Chapter 7 - Tangled in Shadows
As they traversed the 6th floor, the encounters with the giant one-eyed frog monsters posed little more than annoyances. Their attacks followed predictable patterns, easily evaded through the coordinated efforts of Bell and Peter. Despite Bell's speed and agility not quite measuring up to Peter's, their similar fighting styles had melded into a seamless synergy. This harmony enabled them to maneuver through the monster encounters with remarkable efficiency.
As they walked down the narrow tunnel, Bell's confidence seemed to swell with each step. "You were right, these monsters are pretty weak," he remarked confidently to Peter. However, before Peter could respond, Jane's urgent voice echoed through the suit's speakers. "Warning: X-ray radiation increasing."
The narrow tunnel suddenly fell into an ominous silence as Jane's warning hung in the air. Before they could react, the walls around them began to crumble, sending showers of debris cascading down.
In the chaos that ensued, the darkness seemed to come alive, twisting and contorting into sinister humanoid shapes. With no way out, Peter and Bell stood back to back, their senses heightened as they prepared to confront this eerie and formidable new threat closing in around them.
As the shadow monsters closed in, Peter instinctively deployed his web shooters, but his webs passed right through their shadowy bodies. His spider sense tingled with an instinctual warning, alerting him to the imminent danger. With lightning-fast reflexes, he dodged their slashing claws, narrowly avoiding their deadly strikes even in the confined space of the narrow tunnel.
These shadow monsters were unlike anything they had faced before. Their dark, ethereal forms defied physical logic, rendering their attacks futile. Despite Peter and Bell's best efforts, their strikes passed through the creatures' incorporeal bodies without leaving a mark. The only tangible aspect seemed to be their razor-sharp claws, which they wielded with deadly precision.
Bell fought desperately, his knife slashing through the air in a frantic attempt to divert the incoming attacks. Each clash sent sparks flying as the metal clashed against the monsters' razor-sharp claws. But despite his efforts, Bell found himself overwhelmed by the relentless assault of the shadow monsters.
As the creatures closed in, Bell felt the walls of the narrow tunnel closing in around him, his usual agility and speed useless in this confining space. His knife proved woefully inadequate for defense, barely able to keep up with the onslaught of the creatures' triple claws. With each strike, Bell felt the searing pain of their razor-sharp claws tearing through his flesh, leaving behind deep gouges.
Peter's initial instinct was to leap up and cling to the ceiling, seeking a temporary respite from the relentless attacks of these monsters. However, the pained cries of Bell shattered his fleeting thought, grounding him in the grim reality of their dire situation.
A surge of frustration and regret washed over Peter as he cursed the deceptive ease of the 6th floor, which had lulled them into a false sense of security, masking the true perils that awaited in its shadows. Chastising himself for his overconfidence and for straying too far into the depths of the dungeon without heeding the warnings of caution from Bell, Peter found regret gnawing at him. Now, trapped in this nightmarish scenario, he could only focus on protecting Bell and finding a way to survive against these formidable adversaries.
Just as the shadows monsters were closed in, Jane's voice pierced through the chaos once more, her warning cutting through the tension like a knife. "Warning: X-ray radiation increasing," she urgently alerted them. The walls of the dungeon started crumbling again, adding to the chaos and danger of their already dire situation.
Goddess Freya reclined in her throne-like chair, a glass of wine in hand, as she faced the massive glass window of her abode on the uppermost floor of Babel. From this lofty perch, the city's buildings appeared diminutive, mere playthings for the gods. Her attention, however, was fixed on the magic mirror before her, which displayed the struggles of Bell and Peter in the depths of the dungeon.
Until this moment, she had been deeply impressed by their remarkable speed, agility, and prowess, qualities that far outshone those of typical novice adventurers. However, they now faced a threat for which they were ill-prepared. The War Shadows, notorious as "newbie killers," had claimed the lives of many inexperienced adventurers, proving exceedingly difficult to defeat without magic. Freya shook her head in exasperation at the recklessness of Bell and Peter, who had ventured into the 6th floor without fully understanding the dangers that awaited them.
Observing their futile attempts to combat the War Shadows, she witnessed their attacks pass through the creatures' intangible forms. Bell sustained injuries while Peter evaded the creatures' assaults with uncanny agility.
