C55, 56, 57
Chapter 55: The Witch's Forest (2)
Delicate features and a voluptuous figure.
And a sweet voice to top it off.
Elisa was the kind of woman most men would find attractive.
At least until a second ago.
"La, Lady Elisa!"
Hans C's eyes widen.
The slender woman, about 160 centimeters tall, collapses to the ground.
Thud.
Her temple is caved in.
Her eyeball protrudes excessively.
Crimson blood spurts from where her ear should be, like a water gun.
The beautiful Elisa is no more.
"You, you bastards, what the hell did you do...!"
Hans C, witnessing her gruesome appearance, shouts in a voice filled with shock.
"Why! Why did you harm Lady Elisa! What did we do...?"
Well, they haven't done anything yet, it's true.
So I answer briefly,
"Ah, I'm sorry. It was a mistake."
My hand slipped because the mace is heavy.
It's true, so...
"Come closer for a moment. Let's talk about compensation for the mistake."
"You crazy bastard!"
As expected, it doesn't work.
Well, he has a brain too, I guess.
Hans C, sensing his fate, enters a state of panic.
"Ah, no... we're all going to die..."
"I'm glad you understand."
I also stop denying it.
However...
"Because of these crazy bastards..."
As I'm smirking at Hans C, who is filled with fear, I feel an indescribable sense of dissonance.
I slowly examine the situation, and the cause of the dissonance lies in his gaze.
'Why is he looking somewhere else, not at us, and feeling scared?'
I naturally follow Hans C's gaze and move my head. At the end of his gaze is (former) Elisa.
The unfortunate woman who has lost her beauty in life and become a cold corpse.
But did she sense my gaze?
"Giggle, giggle, giggle..."
Elisa, who should have already returned to the embrace of God, starts convulsing and making eerie sounds.
Her limbs twist and turn dynamically as if she's touched a live wire, reminiscent of the joint dance performed by zombies in movies.
'What the fuck is this?'
I don't understand at all.
When I smashed her head, I definitely felt that distinct feeling of a one-hit kill.
But why is she alive and twitching?
And making such creepy sounds?
"Giggle, giggle, giggle!"
"Bjo, Bjorn? What's going on?"
Don't ask me, dwarf.
I'm scared shitless too.
I've killed several people since waking up in this body, but I swear to the ancestor god, this is the first time I've seen a corpse dance like this.
But...
Crack.
This habit of clenching my jaw when I'm nervous is proof that my body belongs to a valiant barbarian.
"...I'll take care of it."
"Take care of it?"
Instead of answering, I dash forward and swing my mace down.
The target is Elisa's face.
Thwack-!
Her skull, incomparably softer than a Death Fiend's, caves in once more, and the dwarf faints.
"De, desecrating a corpse... even if they were marauders—!"
It's unethical?
So what?
"I couldn't help it, it was too scary."
"What? Is that something someone who's scared would—"
I cut him off and answer.
I don't know why I have to keep repeating this to people.
"The best defense is a good offense."
Damn right.
I'm scared, so I'm going to smash it to pieces.
It's the barbarian way to ruthlessly crush enemies to protect myself.
'Ah, now I understand.'
This is why Ainar was afraid of banshees. You can't beat up incorporeal monsters.
You need magic damage, not physical damage.
With this new realization, I check on (former) Elisa once more.
And I click my tongue in frustration.
"Damn it, she's still dancing..."
Even with her face completely caved in, Elisa continues to contort her joints, presenting a horrifying sight.
Do we really need magic damage?
"Dwarkey! Use magic!"
"But..."
What do you mean, 'but'?
There's no need to be nice to guys like this.
They only listen when you speak harshly.
"Just do it!"
At my shout, Dwarkey starts chanting a spell.
And at that moment...
"I, I can't die!"
Hans C turns around and starts running away.
It's a futile effort.
Before he can even take a few steps, the crossbow bolt shot by Rotmiller hits Hans C in the back.
Thump!
Hans C collapses miserably, still facing away.
Seeing his pathetic end, I mutter briefly,
"Idiot."
If he hadn't given away his armor, he could have easily blocked one arrow.
As expected, if your intelligence is low, your body suffers.
I then turn my gaze to the last one remaining, Spearman Tyson, and ask,
"Aren't you going to run away?"
"It's pointless."
His eyes and tone are as if he's given up on everything.
However, my warrior's blood senses a strange dissonance in his voice, just like with Hans C.
That's when...
Swaaaaaaaaaaa!
A black light suddenly bursts from Hans C's body.
Honestly, I was scared shitless and hid behind Dwarkey in a hurry, but nothing happened.
The light shines for about 5 seconds and then disappears. Only then do I uncurl my body and check the front.
"What the hell?"
I don't know what kind of bizarre combination this is, but Hans C's body has turned into a mummy after emitting the light.
