C178, 179, 180
Chapter 178: Doppelganger (3)
Pitch-black darkness.
Raven cast the light orb spell.
"Liate."
I instinctively closed my eyes before being blinded.
Raven asked me,
"Mr. Yandel, what are you doing?"
I cautiously opened my eyes and saw a light orb emitting a faint, soft glow, unlike usual.
Wow, you can even adjust the brightness.
"It's nothing."
Raven chided me as I brushed it off awkwardly,
"By the way, please tell me beforehand if you're going to do something like that. I was startled."
"That's right. What if we had been caught by the guards outside?"
"I would have just paid the fine."
"Don't tell me, you're thinking of paying it with the team funds—"
"It was for the team."
Raven sighed deeply as I cut her off. But she didn't say anything more.
It's not like I was wrong.
And that wasn't the important thing right now.
"Isn't this strange? Starting in the dark zone?"
"It's not just a dark zone. Do you see that?"
Raven pointed to a stele on one of the walls at the bear-like man's muttering.
It was time to get to the main topic.
"It's a Floor Stele. Do you know what's going on?"
"I think it's a dimensional instability phenomenon."
"...What's that?"
"Portals are also a type of dimensional magic, right? I heard this happens sometimes. There's an error in the starting coordinates input."
"...So it's just a coincidence?"
"Well, there are observation records that show the probability of a dimensional instability phenomenon increases when a portal is about to disappear."
Uh, I think I read about that in a book too.
My mouth itches to say something, but I keep quiet.
She'll explain it anyway, so there's no need for me to step in and raise suspicion.
"Bjorn, this is that time..."
Misha shut her mouth at my look.
And she moved next to Ainar to prevent any accidental slips of the tongue.
Okay, then that's settled.
"Hmm, so you're saying it's because we barely made it in?"
The corners of the bear-like man's mouth curl up slightly.
As expected of an explorer, he realized the OP nature of the experience point duplication bug.
However, Raven shook her head.
"That's... a bit ambiguous."
Huh? What's ambiguous?
I couldn't hold back and joined the conversation.
"Ambiguous? What do you mean?"
"No matter how many errors occur in the coordinate input, you wouldn't end up in the outermost area like this. If that were the case, everyone would just enter late, why would they rush?"
Hmm, that's true.
Actually, I was also wondering about this.
Many people know about the dimensional instability phenomenon. But why isn't anyone using this awesome bug?
"The dimensional instability phenomenon became widely known 130 years ago. There was a big problem with the dimensional magic circle at the time, and the frequency increased exponentially."
"So?"
"The Magic Tower received a request from the royal family and repaired the dimensional magic circle. After the stabilization work was completed, the instability phenomenon rarely occurred again."
In short, it means that for a hundred years, you couldn't use the experience point duplication bug even if you entered late.
"Then what's going on now?"
"...Maybe it's time to repair it again?"
Raven, who offered a plausible guess, cautiously added a suggestion.
"So, let's keep this a secret."
"Explain in more detail."
"It seems like no one knows that there's a problem with the dimensional magic circle right now. But if we wait a bit longer and the phenomenon worsens, other explorers will also experience it."
The bear-like man, who was listening quietly, nodded.
"So you're saying let's keep it to ourselves until then."
"Yes. We can shorten the exploration time and accumulate achievement points, how great is that?"
I interjected.
"Wait, achievement points don't mean anything to mages, do they?"
Mages can't absorb essences. So experience points are useless to them.
Then why is she so enthusiastic?
Raven chuckled and answered,
"I'm personally interested. The untouched Floor Stele, and all. In that sense, can I open it?"
"Do as you please."
As soon as I gave her permission, Raven touched the stele.
Whoosh!
A portal opened, emitting multicolored light.
Raven closed her eyes as if focusing on the sensation in her fingertips and the flow of mana in the air.
And she muttered briefly,
"It's a very strange feeling."
It's a sensation that I, a barbarian with zero magic talent, will never be able to understand.
However, even I could clearly feel one thing.
「Opened a portal for the first time. EXP +2」
Yeah, this is it.
The feeling of getting something for nothing.
___________________
「Entered 2nd Floor Beast's Lair.」
「Entered 1st Floor Crystal Cave.」
___________________
We went up to the 2nd floor and then immediately came back down.
Because the Beast's Lair is impossible for us.
There are so many forks in the road that it would just waste time unless we had a scout like Rotmiller.
'Even Rotmiller said it's better to just give up on the Beast's Lair.'
