C163, 164, 165
Chapter 163: Exploration (2)
Arrua Raven.
Flowing blonde hair.
A small stature, a little over 150 centimeters.
And a skinny physique, making her look like a child at first glance...
But she's the scariest when she's serious.
Just like now.
"Did you know, Mr. Yandel?"
Ah, uh...
"I didn't expect it to be this bad either."
Raven's eyes narrow even further as I answer honestly.
However, I just scratch the back of my neck, like a barbarian.
We're already in the labyrinth, what's she going to do?
"I'll navigate from now on. Avman, you just tell me where the portals are."
"...Alright."
The bear-like man also readily hands over the reins without saying much, as if intimidated by Raven's gaze.
Now, this is the important part.
"Ha, seriously..."
Judging by her expression, it seems like she realized she was tricked, but she's holding back her words, deciding to wait and see.
So I have to show her clearly during this expedition.
That a Guide having a terrible sense of direction doesn't significantly hinder exploration.
Before curses start flying from that small mouth.
"Then let's go."
I quickly find the way, using the bear-like man as a compass.
Although I can feel Raven's distrustful gaze on my back, I'm not too worried.
After all, even the 1st floor can be navigated just by knowing the four cardinal directions.
'They said that if you just take the wider passage at forks, you'll get it right more than half the time.'
'They also said to avoid mounds since they're likely to be dead ends.'
'And from the outer areas, always head towards the darker paths with fewer crystals.'
Various tips I learned from observing Rotmiller, the purely effort-based navigator.
I use these tips to minimize wasted movement, such as having to backtrack because of dead ends.
And as a result...
"Oh, we got here faster than I expected?"
We reach the dark zone, the outermost area, earlier than expected.
Ah, and it's much easier from here.
Normally, we would have to search for the portal by exploring the surroundings instead of relying on the compass, but...
"It's that way."
...we have a Guide who can sense the location of the portal without having to do anything.
So we just have to follow in that direction.
Of course, the portal was already opened by another explorer.
「Entered 2nd Floor Goblin Forest.」
Raven's expression softens considerably after we reach the 2nd floor.
"12 hours to reach the 2nd floor... not bad."
Right, it's safe.
Well, there's no reason for her to complain since we planned for 13 hours to clear the 1st floor during the exploration planning stage.
"No wonder you gave us so much time even though we have a Guide."
Although Raven glances at me with a look that says she was tricked, she's surprisingly not holding a grudge.
Don't tell me, is she the type who's okay as long as the results are good?
'How rational.'
In that sense, I try my best to prevent our schedule from going awry on the 2nd floor as well.
Although we made a tight plan of clearing it within 24 hours...
"Avman, which direction?"
"That way."
There are eight portal steles in the Goblin Forest.
However, once one is activated, the rest turn into ordinary stones. Therefore, the standard procedure for later teams is to search for portals by circling the outermost area.
Ah, for reference, I heard it takes about 2 or 3 days on average.
Assuming the team doesn't have a Guide.
'If you have a Guide, one day is enough. There's no need to circle around.'
We head straight towards the direction where the portal is open, without even needing to take out the compass.
"Raven, can you increase the number of light orbs?"
"Three is no problem."
The absence of a professional scout isn't an issue either.
The fact that the entire forest is filled with traps?
It's no longer a threat since we're illuminating the surroundings as bright as day.
Well, the goblins keep swarming because of the light, but...
"Grrr—!!"
...I'm at a level where I can handle dozens of goblins even if they attack all at once.
"Let's rest here for today."
We prepare to camp around 9:00 PM.
The location is the outer area of the Goblin Forest where Hobgoblins start to appear.
"...Do explorers usually force march like this?"
It must have been a tough day for Raven, whose first proper expedition this is, but you have to adjust your biological rhythm on the first day when you still have stamina.
"We'll usually camp around this time, so it will be easier from tomorrow."
"...Well, it's interesting since it feels like a real expedition."
"Stop chattering and go to sleep. We have to keep moving tomorrow."
"Okay. Wake me up if something happens."
As usual, Raven is excluded from keeping watch.
We acknowledge that she's done her part just by setting up an alarm spell.
"Um, Bjorn... about Ainar, is it okay to leave her alone later?"
Misha cautiously expresses her concern, looking at Ainar, who's next in the watch rotation, but I chuckle and say firmly,
"It's fine. She won't fall asleep."
Ainar is unexpectedly reliable in this aspect.
She has a distrust of humans, and barbarians consider it shameful to break a promise.
She kept watch properly even when we were traveling together.
