Vol 9 Chapter 2.3 (1/2)

Chapter 2.3Vol. 9 Chapter 2 Part 3

The next morning, when all members were awake they ate a small meal and resumed their exploration of the dungeon. As they knew the route to take already, they quickly arrived at the point they had stopped at the previous day.

Maybe because they had slain all monsters they had encountered the day before, they did not find many this time.

Good, were going to finish this today.

Everyone nodded in agreement to s.h.i.+ns words.

s.h.i.+ns Magic Sonar, the same skill he had used during the exploration of the Summit Factions base, gradually filled the unexplored spots of the map. The skills range was reduced because of the miasmas effects, but its waves of magical power did their job effectively.

The group proceeded while making sure that the map was being updated. Naturally, the Invader-type monsters roaming the dungeon would sometimes attack.

They were, however, struck down by s.h.i.+n, Schnee, and Tieras magic and finished by Filma, s.h.i.+baid, and Munechikas attacks: before this simple but overwhelming power, they were all crushed with barely any chance to resist.

As their opponents were often close to level 600, Tieras level increased in an interesting way today too.

To think that Id reach level 200Im starting to feel sorry towards the people that level up seriously

Really? Yes, this looks a bit like power leveling, but youre not leeching off us by any means, so I dont think you should worry about it. Youre damaging the Chimeras without a doubt too, I mean you even felled one in one blow just now. This might sound weird, but this is a good hunting area for you, Tiera.

As s.h.i.+n said, Tieras arrows were extremely effective against miasma-tainted monsters. The damage was considerable too, but also the fact that Invader-type monsters were paralyzed after Tieras arrows struck them, making their movements duller.

Against Chimeras and their unpredictable movements, Tieras arrows were incredibly useful.

Even s.h.i.+baid, who had not talked much since they entered dungeon, mentioned how she was a true a.s.set to their fighting capabilities.

As s.h.i.+n said, we are having an easier time thanks to lady Tiera. There is nothing you need to be concerned about.

Er, thank you, very much.

As they descended further through the dungeons lower area, the s.p.a.ce became gradually narrower.

Looks like Yasutsuna will be in the lower areas boss room, right?

Indeed. As we said before leaving, we also think that the possibility of Yasutsuna being in the deepest part of the dungeon is high. Even now that we are in the lower area, I feel its presence coming from below. I do think that prediction is correct.

Munechika agreed with s.h.i.+ns thoughts as they walked on through a corridor.

The Depths of h.e.l.lfire were structured like a reverse pyramid: the lowest floor consisted of just the boss chamber.

Yasutsuna was far stronger than the dungeons boss, so it would not be strange for it to be in place of the boss.

Doesnt it feel like the miasma is growing thicker? Im starting to feel kind of sick.

On their way down, only Tiera seemed to perceive a change in the miasma in the atmosphere.

I cant feel any particular difference. But Tiera is sensitive to miasma, better use some countermeasure. Materialize this card from the ones I gave you.

During their exploration of the Summit Faction base too, Tiera had shown to be sensitive to things difficult to determine and identify, such as miasma and the voices of the dead.

Considering th

is, s.h.i.+n pulled out a card from the item box and showed it to Tiera.

Schnee and everyone else as well, please materialize one of these and swallow it. I dont know if it will affect you Munechika, but try just in case. This allows you to act even within thick miasma for one hour. We dont know what awaits us down here, so lets take it regularly.

What was materialized was a round white pill less than 1 cemel in size.

Named Miracle Drug of Holy Skies, it was an essential item when exploring areas infected with miasma for an extended time.

Swallowing the pill prevents miasma-caused status ailments for 1 hour. Depending on its usage, it could also serve as a means of attack.

s.h.i.+n had prepared it for added safety when he heard that the miasma was powerful enough to swallow even an Ancient-grade weapon.

Its incredible, I feel better already. Is this what you were throwing at the Chimeras?

