Volume 1 Chapter 16 Clay's Background
It had been a few weeks since Ice, Clay, and I teamed up as a three-person party.
"Throw a torch"
""Got it!""
On the 2nd floor of the dungeon, I sensed a presence ahead in the darkness and threw the torch as I declared. There were five Kobolds there—bipedal dogs, agile and keen-nosed Goblins.
As usual, I start the battle.
"Weight Increase, Weight Reduce."
Alright, time to crush them.
With a sharp exhale, I reduced my weight with [Weight Reduce], leaped forward, and as I closed in on the enemy, I increased my weight with [Weight Increase], executing a 'close combat attack'. It's a classic move. Most enemies are usually surprised by it.
I slammed my now heavy fist into the belly of the last Kobold. It was covered in iron gauntlets.
I knew its power—the hardness, weight, speed. With all these attributes, this fist was a far more fearsome weapon than just a sword.
Indeed, the Kobold struck by the 'Weight Increase Body Blow' was sent flying halfway, as if bursting. It crashed into the wall, spitting blood, and collapsed.
""""!?""""
Seeing one Kobold knocked out in one blow, and in such a strange way, the remaining four Kobolds were frozen in shock. It was hitting the mark, as they say. So, I shifted my focus to another Kobold.
'Weight Increase Straight'
In boxing style, after pulling back my arm extended for the body blow, I threw a right straight punch. The Kobold, still stunned, couldn't react.
Thud, a sound echoed. The Kobold hit by the Weight Increase Straight trembled slightly and collapsed on the spot.
In that brief moment, about one second.
I don't know what Slow Magic is, but gravity magic is just instantly strong.
"G-GRROOARR!?"
Finally, the remaining three Kobolds faced me, ready for battle. However, I had already finished my one-two and was in a fighting stance. There was no opening like in the goblin battle before.
The three Kobolds, trying to regain their composure, backed away without taking their eyes off me. I smirked.
"Yeah, if you throw a torch and then suddenly attack, you'd think I'm the only enemy."
"Ice, Blow"
They faced me—meaning, they turned their backs on Ice and Clay, who promptly attacked.
Ice approached with a rapier, imbued with cold from the mace. She delivered a sharp thrust. At first, the Kobold seemed unfazed by the pain, but gradually its movements became awkward, until it stopped moving altogether.
This happened three times in quick succession, with Ice swiftly joining me. Three frozen kobolds remain. Then, Clay's large hammer came down.
"Quake!"
Clay's sweeping strike shattered the frozen Kobolds with a single blow. We celebrated our teamwork with high-fives.
"Wow, this is amazing! We can defeat enemies so smoothly, it's unbelievable."
"Yeah, Wade-kun takes the rear with his slashes, creating openings for the enemy. Then Ice-san freezes them with a single strike, and I finish them off! It's so satisfying!"
"Yeah. We were just hoping for this to work out, but it's incredible how well it's going."
Feeling accomplished, I picked up the torch. If we're feeling this good on the 2nd floor, maybe it's time to dive into the 3rd.
"Still, we've been down here for about four hours. Our focus is probably wearing off. Let's return."
"Huh, has it been that long?"
"Yeah, time flies when you're underground. Some people stay submerged for days to earn silver, but let's get out of here quickly."
Clay checked his expensive pocket watch and remarked. I use a cheap one from the shop, but it doesn't have those fancy patterns like his.
Curious, I asked,
"Hey, sorry if this offends you, but Clay, are you from a good family?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm technically the third son of the Baron family."
Ice and I both gasped in surprise, awkwardly keeping our distance as we asked,
"N-Nobility?"
"Y-Yes, noble...?"
"Huh!? Oh, um, yeah, technically. But don't be so formal! It's really not a big deal."
Clay said somewhat anxiously, easing our tension. Noble, huh... I guess, coming from a background where I felt like I was counting down to being a sl*ve, it startled me a bit.
But noble... There's something oddly fantastical about it when I see it in person. Magic was one thing, but the difference in status also adds an exciting twist.
"Wow, that's amazing... When it comes to nobles, I only know about the magic evangelist person."
"Oh, you mean Teres-san. She's a pretty important person unlike me. The Baron family is the lowest among the recognized hereditary nobles, but she's from the Count family."
I'm the type of person who's impressed when names and personal information come up so easily. I mean, I had completely forgotten her name until now.
"How important is a Count, then?"
In response to Ice's question, Clay pondered and answered,
"Hmm. They about in the middle among the nobles. Nobles are considered relatives of the royal family and families that have served the royal family for generations. Counts are about the second highest in terms of lineage among the families who have been hereditary servants."
"W-wow, they're really important, huh..."
Wow... I've come this far without even being aware of royalty. I can't even name the king. Maybe I really have no education at all.
"So, the Barons are really low on the totem pole. They're not even as esteemed as hereditary knights, maybe just a tad higher. But, you see, knights are a one-generation thing, meaning they've done something impressive to impress the royals, so Barons can't even compete the impressiveness with them."
Clay concluded, and added, "Besides, being the third son doesn't help either." Well, nobility seems tough in its own way.
After pondering for a moment, I asked,
"...Do you want to be the party leader?"
"Huh!? Oh no no no! I joined the party because I admired Wade-kun, so you lead with confidence!"
"I see..."
I didn't really want to be the leader anyway, so I was willing to step back. It's just a party until graduation, after all.
With that settled, I started thinking.
What kind of adventurer would I become after graduation?
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