Chapter 83 - Chapter 83: A Troublesome Floor
To search for and rescue Iroha's younger sister, I am diving into the dungeon alongside the Princesses.
Sana, who joined at the last minute, is with us, and she has already leveled up.
Even though I am helping, isn't the pace too fast?
Although my level is high, I, a novice when it comes to dungeons, think so, but it seems the veteran Iroha shares the same opinion.
Could it be... that Sana possesses some kind of skill or something?
In fantasies and games, there are types that can acquire a lot of experience points or grow rapidly.
There is a possibility of something similar...
Setting that aside, encountering Wraiths suggests this is equivalent to Floor 6.
Digging below Floor 6 and finding Floor 6 is something that can normally happen in this twisted dungeon.
Conversely, one might reach an incredibly high-level floor.
After all, this place was not made to entertain adventurers.
If anything, if such a game existed, it would undoubtedly fall into the "crappy game" genre.
After we defeated the pack of Wraiths we encountered immediately, we tried to move to another location—but.
I noticed something lying in the corner of the room.
I checked for traps before approaching and confirmed the object.
"A sword and a staff..."
Judging from that fantasy-style design, it must be a drop item from the dungeon.
"Is that a drop item?"
Iroha peered in from the side, seemingly interested.
"I think the sword has been used quite a bit, so it probably wasn't dropped here."
"...Indeed, there are many scratches..."
"The staff also has a sticker on it, so these items definitely had an owner."
It was dark and I couldn't tell, but armor and boots were also lying a short distance away.
"..."
The Princess and Iroha realized the implication and fell silent.
"Ah, um! Does that mean the previous owner was here...?"
Koeda raised her hand.
So, after being defeated here, bodies and equipment brought from outside were absorbed, leaving only the drop items... is that it?
"Hey, Iroha."
"...What is it, Darling?"
"If we can make it to Floor 6, I think you need a certain level, but aren't those mole-like creatures that high level?"
"No, that's not it. They must have hired high-level adventurers to get here. Something like dividing the treasure found here..."
"I see..."
There is no point in indulging in sentimentality.
This is a dungeon without mercy.
"Does anyone want to use this sword?"
Since the armor is for men, it won't fit the women.
It looks like it would hinder my movement, so I don't want to equip it either.
"..."
It seems neither the Princess nor Iroha is interested.
"For now, let's keep it as a spare. If it has some kind of enchantment, that would be great... I'll give it to the Princess then."
For now, the trouble is that I don't know what kind of weapon it is until I try using it.
"Understood—Darling, what about the staff?"
"What about the mage girls? How about it? There might be some powerful enchantment on it?"
"There are people who use staves like that. Many have effects where power and mana consumption fluctuate slightly... plus there are often restrictions..."
Koeda is negative about it.
I think even a few percent adds up to quite a lot.
Then there are rings and anklets, stacking them...
"Then, may I take it?"
Since Sana said she would use it, I handed it over.
"I hope it's some super high-performance staff."
"Yes!"
She is very happy.
"I haven't heard rumors about such things..."
Kaorulko also has a somewhat poor reaction.
Speaking of which, the female mage of the Golden Path—was it Mikan? She was holding a staff.
"There are mages holding staves. So it must have a meaning, right?"
"It seems some people find it easier to aim."
"There are also people who are fine without them..."
"Yes."
Still, there isn't some legendary weapon or something like that, is there?
"It's not a weapon, but if we're talking about the most brokenly powerful item, it's the Elixir."
"Yes."
"If a weapon as powerful as an Elixir drops, we could clear this place in no time. Do you think the owner of this crappy dungeon would release such a thing?"
"Princess, such vulgar language..."
The Princess ignores Kaorulko's scolding.
It's amazing that even vulgar words become accessories for a beauty.
Hmm, should I bow my hand to the tombstone?
I hesitate a bit—but they haven't been confirmed dead yet... no, the possibility of them being alive is low...
When everyone left the room where the battle ended, we were greeted by a straight corridor.
Up, down, left, and right were made of stone.
"It has the atmosphere of a trap..."
"As Darling says—we should proceed with caution."
"But if I use my Item Box, it's a breeze."
I take rubble out of the Item Box a little ahead.
If there is a trap, it should react to this.
Projectiles, pits, falling ceilings—most of them are likely the type that reacts to weight.
"Nothing."
Iroha muttered.
"If we repeat this, we can clear it in no time, right?"
"That's a trick only Darling can pull off."
"Haha, well, yes."
While walking, I inject mana into a Magic Stone that is just barely fitting in my palm—a large one.