Suddenly, the walls began to crack, and more War Shadows flooded into the already confined space. Freya recognized this as the typical nature of the dungeon, a place which bared its fangs at the adventurers' weakest moments. It seemed as though the dungeon itself could detect vulnerability, seizing the chance to strike. It wasn't just an underground labyrinth; it pulsated with life, harboring a malevolent intelligence eager to ensnare and consume any who dared to intrude upon its depths.
With a furrowed brow, Freya contemplated the imminent demise of her newfound love interests. If they were to perish on the upper floors, it would signify that they were never worthy of her affections to begin with.
Leaning forward with keen interest, Freya watched as Bell, despite his injuries and bleeding wounds, emitted a pure white light from his soul, growing increasingly luminous with each passing moment. Mesmerized by the brilliance of his soul shining like the sun amidst overwhelming adversity, she emitted a moan of pleasure. The sight stirred within her a primal desire to possess his soul, to witness the extent of its radiance when faced with insurmountable odds.
In the midst of the chaos, as more shadow monsters poured in from the crumbling dungeon walls, Peter felt a surge of hopelessness wash over him. Trapped in the narrow tunnel, surrounded by the insubstantial forms of the shadow monsters, it seemed there was no escape. But then, a spark of realization ignited within him - a forgotten weapon at his disposal.
Magic.
Amidst the chaos of combat, Peter had forgotten about his newly acquired ability, instinctively resorting to his trusty web shooters. These tools had become an extension of himself, their use ingrained into his muscle memory through endless hours of web swinging and combat.
Peter extended his hands into the familiar web-shooting position and mentally commanded, "Arachnostrand." Magic webs shot out from his arms, and unlike his synthetic webs, these ensnared the shadow monsters in their sticky embrace, successfully holding them at bay.
He swiftly turned around, replicating the action to shield Bell from the onslaught of the monsters attacking him. His breath caught as he took in Bell's condition—bleeding, his entire upper body covered in gouges from the claw attacks, yet he stood determined.
Seizing the opportunity, Bell retrieved a healing potion from his pouch and quickly consumed it. Peter watched in amazement as the wounds began to close before his eyes. Their brief respite was short-lived as the creatures, armed with their razor-sharp claws, began slashing at the magical bindings with ferocious determination.
Peter asked urgently, "Jane, any suggestions?" Through his mask interface, Jane replied, "I am detecting higher levels of radiation emanating from these creatures' eyes. I estimate that their crystal cores are located there. Try attacking there."
Without hesitation, Peter brandished his knife and swung it towards the slightly glowing eyes of the nearest monster. The blade struck true, shattering the crystals within, and the creature dissolved into shadows. "Bell, target their eyes!" Peter shouted, relaying Jane's insight.
As Peter continued to bind the monsters with his magic, he and Bell launched a coordinated assault, striking at the vulnerable spots revealed by Jane's analysis. Despite their efforts, the horde of shadow monsters seemed endless, and Peter began to feel the effects of his prolonged magic usage. A sense of drowsiness crept over him, reminding him of Hestia's warning about the dangers of 'mind down'
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Peter turned to Bell. "We need to retreat. Now." Together, they fought their way back through the narrow tunnel, with Peter using his remaining strength to web the monsters behind them while he and Bell pressed forward with renewed determination. However, Peter noticed that Bell's wounds had not fully healed, and his movements were becoming increasingly sluggish.
With each spell cast, Peter felt his dizziness intensify, threatening to overwhelm him. Fearful of losing consciousness, he pushed himself to the limit, focusing on reaching safety. Finally, they broke free from the confines of the tunnel, and without hesitation, Peter scooped up Bell in a bridal carry and started running.
As Peter sprinted, the cacophony of pursuing shadow monsters echoed behind him. Suddenly, his spider sense tingled, and he instinctively dodged, narrowly evading the lashing tongue of a frog monster. Glancing back, he spotted the creature lingering, its tongue still extended. Ignoring the distraction, Peter maintained his pace, his spider sense allowing him to doge further attacks from the lurking frog monsters.
Meanwhile, Bell weakly protested being carried in a bridal style, insisting that he was fine, but Peter silenced him with a firm hush. With determination, he reached a section of the dungeon with a lofty ceiling. Without hesitation, Peter propelled himself into the air, utilizing his web shooter to swing with one arm while securely holding onto Bell with the other.
Their airborne escape provided them with a momentary advantage, allowing them to shake off the relentless pursuit of the monsters. Despite this temporary respite, Peter remained vigilant, maintaining their pace until he was certain they were out of harm's way. As they ascended back to the 5th floor of the dungeon, Peter gradually slowed down, finally coming to a stop.
