A part of the sand sea bulged. Baring its dorsal fin like a shark, the Jewel Fish approached us.
It possessed a unique speed, like a bird gliding through the sky.
Previously, I was overwhelmed by its speed and used “Midwinter of Overcrowded Dimensions.”
However, this time was different.
I only used the skills “Sensation” and “Swordsmanship.”
With just those, the monster-slaying power of Rowen, who called himself “the blade that severs evil,” descended upon me.
It was a charge at a speed that was almost imperceptible, but it was lukewarm to me, who had overcome “The Thirtieth Ordeal.”
Compared to Rowen’s sword speed, it was as good as standing still.
The “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen” in my hand glowed faintly.
As if drawn to the light, the Jewel Fish and the sword crossed paths.
After a momentary encounter, I sliced off the Jewel Fish’s dorsal fin.
I had narrowly avoided a fatal blow.
Giving up on pursuing the Jewel Fish as it retreated, I shouted to Rustiara behind me.
“Rustiara! It’s gone!”
“I know!”
The injured Jewel Fish, leaving me behind, leaped at Rustiara and the others.
Rustiara’s eyes followed its movements precisely.
I couldn’t feel any magic, so it seemed to have no magical support. No, there might be support. Her skill “Weapon Combat” could be giving her an advantage in close-quarters combat.
Rustiara’s interception was brilliant. The blade, drawn simultaneously with her sword, passed through the Jewel Fish’s center line.
The Jewel Fish was split vertically in mid-air and vanished into light before falling into the sand sea.
She might have been showing off a bit for the spectators behind her, but it was a superb swordsmanship.
Rustiara swung the “Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword” as if performing a dance and elegantly sheathed her sword.
“As long as I am here, not a single finger will be laid upon my companions…”
I didn’t know who she was talking to, but Rustiara struck a pose. She covered half her face with her right hand, making a sorrowful expression.
Was that a victory line?
Perhaps she was trying to establish herself as a capable female character for a heroic tale.
“Alright, this level seems manageable. Let’s proceed.”
Ignoring Rustiara, who was asking Maria and Dia for their opinions, I moved deeper in.
Judging by the battle, as long as we weren’t subjected to a human wave tactic like on the 21st floor, Dia and Maria should be safe.
Besides, although Rowen and I ultimately defeated the enemy, the two in the rear had also finished preparing their magic. Even from a distance, they had grasped the monsters’ movements. If a monster had bypassed Rustiara, it would have been vaporized by their high-powered magic.
Complacency is forbidden, but I realized there was no need to frantically protect them.
Therefore, I decided to head straight for the 32nd floor without avoiding any monsters.
Along the way, we encountered a monster I’d never seen before. It was a monster shaped like a distorted crab. Its spiky body, like other monsters, was made of crystal. Its lidless eyes rolled around nervously, which was unsettling.
–Monster
Quartz Cancer Rank 31–
There were two of them. I couldn’t hold them both off by myself. I decided to engage one and have the others deal with the remaining one. For now, I prepared “Dimensional Winter – Last Frost” using “Parallel Thinking.”
“I’ll handle one! I’ll leave the other to you!”
The three behind me nodded after finishing their combat preparations. Trusting my companions, I focused on my foe.
As is the habit of crabs, the Quartz Cancer scuttled sideways. However, its movements were fast and sharp even while moving sideways. It was beyond bizarre; it was terrifying.
I tried to block the attacking Quartz Cancer’s pincer with my sword. At that moment, the Quartz Cancer made a peculiar move. It bent its joints in an impossible direction and skillfully trapped my sword. Then, as if it were a weapon designed to destroy weapons, it tried to break “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen.”
Crystal scraped against crystal, emitting an unsettlingly high-pitched sound.
I realized this Quartz Cancer was a monster specialized in destroying its opponent’s weapons, and I panicked. I desperately wanted to avoid breaking the gift from my dear friend within just one day.
A sound like splitting bamboo echoed, and crystals shattered. However, it was only the Quartz Cancer’s pincer that broke. “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen” remained completely unharmed.
With a surprised scream from the Quartz Cancer, I swung my sword. “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen” cut through the Quartz Cancer’s crystal body without resistance. Then, the monster vanished into light.