If I swing this and hit it, won't it deal massive damage to enemies?
"Darling, what are you going to do with such a huge Magic Stone?"
Iroha peered in at the stone glowing blue in the center.
"I thought that if there is more mana in the Magic Stone, the power would increase."
"Is that how it works?"
"For example, a Lich or No Life King like the boss of Wraiths..."
As we were talking like that, the corridor began to fill with cold air.
Since it is narrower than before, it cools down rapidly.
"Darling-san, this might be flag collection..."
"Iroha-san~ Koeda-chan is saying something bad."
"I think what Koeda says is right too."
"Seriously~"
As white mist began to drift in the darkness, an eerie voice echoed in the narrow corridor.
While groaning at how quickly the flag was collected, I started recording the video.
"Hehehehehe" "Hehe"
"Again, Wraiths!"
"But, Darling! Wraiths are a walk in the park!"
"For me and the Princess, no matter how many Wraiths we defeat, it makes no difference."
"That's right..."
Kaorulko also sighed.
"Maybe this is a floor where they overwhelm you with numbers to wear you down."
"That's troublesome too!"
The Princess made a bored expression.
Especially if mages use their magic here, they will run out of gas when stronger enemies appear next time.
"Mages, please conserve your magic."
"Y-yes!" "Yes!"
Responses came from Koeda and Sana.
Kaorulko naturally understands the situation.
"Yaaa!" "Oraaa!"
Immediately, the Princess and Iroha are scattering the Wraiths.
We have already completely figured out the strategy, so it has become mere routine work.
It might be good for gaining experience points...
"By the way."
Let's try the sword we just got.
If some kind of enchantment is applied, it should deal damage to Wraiths.
I take the sword out of my Item Box and charge at the white mist-like monster.
"Toh!"
Jumping, I flash horizontally through the darkness.
Along with the sensation of something being sucked from the hilt, the monster is enveloped in pale blue lightning.
It feels unlike anything before.
"Gyaaaaa!"
The Wraiths scream in agony and scatter from my attack.
From the look of it, I saw something like lightning, so it seems to have an electric-type enchantment.
Upon landing, I look at the sword—the feeling of being sucked seems similar to a Magic Stone.
Could it be a type that charges mana into the sword?
"Mun!"
I concentrate my spirit and send what is overflowing from my body into the sword from my palm.
It is hard to explain with words, but it feels like my body and the sword are connected.
After a while, it feels full.
"But, how do I use this? Swing it?"
For now, I hold it with both hands and raise it above my head.
I think I've seen this pose in a movie poster somewhere.
"How about it?!"
I was half-doubting it myself, but the sword began to glow.
"Eh?! Princess! Iroha! Step back!"
"!" "What?!"
When the two retreated from the battlefield, a flash was released from the sword held above my head.
Pale blue lightning released from the sword's tip tore through the darkness, gushing out while drawing sharp chains.
That light instantly illuminated the surroundings, a roar like thunder shook the air, and the lightning writhed like a living creature.
It rushed forward one after another toward the monsters at the speed of a gale, and sharp flashes enveloped the enemies.
It's a total annihilation.
"Darling!" "This is Chain Lightning, isn't it!"
As Iroha shouted, it was very similar to the magic Kaorulko used before.
"Hee~!"
I, who used it, was the most surprised.
The monsters are all wiped out in one shot.
I couldn't use magic, but it seems I can use magic with this sword.
"Darling is amazing!" "Daisuke-san!"
Koeda and Sana seem to be shouting, but I can't hear them well.
Since I used magic in this narrow corridor, my ears are ringing.
"Darling!"
The Princess jumped at me, so I tried to hand over the sword.
"If it is such a powerful sword, the Princess should hold it."
"How do you use it?"
"It seems you just need to put mana into the sword."
"Hmm... Then I don't think I can use it. I cannot put as much mana into it as Darling."
"I think Darling probably has mana equivalent to a high-level mage?"
I asked Iroha back.
"But you can't use magic?"
"Well, that's how it is. Hahaha."
What a troublesome specification.
I thought that, but I realized that if there is some kind of catalyst, I can use magic.
For example, if there is a fire-attribute enchanted weapon, I must be able to use fire-type magic...
Perhaps the previous owner of this one used it as a weapon where cutting it deals a little lightning damage...
Well, it has a use.
If I give it to a mage who only has fire-type magic, they can convert their mana into lightning attacks, expanding the range of attacks.
While everyone was chatting excitedly about equipment, the air began to cool down again.
"Hey hey, Wraiths again?"