We won't get completely lost since we have a Guide.
But there's no reason to go through this place when there are faster routes.
"Then let's get moving."
I took out the compass and started navigating.
We first left the dark zone and then headed northwest.
We didn't get lost that often.
After all, I learned how to navigate on the 1st floor from Rotmiller.
Of course, I'm still inexperienced...
"Avman, where's the portal?"
"That way."
"Then we can just head north from now on."
Thanks to having a Guide on the team, we can take the optimal route even with just a compass.
We're making up for our lack of skill with a cheat code.
That's when, about 3 hours after entering the labyrinth...
"Halt."
...we encounter people for the first time on our path from one outer area to another.
A group consisting of a knight with the royal emblem on his chest and four soldiers.
"Do you have identification tags?"
The knight who stopped us asks curtly.
They've already been through several battles, as their weapons and armor are stained with blood.
It's not monster blood.
There are no monsters on the 1st floor that bleed red blood.
"Last time asking. Identification tags?"
"Ah, here. You guys should take yours out too."
We hesitate for a moment at the knight's intimidating aura and then take out the identification tags we received in the city.
The knight then makes way for us.
And he even gives us some advice.
"Be careful not to lose them. It seems like some quick-witted people are already targeting identification tags."
Right, that's how it is.
They're not idiots, they must have realized that's their only way to survive.
I ask a question as we pass by,
"Is there a way to tell if an identification tag has been stolen?"
"No."
"Then why didn't you suspect us?"
Did he find my question annoying?
The knight frowns slightly but still answers,
"Blood."
"...?"
"If it were stolen, there would be human blood on it. And besides, I know your face."
Huh?
"I'm a knight of Count Perdehilt."
Ah, he saw me at the banquet.
By the way, I don't know what that Count is up to.
He said he would call me separately when I was ready, but I haven't heard from him yet.
Well, no news is good news, I guess.
"Hmm, it's convenient to travel with a celebrity, huh?"
"Stop teasing me."
"Yes? I'm not teasing you."
Phew, does she really think I'm a barbarian?
"Put your lips down when you say that."
"...You're so perceptive."
"Anyway, let's pick up the pace. Tell me if you're tired."
"What are you going to do if I tell you?"
"Ainar will carry you on her back."
"Eek? Me?"
Although both Ainar and Raven seem reluctant, it can't be helped. We have to move quickly to avoid encountering people.
"...Miss Ainar, please carry me."
After increasing our speed and walking for about 30 minutes...
...Raven, the mage who usually stays cooped up in her room, abandons her pride and chooses to be carried.
Thanks to that, our speed increases significantly.
Raven starts massaging Ainar's body as if she's bored from just being carried.
"Do, don't touch me!"
"Wow, Miss Ainar, your body is softer than I expected?"
"...Are you making fun of me! Get off if you're going to do that!"
Ainar shivers and expresses her displeasure.
Just as I'm about to warn Raven...
...I stop as I see something blocking our path.
"Bjorn, why did you stop?"
"Corpses."
There are five corpses in total.
Four men and one woman.
They're practically naked, as if their equipment was looted, and judging by the bleeding, it seems like some time has passed.
"Miss Ainar, can you put me down?"
Raven also gets off her mount and examines the corpses.
"It doesn't seem like they were killed by knights."
"What's your basis?"
"The wounds. One was killed by a blunt weapon, one by an arrow, and the rest were burned. It doesn't seem like magic, so it must be an ability."
Knights use swords.
Because it's the best weapon for utilizing Aura.
But there are no sword wounds...
"Could they have been explorers from Noark? Other explorers probably killed them after seeing that they didn't have identification tags."
Raven smiles bitterly at Misha's words.
"Maybe it was the other way around."
"Other way around?"
The bear-like man answers,
"The knight we met earlier said it too, didn't he? That there's a possibility of explorers targeting other explorers for their identification tags."
"Ah..."
"And besides, their faces are unrecognizable. There's usually no need to do that."
Of course, we can't know the truth.
But these corpses serve as a warning to all of us. After all, they're explorers who reached the outer area of the 1st floor at this early hour.
They must have been skilled enough to speedrun.
But they died on the 1st floor before even a few hours had passed since the labyrinth opened.
"...We really need to be careful."
"Yandel, it seems like they were also heading towards the Goblin Forest, how about we go somewhere else?"
"It won't be any different."
"Phew, that's true."
In the end, we continue towards the Goblin Forest without any changes to our schedule.
And after some time...
...we reach the portal to the 2nd floor.
