Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital – 07
The next day, we advanced ahead to the 11th floor of the Dungeon.
The enemies we encountered were completely different from the physical-only foes of the 10th floor; they were all spirit-type. We faced the soul-like Evil Spirits that induce mental disorders, the noble ghost Count Phantom that employs area magic, and the D-class boss, the giant Elemental Guardian.
As for the Evil Spirits, many of our party members possessed resistance skills against mental disorders, and since the Evil Spirits themselves were not particularly strong, we were able to take them down one after another with Sfenia’s magic and Larni’s attribute-bestowed sword strikes.
The Count Phantom, being an Undead, was nearly wiped out by Freinir’s opening Ascension. The few that managed to survive were swiftly eliminated by follow-up magic.
The Elemental Guardian appeared with both fire and water attributes, but since they were somewhat susceptible to physical attacks, they could not withstand the constant overkill from my mace.
“This time, we reached the boss rather quickly,” Shizuna, the Oni priestess, remarked, tilting her head as we stood before the boss room.
Mariane, the guild receptionist, responded, “Thanks to Frei, we hardly fought the Count Phantom. Such powerful anti-undead abilities are rare even among the saints of the Arshuram Church.”
“I see. It seemed like a troublesome opponent if we had fought normally, but it was almost wiped out in one hit. The monsters must not find peace… No, since they were purified, perhaps they do find peace,” Shizuna mused.
“If they ascended to the presence of the deity, then I believe there was salvation,” Freinir, the former saint, replied. However, it seemed debatable whether monsters even had the concept of purification.
“Regardless, it’s time for the boss. Was it the Elemental Phoenix? With its flying type and resistance to physical attacks, we’ll have to rely on the backline. I’m counting on you all.”
“Yes, Soushi-sama!”
“Leave it to me!”
“I’ll unleash a barrage of magic!”
“In a magical battle, I shall demonstrate my power!”
With Freinir, Sfenia, Shizuna, and Geshura in the backline, I felt reassured.
As I opened the door, we stepped into a vast space that seemed to span the size of two soccer fields. The ceiling appeared to be about thirty meters high, a fitting location for a flying-type boss.
Three Elemental Phoenixes emerged, each engulfed in flames. To be precise, it was more accurate to say that flames took the shape of birds. Among them, one in the back glimmered with seven colors.
“The one in the back is a Rare Boss. Although it wasn’t mentioned in the information, it seems to possess multiple attributes,” I noted.
“That seems to be the case. Everyone, let’s take down the two in front first. Use ice-type magic against them. I’ll step forward to draw their attacks.”
I stepped forward and activated Provoke.
The two Elemental Phoenixes and one Rainbow Phoenix reacted, flapping their wings vigorously.
From their wings, countless fiery arrows shot toward me. They were somewhat spread out, leaving no escape route. Naturally, I absorbed them all with the Immovable Fortress Wall. The ground around me was bombarded with fiery arrows, and while the heat was considerable, my All-Element Magic Resistance and Fire Resistance ensured I took no damage.
Simultaneously, over a hundred ice spears were unleashed from our side, all striking one of the Elemental Phoenixes. It attempted to evade, but Sfenia’s Snipe and Sure Hit skills ensured the magic struck first, freezing it in place as all our magic hit home.
Kiiieeeehhh…
With a high-pitched scream, one of them vanished. In a single breath, one was defeated, and the remaining two spread out in surprise, creating distance. As the Elemental Phoenixes flapped their wings again, a whirl of flames erupted around me. Simultaneously, the Rainbow Phoenix unleashed beams of seven-colored light intermittently. I braced my shield and stepped forward to defend against both.
In that moment, two beams of light from Frei’s Holy Light struck the back of the Elemental Phoenix, halting its movements, and Larni and Karma’s Flying Blade skills followed up with slashing strikes. Larni’s attack, enhanced by Attribute Bestowal, seemed particularly devastating.
As the giant creature staggered, I unleashed a Shockwave. Thanks to the effect of my Water Attribute +3 accessory, it dealt the finishing blow, leaving only the Rainbow Phoenix.
Shaaaaaaa…!
Sensing danger, the Rainbow Phoenix spread its wings wide, striking a menacing pose. Perhaps due to its many battle experiences, I felt an ominous premonition and readied my mace.
The entire body of the Rainbow Phoenix glowed, releasing beams of seven-colored light in all directions. An unexpected indiscriminate area attack.
“Raaah!”
In response, I unleashed a continuous barrage of Shockwaves. I couldn’t let the beams reach my party members. If there was any leeway, Frei would likely use Barrier to counter.
While the exact attributes of the beams were unclear, they seemed to be affected by my Shockwaves, as those aimed at me were deflected, striking the walls and ceiling instead.
The all-directional attack lasted for about thirty seconds, but it seemed we managed to endure it thanks to my Shockwaves. Looking back, my party members appeared unharmed.
“I shall bring it down!”
Seizing the opening after the big attack, Geshura unleashed a lightning spell. A powerful bolt struck the Rainbow Phoenix. As Sfenia and Shizuna’s ice spears pierced it, it let out a cry of gieeeh… and fell to the ground.
“Wait for the finishing blow!”
In that moment, I had a sudden realization and rushed toward the fallen Rainbow Phoenix, using my Plunder skill to seize its treasure. I then slammed my mace down, causing the Rainbow Phoenix to shatter into particles and vanish.
Once the battle was over, my party gathered around me.
“It’s been a while since I saw Soushi’s Plunder, hasn’t it? What did you get?” Larni asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she peered at my hands.
What I held was a short staff made of mithril, topped with a crystal that shimmered in seven colors. It was clear at a glance that it contained immense power.
Mariane scrutinized it with keen eyes, performing Appraisal.
“…This is a named weapon called Bifrost. It has the skills All-Element Magic Resistance +3, All-Element Magic Power +3, and Consumption Reduction +3. It qualifies as a national treasure.”
“It certainly looks like a staff imbued with power. And to think it was taken from that boss, it’s a treasure that only you, Soushi-dono, could have obtained,” Shizuna remarked.
As she said, it implied that there were still many unknown weapons in this world.
By the way, named weapons are unique items, but it seems that when one is destroyed or lost, a new one can be obtained in the Dungeon. This appears to be one of the mysteries of this world.
“Anyway, this is for Sfenia. I’m glad we finally got a weapon worthy of her rank.”
As I handed Bifrost to Sfenia, she gazed at the staff as if entranced, then looked at me with a somewhat elated expression.
“Thank you, Soushi-san. This staff feels incredibly strong, radiating pure magical power. It may even rival… no, it might surpass the secret staff of the High Elves. I will cherish it and strive to be of service to you, Soushi-san, and to our party.”
“I’m counting on you. Sfenia is crucial for our long-range combat. I’ll continue to rely on you.”
“Yes, leave it to me. Everything is for your sake, Soushi-san.”
Hmm? Ever since the incident with the Pearl Ring yesterday, Sfenia has seemed a bit different. Having observed her behavior, I can’t help but wonder if she harbors special feelings for me… but such words leave me feeling flustered.
In any case, I must first determine my own path. To do that, I need to conquer this unexplored A-class Dungeon.