C115, 116, 117
Chapter 115: Reunion (3)
9th day, afternoon.
「Entered 3rd Floor Pilgrim's Path.」
After searching the area around the northernmost part of the Land of the Dead for over a day, we finally found the portal and reached the 3rd floor.
'...From next time, I should avoid entering without a scout as much as possible.'
Although I judged that we could reach the 3rd floor with just the two of us if we took the Land of the Dead route...
...the absence of a scout still had a significant impact.
If we hadn't secretly followed a group of explorers who happened to be passing by, we would still be wandering around there.
"Ugh, this place always feels bad, no matter how many times I come here."
Anyway, after all that hardship, we arrived at the Pitch-black Estuary.
This is the starting point when you take the Land of the Dead route, and it's a field characterized by dozens of shallow ditches flowing in various directions.
Ah, and the smell of sewage is a bonus.
"Then let's go."
Since we don't have a scout, we keep checking the compass and head 'northeast'.
And soon, we reach a dead end.
In other words, it means we have to wade through that murky river.
"...Can't you carry me?"
Tsk, she always tries to take the easy way out.
"...Just this once."
"Wow! Really? Thanks!"
I carry Misha on my back and cross the river.
It's about 5 meters wide, and the water reaches just below my knees.
We carefully cross the river, being careful not to fall, and once again, the damp ground continues like a path.
However, just as we're about to move on...
[Glug! Glug!]
[Gelgelgel-!]
Monsters slowly emerge as if they followed the sound of us crossing the river.
"Bjorn, there are Frogmen over there."
Frogmen.
They're 8th-grade monsters that look exactly like frogs and walk on two legs.
For reference, they use something like harpoons as weapons.
Although they might seem insignificant because of their small size, they're monsters with high agility, so many explorers let their guard down and end up dying in an instant.
Their skills are also quite annoying.
'...Annoyingly so.'
These guys are a bad match for me.
My mace has enough power to smash a Death Fiend's head in one shot...
...but it's meaningless if I can't hit them.
Whoosh!
A Frogman easily dodges my mace by jumping into the air.
I immediately dash and try to smash it with my shield, but it's pointless.
「Attack missed due to [Slimy Mucus].」
Although my shield makes contact with its body, the Frogman slides away without even a thud.
[Gelgel!]
Is it fun?
Damn it.
These guys have an absolute dodge bonus against blunt weapons, so they're difficult opponents for me, regardless of their rank.
Well, it's not a problem since we have Misha.
"Nyaha! Move aside!"
Misha, who was laughing at me getting played by the Frogmen, starts dancing with her swords in earnest.
[Glug-!]
Although the Frogmen have a significant dodge bonus even against bladed weapons...
...our swordsman is a freezing swordsman.
[Geuk?!]
Not only is its thigh cut, but its lower body is frozen solid.
Thud.
The frog bastard, unable to tell up from down as it jumps around, collapses to the ground.
"Misha, wait!"
"Huh?"
"I'll do it."
Thwack!
Phew, I feel a bit less stressed now.
Although it's a monster that's usually defeated with magic, the level difference is so great that the battle wasn't too difficult.
[Gelgel!]
[Gerglug! Glug!]
After some time has passed as we're defeating the Frogmen and moving on...
[22:57]
...I check the time and start looking for a place to camp. It's not just because I'm tired, but because this is a place where we have to take mandatory breaks at certain times.
"Bjorn, the water is rising!"
"I'm looking for a spot, so stop nagging."
After searching the area for about 30 minutes, a resting point appears. Unlike the dark and murky estuary, it's a mound of soft, dry soil with a reddish tint.
It seems like all the nearby explorers have already gathered, as there are about thirty of them occupying the point.
'We came late, so all the good spots are taken.'
I have no choice but to settle down near the water's edge where the sewage smell is direct. The ground isn't damp, so the water shouldn't reach this far.
Just as I'm drying my wet legs before laying out the blanket, the water level starts rising rapidly.
[00:00]
Okay, it's midnight now, so the water won't rise any further. This state will last for the next 6 hours, so I put Misha to sleep first.
There are several teams resting without keeping watch since there are so many people around...
...but who knows what might happen.
'We even met Hans a few days ago, so let's be careful.'
Just as I'm rummaging through my backpack to find something to snack on...
"Hahaha! Cheer up, my friend! Is there a tree that won't fall after ten chops?"
"But... as you know, she—"
"Hey, everyone's sleeping, so keep it down."
"Ahaha! Sorry! I'll be careful!"
I hear a familiar voice from afar.
And it seems like Misha, who was rolling up in her blanket, is not asleep yet.
"Isn't that Hikurod's voice...?"
