Chapter 17 - Our Sunbae-nim Did This? 1 (2/2)
In other words, they were too far down the road to back off now.
‘In my past life, the hero wasted five years of her life at the castle.We have a lot of time to spare.’
Of course, even if Artpe had used all types of methods to focus on leveling up, it was unclear as to whether he would have been able to achieve a better result than this.
They would have missed out on fighting a horde of Skeletons linked by a rare magic called Record Link.They would have missed out on the precious EXP, and the artifacts they received as reward.They wouldn’t have been amass this much fortune.
The factor that tipped the scale was the fact that Artpe and Maetel was able to develop so many high quality Skills here.It was crazy.If they hadn’t drawn this Dungeon as their first starting place, he wondered if they would have been able to develop skills like Berserk and Mana Link.
Even if they continued to stay inside the Dungeon for five years, it wouldn’t impede with their development.
‘Ah.Of course, I have to get out of here and find those places as soon as possible…..’
Artpe possessed the memories of his past life, so he had several significant advantages he could acquire for himself.He was talking about spell books of great magic, ancient ruins and the like.
While Artpe battled within the Dungeon, he created a hierarchy of which goodies he will go for first.He would gain enough level in the Dungeon where they would be able to travel the world without worry.They will start traveling according to the list he had made.
This was why they didn’t have time to hesitate or look back on what had already occurred.It didn’t matter what waited for them.They would move forward.This was the will of Maetel and Artpe even if their destination differed!
After they smoothly defeat the Demon King, he would have the means to be able to raise cows in the countryside.At that time, he would be done with Maetel!He didn’t care if she wanted to become the queen of a country or a female pope of a religion she built.She was free to do whatever she wanted!
Until that time arrived, Artpe and Maetel had to live a healthy and well-off life.In the immediate future, they would have to pass this Dungeon without any complications.
“Aren’t you tired, Maetel?Shall we head down after we sleep?”
“I’m not tired, Artpe.What about you, Artpe?Do you want to use my lap as a pillow?”
“I’m also not tired.”
“Tsk.”
Maetel grumbled as if she was dissatisfied with his answer.Artpe led Maetel down to the Dungeon’s 35th floor.
At that moment, a powerful vibration shook the Dungeon.Accompanying the tremor, a wet and moldy voice could be heard in their ears.
[This test has been maintained for a very long time.]
‘That is a pretty ominous introduction!?’
It was as if a legendary figure was about to step forward from the darkness if they took a step forward.It was a line given by a being, who would drop the adventurers into hell!
“Hey, let’s head back for a moment.”
[Denied.]
When he heard the introductory line emanating from the darkness, Artpe immediately knew something was wrong.He quickly ordered a retreat as soon as they stepped onto this floor.However, the way back to the 34th floor was blocked.
[You bastards are only allowed to go forward.]
“You talk a pretty good game…Ooh?”
Artpe was clicking his tongue as he tried to use his Mana.However, the torches mounted on the wall started to light up in order starting from the nearest torches.The light from the fire revealed the layout of the 35th floor.Artpe groaned when he saw them.
“....crazy.”
“Look at them, Artpe….”
They were in a really large square, and there were a very, very ,very ,very ,very ,very large number of armored knights filling the place.The armored knights boasted a much more domineering spirit compared to the Ghouls.It was obvious that Undeads were within the armor.
[We’ve been waiting for you, destroyer of rules.]
[Insolent brat.You are the honey tongued brat that defies logic.]
[Your judgement is close at hand.]
Even in death, these beings hadn’t forgotten the will and techniques carved into their bodies.They were knights, who had a sense of self.They were Death Knights.All of them were powerful, and they were all over level 150.There were 500 of them.
If a normal level 120 party was to fight this group, the possibility of them winning was uncertain.
The one standing in the lead raised its bastard sword towards Artpe as its helmet rattled.
[You have caused dishonor to all of us.You have corrupted the pure hero by spitting on our intent.You have looked down on our power.Your misguided will is now encased in a powerful body, and the worst of the situation has come to pass. You made fool of fate.You connected things that shouldn’t be connected, and you severed things you shouldn’t have severed.]
All the Death Knights followed the one in the lead as they pointed their swords towards Artpe.During all of this, they hadn’t shown much hostility towards Maetel.They directed all their hate towards Artpe as if he was their mortal enemy.It annoyed Artpe.
These bastards were quick in assessing the situation!
[Still, we cannot deny the fact that you are a hero.This is why we will give you this last chance.If you take this last test properly, we will believe in this reality that had be turned on its head.We will trust in the hope blooming from within the darkness that will cause change to the future.We will go back to sleep.]
“No, you don’t really have to believe in me.”
The ominous feeling was increasing as time passed.Artpe readied the only specialty magic he possessed.He readied himself to use Hyper Rubbing, then he grasped Maetel’s shoulder.It was signal for her to get ready for battle.It also told her to be careful of their enemies.
“Don’t worry about it, Artpe.”
Even in such a situation, Maetel’s expression was calm.In the past year, her features had matured considerably.She already looked like an angel, but her beautiful smile made her look like an archangel.She gave a reassurance to Artpe.
“I’ll protect Artpe.Artpe will protect me in return?”
“....yes.I trust you.”
The shield on Artpe’s back rose into the air.He only had to repair the shield couple times as they descended from the 6th floor to the 35th floor.This was why the shield hadn’t been replaced with other weapons.It was a rare artifact that gave a weak curse to whatever it hit.If he was with the shield, there was nothing for him to fear!
[When the battle starts, he might use cheap tactics to play us off against each other.]
However, the enemies he would face were excessively resolute in defending against mental warfare.
[This is why we will force the activation of the final test, so you can face it.]
“Uh, hey…Wait a moment, you guys·.”
Artpe tried to speak up when he realized what they were about to do, but the Death Knights just glared at Artpe as they plunged their swords into their hearts.Their Mana flooded forth!The restriction of the Record Link made it impossible to attack one’s comrades, but it seemed suicide was possible!
As he faced the domineering sight, Artpe yelled out in shock.
“You bastards will be penalized even if you kill yourselves!”
[We are already Undead!]
The 499 Death Knights crumbled in place.The oppressive energy from each of the Death Knights flowed towards the single Death Knight standing in the middle.
It happened when Artpe and Maetel was struck dumb by the ridiculous sight.
[I’m ready, heroes.]
The power of the armored knights were gathered into a single being, and ‘It’ was reborn as a horrible nightmare.It made a declaration as it pointed its long sword towards the two heroes.
[The test will start.]