And back then, it was much more tiring since we had to keep watch for four hours each and couldn't sleep much.
"Hmm, I see... I guess I was a bit prejudiced."
After 8 hours of camping, with the four of us taking turns keeping watch for 2 hours each, we resume exploration early in the morning.
And we find a portal before noon.
「Entered 3rd Floor Pilgrim's Path.」
The expedition continues smoothly even after arriving on the 3rd floor.
The battles are so easy that they're not even good for practice, and navigation isn't a problem either.
The bear-like man doesn't get lost in places where there are no roads, like the 1st floor or the city.
「Character has entered a special area.」
「Field effect - Witch's Forest is applied.」
The Witch's Forest, which I was secretly worried about, is also the same.
We easily clear it by tying ourselves together with ropes like dried pollack and having the bear-like man lead the way.
And so, time passes, and now...
"Ooh, a tower! Bjorn! There really was a tower in the middle of the forest!!"
"Huhu, I told you, didn't I? There are many amazing things in the labyrinth."
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
"...Right, you just felt like shouting, didn't you?"
We reach the portal to the 4th floor.
And it's only the afternoon of Day 8.
'This is almost as fast as when Rotmiller was with us.'
I'm satisfied with that fact, but at the same time, I feel a bit bitter.
As expected, can effort really not overcome talent?
"Mr. Yandel, what are you thinking about?"
"Ah, it's nothing."
"Th, then shouldn't we go in? The whole forest is vibrating with an ominous magical energy, and I feel nauseous."
Could it be that her natural mana sensitivity is high?
Although she didn't actually throw up, Raven is experiencing worse motion sickness than Dwarkey.
So I want to make her feel better quickly, but...
"Wait a minute, we can't enter until the portal changes color."
"Ah, right. I've heard about that. You do that because another team might be inside, right?"
"If we don't, we might be mistaken for marauders and attacked."
Raven endures patiently as I give her a reasonable explanation.
The portal changes color after a while.
"Alright, let's go in."
It's time for the real climb to begin.
_________________________
「Entered 4th Floor Tower of Heaven.」
_________________________
Tower of Heaven.
It's a unique floor where a random combination of monsters appears on each stage.
Since I usually call this place the Tower of Training, I was planning to practice our synergy here.
But...
'...There's no point with this level of power difference.'
I realize it after the first battle.
Our combat power is on a completely different level compared to Team Misfits.
It's to the point where it's impossible to practice our synergy on the 4th floor.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
The giant mace, whose size and performance have increased significantly thanks to [Unification]. Combined with the attack skill [Swing], even 7th-grade monsters feel like goblins.
And the key here is that we have a separate main damage dealer.
「Avman Urikfrit has cast [Dangerous Substance].」
The bear-like man, a 5th-grade archer who can wipe out everything in the vicinity with his one-shot, one-kill attacks, and his high-grade tank summon named 'Iron Bear'.
「Arrua Raven has cast the 6th-grade attack spell [Flame Baptism].」
And on top of that, we have Raven, the traditional mage with insane utility, who possesses not only all four elemental attack spells, but also over a hundred curse and support spells.
'Right, a team needs at least three carry positions.'
The team's completeness has increased significantly.
We're at a level where we can clear any bizarre combination of monsters below 6th-grade within 3 minutes, using the most appropriate methods.
'Although they're lacking compared to the three of us, Ainar and Misha are also pulling their weight... As expected, we'll have no problems on the 5th floor even in our current state.'
Therefore, we focus on climbing the Tower of Heaven instead of practicing our synergy.
However, we don't progress as quickly as I thought.
The reason is simple.
Although the combat speed itself is incomparable to Team Misfits...
...we don't have a professional scout.
'It's all good, but it's a shame that it takes so long to clear the Trial of Wisdom.'
The Trial of Wisdom is a shortcut.
Instead of having to go through a maze filled with traps and monsters, it allows you to skip 5 stages at once.
And unlike the Stairs of Courage, there's no 4-hour cooldown before you can choose the next staircase, but...
It took Rotmiller about an hour to clear it.
It takes us about five times longer.
"Bjorn, can't we just fight monsters?"
I'm also frustrated, just like Ainar, but there's no other choice.
If we only choose Courage, it will take over 16 days to reach stage 100. It would be impossible to clear the 4th floor before the labyrinth closes.
"It's too late today. Let's rest and continue climbing tomorrow."
It's already past 10:00 PM, even though we only cleared one Trial of Wisdom after entering the tower, so we prepare to camp.
Of course, it's quite different from our usual camping.
We just spread out our sleeping bags wherever we want, without even deciding on a watch rotation.
