They continued their conquest of the Dungeon.
After passing through the quagmire level, they had now advanced to the fiftieth level. They had already lost their sense of time, they had no idea how many days had passed since they started on this journey. Despite that, they were progressing at an astonishing pace. All this while, they had gone through deathmatches against several magic beasts that could only be described as unreasonably strong.
For example, on a level that was completely covered by thin poisonous fog, they were attacked by a two meter long rainbow-colored frog with poisonous spit and then there was a moth (with outer appearance like that of Mothra) that released paralyzing scales. If it was not for the Sacred Water, they might have already died several times over, simply from exploring the Dungeon.
The iridescent frog's poison directly affects the nervous system of its target, and it made them experience a pain similar to when they first ate magic beasts' meat. They would have died if not for Kaori's healing magic and the sacred water they had prepared in advance, behind their molars. The thing they placed at their molars was a small container made from a very thin layer of stone, which makes it easily crushable with the teeth. It was really fortunate that Hajime and Tanaka had this prepared in case of emergencies.
Naturally, they had ate both of them. They were a bit reluctant when it came to eating the moth especially Kaori as she couldn't handle the sight of an insect, but in order to strengthen themselves, they could only steel themselves to eat it. They felt it was somewhat frustrating that it was a bit more delicious than the frog.
Furthermore, despite being in an underground labyrinth, there was a level which appeared to be a dense forest. The immensely dense humidity made it the most uncomfortable place up till date. This level's magic beasts include giant centipedes and trees.
They were traversing through the jungle when a giant centipede suddenly fell from the treetops. As expected, Hajime and Kaori felt extremely nauseated at the sight of it, and started to develop goose bumps all over their body, although in Tanaka's case he gott used to it faster than the two. Moreover, this centipede was a type of magic beast that attacks by detaching its body into several parts, fighting one of them was like fighting thirty black cockroaches in the kitchen. At first, Hajime tried to fight them off by continuously shooting with Donner and Tanaka slashing everything into pieces with Kaori supporting with barrier and light magic as offense, but the numbers were too overwhelming. It would take a lot of time to reload, so Hajime decided to switch over to 【Air Claw】 and tear them apart directly. Hajime even had to resort to kicking, which he was unused to, and Tanaka punching or defending with his limbs, it was literally a desperate fight for their life. It was at this time that Hajime decided to hone his quick reloading skills and brush up on his kicking techniques. While bathed in the purple fluids from the torn centipede, they heaved a disappointed sigh.
Incidentally, the tree magic beast were similar to Treants in RPG games. Its subterranean roots would suddenly attack from underground and also acted like whips to lash at enemies. However, the greatest trait of these treant-like creatures were not these kind of trivial attacks. When these magic beasts sensed danger, they would fling the red fruits that were hanging on their branches. There was absolutely zero offensive power, so they tried eating the fruit. Following that, they just stood there, paralyzed, for more than ten minutes. It was not due to poison or anything. Rather, it was ridiculously delicious. The deliciously juicy red fruit was more like a watermelon than an apple.
It completely blew away the unpleasantness they felt from this level, or rather, they had temporarily forgotten their dungeon conquest. It was the only thing they had eaten other than monster meat over this long duration. Their eyes completely turned into those of a hunter, and vigorously hunt down those treant-like preys. By the time they were satisfied and continued their labyrinth capturing, the treant-like creatures were already on the brink of extinction.
