Danmachi Emerald Version
Chapter 14
Monster Rex
A/N:
Narration
"Talk"
Monologue
*sfx*
Twilight Manor, noon
The day after the rescue party for Bell Cranel successfully returned (alive with no defects) from the dungeon, a feat that is rare by guild standards, The elven servant Elly excused Alicia from her preparation duties for the upcoming festival as she is being summoned by their Vice-Captain.
Arriving Inside, Alicia noticed two individuals seated on a round table roughly 91cm in diameter and four sets of chairs. Their emerald-haired vice-captain Riveria is seated facing her bed is in a foul mood and their redhead goddess Loki seated beside her near the window has a victorious grin plastered on her face as she twirls around a silver-white clothing around.
"Alicia, take sit," Riveria said upon noticing the two enter. "Elly, kindly serve her tea,"
"Yes, Lady Riveria," Elly walks past Alicia as she quickly heads straight to the High Elves cabinet and took a pair of teacups and saucer.
While Elly began serving them tea and Loki's wine, Riveria gave her a small run down as to why she is being summoned. To give them the report of her special mission and to report the incident that had happened back on the 18th floor while doing so.
"Uhm Lady Riveria," Alicia hesitates for a second as she takes a glance over the elf Elly. Since the information she will be sharing is confidential and the guild strictly forbids to leak the news outside of the familia involved, the Elf Elly, while is now considered a part of their manor, is still an outsider and has yet to officially join them.
"That should not be an issue," The High Elf replied calmly. With one look and a nod from her, Elly quickly removes her robe and undo her transformation revealing that she is the same supporter of Bell Cranel's party, much to her surprise.
"Elly, take a sit as well," Now that the blonde elf finally compose herself, Riveria ordered for her to sit beside Alicia, facing them. "Also remember to not address her in her other name in that form."
"Y-yes, Lady Riveria."
"Thank you lady Riveria," Lily replied quietly while Alicia began her report starting from her duties as a guard to Karen of the Freya familia as a sign of goodwill between two members, their involvement in the kidnapping of the Goddess Hestia by adventurers that were disgruntled over Bell's achievements while hinting she is aware of it before the commotion began.
"So what happened next after yer group rescue shorty?" with one eye close, Loki peek at Alicia as she leans to her chair.
"Actually..."
Guild, Prayer room, around the time the Goliath fell to the 18th floor.
Beneath the Guild office, a chamber known as the Prayer Room for the God Uranus exists.
"Hmmm?" the god Uranus raises his head and looks towards Bebel's location.
"Something wrong Lord Uranos?" Noticing the strange behavior of the god, his only Attendant, a hooded figure known as Fels asked.
"My prayer is not reaching the dungeon right now," Uranos replied. With a concerned look, he turned to Fels. "Try looking on to this discretely."
"I understand," Fels bows before walking towards the darkness.
Babel, 18th-floor eastern pillar, at the same time as the God felts the anomaly
Monster Rex, are incredibly powerful monsters that only spawn on one specific floor. Their level is leaps and bounds higher compared to the monsters that spawn on the same floor, but unlike them, they took a specific number of days to respawn ranging from weeks to months the deeper they are.
Right now, a black goliath, a rare species of the Floor boss Goliath appeared before us. It appeared in the 18th-floor haven and not the usual 17th-floor hallway Goliath is known to spawn.
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅"
The black beast gave a ferocious roar that echoes within the whole floor as it tries stomping something close to its feet. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that several adventures are fleeing from that spot. And they are no normal adventurers either. Those are the same ones that kidnapped goddess earlier!
"Ms. Ryuu," I turn around to the elven warrior who stood near me before taking a look at the rest of the rescue party that came to my aid. I know what I am going to ask is foolish but I think it is better to voice out what is in my mind. For better or worse.
"This is your adventure," Ryuu replied as if she knew what I am about to say. Looking around I also saw Lily made the same reaction.
"Uhm I know it is too much but I want to help them," I scratch the back of my head as I try to convey to them my intention, hoping they can understand why.
Ouka raises an eyebrow and drops his shoulder with a sigh. "We already give you our oath, If you're going, we're going." He then looks at Mikoto and then to Chigusa who both nod in agreement. "So don't ever hesitate to ask our aid!"
"And this is Master Ouka's fault, to begin with so lead the way Master Bell," Mikoto added with a wink much to Ouka's charging and disappointment when he saw Chigusa agreeing to Mikoto's comment.
"You're a bunch of fools,"
While we agree, Ms. Karen voices her disapproval and beside her, Ms. Alicia remains indifferent.
"You don't need to come if you don't want to," Ouka took a side glance at Ms. Karen as he stretches his body.
