Disaster Falls

"Cover story: Robin, Part 1—'You can do it, Mr. Noah!'"

A violent explosion rocked the town in the night. Robin had reunited with her family and was about to board a ship when she turned to look. The sight of that terrifying giant saber-toothed tiger startled her, and she searched the billowing dust and smoke for Noah, her heart full of worry...

Dugalileo's judgment had not been wrong.

As a rule-based skill that neutralized all flying projectiles, Wind Barrier consumed a fixed 25% of Noah's maximum stamina each time he used it.

Once it reached intermediate level, that figure dropped to 15%. At full strength, the cost would hardly have mattered.

But Noah had already fought Dugalileo for a day and a night. For him, the drain was considerable.

Even so.

Facing another surging tiger's roar, Noah did not hesitate. He slashed out another Wind Barrier, completely dispersing the terrifying sound-wave attack.

Then he gripped his swords and met the charging giant saber-toothed tiger head-on!

Boom!

The dull impact sent Noah flying. The giant tiger felt the recoil too, but it retreated only a few steps before coming to an easy stop.

"Just as I thought. You're not as strong or as fast as you were."

The tiger's face twisted savagely. It threw back its head and roared again, sending ripples buzzing outward. "Let's see how many more times you can use that strange sword technique!"

Buzz!

The wind wall swallowed the ripples once more. After that slash, Noah's face went pale and his breathing turned ragged. His stamina was clearly on the verge of giving out.

And yet.

Noah remained as calm as ever. Watching the tiger charge again, he flicked a sword slash at it, slowing its advance for a moment.

Then he flashed a hundred meters