Chapter 117: Corpses of the disappeared monsters (2/2)

Leaving the monsters that come out to the 3 people vanguard, I earnestly concentrated on collecting the corpses and applying purification magic.

When we reached the fork, just as we were about to proceed onward after placing the barrel of Object X to repel the monsters, I stopped temporarily.

“Please wait a moment.”

I prayed to the Gods for which direction to proceed down and let the Illusionary Cane fall on its own, pointing to the opposite direction of where Cathy and the others were heading toward. (TL: Lol)

“You may think that it’s childish but this time, please use this route.”

Cathy and Kefin looked at each other and laughed as they agreed.

“It doesn’t matter to me which way we take nya.”

“I am Luciel-sama’s retainer after all.”

“Thank you.”

I told them that with a smile and had thus decided on the direction we would proceed in.

King Rockwell and Estia gave strange looks for that but I ignored it and advanced.

“The number of monsters has increased.”

Just like what King Rockford announced, weak but numerous monsters appeared the way ahead of the right fork we took.

I steadily collected the corpses but the ants reacted to the disappearing corpses.

“Their movements are slightly different from before nya.”

” … That’s certainly true.”

As evidence to that (the ants reacting to the missing corpses), Cathy and Kefin seemed like they felt something was out of place.

“Due to the numbers of these ant monsters, they might not have enough food to go around. If monsters eat as well, then with cannibalism, it would not be strange if they are individuals who become even stronger by doing so.” (Lionel)

” … It doesn’t look like this is a place where the corpses disappear like in a labyrinth.” (Luciel)

Lionel looked like he recalled some discomfort from the words I said.

“Perhaps the monsters will become stronger from here on out so advance while maintaining vigilance.”

『Yes!』

While saying so, they discovered that there was another fork in the passage once again and I, in the same way, placed Object X and used the Illusionary Cane to decide on the path to proceed on.

“The passage is gradually widening.”

Estia suddenly said so. It certainly feels like the width of the passage has widened.

“It seems like the enemy numbers have increased as well.”

King Rockwell announced and the 3 vanguards rushed forward.

“It doesn’t look like there will be an attack from behind but monsters may gradually head toward here from the different passages.” Lionel informed me.

“Why do you think so?”

“For an organization that protects the king and queen, it’s the norm. The monsters in labyrinths don’t seem to be related between floors but I’ve heard that ordinary monsters have a pecking order.”

“Your source of information?”

“The Jasuan-Jais brothers.”

I couldn’t imagine when he collected the information without me realizing.

While feeling relieved that Lionel did not waste his time in the town of Ienith, I was once again impressed by Lionel’s greatness to be recognized by the Dragonewt race.

“Well then, I’ll continue retrieving.”

When I began collecting the corpses, the ants aimed for me and attacked.

However, the 3 vanguards suppressed the majority of them and the number of monsters that headed my way was not many.

“Even I can take on one or two without a problem.”

I transformed the Illusionary Cane into a sword and cleaved through them.

I pulverised the monster that was attacking from my blind spot with a spear thrust backward.

“Didn’t Whirlwind teach you that it’s taboo to be conceited?” (TL: Whirlwind = Instructor Broad)

“It’s because I trust that Lionel would not overlook any danger. But it was slightly scary though …”

I admit that I do have some complacency that even if I’m injured, as long as I do not die from a single hit, it would somewhat be alright, indeed, it’s true that I was too careless this time but I believed that Lionel would come in to assist if anything happens.

… I was keenly aware that I truly rely on and trust Lionel.

“You plan to die of old age right?” (Lionel)

“Yeah. So please protect me.” (Luciel)

“I’ll do my best.” (Lionel)

When Lionel and I laughed as we head to the front, Estia was trembling.

“Estia, if you’re afraid, shine the light from the back line.

” …… ”

As I defeated the ants attacking me, Estia spoke before I could speak.

“The friendship among men sure is great. Ah, this time, it’s a master-slave relationship huh! It looks great.” (Estia)

She wasn’t scared at all.

“Please let me know if you’re tired. I will be your shield or sword anytime.” (Estia)

She illuminated the place with the flashlight while looking pleased.

I acted as if she wasn’t present and was determined to conquer the cavern.

Just like that, we proceeded through another 2 forks in the passage and came out to an open location but, the figures of large bipedal ant monsters eating the dead ants could be seen everywhere.

“Is it a higher species?”

“The number is a little large nya.”

“We have no way of reading the opponent’s ability so it might become a tough battle if they all strike at once.”

The bipedal ants were certainly different from the other ant monsters, about the size of goblins, but I didn’t feel any pressure from them.

“Lionel.”

I passed him his flame greatsword and gave out orders.

“If Lionel can send the monsters flying, Cathy will support Lionel, Kefin will defend me as I collect the corpses and Estia will protect King Rockwell here.”

“I can fight as well?” (Rockwell)

“I know, but for some reason, I totally don’t feel that this will be such a tough battle. Leave it to us.”

King Rockwell reluctantly compromised.

Thus, our battle with the higher monster species began.

Author’s note:

Thank you for reading.