"They are your enemies," Karen, deliberately ignores Ouka's comment and looks straight at me. "Even if you helped them today, there's no guarantee that they will repay the favor, have a change of heart, or at worst, won't betray you and make your party as bait for the monster." I listen to her arguments and saw Ms. Chigusa hid behind Ms. Mikoto over the last statement made. As I close my eyes, recalling the feelings and dread I had earlier with the pass parade and when Goddess was kidnapped. I understand where Ms. Karen is coming from but above all else, I also know the fear and anguish of being powerless. I was in that state many times before. When Ms. Riveria rescued me, the mockery I got back at the pub for running away, our journey to the 18th floor, and even today when goddess was kidnapped.
But in each instance, someone came to our aid either physically or via words of wisdom. Without them, all those outcomes would be less favorable. If Ms. Riveria didn't come in time, I would have been long dead, if I didn't receive those words of encouragement from Mama Mia, Ms. Ryuu, and Ms. Shakti, I won't have found the courage to move forward in difficult times. Even today when goddess was kidnapped. I may have won my duel but I doubt I can take the remaining ones all by myself. It was their presence that made the enemy flee.
That's why, with a smile, I look back at Ms. Karen straight in the eyes. "I understand what you mean," I replied truthfully. Sugarcoating this so I can get to their good side so they will help would do injustice to their effort. "But I know the feeling of being weak and helpless. If not for Ms. Riveria, we weren't able to recover this fast, if I am not with Lily and Welf, I doubt I have the mind and skill to pass all those floors, and even today, it was you guys that rescued Goddess, not me." I pauses and look at my surrounding as showed them how grateful I am to have them here. In turn, I saw them smile and sigh at my answer but for some reason, Goddess gave me thumbs up while Ms. Alicia scowls probably at how informal I addressed Ms. Riveria.
"What they did is irrelevant right now in this crisis. I see them needing help and that is what is important right now." I muster all my resolve and look at the raging beast. With my right hand close to a first, I raise it close to my heart "That's why...I want to help them!"
Twilight manor, afternoon, present
"Hoooh~ That's admirable for shorties brat," Loki muses while she twirls her fingertips on her wine glass before taking a sip.
"Loki, shut up," Riveria opens one of her eyes and looks towards Loki. A look Loki just shugs off.
"But seriously, how did you even know what's happenin' in the prayer room."
The High Elf gave a heavy sigh in irritation while Alicia and Lily look at one another with questioning gaze as both uttered the word prayer room.
"Just ignore Loki," Riveria replies coldly. "Anything to add in your part Elly?"
"Actually around that part.. " the pallum look at Alicia as a means of asking her permission to continue which Alicia replied with a smile as yes.
Dungeon 18th floor, near the east pillar,
"Asfi! Cant, you take a joke?!"
By the time we group up to our specific tasks with Alicia and Ms. Ryuu as the main attackers, Lily and me that would focus on getting the adventurers out, Mr. Ouka and Ms. Mikoto who will regroup with Welf and deal with the monsters with Ms. Chiguza and Karen accompanying the Gods to Rivira, we heard a yell from above. Looking up, we saw the God Hermes falling fast to the ground.
"I gotcha," Ouka yelled as he dive to catch the god's fall since he is nearest to his spot.
"Tsk!" Asfi for some reason clicked her tongue in disappointment.
"Thanks, would be better if Mikoto did it but there's next time for that." the God groan as he stood up and dust his clothes.
"The monsters are getting agitated, we won't make it by ourselves so I'll ask for Rivira's help." Ms. Asfi said before she left without any further word.
"We better go, then" with a nod, Ryuu charges straight to the black beast with no hesitation in her eyes.
"Understand," Alicia followed suit.
Twilight Manor, afternoon, present
"With the rouge town like that, Goodluck getting their help," Loki wipes the wine on her mouth as she looks in disbelief in asking for the town's help.
While Loki has yet to set foot on the 18th floor, considering the type of goddess she is, she knew to a degree how such vermins like them would likely think and react. Not even loads of gold would make them want to stay in such a hell hole. They aren't as heroic or foolish as the shrimp's kid. And most would probably wait for a subjugation party from the guild to arrive.
"I learned from the aftermath of the fight that the 18th floor got blocked," Alicia replied. "With monsters from the lower floor going up as if answering the call of the beast, the only option there is to die or fight."
"But can't ya three-level four handle that thing?" Loki counts all eligible adventurers mentioned in the story so far.
Alicia, Perseus, and even the prodigal child of Astrea. Three-level four should be no issue against a goliath.
"It's difficult to explain since the main difference of this goliath is his color," Alicia answered. " but the feeling I get from that monster is closer to udaues than the goliath we met at the 17th floor."