[06:47]
It's an incomparably faster time compared to the previous expedition. It's only 30 minutes slower than when we did the time attack with Rotmiller.
"Mr. Yandel, you could become a professional scout at this rate."
"Nyaha, a barbarian scout? No one would believe it!"
"Bjorn is the hope of barbarians!"
Everyone checks the time and showers me with compliments, but it's not really my achievement.
This expedition started differently.
We were moving from one outer area to another, so it's only natural that we saved a lot of time.
"...Enough, let's just go up."
I brush it off and stand in front of the portal.
"You're embarrassed."
"Yeah, yeah."
What are they talking about?
____________________
「Entered 2nd Floor Goblin Forest.」
「Entered 3rd Floor Pilgrim's Path.」
「Entered 4th Floor Tower of Heaven.」
The morning of Day 7.
____________________
It's even a day earlier than when Rotmiller was with us.
We reached the 4th floor.
'At this rate, we're among the top explorers, right?'
It's the result of my improved navigation skills combined with the Guide's ability.
We barely even encountered any explorers during the expedition. Two large clans and about ten 5-person teams?
We all pointed our weapons at each other, confirmed our identification tags from afar, and parted ways.
Phew, the atmosphere in the labyrinth has really become hostile.
"Raven, any results?"
"Nothing."
As soon as we cleared the first stage, we used detection magic continuously for about an hour, mindful of the masked man incident.
'Damn those bastards, what the hell are we doing because of them?'
Although my anger rises every time I think about it, what can I do?
Considering the current situation, we just have to be careful.
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
We naturally chose the Gate of Wisdom first.
A maze filled with traps and monsters.
Since I received the most training from Rotmiller in this area, our clear time has decreased by about 40 minutes.
"Raven, how long did it take?"
"1 hour and 58 minutes."
It's an unbelievably fast time compared to the 5 hours it took at first.
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
We continue to clear trials and climb the floors.
And as Day 7 is coming to an end...
'Stage 27 on the first day...'
We've practically cleared a quarter of the tower in one day. It's a speed that wouldn't have been possible if the Stairs of Wisdom hadn't appeared consecutively.
"It's a bit early, but let's rest early today."
Since we have to wait 4 hours before we can open the next door after clearing the Stairs of Courage, we prepare to camp.
"What about the watch rotation?"
"I don't think there's a need."
We don't keep watch.
We used detection magic periodically throughout today's exploration, but no other explorers were detected.
"Well, even if someone was hiding, keeping watch wouldn't be meaningful. The detection spell doesn't work, so what would change?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking."
"Then let's eat before we sleep."
"Alright."
We gather and have a simple meal, then each go to our respective spots and lie down.
It's a comfortable bed that you can only experience on the 4th floor.
Hmm, that should have been the case...
'Damn it.'
I can't fall asleep easily because of the masked man incident.
In the end, I toss and turn for a long time before finally falling asleep.
But even that doesn't last long.
Rumble, rumble!
The ground I'm lying on vibrates.
The entire tower is shaking slightly.
I quickly get up.
There's only one reason for this phenomenon to occur in the labyrinth.
"Mr. Yandel, this phenomenon... don't tell me..."
"Yeah, it's as you think."
A rift opened on the 4th floor.
----------------------
Chapter 179: Doppelganger (4)
A rift.
An instant dungeon that exists on each floor, like the Crimson Fortress and the Glacier Cave.
The two biggest characteristics of a rift are:
The essence drop rate increases exponentially.
And a special monster called a guardian drops special rewards that can’t be obtained in normal fields.
“Avman, where’s the rift?”
The bear-like man closes his eyes for a moment, as if focusing on his senses, and then opens them.
“That way. It doesn’t seem far.”
Right, so that’s how it is.
I grin.
The probability of us successfully entering has increased.
After all, we’ve already reached stage 27 thanks to five Stairs of Wisdom appearing on the first day.
[23:45]
Day 7 hasn’t even ended yet.
It’s safe to say that there aren’t many competitors.
The rifts on the 4th floor only appear from stage 25 onwards.
And it just happened to appear nearby?
“Mr. Yandel, you’re going to check it out, right?”
“Of course.”
Rifts are the flower of the labyrinth.
It’s an opportunity that no explorer should miss.
We quickly pack up our campsite and head towards the door in the direction Avman pointed.
Whoosh!
After waiting for a few minutes, the symbol engraved on the stone door lights up. It means the 4-hour waiting time is over, and we can now open the door.
