Let’s Play Minecraft in a World of Swords and Spells
Volume 5 Chapter 45: Determination and Growth

(Walson)

Right now, we are in a small open space, with dozens of adventurers in worn-out gear sitting around, most of them are tending to their equipment and checking the remaining supplies.

Around us, a semi-circular barrier enclosed this open space, and several magic-based adventurers took turns inputting mana into the crystal magical device at the center of the open space to continue maintaining the barrier.

Their condition was much better than the people I just rescued elsewhere. Everyone seemed to still have the ability to move. Using [Status Detection], a quick scan showed that their levels averaged above 60. Well, they were much stronger than that Krya.

No one said a word about my arrival. Or rather, no one seemed to care. They just sat there in silence, polishing their equipment.

Even if I spoke, no one showed any sign of acknowledgment.

The atmosphere was oppressive and heavy.

Withering Giant– the charred skeleton with its iconic three skulls was a boss monster in Minecraft known as the "Wither." However, its size was much larger than the one in the game.

This world [Wither] has three heads and six arms,, with each of it hand wielding a giant sword, the giant is clad in armor, and it three red eyes are faintly visible in the steaming hot air of the hot spring.

It seemed that its appearance was no longer just that of a monster.

First of all, why was it wearing a clearly custom-made equipment? It was no longer just a [Wither], but something else, something... very close to a divine being.

"Asura..." I couldn't help but mutter these words.

Grace and the others were defeated.

Even though we weren't in a [Party] right now, I knew the commotion from the battle with that monster had disappeared, leaving only the monster's roars.

Despite just standing here, hundreds of meters away from the battlefield, I could still feel an astonishing sense of oppression from that monster. However, the adventurers in the camp just glanced at it and had no further reaction.

Even Chuck, sitting in the corner of the camp, just stared at the iron ball in his hand.

I suddenly understood why they were silent.

In this inferno, surrounded by endless scorched earth and bloodthirsty monsters, there was no visible way out, and no hope of escaping.

Could this barrier block the monsters? No, it could only delay them.

These magic users would inevitably tire out, supplies would eventually run out, and we... would wither away in this purgatory. It seemed like even the hope of seeing the sunlight outside for the last time had become a luxury.

Fight? Fight for what? What purpose was there to fight for?

Like a white mouse thrown into a snake cage, all it could do was wait for the big mouth of the corn snake. With no way to survive, all one could do was pray to live a little longer.

The oppressive atmosphere in the small open space was called despair.

Despair...

Is this what Grace, Melon, Barella, and Derisha are feeling right now?

...

...

...Is it really just despair? Is it okay to die here?

"How is that possible!" I exclaimed, my voice echoing in this eerie silence.

"What are you doing, newcomer?" A Lizardkin [Warrior], over two meters tall, clad in black armor, stood up, staring at me with cold eyes.

He should be the leader here, and a glance at the Status Bar revealed his name to be Gust.

"Come with me, le’ts efeat that monster and leave this place." My voice was unexpectedly serious.

"Leave? Hah, you mean going out to die?"

"If I dare to ask you to leave, naturally, I won't let you die easily." As I said so, I surveyed the people in the camp.

Elves, humans, dwarves, Lizardkin, and various other beastmen, as well as individuals of different classes, could be seen.

Good.

I casually threw out a dozen or so [Pouches], containing various potions I had crafted since coming to this world.

With a wave of my other hand, various equipment I had made during this time in this world due to "interest" also appeared. This included items crafted from the "new materials" obtained in the Flame Labyrinth.

If you were to ask why I stop trying to keep my true capability a secret, let me ask you this: What's the point of holding onto such a belief at a time like this?

Beliefs and companions can never be compared on the same scale. If I don't give my all here, whether it's Grace and the others, or these adventurers, if anyone dies, it would all be my responsibility.

At this moment, the sky, reddened by the flames, was suddenly covered by a golden magic circle. The circle emitted a soft glow, and suddenly, my body felt lighter.

On the [Status Bar], a status called [Domain of Hope] appeared, vaguely allowing me to sense the enhancement of my physical abilities.

"Ashura” seemed to sense pain under the glow, howling towards the golden magic circle.

A spell appeared in my mind at this moment, making me smile.

So, if your mentality is wrong, you can't gain the benefits of this domain– no wonder these despairing fellows completely ignored the existence of this magic circle.

Only by embracing hope can you expel evil spirits– even if you don't ask for it, I was planning to do it anyway, to boost the spirits of these people who still had fighting capabilities.

Honestly, after this fiasco is over, I won't be able to use the identity of a [Villager] as a shield again.

...Finally, I understand the meaning of "With great power comes great responsibility."

For this battle...

"If we continue to stay here, the only outcome waiting for us is death."

"...So what? You're a [Villager], right? In this situation, there's nothing we can do. What can a [Villager] like you do?" The Lizardkin scoffed.

Oh? This Lizardkin is a possessor of the [Appraisal] skill? But– What does something like [Class] have to do with anything?

"You'll soon know what I can do." I raised an eyebrow, casually taking out an item from my iventory and aimed it at the magic crystal maintaining the barrier space, then detonated it.

The elven mage maintaining the barrier operation was dumbfounded, watching as the magic barrier protecting everyone collapsed.

"You madman!" The Lizardkin warrior was furious, grabbing his giant warhammer and charging towards me.

"If you give up seeking light in the darkness, then you really have no chance." I said, taking out the [Band of The Bold] that had been replaced by Melon before. Despite it’s severe internal damage, for this final, bold battle, or rather, for the final, incredibly bold punch, it would still work.

Let this punch be the last mission of this weapon.

As for whether my body can withstand it, that's not within my consideration.

For this battle, I'm willing to put everything on the line!