His body is shriveled and lifeless, completely devoid of moisture.
Our gazes naturally turn to Rotmiller, who shot the crossbow.
"Rotmiller, what the hell did you do..."
"I, I didn't do anything! Really!"
I know, man.
This must also be related to (former) Elisa. After all, Tyson turned into that state even though we haven't done anything to him yet.
Mage Dwarkey hurriedly gives his opinion.
"The life force that was drained from those two was absorbed into that woman's body!"
Hmm, is that roughly what happened?
I've played the game so much that I have a rough idea of what type she is.
And I have a hunch.
"Giggle, giggle, giggle..."
Elisa then gets up, dancing with her joints.
Her face is still half-crushed.
And with that, Elisa opens her mouth.
"Ho, w, di, d, yo, u, kn, ow?"
"Know what."
"Th, at, we, we, re, en, em, ies."
"Ah, that."
I try to answer calmly, even though I'm scared shitless.
"Bastards always smell rotten, you know."
Was it a satisfying answer?
It seems like it.
Seeing the half-headed Elisa laughing so hard...
"Ki, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi!!!"
Damn it, why can't things just go smoothly for once in my life?
"......"
The current situation is similar to the Corpse Golem battle.
Everyone is frozen stiff at the unrealistic sight, and just like then, I shout to wake up the dazed team members.
"Everyone, get a grip!!"
If we're not careful, we're all going to die.
__________________________________________
I've been playing [Dungeon and Stone] for 10 years.
Although it's not a popular game, I'm proud to say that I know everything about it.
And it's not wrong.
"Ki, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi!!!"
"How, how is this possible? Why is a dead person..."
A corpse has been resurrected.
However, based on my knowledge, I'm sure this isn't a miracle performed by Leathlas, the god of exploration.
Regardless of what his followers do, Leathlas is a god of good alignment.
I briefly share the conclusion I've reached.
"A priest of Karui."
A priest of Karui, the god of darkness.
It's a kind of hidden class that can only be chosen when you start as a human and then change your job to priest.
The advantage is that they can use both divine power and dark magic, but the penalties are just as severe.
"A priest of Karui!"
"That woman was a follower of that evil god!"
If you change your job to a priest of Karui, you'll be dragged to the execution grounds the moment your class is revealed.
Therefore, you have to form a team with evil-aligned NPCs as followers, and you even need to periodically sacrifice living beings to maintain your job.
'That's probably why they were acting like marauders. The labyrinth is the safest place to find sacrifices.'
With this, most of the causal relationships have been resolved.
But there's still one question left.
Why us?
Why were they so persistent in targeting us?
However, there's no time to dwell on such things.
"Because of, you, I lost, a precious, follower."
Elisa, who seems to have digested all the life force she absorbed from Hans C and Tyson, looks at me and speaks.
Her vocabulary seems to have improved compared to before, probably because her crushed brain has recovered.
In other words, her intelligence has returned.
But...
'What the hell is this crazy bitch saying?'
As expected, intelligence and personality are separate things.
I answer briefly,
"To blame others even in this situation, you must have not received proper family education."
"...Wh, what?"
It's all this woman's fault that Hans and Tyson died so miserably at such a young age.
If they had just accepted their fate with their heads smashed, this wouldn't have happened.
I then gather my resolve.
"I'll avenge Hans and Tyson."
And I'll take all their equipment and valuables.
Well, it won't be easy.
When has my life ever been easy?
________________________________________
「Elisa Behenk has cast [Call of the Dead].」
"Lo, look over there!"
The dwarf exclaims and points to one spot.
Hans C and Tyson, who have become mummies, are slowly getting up. I'm not surprised, since I've played as a priest of Karui a few times.
'Call of the Dead.'
It's the basic and core skill of that class.
Originally, it only summons undead monsters, but if you use corpses as mediums, you can control stronger minions.
Those eyes, devoid of reason, are proof of that.
"Grrr..."
Hans and Tyson, now promoted to undead, roll their eyes as they look at us.
And...
"Destroy the enemies, my servants!"
Following Elisa's command, they charge towards us.
Kwaaang!
The battle begins in earnest as the charge of 'Hans-on' clashes with the shield wall formed by me and the dwarf.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Enhance].」
「The effects of active skills used afterwards will increase in proportion to Soul Power.」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Poison Infliction].」
While we're getting beaten up in the front, Misha and Dwarkey diligently deal damage, but there are no effective hits.
Their strength surpasses that of humans, and their high physical resistance makes them impervious even to my mace strikes.
And they even gained resistance to poison and cold due to their undead transformation.
It seems like the matchup is not in our favor.
Clang! Whoosh!
Of course, Rotmiller, who has extensive experience fighting undead, uses his Molotov cocktails without hesitation, but…
“Foolishness!”
