198 Up to 197.65 layers.txt (2/2)

Then, I climbed up the spiral staircase and stopped before the sixty-five layers.

''-- 《Dimension》''

First of all, I'm going to unfurl my dimensional magic before I enter.

The moment I entered the 65th layer, it was to prevent me from being attacked by an Elfenries-like bullfinch.

However, I didn't seem to have to worry about that.

This was because the construction of the sixty-fifth layer was completely different from the sixty-sixth layer.

The sixty-sixth layer was so gritty that it could be mistaken for the sky.

On the other hand, the sixty-five layers were packed tightly together.

The underlying layer was the same as the sixty-sixth layer of the sky. However, the same staircase that I have on my feet now is stretching out to the sky in every direction. Of course, it is not only a spiral staircase.

Some of the stairs are straight in every direction, and some of them are curved.

These intricate staircases create a three-dimensional maze.

If I walked through that three-dimensional maze of stairs properly, I was sure I would lose track of the day. The stairs are that intricate and complicated. However, I have the ability to search for enemies without questioning with the 《Dimension》, so I won't get lost. All I have to do is jump from one staircase to the next and repeat the shortcuts, and I should be able to reach the next level in no time.

As long as you can ignore the monsters that are flying all over the place--

Next, it looks like a three-dimensional maze made entirely of stairs: ....... The path itself is fine, but the monsters flying around are scary .......

What kind of monsters are out there?

Confirm the name by 'gazing' first.

[Monster] Lizardflyer: Rank 61

It is a lizard that roams freely in the sky, moving its fly-like wings at invisible speed.

It is about one meter long. Compared to the size of the Elfenries, it's quite small.

However, you can't be too careful. At any rate, their ranks are still in the sixty range. Moreover, there are more of them than the magic of the previous liner. From a quick feeling, there were ten of them flying within a kilometer in diameter.

No matter where in the sixty-five layers they walked, they would definitely be found by one of the Lizard Flyers.

''It's full of flying lizards. They don't have any characteristics, but their ranks are very high.''

You can't measure strength by appearances. Then why don't we go head-to-head with just one of them first?

Hmmm, I guess that's all I can do: ......

Honestly, I feel like I can win if you just think about it based on looks.

With Elfenries, I couldn't imagine winning a head-to-head fight. But with this guy, I think we can win with just a sword.

Ryner and I stepped into the sixty-fifth layer in a war-ready state.

There are no enemies in sight. Although the structure is filled with gaps in the hierarchy, the stairs are too intricate to see what's going on in the distance.

I supplement the lizard flyers that are flying alone with 《Dimension》, and we both attack them.

''Align, Ryner!

I know!

He swung his sword at Lizardfrya, who was flying in a fluffy manner, in between.

That sword flash is sharp. After all, me and Ryner are both skilled enough to rival the Sword Saints on earth. And although the number of swords we handle is different, our schools are the same. We've got to be able to get the best out of them.

Approximately, there are three taijutsu swords that are unavoidable for living creatures - and yet Lizardflyer lightly dodged them with a wobble.

''Eh--?''

What--?

The enemy's movements were not particularly fast.

However, the movement was as natural as falling leaves on a tree, sewing between the three blades.

It looked as if the light feathers had been pushed by the too fast sword pressure.

But that was impossible.

Me and Ryner are both experts in terms of skill value.

If it's only a leaf or feather from a falling tree, it's easy to cut. In other words, Lizardflyer didn't use sword pressure to avoid it - he saw it with his eyes and then moved his body to avoid it.

''This, this guy!

When I notice this, I have a gut feeling that the enemy is far superior.

Perhaps there is a desperate difference in the speed of their status.

However, Lizardfleet didn't give us time to think, and went out to counterattack. It was me in the front who was aiming at it. That movement, too, was a wavering motion, similar to a leaf falling from a tree.

I tried to pay off my sword and drive it back, but Lizardfleet avoided it with the minimum amount of movement necessary.

Wobbling.

''Yah, yah--!

Before I could finish swearing, Lizardflyer dived into my bosom, his thin, sharp wings touching my shoulder.

Even if the other party is a guardian (Guardian), my body, which I would not let them touch so easily, is ripped open.

There was no pain.

The flesh was torn open without resistance, as if my finger had been cut with the edge of a piece of paper.

The wound was about two inches deep.

If it had been aimed at my hand, it was deep enough to cut off two fingers.

Fresh blood gushed out of the wound that had reached the arteries.

A chill runs down my spine and at the same time, I scream in fear.

''Reinaaaaaah!　Blow this thing up right now!

-- if he reacted a little slower, he would have dropped his arm.

And that too, just like that.

In just one breath.

Ryner must have noticed that fact.

He released a wind magic that consumed a large amount of magic power.

''--Zeer Wound!

A gust of wind strikes. It's a rush of wind that can never be ignored by anything that uses its wings to fly in the sky.