“Ugh, I don’t like this…”
“Please, anything but illusions.”
Misha and the bear-like man, who have experience with this trial, groan in unison. On the other hand, Raven and Ainar seem confused.
“I actually prefer illusions. I heard they don’t have much effect on people with strong mental strength.”
“Hahaha! Then I’ll be fine!!”
Come to think of it, this is their first time.
I’m also a bit curious.
The mage armed with logic and rationality, and the fearless barbarian warrior.
How will they react?
If I know that, I might be able to figure out whether my case is unique or not.
「Chose the Stairs of Patience.」
A long corridor, about 100 meters long.
As soon as we step inside, the figures of my companions disappear, and a new background appears.
The pediatric ward where I spent most of my childhood.
The sky beyond the window is clear, and the face of the child lying in bed is also bright.
‘It’s an illusion type.’
The surroundings change as I take a step towards the child.
The sun is setting beyond the window.
A young college student is sitting in a chair in front of the bed.
He was someone I used to trust and follow more than my parents.
‘Ha, it’s starting with this again?’
I chuckle and take another step forward.
Then the conversation between the child and the college student begins.
The child, who was playing games with him, asks if he can stay a little longer, and the college student refuses.
It might have ended there.
But the child was young.
He kept whining, and the college student’s expression hardened. And he suddenly exploded, getting up and shouting insults.
Words that hurt more than any hospital treatment back then.
Thud.
I take another step forward, ignoring it.
I’m an adult now.
I don’t get hurt by those words anymore.
I don’t even blame myself, thinking that something bad must have happened to him that day.
It was something that could happen.
It could be someone’s fault, but it could also be no one’s fault.
That’s all it is.
Thud.
Inside a car right before an accident.
A burning apartment building.
An empty amusement park.
My studio apartment after becoming an office worker.
Thud.
The surroundings change with every step I take, and the people who appear also change.
Thud.
My mother, father, uncle, and ex-girlfriend.
A new person appears in each place and throws words at me that left deep scars.
But so what?
‘It’s still easy.’
These are scenes I can vividly imagine even without illusions.
It’s not even new anymore.
I have pain resistance, after all.
‘What’s this?’
As I’m walking for a while…
…people I haven’t seen before appear.
[Ah! Bjorn, you’re back!]
[Haha, why are you so late!]
Misha and Dwarkey are smiling happily, their arms crossed. But as I take a step closer, their expressions distort grotesquely.
[Everyone would have been happy… if it weren’t for you.]
[Does it feel good… to have survived instead of me?]
It’s a pattern I’ve seen often in cartoons and movies.
Geez, don’t they have anything more creative?
‘It’s not my fault. Complain to God.’
I continue walking, not avoiding their gazes.
[Bjorn, son of Yandel, the great warrior!]
[Give me back my friend’s body!!]
After Ainar, who appeared next…
…the people I’ve met as Bjorn Yandel appear one after another and say strange things to me.
They’re all things I don’t remember.
But they’re not unfamiliar.
Because they’re thoughts I’ve had at least once.
‘Well, it doesn’t work.’
I continue forward without stopping.
I don’t cover my ears or close my eyes.
「Trial completed.」
The illusion soon ends.
I, who was standing in front of the door, have reached the end of the corridor and am now standing in front of a staircase.
It’s the same for the other companions.
“Bjo, Bjorn…!”
“If you cry again, I’m really leaving you behind.”
“Hmph.”
I turn my gaze away from Misha, who’s sniffling, and check on the others.
The bear-like man has an indifferent expression.
He’s frowning, but that’s all.
Ainar is also unexpectedly fine.
“Are you okay?”
“Ah, uh… it was just a bit of an unpleasant experience.”
Well, come to think of it, barbarians all have strong mental fortitude.
They’re a race that learns how to fight and overcome rather than how to run away.
Then what about the mage?
“…….”
Raven, who I checked last, is staring blankly into space. I can even feel her trembling from afar.
What the hell did she see?
Although I’m curious, I don’t ask.
It doesn’t seem like she’ll answer anyway.
“It’s over now.”
“Ah… yes. That’s right…”
Raven comes to her senses as I approach her and pat her on the shoulder.
Cold sweat is beading on her forehead.
“We’ll rest for a bit upstairs, so hang in there.”
“Okay…”
I gather my companions and climb the stairs.
And we rest for about 10 minutes.
Actually, even in the game, I didn’t choose the Stairs of Patience for this reason.
Because it significantly drains your stamina.
Although I didn’t know it would be for this reason.