「Elisa Behenk has cast [Flame of the Dead].」
Black flames flicker in the air and start absorbing all the surrounding flames.
‘Damn it.’
The situation has become troublesome.
Fire, which is the second most effective element against undead after holy power, doesn’t work?
‘Do we have no choice but to destroy the core?’
Undead don’t die even if their bodies are completely destroyed, as long as their core is intact.
For reference, the core of skeletons is hidden between their ribs, and for Death Fiends, it’s their brain.
Then what about these guys who have been reborn through the power of the dark god?
The answer is simple.
“Misha, can you kill that woman?”
The core of summoned creatures is usually located within the summoner.
In other words, if we can just kill Elisa, ‘Hans-on’ will also find peace and return to the true embrace of God.
“Hmm…”
“It’s okay even if you can’t kill her. Just inflicting damage will improve the situation significantly.”
“I’ll try.”
Misha nods.
And she immediately steps on my shoulder and leaps high, flying towards Elisa.
Her movements are as agile and flexible as a fairy’s. However, her opponent is not one to be defeated easily.
「Elisa Behenk has summoned [Shadow Guards].」
Shadowy figures of soldiers rise from the ground, forming a tight barrier around Elisa.
It seems difficult for even Misha to break through them and take Elisa’s head in a short amount of time.
But…
‘There’s no reason why we can’t fight a long battle.’
If Hans-on had weapons in their hands, it would be a different story.
But since we already confiscated them, Hans-on, who have become undead, aren’t that threatening.
In fact, even just the dwarf and I can stall for as long as we want.
Having made my judgment, I redistribute the team members.
“Dwarkey, Rotmiller, you two help Misha as well.”
“But…”
“It’s okay, we can somehow manage here with just the two of us.”
“Alright! Then we’ll leave it to you!”
As soon as Dwarkey and Rotmiller join in, the tide of battle starts to slowly turn.
Of course, the Shadow Guards respawn as soon as they’re destroyed, and Elisa continues to cast various curses on us, but…
“It seems like she’s running out of energy! Keep it up!”
From a certain point, the number of Shadow Guards being summoned decreases significantly.
Even the power of an evil god has its limits.
Could it be that she didn’t anticipate this situation?
“These, damn, bastards…!”
Elisa, cornered, starts to panic and tremble.
However, perhaps she still has some rationality left for survival, she grits her teeth and mutters quietly.
“I won’t, forget, this humiliation…”
The number of Shadow Guards, which we’ve been reducing for about 20 minutes, is down to less than five.
Realizing what she’s trying to do, I shout urgently.
“What? Damn it, no!”
Where do you think you’re going after we almost caught you!
I push away Hans-on, who had been clinging to me throughout the battle, and dash with all my might.
But…
「Elisa Behenk has cast [Wraith Form].」
Elisa’s body becomes translucent and floats into the air. And in that state, she glances at us once and…
“You’ll, never, return, alive.”
…flies away into the darkness.
Whoosh!
I sigh deeply as I stare in that direction, like a dog chasing after a chicken.
“Damn it…”
The boss monster we almost caught has escaped.
And with a deep grudge against us.
--------------------------------------
Chapter 56: The Witch's Forest (3)
Priest of Karui.
It's a kind of hidden class that requires reaching at least the 5th floor to change jobs to, and unlike regular priests, it's loaded with various combat spells and curse abilities.
"What the hell! She ran away!"
We had considered the worst-case scenario of a total party kill, but in the end, we were able to overcome this danger without any casualties.
How was that possible?
If I calmly reflect on it, there are several reasons.
"A priest of Karui... as I've heard, she was a terrifying being. Bjorn, we would have been in big trouble if it weren't for you."
We confiscated their weapons early on.
Swords, shields, spears, and even Elisa's staff. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it was a blessing that we took the staff.
Without her staff, it wouldn't have been as easy for her to cast spells.
Well, there's another key factor, but...
"As expected, a reliable barbarian is the best. I thought that woman was a priestess and Rotmiller was mistaken or something. But you just smashed her head in!"
"I, I thought the same. Bjorn, when you swung your weapon, oh my, my heart almost stopped..."
A blow delivered at an unexpected moment for both enemies and allies.
Elisa, whose head was smashed by this one hit, had to revive herself by absorbing the life force of her companions.
However, it wasn't a complete resurrection.
How could her body be fine after her brain was smashed and then restored?
'Her speech, which was choppy and broken, must have been because she hadn't fully recovered.'
There were many advantages to that.
However, while I feel relieved, I also feel a sense of dread. What if we had fought when we were both at 100%?
Well, I think the win rate would have been about 50/50.
Assuming that at least two people would die, no matter who won.
It would have been a fierce battle.
That's why they tried to trick us by pretending to be survivors.