Therefore, Ryner and I were relieved. For the time being, we thought we could keep our distance.

But that expectation was betrayed.

Buh-uh.

Lizardflyer moved his wings and made a sound.

It wasn't in words, but it was a 'chant' and a 'magic declaration'. Since the 《Dimension》 had sensed Lizardfriar's magic construction, he could understand it.

Then, Ryner's 《Zeer Wand》 was 'Magic Offset (Counter Magic)'. The soft wind generated from Lizardfrya's wings easily drowned out the wind magic with its full strength.

Seeing that, I instructed without hesitation.

''Ka, you can't win!　Let's move out!

I get it.

The two of them fall back significantly, trying to get some distance from Lizardfleet.

But the enemy won't let us do that.

Our faster-than-beast backstep makes it easy for Lizardflea to follow us. Only its movement was an acceleration that reminded me of a fly, not a falling leaf.

I was surprised by its slow and fast movement, and reflexively I swung my sword.

But it doesn't hit.

As if in mockery, the Lizardfleet attacked again, passing by the sword flash and trying to split my body again.

It's frightening because I can see it like it is due to the 《Dimension Decisive Operation (Gradiate)》. After a few more moments, my torso is cut in half. I can see it--

Zeer-wind!

The liner next to me, who couldn't see it, released a magic on the spur of the moment.

It was too messy a magic construction, but by consuming one of the magic items, a ring, it managed to form as a gusty wind attack magic.

In response to that magic, Lizardfryer again ruffled his feathers and kneaded his magic.

However, the important thing here was that during this time, Lizardfrya remained still.

It's probably because he's vibrating his wings to build 'Magic Offsetting (Counter Magic)'.

Perhaps this guy can't move and 'Magic Offset (Counter Magic)' at the same time.

''Ryner!　Keep it up, constant magic!　You don't have to be strong!

”Oh--oh!　《WIND》, 《WIND》, 《WIND》!

The wind that tries to bind Lizardfrya's movements blows in layers. Lizardfrya ruffled her wings as she dutifully tried to 'cancel out the magic' of it all (counter magic).

The enemy has completely stopped moving.

Taking advantage of the gap, we flee as fast as we can.

Of course, with that momentum, we ran back to the 66th layer.

After confirming that we had shaken off Lizardfleet at the top of the 66th layer's spiral staircase, we slumped down.

''Hah, hah ......!　I almost died: ......!

”Hey, what's that guy ....... It's as if the attacks don't work ......

Even though the fight lasted only a few seconds, it's as if I'm out of breath.

My heart made an earth-shattering sound and cold sweat spilled out.

We complained to each other endlessly until our bodies calmed down.

'Ryner saved my life. If it wasn't for him, I'd be dead.

'No, I wish I could have responded sooner: ....... I was fooled by the look of it: ......

And a few minutes later.

It may have been worth it to complain to each other, but my thoughts were coming together.

''-- Is that guy a monster that specializes in evasion?　Maybe the sword is simply seen and then avoided. The movement of the body is more than fast, but the dynamic vision is extraordinary. Our sword defenses seem to have slipped through after looking at them too.

”And it cancels out easy magic-- Maybe if you try to use big magic, it will interfere with you, that thing. Besides, it's that fast. Even if you do succeed with big magic, it seems likely that you'll usually be able to avoid it.

'You're ironclad: ....... Also, you can't underestimate the aggression that lightly ripped into my shoulder.

Let's get you well soon. --It's time to heal your wounds.

Thanks, Reiner: ......

Yeah, .......

Once the analysis of Lizardflyer's strength and the treatment of his arm was complete, we fell silent.

It had to be.

It's as if we are no match for them.

We are simply outclassed by the specs.

And now, it hurts that the [Distance Mute] subterfuge doesn't work. After all, I can't even touch it.

In the face of this overwhelming enemy's strength, my face naturally grew stronger.

Reiner has the same face as me.

A few minutes pass in silence.

It was Ryner who broke the silence first.

'Christ, it's about time. As I recall, the boss monster should reappear in the labyrinth in an hour or so. We have to move before the sixty-sixth layer of dragons revive.

...... It can't be helped. Let's proceed with the sixty-five layers, focusing on the escape. If this doesn't look like it's going to be possible, we'll have to get ready again.

Okay.

The plan is simple - use the Dimension to figure out the shortest route from here to the 64th layer. The only thing left to do is to charge forward. We're going to have to use wind magic to stop the approaching Lizardflea. If an unforeseen situation arises, he will retreat immediately. Even if it comes in contact with an unidentified monster, it will retreat immediately. Let's do this.

Ryner nodded and agreed to that plan with zero intention of fighting.

Then, he immediately casts a spell.

''--Dimension Multiple Expansion (Multiple)!

With the intention of filling the entire labyrinth, the dimensional attribute magic power is deployed towards the upper levels.

