We descend rapidly, defeating enemies as we go.
Anju, accustomed to this, skillfully maneuvers our bodies towards the enemies, allowing us to fight in a way that’s almost like moving with our own will, despite being in mid-air.
(However, it seems to get complicated and impossible if the party exceeds four people, excluding Anju.)
Considering this, what about increasing the party further?
Deru Deru Ecstasy is already acting as a separate unit, but their potential is still unknown.
There’s also the option of just letting the Princess Sisters have their fun alone, but in that state, they would be at a disadvantage in aerial combat.
(We could also ask a Succubus to carry us, but if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better for the Succubus to fight alone?)
We continue deeper, defeating noisy giant fly-like monsters among other things.
Around the number 150, we reach the midpoint. I’m sure it was around here… Ah, found it.
“Deles, look, a Perennial Herb.”
“Yes, it’s an ingredient for High-class Potions, isn’t it?”
“What should we do? Should we harvest it?”
“Indeed. I can identify them properly.”
That’s right, among the Perennial Herbs, there are similar plant monsters mixed in.
They are called Parasite Plants, and they mimic Perennial Herbs to bloom.
They are troublesome enemies that stealthily plant seeds on people or monsters that approach them, and then parasitize them.
It’s manageable if caught immediately, but if they completely enter the body, they can even control the brain.
(Fortunately, they don’t seem to want to leave the Dungeon.)
Conversely, it means becoming unable to leave, with everything but the skin and brain turning into plants, which is a terrifying thought.
“Then, let’s harvest lightly, being careful of the flying seeds.”
“Clarice, please keep watch. Let me know if any seeds fly towards us.”
“Understood.”
I’m used to this sort of thing from Milishitan Continent, dealing with Komomo and Metal Komomo.
First, the Perennial Herb. It would be difficult to collect if it were just clinging to a cliff normally.
It’s deeply rooted and strong, so you could easily fall if you yank it out with too much force.
(The party from before was probably after this material too.)
The collected Item Bag probably contains Perennial Herbs.
No matter how many expensive materials you obtain, it’s no use if you die.
Ah, there they are, the Parasite Plants that have infected them. Be careful of the seeds…
“Hyaa!”
I maintained my distance and thrust my sword, piercing the bulb at its base. It withered and died in an instant.
Apparently, they sometimes scatter seeds when they die, so you have to be careful. Anju is already efficiently dispatching them with the Scythe of Death.
“I’ll get rid of the Parasites first!”
With this much distance, it should be safe. She’s been cutting them down one after another.
After finishing and confirming there were none left, I can proceed into that area without hesitation…
That method is good too. Nina is powerfully smashing through walls with her Berserk Sword, creating a clear path.
“Nina, aren’t you perhaps making resting spots too?”
“Well, I suppose it could serve as a base for adventurers who come to collect Perennial Herbs by climbing the walls.”
Even so, we still have a boss to defeat.
What will happen to the Perennial Herbs then?
I hope only the Parasite Plants are reduced.
(Those adventurers, the last woman said “Thank you.”)
Given the time, the only way to save her would have been with an Elixir.
Even I can’t afford to use such an expensive item, nor do I have enough.
But Nina’s decisive slash might have been to prevent me from having any strange hesitations.
“Oh, Anju has a seed on her.”
“Really?”
“It seems the seeds scattered more than expected when you defeated the one up high.”
Clarice batted it off Anju’s Sexy Panther Robe with her staff.
Apparently, if you touch it carelessly, tentacles from the seed might wrap around your hand and burrow in.
If caught quickly, it can be peeled off with Purification Magic or something similar, but I heard at the Guild that it’s excruciatingly painful.
“Alright, I think that’s enough for now.”
Having harvested hundreds of Perennial Herbs, we descend further.
The enemies here are things like Giant Spider Poison and Darkness Slug. At this point, those who descended by climbing the cliff wouldn’t be able to proceed.
(Around the point where we passed 200, it’s another checkpoint.)
Although, it’s just a resting spot for Tim Monsters.
There’s water flowing like a waterfall in the back, but I still don’t feel like drinking it.
In fact, it seems like no one has come here for a long time, perhaps years, decades.
(The ones after Perennial Herbs don’t come this far.)
So, we just observed the situation and largely passed through to 250.
And at 300, the writing is scrawled. Indeed, there are many enemies.
However, Clarice and Anju’s area-of-effect magic is too overpowered…
(Well, we can pick up Magic Stones and materials at the bottom, can’t we?)
I thought that was my mistake.
“Alright, we’re finally at the bottom of the hole.”
At Nina’s voice, Clarice illuminated the lowest level. I got goosebumps all over my body at the writhing swarm that filled it!
“Whoa, what is this?”
“Lord Derus, it’s a swarm of Giant Termites.”
“Whoa, they’re munching on Magic Stones.”
It seems like they’ll eat and devour anything that falls from above.
It’s truly hell.
“Shall we wipe them out with magic?”
“Hmm, they have resistance to Light Magic and Fire Magic.”
Anju’s appraisal is never wrong.
“Then what should we do? Even the Berserk Sword might get gnawed on.”
“Indeed. Magic other than Light and Fire.”
“I’ll try! Tei tei tei tei tei!”
Saying that, Anju unleashes the ‘Ice’ spell she just learned without a chant!
The ice embeds itself into the targets, defeating them or freezing them. Yes, it’s very effective.
“Then, I’ll unleash my attack! Eーーーーi!!”
Thus, although it took time,
it seems all the termites writhing at the bottom have been defeated.
“Alright, I’ll clear the way. I’m in front of the door.”
Using Dig Hole, I create a hole and bury the corpses in front of the Boss Room.
It’s a bit of a waste of Magic Stones and such, but there are still plenty left, so it’s fine.
“Now, let’s tackle the boss. Are you ready?”
We nod at Nina’s question.
And when we opened the door, what was inside was…
“Thi-this, this is—!!”
A giant, pure white termite.
Its name was ‘Holy Giant Termite’!!
(Why is that… Is it because it’s so beautiful? I don’t feel like defeating it!!)