Peter gently lowered Bell to the ground, his concern deepening as he noticed the persistent bleeding from Bell's wounds. Without hesitation, he reached into his backpack, retrieving a healing potion to offer his companion aid.
However, before Peter could administer the potion, Bell intercepted it from his hand with a determined expression. With practiced efficiency, Bell drank half of the potion and then poured the remaining contents directly onto his wounds. Peter watched in fascination as the magical elixir worked swiftly, closing the gashes with remarkable speed.
Peter then retrieved a mind potion from his backpack. With a quick gulp, he consumed the potion, feeling its revitalizing effects wash over him, dispelling the drowsiness that had threatened to overwhelm his senses.
Peter settled himself beside Bell, his expression weighted with remorse. "I'm sorry, Bell. I should have listened to you. I never meant to put you in danger like that."
Bell waved off his apology with a faint smile. "Hey, don't worry about it, Peter. We made it out okay, right?"
Peter chuckled softly. "Yeah, thankfully. But next time, I promise I'll pay more attention to your advice."
Bell nodded in agreement, then shifted the conversation. "Anyway, let's call it a day. We've gathered more crystals than I ever have before."
Peter nodded, "Sounds good. Let's head back."
As they made their way to the guild after their refreshing shower at Babel Tower, Peter couldn't help but notice the sorry state of Bell's shirt. It hung off him in tatters, a stark reminder of their recent trials in the dungeon. Concern etched across his features, Peter gently remarked, "Bell, perhaps it's time for a new shirt before we step into the guild."
Bell's gaze dropped to his torn attire, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I agree," he confessed sheepishly. "But unfortunately, my wallet doesn't share the sentiment right now."
Understanding Bell's predicament, Peter suggested, "Let's head back home first. You can change into something decent. Eina would give me an earful if she saw you in that state." Bell shuddered at the thought of his dungeon adviser finding out that he had gone down to the 6th floor and almost got killed again today, feeling a chill run down his spine.
"Sounds like a plan," Bell agreed with a nod. "But you go ahead to the guild and handle the crystal exchange. I'll join you shortly after changing." Bell handed over his backpack full of dungeon drop items to Peter. Peter accepted it, recognizing the unspoken message behind Bell's gesture of trust and camaraderie. With their course of action decided, they parted ways, each heading towards their respective destinations.
Peter entered the guild and made a beeline for the exchange counters, his integrated suit drawing curious glances from the adventurers mingling around the bustling space. Approaching an unoccupied counter, he swiftly emptied both his and Bell's bags of all the crystals and items into the exchange box. The clerk on the other end, a man with cat ears, deftly pulled in the drawer and began sorting through the items.
As he watched the clerk meticulously examining each item, Peter couldn't help but doubt the accuracy of the process without the aid of computers. The thought nagged at him—how could he be certain that the valuation was fair? The possibility lingered that the clerk could be cheating him, or at least, making errors in the assessment.
Perhaps he should ask Jane, to keep track of all the items and calculate their value to ensure they weren't cheated during the exchange. It was a practical solution to safeguard their earnings and prevent any potential discrepancies.
"Can you please explain the valuations of various crystals and drop items?" he asked politely. The clerk, already engrossed in his task of evaluating his drops, replied gruffly, "All the valuations are listed by the guild. You can find them in the library."
Peter waited patiently until the clerk finished evaluating his drops. "The total valuation comes to 21,000 Valis," the clerk said gruffly. "How do you want it divided?"
Peter pondered the clerk's question. They likely divided the collection according to the party members, but he couldn't help but wonder if Hestia should receive a share for familia expenses. "Divide it into three equal parts," he instructed.
The clerk counted out the coins and placed three pouches in the exchange box. Peter thanked the rather rude clerk and made his way to the library. As he passed by, he noticed Eina eyeing him with a look of slight confusion, probably wondering where Bell was. He gave her a slight nod of acknowledgment before entering the library.
The guild library exuded an aura of quiet wisdom and scholarly atmosphere. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, reaching up to the high ceiling adorned with intricate chandeliers. The shelves were filled to the brim with leather-bound tomes, scrolls, and ancient manuscripts, their spines bearing the weight of centuries of knowledge.
Sunlight streamed in through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the polished wooden floor. The air was filled with the faint scent of parchment and ink, lending a sense of nostalgia to the space.