"What? Then that's like level five strength!" Loki exclaims as she almost fell off her chair only to be quickly supported by the Emerald-haired high elf.
"Its strength isn't the only problem, Lady Loki," Lily added. "It's like the dungeon specially made that black goliath as resilient as a cockroach. You can't easily kill it."
"Fufufu," Alicia can't help but giggle at the analogy the pallum gave but she knows from experience that what Lily meant is true. The monster not only has speed and durability. It has a special ability that no regular goliath has.
Dungeon, 18th floor, Rivira
"Buzz off, Perseus"
Just as Loki predicted, getting the help of the town is difficult as more are voicing their complaint. Especially from the man with a rugged face and a scar running from his left brow down to his upper cheeks and wearing an eye patch to cover the scar. He is the adventurer known as Bors and is pretty much seen as the known de facto leader of the rouge town. His eyesight is currently fixated on the scattered adventurers near the goliath.
"If I am a betting man, this is brought by your god egging Mord and the others. You're part of the mess so go fix it yourself."
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅"
the goliath roar once more as it began fighting two small objects near it.
"The southern cave collapse just as that beast emerges," Asfi explains. "Its roar is not only agitating the monsters here but is also summoning monsters from nearby lower floors already. If we don't do a thing about it then we're all doomed.
"Damn it," Bors curse beneath his breath and look at the anxious faces of the adventurers waiting for his command. "Listen up! We'll hold our perimeter and beat that thing to a bloody pulp!"
"But Bors," one adventurer tries to object.
"If we leave now, Rivira is permanently toast." Bors roar. "The Rivira we build will no longer stand if that damn thing continues to exist here. That is why we will fight! And those that run, consider yourself banned, and besides," with a grin, he pointed his thumb at Asfi much to her surprise. "We have her covering us from above as our eyes and DECOY! It'll try to swat her first before he deals with us!
what now...? Asti froze from what she heard as her eyeglass tilts sideward.
"Woooooooooaaaaaaaaaa!"
"That's PERSEUS for you!"
"Let's gooooo!"
Dungeon 18th floor, Forest,
Around the same time, Rivira began to act
A lone adventurer tries his hardest to fight the onslaught of monsters that came attacking him.
"Oi where are you guys?!" the rugged man named Mord called out as he look out for his two comrades. "Damn it!" with one slash after another, he felt his cold sweat dripping down the back of his neck.
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅"
"N-no!"
It was then when his luck went out after hearing the ferocious howl of an infamous bull.
*thud*
"Someone," Mord squeak as he fell on his butt. With shivering hands and knees, he looks around and sees nothing but monsters. "H-help me!"
"Haaah"
it was brief and quick, with his right arm already covering his eyes over the inevitable, Mord heard a familiar voice.
"Eh...? w-why?" asked the befuddled adventurer as right in front of him is the very same adventurer that he belittles. And right now, not only the Minotaur that was about to hack him has been defeated already but he is making short works on the bugbears and other monsters that now start to gather around him.
"Lily, I fully got their attention now!" Bell yelled and right after that, Mord saw someone wearing a hood and carrying a big bag came running in his direction, dragging him away as fast as possible.
"This should be pretty far enough," Lily scuff as she casually throws Mord further to the back. "Better look for a place where you can hide if you can't fight anymore."
"B-but why?" Mord asked. It was at this point that he noticed that not only is he the ones the hooded supporter drop but his two comrades, Scott and Guile were also there with their faces lying flat on the ground.
"That's just how kind Master Bell is," Lily turned around and stick her tongue before leaving the Mord and his group behind.
"What now, Mord?" Scott and Guile asked.
Only for mord to click his tongue in irritation.
"Seriously, just how tough is that skin of his"
Getting the black titan's sole attention is not an easy feat and after delivering her last strike, the elf Alicia hisses in irritation to the level of difficulty she is having. They have been attacking it multiple times already but it has yet to show any sign of slowing.
"We have no options," Ryuu replied. " We need to strike hard and fast. We have to get most of its attention if we want to limit casualties."
"Watch out!"
Just as the two relentlessly attack the giant, they heard a third voice from above forcing them to step back as three flasks fell and explode on top of the monster's face.
*booom*
"Can't believe it only damage that much," Asfi landed in between the two with a shocked expression as the bombs she threw only graze its face.
"Welcome to the club," Alicia replied with a bitter smile.
"The reinforcement will prepare a huge volley of magic," Asfi explains. "For the time being, we need to minimize its action."
"On it," Ryuu replied.
"Should we try a pincer maneuver?" Alicia suggests with renewed vigor.
"Sure why not," with the two elves reaching an understanding, they began running on opposite sites while Asfi provided support by throwing explosives on the monsters that try to stop the two from attacking.
the small explosions from this activity also serve as a signal to the adventurers of Rivira to start their coordinated attacks. From the ones dealing with the monster around up to the ones that attack the monster's limbs.