As I witnessed this scene, I reconfirmed the strength of my sword.
–Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen
A sword adorned with the magic stone of Guardian Rowen.
Attack Power: 17
Adds attack power equal to the equipped person’s level.
Allows the equipped person to recall Rowen Aleis’s swordsmanship.
Shape-shifting capable. Grants the equipped person +2.00 Earth Magic.–
Although it displayed terrifying toughness just now, “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen” was not just a hard and sharp sword. It held numerous special abilities. Although I hadn’t tried it yet, it seemed I could gain an additional magic attribute if I fully unleashed the sword’s power. Gaining a new attribute in this world was highly improbable, which made me realize how ridiculously overpowered this sword was.
I gazed at the shimmering crystal blade, a smile creeping onto my face. It felt as if my dear friend was lending me his strength even after death.
Rowen and I combined our strength and defeated the monster with ease. Next, I wanted to confirm the coordination of the team behind us. Their combined strength also seemed to be working well. Maria’s flames obscured the Quartz Cancer’s vision, and Rustiara deflected its pincer attacks. Then, Dia’s “Flame Arrow” shot through, blowing the Quartz Cancer away. Finally, a coordinated attack was launched on the unbalanced monster by everyone.
It was an excellent teamwork. It required each person to understand their role. Rustiara forcefully took the finishing blow and struck a pose after another dance-like flourish.
“As long as I am here, not a single finger will be laid upon my companions…”
Was she going to say that every time? It was so mechanical, like a post-battle scene in a game. If she intended to continue, I should advise her to add variety.
I interrupted as Rustiara was forcing high-fives onto her companions.
“Alright, we’re doing well. Everything seems fine.”
I had been slightly worried about whether Dia and Maria could hold their own on the 30th floor. However, seeing the battle just now, I was satisfied knowing they had sufficient strength.
“Hmm, adjusting the firepower is difficult. Not too strong, not too suppressed…”
In contrast, however, Dia seemed dissatisfied. Maria was also groaning similarly. It appeared that front-row fighters had their own unique troubles.
“I need to add more firepower…”
“Hey, Maria. How do you move flames like that? I wish I could do that too…”
“How do I do it…? I just handle them carefully.”
“That’s what I’m saying! I don’t get that carefulness!”
“Dia is too rough. You just need to construct your magic calmly and carefully.”
“Don’t say it so easily…! If I could, I would…!”
Figuring they were about to start arguing again, I tried to step in. However, upon hearing Maria’s words, I stopped.
“—However, this is a good opportunity. I have something I want to try, so please lend me your ear.”
“Oh, what is it…?”
Maria whispered something to Dia. When it came to combat, the two rear guards were surprisingly friendly. It was a bit of an anticlimax.
Hearing Maria’s words, Dia grinned, revealing her fangs.
“—Heh, that sounds interesting. Let’s give it a try.”
“Yes, it’s worth trying.”
It seemed they were thinking of things on their own, even without me around. I decided to let them handle it and said nothing.
However, Rustiara, getting carried away, interjected.
“Dia and Maria-chan, you can leave it all to me! Thanks to this sword, it’s super easy to take them down! Is it ‘Crescent Pectoral Azure’?”
“Ah, that’s a sword to be proud of too.”
While not as much as the “Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen,” the “Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword” was also a renowned sword.
“This is good. Hard, fast, and sharp!”
Despite there being no enemy, Rustiara swung her sword around. Honestly, it was dangerous. But perhaps because of her joyful expression, no one stopped her. Maria and Dia had learned that morning during our discussion that Rustiara was younger. If they thought of her as a 3-year-old girl who had lived an unfortunate life, they would probably indulge her.
“Yeah, yeah, let’s go. The enemies will get more numerous from here. I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me. As long as I, this sword, am here, not a single person will pass behind me… So, Maria-chan and Dia, rest assured.”
She was acting cool again, unnecessarily so. Her way of speaking was a little like Rowen’s. Perhaps she was imitating him after seeing his oaths as a “Sword Saint” and “Guardian.” It was a common behavior for a child around 3 years old. I watched her with a warm, if slightly awkward, gaze.