Since we both have the same thought, it doesn't seem like I misheard.
Huh, what a coincidence.
____________________
It's not common to encounter people you know in the labyrinth.
First of all, each floor is incredibly vast, and even with light, the darkness of the labyrinth limits your visibility to less than 10 meters.
Well, there are 'clans' that enter the labyrinth with multiple parties and arrange to meet at certain locations on certain floors...
'I can't believe it's really them.'
Surprisingly, the owner of the voice I heard is indeed the dwarf.
Dwarkey and Rotmiller are also with him.
"Hikurod? Is it really Hikurod?"
"...Misha? Bjorn? What the, why are you guys here!"
"Wow, our team must be connected by fate!"
What are the chances of coincidentally reuniting without any prior arrangements?
"The request? Didn't you say you were doing a request? What about that?"
The dwarf raises a question after our brief moment of amazement at the unbelievable coincidence.
Well, it must seem strange to him.
We were the ones who entered the labyrinth separately, saying we had an escort request.
I make up an excuse as we discussed beforehand.
"Ah, that's already over."
"Over?"
"The business was on the 1st floor, you see. The client returned to the city first when the labyrinth closed."
"Oh, I see?"
The dwarf nods without much suspicion, as if it's a believable reason.
Now it's our turn to ask questions.
"So why are you guys here? Didn't you say you were only going to stay on the 2nd floor?"
As far as I know, these three were supposed to do a simple collection request in the Rock Desert.
So why are they on the 3rd floor, and specifically in the Pitch-black Estuary connected to the Land of the Dead?
"Ah, that's because the Stone Golem's core dropped earlier than expected. So we came to do another request we had accepted, just in case."
But I wonder if he should have told us beforehand if they were planning to go up to the 3rd floor...
"Hahaha! Then you would have stopped me!"
Hmm, that's true.
A composition of 1 tank, 1 mage, and 1 scout is a bit unstable. Although we shouldn't be saying that since we came to the 3rd floor with 1 tank and 1 melee damage dealer.
"...So what's the request?"
"It's another collection request. We just need to get two eyeballs from a Frogman Shaman. Since we met here, how about we do it together?"
"How much is the reward?"
"2 million stones. Of course, if you guys join, we'll split the reward equally five ways."
400,000 stones per person is not bad.
And if we sell the other byproducts besides the eyeballs, our income will increase even more.
Of course, there's still the question of whether we can actually complete the request since it's a shaman, not a regular Frogman...
Well, that's up to luck.
"Let's do it."
I agree since I was feeling uneasy about traveling with just Misha after encountering Hans. After all, what else could we do with just the two of us besides hunting Frogmen?
And if the request ends early, we can suggest going to the 4th floor together.
"Haha, then let's get into position. If we keep talking here, we might get stabbed."
We stop chatting and get ready to rest, as the other teams who were resting peacefully start giving us the stink eye.
'Thanks to them, we'll be able to sleep for five hours.'
It's the advantage of having a larger party.
The watch time is shorter, and the sleep time is longer.
[06:00]
Time passes, and as the morning of Day 10 dawns, the water level of the river recedes, and we leave the resting point.
And we focus on hunting as we roam the surroundings.
'As expected, you need at least one scout.'
I'm realizing once again that scouts are the position that improves the quality of life in the labyrinth.
"There's a river over there, so come this way."
Rotmiller guides us along the optimal path as if he has memorized the entire terrain.
Although we've been wandering around for so long, we've only passed by the water's edge less than three times.
"Hmm, another dud..."
We click our tongues after defeating another shaman in just four hours.
The corpse disappears without leaving anything behind.
It's the downside of collection requests.
If you use the 'Distortion' spell on a monster, there's an extremely low chance of obtaining the monster's corpse intact...
...but you don't get essences or magic stones.
'Phew, just thinking about grinding later makes me feel exhausted.'
As we progress to the later stages of the game, we'll need monster byproducts more and more for things like equipment and consumable crafting.
For example, just look at Spirit Engravings.
Up to the 6th stage can be solved with money, but after that, you have to gather the materials yourself.
'...Let's think about that when the time comes. If I have money, I can just buy them from the exchange or commission requests.'
Anyway, just as moving has become easier, battles have also become easier.
Rotmiller's arrows, Dwarkey's magic...
And Misha's ice swordsmanship.
"...I've been wanting to ask this since earlier, but what exactly is going on?"
Rotmiller raises a question as he looks at the frozen Frogman, but this also isn't a problem.
[Cold Condensation] and [Ice Crush] aren't that noticeable of skills.
"Ah, that? My Spirit Beast evolved this time!"
Misha answers innocently as we discussed beforehand.