"Miss Ryuu, Ms. Alicia," a voice calls them, looking back, they saw Bell Cranel already fighting side by side with the Takemikazuchi familia and the smith Welf.
"We better make the best of it," Ryuu said.
"Indeed," Alicia replied with a nod as they began once more in attacking the black giant.
"Yo, little Rookie,"
Just after fending off the monsters on the right side of the Goliath and seeing Ms. Ryuu and Ms. Alicia begin their assault, I heard a voice call my name from behind.
"Shop owner!" I replied in shock. A few meters away from the center of the battlefield, I saw several merchants with weapons around them. And there, I noticed some adventurers that pull out from the battle, go and resupply their weary weapons. Incidentally one of the merchants in there right now is the very same shop owner where my current armor is from.
"Here, use this!" the shop owner yelled as he threw a broadsword in my direction. "It looks better with your armor."
"Thanks!" as I sheated back the two knives I am using, I carefully pick the broad sword and let it rest on my right shoulder for support.
"Looking cool there Little rookie," looking at my side, I saw a group of five adventurers running back towards the Goliath. "Wanna join us?"
As I am not fighting by myself, I turn to my side and Look at welf who is whipping his forehead.
"Go," Welf replied. "I'll back you up when I'm good to go" he then points at the Goliath try swatting Ms. Asfi off the air.
as the battle against the black giant rages on, four individual runs as fast as they could from the monsters that chase them.
"Even in these parts, there's still so many of them." Karen huff as she slashes an almjraj that attacked them.
"Is there no other way?" Hestia huff. While looking at Chigusa who is acting as her guard.
"This is the safest route to Rivira, we have no other path," Hermes replied while he watch Chigusa parry one Almira away from the goddess.
As part of the plan, the escort group for the deities ran around further from where the Goliath is with the rouge town as their last stop. But that is easier said than done. While most monsters gather around the beast, there are still those that roam around and attack anyone nearby.
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅"
cutting off their path once more, a bugbear monster jumps towards them just as Karen landed in front of the goddess. "We better carry her,"
"Eh? wait?" Hestia asked in confusion.
"Y-yes" Chigusa bows towards the Goddess before she carries her on her back while Karen attack the bugbear in front. "Please forgive me."
"Hey wait!" the loli goddess protest to no avail.
Just as the Loli goddess is being carried like a piece of luggage, with Hermes laughing from behind, Karen confronts a new monster that appears before them.
"Damn it!" Karen curses internally as she lacks the strength to defeat the monster in one hit. Her skill that temporarily increases her parameters when fighting an opponent upfront should give her an advantage in a frontal fight but the wear and tear in her body and weapon are starting to show that She only manage to push the similar monster she once beat earlier.
"haaah!" It was at this point when someone jumps from above the slope they are going to and delivers the finishing blow to the monster. "There are still monsters here," The adventurer called out as multiple adventurers coming from Rivira's direction emerge.
While Karen was stunned over the appearance of this peculiar rugged adventurer, the goddess Hestia smiled contentedly and called her back. "They'll handle it from here, we better go."
around the same time, the escort group got aid from Rivira,
"This is one though skin," one adventurer yelled as he felt his hands shake after cutting the skin of the black beast.
It took us a while but we are currently facing the huge giant. Compare to looking at it from afar, its mere presence nearby is truly intimidating. Just as High above the monster's torso and biceps, Ms. Ryuu and Ms. Alicia are trying to get its attention, we at the bottom tried our hardest to weaken the monster's foothold by concentrating our attacks on its foot and legs.
"Pull back, he's on to us!" an adventurer yelled. Looking up I saw the giant's thick arm swinging towards us.
This is bad!
I yell internally as I saw the group I am with quickly scatter to avoid the impact.
But it's now or never,
gripping the handle of the sword using both of my hands, I carefully observe the trajectory and size of the first coming my way, and using the experience I gained inside the pit, I shifted my center of gravity and charge towards the attack. I match his speed and movement so that it skids past me before I jump forward and deliver a clean slash to its sheen.
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅"
Just as the monster stagger from our repeated attempts, its legs suddenly got covered with a white sheet of ice. Just in time for the spell prepared by the mages on the rear took effect as it froze the monster to the ground.
"Get out of there right now!" Asfi yelled as she once more threw bombs towards the beast's face.
*Boom*
*boom*
*Booooooooooom*
With Asfi leading the way, the mages directed an all-out bombardment to the monsters' body. The intensity was so strong that even we, who manage to run away a decent distance from the center were all pushed back.
