“Is it finally finished…?”
Reinand declared the completion of his work on Ruf Bringer, a task he had dedicated the entire day to without rest. He then approached me, who was silently working at the end of the workshop, holding the newly resurrected magic sword.
“It’s done, kid. This sword has been finished to provide resistance against Wind Magic while also reducing physical strain when using it. For a Wind Mage facing Elfenries, there couldn’t be anything better. So, what about you…?”
“—Yes, this is also perfect. For the coloring of the armor, I chose a color that would match Rainer’s golden hair. I then added elegant details so as not to mar his noble aristocratic demeanor, yet unified the whole with a clean and pure design so as not to impair his youthful charm. Finally, I scattered emerald green in various places to evoke the image of using Wind Magic. Of course, that’s not all. I paid attention to the unseen parts as well, devising it to be perfect from any angle, at any time.”
It was a masterpiece.
I was so captivated by my own work.
Not only the chestplate and gauntlets, but even the inner shirt and jeans were meticulously crafted. Furthermore, I prepared a scarf and arm guards as accent ornaments.
Even if Sera, who is particular about fashion, saw it, she wouldn’t be able to fault it. Honestly, I wasn’t confident in the design, but recalling Alivers’ words helped me compensate for that.
As I pictured the hero Rainer, a design befitting him naturally sprang into my mind. After all, the most important thing in design is to imagine the person wearing it.
“So, that’s what you were doing… I thought you were making something else. If left to your own devices, this is what you end up doing, kid. …Ah, well. The equipment is definitely fixed. …Though the taste is a bit questionable.”
“Huh? Questionable taste…?”
“No, it just doesn’t suit an old man’s taste. It’s probably fine for young people. …Probably. Ah, probably so.”
“Heh heh, Rainer will be the one wearing it. I’m sure he’ll wear it perfectly!”
Leaving me to clench my fist with certainty, Reinand began to check the repaired equipment. While he was at it, he also picked up the clothes made through sewing.
“You’re skilled at many things, aren’t you, kid? You can sew too?”
“Yes, I can make simple things. I think this suits me better.”
“That’s a good talent. Far better than being able to make dangerous things like weapons and armor.”
As we spoke, Reinand finished checking everything. From the perspective of a top blacksmith, my finished equipment was satisfactory. He nodded approvingly and patted my shoulder.
“Indeed, all of it is well-finished. You should take it back right away and have him try it on.”
“Yes, I will. Thank you for today, Reinand-san.”
I put the completed weapons and armor into my Inventory, bowed, and left the workshop.
I was returning a little later than yesterday. Rainer had probably already returned to the castle and was preparing dinner.
I walked through the townscape, unchanged from yesterday, and received the usual greetings. While responding as always, I hurried back to the castle.
When I arrived at my room in the castle, Rainer and Rowen, who had finished preparing dinner, were waiting. I opened the door and, without preamble, showed them the clothes I took out of my Inventory.
“Rainer! I made clothes! Could you try them on for me!?”
“…C-Clothes?”
Rainer was bewildered by the sudden proposal but soon understood on his own and reached for the clothes I had made.
“Ah, I see. These are special clothes for fighting Elfenries, aren’t they?”
“Huh? These clothes are perfectly normal?”
“Huh?”
Rainer’s hand stopped, filled with doubt.
As the two of us stood frozen,Rowen interjected with a calm question from the side.
“Huh? Kanamin, you’re learning blacksmithing from the old man, right? Why are you making clothes? And they don’t seem to have much to do with dungeons.”
“—?!”
N-Not related to dungeons…?
I snapped back to reality.
That was indeed true.
Perhaps because making clothes was a hundred times more fun than blacksmithing, I had forgotten my original objective at some point. What was important now was conquering the labyrinth, not worrying about the appearance of my companions.
And yet, I had spent most of my time making clothes.
“W-What have I…?”
“You’re not just dabbling in weapons and armor, but everyday clothing too, which means you’re prepared for a long stay, aren’t you, Kanamin?”
“…Ah, yes, something like that. The cost of clothes adds up, you know.”
By going along with Rowen’s story, I made an excuse for myself.
However, Rainer’s suspicious gaze didn’t disappear.
