Chapter 12: In the Royal Capital – 14
The boss room was a spacious area surrounded by marble-like stone, much like the corridor. It had a somewhat majestic feel to it.
Now, this is where the real problem begins for me. Depending on the performance of the “Bad Luck” skill, various complications could arise. Just as I was pondering this, a mist began to gather. It seemed to be the size of one creature. The only question left was whether it was a normal boss or not…
“Soushi-dono, that is likely a Rare Boss. You’ve drawn a tough one,” Harsivil remarked, furrowing his brow, while Meldoza readied her staff.
Before us appeared the boss: a massive, pitch-black two-headed dog. Its appearance resembled that of a “Cerberus,” just as the preliminary information suggested, but if Harsivil claimed it was a Rare Boss, then it must be true. It certainly emanated a dark, crimson aura from its entire body, exuding the presence of a formidable foe.
“For now, I’ll take a swing at it. If things look bad, please provide support,” I instructed, not knowing their abilities but trusting they would act optimally.
As I advanced slowly with my shield raised, the “Black Cerberus” lowered its body, preparing to attack. Even with its head lowered, its red eyes were still above mine.
Gahh!
It lunged at me with a high-level “Swift Run” bite. I braced my shield to absorb the impact and swung my mace, but it dodged with a movement characteristic of someone possessing “Honshin.”
The “Black Cerberus” created distance, opening its mouth to launch a crimson fireball. Its two heads fired in rapid succession like a machine gun. As I defended with “Shockwave,” it began to move sharply from side to side, launching a barrage of fireballs.
While I focused on blocking the fireballs, I suddenly noticed one of the dog’s heads was dangerously close. So, it had been using the fireballs as a distraction to close the distance.
Its log-like forelegs aimed to capture me. Just as I was about to brace my shield, a mithril spear pierced the head of the “Black Cerberus.”
Pulling back momentarily with the spear still embedded, the “Black Cerberus” launched the weapon toward Harsivil without hesitation, while a swirling blizzard enveloped its massive body.
As expected of a former A-Rank, the timing of the support was impeccable. However, the “Black Cerberus” didn’t seem to suffer significant damage as it emerged from the blizzard. It appeared to have considerable resistance.
The “Black Cerberus” charged at me again, firing fireballs in rapid succession. It feigned an attack with its forelegs but leaped into the air, perhaps to avoid the spear. It then came crashing down with both feet aimed at me. But that was a poor choice against me.
“Whoa!”
With a roar that erupted from the depths of my being, I swung my mace with all my might.
The mace connected perfectly with the foreleg that sought to tear into me. The sharp claws were crushed, and the “Black Cerberus” lost its foreleg entirely.
Gahh!
Simultaneously, both mouths spewed forth bodily fluids. Even as an A-Rank Rare Boss, it couldn’t withstand the shock coursing through its body.
Yet, it didn’t lose consciousness and continued to bite at me as it fell. I couldn’t help but feel a measure of respect as I delivered a devastating blow to the hellish guardian.
As the headless black giant dog vanished into the dungeon floor, a golden treasure chest remained in its place.
Harsivil and Meldoza approached, gazing at the treasure chest with awe.
“Soushi-dono, that was a magnificent battle. However, I’m surprised a Rare Boss appeared. And a golden treasure chest at that.”
Harsivil’s voice had a hint of excitement. It seemed he was somewhat thrilled by encountering such a rare case.
“Is gold truly that rare?” I asked.
“Indeed. It’s said that defeating ten A-Rank Rare Bosses yields a single golden chest. You must be exceptionally lucky, Soushi-dono. Of course, your skill is more than sufficient as well.”
“Hehe, I’ve seen many intriguing things this time, but I wonder if the contents of this treasure chest will be the final surprise. I can’t wait to see what’s inside,” Meldoza said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
With her urging, I placed my hands on the lid of the golden chest and opened it in one swift motion.
The chest vanished, revealing a massive, rectangular, and rugged shield. It was so thick that it looked more like a solid chunk of metal than a shield. Its flawless surface shimmered with a hint of gold, giving it a precious metal-like quality.
When I lifted it, it felt incredibly heavy. If I found it heavy, then ordinary adventurers would struggle to even hold it. Whoever crafted this shield must have been out of their mind.
“This is a shield made entirely of Orichalcum… I’ve never seen such a weapon before.”
“It seems to be a shield named ‘Immovable Fortress Wall.’ I never expected to find a named weapon anew… Hehe, this is more than just interesting,” Meldoza remarked.
It appeared that Meldoza also possessed the “Appraisal” skill. However, an Orichalcum shield with a name? It certainly felt game-like, but that meant this shield was likely an incredibly powerful piece of equipment. After all, it was hard to misjudge the performance of such an imposing weapon.
After leaving the boss room, we entered a safety zone that also served as a teleportation room. The “Foundation of the Royal Family” dungeon allowed us to return to the entrance every five floors, which was a notable difference from ordinary dungeons.
Upon returning to the entrance, Julius was nowhere to be found, replaced instead by two knights. After all, it was unlikely that the Prime Minister or the head butler would wait for hours for our return.
The knights greeted us with surprised expressions, and one of them went to summon Reylock.
“We returned too quickly, didn’t we? It likely hasn’t even been an hour and a half (three hours). Considering it was a three-person party, or rather, that you, Soushi-dono, single-handedly defeated the monsters, this is beyond abnormal,” Harsivil noted, a hint of sarcasm in his smile.
Seeing the slight twitch in his expression, it seemed he was speaking from the heart. I certainly felt I had a better grasp of my own strength after this encounter.
“On top of that, a Rare Boss, a golden treasure chest, and a named weapon… What a wonderful experience. But what’s even more puzzling is how you, Soushi, seem to accept it all as if it were the most natural thing in the world,” Meldoza said, peering at me with curiosity in her golden eyes. It seemed her interest was more genuine than suspicious. Yet, for her to notice my secrets, the intuition of women was indeed formidable.
“Oh no, it’s just that I didn’t have time to be surprised. However, realizing that I can hold my own in an A-Class dungeon is significant,” I replied.
“I believe it’s a great loss for both the country and the Adventurers’ Guild that you are only B-Rank. I hope you can quickly rise to A-Rank,” Harsivil said.
“I understand your point, but I have party members to consider. For now, I’ll take things step by step,” I responded to Harsivil when the knights returned with Reylock.
What caught my attention was the slightly pale expression on the face of the capable head butler. My intuition sensed that something was amiss (an event was about to unfold).
“Oh, Soushi-dono, I didn’t expect you to return so soon. Were you able to descend to the fifth floor without any issues?” Reylock inquired.
“Yes, without any problems. We defeated the boss as well. But has something happened? You don’t seem well,” I noted.
“That is because I am still inexperienced. However, I must apologize; due to circumstances, I cannot disclose the details. Please understand,” he replied.
At that moment, I connected the dots.
“If something has happened to the queen, I may be able to help,” I said.
As soon as I spoke, the expressions of everyone present froze.
In hindsight, I should have taken care of the “Elixir” matter beforehand. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was becoming that unpleasant person who was trying to time my own reveal.