At the center of the library stood a large oak table, surrounded by plush chairs inviting patrons to sit and delve into the depths of knowledge.
In the corner of the room, a solitary figure sat behind a desk, poring over a stack of scrolls. The librarian, a fox lady with keen eyes and a serene demeanor, seemed to be bored, her attention wandering as Peter entered. The tranquil atmosphere of the library remained undisturbed, as it was currently empty save for the librarian and Peter. It occurred to Peter that perhaps the adventurers of this world weren't very literary and didn't frequent the library often.
The fox lady looked up at Peter, her gaze lingering on his integrated suit with a hint of awe. "That's a nice armor," she remarked, her curiosity piqued. "How can I help you?"
Peter inquired, "Could you provide me with the Guild's rate list for exchanging monster crystals and drops? Additionally, do you have information on various monsters categorized by the dungeon floor they appear on? Lastly, I'd like to review the dungeon maps, if possible."
The librarian blinked, a hint of surprise crossing her features before she nodded understandingly. "Most adventurers don't even think to come in here and ask for such basic information," she remarked, her tone carrying a touch of amusement. "You would think that more adventurers would come in here to access all the information the guild has so painstakingly put together. What is your name, young man?"
Peter introduced himself with a polite smile, grateful for her assistance. She gestured towards a nearby shelf and pointed out the rate list, neatly organized for easy reference. With a gentle smile, she guided
Peter to another section of the library, where she showed him where the maps and details of the monsters were kept, ensuring he had everything he needed for his research.
Peter took the rate list for upper floor monsters and found a nearby table to sit. He put on his mask, activating it to communicate with Jane. Glancing at the librarian, he noticed her surprise at seeing him don the mask, but she didn't comment. Instead, she kept shooting curious glances at him, her intrigue evident in her expression.
Peter observed that the price of the monsters crystals increased with the difficulty of the monsters. "Jane, please scan this document," he requested. "Would you be able to calculate the net worth of the items I exchanged today?"
Jane answered cheekily, "Of course, I am perfectly capable of performing such trivial tasks."
Peter turned the pages of the rate list for Jane to scan them, his movements swift and efficient. The librarian observed with amusement as he flipped through the book at an impressive speed, unaware that Jane needed only a split second to scan the contents of a page.
Jane relayed the analysis, stating, "I have analyzed the data. The proper valuation of the crystals and drop items handed over today is 23,215 Valis. The clerk has paid you 2,215 Valis less."
Peter contemplated that he would always verify with Jane during exchanges to prevent from getting cheated again. However, he knew he needed to keep Jane a secret. He decided he would just have to pretend to be exceptionally skilled at math to explain his accuracy in valuations.
As Peter flipped through the books about the monsters, he came across the entry for the shadow monsters they had faced, known as War Shadows. According to the book, they were vulnerable to magic. Their only weak spot to physical attacks was their eyes, a detail they had already figured out during their encounter.
The book recommended purchasing an enchanted weapon to fight them if the adventurer didn't possess offensive magic. This sparked Peter's curiosity about the enchanted weapons available in this world. He made a mental note to look into it further, intrigued by the potential advantages they could of Form
As he continued flipping through the books for Jane to scan, Peter heard Eina's voice echoing from the entrance hall of the guild. "YOU WENT DOWN TO THE SIXTH FLOOR?" Her voice carried with unmistakable frustration, and Peter sighed inwardly, knowing Bell couldn't keep anything a secret.
Moments later, Eina stormed into the library, dragging a fuming Bell alongside her. Spotting Peter, she seemed momentarily confused upon seeing him wearing a mask, but she quickly disregarded it and directed her anger at him with a shout. "YOU!"
Peter replied jokingly, pointing at himself, "Me?"
Eina shot him a death glare, the light reflecting off her glasses. Peter couldn't help but wonder if giving glares was her superpower.
Eina shouted, "Mr. Parker, this is serious!"
Peter couldn't help but wonder; didn't they have a policy of keeping silence in the library in this universe? He noticed that the nice librarian was looking at the scene with amusement.
Deciding to amuse her further, he replied, "You must have me confused with someone else, lady."
Both Bell and the librarian snorted at his reply. Eina's glare seemed to intensify. Peter half expected her to suddenly start shooting laser beams from her eyes.
Eina said angrily, "Mister Parker, what were you thinking going into the sixth floor on your very first day in the dungeon? Adventurers with months of experience don't dare to venture there. You could have gotten yourself and Bell killed."
