Volume 4 Chapter 6 Long-Awaited Dungeon Exploration - 2Nd Floor
The sound of water echoed through the cave with a "plop."
It was the first dungeon exploration with this group. I, Ice, and Clay felt a sense of nostalgia.
On the other hand, some members did not.
"Ugh... no matter how many times I come in, I can't get used to it..."
"Toxy, hold on. It's time to make use of what we gained when we explored together."
"Weren't we just running away from the Manticore when we explored together!"
Listening to Toxy and Sandra's conversation, I, Ice, and Clay exchanged glances and chuckled wryly. The Manticore really seems to be a tough opponent on the lower floors.
"If the two of you team up, you should be able to defeat the Manticore easily, right?"
When I asked, Sandra replied, "It's not impossible to win."
"But the cost-effectiveness is poor. Each one is quite strong, so sometimes it's safer to run away."
The three of us looked at each other.
"Wait, which floor are you talking about?"
"15th floor or something? Anyway, t that's tough. Dealing with a group of Manticores is really annoying."
In response to Toxy, I realized I had unconsciously disrespected her. A group, huh...
"Anyway, that's pretty impressive. So you two made it halfway to the Silver, right?"
To obtain the Silver torch adventurer's proof, one need to reach the 30th floor. If the two of them can make it to the 15th floor together, it seems like they can move quite steadily.
However, Sandra shook her head.
"Not really. When I came before, I stepped on the 30th floor alone and returned."
"Come to think of it, wasn't solo play restricted recently?"
"Yeah. That's why I went in alone and cleared it alone. Looking back now, it was quite easy. After that, I noticed the fatal enemies just in time. But with Toxy, it was a mess."
"It's just a rumor, but I heard that dungeons 'remember faces'... So maybe it's because Sandra was remembered that things turned out that way."
"The dungeon is full of malice. It's so puzzling."
Sandra, with an expressionless face, exuded a somewhat dissatisfied atmosphere.
It was about the second floor of the dungeon.
On the first floor, there were no encounters with enemies, and even now, on the second floor, we could explore without sensing any enemy presence enough to chat like this.
Although I thought that this kind of atmosphere was not good as it lessened the tension, it had been a while since we last explored, so we were steadily moving forward.
―――Last night, I didn't have time to think through what Alex had told me.
I haven't firmly decided to avoid danger; that's the only feeling I have right now. In fact, everyone is strong. Strong enough. But Alex said they couldn't keep up.
So, we'll go back before it gets dangerous. ...That was the only decision I made yesterday.
"There are three goblins 20 meters ahead."
Thinking about that, I blinked several times and turned my gaze to my allies as Toxy said sharply.
And I asked.
"Sandra, can you clean up from here?"
"Roger. Thunderbolt."
Adorning her arms with a crackling electric glow, Sandra sent lightning straight horizontally. A deafening roar echoed. We, already accustomed, covered our ears together.
"Three targets eliminated."
Upon hearing Toxy's report, I said, "I want to confirm too. Was it straight ahead from here?"
Shining the torch, we found goblin-like knives and clubs, three of them lying on the ground. Additionally, a shield and a crossbow. All charred by lightning.
"Thank you, both of you. Impressive. With this feeling, we can definitely advance deeper."
"Nihihi, thanks."
"It's not that big of a deal, Wade."
Despite their modest words, the two looked proud. I decided to check a few more things there.
"However, I have a few questions. Is that okay?"
"Ask anything." "Go ahead."
"First, I didn't have an image of Toxy having scouting abilities. How does that work?"
"I'm making a drug with poison magic to sharpen my senses, and using runes to enhance my focus."
"I see. That sounds reliable. So, if you feel something suspicious, make sure to report it, even if it's just a hunch. With Ice's snowman, we can gather information from a greater distance."
"Oh, I see. That would make things a lot safer."
"Well, leave it to me, Wade-kun..."
After confirming Toxy and Ice nodding at each other, I look at Sandra.
"Next, Sandra, this might be unnecessary worry, but how much magic power does your lightning strike consume without recovery?"
"About 1/13 to 1/14."
"Then it should be generally fine. By the way, how long does it take to recover from magic power depletion?"
"I've always had a fast magic power recovery rate. Even if my magic power is completely drained after a short nap, I can fully recover. It's even faster with snacks."
"Is that so? How many snacks do you have with you?"
"About 80% of my bag."
"That's too much to bring."
When going into the dungeon, everyone brought along a large backpack around 40 liters in size. About 80% of them. For some, it might be snacks for a few months.
"Sandra! You promised to reduce the amount of snacks! Why is it increasing?"
Toxy entered scolding mode. Arms crossed, she sharply reprimanded.
"Kun."
"Stop imitating a dog's cry! Snacks are supposed to be light and compact, so if you're going deep into the dungeon, you should bring more substantial food. You'll be in trouble if needed!"
Her way of scolding was truly that of an adventurer. Come to think of it, I haven't dived into the dungeon since defeating the chimera on the 5th floor. Maybe Toxy is more knowledgeable about dungeons than I am.
By the way, when I checked just now, Toxy was properly wearing a copper torch adventurer badge. It makes me feel like everyone is growing in ways I don't know about.
"..."
What I remember is the advice from Alex. If I don't recognize the current gap, it will lead to tragedy. Just like Frain, who once lost all his comrades.
Today's plan was a reconnaissance. Unless there's a lot of leeway, I don't intend to go up to the 30th floor.
Although I boasted about being in the Gold rank, what's truly important to me are my comrades.
Until now, I've been a bit reckless, charging ahead without considering my surroundings. However, I'm starting to think it might be time to show some restraint.
So, this time, I planned to assess the situation at the 10th floor and turn back at the 15th floor where Toxy and Sandra turned back. If there's still room to spare, proceed even more cautiously to the 20th floor.
And no matter what happens, I won't go beyond that. I had made that a vow.
"Oh... stairs, found them, huh...? This way...!"
While being guided by the cheerful Ice, who seemed calm, I advanced with my friends. Ahead of Ice's snowman, which made a "Kippi" sound to get attention, lay the depths of another dungeon waiting for us.
"I had anticipated it, but the 2nd floor went really smoothly. Let's keep up the pace without letting our guard down."
In response to Clay's cheerful words, Toxy chirped, "Yes," in a lively manner. Ice chuckled at that, and Sandra leisurely nibbled on snacks.
"Hey, Sandra. Aren't you eating snacks too quickly? At least save it for the break."
"This party is excellent. With high scouting ability, it's better to relax a bit to conserve energy."
"In other words, you're leaving it to me and Ice-chan?"
"That's right!"
As everyone laughed at Sandra, who was holding her head after being surprised by Toxy, I thought it would be nice to relax and laugh like this.
However, for some reason, I couldn't shake off a bad feeling.
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