"We don't have to keep watch in the labyrinth!! Misha, my mind is blown!!"
"Huhu, I think I understand how you feel. Even I had trouble sleeping when I first came here because I couldn't adapt easily—"
Snore!
"Hey, I'm talking to you...!"
Ainar passes out as soon as she lies down in her sleeping bag, and Misha sighs and starts preparing for bed, wiping her body with a wet towel.
"Bjorn, why do you keep glancing at me?"
"I wasn't."
"Come on, turn your head. We're companions, companions! It's too late to regret it now."
No, I'm telling you, I wasn't looking.
I sigh and focus on wiping the blood off my mace.
But could it be that she's not happy with that?
"Tsk."
Misha clicks her tongue as if for me to hear.
It's a change that happened after she moved to my inn.
She said we should pretend like nothing happened, but she's been playfully bringing up that day more often.
Well, I don't mind, though.
'...Maybe this is better.'
Misha confessed her feelings to me, and I drew a clear line. No matter how much we try to pretend like nothing happened, it can't be undone.
So she must have thought about it and made a decision.
It's less awkward to just tease me about it than to constantly be careful with her words.
"Then I'm going to sleep first."
"Alright."
Misha then gets into her sleeping bag and closes her eyes, and I check the side and see the bear-like man also spreading out his sleeping bag and preparing for bed.
Snore!
I take Ainar's greatsword and wipe it clean while I'm at it.
And as I'm doing that, Raven approaches me.
"Do you have something to say?"
"Yes."
"Go ahead."
"I did the calculations, and at this rate, we won't be able to stay on the 5th floor for long even if we reach it."
...So she actually calculated it.
Geez, this is why mages are...
Of course, I can understand her concern.
The more time we waste here, the less time we'll have to explore the 5th floor.
"Our income will also decrease compared to other teams."
"...This is our first expedition. It's taking time now because we don't have a professional scout, but we'll get faster."
"If you say so."
Raven doesn't say anything else and returns to her sleeping bag.
It's not because she's completely convinced by my words.
She'll probably come back with a radical solution if it takes 5 hours to clear the Trial of Wisdom every time.
'...Enough, let's just sleep...'
I put the cleaned greatsword next to Ainar and get into my sleeping bag.
And after some time...
[Mr. Yandel, just listen.]
I wake up to Raven's voice echoing in my head.
It's the 'Whisper' spell.
But why did she wake me up using magic?
[I felt something was off while I was washing up, so I used a detection spell...]
[There's one more person here besides us.]
[So don't move.]
The reason is simple.
Honestly, I don't know how she can speak so calmly...
[That person... is right behind me.]
Our mage is in danger.
---------------------------------------------
Chapter 164: Exploration (3)
My sleepy head cools down rapidly.
It’s a similar principle to how a cooling fan starts spinning when a computer overheats.
‘There’s a rat…’
My heart beats slowly, and my thoughts accelerate.
The Tower of Heaven is an independent floor.
Once the color of the portal changes, no one can follow. There’s no item or hidden piece that I know of that can bypass this.
That means…
‘He entered before the portal changed color.’
He entered with us from the beginning.
Of course, we also waited for a while to make sure no one was following us, and we used a detection spell before departing to prepare for stealth abilities, but…
‘If it’s a 2nd-grade or higher stealth skill, it’s possible to avoid detection. Most magic can’t detect it.’
Of course, that’s just assuming the worst-case scenario.
It’s unlikely that this guy is a big shot with a 2nd-grade essence.
After all, he was caught by the detection spell.
It’s more likely that he used an item or a skill to avoid the detection spell only during the initial entry.
‘The fact that he’s been tailing us until now means he’s not confident in his combat power.’
Alright, I’m suddenly feeling courageous.
Raven is also calmly briefing us on the situation, so it seems like she’s not that scared.
Now, how should I resolve this?
[It doesn’t seem like he’s going to attack me right away. So please think carefully and act accordingly. My life is in your hands—]
I found the answer right away.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
I quickly get up, shouting the name of the ancestor god.
And I immediately run towards Raven.
[Crazy!!]
Raven screams directly into my head…
…but this is the best option.
If I try to do something clever and she gets taken hostage, it will be a real headache.
And besides, he doesn’t know that we’ve noticed him, right?
People tend to lose their ability to think rationally when they’re surprised.
“Raven! Are you okay!! You appeared in my dream!!”
I even throw in a suitable line as I run.
To make him think, ‘Huh? They didn’t notice?’ even for a brief moment.
I’m giving him false hope.
Of course, I can’t be sure what kind of judgment he’ll make in that split second…
“Kyaak!”