*fizzle*
*gulp*
I swallow my saliva as I anxiously waited for the dust to settle. There may be no sign of movement yet but I can not let my guard down so I keep my tight grip on my sword.
"Let's finish it!"
yet before the dust fully settled, I hear several adventurers yell victoriously as the image of the black unmoving beast becomes more visible.
"Yeeaaaaah!" several adventurers cheered in as they begin their charge. The euphoria of overcoming a difficult trial superseded their caution.
"Something is wrong here," I heard Ms. Ryuu's voice as she landed near me with Ms. Alicia. Seeing as both are still cautious, I squintint my eyes to get a better look, as the skin of the beast fizzles out, I also noticed that the wounds it receives are slowly healing themselves.
"Its wounds are healing up!" Alicia exclaim. "It's burning through its mana to heal its wounds!"
But for the information can be fully delivered, many adventurers are now near the black giant when it starts to make its move. As it raises both of his arms "Take cover!" I yelled just before the goliath deliver a devastating blow to the ground. creating a huge crater and leveling a large part of the 18th floor.
*swooosh*
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅"
as the dust once settle more, the black giant gave out one devastating roar, further agitating the monsters around him once more.
"Damn monster!" Bors groan as he stood his ground. They are far away from the beast yet the impact of the monster's blow reaches them, resulting in the total decimation of their defensive line.
"We need to regroup," Asfi drops near them, in a hurried and a panicked expression.
"Stop asking for the impossible." Bors spat back. "The line has been breached, regrouping will be hard."
"We can't let that thing fully recover!"
"I know it damn it!"
what do we do in this situation?
I look around and see more than a coupled adventurers lying on the ground, staggering to stand up. While the monsters slowly start moving toward us.
"We have no choice but to buy more time," Ryuu said as she walk past me
"Mr. Cranel, your ability will be best put to good use here fending off the monsters," Alicia added. "We'll buy time so that it won't fully heal itself."
With a bitter smile, Alicia left and followed Ms. Ryuu's assault once more. This time around, the two are not only attacking it with their swords but also starts using theirs spells.
Is this the best I could do?
I ask myself as I look at how the three of them, with the arrival of Ms. Asfi, are struggling more from the aggressive attack of the black beast.
What we need is firepower
I clench my right fist and look at it. If I focus hard enough, I know I can pull the trigger.
As I recall past experiences and failures, I once again try charging it.
As the Goliath once again begins its rampage, and this time around is more cautious to any group of adventurers from the back that may pose as bombardment, the beast began releasing its howl, a powerful shockwave from its mouth, one after another. Ouka who saw the horror of these and the adventures that act upon as their shield resolve himself to protect the very last line of defense against the mad beast. It was during that time when he saw Chiguza arrive. From the looks of it, the deities are safe.
"Chigusa, hear me out," Ouka began with a solemn and resolute voice.
several minutes had passed away since the start of the new assault, while Mikoto does her best in clearing out the monsters, she saw Chigusa on her knees in the open field and quickly ran towards her.
"Ch-chigusa, is something wrong?" Mikoto asked.
"Mikoto, Ouka left with the shield," Chigusa replied with a quivering voice. "He said he'll protect the mage putting his body on the line!"
Dungeon, 18th floor, Rivira
Just as the Goddess saw the morale of the adventurers dropping,
"Goddess Hestia!" Lily's voice got her attention. Right now, the pallum supporter is pushing a cart, determination is still burning in her eyes. "We need to get more weapons down to the front line, please help me."
"S-sure but how can we deliver it there?" the goddess asked while she began picking one sword after another.
"I'll try clearing our path," Karen replied as she tied a bandage around her arm.
"Oh-kay..." it was brief but the Loli goddess suddenly took a stop as her gaze shifted on a black two-hand sword resting on a wall that gives an ominous vibe.
"Is that a drop item?" Karen asked but before a reply can be told, Lily quickly took the weapon and threw it to the cart.
"Let's not waste more time!" Lily exclaimed as she began pushing the cart. "Let's go!"
Dungeon, 18th floor, southern entrance
"Hmmmm..."
"Well now, do you expect this to happen?"
Just as the carnage begins a new, two adventurers, a tall Boaz, and a blonde elf enter the dungeon as they casually fend off the monsters that slowly enter the passage they just unearth.
"It's finally here," After getting the same feeling I had in the pit, I raised my right hand and aimed it at the black beast. "Get out of the way!" I yelled as all their attention turned to me. The Goliath included. Seeing the building magic in my right hand, Ms. Alicia, Ryuu, and Asfi quickly flee while the beast prepares its howl towards my direction.
"Firebolt!" I yelled at the top of my voice as I fire my magic right through its chest but the output is too much for me to control as it skids up straight to its face, intercepting his howl in the process.
