Chapter 13: To Oz – 02
The next morning, we proceeded with our training as planned and entered the F-Class Dungeon.
For now, I decided to let Shizuna showcase her abilities during the boss battle, so we made our way swiftly to the fifth floor.
“To think we could come all the way to the lowest level without a break…”
Shizuna, a novice experiencing ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ looked a bit dazed in front of the boss room door.
“This is the standard for low-class dungeons, after all!”
“Is this what’s normal for a B-rank party? High-rank adventurers truly are something to behold,” Larni remarked, engaging in light banter with Shizuna.
Meanwhile, I turned to Mariane for confirmation.
“Normally, this door shouldn’t open for six people, right?”
“Yes, it seems that if more than six try to enter, the door detects it and remains closed.”
“I see, one of the mysteries of the dungeon…”
As I spoke, I placed my hand on the door.
“Alright, let’s go in. Shizuna, you’ll be the one to attack.”
“Understood!”
The real question was whether the door would open…
With a surge of strength, the stone door swung open effortlessly, offering no resistance.
Freinir stepped beside me, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
“It opened! As expected of you, Soushi-sama!”
“Ah, thanks. But it’s really just thanks to my skill.”
“Nonetheless, it’s a skill you obtained because you are Soushi-sama. That doesn’t change how impressive you are.”
“…If Frei says so, I suppose I’ll take it to heart.”
I felt that if I didn’t accept her praise, she would continue to shower me with compliments indefinitely. Just then, Mariane approached us with a serious expression.
“Soushi-san, this is a significant case for the guild. We might need to report this to the Grand Master.”
“This is serious enough to warrant that level of attention, huh?”
Being able to enter a boss room meant for only five people with six was akin to breaking a long-held rule, so it was indeed a matter of importance. I could tell from Mariane’s serious demeanor that this was no trivial issue.
However, as someone with little experience as an adventurer or in this world, I couldn’t quite grasp the gravity of the situation. I understood logically that it was a remarkable skill, but…
“Is something the matter? Let’s go inside!”
It seemed Shizuna didn’t quite understand either. Larni, standing behind her, also appeared confused, but Sfenia wore a solemn expression, indicating she grasped the seriousness of the situation.
“Alright, let’s go in.”
As we entered with six people, the door closed behind us, and from the swirling black mist emerged a Bear Wolf.
I used ‘Provoke’ to draw its attention and easily intercepted its charge. Honestly, it was easier than stopping a child’s tackle.
“Now, Shizuna, it’s your turn.”
“Oh? O-Okay, I’ll do my best!”
Shizuna, surprised by how easily I subdued the boss, began to chant what sounded like a spell.
Once her incantation concluded, the ground trembled, and two rock figures, about a meter tall, emerged. At first glance, they resembled golems, but according to Shizuna, they were manifestations of ‘Spirits’ that had gained a vessel.
“Attack now!”
With Shizuna’s command, the rock figures began to pummel the Bear Wolf from the side. Despite their size, their strikes were surprisingly powerful, and after about ten blows, the Bear Wolf collapsed and vanished.
“Hmm… It seems I’ve acquired the ‘Fire Resistance’ skill.”
It appeared that Shizuna had successfully gained her skill. Of course, since we had already cleared this dungeon, we received nothing.
However, Shizuna’s combat style was quite fascinating. The ‘Spirits’ seemed to possess considerable combat strength, and simply having more allies made the battles significantly more favorable. This ability could be termed ‘Spirit Summoning,’ and it seemed to be her unique skill. If she continued to develop it, she would likely become an incredibly powerful adventurer.
In the next E-Class Dungeon, I made sure Shizuna gained practical experience by having her engage in battles against weaker foes. In addition to ‘Spirit Summoning,’ she could also wield fire and water elemental magic, allowing her to handle multiple enemies effectively.
“That said, this is a bit too many to handle.”
As seven lizard-like monsters, the Hard Rock Lizards, appeared, Shizuna began to focus her mind.
The rock figures stepped forward to absorb the attacks from the Lizards, but of course, they couldn’t withstand all seven, so we helped thin their numbers.
“Flame Bolt!”
Five fiery arrows struck the Lizards, incinerating one of them. The remaining one was swiftly beaten down by the two rock figures.
“Ugh, compared to you all, I’m still lacking. I feel like my magic power has increased since before, though.”
“When we were E-rank, we were just as inexperienced. Plus, I have a skill that boosts my party members’ abilities, so that might be why your magic is stronger now.”
“Really? You possess such a skill? ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is quite the envy-inducing party!”
With that, we descended to the fifth floor, and by the time we reached the boss room, Shizuna had leveled up significantly.
“I feel like my level and skills are improving because I’m getting to fight properly. I’m truly grateful.”
“Were you not able to do so with your previous party?”
“Not really. After becoming E-rank, they were overly cautious with me. Now I understand it was because they had ulterior motives.”
Her previous party had been a group of individuals looking to exploit her. Naturally, they wouldn’t want her to engage in combat until they could use her.
As expected, we were able to enter the boss room without any issues.
What emerged was a Rock Golem, and just like before, two appeared.
“To think two would come out! Soushi, what should we do?”
“I’ll handle one, so focus on the other.”
“Understood!”
Larni lured one away and swiftly sliced it apart. Considering how difficult it had been to even cut one before, her growth was astonishing.
The other Golem was blocked by the rock figures, but one of them was crushed by a single strike from the Golem.
In the meantime, Shizuna completed her mental concentration, and a fire arrow struck the Rock Golem.
The Golem staggered from the significant damage. Seizing the opportunity, one of the rock figures charged into it, causing the Golem to fall on its back. While it struggled to rise, another fire arrow struck, nearly immobilizing it. The rock figures then continued to pummel its head until the Golem was successfully defeated.
“Indeed, the power of magic has increased significantly. It seems the ‘Spirits’ have grown stronger as well.”
“One of them was destroyed, but is that alright?”
“The ‘Spirit’ itself is immortal, so there’s no problem. However, once it loses its vessel, it will take about an hour before it can possess another.”
In other words, if the rock figure was destroyed, it would take two hours to reboot. Still, it was an incredibly useful ability.
“I’ve acquired the skills… ‘Steel Body’ and ‘Herculean Strength.’ To gain two skills at once is unprecedented!”
Shizuna’s astonished expression was met with warm smiles from the other four. This was becoming a familiar occurrence with ‘Soul’s Guidance.’
“It seems these skills also apply to the ‘Spirit’s’ vessel. This could be quite powerful.”
“Indeed, if that’s true, it would be incredibly strong.”
As I nodded in agreement, I noticed Larni’s gaze on Shizuna suddenly shift to something more predatory. Her ears twitched, indicating that Larni’s scout instincts had kicked in.
However, until we reached Oz Country, Shizuna wouldn’t be able to do much. I’d have to remind Larni not to be too persistent.