“Christ…”
His eyes seemed to scold me for wasting precious time.
Not wanting to disappoint Rainer, I frantically tossed the clothes aside and shifted the conversation to the repaired weapons and armor.
“No! These clothes are just a side project, a side project! I made a lot of items for dungeon exploration today too! Look at these!”
I took out the repaired items from my Inventory and laid them out in the room.
Rowen observed them with interest.
“Whoa, these are quite good. Did you make all of these from scratch, Kanamin?”
“No, I just repaired what was already there. I can’t make things this good yet.”
“…Hmm. But they’re all strange. They’re too flashy, or maybe the taste is bad.”
“Huh?”
Picking up the clothes and equipment I had designed, Rowen said the same thing as Reinand. If it were just one person, it could be dismissed as a difference in sensibility, but with two, the story was different.
However, those two were from a thousand years ago. They weren’t just behind the times; their sense of style was a millennium behind. It was possible they couldn’t keep up with current trends.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, I looked to Rainer, expecting that at least he would like them—
“Hey, Christ. Are all of these my equipment…?”
“Uh, yeah. That’s the plan, but…”
“If I wear all of this, won’t I look like I’m about to go on stage…? It seems too conspicuous for dungeon exploration…”
“A-Ah… Maybe so…”
He was trying to be gentle, but I could tell from his expression that he agreed with Rowen.
I accepted the fact that my designed equipment had bad taste and nodded honestly.
“For the next ones, I’ll make them with more subdued decorations…”
It would be helpful if you could do that for me…”
This is bad…
I feel like Rainer’s trust in me is dwindling as a cost for moving a step forward as a producer. I have to do something…
As if disliking our gloomy atmosphere, Lord raises his voice.
“W-Well, it’s no use dwelling on what’s over! More importantly, it’s time to eat. Let’s eat. Because we waited for Kanamin, this kid is starving!”
“That’s right. Let’s eat quickly…”
Following Lord’s suggestion, we put aside the talk of new equipment and began to eat dinner.
There was nothing particularly special about it. After a light chat like last night, we trained magic, and then Lord went home.
As part of that training, I also leveled up by expending the experience points I accumulated from defeating Elfenries. If Rainer hadn’t mastered Divine Magic, my level would have been capped. Grateful for the environment that allows me to level up, I check the ‘Display’.
As I was doing so, the words ‘Bonus Points’ caught my eye.
[Bonus Points] You have gained 1 Bonus Point.
[Skill Points] You have gained 1 Skill Point.
I really love this kind of thing…
Thanks to seeing my past memories in the ‘Shaka Hōkan Jin’, I know that I created this system myself.
It’s probably an application of ‘Magic Conversion’ that allows me to use surplus magic flexibly anywhere. I understand the idea, but it’s a system that clearly shows my personal tastes running wild.
Remembering my childhood mistakes, I pour my points into ‘Magic Power’ and ‘Dimensional Magic’.
After that, it’s just a matter of coordinating tomorrow’s plans with Rainer, and the day ends.
I’ll thoroughly explain the details of today’s battle with Elfenries and devise tactics for tomorrow’s fight.
Of course, no magic training late at night. I’ll focus on getting my body in good condition.
We’re well prepared. My magic types have increased, I have the necessary tools and equipment, and my level has gone up.
The 66th Floor has already been scouted—in fact, I defeated Elfenries once and used its magic stone to strengthen Rainer’s sword. It couldn’t be more ready.
When I conveyed this perfect situation to Rainer, I felt my trust in him recover just a little. We set our goal for tomorrow to reach the 60th Floor, and Rainer and I went to sleep.
And so, the third day of living underground passed, and we welcomed the morning of the fourth day…
◆◆◆◆◆
I leave my room, placing the ‘Connection’ behind me.
Rainer and I walk through the streets of Viais, not for work, but to conquer the labyrinth.
Then, before the door leading to the 66th Floor of the labyrinth, we perform a final confirmation.
“We execute the plan the moment we enter the door. Don’t mess up the timing.”
“I know. Thanks to the sword Christ prepared, my Wind Magic is going well. Don’t worry.”
With that said, Rainer draws his twin swords.