…but he doesn’t break stealth until I reach Raven.
How kind of him.
“What’s going on!!! Is it an enemy!!!”
“…What the, I was sleeping soundly.”
The three of them are startled awake by the commotion in the middle of the night.
It’s the second effect I was hoping for when I shouted the ancestor god’s name.
With this, we can prepare for the rat trying to ambush or take the others hostage.
But did they hear my shout properly even in their sleep?
Misha, who makes eye contact with me, hangs her head low.
As if she’s been shot through the heart.
“You appeared in his dream… so, you two were that kind of relationship…? I, I didn’t know. Right… I didn’t even know… nyaha, haha, ha…”
What is she talking about again?
I just shout without any preamble,
“Battle stations! There’s a rat in here!”
As expected of explorers, the words ‘battle stations’ are absolute.
The three of them instinctively take out their weapons, form a tight formation, and start looking around cautiously.
I quickly move to their side.
“Bjorn, a rat? Do rats appear on the 4th floor?”
“…It means another explorer is hiding in here.”
“I, I see? I was really surprised, thinking it was a real rat!”
…Shouldn’t you be surprised that it’s not a rat?
I have a lot to say, but I hold back.
That’s not what I should be doing right now.
“Raven, where is he?”
“Uh, he’s gone. He’s not caught by the detection spell.”
Right, so he’s in detection avoidance mode again.
I don’t know if it’s an item or a skill.
But if it’s not a passive ability, but an activated one, there’s definitely a time limit.
“Keep using it. Until he appears.”
I send Raven, who I’m hugging, behind me and give another order.
“He has a stealth ability, so focus. He’ll have to reveal himself when he attacks.”
My companions, who seem to have finally grasped the situation, start looking around with serious expressions.
The silence continues for several minutes.
“…….”
He still hasn’t shown himself.
But he won’t be able to hold out forever.
He just needs time to organize his thoughts.
Although he probably won’t find any answers.
“Mr. Yandel…”
“Don’t be impatient. Time is on our side.”
We’re in a stone chamber with all four doors tightly closed.
There’s no way to escape.
If there were a Stairway of Fate, I could create a variable, but there isn’t.
“Just come out. I’ll kill you painlessly.”
That’s when, as I’m looking around and muttering…
“I found him!”
“Where is he?”
“Near the door!”
Right, he was there.
“Can you dispel it?”
“It’s possible since the target is specified.”
“How long will it take?”
Raven doesn’t answer.
She just extends the wand in her hand.
「Arrua Raven has cast the 8th-grade support spell [Expose].」
The jewel embedded at the tip of the wand glows.
And…
Swaaa!
…blue light particles cling to something transparent, forming the shape of a person.
And when the light disappears…
…the figure of the guy who was in stealth is revealed.
“He’s dressed like a rat.”
A masked stranger in a tight-fitting stealth suit.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”
“……!”
Just as I’m about to push off the ground and dash towards him as soon as our eyes meet…
Clack.
…he opens the door wide open as if he’s made up his mind and climbs the stairs.
“Bjorn! He’s running away!”
“Don’t panic and just gather our things first.”
I gather the scattered luggage instead of chasing after him immediately.
Because the door will close if no one is left inside.
Then we won’t be able to come back down to get our things.
Well, there’s also the option of leaving one person here…
‘But why bother?’
There’s no reason to rush.
The place he opened and went up to is none other than the Stairs of Courage.
Monsters don’t even appear until we all go up.
In other words, he’s already trapped.
“I got everything.”
“Then let’s go.”
We shove everything into our backpacks, including the sleeping bags, and then chase after him.
Bang! The stone door closes as soon as we all enter.
I climb the stairs with my shield in front, leading the way.
‘Judging by his eyes, it doesn’t seem like he just ran upstairs mindlessly…’
I’m a bit nervous.
What the hell is he planning?
I’m even more wary of my surroundings since I have no clue.
The stairs soon end…
…and an empty stage is visible beyond the open door.
Well, it’s not exactly empty, is it?
‘Tsk, I didn’t expect this…’
A stone chamber about 40 square meters in size.
A single corpse is melting in the center.
__________________
Kwaaang!
The door closes as soon as we all enter the stone chamber.
And a group of monsters is summoned.
“Is he not caught by the detection spell?”
“No.”
“Fight as if he might be hiding nearby.”
We first maintain a defensive formation and take care of the monsters.
It takes about 6 minutes.
As soon as the battle ends, everyone’s gaze naturally turns to one spot.
“Bjorn, that corpse…”
Misha trails off.