'So, did the fact that our strength was evenly matched actually help us?'
After finishing my reflection on this incident, I briefly check my physical condition.
It's the worst, needless to say.
「[Energy Depletion] is ongoing.」
「Energy recovery rate is decreased.」
「[Low-Grade Decay] is ongoing.」
「Wound recovery rate is decreased.」
「[Tracking] is ongoing.」
「The character’s location is being transmitted to the caster.」
「[Wraith Walk] is ongoing.」
「The character experiences slight pain when moving.」
「[Stamina Reduction] is ongoing…….」
Damn it, I'm going crazy.
My eyes are sore, and my head feels like it's been pickled in salt. I also feel like I can't control my lower body.
Phew, damn it, how many curses did that bitch cast on me?
「Warning: Character has 15 or more stacked curses. If not treated with divine power or magic, the character’s physical abilities may be permanently reduced.」
My condition is terrible.
It's a total disaster. Honestly, it's hard to even explain what's wrong with me.
But I'm not too worried.
We have a mage in our team.
"Dwarkey, I request a curse removal spell."
"Cu, curse removal?"
No, why is he surprised?
It makes me anxious.
"You said you can use curse magic, didn't you?"
"That's true, but..."
But what?
As I stare at him, urging him to continue, Dwarkey avoids my gaze and says,
"I said I can use a few curse spells, but I didn't say I can remove them...?"
Huh?
"What kind of bullshit is that?"
"I couldn't help it since I learned magic on my own, not through entering the Magic Tower. I also heard that there's rarely a need to remove curses during explorations..."
Dwarkey continues with his excuses.
To put it simply, it's a very simple story.
"In other words, you didn't have the money."
Dwarkey nods with a displeased expression as I summarize the situation in one sentence, like a barbarian.
"That's right. I thought it would be better to learn the most necessary things first."
Right, that's the kind of team we are.
What's the point of complaining now?
We're all in the same boat, so complaining further will just make us look pathetic.
Let's not dwell on what's impossible and focus on what we can do right now.
"Rotmiller, is there a way to track that woman?"
"...Unfortunately, no. I've been trying to find a way since earlier, but I can't find any leads."
Hmm, as expected...
This is a bit... no, this is quite troublesome.
Although it seems like some of them haven't fully realized it yet.
"What do you think? How dangerous is it?"
"Well, I'm not sure yet. But one thing is certain, we need to leave this place right now."
"Leave... but where to?"
"Wait! What are you guys talking about?"
Dwarkey interrupts our serious conversation.
I want to tell him to stay out of it while the adults are talking, but...
He's still a mage, after all.
Maybe he'll come up with a good idea if we discuss it, so let's just give him a rough explanation.
"Didn't that woman say she wouldn't let us leave alive when she ran away? She'll definitely come back for us."
"That's true, but can't we just deal with her like we did before if she comes again?"
No, that's not as easy as it sounds.
Is it because it's his first time in the labyrinth?
He's a mage, but he seems to have worse judgment than Misha.
"It's definitely a big deal! If she ambushes us from behind while we're fighting monsters, we'll be in trouble!"
It's common sense that invisible enemies are scarier than visible ones.
And when she comes back for revenge, she'll be almost fully recovered.
'And she'll have the advantage of choosing the timing of the ambush.'
As I learned from gaining an advantage with a pre-emptive strike earlier, battles are usually more favorable for the one who initiates Rotmiller explains this kindly, and Dwarkey shuts his mouth with a look of fear.
"A priest of Karui lurking in the darkness, it seems like we've encountered a major obstacle in our journey. Hahaha."
The dwarf, the figurehead leader, tries to act nonchalant and laughs while patting Dwarkey's shoulder, who is stiff...
...but the tense atmosphere doesn't improve at all.
Well, they know better than anyone since they just fought 1:5. Just how troublesome priests of Karui are.
Just as the anxiety is starting to escalate...
"Since things have turned out this way, it would be best to enter the Witch's Forest as soon as possible."
I suggest the only solution to the current situation.
Rotmiller asks briefly,
"Why?"
"She won't be able to track us once we get there. The curse problem will also be resolved."
It's an answer with a lot omitted, but it's enough. Judging by their expressions, they seem to understand what I meant.
"Using the terrain characteristics of the Witch's Forest... that's a rational judgment."
Rotmiller nods.
However, is there one thing that's puzzling to him?
"But didn't you say this is your first time on the 3rd floor?"
Yes, that's right.
So please, just proceed without me having to say anything, man.
"...I studied at the library."
"Library?"
Rotmiller tilts his head at my excuse, which isn't really an excuse.
However, I'm not too worried.
There's a witness right next to me, just in time.
"It might be surprising, but it's true. Bjorn goes to the library every day and reads books."
"Wow, a barbarian reading books?"