"Hot damn, is that true? At this rate, you could even get promoted to 6th grade!"
"Mi, Miss Misha! Congratulations!"
No one is suspicious since they all know that Misha made a contract with a cold-type Spirit Beast.
No, it's only natural since they wouldn't even think that we would lie.
'Every time we do this, I feel a pang of conscience.'
But what can I do?
I have to accept it.
It's the fate of living as an evil spirit.
"Rotmiller, the water seems to be rising... is that okay?"
"Don't worry, the safe zone is right next to us."
Day 10 is also coming to an end, and the water is slowly rising, but thanks to Rotmiller, who seems to have memorized the entire terrain, we fill up our time hunting until the very end and then move to camp.
"Uh..."
"This is it, right? It worked, right?"
"I, I think so."
We defeat the shaman we encounter as soon as we resume exploration and then freeze.
The corpse remains even though it collapsed with an arrow piercing its neck.
"As, as expected, it seems like luck is on our side with Miss Misha around!"
"Huhu, this friend is smitten. I think this is thanks to Bjorn, not Misha. That guy has luck on his side, you know?"
Anyway, regardless of Dwarkey and the dwarf's nonsense…
We obtained the shaman's corpse in just two days.
Hmm, is it too early to say we've obtained it?
"Hmm, but what should we do with this?"
"Wa, wait a moment. I'll try using a spell."
First, Dwarkey uses the 'Preservation' spell to prevent the corpse from decomposing.
But that's it.
We can't just stuff the entire corpse into a bag.
"Misha, you use knives, so you must be good at this kind of thing, right?"
"Wh, what are you talking about, dwarf! I, I've never done anything like this! You guys should do it, you did the Stone Golem request, didn't you?"
"Th, that's… with Stone Golems, you just have to take out the core..."
Even if we discard all the other byproducts and only take the eyeballs, we still need to dissect it.
And none of us have experience with this.
Except for the jack-of-all-trades, Rotmiller.
"Move aside, I'll do it."
Rotmiller sighs and skillfully dissects the shaman's corpse with something like a carving knife.
Did he do this often when he was on a 'collection team'?
"As expected of Rotmiller, you're the best!"
"Oh, I agree... Ugh, I'll just look away for a bit..."
Has it been 30 minutes?
Under Rotmiller's skillful hands, the shaman's body is divided into muscles, blood vessels, bones, and internal organs, all neatly stored in a box.
"So what do we do now?"
The 3rd-floor Pilgrim's Path closes when Day 15 ends. In other words, there are still three days left.
I speak up as if I've been waiting.
"The request is finished, how about we go to the 4th floor?"
"Hmm, that's true... it would be a shame to just end it on the 3rd floor when we finally have the whole team together..."
"Rotmiller, what do you think? Do you think we can reach the 4th floor within the time limit?"
Rotmiller closes his eyes as if he needs time to think.
Well, it would require some planning to cross several areas and reach the portal in the center of the Witch's Forest within three days.
"It's tight, but I think it's possible."
It's a bit strange.
I originally planned to just clear the rift and then casually hunt some monsters before returning to the city.
'As expected, nothing ever goes according to plan.'
Somehow, we're going to the 4th floor.
________________________
The three-day journey that followed was more difficult than expected.
First of all, our sleep time was significantly reduced, and we spent all our remaining time just traveling.
And since we were practically speed-walking...
...the fatigue on my companions' faces deepened with each passing day.
But still, we were able to achieve our goal.
「Character has entered a special area.」
「Field effect - Witch's Forest is applied.」
It's already our third time passing through the Witch's Forest.
The first time we came here, Misha and I were stranded and went through all sorts of hardships...
...but with Rotmiller, there's nothing to fear.
"Everyone, follow closely."
Since we had that incident last time, we tie ourselves together with ropes and quickly traverse the Witch's Forest.
And after some time...
[20:31]
A little over 3 hours left until the 3rd floor closes.
"Good work, Rotmiller."
We stand in front of a giant tower located in the central area of the Witch's Forest. A multicolored portal is located in front of the huge door that seems to be the entrance to the tower.
"Now, let's go!"
Just as we're about to enter simultaneously, waiting for the color to change to prevent any accidents...
"Ah, mister?!"
We faintly hear a familiar voice from afar.
--------------------------------------
Chapter 116: Reunion (4)
Erwen Fornachi di Tersia.
She is currently in the Witch's Forest.
With her sister, Daria.
"Ugh... I'm so dizzy..."
"You'll get used to it. So once you adjust, try to focus on the sounds."
The reason she entered the Witch's Forest while hunting with her sister on the 3rd floor is simple.
She's been receiving scout training recently.
