Volume 1 Chapter 9 Starting Shallow Training
We immediately stepped into the dungeon. It was quite chilly, just as one would expect inside a cave.
"As the instructor said, it's a good thing we came prepared with thick gear!"
"Yeah, you're right... But it's so dark. Should we light the torch right away?"
"Yeah!"
I rubbed the torch against the wall. I was told that this would make it catch fire inside the dungeon, even though I didn't understand the science behind it. Sparks flew from the torch, and it burst into flames.
"Okay, let's proceed cautiously."
"Y-yeah."
And so, we started walking straight ahead. Slowly, while the light from the torch flickered.
Of course, this wasn't the first time we had been warned about the dangers of the dungeon. We had heard about it over and over again during classroom lessons.
It's a terrifying place. Unexpected things can happen very easily. If possible, it's best to avoid becoming a torch adventurer focused on dungeon exploration.
However, there are still many who become torch adventurers. The reason is that dungeons hold a unique dream unlike any other two.
The hero who saved the country was once a torch adventurer. The king of that country rose to power using the treasures he brought back from dungeons. That great merchant? Don't pick a fight with him, because he used to be a torch adventurer too―――
Treasure. It's all about the treasure. Without exception, dungeons hold treasures. And the more bodies the dungeon consumes, the more treasures it hoards, using stronger monsters as its guard dogs.
It's good to aim to become a knight and gain fame as a sword adventurer. By honing your skills as a bow adventurer, you can find work anywhere. But, these paths do not lead to treasure.
...Unfortunately, I'm not really interested in treasure.
Now, the journey was quiet. Except for our footsteps, I couldn't hear anything. So, it wasn't difficult to notice the change. Ice and I drew our swords at the same time.
"Throw the torch."
"Okay."
I threw the torch ahead. Then, three goblins appeared, distracted by it. Goblins. Without magic, they're tough opponents, small creatures determined to kill us with all their might.
But I'm feeling light now.
"Weight Increase, Weight Down."
I used both spells at once and swiftly moved forward. With just one step, I leaped in front of the goblins, sword raised.
The goblins were startled by the sudden movement. As I landed, I swung my sword while increasing my weight. With such a light feeling, the goblin's head flew off.
One down, more to go.
Next, I turned my gaze to another goblin. It already had hostility towards me and swung its club. But in close combat like this, I won't lose.
With a swift strike, I destroyed the goblin's club. After all, my attack is as powerful as a greatsword's. The goblin let out a short cry and fell, its club shattered.
That makes two.
Then I realized I was getting too carried away with close combat. The goblin swung its battered sword at me. Not good.
But the goblin gradually slowed down and eventually stopped. I saw that Ice, breathing heavily, had frozen the goblin from behind.
"...Did you freeze it?"
"Y-yes... I'm glad it worked out in time...!"
I scratched my head and said, "You saved me there," with a laugh. Then Ice said, "Oh, no! I'm just happy to know I can be useful too!" while wiggling her mouth.
"But, I was surprised. You moved so fast. You were quick with Frain-kun too, but this was like lightning, or something."
"That's thanks to the new spell I learned. ...But your magic was helpful too, Ice. I knew about it, but to freeze enemies instantly like that? If you could fight bare-handed, just touching enemies would kill them instantly, wouldn't it?"
"N-no way! I-I'm timid and weak. Bare hands are... um..."
"Well, yeah, I guess so. Maybe I asked too much of a girl. Sorry. Anyway, let's think of better ways to use it gradually."
I picked up the torch. Looking around, it seemed like we had dealt with most of the enemies for now.
All around us, there was just darkness.
"...The malice of the dungeon, huh."
I shine a light on the ground. The goblins' weapons are clubs and battered swords. But the one carried by the first one I defeated looked a bit different.
"...What's this purple pattern?"
I pick it up. It looks like a knife, but ominous. When I point the blade downwards, a drop falls.
"...This might be poison."
"...I see."
I put the knife in my backpack. Even trainees can exchange items for money at the guild.
Still, poison on the first floor already? It's so malicious. It's mean that the goblin, a symbol of the weak, would have it.
"Three more to go. Let's do our best."
"Yeah, let's."
We walk with torch in hand. Once again, only our footsteps echo through the halls.
For a while, it's like that. While walking, I think having a party of five with a loot drop system is quite tough.
After all, the quota is three monsters per person, totaling 15 monsters. Even though they have a lot of people, the challenge is still tough.
But at the same time, it's important to prioritize stability. As the instructor says, there is malice in the dungeon. There's malice in setting traps for explorers while luring them with treasure.
However, I wonder why the instructor said we need at least two people. If safety is the concern, he should have said we need at least five people.
Then, we heard a scream. We looked at each other with wide eyes.
"Did you hear that?"
"It must be one of our classmates. It sounds close..."
I thought about it. That's when Ice grabbed the hem of my clothes. Behind her bangs, there was a desperate expression. A face pleading for justice.
"―――I think we should go help."
"Yeah...!"
We ran, holding torches high.
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