Chapter 23 It'S Going To Be A Long Fight...
Our third expedition into the labyrinth.
It's the second day.
We're currently on the 36th floor.
From the 36th to the 40th floor is known as the "Snowfield Floor," a floor that lives up to its name with endless snowfields stretching out as far as the eye can see.
There are no buildings or obstacles, but the same scenery stretches on and on, and to make matters worse, even compasses are useless in the labyrinth, so many explorers get lost.
If someone don't have a map of the lower floors, it'll take a considerable amount of time just to find the stairs.
But if they've gathered information from previous explorers and studied it carefully, finding the stairs isn't that difficult.
The stairs lead down to a cave in the cliff face, and from there, you can figure out how to proceed based on the information gathered by the explorer guild.
So, what we really need to be careful about on this floor is something else.
One thing is the temperature.
It's freezing on this floor, and if one is not prepared with cold-weather gear, they'll lose body heat in no time. Even explorers with strong physiques can't escape the danger of freezing to death in this environment.
Of course, we also put on our cold-weather gear from our storage rings before starting our exploration.
The second thing is blizzards.
On the Snowfield floor, it sometimes snows and strong winds blow. When the strong winds blow, the snow on the ground gets swept up and reduces visibility, making it impossible to see even your friends right in front of you.
And to make matters worse, monsters often launch surprise attacks during these times.
It's not easy to deal with monsters that attack when visibility is low.
The monsters that appear are Ice Wolves, Snow Golems, Frost Jacks, and Snow Worms, and even Frost Dragons, which are formidable foes, appear as regular enemies.
But even if one is not a magician, as an expert explorer, they can sense magical energy, so they can detect the magical energy of the attacking monsters and respond to their surprise attacks somehow.
Unless one have a [hidden] skill or technique like Ail, it is difficult to completely hide their magical energy.
Fortunately, the monsters that appear in this floor attack with Blizzard-based disruptions to vision, hearing, and smell, so they don't have the technique to hide magical energy.
However, it's not like we can respond to their ambushes perfectly.
The Snowfield floor is covered in snow up to our knees, making it difficult to move around. The force of our footsteps gets absorbed by the snow, making it hard to move quickly or maintain our footing.
So, unlike before, we can't just let the monsters pass us by from behind.
After all, they can ambush us from anywhere ―― front, back, left, or right ―― and on top of that, Snow Worms attack from below and Frost Dragons from above.
To make matters worse, they seem to have a natural instinct to target our weaknesses.
Weaknesses - namely, the 4 non-combat members of the [Four Great Families of the Seals].
"――Prioritize protecting the 4 of them If we can hold out, Mr. Logan and the others will take them down!"
"""Got it!!"""
The monsters, hidden in the blizzard, aggressively attack the 4, but the Iron Wall Alliance, led by Garon, completely protects them.
All 6 of them have shield-based Jobs, and 3 of them have even awakened to Unique Jobs. Iron Wall Alliance is not going to let some lowly monsters get past our defenses.
I don't know what skills they used or how, but with Eva and the others at the center, Iron Wall Alliance forms a circular formation, deploying a shield that looks like a semi-spherical aura.
It's incredibly sturdy, and doesn't even flinch against the Frost Dragon's breath or sharp claw attacks.
If we can just buy some time, the rest is easy.
Even with the bad footing, there are plenty of ways to fight.
With skills like [Flying Blade] or [Flying Slash] that can attack from a distance, and skills like [Rapid Flash] or [Speed Step] that allow for quick movement, even if I'm not too mobile, I can still take down monsters with magic.
The Frost Dragon may be strong, but it's still an enemy that can be defeated with skills like [Flying Flash Blade] or [Raging Continuous Blade]. Or, we could take it down with Logan's [Flying Dragon Sever] or my attack magic.
Even in harsh environments and surprise monster attacks, we won't be struggling too much. With this many explorers gathered, there's no way we can't take down a monster. We're making good progress.
And finally, we've reached the 40th floor of [God's Remains Labyrinth].
In a vast snowy plain, even Expert explorers often fall to the powerful guardians.
――≪Ice Elemental Treant≫
A gigantic tree composed of transparent crystals, like ice.
It's about 30 meters (≈ 98 feet) tall, and its trunk is as thick as a massive building. Even the leaves at the tips of its branches are transparent. The sunlight filtering down from above reflects off the inside of the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫, making it seem like it's glowing on its own.
It's a fantastical, mysterious sight.
"Everyone, let's confirm our roles one more time before we start fighting."
Garon stopped at a distance from the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫, which didn't react, and spoke loudly so everyone could hear.
We gathered around, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings, and started discussing our plan.
Garon was at the center of the conversation.
That's because the role of the ≪Iron Wall Alliance≫ becomes crucial in the battle against the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫. It's already a tough enemy, but when we have to protect non-combatants while fighting, the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ becomes an extremely troublesome foe.