In response to that rude invasion of magic power, the Lizardfriars of the sixty-five layers attempt to perform 'Magic Offsetting (Counter Magic)'. Apparently, they also react to the dense 《Dimension》.

This is good information, even though it has impaired my spatial grasp. There is one more way to stop them.

Due to 'Magic Offsetting (Counter Magic)', I can't grasp the area around the lizard flyers scattered across the sixty-five layers. However, by avoiding the enemies and extending the Dimension Multiple Deployment (Multiple) further in, I managed to find the stairs leading to the sixty-fourth layer - no, the big hole.

In addition, I could see the entirety of the sixty-five layers.

It's only the central area that consists only of inorganic stone stairs. If you go to the right, you'll enter an area where many waterfalls were flowing from the sky, and if you go to the left, you'll enter an area where large trees were growing towards the sky.

The waterfalls were filled with creepy blue birds, and the big trees were filled with creepy insects. Neither of them are opponents I would prefer to fight.

The shortest route seems to be the one that climbs upwards while staying close to the big tree area.

If we continued on that route, we would encounter a few lizard fliers, but we would have to use magic to stall them. It's a hundred times better than fighting unidentified birds and insects.

'Alright, I can see the way. Ryner, run as fast as you can, okay?

'This is still a knight of the wind. I'm very fast.

Let's go then: ......

We prepared for each other and then ran again at the same time.

No, it's a little different from running. We proceeded through sixty-five layers of three-dimensional stairs as if we were climbing a jungle gym.

By not using the stairs as stairs, but instead as a scaffolding for the jump, we shorten the distance to the goal. Naturally, that forceful sprint caused several monsters around us to notice us.

After all, compared to the monsters at lower levels, the range of reaction is wider. We can only assume that they can sense the movement of the wind.

''Two of them are coming from the rear!

Okay!

One wrong move at the wrong time and you could be severed from any part of your body. Even though there are still some deep moves, not all of them will work.

Me and Ryner build up our magic as the tension builds to the point where it's hard to believe that we're dealing with a mere monster.

Then, from behind, a lizard flyer, several times faster than us, approaches rapidly from behind, weaving its way between the stairs that are obstacles. While surprised by its free and three-dimensional movement, I manage to match the timing.

''--[Dimension]!

WIND!

I focus my search magic on a single point, and Rainer condenses and releases wind magic.

Both spells are thin in effect. But its magic is so dense that it cannot be ignored.

The movement of the lizard flyer stops just before it reaches us.

I'm not sure if it's because they sensed the dense magical power. I changed the movement of the wings from tracking to chanting and moved to intercept the magic.

''Alright!　We're going to run away while keeping the magic going!

I know!

If it's two against one, I was thinking of cutting the unmoving part while Ryner cast a spell. But I don't have that kind of time against two animals. And I don't feel like I can defeat this guy with that level of tactics.

Safety is the first priority, and escape is the only option.

In order to escape from the enemy, I'm going to run up the maze in the air as fast as I can.

Although I was able to leave the two animals ahead of me behind, there are still many Lizardfliers in my path. The heartbreaking attack by Lizardfleet is not over yet.

''--Dimension Multiple Expansion (Multiple)!

Acht ein Wiedersehen!

The number of enemy attacks will only increase. Our magic is also running out of room.

Although we can sense the timing of the approaching Lizardflyer with Dimension, we are still afraid of enemies approaching us from all directions.

It's like running through a rain of bullets.

With the cold sweat that never stops flowing, I stopped all the enemies in turn.

A few minutes later, the number of lizard fliers chasing us had reached double digits. No matter how much I stilled them, if I stopped binding them with magic in the middle, they would chase after me again, so it was only natural that the numbers would swell. It's a kind of train (train) state.

However, the reward for that all-out escape is that we are almost at the point where we can reach the sixty-fourth layer.

After checking the 64th layer with Dimension, there were no monsters waiting for us. We continued to run as fast as we could, intending to continue our escape.

It reminds me of the short-distance run at a sports day. Only, if they catch us, we'll be running to our death.

”Konoonoa ooohhhh--!

”--Christ, let's see if you can get it together!　Ix-wind!

The wind burst behind me.

I know the effects of that magic. And I know how to operate that magic absurdly. We gain propulsion in response to that explosion. Further back, the Lizardflyer was poised against the explosion.

It was the best magic to use when we were just a breath away.

With Reiner's good magic selection, we entered the hole in the ceiling that led to the sixty-four layers.

And the straddling of layers and layers stopped all the Lizard Friars who were chasing us. Apparently, the rules in the lower levels also apply in the deeper layers.

We breathed at the sixty-fourth layer, thanking ourselves for making the rule that monsters can't act across layers.

'Hah, hah, hah ......'

Hah, hah, hah. ......

It was me and Ryner, out of breath, silently dodging a weak high-five.

That's the first two layers of attack .......