The excursion to Gaun was finally drawing to a close. It had become quite an eventful trip, with our unplanned participation in the Beast King Festival, the intervention of an Apostle of God, and the development of our relationship with Ange, but it had all become good memories now. However, this trip was not over yet. We were going to enjoy the remaining few days to the fullest! And so, today, riding Boga, Mudoph, and Rozaria, we had arrived in the northwest of the Gaun Territory, high above it. …You ask about Dahak? Ah, it was operating as usual today.
“We’ve come quite a ways to the edge of the country today? Is there something here?”
“Hahaha, what are you talking about, Ange? If you come to Gaun, you have to come here, or it won’t be a proper visit.”
“Hmm…? Um, was there some famous tourist spot?”
“Hey, hey, I won’t let you forget about the highest difficulty A-Rank Dungeon in Gaun, the [Grotto of the Divine Beast].”
Lately, with the Ascension Ceremony and the Demon King incident, we hadn’t been dungeon crawling for a while. It was a lamentable mistake that I forgot to go to the dungeon in Trisen before defeating the Demon King and returning. However, I wouldn’t make such a mistake this time. Absolutely not!
“…This is a trip, right?”
It is a splendid trip indeed. Unfortunately, Sera had plans to play with Pritia and was absent today. It was a great shame not to be able to go together, but with Ange here, our fighting strength should be sufficient. Since it’s an A-Rank Dungeon, there probably won’t be any other adventurers, so even if we wiped them out, it wouldn’t cause any trouble.
“Well, the purpose of conquering this dungeon also includes leveling up Shutra. We promised during the Beast King Festival.”
“Yes! I’ll work hard to get stronger!”
Shutra was full of enthusiasm. Her talent was famous not only in Trisen but across the entire continent. She would surely grow significantly by using the disappointment from the tournament as a driving force.
“I also had many regrets during the Beast King Festival, so today I’ll show you a reborn me through special training. Older Brother Kel!”
“Yeah, I’m counting on you.”
That’s right, speaking of growth, Rion has also grown. After the naming ceremony, I created an even sturdier arena in the Improbable Black Fortress, and with Dahak’s ‘Construction’ skill, we rebuilt collapsed houses and roads. In return, the Beast King proposed a reward. I had initially intended to do it for free, but it seems the Beast King disliked being indebted. So, I asked for the following.
“While we are staying in Gaun, I want you to have mock battles with Rion a few times.”
Rion had been defeated at the Beast King Festival due to Leonhart’s strategy and was unable to show her full strength. However, during her free time, she had been repeatedly training in a match format with the Beast King. This training wasn’t for techniques or practical skills, but to strengthen her mentally. Primarily, the Beast King would transform into people close to me, such as myself and Shutra, and I would fight with constant harassment, simulating that match. It was extremely bitter training. I couldn’t count how many times my clenched fists bled just watching. But this was for Rion. I repeated this mantra during the matches, and each time my resolve wavered, and incidentally, my older brother’s mental fortitude was also being trained.
“Master, we’ve spotted the Grotto of the Divine Beast.”
After crossing a small mountain, Efil informed me. I placed the Gauntlet of Gluttony on Efil’s shoulder and borrowed her ‘Clairvoyance’. In the direction she pointed, there was a large rocky mountain, and if I squinted, I could see a cave at its base.
“Alright, we’re almost at our destination. Everyone, check your equipment!”
“““Yes!”””
Energetic replies came back from the children. While the future movements of the Apostle of God were certainly a concern, leveling up and strengthening the party was also a valid countermeasure. Above all, our leveling speed had been slow lately. Even defeating low-level monsters wouldn’t make a dent. That’s why I had my eye on this Grotto of the Divine Beast. Not only were the common monsters patrolling inside the dungeon at a decent level, but there was also a Divine Pillar here.
***
— Grotto of the Divine Beast
We landed amidst mountains covered entirely in rocky terrain. After Rozaria and Mudoph landed, Boga’s massive body touched the ground with a tremendous roar, causing the nearby monsters to flee. Hmm, even at B-Rank level, they chose to flee immediately. This is a problem that precedes leveling up.
“Oh well. For now, this will be our campsite, so let’s prepare for setup.”
The setup is mainly my job! Yes, with a little work from the Improbable Black Fortress. A jet-black fortress (pension type) rose from the rocky ground.
“We will go into the dungeon first. Shutra, you’ll stay here with Ryuka and Rozaria. Boga and Mudoph also… you won’t fit into this size of hole, so you’ll stay on guard duty around the campsite.”
“Guaa…”
“Guaaa…”
Don’t look so sad. Even I can’t help it if I can’t destroy the dungeon while clearing it. You guys need to learn to transform into a human form soon. With your size, your options are limited.
“Yes, I understand. I’ll go into the dungeon once my level is high enough, right?”
If this were a normal child, they’d throw a tantrum saying, “I want to go too!”, but Shutra is very understanding. Well, she’s an adult, actually.
“That’s right. It won’t take that long in an A-Rank Dungeon. I’ll come to pick you up when I have time, so rest well until then. Dungeons you’re not used to can be tiring.”
“Okay!”
***
Darkness spread throughout the cave. There were no torches or other pre-installed lighting. An A-Rank dungeon wouldn’t be that easy. The monsters inhabiting here would likely have good night vision, even in the dark. …Oh, as if to prove my point, a pair of red eyes glowed deep within the darkness. Hmm, could it be a feline monster?
“Efil.”
“Understood. I will secure light while driving out the enemies with multiple flame birds.”
Efil’s magic successively transformed into fire-wreathed birds and advanced deep into the cave. Soon, the screams and shrieks of ferocious beasts could be heard, and the unpleasant smell of burning flesh filled… Wait, for some reason, the scent that tickled my nose was a mature, sweet aroma reminiscent of steak? Just sniffing it made me hungry and my mouth water.
“…Efil, stop cooking while fighting. It’s mainly hindering Melfina.”
“I apologize. It was a new attempt, but…”
Her constant spirit of challenge was admirable, but the smell of meat filling the cave caused Melfina’s drooling to not stop. I suppose Efil will have to provide support from the rear until the smell subsides.
“It’s so bright! Just like Efil-chan!”
The multiple flame birds created by Efil didn’t disappear even during the attack (cooking), and they continued to fly around our party, serving as makeshift lights. The rocky ground along our path, illuminated by the preceding birds, provided perfect visibility.
“These are the monsters we defeated earlier. A leopard, a tiger, a lion…”
“Is this a feline-centric dungeon?”
They were all one size larger than usual, and they were nicely roasted.
“For now, Gerard will take the lead through the passage, and Melfina will be at the rear. …Hey, don’t go eating things you pick up on the way?”
“W-What are you talking about?”
Still, I was getting hungry.