"I think I don't need to remind Mr. Logan and the others, but I want to make sure Princess is prepared as well."
"...What do you mean?"
Eva's expression turned slightly uneasy as she tilted her head at Garon's words.
"Does that mean we're in danger?"
"No, no matter what happens, we'll protect you, princess. That's our duty."
Garon firmly denied Eva's question, but then added "However..."
"This battle will be a long and grueling one. Even if princess doesn't fight, you'll still be mentally and physically exhausted. Please be prepared for that."
"Ah, I see... Of course, I'm prepared. I won't whine or complain, so don't worry."
"I appreciate that."
Eva said with a determined look, and Garon nodded in response. Then, he turned to face us, scanning each of our faces. His gaze stopped at Fiona.
"Ah, Ms. Fiona..."
"What?"
"I just want to confirm, but do you understand how to fight the Ice Elemental Treant?"
The question was probably because Fiona hadn't cleared the 40th floor.
Among the explorer members, Fiona was the only one who hadn't defeated the Ice Elemental Treant. So, Garon wanted to confirm if she had any information about its battle strategy.
However, Fiona seemed to take offense at the question, which implied she was inexperienced, and responded with a hint of anger.
"Don't underestimate me. I may not have beaten it, but of course, I know how to fight it."
"Sorry if I offended you. I just wanted to confirm."
"I'm not angry or anything."
Fiona crossed her arms and turned away, looking childish.
Garon didn't seem to mind Fiona's reaction and continued with a serious expression. He was convinced that this battle would be extremely tough.
"We'll focus on protecting the princes from the Valkyrie. So, we'll leave the fighting to Mr. Logan and the others. It'll be a long and intense battle, but if necessary, we can have up to 3 people from the Iron Wall Alliance join the fight to hold the line temporarily. During that time, you can rest and recover with potions."
"I see. So you guys will protect me during that time, right?"
"Yes, please leave it to us."
"Then, it'll be a lot easier."
Logan nodded, looking relieved.
I also thought to myself, "If we have the time to use potions during the battle, it'll be a lot easier."
The reason is that the fight against ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ will inevitably be a long one.
First, when the battle starts, ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ will create 24 golems. Of course, they're not just ordinary golems, but extremely high-performance and powerful ones.
――≪Valkyrie Ice Golem≫
These golems, made of ice, have a transparent appearance, modeled after a woman wearing light armor, holding various weapons like swords, spears, and bows. Furthermore, they have 2 pairs of 4 wings on their back, allowing them to fly freely in the air at high speed.
Just the fact that they can fly at high speed and attack is intimidating enough, but what's even more troublesome is that these golems can also use magic. Although they can only use ice and snow magic, having a powerful long-range attack capability while flying is a significant threat.
However, the most troublesome one is the guardian, ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ itself.
After creating the Valkyries, ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ will always use one magic.
Ice and snow magic――[Blizzard Storm]
A fierce blizzard will spread around ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫, with countless ice shards swirling at high speed within the whirlwind. Its power is tremendous, and if one takes even one step inside, their human body will be destroyed beyond recognition.
Probably, even Garon, who excels at defense, wouldn't be able to withstand [Blizzard Storm]. Even if he could endure the ice shards, he'd be blown away by the strong winds or have your body temperature stolen by the extremely cold air, eventually freezing to death.
The [Blizzard Storm] activated by ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ is so powerful that it can even freeze to death animals adapted to the extreme cold in just a matter of seconds.
――And yet, if one tries to attack ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ from the outside, their attacks will be blocked by the blizzard's defensive wall.
So, until the [Blizzard Storm] is lifted due to the depletion of the magical energy of the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫, the explorers will be forced to continue fighting the Valkyries... But these Valkyries, being golems, can be easily replenished.
The more you defeat, the more they will be replenished by the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫, one for one. Of course, since creating golems also consumes magical energy, defeating the Valkyries would also deplete the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫'s energy, but...
That's just how it is, with the guardian of the labyrinth being so powerful. Just like how Lich had an enormous amount of magical energy that seemed endless, the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ also possesses an even greater amount of magical energy.
In the end, the battle against the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ is a fight where you defeat the Valkyries, deplete the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫'s magical energy, and then defeat the main body after lifting the [Blizzard Storm].
In the meantime, the number of Valkyries that need to be defeated is as many as 256.
If we prolong the battle, the magical energy consumed by maintaining the [Blizzard Storm] will decrease, and the number of Valkyries that need to be defeated will also decrease, but which one is easier depends on the Jobs of the explorers who take on the challenge.
Explorers who can't clear the 40th floor will all end up defeated by these Valkyries.
While a momentary burst of strength might be enough to surpass the Giant King Nord, in terms of overall strength and annoyance, the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ far surpasses it.
And it doesn't have a weakness like Nord's either.