Pushing on through the dungeon with such feelings, before they knew it, they were already on the fiftieth level, and yet there was still no end in sight. By the way, Their current status was…
Nagumo Hajime 17 Year old Male
Class: Synergist Level: 49
Strength: 880 Vitality: 970
Resistance: 860 Agility: 1040
Magic Power: 760 Magic Resistance: 760
Skills:
Transmutation [+Mineral Appraisal] [+Precise Transmutation] [+Mineral Investigation] [+Mineral Separation] [+Mineral Fusion] [+Replicate Transmutation] • Magic Manipulation • Iron Stomach • Lightning Clad • Divine Step [+Aerodynamic] [+Ground Shrink] [+Grand Kick] • Air Claw • Night Vision • Farsight • Presence Perception • Magic Perception • Hide Presence • Poison Resistance • Paralysis Resistance • Petrification Resistance • Language Comprehension
Tanaka Taiyo 17 Year old Male
Class: Synergist Level: 48
Strength: 470 Vitality: 570
Resistance: 400 Agility: 590
Magic Power: 500 Magic Resistance: 500
Skills:
Transmutation [+Mineral Appraisal] [+Precise Transmutation] [+Mineral Investigation] [+Mineral Separation] [+Mineral Fusion] • Magic Manipulation • Iron Stomach • Lightning Clad [+Lightning Flash] [+Lightning Stun] [+Lightning Bolt] • Divine Step [+Aerodynamic] [+Ground Shrink] [+Grand Kick] • Air Claw • Night Vision • Farsight • Presence Perception • Magic Perception • Hide Presence • Poison Resistance • Paralysis Resistance • Petrification Resistance • Language Comprehension
Shirasaki Kaori 17 Year old Female
Class: Priest Level: 75
Strength: 450 Vitality: 560
Resistance: 440 Agility: 450
Magic Power: 700 Magic Resistance: 700
Skills:
Recovery Magic Affinity [+Improved Proficiency] [+Increased Casting Speed] [+Image Supplementation] [+Piercing Spell] [+Remote Heal] [+Improved Status Effect Recovery] [+Reduced Mana Consumption] [+Improved Mana Efficiency] [+Chain Casting] [+Multicasting] [+Spell Retention] [+Effect Multiplication] • Light Magic Affinity • High Speed Mana Recovery [+Meditation] • Magical Diagnostics • Magic Manipulation • Iron Stomach • Lightning Clad [+Lightning Fist]• Divine Step [+Aerodynamic] [+Ground Shrink] [+Grand Kick] • Air Claw • Night Vision • Farsight • Presence Perception • Magic Perception • Hide Presence • Poison Resistance • Paralysis Resistance • Petrify [+Petrification Resistance] • Language Comprehension
They were currently at the base they created on the 50th level, Hajime and Tanaka actively refining their transmutation, as well as their fighting techniques. In reality, they had already discovered the stairs to the lower level, but the reason they chose to stop here was because this place was clearly unusual.
It was an indescribably eerie space. At the end of the path of this empty space, there were three meter tall double doors with impressively adorned decorations. On the flanks of the doors were two one-eyed giant sculptures, with half of their bodies embedded within the walls, as if they were enshrined there.
They felt chills running down their spine the moment they set foot in there, the danger making them retreat temporarily. Naturally, they had no intention of avoiding it after putting their preparations in order. There was finally a "change", it was out of the question to not investigate.
They were filled with both expectations and dread. They were positive that the moment they opened these doors, there would be some sort of calamity or disaster awaiting them. Yet, however, at the same time, it also gave off the feeling that they could finally see a fresh breeze blowing.
"It's just like Pandora's box… I wonder, what kind of thing will it hold?" [Hajime]
"...Well, is it a calamity or hope?" [Tanaka]
"I sure...want it to be a hope. Being in this dungeon just gives me anxiety, so I really want it to be hopeful." [Kaori]
"Damn right." [Tanaka]
Checking the fighting techniques, weapons, as well as the skills they currently possessed one by one, they confirmed that they were in perfect condition. Completing their preparations, they all readied themselves. They had already made up their resolution a long time ago. However, there was no harm in repeating it again. Hajime dived into his innermost depths, and voiced his oath.
"We will survive and return home. Japan, home… We will go back. Any obstacles shall become our enemies. And enemies, I… kill!" [Hajime]
Hajime opened his eyes with the usual fearless smile on his face. And Kaori, seeing that fearless smile, acknowledges in kind as she resolves herself.
They vigilantly advanced and arrived in front of the door without any incident. On a closer look, they noticed the decorations were even more extravagant than they originally thought. At the center, they realized that there were two magic formations that were drawn in the recesses.