They entered the Witch's Forest on the last day before the labyrinth closes.
"Even if you don't become a professional scout, you need to know how to find your way up to the 4th floor."
"Ugh..."
Her sister is an experienced scout.
So she has already inherited enough knowledge and know-how to find her way alone on the lower floors.
But the Witch's Forest is different.
It's a special terrain where you can only navigate by relying on your senses.
"How is it, do you hear anything?"
Erwen focuses on the sounds as instructed by her sister. Other races have to specialize in one sense, like smell or sight, to avoid getting lost in the Witch's Forest...
Thump!
...but fairies, with their naturally developed hearing, don't need to do that?
According to her sister's explanation, although it's difficult to navigate this place like your own backyard, anyone can find the 4th-floor portal.
Thump!
As soon as she closes her eyes and listens, she starts to hear small sounds that she couldn't hear before.
The wind like blades, the rustling of branches, the howls of monsters, the clanging of weapons, and so on.
As she examines them one by one, she finds a sound that's clearly different.
Thump!
It's a heavy sound, like a heartbeat.
This must be the fluctuation of magic power that her sister mentioned.
"That way..."
Her sister smiles proudly as she points in the direction of the sound.
"Good job. Then shall we go?"
Erwen continues to focus on the sound and finds her way. There were times when she was so focused on her hearing that she didn't even notice monsters approaching...
...but her sister always helped her, so there were no problems.
How much time has passed?
Thump!
The fluctuation of magic power grows stronger.
Now, she can hear it even without trying, to the point where her ears feel stuffy. Just as she's thinking that it's okay to stop focusing on the sound...
[Good work, Rotmiller.]
...Erwen frowns at the sudden voice she hears.
She doesn't know who Rotmiller is, but...
"Hmm?"
"What's wrong?"
The voice saying 'good work' is familiar.
It's similar to the voice she misses, a voice that's both harsh and warm...
'Could it be...?'
Even though she thinks it's impossible, Erwen's legs are already moving.
Towards the direction where the voice came from.
"Erwen? Where are you... stop...!"
Although her sister calls out from behind, she continues forward as if possessed, unable to hear her.
After about a minute...
...a vast clearing appears, and a giant tower hidden within the forest is revealed.
There's a group of explorers in front of it.
One dwarf, two humans, one beastman...
And a barbarian.
Of course, his appearance is completely different from someone in her memory.
He's wearing shiny armor like an experienced explorer, and his shield is much larger and more luxurious.
She can't see his face because of the helmet.
But...
"Ah, mister?!"
Erwen instinctively feels it.
That he's that person.
"Mister!!"
She shouts belatedly, her voice echoing throughout the forest, but the barbarian doesn't turn around.
He had already half-entered the portal when she saw him, and now he's completely disappeared.
Therefore, Erwen runs.
As if she's about to follow him and jump into the portal.
"Erwen!"
However, her body, running with agility incomparable to when she was on the 1st floor, is soon stopped by her sister.
"...Let go! We have to go in—"
"Get a grip!!"
"Mister is over there..."
"Are you going to keep being stubborn? You didn't even see his face properly?"
Erwen is speechless.
It's because she belatedly realizes how her actions must have looked.
But...
"I... know. I just, I can tell!"
"What if you're wrong? The 4th floor is dangerous for just the two of us. And besides, do you even know what kind of people those who entered first are?"
"Th, that's..."
It was a question she hadn't considered.
Because Erwen was already certain.
But she doesn't have the confidence to explain this clear feeling in her heart to her sister.
So just as she's trying to break free with force...
"Ah, no...!"
The color of the portal changes to red.
It means that even if they enter the portal now, they can't go to the same place as those who entered before.
"Why! Why did you stop me?!"
"Because it's only natural! I told you that entering the 4th floor without permission could get you treated as a marauder, didn't I?"
"But... it was mister...!"
Erwen clenches her teeth.
Although something like anger wells up from deep within her heart...
...she takes a deep breath and comes to her senses.
'It's okay. At least I know he's alive...'
For now, she decides to be satisfied with that.
If she wasn't mistaken today, and he really was alive...
'...I'll be able to meet him soon.'
She'll definitely be able to meet him again.
__________________
「Entered 4th Floor Tower of Heaven.」
__________________
What was it?
That voice?
It seemed like someone was calling me...
'Could it be, Erwen?'
I freeze.
The only person who would call me 'mister' is her. But that doesn't make sense.
'No, there's no way.'
It's hard to believe that such a coincidence would happen after reuniting with my companions in this vast labyrinth.
It must have just been a conversation between other explorers.
Anyway, it's not something to worry about now.
"Bjorn, what are you doing! Let's move!"