“Avman, where should we go from here?”
“That way.”
We resume exploration after the break.
The rift is our top priority for now.
We chose the Stairs of Wisdom next and cleared the maze in 2 hours.
And the next stage that appears…
“It’s the portal!!”
…is a stone chamber with an open rift.
For reference, the color of the violently shimmering portal is green.
‘Doppelganger Forest…’
It’s the name of the third rift I’ll be exploring, after the Crimson Fortress and the Glacier Cave.
______________________
「Character has entered the 4th Floor Rift.」
______________________
There are two types of rifts on the 4th floor.
The Golden Ruins, where money pours out, and the Doppelganger Forest.
‘…It’s not the Golden Ruins.’
I suppress my disappointment and call for the mage.
“Raven.”
“Liate.”
As soon as the light orb floats in the air, our new surroundings come into view.
We’re trapped inside a giant cage.
The outside, beyond the bars, is shrouded in the darkness of the labyrinth and invisible.
“Bjorn! What’s going on?!”
Hmm, should I explain?
As I’m contemplating, Raven speaks,
“Don’t worry. It will open when the time comes.”
“Huh? What do you mean? Explain in more detail!”
“It’s because the maximum number of entrants hasn’t been reached yet. Up to three teams can enter this place.”
It’s a difference from the 1st-floor rifts.
Up to 15 people can enter the Doppelganger Forest through a total of three portals. If it was cooperation between individuals before, this is cooperation between teams.
“Was this also in that book?”
“Yes. We’re lucky. I don’t know much about the Golden Ruins.”
Hmm, since she read the Compendium of Rifts, I can just tell her to take care of the hidden pieces.
No, should I just leave the entire strategy to her?
My contemplation is short-lived.
“That’s good. Then you give the orders this time. I’ll follow them.”
“You’re telling me to be the leader?”
“There’s a saying, ‘follow the mage’s words in a place like this’, isn’t there?”
“Huhu, okay. Leave it to me this time.”
Raven puffs out her chest and declares that she’ll take care of everything as I subtly flatter her.
She’s so easy to handle.
‘I’ll step in if there’s a problem later.’
I need to be careful and hide my extraordinary abilities, following Rotmiller’s advice.
If I act like I did before, Raven and the bear-like man will definitely sense that something is strange.
“Then I’ll tell you what to be careful of. First of all, most of the monsters we’ll encounter here are Doppelgangers…”
Raven’s briefing follows.
Everyone except for Ainar listens attentively.
Although I know everything, I listen carefully in case there are any corrections or things I don’t know about.
After some time…
“…That should be enough.”
“Yes? But I haven’t even talked about the herbs that appear here…”
“We can do that while we’re exploring. Resting comes first.”
I cut off Raven’s endless explanation and have everyone rest.
We went through the Trial of Patience, and we couldn’t sleep properly because of the rift opening.
We need to conserve our stamina for the main game.
Snore!
Ainar starts snoring as if she’s been waiting, and Misha and the bear-like man sit down, leaning against the bars.
And Raven…
“It’s strange. To get a mirror on our first expedition, and a rift on our second…”
…is next to me, chattering.
It seems like she can’t calm down after entering the rift.
“Looking at this, I think I’m quite lucky. I even entered the Crimson Fortress before, right?”
Uh, is that how it works?
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“…You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?”
“No way.”
“Put your lips down when you say that.”
She’s unnecessarily perceptive.
“Enough, I’m going to rest, so you should too.”
I end the conversation here and close my eyes.
And so, time passes, and it’s the morning of Day 8.
[07:11]
In other words, it’s been about 5 hours since we entered the rift.
Clank!
The tightly closed bars rise.
It means the maximum number of entrants has been reached.
“Alright, let’s go.”
The real exploration begins as I step out of the cage first.
“Liate.”
Raven increases the number of light orbs to three for better visibility. And the shape of the cave, which was hidden in the darkness, is revealed.
Ainar tilts her head.
“Huh? Didn’t you say it was a forest?”
“I think I explained it earlier.”
“Ah, sorry. I didn’t hear anything.”
It’s an overly honest answer.
Raven can’t even get angry.
“…The forest appears after we leave this cave. In other words, after all the teams that entered gather in one place.”
“I see!”
“…….”
Raven just clenches her fists and trembles.
I can’t help but empathize with her…
But I’m currently in Normal Barbarian Mode, just following orders.
Right, there should be days like this too.
“Mr. Yandel, what kind of life have you been living?”
“…Let’s just go.”