"…? I don't understand. I've studied quite a lot, but… I have never seen these formulas before." [Hajime]
"Same here, it's hard to even recognize what these magic formulas means." [Kaori]
"...A seal, maybe...?" [Tanaka]
"All the more mysterious, we don't really know what it is." [Hajime]
When Hajime and Tanaka were being called incompetent, they focused on expanding their knowledge to make up for their low abilities. Naturally, they couldn't have learned all there is to know, but even so, it was strange that they were completely unable to recognize any of the formulas that make up this magic formation.
"Could it be… from an old system?" [Hajime]
"Might be...?" [Tanaka]
While they were guessing, they inspected the door, but they still couldn't understand anything. Not meaning anything in particular, they were on high alert as they checked for traps, but it does not seem like they would be able to decipher these with their current level of knowledge.
"It can't be helped. Let's just pass through with transmutation as usual." [Hajime]
"Agreed." [Tanaka]
No matter how much they pushed or pulled the door, it still didn't budge. Thus, they attempted to force their way through with transmutation.
They then placed their hands on the door and began to transmute. However, just as they were about to start transmuting. Crack! Crack!
"Uwa?!" [Hajime]
"Ack!?" [Tanaka]
"Shirasaki-san, please heal!" [Hajime]
"Okay!" [Kaori]
A red electrical discharge ran through the door and repelled Hajime and Tanaka's hand. Their hands were releasing smoke. Cursing, they were both healed by Kaori to recover. Immediately after, an unusual event occurred.
Oooooooooh!
Suddenly, a deep roar resonated in the entire room. They took some distance from the door by backstepping. Hajime dropped his hand to his waist, touching the horizontal holster, ready to draw and shoot at any time immediately. Tanaka having his hand on the handle of Honoikazuchi ready to unsheath at any time.
While the cries continued to echo throughout the room, the true identity of the voice started to move.
"Well, this is a cliche among cliches." [Hajime]
Muttering while smiling bitterly to himself, the walls around where the two one-eyed giants were engraved beside the door started to crumble. Before he knew it, the grayish skin that resembled the wall had turned dark green.
"They're alive!?" [Tanaka]
The one-eyed giants looked exactly like the cyclops that appeared in fantasies. They were holding four meter long greatswords that appeared out of nowhere in their hands. Trying to forcefully free their bodies which were still half buried in order to eliminate the untactful trespasser, they turned their sights towards them.
At that moment, Dopan!
With a terrific cannon roar, an electromagnetically accelerated bullet made from Taur Stone pierced through the right cyclops' only eye, and blew its brain out. After penetrating through the back of cyclops' head, the bullet continued on and pulverized the wall behind it. The cyclops at the left side could only stare blankly at the neighboring cyclops. The shot cyclops twitched twice before its body started to collapse forward. The impact caused by its huge body shook the entire room, raising thick clouds of dust.
"Sorry, I'm not the type of antagonist who would read the atmosphere and wait for you." [Hajime]
"Damn, no hesitation." [Tanaka]
That was an outright devious attack! No, considering the hell they had experienced, that was only a natural reflex. Still… cyclops (right) was a little too pitiful.
They were probably sealed here as gatekeepers. It is safe to say that there had never been any visitors to this place, which was even deeper than the abyss of the Dungeon. Who knows, maybe his(?) heart was filled with joy at the fact that the time to fulfil its responsibilities was finally here.
Their long awaited appearance did not even reach the point where it was able to see who its opponent was, before the all important cyclops head was completely blown into smithereens. If you couldn't call this pitiful, then what would be considered pitiful?
Cyclops (left) turned its sight towards Hajime with a horrified expression. Its eye seemed to be saying "What did this guy just do?!" Cyclops (left) glared at Hajime without moving. It had no knowledge of Hajime's weapon, the gun, thus it warily lowered its waist to prepare for any sudden movements as it continued to stare at them. Ten seconds, twenty seconds… They remained unmoving no matter how much time passed. Cyclops (left) lost its patience, and it let out a mighty roar as it stepped forward.