It's a stone chamber about 40 square meters in size.
Each wall has a tightly closed door.
Tower of Heaven.
As soon as you enter, the first trial begins. In other words, monsters start pouring out.
[Kyaaaaak—!]
Seven 9th-grade, three 8th-grade, and one 7th-grade monsters.
Monsters that appear on the 3rd floor, regardless of their habitat, form a group and attack us. It's the reason why I usually call this place the 'Tower of Training'.
Since so many different types of monsters appear, it's easy to gain experience points, and you can also practice against patterns that you haven't encountered before.
'Orc Shaman, Stone Golem, Living Armor, and even a Dullahan...'
A bizarre combination appears from the start.
「Living Armor has cast [Armor Enhancement].」
The Living Armor is equipped on the Dullahan as if it's a host.
「Orc Shaman has cast [Frenzy].」
「Dullahan's physical resistance increases by 3 times for 10 seconds.」
The Dullahan, which already has ridiculously high physical resistance, practically becomes a rock, and in the meantime, the Stone Golem uses [Suppression] to inflict debuffs.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
While Misha and Rotmiller take care of the 9th-grade trash mobs, the dwarf and I form a shield wall and block the Dullahan.
Although it's a focused combination, tanking is easy with two tanks.
'High physical resistance doesn't really mean much to us.'
Our main damage dealers are Dwarkey and Misha.
Dwarkey, the mage, is needless to say, and Misha's ice damage has also increased significantly after properly building her as a freezing swordsman.
"Hmm, was it always this easy?"
The dwarf tilts his head as the battle ends quickly, even though he was just acting as a meat shield.
"Didn't we all get stronger!"
"Huhu, how was it? The spell I just used was one I learned recently."
No matter how strong a tank is, it's not very noticeable.
On the other hand, damage dealers are a class where even a small amount of growth is clearly visible.
And as for scouts...
"Ahem."
Well, they're practically non-combatants anyway.
It's safe to say that they've done their job as long as they get us to our destination within the time limit.
And it's not like only monsters appear on the 4th floor.
「Trial completed.」
As soon as all the monsters die, the tightly closed door opens wide.
Each door has a unique symbol engraved on it.
Courage, Wisdom, Fate, Patience.
Normally, we would have chosen the Stairs of Courage and fought random monsters, but...
"Since we don't have time, it would be best to go up floors quickly."
We choose the Stairs of Wisdom for now.
The difficulty of the Tower of Heaven increases with each trial, and the Stairs of Wisdom is a route where you can go up several floors at once.
We need to reach at least the 20th floor for it to be worth hunting.
「Chose the Stairs of Wisdom.」
Therefore, we walk through the darkness that resembles an abyss.
Although the path is complex, there are traps, and monsters occasionally appear, there's no danger with the professional scout Rotmiller.
Kwaaang!
As we reach the 6th floor after about an hour, the door we entered through is locked tight, and monsters attack us.
Unlike the 1st floor, there are even three 7th-grade monsters, but no dangerous situations arise.
The combination is also quite shitty compared to before.
"Hmm, there are no Stairs of Wisdom this time."
After the battle, we have no choice but to choose the Stairs of Courage. Fate has too many variables, and as for Patience... everyone shakes their heads in unison.
'Well, it's better to fight a few more monsters than to do that.'
If it were a game, it might be different...
...but in this reality-patched world, the Trial of Patience is a trial that everyone avoids.
It's hot, it's cold, it's sad, and shitty memories come to mind.
「Chose the Stairs of Courage.」
Anyway, we climb the stairs and reach the 7th floor.
Monsters appear, and that's it.
The battle ends easily, but the tightly closed doors show no signs of opening.
Well, that's only natural.
If you choose Courage, you have to wait 4 hours even after defeating all the monsters.
"Alright, let's recharge our courage while we rest!"
Anyway, regardless of the dwarf's joke...
...we're exhausted from traversing the Witch's Forest, so we spend our time resting without much regret.
There's no need for a watch.
Monsters don't respawn, and once the portal changes color, other explorers can't enter.
"Phew, then let's go!"
After sleeping for 4 hours, we choose the Stairs of Wisdom once again and climb the tower.
We've already reached the 12th floor in terms of floors.
But what is this again?
[Graaagh!!]
We freeze as we see a single monster standing in the center of the stone chamber.
Thud!
A giant body over 4 meters tall.
Huge fangs protruding from its mouth.
Grayish-white skin covering its massive muscles.
And a hunchback-like spine and abnormally broad shoulders.
"Tr, troll...?"
"Why is that thing here..."
Troll.
It's a monster classified as one of the biggest assholes among 5th-grade monsters.