“Ah, right. Let’s go. We don’t have time.”
We follow Raven’s instructions and move along the path at a somewhat fast pace.
The reason for hurrying is simple.
The first chapter of the Doppelganger Forest is the Shadow Cave.
It’s a format where you start at different locations and meet up with the other teams in the center.
“We have to reach the center as quickly as possible. That way, we can get the rewards from the other routes. If we’re late, it will be the opposite.”
Although we’ll end up fighting the final boss together, it’s practically a competition until then.
Who can get more loot?
It’s up to us.
“There’s something ahead!”
The bear-like man senses a presence and stops the party as we’re running down a straight passage.
We wait for a moment, and a figure emerges from the darkness.
Thud.
Messy brown hair.
A scruffy beard.
A muscular body over 2 meters tall, wearing a Laetium breastplate.
And a giant shield and mace.
“It’s Bjorn!!!”
Ainar looks back and forth between the two of me and then becomes confused.
Raven can’t help but shout at the sight,
“I told you it’s a Doppelganger!!!”
“Do, Doppelganger?!”
“Ah, seriously! Whatever, battle stations!!”
I think this is the first time she’s shouted like this.
As expected, there’s no one who can defeat a barbarian with words.
Just as I’m chuckling with that thought…
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”
…the Doppelganger dares to shout the name of the ancestor god.
And its body inflates like a balloon.
I need to be a bit careful.
「Doppelganger has cast [Gigantification].」
「Doppelganger has cast [Wild Release].」
I’m quite strong, you know?
-------------------------------------
Chapter 180: Doppelganger (5)
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The Doppelganger, letting out a battle cry, charges towards me, stomping the ground.
I understood how that apprentice knight felt when he ran out of the arena, abandoning his pride.
So that's what I look like...
'It's only natural for him to run away.'
Just looking at him sends shivers down my spine because of the increased threat level from [Wild Release].
An overwhelming sense of pressure, almost violent, combined with his giant physique.
I need to match his size first.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
「Character has cast [Wild Release].」
Our eyes are level in an instant.
I put all my strength into my dantian and shout with all my might,
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
The original battle cry that no mere Doppelganger can imitate.
I dash forward, covering my upper body with my shield.
For reference, the Doppelganger does the same.
Our shields collide, and a deafening roar erupts, as if two dump trucks crashed into each other.
Kwaaang!
As expected of a Doppelganger, there's no difference in strength.
Our next actions are also identical.
「Character has cast [Swing].」
「Doppelganger has cast [Swing].」
Our maces cross like mirror images.
Kwaaang!
Another explosion, and the ground trembles.
It's not like we're giant monsters fighting...
If we keep fighting like this, there won't be a winner even after a day, but there's a decisive difference between this guy and me.
Companions.
'Even in games, team luck is a skill.'
Magical support follows without me even having to give orders.
Mostly curses with short casting times.
Another me, with decreased Strength, Agility, Physical Resistance, and other stats in just a few seconds.
The flustered Doppelganger stammers and says to me,
"Yo, ur mo... ther!!"
Uh, he's using a parental insult here?
My mind goes blank for a moment at the unexpected line.
Kwaaang!
When I come to my senses, the Doppelganger's mace is hitting my shield.
If I had been even a little slower, it would have smashed my head.
"You crazy Doppelganger bastard!"
I quickly regain my composure and fight back.
It seems like he also inherited the habit of becoming more vicious when he's at a disadvantage...
As expected, he's an opponent I can't underestimate.
He's me, after all.
Whoosh!
I swing my mace down on his shoulder, using the opportunity created as he blocks the bear-like man's arrow with his shield.
And a fountain of blood erupts from his mouth.
'Did he bite his tongue?'
Geez, how classic.
It was one of the patterns I expected, so I dodge it without any problems.
After all, it's something I would do.
Especially in a disadvantageous situation.
Sizzle.
Acidic blood splatters on the ground and bubbles.
Misha exclaims in admiration at the sight.
"Wow, he even does the same things as you."
What is she talking about?
"Stop watching and help us."
"Got it."
Misha and Ainar then join the front lines.
So I also hug the Doppelganger from behind, holding his mace, to save time.
Now it's just a matter of stabbing his head with a sword.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak—!!!"
The Doppelganger, with my face, lets out a screech that sounds like nails on a chalkboard.
Misha flinches.
It doesn't last long.
But just as she readjusts her posture and is about to stab him with her sword...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...a battle cry erupts from behind us.
It's not Ainar's.