*boooom*
A stream of light shot vertically towards the monsters as the adventurers of Rivira once again reminded of the mysterious light that shoot up to the sky yesterday
"That should do it, right?" I gasp as I fell on my knees while looking at the headless image of the Goliath. "R...right?" for a brief period, I was about to breathe a sigh of relief but I quickly swallow my saliva as shivers run down my spine as I saw the body of the beast fizzle as the blown up part of the head is slow slowly regenerating.
"Bell, get out of the away right now!" I heard Ms. Ryuu's voice while I stagger up from the ground using the sword as support.
With the beast's head partially healed at this point, minus it's signature black skin, it once again began its movement and attack. With the sole intention of focusing his howl to my direction.
*boom*
*crash*
using my broadsword to block its attack, I was sent flying above ground as the beast followed up his attack by directing a powerful punch my way. A punch I can not evade nor block.
"Not on my watch!"
As the fist drew closer, I heard Mister Ouka's voice and then and there, I saw him jump in front of me as he took the full blow of the punch.
*pow*
*clang*
"Gaaaah!"
The force of the punch was so strong that not only did it shatter the shield Mr. Ouka is holding but it also sends the both of us flying a good meters away.
"Bell!
"Master Bell"
"Ouka!"
As the voice of Hestia, Lilly, Mikito, and Chigusa rang across the dungeon after seeing the two get hit, Welf unsheaths the white clothing of his sword as he bit his lower lip in irritation.
"Damn it!"
If he didn't hesitate to use the sword right after Bell unleash his magic, believing that should be enough to defeat the beast, this should be over already.
"This time around, I won't fail," leaving behind the fear of what level the damage the magic sword holds, Welf began to run.
"Haaaah... haaaaah... haaaaaah..."
"Ouka! Open your eyes!
"Haaaaah... haaaaaah... haaaaaah..."
"Bell are you alright?"
As I lay on the ground, I hear multiple voices near me. Ms. Mikito and Chigusa's calling to Mr. Ouka's name while I hear Lily, Goddess, and Ms. Ryuu call out my name.
"Do you have any more potions left?" Ryuu asked only to receive an apology from Ms. Mikoto.
"I still have a few drops," this time I heard Ms. Karen's voice as I felt a flask touch my lips. "It'll help his wound but I'm not certain it is enough for him to stay conscious. The rest is up to him.
"Lyion, we can't keep him at bay like this,"
I heard Ms. Asfi's voice while I felt Ms. Ryuu hesitate to leave.
"The monsters are more aggressive than before, we need you back!" Ms. Alicia added
"Haaaaah... haaaaaah... haaaaaah..."
I continue to breathe deeply as my consciousness slowly fades not from physical exhaustion but from mental fatigue.
"Go, Ms. Elf..." Goddess says as she firmly grasps my hands. "Bell will get back right up to finish this. You saw it too right? So believe in him."
"I-I understood," Ryuu replied as I hear her slowly walking away
Haaaaaaaah... haaaaaaah... I need to move my body,
Move! I yelled internally as frustration starts to seep in. I have a place to go, Goal to achieve! I can't let you give up on us like this!
"If you're looking for a hero," as my consciousness faded in and out, I hear a familiar voice and a familiar line. "They are not the ones that wield a sword or carry a shield."
The voice continues as the image of grandpa appears before me as if he is directly telling me this message.
"Those that risk their lives are the only ones fit to be called a hero. Take the risk, save your comrade and get the girl.
It doesn't matter how many times you fall to grief and sorrow as the winners are found among the sea of losers who didn't give up."
The more I hear it, the more my strength returns to my body.
"Stay true to your feelings and proclaim them aloud.
"That's the only way for you to become the coolest hero!"
"Just how many more do we need to beat?"
"Just shut yer trap and slash,"
"C'mon Mord, be serious!"
Many adventurers already fall in despair, after the bombardment failed many still struggle to keep a good fight but after seeing the giant beast recover its head, it was like the deciding factor that made some flee in a panic. Only for them to fall prey to the monsters that run wild.
Among the adventurers that stayed to fight, Mord held his ground strong. Using all the resentment he poured over the years as an adventurer, the humiliation, and the salvation given to him, he held his weapon tightly as he continue his fight. "Don't think of even fleeing when they are still there fighting against that damn beast!" Mord roared ferociously that it even stop some of the adventurers that started to flee. "Does it feel good to run and let them shoulder everything? Is this all our worth as adventurers? Of course not! That's why I will continue to fight until it's over!"
*chime*
*chime*
"Where's that sound coming from"
As the moral, if the adventurers returned, a weak chime of a bell spread across the plain.
"Haaaah... Haaaaaah... Haaaaah..."
Across the remaining elevated plain of the dungeon floor, a lone redhead run in full vigor.