In his right hand is the reborn magic sword that enhances Wind Magic.
【Sylph Ruf Bringer】
In his left hand is the Aris Family’s Treasure Sword, which can manipulate Crystal Magic.
【Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen】
And the light helmet and chestplate from a thousand years ago, revived by divine iron smithing.
【Call Outer】
【Arlcon Face】
Furthermore, Rainer has a number of magic tools he originally possessed.
And, the clothes I made myself with confidence.
This is truly the strongest equipment at this stage.
Incidentally, my equipment consists only of the ‘Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword’ and two types of talismans.
As a result of last night’s discussion, it became Rainer’s role to engage in direct combat, so this is how the distribution turned out.
My only means of attack is a sneak attack with ‘Distance Mute’. Honestly, I don’t need any attack power or defensive power.
Rainer will be the main explorer, and I will provide magical support as a sub.
In terms of class, Rainer is the Knight in the front row, and I am the Scout in the back row, so to speak. My talent for freezing attribute is gone, reducing my offensive options, so this is an unavoidable arrangement.
“Alright, let’s go, Rainer.”
“Yeah, anytime.”
After finishing the final confirmation, I reach for the door.
At that moment, I feel a slight discomfort and happen to look up at the sky.
It’s the usual black sky. However, I feel a difference not in color, but elsewhere.
The sky seems to be wavering. As if the turbulent clouds on the eve of a storm, the black sky was moving unnaturally.
“What’s wrong, Christ?”
Rainer asks, seeing me frozen with my hand on the door.
“No, I just thought the sky looked a bit strange…”
“The sky here has been strange from the start, hasn’t it?”
“Well, yes…”
Rainer also looked up at the sky like me. However, unlike me, he doesn’t feel anything unusual.
Thinking I was overthinking it, I lower my gaze and turn my attention back to the door.
“Sorry for saying weird things. More importantly, it’s the labyrinth now.”
“…Christ. Are you perhaps nervous?”
“Of course, I am. If I make even one mistake, my life ends right there.”
Due to the labyrinth creator’s full-blown hobbies, we’ve been repeating game-like actions, but there’s no retrying these challenges. There’s no saving, no loading.
It’s a one-shot battle with our lives on the line. It’s impossible not to be nervous.
“Oh, even Christ gets nervous…”
“They might have called me an ancestor, but I’m just a human. And a timid and cowardly one at that.”
“…I see.”
After I conveyed that I’m just an ordinary human, we finish our idle chat.
“Well then, let’s go this time…!”
Then, after counting down “Three, two, one…”, we burst through the door and charge forward.
The moment we entered the open ‘sky’ space of the 66th Floor, we split up.
I start constructing Dimensional Magic, while Rainer builds Wind Magic and goes at full speed.
Naturally, Elfenries in the sky notices our presence. But it doesn’t move yet.
Elfenries’ behavior is simple. It only intercepts those who try to ascend to the 65th Floor by approaching it.
However, we don’t want to destroy the spiral staircase on the 65th Floor. If it’s gone, we’ll be forced to consume unnecessary MP.
Therefore, we devised a plan to settle the battle far away from the spiral staircase.
If all goes well, it will be one strike, just like yesterday.
“‘The path guided by the sky’ ‘The path to the heavens’—!”
Rainer whispers a light incantation taught by Lord, bringing the surrounding wind under his control.
As the Magic Construction progresses, the wind on the 66th Floor begins to distort.
The magic density was incomparable to Rainer in the past.
Until now, Rainer had used Wind Magic as support. The reason his main attack was always his sword was simply that Wind Magic lacked attacking power.
However, he was different now.
He inherited Hairi’s soul, leveled up, his magic power soared, he was taught magic by Guardian Aid and Rowen, learned the technique of incantation, and obtained a magic sword to enhance his Wind Magic.
All elements intertwined, and his Wind Magic reached a dimension many levels higher—
“—’Roar, Thousand Greatswords’!”
Therefore, the great magic of a thousand years ago, non-existent today, was revived.
Countless wind greatswords, as large as towers, were generated and lined up on the plain of the 66th Floor. The magic was so enormous and majestic that it looked as if a single forest had been born in the previously empty plain.