"No wonder his way of speaking is extraordinary compared to other barbarians."
They look at me as if I'm some kind of weirdo.
I wish they would just make a decision and do what needs to be done.
"So what do you all think?"
"I agree with your plan."
Afterwards, with Rotmiller supporting my suggestion, the dwarf and Misha also vote in favor, and the conclusion is reached quickly.
However, there's one thing left to do before we leave.
I look at 'Hans-on', who collapsed like puppets with their strings cut as soon as Elisa escaped, and say,
"What are you all doing? Aren't you going to strip them?"
No matter how urgent it is, we need to take what we can get.
We're explorers, aren't we?
We defeat marauders and monsters.
_____________________________________
"If we sell everything, it will be well over 6 million stones."
Is it because they were 3rd-floor marauders?
The loot dropped by 'Hans-on' is on a different level compared to the ones we encountered before.
Of course, if we divide it into five, the income would be roughly similar to before, but...
"Really?! We can each get over 1 million stones! I was worried about this year's taxes, but this is a relief!"
"With that money, I can learn a few more spells! Ah, I'll definitely learn the curse removal spell this time!"
Dwarkey and Misha, who have suddenly come into a large sum of money, happily imagine their future.
However, Rotmiller, the dwarf, and I just smile awkwardly and remain silent.
Because no matter how much you earn in the labyrinth, it only matters if you return to the city alive.
"We'll sell all this loot in the city later and settle the accounts then."
For reference, during the journey, the three of us with expandable backpacks will share the responsibility of storing the loot.
No one can predict what will happen in the future.
Someone might die during the exploration, lose their backpack, or even try to run away with everything.
However, I'm a bit surprised during this process.
'I knew about the dwarf, but I didn't expect Misha to have an expandable backpack too...'
Contrary to the impression she gave, is she the type who diligently saves money?
Maybe Misha is unexpectedly good with money.
"Then let's depart."
After collecting the loot, we pack up our campsite and quickly leave.
Rotmiller takes the lead, finding the path, and the rest of us follow behind, on guard for any surprise attacks.
We focus on moving, avoiding most monster encounters using Rotmiller's sense of smell.
How much time has passed?
「Warning: Character’s stamina is continuously decreasing. If not resolved soon, permanent…….」
I feel like I'm going to die.
After traveling for about 5 hours, almost running with all these curses hanging on me, my body is in a terrible state.
If it weren't for the Magic Resistance, Darkness Resistance, and other stats I gained from the vampire, I would have probably collapsed from exhaustion by now.
"Bjorn, are you... alright?"
"I can endure, don't worry about it."
I pretend to be fine at the dwarf's concern, but honestly, I'm not fine at all.
Unlike these guys who only have two or three curses, that crazy bitch cast countless curses on me.
And she only cast them on me.
'Damn Energy Depletion...'
Energy Depletion.
It's a shitty skill that drastically reduces the recovery of stamina, which is consumed whenever the character moves or takes action.
For reference, stamina is separate from health, so no matter how high my natural regeneration is, it's useless.
'In game terms, I probably have about 30% left?'
In the game, the character wouldn't move if the stamina gauge fell below 10%.
NPCs would often whine and beg to be killed.
But I'm not at that point yet.
Of course, it's incredibly difficult.
But it's not enough to kill me.
I can still endure with willpower.
So, I still have plenty of room left.
「Achievement Unlocked」
Condition: Stamina falls below 5%.
Reward: Mental stat permanently increases by +1.
Yeah, it definitely will be.
I can't endure if I don't think that way.
Let's just think about the positive aspects.
Although we pushed ourselves a bit, we're almost at our destination.
"The soil is moist, so I think we'll arrive if we go for another 10 minutes."
A journey of about 5 hours.
Contrary to our worries, we reach the Witch's Forest without a single attack.
'If she hasn't shown up yet even though we've come this far, that means she hasn't fully recovered either.'
It was worth it to rush even though it was tough.
I don't think there's a chance she gave up on us.
After all, she even revealed the power of the dark god in front of us to try and survive.
If we, the witnesses, return alive and well, she'll be in a very difficult situation.
"We've arrived."
As I hear Rotmiller's words, I shake off the thoughts that filled my head.
Phew, as expected, thinking about other things is the best when things are tough.
I was able to skip a whole 10 minutes!
"This is the Witch's Forest... Somehow, I feel a creepy vibe."
"All the mages who come here for the first time seem to say that."
"It feels like ominous magic power is vibrating throughout the forest."
Barren thorn bushes.
Vines wrapped around them like snakes.
"Wai, wait! The tree over there moved!"
It's a place where everything is alive and moving.
The Witch's Forest.
