Volume 1 Chapter 23 The Start Of The Middle Layer Exploration
After receiving a new sword from the shop owner, I prepared for tomorrow by stocking up on potions and portable food.
The next morning, I headed to the entrance of the town where I was supposed to meet Ryuin and the others, along with Fatina.
They had already arrived before us, and Ryuin noticed us and waved enthusiastically.
"Good morning! Ryuin-san"
"Good morning, Fatina-san, Ark-san. Now that everyone's here, shall we head out right away?"
As we left the town, we started moving towards the Emerald Green Dungeon.
"As we walk, let me explain our abilities. My occupation is a swordsman, with a level cap of 80. My skills are [Swordsman] and [All-Attribute Magic]. Thanks to these two skills, I can handle sword techniques like the [Sword Saint] and use magic without being bound by attributes. I'm primarily a vanguard, but I can also fight as a rearguard when needed."
(I see, she can attack any opponent using advantageous means...)
There are various types of parties, but most formations have at least two attackers who focus on attacking monsters.
I thought Ryuin's party might be lacking in attackers since there is no magician in the lineup, but it seems that she is single-handedly taking on that role with the ability to use both sword and magic.
Furthermore, Ryuin's level cap is 80. This should be sufficient strength as an attacker.
"Well, it's Leoness's turn next."
"Yeah. My occupation is a Holy Knight, and I'm the party's shield. My level cap is 80. My skills are [Provocation] and [Unstoppable]. As a basic battle strategy, I use the skill [Provocation] to draw the attention of monsters, and then [Unstoppable] to resist being blown away, allowing Ryuin to take them down when there's an opening. It's likely to be the same in the future, so if you get injured or the enemy's attacks are intense, come behind me."
With a confident smile, Leoness said, "Well, let me show you," as he tapped his chest covered in heavy-looking armor.
From his appearance alone, I had thought he was a shield-type character, and it seemed I was right.
Until we finish exploring the lower layer, I'll probably be using Instant Death Magic spells from behind him more often.
"... My Level Cap is 60, and as I showed you yesterday, I have the skills [Appraisal] and [Healing Magic (Holy Magic)]. With [Appraisal], I can see the weaknesses of monsters, so I'll let you know as we go."
Next, Veronica explained in a calm and matter-of-fact manner.
Unlike her friends, she didn't seem to have a very expressive face.
Veronica's Level Cap seems slightly lower compared to the two of them, but as a priestess who doesn't directly participate in attacks, and especially with Ryuin and Leoness, it seemed like they wouldn't mind.
Alright, so for now, I've pretty much got the gist of where I stand in this party based on the explanation just now.
So, Leoness takes the front as the shield, Veronica focuses on identifying the enemy's weaknesses and healing, and then Ryuin, Fatina, and I go on the offensive against the monsters, right?
Come to think of it, I didn't know the S-Rank status until now, but if it surpasses the strength of Level Cap 90 Allen, does that mean my stats are higher than Ryuin's?
If so, I might as well take the lead to support Ryuin and Fatina.
"Well, basically, it's like Leoness gathers the monsters and then we each take them down one by one."
"...But Ryuin can get hot-headed quickly, so there are times when she can't make calm decisions."
"T-That's not true at all!"
Ryuin protests with a bright red face against Veronica, who speaks with no expression.
"In fact, the other day she jumped into a group of monsters before Leoness and got injured."
"Oh, now that you mention it, that did happen."
"W-well, what's that about? Don't take it seriously, you two!"
Even though the three of them are heading to the dungeon, they chat casually.
Fatina, who is next to me, chuckles as she watches.
Perhaps this is her way of considering us, showing us this side of her.
After walking for a while, we finally arrived at the Emerald Green Dungeon.
Since there are still no monsters on the upper layer, we all rush through to save time.
And so, we finally reached the entrance of the middle layer.
Last time, we only looked and went back, but now we slowly descend the large stone staircase that marks the beginning of the middle layer, all together.
As we descended the long staircase, a wide, straight path appeared before me.
The surroundings were covered in plants such as ivy, giving the area a weathered look, but it was clearly not made of soil like the upper layer. The walls and floor were clearly artificially constructed.
Furthermore, even though we had descended, there were sparkling crystals protruding from the walls, scattered throughout, which prevented the area from being dark. They must be the same crystals that existed in the hollows of the upper layer.
(The upper layer was more like the outside of the dungeon...)
The upper layer had a brownish appearance that seemed natural, with only soil. However, as we reached the middle layer, that atmosphere completely disappeared, and we were enveloped in the illusion of being inside a massive building.
"Let's proceed from here with Leoness at the front. Monsters are likely to appear..."
Ryuin raised her hand and urged everyone on.
Leoness nodded silently and took the lead in the party, advancing into the dungeon.
We followed suit.
After a while of progressing--
"Be careful! Something is approaching us."
Fatina warned, her ears twitching. She seemed to have detected an enemy from the distant sound.
As we continued forward slowly, what came towards us from the front was a monster made of bones, a skeleton.
There were about ten of them, each wielding a sword or an axe, attacking us.
"Skeletons! Their weakness is fire!"
"Leave it to me!"
Veronica shouted out the weakness of the monsters, and at the same time, Leoness stepped forward and thrust his large shield into the ground.
Then, the skeletons charged straight towards Leoness. It must be the effect of his [Provocation.]
(...Should I try out my new ability?)
I leaped from behind Leoness and cast Instant Death Magic towards the swarming skeletons.
By allocating points and raising the level of "Range Increase" to 2, it became possible to use the Instant Death Magic spell even at some distance.
"(Death)"
A new ability obtained from Shadow Chimera, 'Multiple Chant', allows for the cast of multiple waves of deep black energy with a single incantation.
As the released waves struck the skeletons, they all collapsed to the ground, unable to do anything but make a clattering sound.
"I-is this the rumored 'Instant Death Magic' spell? Isn't it a bit too strong...?"
Ryuin, fully prepared for battle with her sword at the ready, muttered quietly while looking at the scattered bones.
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