in the way...)

When I took off her coat, I was startled. In contrast to my bewilderment, Giselle casually muttered as if it were nothing unusual.

"Huh? Was Iris a beastfolk? It's rare to see beastfolk around here."

On Iris's head, in addition to her hair, were cat-like ears. She probably never took off her hood until now to keep those ears hidden.

(Could it be that beastfolk suffered persecution in the original world?)

Worried, I asked Giselle a question.

"Does this world enslave beastfolk too?"

Giselle answered with a surprised look.

"Huh? The beastfolk are the strongest tribe. Who would dare lay a hand on a tribe like that?"

"That's a relief then."

When I answered with a relieved feeling, Giselle spoke to me as if she had made up her mind about something.

"Also... w-what happened back then was just an act, so don't get the wrong idea!"

(By back then, does she mean the sex and kissing?)

Since I dislike taking away someone else's lover, I didn't particularly care about Giselle's attitude. So I replied normally.

"Yeah, I know. You wouldn't get that wild when you already have a boyfriend, right!"

"T-That's right! Vin feels way better, after all..."

"I understand♪"

"..."

At that time, I didn't notice that her gaze was directed toward my lower half. More than anything, I was relieved that this was a world where Iris could feel safe.

(Iris, I'll wait for you to tell me about your ears yourself, so rest easy...)

The next day, members of the knight order contacted by Giselle came to pick us up, finally bringing our first beast subjugation to an end. The first subjugation was far tougher than expected, and honestly, I was exhausted.

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