This is a place where, unless one has a certain level of strength, they'll be mercilessly crushed. And the strength required to clear the 40th floor is only possessed by a select few among the Expert explorers.
Without a doubt, it'll be a long and grueling battle...
But.
I'm listening to Garon's conversation with a serious face, thinking to myself...
――I wanna go home already.
I'm getting tired of being cautious while fighting monsters, and I'm also fed up with fighting them in groups. It's like, I've been doing solo activities for too long, and it's become a habit. When I'm in a group, I get stressed out.
On top of that, fighting the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ and the Valkyries for a long time is just exhausting to think about.
So,
I've decided to take down the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ quickly. To do that, I'll have to reveal the "secret technique" I discovered after putting in a lot of effort, but oh well, I'll just have to accept it.
"――Garon."
"What's up, Mr. Aaron?"
"I'm sorry to deny what we discussed, but I think it's better to take it down quickly rather than dragging out the fight."
"――Huh?"
Not just Garon, but almost everyone in the room looked at me like I was crazy. What are you talking about?
Only Logan and the 3 old guys looked interested, like they were thinking, "This could be fun."
"Hey, Mr. Aaron, if we can take it down quickly, that's great and all, but isn't that exactly why we're having this discussion?"
"I understand what you're saying, but I have a secret plan."
"...A secret plan, you say? Are you saying you can take down the ≪Ice Elemental Treant≫ easily with that?"
Garon still looked skeptical.
If there was a method like that, it would have spread already, right? That's what I'd think.
But my recognition is different from that.
"Hey, hey, who do you think I am?"
I said confidently.
"...Mr. Aaron Gale, right?"
"Nope."
"What!?"
Of course, I am Aaron Gale. But what I want to say is not something that obvious.
I didn't answer in words, but instead showed them by tapping my Black Radiance at my waist with a "Tuck" sound.
At that moment, a woman with short, brown hair from the ≪Iron Wall Alliance≫ let out a "Ah!" of surprise.
"Maybe... 'Wood Sword Meister'...?"
"Hah, that's correct!"
When I said that, the woman who answered looked like a kid who got a question right on a quiz, and she innocently cheered.
"Yes! I did it!"
"What do you mean...!? How is that possible...?"
Meanwhile, Garon was staring at me with a blank expression, still not understanding.
No choice but to explain it to him.
"You see, when I make a wooden sword, I always gather the materials myself. It's a craftsman's pride."
"Huh...? I mean, what do you mean...?"
"What's the material for a wooden sword?"
"Uh, it's..."
"That's right, wood! Normally, I use Elder Treant material, but if I can find even better material, I'd love to make a wooden sword with it..."
"..."
"Don't you get it yet? What are we trying to defeat right now?"
"...It's the Ice Elemental Treant, isn't it?"
"That's right. In other words, it's wood."
After I broke through the 40th floor for the first time, as a wooden sword craftsman, I naturally thought about using the Ice Elemental Treant's drop as material.
However, the Ice Elemental Treant is much harder to process than Eldar Treant's core wood, and I still haven't succeeded in making a wooden sword. The few materials I had were quickly used up.
That's why I've been challenging the 40th floor multiple times to get the materials. It didn't take that long to conquer the 40th floor itself, and I had time to challenge it several times before forming a clan.
However, having to fight for a long time every time is really tough and inefficient. So, I thought about how to defeat the Ice Elemental Treant quickly and experimented with different methods.
Finally, I recently found a strategy that works.
――I explained all this to everyone.
"To be honest, I didn't want to tell anyone... but I had no choice. It's special, after all."
"Ah, I see...so, what do you plan to do?"
"There's one reason why we can't defeat the Ice Elemental Treant quickly. We can't attack its core until we drain its magical energy, right?"
"That's right."
"Then, why don't we just attack its core from the start and defeat it quickly?"
"No way, that's why it's gonna be a long fight, isn't it?"
Of course, anyone would counterargue. But I confidently taught them.
"You can do it. It's impossible to break through the Blizzard Storm of the Ice Elemental Treant, but the top is open. In other words, if you enter the Blizzard Storm from above, you can attack the main body."
"......"
I taught them my genius plan, but almost everyone gave me a skeptical look.
I get it. They're probably thinking, "That's impossible."
Flight magic exists, but it's a high-level magic, and even Valkyries can't fly freely in the sky. And the speed isn't that fast either. If they fly, they'll be swarmed by Valkyries and killed in no time.
And of course, as a non-magician, I can't fly either.
But it's not about flying; it's about running in the sky. And that's something I can do.
"Humans can make the sky their foothold if they train."
"...No way, that's ridiculous."
Garon stubbornly denied it. Seriously, how dense can this guy be?
"Well, hearing it a hundred times isn't the same as seeing it once. I'll show you, so watch."
Saying that, I drew out Black Radiance and continuously flowed aura into it while walking towards the Ice Elemental Treant.
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