I know what she’s trying to say, so it’s not a problem.
She’s asking if it’s real, right?
I call for the expert.
“Raven.”
“It’s not fake. I can sense traces of mana.”
“In short.”
“It means it’s a recently deceased body.”
“Is there a chance—”
“There’s no way it’s someone else’s corpse. Although it’s faint, the mana wavelength is a perfect match.”
…Right, so that’s how it is.
‘Damn it.’
He committed suicide.
Before we could even exchange a word.
That fact makes me uneasy.
You know those scenes in novels, right?
Where a member of a secret organization swallows poison before being captured.
‘I didn’t even consider this since it’s my first time encountering it.’
I’ve met many bastards, but they all wanted to live until the very end.
This is my first time seeing someone run away and commit suicide like this.
And we didn’t even have a proper fight.
“…I need to check.”
I slowly approach the body and remove the mask.
However, I can’t tell his gender or race.
Because his facial muscles have all melted away.
It’s like a faceless ghost.
“Mr. Yandel, should we take off his clothes?”
I follow the mage’s instructions and remove the corpse’s clothes.
And an even more gruesome sight is revealed.
“As expected, his entire body has melted. It’s not acid or anything. His clothes are fine…”
Raven approaches without hesitation and pokes the corpse here and there with something like a metal rod.
“His bones are intact. His hair is also fine. It seems like a substance that only decomposes protein…”
I can’t help but ask as I watch her examining the corpse without even flinching,
“Are… you okay?”
“Yes? With what?”
“You were throwing up when you saw the Corpse Golem—”
“Ah! That’s because I suddenly smelled something rotten while I was chanting. I’ve seen much more disgusting things while doing experiments, so this is nothing.”
“…I see.”
I think to myself that she has a personality that doesn’t match her appearance.
Even the bear-like man, a 10-year explorer, is looking away.
“…Yandel, are you sure he’s dead?”
“It seems like it.”
“Then I’ll go rest over there. Cheese is my favorite food.”
“Cheese?”
“If I keep looking at this, I won’t be able to eat cheese.”
It’s a reasonable excuse, so I let her go. Ainar and Misha also leave for similar reasons.
“Ch, cheese? I don’t know what it is, but it sounds delicious.”
“Bjorn? I don’t think I’ll be of much help here…”
…Right, there’s no need for everyone to suffer.
“You two go rest.”
I focus on my conversation with Raven.
“Did he take poison?”
“Yes. I don’t know which alchemist made it, but it’s a very unique poison. As soon as you swallow it, the components of the medicine are released through your sweat glands, and your skin melts away.”
“It’s the perfect poison for suicide.”
“Right. Especially if you need to hide your identity.”
I feel even more uneasy.
Who the hell was this guy?
He’s definitely not just an ordinary marauder.
Clank.
I take off the equipment he was wearing.
It’s loot, and…
…there might be a clue that could help us deduce his identity.
“There’s no ID card.”
“…That’s strange.”
It’s more than strange.
You can’t leave the city and pass through the checkpoint without an ID card.
‘Could he really have been sent by the Dragonslayer?’
If he’s from the underground city, it would explain why he doesn’t have an ID card. I continue searching his expandable backpack with that thought.
There aren’t many items.
A few exploration supplies and food.
And…
“Wow, this guy must have been a professional. He has all sorts of things, from Sleeping Herbs to Basilisk Paralysis Poison.”
The rest are all consumables for PvP, and some of them are even rare enough for Raven to be envious.
‘He really was only thinking about killing us.’
I shudder, even though I didn’t even exchange a word with the masked man.
A wicked looting method that exploits the unique characteristics of the 4th floor.
If it weren’t for Raven, he could have really caused a disaster.
“But what were you doing at that time?”
“…I was washing up.”
Ah, right, she said that.
“Why didn’t you do it when everyone was awake?”
“…Um, this is my second time entering the labyrinth, you know? And I’ve only known Mr. Urikfrit for less than a month.”
Right, it’s an adjustment period.
She’s so meticulous that I didn’t even think about it.
Anyway, did she finally realize her appearance?
Raven, who was wearing a thin dress, frowns and opens her subspace pocket to take out clothes.
“Tell me next time. I’ll set up a tent or something.”
“It’s fine. I’m an explorer now. I don’t intend to make a fuss over something like that.”
“If you say so.”
We examine the corpse and chat for a bit longer, but there’s nothing noteworthy.
Therefore, we cover the melted masked man with a cloth and all go to a corner to sleep.
Ah, of course, we decide to keep watch just in case.
I’m the first one.
“….”