Immediately after, Cyclops (left) dived face first into the ground. The moment it took a step forward, it lost its balance and fell as though all its strength had left it. Cyclops (left) did not understand the situation, as it raged to get up, but was unable to muster any strength. Tanaka slowly approached the struggling cyclops which was letting out a low growl. The steady footsteps were like a countdown. Stopping before the fallen Cyclops (left)'s eye, Tanaka raised his sword overhead in front of the Cyclops' (left) head. Then without any hesitation, he slashed down.
Zzt! Swish!
The Lightning coated blade echoed across the entire room. However, an unexpected event happened. Cyclops' (left)'s body seemed to glow for a split second, and following that, the blade which scored a direct hit was repelled by the skin.
"Oh? He blocked it." [Tanaka]
They guessed that it must have used its Unique Magic. The Cyclops' Unique Magic appears to increase its defense significantly.
The fallen Cyclops (left) which was lying face-down curved its lips as though ridiculing them. Tanaka paid no heed as he removed the blade and sent a kick towards Cyclops (left)'s head.
Using 【Grand Kick】, Tanaka's kick traced an arc as beautiful as the Kicking Rabbit's and completely flipped Cyclops' (left) face-up. Then, he once again pushed the muzzle towards the Cyclops's exposed eye.
Tanaka felt like the Cyclops was trying to say "W-Wait a moment!" but he simply ignored it and slashed Honoikazuchi. As expected, the strengthening did not affect the eye, the balde easily penetrated and pulverized Cyclops' (left)'s head.
"Hmm, approximately twenty seconds. It's a little slow… is it because of their sheer size?" [Hajime]
"Well, bigger enemies means bigger problems." [Tanaka]
They observed the cyclops to analyze the test result. Why did Cyclops (left) suddenly fall over and became unable to move? It was because of the 【Paralysis Grenade】. Packing the gathered scales from the Mothra-like monster into a grenade, once it has been scattered by the small-scale explosion, the enemy would end up paralyzed. The instant when Cyclops (left) was distracted by Cyclops (right) falling, Hajime secretly dispersed the scales.
"Well, it doesn't matter. We'll just retrieve the meat later…" [Hajime]
Hajime glanced at the door and pondered a little. Then using 【Air Claws】, he tore apart the cyclops and took out the magic stones from within. Paying no attention to the wet blood, holding up the two fist-sized magic stones into the two holes on the door, they were a perfect fit. Following that, a dark red magical light burst forth from the magic stone and started pouring magic power into the magic square. And then, along with a splitting sound, the light settled down. At the same time, the magic power has spread throughout the entire room, causing the surrounding walls to glow. It has been a long time since he had seen such brilliant radiance.
They blinked their eyes several times, as they cautiously and gently opened the door.
Behind the door was void of even a single light source and shrouded in total darkness, it seemed to stretch for a large area. With the lighting from the previous room and their【Night Vision】 skill, they were able to make out the complete picture of the room little by little. Two columns of thick stone pillars lined up all the way into the depths. It was as magnificent as the marble ones they saw in the Saint's Church. Near the center of the room was a huge stone cube, its smooth surface reflected the light that shone into the room, giving it a brilliant luster.
They gazed steadily at the cube, and noticed something shiny swelling from the center front of the cube.
After verifying their surroundings, they tried to keep the door fixed open. Generally speaking, if it was a horror movie, the moment they entered the room, the door would be slammed shut with a loud bang.
However, before they could fix the door in place, it moved.
"…Who?" [?]
It was a hoarse and frail female voice. They had a little jump and hurriedly looked towards the center of the room. There, the previously "swelling thing" was starting to move. The light that was shining in, revealed its identity.
"It's…a human?" [Hajime]
"A...girl?" [Kaori]
"..." [Tanaka]
That "swelling thing" was actually a person. Her entire body was buried within the cube, with only the head exposed. Her hanging long blond hair was reminiscent of the female ghost from a certain horror movie. Moreover, the red pupils peeping from the gaps of her hair were like blood moons. She looked to be roughly around 12 to 13 years old. It might be hard to tell from her haggard, hanging hair, but even that was unable to hide her beautiful appearance.
They stiffened at this unexpected occurrence, while the girl with red eyes was staring at them. Before long, they took in a slow deep breath and Hajim exclaimed with a determined expression;
"Sorry. We made a mistake." [Hajime]