Maria and Dia nodded with wry smiles. Regardless of Rustiara’s personality, her skill was undeniable. She was definitely reliable in combat. In combat, at least.
Having confirmed there were no problems on the 31st floor, we proceeded further in. Of course, we didn’t avoid enemies. This exploration focused on leveling everyone out. First, we needed to raise Maria’s level, or future concerns would remain. Fortunately, the monsters on the 31st floor yielded high experience points. Defeating just one enemy gave Maria about 1000 experience points. Since about 10,000 experience points were needed after level 10, it didn’t take much time.
En route, we essentially defeated monsters with only Rustiara’s and my swords. Maria and Dia were experimenting with new magic in the rear but with little success. Occasionally, a remarkable spell would fly out, but it was still unstable. The two in the rear were deep in conversation.
“Dia, it’s not just about compressing magic power. Please be more careful.”
“Didn’t you tell me to compress it…”
“Consider the degree. What’s important for fire magic is the balance of imagery.”
“That degree is what’s difficult!”
Honestly, I was on edge, wondering when they would start fighting again. Rustiara next to me watching with amusement only amplified my anxiety.
“I can’t help it, Dia. I’ll assist with the targeting and guidance with my fire magic, so just focus on power and speed.”
“We’re completely dividing the roles. That might be easier, actually.”
It seemed they were trying to combine their magic. I knew this from knowledge. In libraries and taverns, it was called “Resonance Magic.” It was a magical tactic often used in knightly orders and armies. For instance, if about ten people combined their “Flame Arrow,” they could generate a single, extremely thick fiery arrow. In some situations, this could be more effective than everyone firing separately.
Naturally, resonance requires compatibility and training. In explorers’ perceptions, it was a tactic where the results didn’t match the effort required to master it. Therefore, it was rarely seen except in highly organized groups. Incidentally, Reaper’s and my magic, “Beloved Flash,” also falls under Resonance Magic. Reaper and I have good compatibility, but I have doubts about Dia and Maria’s. However, if they could master it, it would undoubtedly be useful in many ways. I decided not to interfere, as trying it out wasn’t a bad idea.
And so, while the rear duo experimented with their magic, we reached the 32nd floor. We decided to take a break there. Since we could level up Maria and Dia, we began the leveling process after confirming the surrounding safety.
◆◆◆◆◆
–Name: Diablo Sis HP 220/232 MP 869/989 Class: Swordsman
Level: 15
Strength 8.61 Stamina 6.99 Dexterity 3.80 Speed 4.01 Intelligence 13.21 Magic Power 54.76 Aptitude 5.00
Status: Blessing 1.00
Innate Skills: Divine Magic 3.81 Divine Protection 3.08 Condemnation 2.00 Concentrated Convergence 2.05 Elemental Magic 2.10 Overprotection 2.20 Life Extension 2.24 Aimed Spot 2.03
Acquired Skills: Swordsmanship 0.11
??? ???–
–Name: Maria HP 159/203 MP 822/945 Class: None
Level: 13
Strength 8.27 Stamina 8.11 Dexterity 6.84 Speed 4.65 Intelligence 9.06 Magic Power 48.43 Aptitude 4.13
Status:
Innate Skills: None
Acquired Skills: Hunting 0.68 Cooking 1.08 Fire Magic 3.53–
As usual, Dia’s magic growth was abnormal. But it was astonishing that Maria was keeping up with his abnormal growth. She probably wouldn’t be told by Rustiara anymore that she lacked aptitude. In fact, Rustiara now had the lowest aptitude.
Reassured by the increase in HP for the two rear guards, I permeated “Dimension” into the 32nd floor. This time, I used MP extravagantly. Since I was fighting mainly with the “Sensation” skill without using “Dimension – Decisive Calculation” in combat, I had plenty of MP left. From this magical situation, I was reminded of games. It was common for lower-tier magic to become unused when a superior version was learned. “Dimension – Decisive Calculation.” I was the one who named this magic. Thinking that I might not use “Dimension – Decisive Calculation” again until clearing the game and reaching the deepest part of the labyrinth, I felt a hint of sadness. While considering renaming the skill “Sensation” to “Sensation – Decisive Calculation,” I finished my search.