As I’m replaying the events of the day in the silence…
…I hear a groaning sound.
It’s coming from Raven’s sleeping bag.
Is she having a nightmare?
Just as I’m wondering if I should wake her up…
…Raven slowly opens her eyes.
“…Mr. Yandel.”
“You’re awake? Don’t worry and go back to sleep. I’m guarding this place.”
“It’s not that, I have a question.”
I tell her to go ahead, and Raven hesitates for a moment before speaking.
“What would have happened… if I hadn’t used the detection spell back then?”
Her tone is completely different from her usual confident self.
That’s when I realize…
…that no matter how calmly she acted and composed herself afterwards…
…she couldn’t have possibly been unaffected.
“Do you want an honest answer?”
“Yes.”
“If we were unlucky, we would have all died, and if we were lucky, one or two of us would have died.”
A moment of silence follows.
“Is… exploration always like this?”
I smile bitterly and nod.
“Yes.”
That you never know when or where you’ll encounter a bastard.
That my life could disappear any day.
That’s what exploration is.
But…
“But don’t worry. It’s not always difficult and horrifying.”
Although I don’t know if it’s comforting…
…I tell her about what happened in Team Misfits.
Dwarkey, who was disheartened after encountering marauders for the first time.
The beautiful scenery of the 3rd floor that Rotmiller showed him.
“The seniors said it was a meaningless mana supersaturation phenomenon.”
Raven chuckles and mutters.
I wonder if this is a traditional mage’s sentiment…
“But I want to see it next time.”
“Okay, I’ll wake you up before midnight next time.”
Soon, I hear a slightly more relaxed breathing sound coming from Raven’s sleeping bag.
And so, Day 8 comes to an end.
--------------------------------
Chapter 165: Exploration (4)
A 2-million-stone expandable backpack.
A steel dagger and various other equipment.
A bag full of consumables that are more effective against humans than monsters.
And…
“What kind of person was he?”
…a spoonful of lingering unease.
These were the things left behind by the masked man whose name we don’t even know.
“No matter how I think about it, he doesn’t seem like an ordinary marauder. Traveling alone, and that at the end…”
The masked man who chose to commit suicide as soon as the situation became unfavorable.
It’s clearly not a typical situation.
However…
“Stop worrying about it. There’s nothing we can do now even if we’re curious.”
The truth is already buried in darkness.
So we can only take what we can and move on.
That’s what explorers do, right?
“Bjorn, how many cotton candies can we buy with this?”
Ainar asks with sparkling eyes, and just as I’m about to answer, Raven speaks.
“It should be about 3.5 million stones in total.”
“…You’re knowledgeable about this too?”
“The exact amount will be determined after we sell it in the city, but the margin of error won’t be that big. I got a regular appraiser license a while ago.”
Hmm, so there’s something like that…
I ask her about it, and it’s different from a special appraiser. She said you need to be able to assess the value of items purely based on knowledge, not skills?
“Mr. Yandel, you should also study it when you have time. You don’t have to haggle and fight over prices if you can just show this.”
“It’s fine. I’ve never lost a battle of nerves.”
I cut her off before she can brag and resume exploration. The way we proceed isn’t much different from Team Misfits.
We focus on climbing the tower, prioritizing the Stairs of Wisdom and then the Stairs of Courage.
“…Ugh, we’re wandering through a maze again?”
“It can’t be helped since we don’t have a professional scout.”
It’s a pain in the ass to navigate every time we choose the Stairs of Wisdom, but I have to do my best.
Because I have a mother-in-law next to me.
“4 hours and 34 minutes.”
“4 hours and 11 minutes.”
“3 hours and 59 minutes.”
Raven times us every time we clear a maze.
Fortunately, the record gradually improves as we climb higher. It’s thanks to the know-how I’ve gained from also playing the role of a navigator.
Well, I’m still far from Rotmiller’s level.
“4 hours and 35 minutes. It suddenly increased this time.”
“…It couldn’t be helped because Ainar stepped on a trap.”
“Acceptable.”
Day 9, Day 10, Day 11…
Time flies by, and from Day 12 onwards, we just sleep without keeping watch.
“Are we going to decide on a watch rotation again today?”
“…It seems like a waste.”
“Phew, because of that bastard, seriously. Isn’t this too much? A surprise attack in a place like this…”
Misha is fuming as if a sacred place has been violated.
Honestly, I feel the same way.
This was the only place we could relax.
‘Damn it.’
Although there were various incidents, the expedition proceeded smoothly, and we reached stage 100 on Day 16.
Now we can also start searching for the portal to the 5th floor.