「Character has entered a special area.」
「Field effect - Witch's Forest is applied.」
「Status effect [Disoriented] is applied.」
「Status effect [Auditory Hallucination] is applied.」
「Status effect [Visual Hallucination] is applied.」
「Status effect [Pain Amplification] is applied.」
As we step into the forest, relying on the torches, a chilly air permeates my skin.
「All status effects except for field effects are nullified.」
Ha, I feel much better now.
____________________________________
「Bjorn Yandel」
Level: 3
Physical: 155 / Mental: 91 (New +1) / Ability: 115
Item Level: 683
Total Combat Index: 528.75 (New +1)
Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 / Vampire (Guardian) - Rank 5
----------------------------------
Chapter 57: The Witch's Forest (4)
The curses I was carrying have disappeared.
However, instead, cursed words keep echoing in my ears.
[Die! Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!]
Yeah, I'm not dying.
[Motherless bastard!]
Yeah, I have a mom in the real world.
[Keeheeheehee! Keeheehee!]
I roughly ignore the auditory hallucinations that come every few seconds and smile.
It's a bit annoying, but so what?
They're just hallucinations.
No matter how much they curse, there's no real damage, and thanks to these guys, even the real curses have disappeared without a trace.
'Besides, the things they say as mental attacks are all lame.'
If they're going to do it, they should do it properly.
There's no originality or sincerity.
Well, these guys seem to think differently.
"Bjorn! How can you just laugh off those insults! Are you crazy? It's been so noisy that I have a headache!"
Misha, the dwarf, and Rotmiller, who have been to the Witch's Forest before, are in a relatively better state, but Dwarkey is the problem.
"...Ugh, ugh."
His eyes are glazed over, and his cheeks are sunken, as if he's about to throw up everything in his stomach.
Well, it's understandable that he would feel nauseous in this environment.
'I didn't know it would feel like this, it's strange.'
Everything looks distorted due to the [Hallucination] and [Disoriented] effects.
I'm clearly looking to the right, but I see what I saw in front of me, and my sense of distance is also blurry.
It's like looking at the world through a convex mirror.
"Urgh, bleugh!"
Dwarkey finally can't hold it in and vomits up thick stomach acid.
Feeling worried, I ask,
"Can you use magic in that state?"
"Bjorn, you're being mean. Your companion is struggling, but that's more important?"
What is she talking about?
She told him to grow up when he was throwing up earlier.
Phew, this is why I should refrain from getting attached to people.
It clouds my judgment.
"Misha, I wasn't asking you. So Dwarkey, your answer?"
"Do, don't worry. I can use magic without any problems... Urgh!"
Hmm, I guess we should assume there's no magic until he gets used to it.
Why are mages so weak-stomached?
As I click my tongue, unable to understand them at all, Rotmiller looks at me with a strange expression.
"Still, it's impressive. Even barbarians with strong spirits usually struggle a bit on their first time..."
Well, that's what I heard.
But I was just too exhausted earlier.
As I laugh it off, as expected, the dwarf steps in, tsundere-ing for his best friend Dwarkey.
"Tsk tsk, that's what happens when you spend all day sitting at a desk, your body becomes weak."
"Hey, I'm still one of the more athletic mages—"
"Enough, let's take a break until you get used to it. You didn't sleep well last night either. You're probably feeling worse because you're tired."
"I won't forget your consideration..."
In the end, we decide to stay in the entrance area for a while until Dwarkey adjusts to the environment.
I don't have any major objections either.
One way or another, the presence of a mage is important here, and I also need to replenish my depleted stamina a bit.
"I'll keep watch, you guys rest."
As soon as the dwarf finishes speaking, I collapse onto the ground and rest.
I'm too tired to even take out my sleeping bag.
But what is this?
"Bjorn, there's something I wanted to say..."
The dwarf approaches stealthily and speaks in a whisper just as I'm about to get some shut-eye.
"About that Elisa earlier—"
I wake up instantly.
What is this guy talking about?
"It's not Elisa, it's that bitch."
"Uh, uh, right, anyway, about that bitch. No matter how I think about it, she seems like someone I've met before..."
What?
I thought he was just rambling as usual, but it seems like it's something important.
I sit up and listen attentively, and the dwarf hesitates for a moment before speaking.
"Remember when you went to the guild to raise your explorer rank on my advice? Back then, someone was asking you questions while you were filling out the application form."
"Get to the point, I'm tired."
"Now that I think about it, I think it was her."
Phew, that's much better.
There are still some frustrating parts, though.
I ask calmly,
"Then why didn't you recognize her right away?"
"That's... she looked dirty, unlike in the city. And, and, her clothes were ri, ripped here and there!"
Ah, so he was too busy staring at her cleavage to properly check her face.
Still, at least one question has been answered.
Why Elisa and her group targeted us.
'It was all because of that thing.'
No. 3112 Guardian's Bracers.
It's a high-value Numbered Item worth 50 million stones at the exchange. And since it was an application for rank promotion, it must have been mentioned there as well.