Yeah. In case of emergency, just throw one of these at the enemy. If its an Invader-type, this pill alone can cause serious damage.

s.h.i.+n had prioritized making a large quant.i.ty of them, so he did not have time to test their effectiveness before: thats why he tested them directly on Invader-type monsters.

s.h.i.+n had a natural high resistance to miasma, so swallowing the Miracle Drug of Holy Skies wouldnt change his condition much. But he confirmed with Schnee that the pill was effective, so he told Tiera to swallow it right away.

This too is effective even on me. As lady Tiera said, incredible indeed.

Munechika was even more surprised than Tiera. Her true form was a weapon, but she was subjected to the effects of miasma like any other person.

Swallowing the pill, however, allowed her to suppress such symptoms, just like the other members of the group.

It is truly helpful to be able to fight without worrying about miasma after all.

Munechika thought that depending on the situation she might not have been able to a.s.sist them in fighting, so she was relieved.

I didnt expect for it to affect you too, Munechika. Oh, looks like we reached our destination.

Normally, s.h.i.+ns group would find stairs leading to the lower floor at this point.

The corridor they were following though, led to a giant door decorated with a painting of a large bird-type monster, probably Kagutsuchi.

Two candle stands were erected at the sides of the door: they had surely been burning for a long time, but black flames still danced on them.

Large gates were always found before boss chambers, like a sort of landmark. In game terms, it was a way to show that a powerful enemy awaited.

In the current real world though, it intimidated and pressured any visitors. It silently warned them that they needed to be prepared to die if they wanted to go past it.

OK, Im opening it.

After making sure that everyone else nodded in response, s.h.i.+n pushed the doors.

The thick door had some resistance at first, but after moving it a little it naturally opened completely. The scenery inside, accompanied by the doors metallic creaking sounds, slowly showed itself to the eyes of s.h.i.+n and his group.

What an impressive welcome.

Before he activated a.n.a.lyze, s.h.i.+n noticed several shadows.

A pack of Ogres, all with bodies mostly painted black. Their appearances showed that they were not regular Ogres, but a mix of different species, such as High Ogres and Warrior Ogres.

Behind all the Ogres stood a unit completely different from the rest.

The first thing that came to s.h.i.+ns mind after seeing it was Black Oni.

It was twice the size of the other Ogres. Its torso was naked and adorned with powerful muscles which were like an armor protecting the monster.

Its body was fully tainted black with miasma: only its eyes shone bright red.

From the forehead of a face which could be described with the word Oni, the demon of j.a.panese folklore fame, sprouted a pair of horns.

The lower half of its body was covered by a yellow and black striped cloth.

The beasts single piece of clothing, reaching until its ankles, was ragged and ripped, maybe because of the miasma.

.s.h.i.+n, its holding Yasutsuna in its right hand.

Munechika spoke while keeping her feelings suppressed, looking at the katana the monster was wielding in its right hand, swirling with a black aura.

!?!

s.h.i.+ns eyes opened wide one instant, then his look became even sharper.

The katanas blade was severely damaged, even cracked in parts. Rust could be seen in the joint between the blade and the hilt, its decorations-which surely were a work of art-discolored and indistinguishable anymore.

Its state was so horrible that one wouldnt even wonder if it still cuts or not. Could it even be called a weapon now?

It was as good as dead as a katana. Its Ancient grade was the only thing that kept it from breaking completely.

What is that.!? What the h.e.l.l is that!?

Deep, menacing words, very different from the usual, came out of s.h.i.+ns mouth. He felt clearly what Munechika was feeling, as one of the Supreme Blades herself.

The hand holding Munechikas sword was slightly trembling.

Seeing her companion being treated that way would undoubtedly rouse her anger.

Ogre Invader Level 723

a.n.a.lyze displayed the Invader word. s.h.i.+n wasnt really concerned with it until now, but this time it really grated his nerves.