“2 hours and 41 minutes… you’ve gotten much faster.”
Even Raven, who had been acting like a mother-in-law every day, smiles with satisfaction.
For reference, I feel the same way.
‘Could it be that I’m actually a natural-born navigator?’
Even after struggling so much, the 3-hour wall was thick.
But I was able to break through that barrier and shorten the record after gaining one realization.
It’s easier and faster to just destroy traps.
“Ah, right, Mr. Yandel. How long did it take to get here when you had a professional scout on the team?”
“About 12 days.”
“Four days difference isn’t bad. It will be much easier on the 5th floor since we have a composition without a scout.”
I agree.
Although we lost four days because of the absence of a scout, we have a composition where everyone is a combat character.
We can make up for it in battles.
But…
‘Phew, can’t she just compliment me?’
Just as that complaint is lingering in my mind…
…Misha approaches me and pats my shoulder.
“Bjorn, good work. I didn’t know it would actually work. We’re probably the only team with a barbarian navigator.”
As expected, she’s the only one…
“Ahem.”
The bear-like man coughs awkwardly and steps forward at Misha’s words.
It seems like he’s embarrassed that he, the Guide, had to rely on a barbarian for navigation.
“Then it’s my turn now.”
I readily hand over the reins.
To go to the 5th floor, we need to open the doors in a specific order…
“Which door should I open?”
“That one over there.”
This is why Guides are OP.
Even if their sensory stats aren’t high enough, they can sense the magical energy of portals with their natural talent.
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Courage…….」
And so, we head towards the portal hidden somewhere in the tower, using the bear-like man as a compass.
Opening doors, clearing trials, and repeating.
After spending another night and opening 10 more doors…
“Finally, the last door.”
…we reach the stage with the portal.
It’s already the end of Day 17.
I thought about resting and then opening the door and entering tomorrow since it’s almost time to camp…
But…
“I think I’m more focused now.”
…we decided to proceed today, considering Raven’s tendency to be weak in the morning.
The portal room is also a boss room.
It’s better if the mage is in good condition.
“Like I said before, a 5th-grade monster will definitely appear here.”
“You mean that vampire-like monster?”
Ainar grips her greatsword with eyes filled with excitement and anticipation. It seems like she wants to see how much she’s changed since that time when she was powerless.
Smirk.
I can’t help but laugh.
I was originally planning to tell them not to let their guard down, that the survival rate of graduating explorers who reached this far is less than 50%…
But…
“Um, why did you stop talking?”
…it doesn’t seem necessary.
It wouldn’t be very barbarian-like either.
“I forgot.”
“Yes?”
“Let’s just go kill it.”
I open the door.
And we climb the stairs to the next stage.
It’s a stone chamber with a familiar stele in the center.
As soon as all five of us enter, the door closes, and a monster is summoned.
[Graaagh—!!]
I can’t help but laugh again.
I was wondering what kind of bastard would appear…
“It’s a troll!”
Right, something like this has to appear for it to feel like graduation.
____________________
Troll.
The bastard who smashed my keyboard when I was in my first year of playing [Dungeon and Stone]…
…and the one who put Team Misfits in danger of being wiped out.
“Should I cast the Distortion spell first? I heard troll byproducts are very expensive.”
Geez, this girl is bold.
Even a 5th-grade monster has a considerable aura, but…
“No need. The essence is also expensive.”
“If you say so.”
Just as Raven and I are exchanging a few words…
Thud!
…the troll roars and takes a step forward.
Therefore, I also push off the ground to fulfill my role as a tank.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
The size difference is instantly reduced.
As soon as the distance closes, the troll swings its giant fist.
Kwaaang!
A heavy impact is transmitted through the giant shield.
But maybe it’s because I absorbed the Ogre essence?
It’s not very effective.
‘And the shield is fine too.’
Even the Laetium shield, which used to get dented every time I blocked a punch, is completely unscathed this time.
It’s thanks to the 6th-stage engraving effect, [Unification].
The equipment I’m wearing is now enhanced in proportion to my total stats.
Right, this is what I spent so much money on!
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
I boost my stats with [Wild Release] and swing my mace down with all my might.
「Character has cast [Swing].」
「The destructive power of blunt weapons is greatly increased in proportion to Strength.」
I aim for the head.
However, the giant mace hits his shoulder as he twists his body.
Crack!
His shoulder collapses with a satisfying impact.
It’s dislocated with just one hit.
Back then, I had to strike six times just to break his exposed joints after stripping away all the flesh.
[Graaagh—!!]
Of course, as expected of a troll, the poster child of regeneration, the bone reattaches in a few seconds.