If Death Fiends were 'newbie slayers'...
...this bastard was the one who played the role of 'keyboard breaker' for experienced gamers.
'This bastard appears here?'
Even I have quite a few memories of rage-quitting because of this guy.
And is it because of those memories?
Curses escape my lips involuntarily.
"Damn it."
No wonder things were going so smoothly even after encountering Hans.
Could this be the reason?
'Damn it, I didn't expect it to be a monster this time.'
It's not just marauders that you need to be wary of in the labyrinth.
--------------------------------------
Chapter 117: Dark Cloud (1)
Could it be that the 5th-grade monster's aura is so impressive?
Dwarkey stumbles back, stuttering.
"Wh, why is a 5th-grade monster in the Tower of Heaven..."
I can understand his feelings.
It's common knowledge that the highest level of monsters that appear in the Tower of Heaven is 6th-grade.
But as a veteran player, to clarify the facts...
'5th-grade monsters do appear, though.'
5th-grade monsters also appear in the Tower of Heaven.
Although the probability is ridiculously low.
Have I experienced it about seven times so far?
That's about the frequency if I combine all my playtime over the past 10 years.
However...
'I really didn't expect to encounter one on the 12th floor.'
The difficulty of the Tower of Heaven becomes fixed from the 100th floor onwards.
And all the times I encountered 5th-grade monsters were when I was grinding above that level.
But to appear on the 12th floor?
'Damn Hans effect.'
I sigh and shout with all my might,
"Everyone, get a grip!!"
Hans or my shitty luck or whatever.
It's not the time to calculate probabilities or think about how unlucky I am.
If a situation arises, action comes first.
Therefore—
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
…I cast [Wild Release] and charge forward.
If I just stand here, someone's going to die before they even come to their senses.
Whoosh!
As I rush in, emanating an increased threat level, the troll immediately swings its fist at me.
It's surprising that it has such speed despite its massive size, but...
...what's truly astonishing is its strength.
Kwaaang!
Damn it, I almost lost my shield.
My body is pushed back for the first time in a while as I'm overpowered in terms of strength.
"I'll, I'll help!"
The dwarf then joins in and blocks the troll's next attack.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Counterweight].」
Thanks to the Iron Ant's skill, he doesn't get pushed back, and he even receives a shock absorption bonus...
...but his buckler is turned into scrap metal.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Emergency Restoration].」
The dwarf had to use his equipment repair skill after blocking just one hit.
Geez, I told him to change his shield.
[Graaagh!!]
I block the next incoming fist and strike the troll's shoulder with my mace.
Thwack-!
I feel a solid impact, but that's all.
The troll bastard swings its other fist without even flinching or breaking any bones.
'Tsk, I can't even deal any damage, huh.'
I click my tongue and retreat, dodging the fist.
In the first place, even if I injure it, it's meaningless against a troll, and it's a foolish thing to engage in a strength contest with a monster like a troll.
Whoosh!
As the troll's fist swings through the air...
...the damage dealers finally come to their senses and start providing support.
First up is Rotmiller's crossbow.
Whoosh! Thud!
The arrow is shot with force but bounces off as if it hit a stone wall. As expected, regular arrows don't even pierce a troll's hide.
Tsk, it would have been different if it were the bear-like man.
Slash!
Anyway, even Misha's sword strike, which I had high hopes for, isn't very effective.
Although she managed to cut through the troll's thick hide, it wasn't deep.
'Still, it's a good thing she's a freezing swordsman.'
I console myself as I look at the frost-covered wound.
As expected of a 5th-grade monster, its resistance is so high that it didn't reach the 'Frozen' status, but this is still better than nothing.
It will at least slightly hinder its regeneration ability.
"I, it's done!"
Dwarkey also finishes chanting and shoots his signature 'Enhanced Ice Spear'. He aims for the head, which is usually a weak point for any monster.
But...
Kwagic!
The troll bastard, with its monstrous physical stats and high magic resistance, simply shatters the ice spear with its bare fist.
But seeing this sight, did he lose his will?
[Graaagh!!]
Dwarkey trembles in fear and stammers,
"We, we need to run away. Trolls are not the kind of monsters you can fight without any prepa—"
Right, they're not that easy of monsters.
Normally, you would prepare extensively before hunting them.
But where are we going to run away to?
"Shut up and focus on the battle!!"
"A, alright!"
Phew, why does he only listen when I yell at him?
Anyway, this guy is taken care of, so...
Kwaaang!
I focus more on restraining the troll and assess the situation.
5th-grade monsters require basic specs that are at their level just to even have a chance of winning.
Well, it's similar for 6th-grade monsters too, but there's a clear difference from 5th grade onwards.