Maybe it was because s.h.i.+n knew that the katana had a consciousness, or maybe because of his contact with Munechika and the others. s.h.i.+n himself was surprised at how much the sight of the ravaged Dojigiri Yasutsuna made him furious.

In the current world, It was the first time for s.h.i.+n to see a weapon corrupted by miasma at this point.

He couldnt explain why, however, the scenery before his eyes disgusted him so much.

As s.h.i.+ns party entered the room, the doors behind them closed. But neither s.h.i.+n nor Munechika, nor anyone else, cared about something like that.

I will kill the Ogre without breaking Yasutsuna. Ive been in the rear guard until now, but Im going forward this time.

Understood. I find that repugnant as well.

Definitely, its just disgusting.

s.h.i.+baid and Filma replied to s.h.i.+ns announcement, spoken in an unusual tone of voice because of his anger.

Munechika, Tiera, and Schnee did not speak, but all shared the same sentiment.

.I am thankful.

Dont mention it. As a blacksmith, I cannot allow something like that. I dont think Ive ever felt so disgusted.

As if corresponding to s.h.i.+ns thoughts, the blade of the katana he was wielding, Moonless, emitted a dull glow.

Were going to take care of the other Ogres. s.h.i.+n, lady Munechika, the boss is yours.

Schnee told s.h.i.+n and Munechika to go forward.

If it was just about defeating the boss, Schnee, s.h.i.+baid, Filma, anyone of them would have sufficed. Tiera too, with Kagerous support, would have been able to damage it.

But that was not the most important part.

Defeating it was just a prerequisite. More importantly, facing that boss here and now was something s.h.i.+n and Munechika had to do, as a blacksmith and as a sword, or so judged Schnee.

Help it as soon as you can.

Leave it to me!! Lets go, Munechika!

Yes! You shall taste the blade of Mikazuki Munechika!

s.h.i.+n and Munechika kicked the ground to jump high in the air towards the boss, which was standing idly behind the monsters group.

They ignored the pack of Ogres in the middle of the room and attacked the boss right away.

I dont know the state the weapon is in. Even if the boss attacks with it, dont clash with it too hard!

Understood!

The very moment they landed, s.h.i.+n attacked the monsters upper body, Munechika the lower body.

A simultaneous strike coming from both right and left.

An average Ogre would have been sliced in three without even being able to react, but this Ogre was the secret dungeons boss.

The boss naturally reacted, parried s.h.i.+ns Moonlesswith Yasutsuna while retreating, then dodged Munechikas Mikazuki Munechika s.h.i.+nuchi by raising its legs in the air.

Parrying s.h.i.+ns blow in that state, however, was not a good idea.

Yasutsuna was pushed back, knocking the monster off balance, easy prey for Mikazuki Munechika s.h.i.+nuchis following attack.

!!

The blade, aimed at the monsters legs, changed direction in a sharp angle and cut through the Ogres left arm.

The boss left hand had been cut off, forcing it to retreat further while screaming in pain. Its right hand, though, still gripped Yasutsuna firmly.

Even if it was an Ancient-grade weapon, s.h.i.+n didnt know how much durability remained in it. Because of this, when the boss took a stance to parry with Yasutsuna s.h.i.+n held back on his attack.

He had not inflicted great damage, but instead noticed something.

This responseit still has some durability left.

Maybe because of his blacksmith skills, s.h.i.+n understood indirectly that Yasutsuna retained more durability than what its appearance suggested.

While its appearance made it seem like less than 10% remained, actually the katana still retained at least 30% of its durability.

You can tell?

Yes, its still at around 30%. At the very least, it wont break after just parrying an attack. If its necessary, we can cross swords with it without worrying.

It is a relief to hear that. But attacks from an enemy of this level will not hit, and I have no intention of spending time on fighting it.

After understanding that Yasutsunas durability, their greatest concern, was not at risk, s.h.i.+n and Munechikas movements improved.