It's more than enough of a motive for a marauder.
The more money, the better, after all.
'So we've been targeted since then...'
As I acquire new information, causal relationships that I was unaware of come to mind.
Most of our team meetings were held at bars.
If she wanted to, it wouldn't have been difficult for her to find out that we were using the Beast's Lair route.
She could have even arrived first and set traps.
"Phew, they say treasure always brings misfortune, and that saying is spot on, isn't it?"
The dwarf sighs deeply.
It seems like he wants some sympathy, but unfortunately, he chose the wrong person.
Treasure bringing misfortune my ass.
"Don't shift the blame. It's your fault for writing it on the application form where everyone can see."
"Yo, you're blaming me now! You were there too!"
That's true, but I didn't know I had to worry about you filling out the application form.
The dwarf loses his words as I look at him with a disappointed expression.
'Sigh...'
I don't bother scolding him further.
It's already in the past.
It's more rational to get some rest.
_________________________________
Our rest time is short.
Just enough to close my eyes for a bit?
We have to wake up from our sleep as a monster appears less than 30 minutes later.
Ah, is it not right to say 'we'?
"You sleep well."
"How can you sleep through that noise?"
It seems like I was the only one who slept deeply enough to even dream…
It's because these guys are full.
"Anyway, where's the monster?"
"Over there."
I look in the direction the dwarf points and see the figure of a winged human.
For reference, it's about the size of a palm.
"Fairy."
It's a 9th-grade monster, Fairy.
For reference, its only skill is to emit poisonous powder containing narcotic substances, and it was a non-aggressive mob in the game.
However...
"We've encountered a troublesome one from the start."
The fact that the fairies are gathered like that means that that guy is also nearby.
"Are we fighting?"
"It seems like it's not something we can easily ignore. Dwarkey, you seem to have recovered a bit."
So we're fighting.
Well, it's not bad.
It's a monster that I haven't gained experience points from yet.
And if an essence drops, it would be a jackpot.
Although it's not an essence I need right now, it's a rare essence, so it will definitely fetch a high price at auction no matter who absorbs it.
"Then if everyone is ready, let's lure it out."
The dwarf takes his battle hammer and gets into position, finishing his battle preparations.
And he uses his signature combo.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Discharge].」
It's called Lightning Discharge.
As he swings his hammer, the crackling electricity shoots out like a cannonball.
And it blasts the fairies, who are immune to physical damage.
「Killed Fairy. EXP +1」
One thing's for sure, I'm a bit envious of this.
I wish I had an elemental damage skill like that too.
"Keeeeeek—!!"
As soon as a dozen fairies are blown away, I hear a chilling sound from afar.
It's a roar that sounds like hundreds of beasts crying out in anger.
Soon, the creature reveals itself from the darkness.
With heavy footsteps that match its size.
Thud-!
The 7th-grade monster, Half-Troll.
As the name suggests, it's not a real troll, but more like a mix between a human and a troll.
For reference, it's a monster that only appears in the Witch's Forest and has a habit of stalking fairy groups.
Unfortunately, I don't know the reason why.
I couldn't find that kind of information anywhere in the game.
Anyway, let's just leave the digressions at that.
"Grrr..."
The creature, standing at about 2.5 meters tall, lowers its posture cautiously and stares at us.
However, its patience is short, as befits a monster that follows its instincts.
"Kaaaaak—!!"
The Half-Troll swings its massive club at us, the ones who massacred the fairy group it was diligently following.
It's aiming at me even though the dwarf is right next to me.
Thud!
It's heavy.
It feels heavier than the ‘Iron Ant’ from Steelrock Hill.
Well, it's only natural since the Iron Ant is a pack animal even though it's also 7th-grade.
It's been a while since my arms felt this sore.
Swoosh.
So I tilt my shield at an angle and deflect the Half-Troll's club to the side.
This naturally shifts the aggro from me to the dwarf.
It's a useful tip that can only be used when there are two tanks in the team.
After all, it's unfair if only I have to suffer, right?
Suffering should be shared among companions, that's what I learned.
"Kaaaaak—!!"
The second club swing follows with a roar.
The dwarf, who engaged in a strength contest unlike me, lets out a small groan as if his bones are chilled.
Only then do I realize one more thing.
"Keugh..."
Ah, right, he doesn't have Pain Resistance.
This is one of the biggest reasons why warriors avoid the Witch's Forest.
Warriors are beings who are used to being beaten up on the front lines. But here, the pain is amplified several times due to [Pain Amplification].
'And most of the monsters that appear here are immune to physical damage and even use mental skills...'
There's a reason why Rotmiller tried to give the dwarf and me the first and last watch last night.
In the Witch's Forest, warriors inevitably have to bear all sorts of hardships.