Peter couldn't resist a cheeky comeback. "This isn't my first rodeo, sweetheart."
Bell raised an eyebrow quizzically. Eina's glare intensified, her eyes practically shooting sparks. Peter couldn't help but notice the puzzled expressions on their faces, indicating they weren't quite catching his drift with the slang.
With an exasperated sigh, Eina turned to Bell. "Bell, you almost got killed yesterday at the fifth floor. You should have learned your lesson from that incident. Remember, adventurers shouldn't go on..." She stopped herself from repeating her favorite phrase mid-sentence and shot Peter a glare, as if she expected him to mock her about it again.
Peter, meanwhile, contemplated whether he should add that Bell almost got killed today also, just to rile her up even more. After all, why waste a perfectly good opportunity to stir the pot? But he held his tongue for Bell's sake. After all, Bell wasn't immune to her death glares.
Eina then turned her attention to Peter, her tone firm and admonishing. "Mr. Parker, as the elder, you should be the responsible one. Bell's recklessness is concerning enough without any further encouragement. Remember, actions have consequences. If you keep taking risks, you or those you care about may get hurt, or worse."
Peter's playful demeanor vanished in an instant, his voice taking on a grave seriousness. "I understand that very well, Miss Tule. People have suffered greatly as a result of my actions. My aunt, the woman who was more than a mother to me, died because of my choices. I've lost all my friends, my home—all consequences of my actions. So believe me when I say, I understand the weight of my decisions."
Eina felt an urge to take a step back at the sheer intensity radiating from Peter. Bell's expression shifted to one of concern and empathy. The librarian observed the exchange solemnly, recognizing the gravity of the conversation.
Even though Peter was wearing his mask, there could be no doubt that his expression must be deadly serious underneath. "I promise you, Miss Tulle, I will protect Bell to the best of my abilities. I would rather die than allow any harm to befall him."
Eina could feel the weight of Peter's words, his sincerity evident even behind the mask. She paused, considering his vow, and finally replied, "I trust you'll keep your word, Mr. Parker. But remember, protecting Bell also means guiding him away from unnecessary risks. The same goes for you, Bell."
Bell observed the exchange with a mixture of concern and admiration. He knew he was in good hands with Peter, but the weight of their shared responsibilities was not lost on him.
Eina added, her tone shifting to one of official business, "On a different note, since your familia has more than one member, you would need to register your familia's captain with the guild. The captain is responsible for maintaining communication and paying taxes to the guild. You have one week to do so."
Bell instantly chimed in, suggesting, "Peter should be the captain."
Eina frowned disapprovingly at Bell's quick suggestion. "You should discuss this with your Goddess first, Bell. Such decisions shouldn't be taken lightly. It will have an important impact on the future of the familia."
With that, Eina bid farewell and left, leaving behind a lingering sense of gravity in the room. Peter couldn't help but muse that Eina definitely didn't trust him to become captain.
Peter continued flipping through the pages at a rapid pace. Bell, intrigued, asked, "Wow, Peter, can you really read that fast?"
Peter glanced at the librarian, who had finally lost interest in their conversation and was engrossed in a book. "I can't, but Jane can," he replied casually, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
Bell's eyes widened in astonishment. "Whoa, seriously? That's incredible!" he exclaimed, impressed by the capabilities of Peter's 'Spirit' companion.
After spending another hour scanning books, Peter finally decided to leave. He realized he needed to buy clothes and other necessities. Handing Bell his share of the earnings, Bell eagerly asked, "How much is it?"
"It's seven thousand," Peter replied, watching as Bell's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, I've never made that much before," Bell exclaimed in disbelief.
Peter nodded, adding, "Actually, we made twenty-one thousand. I kept a third of it to give to Hestia for familia expenses, if it's alright with you."
Bell's astonishment only grew. "Wow, that's a lot," he remarked, processing the significant sum. "And we did return early today. We can make so much more if we stay in the dungeon for the whole day."
Peter smiled at Bell's enthusiasm, appreciating his eagerness to explore and earn more. Bell then confessed that he hadn't given Hestia any Valis until now, as all of it had been going towards maintaining equipment, buying potions, and paying off the debt to the guild. He wholeheartedly agreed that a third of their earnings should go to the goddess
Peter remarked, "I need to get some new clothes. And you should probably get a replacement for that shirt the dungeon devoured today." With a nod, Bell agreed, and they set off together for a shopping trip.