Chapter 10 - Growth of the Heroes 2 (2/2)
“Step back, Artpe!”
“I’m already doing that, so you don’t have to say it!”
They were mere Skeletons, yet they were wearing pretty good leather armor.They also carried gleaming longswords.They moved as if they had coordinated a plan beforehand.They approached Maetel from both sides.Artpe used his Read All Creation ability, and he moaned when he realized the monsters were all close to being level 50.
“The difficulty of the Dungeon rose sharply…..!”
“It’s all right…I can do this now!”
Maetel used her ridiculously fast reflexes and her good eyesight.She was doing it at a very slim margin, but she deflected all four longswords in order.Then she retreated a little bit, and she hardened her expression.
“Hmmph!”
In the next moment, the Bone Gauntlet let out a faint red light, and it added strength to Maetel’s slim arms.Artpe had explained to her that a boost in her emotions could bring out the ability of the artifact.However, he had never expected her to be able to control her emotions so freely!
He was well aware of her talent, yet even he was overwhelmed by this sight.
“You…..”
“I’m going!”
[You move forward.]
[You try to protect someone.]
[Your mental vision is still narrow.]
[You have enough courage to be recognized.]
“Shuuuuuuuut upppppppp!”
Maetel bravely swung her bastard sword, and it impacted on the longsword of the Skeleton nearest her.The bastard sword easily broke the longsword in half.
She used her momentum to plant her right foot into the ground as she spun.She struck the Skeleton’s body with her forearm.When the Skeleton felt the weight of its longsword disappear, it lost its balance.The strike sent the Skeleton towards its comrades, who was also swinging their longswords.The longswords impacted on the body of the first Skeleton.
However, unlike the Elite Skeleton Warrior from before, these Skeletons gave praise even as they suffered under her attack.
[You have the wisdom to use the enemy’s power against them.]
[Your ability to make quick judgement is admirable.]
“Eh-eet.”
Artpe wouldn’t just standby as the bastards gave their monologue!When the Skeletons got in each other’s way, Artpe didn’t miss the opportunity.He attacked them.
He was overflowing with weapons he could throw!He had used all the Mana he had gained when he reached level 30.He had reinforced the daggers and bone fragments.He threw them towards the Skeletons, who were attacking Maetel.He stopped them in their tracks.
[Kooh-ahk!?]
[However, you don’t play fair.You hide in safety as you stick out your tongue!]
“The four of you are attacking her, yet you are talking about fairness?Are you trying to test the hero or are you trying to scout for the Demon King’s army?Huh?”
In his previous life, he had been exceptionally skilled.After entering this Dungeon, he had only done one thing.His ability to throw items were on a whole different level now.
His thrown weapons all embedded themselves in their weak points.His timing was exquisite.He was able to stop the movements of his enemies.In terms of throwing skills, he was so skilled that a thief might not be needed for this party.
His main job was supposed to be a magician!
‘When I became a hero, it seems I unnecessarily picked up abilities of other disciplines….’
It was a good thing, so why was he sighing?
He was sure of this, but if he checked his Read All Creation ability, his throw skill probably exceeded level 8.It was something very incredible, since Maetel’s Swordsmanship skill remained at level 6!
[I accept my loss, but before you defeat the others….Kook]
“One down!”
While Artpe became confused about his own identity, Maetel had finally taken down a Skeleton.One was defeated, yet the EXP of the two heroes didn’t rise.
“All right.Let’s take care of the rest….”
[Your tribulation will start now.]
“They are speaking some bullshit, Maetel…Huh?”
At that moment, Artpe’s Read All Creation ability was activated.
It was as if the fallen Skeleton hadn’t existed in the first place.The fallen Skeleton melted into the void, and the energy from it was split threeways.It flowed into the three remaining Skeletons.As this occurred, Artpe was seeing a live update on what was occuring.
[Experience Record Strength Mana Transfer]
[Evolution Test Task Status]
At a glance, the words looked to have nothing to do with each other.It looked to be a list of words.However, it was enough of a clue for Artpe to realize what was going on!
“Shit….!Step aside for a little bit, Maetel!The stone and nature proceeds to return to stone and nature!It will be beyond one’s reach!”
He desperately chanted his magic spell.The three Skeletons were attacking a bit faster than before when the marble floor turned slippery.They fell to the floor.Artpe didn’t stop there.He started unraveling the leather strap tying the shield to his back.
“Artpe!?”
“Didn’t I tell you how I’ll use this earlier, Maetel?”
“Yes.”
“I lied!”
Artpe grabbed the end of the strap and he swung it.High quality Mana was emitted from his heart, and it flowed down through the strap.The Mana flowed into the shield.This task was arduous for him even if he was using both hands.In a flash, he sent the shield flying forward.
The shield flew in an exquisite trajectory.Artpe’s Mana within the shield was letting out a ominous light.the Skeletons were getting up when the shield hit them.
[Koo-ahhhhhhhk!]
[You are cheap!You are a coward!]
“I’m less cheap than you guys, you assholes!”
Artpe had reinforced the shield with his magical energy, and it had brilliantly caused a curse to be afflicted on the Skeletons.It was a simple curse that slowed down the movement of the enemies, but it was like a blessing that allowed them to turn the table of the battle!This was especially true when one considered Maetel’s quick movements.
Maetel’s eyes shone as she tried to finish them off.Artpe became frightened as he stopped her.
“Don’t kill them!”
“Why?”
“If we kill them, the other monsters will become strengthened.A Record Link was placed on all the monsters within this Dungeon!”
“Huh…...?”
Maetel didn’t understand Artpe’s words.She didn’t comprehend how serious of a situation this was.The ‘Record Link’ was a sophisticated trap that would unfold from now on.The thought it made him grind his teeth!
“Anyways, the curse was strengthened, and I was able to lay it on them.You should charge in and beat them within an inch of their lives!”
“All right!”
[Kook, cowards.You should attempt this trial in a fair and square….]
“Shut up!”
While Maetel beat them to half death, Artpe turned around to look at the hallway.A steel door had appeared behind them, and the hallway behind them was hidden.When he confirmed the existence of this enormous door, he grinded his teeth.
It was as he had expected.It was impossible to back out now once they had started this.
‘I did make a resolve to break and steal whatever is in front of us…..’
Artpe looked forward, and he saw five new Skeletons appear down the hallway.They were all close to being level 50.
“Son of a bitch!At the very least, give us EXP!”
The heroes had fallen into a trial that was like a swamp.They wouldn’t be able to finish this easily.