‘This is troublesome.’
Just look at the vampire we encountered in the Crimson Fortress.
Back then, we had Raven, a 6th-grade mage.
Since a mage's rank is calculated as +1.5, it means we practically had a damage dealer above 5th-grade level in the team.
And we also had the OP item, 'Tears of the Goddess'. A sacred relic with enough power to one-shot a Death Knight. And on top of that, we even bombarded it with its weakness, sun-attribute attack spells.
But what was the result?
‘…It still didn’t die in one shot.’
That's the power of a 5th-grade monster.
Even though I endured with potions and poured everything I had into one shot, it was still alive.
And that was for a monster with high regeneration but relatively low defense.
But what about this troll bastard?
It has both top-tier regeneration and defense.
In short, it's a similar type to the Death Fiend that served as a significant entry barrier.
It's the kind of monster where there's no chance of a lucky punch if your specs aren't up to par.
'Still... we're barely within the threshold.'
I calmly analyze our strength.
Excluding the dwarf and me, the tanks, I only consider the damage dealers. Can these two actually deal enough damage to kill a 5th-grade monster?
The answer is 'they can, just barely'.
If Dwarkey focuses all his mana on 'curses'...
...and while the two of us tanks hold out indefinitely...
...Misha, who has grown significantly this time, can gradually deal damage.
'The problem is, it wouldn't be surprising if one of us dies in the process.'
Due to the troll's characteristics, if we can't overpower it with our specs, we have no choice but to fight a long battle.
And when a battle drags on, accidents tend to happen.
"Misha! Be careful!!"
I block the fist swung at Misha with my body and grit my teeth.
"Ah, tha, thank you!"
It's going to be a tough battle, that much is certain.
A battle where it wouldn't be surprising if one of us died.
If Misha or Dwarkey were to be defeated, it would be game over.
But...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...we have no choice but to try.
5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes...
The battle continues amidst the dripping sweat.
Every second, every moment, is a time where we focus on our respective roles and pour everything we have into achieving one goal.
Kwaaang-!
First, the dwarf and I take turns receiving the troll's attacks and conserve our stamina as much as possible.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade curse spell [Deterioration].」
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 9th-grade curse spell [Slow].」
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 7th-grade curse spell [Softening].」
Dwarkey focuses on his role as a supporter, spamming curse spells instead of attack magic.
The troll's regeneration ability is decreased, its movements are slowed, and its physical resistance is slightly reduced.
Slash!
Misha diligently swings her swords at the troll.
Targeting one spot, as I instructed.
Slash!
After repeatedly striking the same spot, the troll's right arm starts to dangle.
[Graaak—!!]
Rotmiller is not just standing around either.
Although he can't shoot the troll in the eye as I requested because it's moving around so much, even the attempt itself helps as a tank.
It distracts the bastard.
"Dwarkey, come here!"
And it's also Rotmiller's job to take Dwarkey and run away when the troll's aggro is broken.
Phew, it feels like we're walking on thin ice.
Kwaaang-!
I quickly wipe the sweat from my eyes as I use [Wild Release], which just came off cooldown, to return the troll to its original position.
Although it seems like we're doing well…
…every moment is a crisis, and a drain on our resources.
'The repair costs are going to be astronomical again.'
The Laetium shield and breastplate, which I bought at a high price, are already dented here and there. It's a natural result after blocking countless punches from the troll bastard.
It's not even 3rd-tier material, it's just 2nd-tier.
Expecting it to be fine against a 5th-grade monster's attacks is shameless.
In the first place, it's not a situation where repair costs are important.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Emergency Restoration].」
The dwarf, who has been using the skill to repair his equipment every time he blocks an attack, is now almost out of MP.
And it's the same for Misha.
Her MP has been rapidly depleting because she's been maintaining [Cold Condensation] to further hinder the troll's regeneration.
Well, Dwarkey is in the worst condition, though.
"Heuk, heuk..."
Since trolls have high magic resistance, he had to continuously cast curses to maintain the curse effects, and now he looks like a corpse.
In that sense, it's time for a final check.
"How much mana do you have left?"
"2 minutes... no, maybe 3 minutes at most."
"If you exclude 'Slow'?"
"...7 minutes should be possible."
"I see. Exclude 'Slow' from now on."
Although the troll's movements will become more ferocious if the Slow curse is removed, we'll have to deal with it.
If 'Deterioration' disappears, the arm we just half-severed will heal completely within seconds.
'7 minutes...'
The time limit has been set.
7 minutes.
If we can't kill the troll within that time, we'll be the ones who get killed.
Therefore, it's time to go for the win.
"Misha, are you still not done?"