“—Wind Magic《Tausus Wine》!!”
Then, the magic name was announced from Rainer’s mouth.
Like missiles launching from a launchpad, countless wind greatswords ascended into the sky in succession.
“—!?”
Sensing the thousand released spells, Elfenries moved to intercept.
First, with a roar, he generated Dragon’s Wind to create a defensive wall.
Magic clashed with magic—a wind wall against wind swords—they struggled, and the blue sky distorted.
But no matter how long it took, Rainer’s magic could not break through the wall. His magic had certainly become many times stronger, but Rank 67 Elfenries was still above that.
As the wind swords shattered one after another upon hitting the wind wall, me and Rainer laughed, it was going according to plan.
The wind wall created by Elfenries was only formed downwards. His attention was undoubtedly directed at Rainer on the ground.
Rainer could not break through the wall. However, he had become an existence that Elfenries could not ignore. That moment was the opening—
“—《Default》《Distance Mute》!!”
After confirming the clash of magic, Rainer chanted magic far away and leaped, moving to Elfenries’s exposed back.
Then, without a moment’s delay, he thrust his right arm, which was emitting purple light, into Elfenries.
All that was left was to follow the same procedure as before.
This time, the attack came from completely outside his expectations. Furthermore, as it was the second time, his understanding of Elfenries had deepened.
Without giving him time to resist, I succeeded in extracting the Magic Stone from Elfenries.
“—Guh, Gaaaaaaa!!”
Listening to the second death cry, Elfenries vanished into light. Although my body was thrown into the air, I had no worries.
“—《Wine》”
Rainer, waiting below, created a wind cushion with magic. It was the same principle as the spoon levitation from before.
Thanks to his skillful magic power manipulation, I landed on the ground unscathed.
“Thank you, Rainer.”
“Phew… The plan was a success. I had prepared for various contingencies, but it went smoothly.”
“It’s thanks to the magic compatibility. Well, I learned both《Distance Mute》and《Tausus Wine》specifically for Elfenries, so it’s natural they work well against him.”
“With that 《Distance Mute》 magic, it seems like you won’t have trouble against large targets.”
We confirmed our gains, picked up the High Sky Beryl, proceeded across the grassland, and began climbing the unscathed central Spiral Staircase.
We also carefully checked the MP consumed.
The spells used this time were《Tausus Wine》《Default》《Distance Mute》each once. My MP consumption was about 200, and Rainer’s was about 50. It was significant to know that we could stably break through the 66th Floor with such minimal consumption.
As I continued talking with Rainer, I noted the numbers on my mental plan.
Then, after climbing the Spiral Staircase, we stopped just before the 65th Floor.
“—《Dimension》”
First, I expanded Dimensional Magic before entering.
This was to prevent being attacked by a large creature like Elfenries the moment we entered the 65th Floor.
However, it seemed that worry was unnecessary.
The structure of the 65th Floor was completely different from the 66th Floor.
The 66th Floor was a vast, empty layer, almost indistinguishable from the sky.
In contrast, the 65th Floor was packed.
The base was the same “sky” as the 66th Floor. However, the same stairs that we were standing on now were stretched out in all directions into the sky. Of course, they were not just Spiral Staircases.
There were stairs extending straight vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, as well as stairs drawn in curves.
The collection of these intricately interwoven stairs created a three-dimensional maze.
If one were to walk properly through that three-dimensional stair maze, it would undoubtedly take until sunset. The stairs were that complexly intertwined. However, with my ‘s’ ability to reconnoiter through《Dimension》, I would not get lost. By simply jumping from one Staircase to another, repeating shortcuts, I should reach the next Floor quickly.
That is, if we could ignore the monsters flying everywhere—
“It looks like a three-dimensional maze made only of stairs next… The path itself isn’t a problem, but I’m scared of the monsters flying around…”
“What kind of monsters are there?”
First, I confirmed their names by ‘gazing’ at them.
【Monster】Lizardflyer: Rank 61
These are lizards that hover freely in the sky, moving their fly-like wings at imperceptible speeds.
Their body length is about one meter. Compared to Elfenries’s size, they are quite small.