The desert-like floor was over, and we returned to the normal corridors from before the 28th floor. The wall material was still crystal, but it was much easier to advance than walking through the desert. Of course, there were differences from before. The ceiling was unusually high, and small rivers flowed through the corridors. The rivers flowing through the crystal corridors were mystical. They were as clear and beautiful as the water in a utopia. The crystals at the bottom of the river sparkled, and peering into them was as dazzling as a starry sky.
Insects and animal-like monsters decreased, and instead, flying monsters increased. While breaking a cold sweat, I shared information with everyone.
“F-flying monsters, huh…”
Rustiara’s and my faces fell. Memories of being utterly helpless against the Rio Eagles on the 22nd floor returned.
“But this time, Dia and Maria are here too.”
This party was not just composed of swordsmen. Having mages greatly improved our response capabilities. Hearing this, the two rear guards took a deep breath.
“Yes, leave it to us. Our levels have increased, and our magic power is surging. Dia and I should be able to perform resonance magic soon. We’ll hold nothing back from here on.”
“We’ll take care of all the aerial ones. We were holding back a bit until now, but it’s time to get serious!”
To avoid crushing their enthusiasm, I accepted their proposal. On this floor, I decided to let Maria and Dia take the lead in exploration. Changing our formation to prioritize the two rear guards, we began advancing on the 32nd floor. Many monsters were hovering in the sky. We couldn’t avoid all of them, and within a few minutes, combat began. Detecting the enemies’ approach with “Dimension,” I turned back and shouted.
“They’re here! Maria, Dia, from up ahead, bird-like monsters are, c-coming… — Huh?”
I lost my words. What I saw behind me were countless fireballs flying around. No, they weren’t quite fireballs… Were they fiery “eyes”…?
“—My eyes can see them too, Dia. As planned. —Magic: ‘Flame – Decisive Flame Zone,’ ‘Firefly.'”
“Yeah, no need to be told!”
As if fireworks were being launched, various large and small flames flew about in the narrow corridor. It was a scene that overwhelmed me, reminiscent of the floor where Arti was reproduced. And the fireballs moved as if alive, flying toward the monsters I had detected. Beside me, Dia began constructing magic. Perhaps due to the excessively high magic density, his entire body seemed to glow. The immense surge of magic power foreshadowed the grandeur of the magic about to unfold. Without waiting for me to finish my instructions, Maria manipulated the flames. These fireballs, I was convinced, possessed the same effect as “Dimension.” They moved with unwavering accuracy. The fireballs arranged themselves in rings in the air and began to rotate. Countless rings of fire were generated. Then, the rings of fire extended to where the monsters were, forming cylinders of flame. A “path”—no, a “barrel”—for Dia’s magic was created in the air.
Of course, the monsters were still flying around. Noticing Maria’s flames, they tried to escape from the muzzle of the nonexistent gun. However, thanks to Maria’s precise magical manipulation, the muzzle was constantly aimed at the monsters. Then, Dia’s magic construction was complete.
“—’Flame Arrow!'”
The light that had illuminated Dia’s entire body converged and was released from his palm with all his might. This ray-like magic passed through the fiery barrel created by Maria and pierced a distant monster. Due to the overwhelming heat, the enemy’s hard crystal body melted, creating a hole. The bird-like monster, unable to even see us, fell mercilessly without ever having its name remembered.
This tactic reminded me of when I first entered the labyrinth. However, it was far more brutal than the tactics I had used.
“Nice one, Dia. —However, there’s another one right nearby. Let’s take it down while we’re at it.”
“Yeah, got it. Here I go —”
Maria had become an expert in fire magic, inheriting Arti’s lineage. This meant she possessed the same detection ability as me, and moreover, Maria could manipulate Dia’s “Flame Arrow.”
“—’Flame Arrow!'”
The light shot through the fiery cylinder, bending its path. And then, it pursued the flying monster in the sky, accurately piercing its vital spot. It was completely different from the “Resonance Magic” I knew. In fact, neither “Firefly” nor “Flame Arrow” were originally this kind of magic. Two spells that had evolved into something else had now intertwined and sublimated into an even greater “different thing.” The result was this terrifyingly potent magic.
