Reincarnated as a Dragon's Egg
Chapter 448: Partner’s Secret Plan

I [Roll] across the ground, moving as fast as I can. I need as much distance as I can get. I don't have the leeway to even consider holding back to conserve stamina.

But, the ruin’s speed is fundamentally far above mine. It flies low to the ground as it chases me, quickly closing the distance.

The explosions created by its [Ruin] skill are practically completely unaffected by the distance. But even so, if it catches up, I’ll lose my ability to dodge and be killed in close combat. I’ve no choice but to do my best to keep it from getting close while watching out for the magic attacks.

『Partner! It’s hitting the front! I don’t know the distance!』

A [Ruin] is coming! Can I outrun it? No, that would be reckless. Unlike [Flight], I can’t escape up or down with [Roll], so my movement becomes predictable. I change my direction to roll in a diagonal direction. A distance away from me, the iridescent light of [Ruin] flares.

I was able to avoid it this time, but there’s no way I’ll continue to get this lucky. If it fires consecutive [Ruins], it'll catch me easily. I’m grateful for the speed increase that [Roll] affords, but I can’t dodge [Ruins] with it.

『I-It’s coming again. I don’t know where… It stinks of another feint…』

…There’s a limit to how much we can read from its line of sight. The simplicity has mostly vanished from its fighting style. This is fine. I was just thinking I was hitting the limits of being able to get away with [Roll].

I slam my tail against the ground to lift my body, then begin to fly. Just below me, an iridescent sphere of light bursts. That was dangerous. It was almost dead-on!

I use my remaining angular momentum from [Roll] to rotate in the air and fire two [Wind Slashes] behind me. I then regain my balance and press on.

『Partner, how's it look? Does it seem like we’re able to slow it down?』

『Not at all, it didn’t even react! It’s a waste of magic power, so don’t bother!』

…D-did I get a bit too impatient? I look ahead. In front of me, I see the blue ocean spreading out. Should I keep flying towards it? Once I’m over the ocean, I’ll lose the option of [Roll]. If I’m going to change course, then now is the time.

No, trying to use [Roll] again would be too reckless. If I used same technique twice, it’ll just deal with it in the same way. It was already able to cut off my [Roll] once. If I tried again, it’d hit me with for sure.

I should continue on towards the ocean. Changing course would just slow me down. I keep flying in a straight line.

…Suddenly, I feel something off with my body. I feel heavy. Probably, the [Quick] has worn off. Th-this might be a little tough…

H-how’s it faring?

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Species: Ruin

Condition: God of Destruction

Lv: 54/150

HP: 1128/1269

MP: 622/1564

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

…Its maximum HP has fallen to nearly half. Once it falls below 1000, it’ll no longer be able to return to the capital. In just a little bit, I’ll have accomplished my second objective of keeping it from reaching human habitation.

After that… If I can avoid it for fifteen minutes, its body will give out. But, with my stats, that’s impossible. With my slow [Flight] speed, I can’t outrun the ruin at all. It’s getting closer and closer.

It’s no use. No matter how much I think, no plan comes to mind. Do I have any useful skills…? [Plague Breath]… [Heaven’s Drop]… [Humanisation Technique]… [Neck Breaker]… [Death]… [Holy]… None of them are any use! I can’t think of anything that might be effective against the ruin. It’s practically cheating! Both its attack and magic are above 1800!

There might really be nothing I can do this time. Sorry, Aro. It looks like I won’t be able to keep our promise.

『…Partner, I have a plan.』

For a moment, I wonder who is speaking. Of course, it’s my partner. She’s turned away from the ruin and is staring at my face. I-it’s rare for you to think of a plan.

『Cut off my head. I can’t guarantee you fifteen minutes, but… I can slow it down.』

…Huh?

『Wh-what are you saying? In the first place, once you separate from my body, there’s no way you’ll be able to move properly…』

I suddenly remember the time when, long ago, I fought alongside the black lizard against a twin head. The twin head cut off one of its own heads that had been poisoned. After that… The severed head got up and attacked me.

It had the [Travelling Companion] skill. That’s also one of the skills I gained upon evolving to an ouroboros.

『D-don’t say something so stupid. There’s no way I’m doing that!』

『Then we’ll just both die! You promised Aro, didn’t you? As the one with control of our body, you can’t die!』

I ignore her and face forwards.

『Hey, partner! There's no time to waste! Hey!』

『Shut up and get back to watching it! That magic is going to come again!』

Don’t screw around. If I have to sacrifice you to survive, I’d rather die with the ruin. There’s no way I can accept that plan. I’ll show you, partner… Even without using [Travelling Companion], I'll keep flying until it runs out of HP…!