*chime*
*chime*
*ring*
*ring*
Eh?
It was then that he heard a familiar sound that curve his from to a grin.
"Just wait for me! Ooooooooooooohhhhhh!"
Around the same time as the small chime grew louder to the sound of a bell, the adventurers noticed that the monsters are heading in the direction of the sound. And not only that but the black Goliath also seems hell-bent on going towards that direction.
In the middle of all this, Karen watches in awe how a single adventurer who stood up despite all of his injuries make this happen. All lower-level adventurers tried their hardest to protect the child from the upcoming onslaught of monsters.
The female adventurer of the Takemikazuchi Familia just released a powerful gravity spell as she put her body on the line to hold the monster from ever moving.
"Get out of my way if you don't want to die!" Welf roar as he charges it with a blazing sword at hand. "Katsuki!" with a single slash,
the smith she belittle just delivered a powerful blow against the giant and the surrounding monsters around it leaving two elves in awe over the sheer power of a real Crozzo sword.
"I can't be left behind," Karen whispers as a single teardrop fell from her eyes as she watches the magnificent back of the white-haired adventurer known as Bell Cranel.
Lady Freya didn't make a mistake falling for you.
Using that as her resolve, she moves in and intercepts the monsters heading their way.
"Haaaaah... haaaaaah... haaaah..." As I took a deep breath, I remember the sheer power from the blast I unleash. The output is too much and it hit off the marks. Right now, I am channeling more energy than before. In this crucial period, even if the power is difficult to control, I must make full good use of it and the best way for that is to deliver a killing blow.
"Haaaah... haaaaaah... haaaaaah..."
*ring*
*ring*
*gong*
*gong*
*gong*
Charge complete!
"Everyone clear the way!" Goddess warns as I ran at full speed.
"Take this!" I yelled as I jump to the tip of the broadsword I left a while back. To give me further elevation and coverage. With both hands held up high, I arc my body to deliver a powerful vertical downward slash to the black beast not minding how the impact of this will probably send me flying compared to when I swing it horizontally on the ground might cause more casualty.
*boooooooom*
A loud explosion rang around the dungeon as a bright white light engulfed the beast whole for all to see.
"Ahahahahahahaha!"
with the annihilation of the Black Goliath, standing at the top of the pillar, the God Hermes laughs gleefully as he recalls the final clash between the two. "Zeus! I, Hermes have seen your familia's greatest parting gift to humanity!" Hermes continues with fervent joy as he looks above the ceiling of the dungeon. "Your Grandchild is the real deal! This is sooooo great! With so many heroes gathered in Orario right now, this will push him to greater heights! this is the best entertainment to kill time! Ahahahahaha! Let the Familia Myth Begins! Aahahahahahahaha!"
*shakes*
"Eh?"
*shake*
"Wait... don't tell me..."
The God quickly drops his celebration as he looks at the dungeon, in terror as he noticed the depths of the blast and estimate it probably borehole from the 18th going straight to the 19th-floor ceiling.
"Haaaaah... haaaaaaah... haaaaaah..." As I gasp for air, I look at my surroundings as deafening cheers echo around. The Goliath has been vanquished. We won!
"Haaaaah... haaaaaaah... haaaaaaah..."
*shake*
eh?
*shake*
*shake*
the dungeon floor vibrate once more, with my hazy head, I tried to keep my eyes open just as
"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅"
"JUGGERNAUT!" I heard someone yell as a new roar of a different beast echoed and drown the deafening cheers from earlier.
As the feeling of despair quickly creeps into all of us, who are now fully exhausted, I saw the back of a tall man as it fall and decimate the newly spawn beast with his bare hands like it was nothing.
As my consciousness starts to fade, I heard Ms. Karen utter beneath her breath the word "King" as the image got burned through my memory as something I can not forget. The sheer power of Orario's strongest adventurer.
Twilight Manor, evening
by the time Alicia and Elly finish their story, filling the gap of the event using their point of view, it is already dark. Loki was practically speechless especially for the last part and the emerald-haired high elf feels like she is about to have a headache while Lily and Alicia gave them an it cant be help look.
After all, who would believe a level two adventurer has that much firepower that it calls upon the dungeon's defensive system.
While for Riveria, for some reason became personally more focused on the grand bell ringing sound the two reported. The shock and frown she gave didn't escape the eye of Alicia and Lily.
"Is there anything else you wish to tell us?"
Lily shakes her head as she reverts to her Elly persona while Alicia holds back her thought before shaking her head as well. "I see... In that case, you can go back and have a good rest now."
With the meeting over, Loki first left bringing along with the 4th Soma wine the high elf gave as reparation, Lily stood as she began cleaning the table and Alicia solemnly gives her respect before slowly leaving the room.