Rustiara seemed to share the same sentiment as me. Her mouth agape, she watched the scene.
“Kanami-san, I’ve eliminated them. However, it seems other monsters heard their death throes and are approaching…”
Maria, having expanded her sensory organs with flames, sensed the movements of distant enemies. My “Dimension” reached the same conclusion. Although I couldn’t ascertain the exact details, Maria’s detection ability was approaching that of “Dimension.”
“Eh, ah, right. It seems these are the type of monsters that call for reinforcements. In that case… —”
“—Alright, Maria and I will burn them all!”
Dia, not waiting for me to suggest a move, made an aggressive proposal. Maria, hearing this, looked pleased.
“Yes. Let’s exterminate them all first, then go at a leisurely pace, shall we?”
She said “exterminate” so casually. I cautiously asked,
“Um, Maria… can you actually exterminate them…?”
“Of course. I’ll show you now.”
Maria smiled to reassure me. However, with the terrifying heat radiating from the flames behind her, I couldn’t return her smile properly. Dia began a new incantation, and Maria manifested more flames. This time, the flames formed clean squares and triangles. The flames were quickly compressed, losing their characteristic wildness. Then, they created smooth surfaces, like reflective panels.
“Dia, just shoot. I’ll guide it from here.”
“Understood. Here I go —”
Innumerable fiery arrows floated around Dia. The white, glowing arrows caused the temperature in the corridor to rapidly increase. To guide these fiery arrows, Maria’s red flames formed multiple cylinders. These fiery barrels were shorter this time. Instead, reflective panels of flame were visible at the muzzle of each barrel.
“—’Flame Arrow Scatter Flower!'”
Then, all the fiery arrows were released like an explosion. The heat was incomparable to what I had seen in the Grand Cathedral before. Although less powerful than a single “Flame Arrow,” these malevolent magics, worthy of being called rays of light, scattered like flashes. The countless light rays were bent by Maria’s refined fiery cylinders. Sometimes, they were sharply deflected by the reflective panels. The white flames, drawn by the red flames, converged and assailed the approaching monsters. There were over ten monsters heading our way. However, they all vanished into light within a fleeting storm of flashes.
—An annihilation.
The space within a radius of one kilometer around us became temporarily monster-free. The two’s magic had created a void there.
“That concludes it. Shall we go, Kanami-san?”
“Phew, I’m glad it succeeded.”
The two who had created that space walked out with ease. Rustiara and I were simply stunned. Checking our status, their MP had only decreased by single digits. For them, that was merely a light exercise.
“Ah, ah, alright, let’s go…”
We had also acquired a massive amount of experience points. It was an efficiency that neither I nor Rustiara could hope to match even if we ran around frantically. I was stunned by their overwhelming annihilation power, my mind going blank.
Only moments ago, I had been protecting them with my sword, and now I realized there was no need for it. Rustiara’s previously excited demeanor had vanished. She walked behind the two, bewildered, in silence.
However, there was no time to be in shock. A few minutes later, “Dimension” detected new monsters appearing and approaching us from three directions.
“M-monsters are here! This time from three directions —”
“—The same monsters? In that case, we’re fine.”
But the moment I said that—
“Leave it to me, ‘Flame Arrow!'”
The flash of light streaked through the fiery barrel. The monsters vanished without ever being seen.
“—They’re coming from three directions, but they’ve all fallen. Yep… Let’s pick up the magic stones from one of them.”
The battle ended in an instant. Maria constantly maintained flames around us. This was likely the magic called “Flame – Decisive Flame Zone.” Any monster that entered its area was instantly killed by Dia’s “Flame Arrow.”
It was perfect resonance magic. It was so perfect that my detection and Rustiara’s attack power became unnecessary. The interception was so fast that Rustiara didn’t even see the enemy’s form. We leisurely headed for the 33rd floor. Afterward, monster attacks were repeated, but in the end, not a single monster managed to approach within visible range. Thus, without even learning the names of the crystal bird-like monsters, we arrived at the 33rd floor.