Iroha looks a bit exasperated—but the situation is different from before.
A heavy presence spreads throughout the space, invisible but felt by the skin.
It feels as if countless fine dust particles are drifting in the air, blocking life and stagnating.
Unlike simple silence, a faint sound like tinnitus mixes in, bringing an uncomfortable sensation where the surrounding air is abnormally cold and sticks to you.
Things in the field of vision appear distorted, and you are overcome with the illusion that depth and distance sense are off.
"No, something is wrong?!"
"As Darling says! Be on guard!"
As the Princess's words echoed in the corridor, anxiety and vigilance became reality.
The space splits in a cross shape, cutting through the pitch-black darkness.
Sharp light overflows, and a strange presence appears from the depths of the rift.
That presence wears a long, heavy robe, and even though there is no wind, it slowly flutters in the space.
The robe is a deep black-purple color, with golden embroidery on the edges, and eerie patterns float up.
"Hey, that's a Lich!"
"Lich?!"
Probably, Iroha has never seen this one.
"The Lich was guarding the mid-boss of Floor 7."
"Floor 7?!"
It is no wonder she is surprised.
Since so many Wraiths appeared, I thought this was equivalent to Floor 6.
Moreover, this is not the middle of a mid-boss battle.
A normal, unremarkable corridor.
Since a powerful monster appeared there, this one is quite troublesome.
The monster's head is a bone without flesh, yet unnaturally perfectly formed.
Dark abysses spread in the eye sockets, leaking a faint purple light from the inside.
The teeth are sharpened to a razor's edge, appearing to smile—but probably a mockery against foolish intruders.
"Compressed Light Bullet! Strike my enemy! 《Magic Missile》"
Suddenly, a light bullet was fired from behind toward the Lich.
Facing a powerful enemy, one cannot turn around, but that voice was Sana's.
"Mwooo"
With an eerie growl, the magic she released was deflected.
Light particles spilled in a parabolic shape into the darkness, scattering on the floor and rolling around.
It is a defensive magic.
Seeing that, the Princess shouts.
"Mages! Fire light magic continuously! We will somehow try to flank them!"
"Yes!"
Defensive magic can only be released in a certain direction.
For example, if released to the front, the back is wide open, but since this is a narrow corridor, flanking is difficult.
Slipping past the Lich to get behind it is quite difficult.
"Strike my enemy! 《Magic Missile》"
Multiple magic arrows released from three mages head toward the Lich.
Of course, it will be blocked, but that is when my attack comes in.
"Summon Scaffolding!"
Broken scaffolding weighing several tons crashes down above the Lich's head.
"Mwooo!"
Perhaps judging that the scaffolding attack would deal more damage than the light bullets, it used defensive magic to block the scaffolding.
"Oga!" "Yeah!"
In unison, the Princess and Iroha slip past the Lich's sides and launch their attacks.
"Mugwao!"
Being cut on both sides with magical weapons, the monster seems to have taken damage.
Did its concentration break? The enemy's defensive magic disappears, and it is crushed under the scaffolding.
Since the ground is made of stone, no dust flies up.
During the Princesses' attacks, I was charging mana into the sword.
"Take this! Super Ultimate! Namu Thunder!"
A flash gushes from the sword held high with both hands toward the enemy.
Sharp flashes aim at the enemy's direction and dash through the air in an instant.
That light tears through the darkness in a moment, and a roar shaking the air follows.
Along with the scent of ozone, the Lich is surrounded by pale blue plasma together with the scaffolding I summoned.
"Did it work?!"
Well, the rule is that when those words come out, it hasn't worked yet.
Wrapped in smoke and the smell of burning, is this its last struggle—as it charges toward us.
"Strike my enemy! 《Magic Missile》"
Ignoring Kaorulko's light bullets, the monster rushes straight toward the mages.
It seems the enemy's target is Sana or Koeda.
"Damn it!"
Did it aim for the weakest mage to die together with them?
Or is it taking them as hostages?
My reaction is slow, and it doesn't seem like the attack will arrive in time, but then—Sana's scream echoed.
"Kyaaaaa!"
"Sana!"
The staff she swung hit the Lich's skull directly.
Just like a home run ball, the monster's head flew off, colliding with the dungeon wall.
Like a rubber ball, it repeated collisions before rolling onto the floor.
"Gyaaaaa!"
With the Lich's scream, blue flames spouted from the eye sockets which were nothing but black holes.
After that continued for a few seconds—simultaneously with the sudden silence, Sana's body begins to glow.
Level up.
"What, did that girl defeat it?"