No matter how deep her voice is, there's a difference between a real man's voice and hers.
"Bjorn!!! There are three Bjorns now!!!"
No, why is it only my Doppelganger that's appearing?
______________________
The second Doppelganger, already in [Gigantification] state, charges like a beast, covering his upper body with his shield and disrupting our formation.
It's the (True) Shield Charge.
"Don't try to block, just dodge!"
Misha and Ainar, hearing my sincere advice, retreat without a word.
It's a shame that I can't finish this guy off right away...
But what can I do?
It's my karma for becoming a damage-dealing tank after absorbing the Ogre essence.
「Doppelganger has cast [Swing].」
Ainar's body, which blocked the mace with her greatsword, is sent flying.
It's a truly unstoppable force.
I'm troubled, wondering if I should intervene...
"Mr. Yandel, just keep focusing on that guy! We'll handle this side!"
...but I decide to follow Raven's order for now.
There's no way they'll lose in a 1:4 situation, right?
Therefore, I focus solely on the Doppelganger I was originally fighting.
'Ha, this is so annoying. Why is he so tough?'
Although the situation is much more advantageous thanks to the curse magic...
...it's difficult to finish him off quickly and go help the others.
After all, I'm a tank.
It's a similar concept to how a fight between two trolls would never end.
'I guess I'll just watch.'
I also give up and enter spectator mode.
Honestly, it's quite entertaining.
"Damn it, why won't the sword go in!!"
"As expected of Bjorn!! A great warrior!!"
He's overwhelming two melee damage dealers on his own.
The bear-like man's ranged support?
Even the arrow shot with the insane tension of the giant crossbow couldn't pierce his shield.
Raven's magic is also ineffective.
Swaaaaa!
[Flame Baptism] is unleashed while the melee damage dealer duo retreats. The timing is so perfect that the Doppelganger can't dodge and is engulfed in flames.
But...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...he charges through the flames and swings his mace.
She chose the wrong spell.
His Fire Resistance is the second highest after Physical Resistance, and he's already completed his magic resistance setup to some extent.
"...I can't believe he's this strong."
The bear-like man lets out a sigh of disbelief.
Although we've been fighting together, it seems like it feels different when you're actually facing him.
Raven feels the same way.
"Why is someone like this still 6th-grade?!"
From 5th grade onwards, you need to accumulate guild achievement points.
Although my companions are struggling, I can't help but feel a sense of pride.
I've really become strong.
"Mr. Yandel, stop just watching and say something. Doesn't he have any weaknesses?"
It's not really a weakness, but there are areas to target.
How to counter Bjorn Yandel, I guess?
I give them the key points while wrestling with the Doppelganger I'm marking.
"Misha, Ainar! Don't try to slash, just stab!"
[Iron Hide] quadruples Physical Resistance against slashing attacks.
It's practically immunity at a similar level.
"Avman, you aim for the legs!"
And his lower body is weaker than his upper body.
He hasn't gotten his lower body equipment yet.
Although his arms are also exposed, he can easily cover his upper body with his shield.
"So you're saying to cripple him first. It really feels like we're hunting a giant monster."
"Yeah. He doesn't have regeneration, so don't try to kill him in one shot, go for a long battle. Raven, use lightning magic instead of fire!"
Cold magic stops bleeding, and wind and earth magic often deal physical damage.
On the other hand, lightning is mostly elemental damage and focuses on penetration and burst damage, making it the most suitable.
'...To be telling my companions how to counter me...'
It's a strange feeling.
But it seems like my advice worked, as the tide slowly turns, and the Doppelganger kneels.
Seven crossbow bolts are embedded in his legs.
"...He's a monster."
"I agree. I never want to fight him again."
My companions shudder as if they're disgusted, even though we've secured victory.
I feel a bit embarrassed just listening to them.
Their reaction is largely due to the fact that the Doppelganger inherited my personality.
He fought like a real madman.
"Look at him. He's still trying to get up. How can a human be like this?"
He sprayed blood when he bled, bit with his teeth when both hands were blocked, instinctively sensed openings and charged in, sacrificing bones to gain flesh, and so on.
He did everything he could to survive, and it was still ongoing.
"Mi... sha..."
The Doppelganger looks at Misha with pleading eyes.
He's trying to use his last resort on someone else since he can't win the fight.
I can't help but chuckle.
Come on, do you think that would work—
"Uh, huh?"
"I... li, like you..."
"Re, really?"
...It works.
A move that viciously exploits Misha's feelings.