"Ugh, even if you say that! It won't cut off!!"
I acknowledge that there was a problem with my plan.
It's impossible to cut off the troll's arm with Misha's sword.
Although we managed to cut through the muscles while hindering regeneration with the [Deterioration] curse, the frostbite effect, and the acidic blood on Viper's Fang...
...the bone, which is as hard as 3rd-tier material, is the problem.
No, wait, troll bones actually are 3rd-tier material, so it's not wrong, is it?
Anyway, it's not a big problem.
There's never been a time when my plans went perfectly according to plan.
'Let's go with Plan B.'
I discard Plan A and bring out a new plan.
Although it's something I just came up with.
"Hikurod! You take over from now on!"
"Alright! But what are we going to do?"
I raise my mace instead of answering.
There's a right tool for every job.
In the first place, swords aren't good for breaking bones.
Maybe if it were a sturdy blunt weapon...
Clack!
I swing my mace down, and a satisfying sound is heard.
It's true damage, as the leather and muscles don't absorb the impact at all!
「Troll has cast [Frenzy].」
「Pain is temporarily nullified, and physical stats are greatly increased.」
The troll bastard lets out a pained roar and starts rampaging as it uses a skill.
"I, is it not done yet!"
The dwarf, who somehow managed to hold it back, shouts more urgently than ever.
I don't answer.
How would I know?
Barbarians just keep going until it's done.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I engrave the barbarian spirit in my heart and keep swinging my mace without rest.
Clang!
The troll bastard tries to push me away with its remaining arm, but the dwarf manages to block it.
Therefore—
Clank.
…I throw away the shield I was holding in one hand.
Because hitting with both hands is stronger, right?
Clang!
I grip the mace with both hands and strike, and I feel an even stronger impact.
It's the same feeling I had during the vampire battle.
The feeling that it will work if I just keep going a bit longer.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I even use [Wild Release] to increase my physical stats a little more.
With the taunt also applied, even the dwarf can't hold back the troll bastard…
Thwack!
…but I'm also confident in my durability.
I take the troll's attacks with my bare body and focus on swinging the mace.
Once, twice, three times...
Kwagic!
On the third hit, the bone cracks slightly.
And...
Four times, five times, six times...
Kwagic!
On the sixth hit, the bone shatters, and the arm bends at an unnatural angle.
[Graaak—!!]
At this point, it should retreat, but the troll bastard keeps attacking as if it has its own pride.
Thwack!
I get hit, but I keep swinging my mace with a sense of joy.
And that's when it happened, on the tenth hit.
Kwagic!
The bone is finally completely shattered.
The arm dangles, held only by a few tendons.
"Misha!"
Before I can even shout, Misha, who had flown in, swings her sword and severs the tendons.
Thud!
The arm, covered in muscles, falls to the ground with a heavy thud. It was the first achievement we made after 20 minutes of struggling.
However…
‘Is this just the beginning?’
I’m a barbarian who can’t be satisfied with something like this.
I wait for the next opportunity without even taking a breath.
From now on, it’s a real race against time.
The troll’s active skill, [Ultra Regeneration].
It’s a skill that’s only used when there’s a serious loss of limbs or when their life is in danger due to a brain injury.
‘Damn it, as expected of a troll.’
As soon as the skill activates, bones start to grow from the severed end, and flesh and muscles begin to fill in.
It’s regenerating at this rate even though it’s under the deterioration curse and frostbite, not even frozen…
…it’s a ridiculous regeneration ability…
…but…
‘It will take 2 minutes for it to fully grow back.’
The troll can’t use [Ultra Regeneration] for at least 2 minutes.
It’s not just a skill that increases regeneration significantly, it’s a skill that’s used to regenerate specific body parts.
In other words, even if his brain explodes or his heart is shattered, he can’t heal those parts until that arm is fully regenerated.
Therefore—
Clank.
…I throw away my armor and helmet.
The dwarf looks at me as if I’ve gone crazy.
“Wh, why are you suddenly taking off your armor?”
Why, you ask?
This guy is clueless.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
My body expands in an instant.
Although I’m still smaller compared to the troll, which is almost 4 meters tall…
…this should be enough to at least compete.
Clank!
I throw my mace and shield away carelessly and grab the troll’s neck, hanging on. And I restrain its remaining hand with both feet.
[Greugh!]
Could it be that it never imagined an explorer would challenge it to a wrestling match?
The troll bastard starts panicking and flailing its arm around.
Of course, nothing changes.
Even if this bastard’s strength is higher than mine…
‘This bastard must have a problem with his head too.’
…what can he do with just one arm?
“Misha, stab its eyes first!”
The table is set…
…so it’s time to go for the win.