Iroha, carrying the sword on her shoulder, came to me.
"Could a critical hit have occurred?"
If it is a dungeon like a game, a critical hit seems possible.
"Haha—maybe..."
"Or, maybe that staff was actually a blunt weapon?"
"Hahaha! That's also possible. Or maybe it was both."
Iroha laughs heartily.
"What is that woman..."
The Princess also came over, looking dumbfounded at Sana.
It is because she is leveling up consecutively.
"Hmm, maybe—Sana has extremely high Luck or Fortune stats?"
Since I cannot see individual status, I don't know what parameters exist, but it wouldn't be strange to have a Fortune stat.
If it is game-like, it is an important element.
"I see—Fortune stat—Speaking of which, our guild has a girl who pulls items incredibly well."
Iroha also seems to feel the existence of such parameters.
Well, there are people who are incredibly lucky in reality too.
"Then, if there is a treasure chest, maybe we should have Sana open it."
"Darling, isn't the content of the treasure chest decided from the start? Because it is right in front of your eyes?"
"No, there might be a possibility that it is transferred from somewhere at the moment of opening? Actually, at Iroha's place, there seems to be a girl who pulls good items consecutively."
"Uuu... it might just be a coincidence..."
I understand the Princess's opinion.
For example, even if you open it normally or smash it, is the content the same?—Something like that.
I thought about smashing it—but considering various things, the item rank might be downgraded.
Only the person who made this dungeon knows the truth.
While talking about parameters, it seems Sana's level up has finished.
"Sana, you did it."
"Yes!"
"How many levels?"
"I reached Level 34!"
"Ugh!"
A voice unintentionally leaked from the Princess.
Probably, Sana, whom she looked down on, is steadily approaching her own level.
She might be feeling some kind of incomprehensible terror.
Setting the Princess aside, a black robe-like thing remains where the Lich was.
There might be a drop item.
From under the tattered black cloth, a gorgeous cloth emerged.
Holding it up—
"A black dress..."
It has gold thread embroidery and is quite flashy.
Since Sana delivered the final blow, it might have changed into an item for women.
Speaking of which, when Kaorulko delivered the final blow to the Lich, I feel something suited to her came out too.
"Darling, is it some kind of magic equipment?"
As Iroha said, it dropped from the monster that was the mid-boss of Floor 7—probably, that is it.
"Sana, this is probably amazing equipment? Try wearing it?"
"W, was it me?!"
"Because you delivered the final blow."
"By the way, the Empress is also wearing a drop item from a Lich. It has magic resistance, and automatic recovery of stamina and mana."
"So that's it?! That Breast-Curtain Dress came from a Lich?!"
"Uu... stop calling it Empress and Breast-Curtain Dress..."
Kaorulko looks embarrassed, but in this dungeon, equipment performance takes priority over shame.
After all, lives are at stake.
"Hmm."
Sana stares intently at the black dress.
"To catch up to the Princess, equipment is important too."
"I'll wear it!"
Sana, who was hesitating a bit, answered immediately to my words.
"Darling! Which side are you on, Darling!"
"Of course, the Princess—but as an adventurer senior, I want juniors to become strong too. Since a Lich appeared here, it doesn't mean worse enemies won't appear later."
Even if I say senior, it is only a little bit.
"As Darling says, Cherry Princess."
"Uuu."
Whether she agrees or not with Iroha's words, the Princess has a complicated expression.
Since Sana is changing clothes, I took out a blanket from the Item Box.
I ask Koeda to hold it and hide her.
"How is it, Sana?"
"A, um..."
She is still hiding behind the blanket, fidgeting.
"Doesn't it fit?"
"N, no, it fits perfectly... but really, like this?"
I understood from her words.
The rule of this dungeon where the higher the performance of the item, the more revealing the outfit becomes.
"Well, I won't force you. Do whatever you like—but that equipment is definitely high performance."
"In this dungeon, the better the equipment, the weirder the outfit—ahaha."
Iroha is laughing, but it seems she thought the same.
"Uu..."
Sana comes out from behind the blanket.
What she equipped is a black Breast-Curtain Dress covered in gold thread embroidery and lace.
The contrast between the blackness of the cloth and the whiteness of her thighs and lower breasts is wonderful.
Is it Gothic something?
"Ah, so that's the type~"
"Ahaha, erotic equipment with the Empress! It seems it will be popular with the men!"
"Mumum..."
In contrast to Iroha laughing, the Princess has a difficult face.
Well, for me, it is a feast for the eyes—but.
Here, while laughing is fun, I don't know what lies ahead.
We decided to proceed further.