However, one cannot be careless. After all, their Rank is still in the 60s. Furthermore, their numbers are greater than Rainer’s magic earlier. At a glance, there are about ten flying within a one-kilometer diameter.
No matter how we walk on the 65th Floor, we are bound to be found by at least one Lizardflyer.
“There are a lot of flying lizards. They don’t have any particular features, but their Rank is very high.”
“Can’t gauge their strength by appearance, huh? Then, how about trying to fight just one head-on?”
“Hmm, is that the only way…”
Honestly, considering just their appearance, I felt like I could win.
When it came to Elfenries, I couldn’t imagine winning in a head-on battle. But with these guys, I think I could win with my sword alone.
Me and Rainer stepped into the 65th Floor in a combat stance.
There were no enemies in sight. Due to the structure, the Floor was full of gaps, but the stairs were so intertwined that we couldn’t see far into the distance.
We spotted a single Lizardflyer and attacked it together.
“Line up, Rainer!”
“Got it!”
We swung our swords at the Lizardflyer, which had been flying around aimlessly, sandwiching it.
Our sword slashes were sharp. After all, both Rainer and I possess skills comparable to a Sword Saint on the ground. And, though we wielded a different number of swords, our style was the same. Our breathing was perfectly synchronized.
We unleashed three attacks that should have been unavoidable for any creature—yet, the Lizardflyer dodged them with a casual flick of its body.
“Huh—?”
“What—!?”
The enemy’s movements weren’t particularly fast.
However, it weaved through the three blades with a natural movement, like a falling leaf.
It looked as though light feathers were being pushed aside by the excessive sword pressure.
But that was impossible.
Both Rainer and I were at the master level in terms of Skill values.
We could easily cut falling leaves or feathers. This meant the Lizardflyer hadn’t dodged using the sword pressure—it had seen us and moved its body to dodge.
“Thi-this guy!”
Realizing this, I instantly understood that the enemy was far superior to us.
There was likely a devastating difference in our Speed stats.
However, the Lizardflyer attacked without giving us time to think. It aimed for me, who was in front. Its movements were also a gentle sway, similar to a falling leaf.
I swung my sword to push it back, but the Lizardflyer dodged with the minimum necessary movement.
With a flick.
“W-woah—!”
Before I could even curse, the Lizardflyer slipped into my guard, and its thin, sharp wing brushed against my shoulder.
My body, which I wouldn’t normally let anyone—even a Guardian—touch so easily, was ripped open.
There was no pain.
My flesh parted without resistance, as if I had cut my finger on the edge of a piece of paper.
The wound was about two centimeters deep.
If it had aimed for my hand, it would have cut off two fingers at that depth.
Fresh blood spurted from the wound that had reached an artery.
My blood ran cold, and at the same time, I cried out in fear.
“Rainer! Blow this thing away right now!”
—If I had reacted even a moment later, my arm would have been severed.
Effortlessly.
In just a single breath.
Rainer must have realized that too. He unleashed a Wind Magic spell that consumed a large amount of magic power.
“—Zehr Wind!”
A gust of wind assaulted us. It was a torrent of wind that flying creatures like this, with wings, absolutely couldn’t ignore.
Therefore, both Rainer and I felt at ease. We thought we could create some distance for now.
However, our expectations were betrayed.
*Buun.*
The Lizardflyer made a sound by flapping its wings.
It wasn’t spoken words, but it was an Incantation and a Magic Declaration. Since Dimension could sense the Lizardflyer’s magic construction, we understood it.
Then, Rainer’s Zehr Wind was nullified by Magic Nullification. The soft wind generated from the Lizardflyer’s wings effortlessly erased the full-power wind magic.
Seeing this, I gave orders without hesitation.
“W-we can’t win! Let’s retreat!”
“R-roger!”
We retreated backward, trying to distance ourselves from the Lizardflyer.
However, the enemy wouldn’t allow it.
The Lizardflyer easily kept pace with our backstep, which was faster than any beast. Its movement, unlike the falling leaf, was an acceleration reminiscent of a fly.
Surprised by its change in pace, I instinctively swung my sword.
But it missed.
As if mocking us, the Lizardflyer passed by the side of my sword slash and attacked again, aiming to tear through my body once more.
