The interior of the Grotto of the Divine Beast.
“Nun!”
The four hyena-type monsters that attacked at once were torn apart by Gerard’s single swing. The red blood dripping from his demonic sword was converted into magical power, and his stats increased due to the effect of his Unique Skill. The battle became even more one-sided.
“They’re all stopped by you, Gerard-san, so there’s no role for us…”
“Munch, munch, munch? (If you’re bored, Ange will eat too?)”
“No, I think I’m good for now. We’re still in the middle of a battle…”
We proceeded through the Dungeon with Gerard in the lead, scattering the wild beasts that occasionally appeared. After a while, we reached a large room beyond the cave passage, and it was a monster’s nest. These were a swarm of A-Rank monsters called Murder Aces, resembling hyenas with gray fur. The rock-walled room extended deep into the back, and even the light from the Multi-Flame Birds couldn’t see the deepest part. Currently, Gerard was fighting with his back to the passage.
“Gahahaha! Shutra’s level must be skyrocketing right now! I’ll do my best!”
… He said, laughing and fighting alone, but no matter how many Murder Aces he defeated, more and more kept appearing, showing no sign of decreasing in number. However, since he wasn’t struggling, there was no particular need to help, and we in the rear were bored stiff. Melfina was even having an early lunch.
“If they’re called Aces, I wonder if there are monsters below them?”
“Woof woof? (Aren’t there?)”
Hmm, the tension has completely disappeared. This would be a good place for Shutra to gain experience, but time is limited. We want to find the Divine Pillar today.
“Gerard, it’s about time. Let’s break through.”
“Eh!? I want to work a little longer for Shutra!”
Don’t say something like a guy who’s obsessed with a bad woman… Shutra is a good girl, though.
“It’s fine to be invincible, but if you only fight easy battles, your skills will dull. Besides, a battle with the Divine Pillar awaits us. Save that enthusiasm for then.”
“Mmm, I suppose I have no choice.”
Gerard, who grudgingly agreed, then swung his demonic sword, unleashing a flurry of empty jaws. The multiple slashes released swept away all the monsters within sight. Growls could still be heard from the depths, but a path was opened.
“Master, shall I engage with fire as well?”
“While that would be efficient, this is a sealed space. Please engage with Merciless instead of the Fire God’s Bow. Now, charge!”
***
Outside the Grotto of the Divine Beast, at the Black Mansion.
As Kelvin and the others began their full-scale assault on the Grotto of the Divine Beast, an elegant tea party was being held at the mansion-style fortress built at the campsite in front of the dungeon. Rozaria and Hoover, dressed as maids, served tea and sweets from Gown, which filled the table with a pleasant aroma. Seated at the table were Ryuka, who was also supposed to be a maid, and Shutra, the main character of this event, a close pair.
“Hawawa, hawawawa…”
“Shutra-chan, are you okay?”
“I’m okay, but I’m not okay…”
Shutra was flustered. Her hand trembled so much that she could barely hold her teacup. The reason why she, who was usually calm despite being pushed around by those around her, was so panicked was—
“My level-up sounds won’t stop in my head!”
Due to the efforts of Gerard, who was the foremost among grandfathers who doted on their grandchildren, her level as a Level 14 was rapidly increasing. The fanfare for one level-up continued until the end, and even after it finished, the fanfare for the next level-up was lined up and waiting. Shutra’s menu screen was displayed in front of her, and information such as status increases due to leveling up was being sent at an incredible speed. She, still young, was somewhat confused by the results of this power leveling, which she would normally never experience.
“Ah, was I like this too? Hauuuhh!”
“What do you mean ‘was like this’? Ryuka, stop slacking off!”
Ellie’s surprise attack from behind. The pain of her fist directly hitting her caused Ryuka to clutch her head and crouch down.
“Shutra-sama, I apologize. My daughter is very rude as always… but it seems this is not the time. Let’s ignore the level-up screen for now. It’s enough to look at it at the end.”
“Is… is that so?”
Ellie and Ryuka had similar experiences with power leveling, so they could somewhat understand Shutra’s feelings.
“That’s right, Shutra-sama! You don’t have to stare at the menu so seriously!”
“You’ve suddenly become so dignified, Hoover. You were just panicking a moment ago.”
“Rosaria, please be quiet!”
“Yes, yes. However, what kind of magic could it be? Even if we were in a party, they wouldn’t get much experience if they didn’t deliver the finishing blow from this far away…”
“Stop trying to change the subject!”
“Ah, isn’t it fine? Shutra-sama, are you reading a book? Oh?”
As Ellie reached for the small Kuroto on the table to take out a book, Kuroto suddenly started to tremble.
“… That’s a signal from Master. Shutra-sama, it seems your ride will be here soon.”
“Really? Um, um, I have to take Mr. Bear too…”
Shutra got off her chair and walked towards the preparation with a patter.
***
The interior of the Grotto of the Divine Beast.
Even after overcoming the first nest, several monster nests were scattered throughout the dungeon. All of them were A-Rank, wild-type monsters, swarming in overwhelming numbers. It would not be an easy dungeon for a party that wasn’t solid in individual strength. It felt like a safari park.
After such twists and turns, we arrived in front of what appeared to be the deepest part of the dungeon, a large room. Instead of the rugged cave labyrinth with exposed rock faces we had seen so far, it was a kind of temple with polished gray blocks laid out. A giant altar was installed in the center of the room.
“Yeah, that’s definitely the Divine Pillar. It’s the same as what I saw in Paz.”
“That’s the Divine Pillar that Elearis created a long time ago. I might level up for the first time in a while…!”
“Your Highness, I apologize for interrupting you while you’re so excited, but please be very careful? Even if it has lost its power, it is still a god.”
“I know. Don’t worry so much.”
While suppressing our surging desires with our well-trained steel mentality, we hid near the entrance of the room, observing.
“… It should be about time for Efil and Alex to reach the entrance.”
The time was right, so we had sent someone to the campsite to pick up Shutra. She would likely have gained a considerable level by now. Even if she couldn’t fight directly, understanding the battle with the Divine Pillar would boost Shutra’s confidence. Of course, she would be watching from a safe place.
“Shall we wait here until they come back?”
“No, let’s go in by ourselves first and secure the area. It’s dangerous if there are traps.”
There was no sign of monsters, and it looked like just an altar in a large, spacious room… However, I felt a great presence separate from the Divine Pillar. We haven’t seen the boss monster of this dungeon yet, and it’s probably that.
“In that case, let me go. I’m good at reconnaissance.”
Ange brightly volunteered, raising one hand in assent. With Ange, it would indeed be suitable.
“Well then, I’ll ask Ange. You two, Melfina, provide rear support, and be ready to move immediately if necessary, Rion and Gerard.”
“Yes! I’ll do my best on my first mission!”
Contrary to her spirited tone, Ange’s presence felt faint.