Although I can just shrug it off because I have Pain Resistance…
'Come to think of it, Pain Resistance is OP.'
As expected, life is full of ups and downs.
The Corpse Golem essence I absorbed by chance continues to be a great help.
Whoosh!
The Half-Troll swings its club once more.
And the dwarf, who stubbornly continues the strength contest, shouts,
"Is the magic not ready yet!"
Not yet.
As you know, he's slow at chanting, right?
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I strike the Half-Troll with my mace to help the dwarf, who seems to be struggling.
Of course, it doesn't have much effect.
Thwack!
Its hard bones and muscles are unfazed by a single mace strike, and it's a troll, even if it's only half.
Its regeneration is amazing.
Although it's nothing compared to the vampire.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade support spell [Freezing Enhancement].」
「The power of the next ice spell is greatly increased.」
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
As I'm ping-ponging aggro with the dwarf, the spell is finally completed.
Dwarkey's ultimate move.
Enhanced Ice Spear.
Whoosh!
An ice spear twice the size of usual flies towards the Half-Troll and pierces its abdomen.
In terms of power alone, it's an output that none of us can match.
However, it's frustrating to watch.
'When will this guy develop some sense?'
I gave him advice last time, but he stuck the spear in an ambiguous spot again. If he had hit the heart or head, he could have finished it off in one shot.
Why is he so wasteful?
Is aiming that difficult?
"Keeeeeek—!!"
The Half-Troll writhes in pain and lets out a scream.
But it doesn't last long.
「Half-Troll has cast [Frenzy].」
「Pain is temporarily nullified, and physical stats are greatly increased.」
Despite having a spear stuck in its gut, the Half-Troll starts moving dynamically, like a fish out of water.
Ha, this is why we should have killed it in one shot.
'...He'll get better someday, right?'
I hope so.
Otherwise, there's no point in going through all these trial and errors.
"Ugh! I was a bit off!"
Misha stabs her poison-inflicted dagger into the Half-Troll's heart while it's rampaging, but unfortunately, it's too short to pierce through the thick muscle.
The crossbow bolts shot by Rotmiller, the scout, barely even scratch the surface of its skin.
'Do we have to wait until the spell is ready again?'
One way or another, Dwarkey is the damage dealer with the highest potential damage output in the team.
I'm realizing the weakness of our team once again.
The tank line is sturdy enough to withstand the Half-Troll's [Frenzy] state, but the damage dealer line isn't keeping up.
However, this is not the kind of problem that can be solved immediately.
“It’s done! Move aside!”
After about 10 more minutes of struggling, Dwarkey unleashes his ultimate move once again.
Fortunately, this time it hits the head.
「Killed Half-Troll. EXP +3」
The Half-Troll disappears into light as its head is blown off.
As expected, the hoped-for essence doesn’t drop.
Only a fist-sized magic stone falls to the ground.
“What a shame. It’s not a monster you see often.”
Misha and Rotmiller click their tongues, seemingly disappointed.
I can understand.
If I hadn’t absorbed the vampire’s essence, I would have been drooling over it too.
7th-grade regeneration essences are rare.
Well, I’m now at a level where I can’t be satisfied with something like that.
[07:13]
It’s the morning of Day 4.
We’ll reach the 4th floor tomorrow, and that’s when the real journey will begin.
From there, 6th-grade monsters also appear.
I hope we can get at least one 6th-grade essence…
________________________________________
“Then let’s get moving.”
After defeating the Half-Troll, we decide to resume our journey.
Everyone looks exhausted after staying up all night, but the Witch’s Forest is not a good environment to rest in.
We conclude that it’s better to push ourselves for a day and shorten the time it takes to reach the 4th floor.
However…
“Explorers.”
Just as we’re about to start our journey again…
Strangers emerge from the darkness.
It’s not that surprising.
Even in the Witch’s Forest, it’s about time for a new group to enter after we’ve been camping here for so long.
However, there’s one problem.
‘One, two, three, four…’
What the, why are there six of them?
Normally, teams consist of up to five people.
It’s because the Bonding spell only works for up to five people.
But a 6-person explorer team?
As I’m feeling suspicious and observing the faces of the unfamiliar explorers, I see a familiar face.
Unfortunately, it seems like they recognize us too.
“…Explorers! It’s them! They killed my companions!”
Damn it…
This is something I really didn’t expect.
Just as our entire team is speechless after hearing those words…
“May the star that rises at twilight guide us…”
A man who seems to be the leader of the opposing group makes the sign of the cross.
Judging by the way he’s covered in Leathlas Church merchandise, this guy must be a hardcore religious fanatic, even in this world.
Damn it, that bitch is lucky.
How the hell did she find someone like that in the labyrinth?
“Oh God, please give me the strength to defeat these evil beings…!”
It seems like conversation won’t work.