With Dimension – Decisive Calculation, it was terrifying because I could see it. In a few more moments, my torso would be split in two. I understood that—
“—Zehr Wind!!”
Rainer, seeing my predicament, instantly cast a spell.
It was a remarkably crude magic construction, but by consuming one of his magic item rings, it managed to take the form of a gust of wind attack magic.
Towards that magic, the Lizardflyer again made its wings hum and condensed magic power.
However, the important thing here was that the Lizardflyer remained stationary during that time.
It was probably constructing Magic Nullification by vibrating its wings.
It likely couldn’t move and use Magic Nullification simultaneously.
“Rainer! Keep casting spells without stopping! They don’t need to be strong!”
“—Yeah! Wind, Wind, Wind!!”
Gales of wind, layered upon each other, raged, attempting to bind the Lizardflyer’s movements. The Lizardflyer diligently attempted to nullify them all by humming its wings.
The enemy’s movements were completely halted.
Seizing that opening, we fled with all our might.
Naturally, we kept that momentum and retreated all the way back to the 66th Floor.
After confirming we had lost the Lizardflyer on the spiral staircase of the 66th Floor, we collapsed.
“Haa, haa…! I almost died…!”
“Wh-what was that…? It was like our attacks didn’t work at all…”
Even though the fight lasted only a few seconds, we were still out of breath.
Our hearts pounded like thunder, and cold sweat dripped down.
We complained endlessly until our bodies calmed down.
“I owe my life to you, Rainer. If you hadn’t been there, I might have died.”
“No, I wish I could have reacted sooner… I was fooled by its appearance…”
And a few minutes later.
Thanks to our complaining, our thoughts began to clear.
“—Was that a monster specialized in evasion? It probably dodged our swords just by looking. Its body control is incredibly fast, and its eyesight is abnormal. It seems to have slipped through our sword defenses just by sight too.”
“And it invalidates simple magic— huh. It probably interferes if we try to cast a big spell. On top of that, it’s that fast. Even if we managed to cast a big spell, it would likely dodge it normally.”
“It’s like a wall of iron… And its attack power, which lightly tore my shoulder, shouldn’t be underestimated either.”
“Let’s get this wound healed quickly. —Divine Magic, Cure Cool.”
“Thanks, Rainer…”
“Yeah…”
After analyzing the Lizardflyer’s strength and treating my arm, we fell silent.
We had no choice.
We were no match for it.
We were simply outmatched in terms of specs.
The fact that the Distance Mute’s hidden technique doesn’t work this time is painful. After all, I can’t even touch it.
Facing the overwhelming strength of the enemy, my face naturally stiffens.
Rainer has the same expression as me.
A few silent minutes pass.
Rainer was the first to break the silence.
“Christ, we’re in trouble. The Boss Monster should reappear in the labyrinth in about an hour. We need to move before the dragon on the 66th Floor revives.”
“…I have no choice. Let’s proceed through the 65th Floor with a focus on escape. If that doesn’t work, we’ll have to prepare again.”
“Understood.”
“The plan is simple: use Dimension to map the shortest route from here to the 64th Floor. Then, just run. Rainer will use Wind Magic to distract and stop any Lizard Flyers that approach us. If anything unexpected happens, we retreat immediately. If we encounter any unconfirmed monsters, we retreat immediately. Let’s go with this.”
Rainer nods in agreement with this plan that has zero intent to fight.
Then, he immediately begins chanting a spell.
“—Dimension – Multiple Expansion!”
I release my Dimensional attribute magic, intending to fill the entire labyrinth, directing it towards the upper floors.
In response to this rough mana invasion, the Lizard Flyers on the 65th Floor attempt to use Magic Nullification. It seems they react to concentrated Dimension as well.
Although my Spatial Grasp is obstructed, this is good information. It means I have one more means of slowing them down.
Due to Magic Nullification, I can no longer perceive the Lizard Flyers scattered around the 65th Floor. However, by avoiding the enemies and extending Dimension – Multiple Expansion further, I manage to find the stairs to the 64th Floor—no, a large hole.
At the same time, I get a full picture of the 65th Floor.