But this is enough to gauge my combat power.
‘Let’s see.’
I focus on defense and observe my teammates.
First, Misha, the founding member.
Although she hasn’t absorbed any new essences since then…
Slash!
…her sword cuts through the troll’s hide with ease.
It’s the power of money.
It’s an Iril longsword that cost a whopping 12 million stones.
If it can’t even do this much, we should go get a refund.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
It’s Ainar’s battle cry.
Ainar, perhaps envious of Misha’s performance, immediately joins the front lines and swings her greatsword.
Whoosh!
A strong gust of wind follows the trajectory of the sword, and an afterimage appears.
Ah, is it even right to call it an afterimage?
「Ainar Frenelin has cast [Double Slash].」
It’s the active skill of the 4th-grade essence she inherited from the elder.
The effect is simple.
It deals the damage of two hits with one swing.
Slash! Slash!
Ah, of course, the effect is negligible against the troll.
Despite her superior strength and the weight of the greatsword, it only penetrates about 3 centimeters.
It’s because Ainar’s only skill is [Double Slash].
It’s a skill that’s difficult to use to its full potential with normal attacks.
“This bastard’s hide is tou— Aak!”
Ainar takes a hit from the troll’s fist and is sent flying. She gets up quickly, but blood is trickling down from her mouth.
It seems like she injured an internal organ.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
However, Ainar doesn’t drink a potion and rest, but charges back in and swings her greatsword.
It’s a rational choice, not stubbornness.
Because this time, her greatsword is glowing red.
It’s the active skill of the Bone Knight essence she obtained from the Crimson Fortress.
「Ainar Frenelin has cast [Life Absorption].」
「Temporarily increases regeneration when dealing damage to a living being.」
Ainar’s health recovers when she hits an enemy.
She has excellent qualities as a sub-tank and damage dealer.
Ainar recovers to her original state after a few sword strikes, using [Life Absorption] and [Double Slash] together.
‘Her damage is lower than Misha’s, but she’s much better at tanking.’
I observe their battles and check their strengths, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement.
‘I need to get Ainar a decent offensive skill. And Misha needs to absorb more Beast’s Blood and raise her Spirit Beast level.’
That’s when, as I’m casually fighting the troll…
…the bear-like man asks from behind,
“Can we join now?”
“Ah, were you waiting?”
“I was curious to see how well those two ladies would fight.”
“I’m not a lady!!!”
Anyway, regardless of Ainar’s shout, the bear-like man joins the battle as soon as I give him the okay.
「Avman Urikfrit has summoned Iron Bear Iradun.」
However, did he judge that the front line is already more than enough?
He summons his Spirit Beast behind him like a bodyguard and then starts shooting his crossbow.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The arrows pierce deep into the troll’s body with a loud thud every time they’re shot.
His skill is evident even in the areas he targets.
He aims for joints like elbows and knees to restrict movement.
Slash!
Misha and Ainar join forces and sever the troll’s arm.
And the [Ultra Regeneration] pattern begins.
The regeneration speed is slow because Raven cast the ‘Deterioration’ spell beforehand.
‘There’s nothing else to see.’
Just as I’m about to smash the troll’s head with my mace…
“Stop!”
…the bear-like man stops me.
“The third lady also needs to show off her skills.”
“…Would you please stop calling me a lady?”
Raven then grumbles and swings her wand.
She doesn’t tell us to dodge like Dwarkey did.
It’s not that she’s inconsiderate, but rather that she judged that there’s no need.
「Arrua Raven has cast the 5th-grade attack spell [Lightning Spear].」
A white bolt of lightning is shot, zigzagging past us.
My vision flashes.
And then I hear the sound.
Kwaaang!!
When I come to my senses, the troll’s head is already gone.
Thud.
It collapses to the ground and then disappears into light.
Ah, of course, there’s no essence again.
_____________________
We defeated the troll.
And very easily, at that.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that there’s no danger on the 5th floor. 5th-grade monsters appear in groups there.
Whoosh!
The portal opens as the troll dies.
However, we camp instead of going up to the 5th floor right away. It’s better to sleep comfortably for a day since we’ll have to sleep up there anyway.
‘It’s really starting now, huh.’
I toss and turn for a moment, feeling both anxious and excited, and then fall asleep.
And the next morning…
To be precise, around 7:00 AM on Day 18…
“Wow, I can’t believe I’m actually going to the 5th floor…”
…we finish packing and enter the portal.
「Entered 5th Floor Great Magical Forest.」
We’ve graduated from the early stages.
It’s time to go on a real exploration.