A Wonderful Aspect of Autumn: Action (16)

The long-range exchange of attacks between Amaha's arrows and my magic had been evenly matched. Although she dodged every spell I cast, I could block Amaha's arrows as long as I watched them carefully. This was possible only because this was a game and powerful martial skills could not be used.

Meanwhile, the first straightaway was almost over. A gentle slope continued for a while, followed by the switchback section we had practiced so hard. When I glanced at the leading group, they had already entered the slope.

Their pace had not slowed at all. Perhaps because they were focused on fighting one another, not a single person had slowed down. Even if their 'Top Speed' and 'Endurance' were both at their maximum, there was no way they could maintain that pace to the end. Most of the leading group would drop out along the way.

Once that happened, we would be overtaking those who had run out of stamina. I should think about that now. Those hotheaded people were highly likely to try to take at least one person down with them, even if it looked pathetic. I absolutely did not want to be caught up in that. I would have to watch not only behind us, but ahead as well.

"Gwooooh!?"

"Krrrul!?"

The moment I focused on what was ahead, Amaha fired an arrow without mercy. Because my reaction was slightly delayed, I could not block it, and the arrow struck my mask. Thanks to the mask's durability, I did not fall from my drake, but my upper body swayed violently.

Because of that, my Sprint Drake turned around as though flustered. Her running pace did not change, of course, but it would be dangerous if she did not face forward. I stroked the back of her neck with my left hand and clearly told her, to reassure her, that everything was fine.

"Don't worry. You focus on running. Dealing with interference is my job."

"...Krrrul!"...