The central area is composed solely of inorganic stone stairs. To the right, I enter an area with numerous waterfalls flowing from the sky. To the left, I enter an area with giant trees growing towards the sky.
In the waterfall area, there are eerie blue birds, and in the giant tree area, there are eerie insects. I’d rather not fight either of them.
The shortest route appears to be a path that stays near the giant tree area and ascends upwards.
Following that route, we will encounter a few Lizard Flyers, but we can only stop them with magic. It’s a hundred times better than fighting the unconfirmed birds and insects.
“Alright, I see the path. Rainer, run at full speed, okay?”
“I’m a Knight of Wind, you know. I’m confident in my speed.”
“Then let’s go…”
After steeling ourselves, we both start running again simultaneously.
No, “running” isn’t quite the right word. We advance through the three-dimensional stairs of the 65th Floor as if climbing a jungle gym.
By not using the stairs as stairs but as platforms for jumping, we shorten the path to our goal. Naturally, this forceful sprint alerts several surrounding monsters to our presence.
As expected, compared to the monsters on the lower floors, their range of perception is wider. It’s as if they can sense the movement of the wind.
“Two coming from behind!”
“Got it!”
If we misjudge the timing even once, we might have a limb severed. Although we still have trump cards, not all of them might work.
Amidst intense tension, as if we were fighting something more than just monsters, Rainer and I begin constructing our spells.
Then the Lizard Flyers, several times faster than us, rapidly close in from behind, weaving through the stairs that serve as obstacles. While amazed by their free and three-dimensional movements, we somehow manage to synchronize our timing.
“—Dimension!”
“—Wind!”
I focus my detection magic on a single point, and Rainer condenses and unleashes his Wind Magic.
Both are low-level spells. However, their magical power is too significant to ignore.
The Lizard Flyers’ movements abruptly stop just before they reach us.
It’s likely because they sensed the concentrated magical power. Their wing movements shift from tracking to incantation, initiating magical interception.
“Yes! We’ll hit them with magic and then escape!!”
“I know!!”
If it were two-on-one, I was considering having Rainer cast magic while I attacked them when they were immobile. But against two enemies, I don’t have that luxury. Besides, I don’t think I could defeat them with just that level of strategy.
Prioritizing safety, escape is the only option.
To escape from the enemies, we race up the aerial maze at full speed.
Though we managed to leave the previous two behind, numerous Lizard Flyers still exist ahead of us. The heart-stopping attacks by Lizard Flyers are far from over.
“—Dimension – Multiple Expansion!”
“—Acht Wind!”
The number of enemy attacks only increases. Gradually, our magic begins to lose its leeway.
Although we can sense the timing of the approaching Lizard Flyers with Dimension, the enemies rapidly closing in from all directions are still terrifying.
It feels like running through a rain of bullets.
With a constant stream of cold sweat, we stop all enemies one by one.
After a few minutes, the number of pursuing Lizard Flyers reaches double digits. No matter how many we stop, if we stop binding them with magic midway, they’ll just keep chasing, so the numbers naturally swell. It’s a kind of train effect.
However, thanks to our full-speed escape, we’ve managed to get close enough to reach the 64th Floor.
Upon confirming the 64th Floor with Dimension, I found no monsters waiting for us. Intending to escape there, we continue to run at full speed.
It reminds me of a sprint in a sports day. Except if we’re caught, we’ll die.
“Hrrrrrrnngh—!!”
“—Christ, synchronize with me! Iks Wind!!”
Wind explodes from behind.
I know the effect of that magic. And I also know its ridiculously excessive application. We gain propulsion from that explosion. Furthermore, the Lizard Flyers behind us are braced for the explosion.
It was the best magic to use when we were so close to our goal.
Thanks to Rainer’s skillful magic selection, we enter the hole in the ceiling leading to the 64th Floor.
Then, by crossing the floor boundary, all the Lizard Flyers chasing us come to a halt. It seems the rules from the lower floors also apply to the deeper floors.
Grateful to myself for creating the rule that monsters cannot act across floors, Rainer and I catch our breath on the 64th Floor.
“Hah, hah, hah…”
“Hah, hah, hah…”
Breathing heavily, Rainer and I exchange weak high-fives in silence.
That’s two floors cleared for now…