I tighten my grip on the Doppelganger's neck and sigh deeply.
"Ha... what are you hesitating for? Just kill him!"
"Wa, wait! I have a question!"
Misha is flustered and waves her hands, then looks at the Doppelganger seriously.
And she asks one thing.
"Wh, wh, but why did you reject me back then...? When you said you liked me."
Misha looks at the ground, embarrassed as she asks the question.
"Oh my, oh my!"
Raven's eyes sparkle at the sudden love triangle.
But did that draw his attention?
The Doppelganger looks at Raven instead of answering.
"Ra, ven..."
"What the, me this time? What do you want to sa—"
"I, li, like you..."
"...?"
Raven's expression distorts grotesquely at the second confession.
"Um, Mr. Yandel...?"
I feel a sense of self-deprecation.
Just how pathetic can I be?
"...Ignore him. He's just saying that because he wants to live."
"So you're saying, Mr. Yandel, that you confess to anyone if you want to live?"
Uh, that's not it...
Or is it?
I just admit it.
"...It seems like that's the case."
I judge that it's better to just admit it to avoid any misunderstandings.
However, even while we're having this conversation, the Doppelganger bastard's gaze is moving.
Towards the bear-like man.
"Ah, Av, man..."
You crazy Doppelganger bastard!
"I, li—"
Fortunately, the sentence is cut short.
Because the bear-like man shot an arrow between his eyes.
Thump!
The final blow that protected my last shred of dignity.
"Let's pretend we didn't hear that... No, I didn't hear anything."
The bear-like man and my friendship will last forever.
__________________
The first Doppelganger battle is over.
We killed one and then ganged up on the other one.
Ah, for reference, Misha was the one who landed the final blow.
[Mi... sha...?]
The cornered Doppelganger bastard tried the same trick again, but Misha's mental barrier, fueled by anger, was strong.
[Die, you damn barbarian!!]
Misha stabs the face of the Doppelganger, who looks exactly like me, with her sword and then makes an expression of relief.
[…….]
I just keep my mouth shut.
It's not like I did anything wrong...
But it's always best to stay quiet when things feel strange.
Then at least you won't step on a landmine.
It's one of the survival methods I learned from dating my ex-girlfriend.
[Beefcake!! There's no magic stone!!]
The Doppelganger, who disappeared into light along with his equipment, didn't drop a magic stone.
The only Doppelganger in the Doppelganger Forest that drops magic stones and essences is the final boss.
The guys we just killed are just low-level clones summoned with [Self-Replication].
[Then let's keep moving.]
We continue exploring, hunting Doppelgangers.
Usually, one or two appear at a time.
There was one time when three appeared simultaneously, but it was actually easier than the first time.
Because I wasn't there.
[We finally reached a fork in the road.]
After about half a day of traveling, the straight passage pattern ends.
There are five paths branching out.
It means we've finally reached the central area.
[We might encounter other teams from now on, so be careful.]
To add an explanation, from here onwards, we can encounter not only Doppelgangers disguised as us, but also Doppelgangers disguised as other teams.
It's safe to say that the difficulty level has increased significantly.
There's no one more troublesome than an enemy you don't know anything about.
'...I hope they're at our level.'
With that thought, we proceed through the path Raven chose.
And after some time...
...we couldn't find the hidden piece room we were looking for.
However, we encountered a stranger instead.
A man with a small physique, about 160 centimeters tall.
"Reveal your name. Or we'll consider you as a Doppelganger and attack."
The man removes his hood at Raven's demand.
Although it's difficult to see clearly because of the distance and the darkness, I feel a sense of déjà vu as soon as I see him.
And a strange sense of unease.
'Why?'
As I'm contemplating...
...the man opens his mouth.
"...Kr, i... sen..."
It's the broken speech pattern unique to Doppelgangers.
I had a hunch because he was alone, but now his identity is confirmed.
"Mr. Yandel, please handle this one alone."
"For analysis?"
"Yes. We don't know what kind of people they are, right? We need to figure it out beforehand. I'll help you if it gets dangerous."
I also had a similar thought, so I follow her instructions without a word.
Meanwhile, the Doppelganger is muttering like a broken record.
"I... am no, not... a Dopp, elganger..."
I cover my upper body with my shield and slowly approach him.
"Kr, i... sen."
There are no visible weapons.
He's not a priest, so he must be a support-type abili—
"Ha, ns... Kr, i... sen..."
"...What?"
"Th, at's... my na, me..."
Goosebumps appear all over my body.