―――Clayworm’s Path – New Dungeon Entrance
Following the discussion between Sera and Gordiana, they decided to head to the new dungeon. Despite it being an unknown dungeon where A-Rank monsters appear, they judged that exploration would be sufficiently possible with Gordiana’s addition to their fighting force. When Gordiana was alone, she was barely able to hold the escape route, but with this many people, it wouldn’t be a problem. Someone could remain on guard, or as a temporary measure, they could create a magic wall to temporarily conceal it.
The group descended the hole for now, aiming for the hall where the new dungeon was located. Since there were no torches installed from this point on, Rion created a light source with “Hotaru” (Fireball – E-rank) to illuminate the hole.
“Still, it’s such a shame. That my uncle was an armored monster, a subordinate of Kelvin-chan… Even I can’t see his face if there’s nothing inside, and I can’t do anything about it.”
“Ah, is that so? What a shame.”
Even if the armor’s inside was hollow, if Gerard had the will, he could materialize his physical body. Gerard instinctively knew not to mention this, and that he mustn’t.
“Sera, Rion, Alex, absolutely do not speak of this!”
“We know!”
He had already made arrangements with his companions via telepathy. Gerard was desperate.
“Come to think of it, is Pritia-chan Kel-niisan’s opponent in the mock battle? I heard she’s going to fight an S-Rank Adventurer, right?”
Rion, trying to be helpful, brought up another topic. Gerard looked a little relieved.
“I’d like that very much, but my opponent is someone else. It’s Silvia-chan, the ‘Ice Princess’, who was promoted a year ago. It’s customary for those who were just promoted to fight someone new. Come to think of it, she skipped her own Ascension Ceremony and sparring matches… This might be the first time I’ll see her fight.”
“You can still get promoted even if you slack off?”
“Yes, freedom is the basic stance of an adventurer. The ceremony isn’t mandatory either.”
Sera, walking behind Gerard, turned to Gordiana.
“I’ve been wondering since earlier, what are those titles like ‘Pink Ogre’ and ‘Ice Princess’?”
“Are you referring to epithets? When one is promoted to S-Rank, the Guild bestows a moniker imbued with respect and awe.”
“…Isn’t that unnecessary?”
“It’s not!” “It’s not!”
Rion and Gordiana harmonized perfectly.
“You’re too naive, Sera-nee! Epithets are absolutely essential!”
“Rion-chan is right. S-Rank Adventurers are synonymous with those possessing the world’s highest level of skill. Epithets are very effective for clearly communicating that widely. As I say this myself, I possess enough power to single-handedly defeat any incompetent small country on the Western Continent. I don’t know if Kelvin-chan herself is aware of her own strength. That’s why no country dare to lay a hand on S-Rank Adventurers or the Adventurer Guild. It’s simply not worth the trouble to make them an enemy. At most, they’ll try to recruit them.”
“Yeah, yeah. With an epithet, it’s easier to convey that ‘this person is dangerous’ vibe! I want one too!”
“Ah, I see… I understand.”
Gordiana was explaining it from the perspective of a warning to various countries, but Rion’s reason was simply because “it’s cool.” For the 14-year-old Rion, epithets seemed to be a favorite.
“You’re so understanding for someone so young, Rion-chan! Don’t worry, if Kelvin-chan successfully becomes S-Rank, and if she has the skill, there’s a possibility that her party members will also receive epithets!”
“Really!? I’ll do my best then!”
“If you ever need help, rely on me. I’m cheering for you!”
They shook hands firmly. Since their heights didn’t match, Gordiana crouched down to face Rion. Like with Sera’s earlier question, Gordiana gave a very motherly impression.
“Everyone, let’s finish our chatter for now. The hall should be in sight soon.”
～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～
―――New Dungeon – Hall
Beyond the hole was a hall so vast it could swallow a small town whole. Gerard, who was at the front, glanced at the hall.
(Hmm, there are lights.)
Just by looking from hiding within the hole, he saw several doll-like monsters within his vision. He attached markers on the subordinate network’s map and shared the information with everyone. Gordiana couldn’t see the map, so Gerard verbally conveyed the general information.
“Are you all ready?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“First, we’ll clear the hall. After assessing the situation individually, we’ll disperse and defeat the monsters one by one. Then, we’ll gather here again.”
“Understood!”
“Waaan!”
Each person dispersed into the plaza. Sera cut straight through the center of the hall.
The ground was flat and paved, with stone tiles embedded in it. The ceiling was also very high, making it easy to forget that they were underground. This information alone suggested that this place was artificially created. However, the most eye-catching thing was what lay beyond.
(Several dilapidated buildings, and at the very back… an altar?)
While the collapsed structures might contain treasure chests if investigated, what caught Sera’s attention the most was the altar in the distance. In this hall, only the altar remained without any signs of decay. Strangely, it was emitting divine magic power.
(But it’s still far. Let’s clear out the monsters as planned first!)
Noticing Sera running, three steel automatons blocked her path. The built-in swords on the dolls’ arms were exposed, and they approached with irregular steps.
Naturally avoiding the swung swords, Sera applied the black magic “Corroding Armor,” which reduced durability, to her right fist and punched the dolls in the abdomen. The dolls’ abdomens were half-destroyed and crushed, but they didn’t fall yet. Instead, they raised their arms to counterattack. However, Sera, without missing a beat, swept her now invisible tail, causing the dolls to explode into pieces.
(I wonder if Kelvin can eat these dolls? Well, Efil should be able to handle them. I’ll collect them just in case.)
The remaining two were dealt with in a few seconds without much struggle. Sera stored the parts of the dolls into Kuroto.
“Ogre’s Wrath Fist!”
Gordiana’s spirited voice echoed. Wrapping her fist in a red aura, she unleashed a powerful blow at the surrounding dolls. With this single strike, her red fist pierced through the dolls, creating a hole the size of Gordiana’s upper arm. This part was no longer usable.
“You use unusual techniques, Gordiana! That’s amazing power!”
“It’s an arrangement of a certain martial art from the Western Continent, tailored to my style. Sera-chan, you also imbue your fists with magic, what an interesting way to fight! I’m impressed. Though I didn’t quite understand the final blow?”
“That’s a secret.”
“Hehe, a mysterious woman is wonderful.”
From the information Sera could see via telepathy, Gerard and the others were proceeding smoothly. The number of monsters in the hall, as confirmed by Sera’s Detection Skill, was around 50. At this rate, including travel time, it should be finished within 10 minutes.
“Sera-nee, how about ‘The Hero in Black Robes’? Is it too common?”
“…Focus on the battle for now. Alex, I’m counting on you to look after Rion, though I think you’ll be fine.”
“Woof!”
Alex’s “Leave it to me!” emotion was conveyed.
“Geez, Rion is still a child after all.”
Sera muttered, sounding just a little happy.