Is there anything else you wish to tell us?
Just as the door closes, The High Elf's last question made Alicia wince as certain events resurface in her mind.
"For the time being, it's better to keep that a secret," Alicia mumbles with a troubled expression. If it was just the two of them, The blonde-haired elf is certain she will not withhold that piece of information but since the Pallum Lily and Loki were there and she does not wish to arouse suspicion by saying she needs to talk to her privately, she decides to shut her mouth. "It's for his. I'm sure lady Riveria will understand." followed by a heavy sigh as Alicia recalls the advice she gave to the pure and naive white-haired adventurer before they arrive back at the surface.
"It's best if you give up on Lady Riveria."
With the conviction she did the proper thing to save the budding adventurer from the cruel trials and tribulation that will ruin him for courting a high elf like Riveria, Alicia walks to her quarters, head held up high albeit a tinge of guilt after seeing his initial reaction.
Aaaaaaaaannnnd Cut!
With this, the chapter came to a close and mark the end of the recent arc that span aloooooooot of chapters bec I am stubborn to keep a 7kplus word count. Has to revise the last chapter of the arc to the way it is now after hitting a dead end due to the different scenes that happened at the same time.
The next update will be the epilogue for the long arc but still no fixed date when I can publish it, in a TLDR version of it, busy with RL stuff
the next part's already been foreshadowed and, I'll go off the rails from the anime/manga/Ln timeline.
for the reviews like and follow, thanks!
Made some minor changes. Corrected some grammar and spelling err. v1 11/03/21
Twilight Manor, Midnight
inside the high elf's room, while the pallum Lily sleep soundly on their shared bed, the Emerald-haired High Elf sat beside the open window as the gentle breeze of the night freely and gently blows the curtain. With a sigh, she change her view from the beautiful full moon to the reflection of the moon in her wine glass filled with wine. Yes, wine...well used to be wine at least.
The internal turmoil she had right now bothered her and prevent her from sleeping soundly that she tries to seek alcohol for the first time to solve her problems. Her reason for this is pretty much the not-so-logical thinking of Loki of drinking her problems away when ranting about a certain goddess with a big chest.
Yet once the tinge of the wine touches her lips and tip of her tongue, she immediately heated the glass using her mana like no tomorrow to fizzle out the taste of the alcohol, leaving a rather warm grape juice behind.
Right now, she is stuck between boulders with an s and a hard place.
While they are in the dungeon, Freya and Loki meet where the goddess of beauty fully admits and opens up to Loki regarding her pursuit of a certain white-haired rabbit.
That should not be an issue to her but the goddess also ratted her out for her active shipping of Bell and Ais. And right now, a few days after returning from the dungeon, Loki made fully sure to let her know that she is against it as evidence of the deal she is forced to make. She is now forbidden to ship her with the white-haired adventurer unless it was Ais's wish it. With how detached Ais is from the norms, Riveria foresees it as a very slow progress between the two. Like 18 main volumes and 12 side volumes plus slow.
The next that piled to her problem now is the information she put together starting from her conversation with the Goddess Hestia and the advance notice of Karen hinting the odd interest Hermes had with Bell.
To make matters worst, the skill that Bell used when he defeated the Goliath. A skill that multiplies one's strength over a period of time to the point it can 1hit ko a lv5 in strength floor boss. The skill did not bother her one bit but oddly enough, the sound of the grand bell it creates does. Putting all relative pieces together, including his silver hair, she began to see two silhouettes behind Bell Cranel. An old man that once almost started a war between Orario and the forest of the high elf and a beautiful woman with long flowing silver hair that was and probably still is the strongest mage in her eyes. How the two are connected, she did not know yet and fears of finding out due to how it will rock the dynamic of their relationship. Not just with Ais but towards hers as well.
Can he still look at them the same way just like the time when he says his farewell and hope for them a safe trip back to the surface, can she smile back at him as she did back then if his true lineage is known? Or this will turn him a second Ais? With how much bond she has to the child right now, that is something she personally wishes to prevent. Not just for Ais's sake but to hers as well.
With new problems pilling on top of her with no end in sight, the beautiful high elf continues to drink the glorified warm juice as she reflects the possible prospect of this information and him attracting more attention as he grows at an unbelievable rate.
"If Ais rescued you first, will I have the same internal turmoil?" With a self-mocking smile, Riveria lean her head to the window and continue her drinking until she fell asleep leaving a very picturesque scene that became a buzz of the twilight manor the next day.
Unknown location, midnight
At the same time, while a certain emerald-haired high elf brood over her problems, two hooded individuals descent from a carriage as they set their sight over the black desert that span over the horizon. With a malicious smile, the pair set foot over the black desert in search of 'something'.
つづく
