Chapter 11: Wandering Dungeon (06)
As I pushed forward, fending off the headless Swordiers, I arrived at the door to the boss room after about thirty minutes.
So far, around twenty Swordiers had appeared, and according to Mariane, they were a level that would give an average B-Rank party a tough time. My own strength against physical enemies had dulled my senses, but there was no doubt that this dungeon was exceptionally challenging.
“Well then, it’s time for the boss… It would be strange not to enter after coming this far.”
“I agree! With Frei’s Divine Light and our five members, plus the practically A-Rank Soushi, we should be fine!”
Larni raised her hand and bounced with excitement, resembling a child eager to go out to play. But given her age, it wasn’t too odd, I suppose.
“From the guild’s perspective, if this is a new dungeon, we will eventually need to request a strong party to conquer it. ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is already one of those strong parties, so we would like you to investigate further.”
With Mariane’s words, our challenge to the boss was decided.
“Alright, let’s proceed as usual. By the way, Mariane, if this dungeon is an upper B-Class Undead Dungeon, what kind of boss can we expect?”
“Well, there’s the magic-type Grand Lich, the warrior-type Headless Adept, and for the spirit-type, there’s the Aurora Phantom… and perhaps a Demon-type Vampire as well.”
“Sounds troublesome, especially the magic and spirit types. In that case, I’ll be relying on Frei, Sfenia, and Larni’s Magic Sword.”
“Leave it to me!” “Understood!” “I’m on it!”
Personally, I would love to meet a famous Vampire, but… well, that can wait.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Confirming that everyone was ready, I pushed open the large door resembling a gravestone.
The boss room was a type of space I had never seen before.
It had an atmosphere reminiscent of a royal castle’s audience chamber. A crimson carpet stretched from the entrance to the back, where a tiered platform awaited, adorned with a throne-like chair.
And seated upon that chair was someone who appeared to be waiting for us.
“Oh? I thought you just entered, and yet you’ve already made it here. Quite the strong human, I see.”
The creature—no, the person—was a breathtaking beauty, her voluptuous figure wrapped in a crimson dress that sent shivers down my spine.
Her hair was not silver but rather a pure white, and her sharp, elongated eyes glowed with a blood-red hue reminiscent of fresh blood. Her lips, painted a deep crimson, curled into a seductive smile.
Her skin was so pale it seemed almost ethereal, giving her an otherworldly presence.
“W-wait, the monster is talking!?”
Larni exclaimed, and the woman shifted her legs without appearing offended.
“Isn’t it a bit rude to call me a monster? I am, after all, a collaborator for humans.”
“My apologies. I apologize for her indiscretion,” I said, stepping forward, sensing that this woman should not be treated as an enemy.
Here, at the deepest part of a newly formed dungeon, was a strikingly important-looking beauty. Moreover, the fangs peeking from her lips made it clear she was a Vampire or something similar. While Vampires were considered monsters in this world, the person before me did not fit that description at all.
“Are you the leader, then?”
“Yes. I am Soushi from the adventurer party ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Fufu, I’m glad to see an adventurer who can hold a conversation. There are some ruffians who attack without a word.”
As she spoke, the beauty regarded us with a cool gaze from her throne.
Now, how should I respond? Well, I could only attempt a socially acceptable approach as a professional.
“Forgive my rudeness, but could you tell us who you are?”
“I am Lyra Nora, born from the Ancient Providence… how should I put it? In terms you might understand, I am close to what you call a ‘Vampire.’ However, I do not particularly enjoy drinking blood.”
“Thank you. Since you are here and meeting with us, I assume there is a reason for it? You mentioned being a collaborator earlier.”
“It’s not so much that there is a reason. I am merely here in accordance with the Providence, nothing more. However, I mentioned being a collaborator because my presence here can assist you humans.”
“Hmm…?”
Her answer was quite abstract and lacked clarity. In situations like this, it’s best to ask for specifics.
“How exactly will you assist us?”
“What is your purpose for entering the dungeon? The answer lies there.”
“Our reason for entering the dungeon? Well… to gain Skills, treasures, and battle experience, I suppose.”
“Exactly. By my being here, you will be able to obtain those things. Do you understand?”
Lyra Nora smiled as she spoke. I could somewhat grasp what she meant. However, if that were true…
“Are you suggesting that, like a dungeon boss, we must fight you to gain Skills and treasures?”
As I said this, Lyra Nora narrowed her eyes and gracefully rose from her throne.
“Fufu, you’re quite perceptive. Whether I can assist you or not ultimately depends on you. If you can defeat me, you will gain what you need; if you lose, you will lose your lives. That is how it will be.”
“I see, understood. One last question: if you are defeated, will you lose your life?”
I thought it was a strange question to ask, but given her demeanor, she must be a supernatural being. It was important to know whether I needed to hold back or not, so I deemed it necessary to ask.
“Oh my, how considerate of you to worry about me. Rest assured, I am immortal. Even if I lose my physical form here, I will revive elsewhere. So please, feel free to come at me.”
“If that’s the case, then I won’t hold back. Everyone, are you ready?”
I turned to look at the faces of my companions.
“Yes, Soushi-sama. If you say to fight, then I will fight.”
“I didn’t quite follow the conversation, but it seems we’re fighting the boss, right? Then we have no choice but to fight.”
“I understood the general situation from our earlier conversation. Let’s just fight for now.”
“Lyra Nora… I think I’ve seen her name in the guild’s records… No, that can wait. Let’s fight.”
I was relieved that everyone was quick to decide. While Mariane seemed curious, I would put off any further speculation about Lyra Nora. After all, we didn’t even know if we could win against her yet.
I nodded and turned my gaze back to Lyra Nora.
“We’re ready. Please begin.”
“Very well. Since you have five members, I shall match your numbers. I hope you’ll allow me that much.”
With that, Lyra Nora elegantly spread her arms. A dark mist rose before her, and four headless Swordiers, the Headless Swordiers, materialized.