Chapter 12: In the Royal Capital – Part 13
The Classless Dungeon refers to a dungeon that the Adventurers’ Guild cannot classify due to insufficient information.
According to young Harsivil, the first five floors are equivalent to the lower tier of A-Class, and the boss on the fifth floor is said to be a lower A-Rank creature known as a Cerberus.
The Foundation of the Royal Family is constructed from stone resembling marble, creating a corridor that exudes a high-class atmosphere. However, as I walk down the passage, I encounter branching paths like those in any ordinary dungeon. Following Harsivil’s directions, I proceed further and sense a reaction from my Presence Detection skill.
There are three of them: the Ogre Adepts, hulking figures wielding massive swords and clad only in their bare upper bodies. They are skilled in swordsmanship, and it seems that even a typical A-Rank adventurer would struggle in a one-on-one fight against these monsters.
“Heh… Since it’s the first encounter, I’ll take one down,” Meldoza says with a smirk.
With that, she unleashes the fire-elemental magic, Flame Bolt. Naturally, she possesses the First Strike skill, and the flaming arrows that shoot forth number around twenty.
One of the Ogre Adepts, who had been observing from a distance, is engulfed in flames and collapses. At that signal, the remaining two let out a roar and charge at us. Their sudden acceleration must be due to their Swift Run skill.
As the frontline fighter, I swing my mace horizontally, enhanced with a Shockwave. The two Ogre Adepts collide with the wall of shockwaves, their bodies crumpling as they are sent flying. Unfortunately, it seems they met their end instantly.
“Wow, was that a Shockwave? Just swinging that mace is terrifying enough, but taking down two A-Rank monsters in one blow… You’ve already shown us something impressive,” Harsivil remarks, his expression a mix of awe and disbelief.
“At this rate, I might not even need to assist you, heh…” Meldoza chuckles.
As expected from a former A-Rank adventurer and the third and fourth members of the Royal Guard, they seem unfazed by such displays.
More Ogre Adepts continue to appear, but it seems the usual number is around three to four at a time. Having faced over fifteen at once regularly, I find this a bit underwhelming.
In addition to their Swift Run, they also employ slashing skills, but I find that the Shockwave usually takes care of them. I attempted to engage one in a duel, but despite their title of Adept, their sword movements were painfully predictable, making them no match for me. It seems the skills I acquired during my battle with Zaikal have sharpened my reflexes.
After about thirty minutes, we reach the stairs leading to the second underground level. I had been progressing somewhat aimlessly, but I don’t find this A-Class dungeon particularly challenging. I can’t help but think that perhaps I’m the abnormal one as I descend to the second floor.
On the second underground level, the number of Ogre Adepts increases to five or six.
However, this poses no real problem. After drawing them in with my Provoke skill, I unleash a series of Shockwaves using my Honshin skill to finish them off. Honestly, this combination feels quite unfair.
“I see, using Provoke to draw them in for a sweeping attack. It’s a common strategy, but executing it against A-Rank monsters is quite impressive,” Harsivil comments.
“With that kind of strength and a high-level Honshin skill, there are hardly any A-Rank adventurers who can match you. Truly, you are the Twilight Slayer,” Meldoza adds, clearly impressed.
The two trailing behind me seem to be taking note of my abilities.
After tossing the magic stones and the materials from the greatswords into my Item Box, we reach the stairs leading to the third underground level in about thirty minutes.
“I’d like to proceed, but are you two alright?” I ask.
“Yes, we haven’t encountered any issues… Are you sure you’re fine, Soushi?” Harsivil replies, a hint of disbelief in his expression. I can’t deny that I might be advancing through this A-Class dungeon a bit too easily. Well, it could also be that I’m simply well-suited to dealing with physical monsters.
“I’m confident in my stamina. Now, let’s move on.”
From the third underground level, we encounter the Titanoboa, a boar-like monster the size of a small elephant. Its body is covered in metallic bristles, granting it high physical and magical resistance, and its signature Swift Run charge makes it a formidable foe that doesn’t allow for any sloppy tactics.
However, for me, this type is the perfect match…
“Hehehe… Did I just shatter a Titanoboa in one blow? Am I dreaming?” Meldoza giggles in disbelief.
“No, I’m witnessing it too, so it’s real. I feel sorry for His Majesty and the Prime Minister, but reporting this might not hold much significance,” Harsivil adds, sharing in the surreal experience.
The materials we gather are high-quality pork, a delicacy reserved for the upper nobility. This will make a fine gift for Larni.
The fourth underground level only increases the number of Titanoboas, meaning my Item Box fills with more high-quality pork.
As I toss chunks of meat weighing around ten kilograms into my Item Box, Harsivil approaches, his brow furrowed.
“Soushi, I believe you’re accumulating quite a substantial amount of materials in your Item Box. Are you sure that’s alright?”
“Yes, this is manageable. I’m confident in my stamina,” I assure him.
While I say that, the truth is that I had brought out the usual load I carry, considering this is an A-Class dungeon. Now that I think about it, my body does feel lighter because of it. I mustn’t forget my true strength.
Now, we reach the fifth underground level.
Here, the Small Dragons, which served as the boss in the D-Class dungeon, make their appearance. Naturally, the corridors are about thirty meters wide and stretch straight to the boss room.
As I walk a little further, a black mist gathers, and a dragon measuring about fifteen meters in length materializes. While it doesn’t possess the grandeur of the Dark Flare Dragon I fought previously, it still carries an imposing presence worthy of its title. Moreover, two of them appear simultaneously, making the spacious corridor feel suddenly cramped.
“Meldoza, I apologize, but if they take to the air, could you attack their wings to bring them down?” I request.
“Understood. It seems I have a chance to shine after a long time,” she replies.
“Soushi, I can also bring down flying dragons,” Harsivil adds, lifting his spear. It seems he possesses skills for ranged attacks.
“Then I ask you to do the same, Harsivil.”
“Consider it done.”
As I step forward, one dragon takes to the skies while the other arches its neck back, preparing to unleash its breath attack.
The airborne Small Dragon is instantly pierced by a volley of fire arrows, and a mithril spear plunges into its neck. The spear then performs a U-turn, returning to Harsivil, showcasing an impressive skill.
The other dragon exhales a breath attack. While it is a fiery breath, it pales in comparison to that of the Dark Flare Dragon. I counter it with several Shockwaves, then charge forward, delivering a blow to its leg before smashing its head with my mace, causing it to explode.
The fallen dragon is already on its last legs. I swing my mace down once more to grant it a swift end.
The materials collected are dragon scales, which, unfortunately, are inferior to those from the Dark Flare Dragon. Still, they should fetch a decent price.
“I’ve never seen someone completely negate a breath attack with Shockwave before. Usually, they run out of breath midway,” Harsivil remarks, clearly impressed.
“How do most people typically handle such attacks?” I inquire.
“Meldoza could counter it with magic. If that’s not possible, the basic approach is to move and dodge,” he explains, a hint of amusement in his expression as he responds to my seemingly odd question.
While I learned to negate attacks first, it’s true that most would start by dodging.
Regardless, as we continue to take down about ten Small Dragons, we arrive at a large door. Now, we face the A-Rank boss, albeit a lower-tier one. This time, however, we won’t have Freinir’s Divine Light to assist us. While I feel a bit anxious, judging by the reactions of the two accompanying me, I believe we can handle it.
“I’d like to enter the boss room. Are both of you ready?” I ask.
“I’m ready to go.”
“I’m fine as well.”
“Then let’s proceed.”
Nodding to the two, I push open the door to the boss room.