Chapter 14: Demon’s Lair
After the battle concluded, I shared what I knew about the “Demon” and the “Gate to Another World” with the gathered adventurers. There was a possibility of their reappearance in the future, and understanding the enemy’s characteristics in advance was crucial. I especially warned them to stay away from the “Gate to Another World.” If someone were to be accidentally sucked into that realm, it would be nearly impossible for an ordinary adventurer to return alive.
Upon returning to the Marquis’s residence, I was greeted by Marquis Lagantz himself. It was decided that Earthlin would handle the report, so I wiped my body clean and rested in my room before joining the dinner meeting.
“I hear you were quite the hero today. It’s the first time I’ve seen Earthlin speak so passionately,” the Marquis began with a cheerful expression as we sat at the dining table.
“Perhaps it’s because I have fought more against the ‘Demon’ than anyone else. Thankfully, there was no damage to the town this time,” I replied.
“That seems to be thanks to you, Soushi. Earthlin mentioned that without your presence, the adventurers would have suffered losses as well.”
“I also informed the adventurers about the ‘Demon,’ so they should be able to respond more easily in the future. After all, fighting against the unknown is the most terrifying ordeal.”
“Indeed, I agree. However, it seems the ‘Demon’ is a more fearsome monster than I initially thought. If such creatures are beginning to appear, we cannot afford to be fighting amongst ourselves.”
The Marquis spoke with a hint of self-deprecation, his expression turning somber. To me, he still seemed quite young, yet the weight of responsibility on his shoulders as a noble was undeniably heavy.
“I’ve heard that the Kingdom of Vermilian is starting to recruit higher-ranked adventurers,” I mentioned.
“That would be the case. Have you not received any offers, Soushi?” he inquired.
“Not yet, but my party consists of individuals with their own circumstances, so even if I were approached, I have no intention of aligning with any faction.”
“I would like to see your party at least once. Once everything settles down, would you visit Mecalinan again?”
“I plan to explore as many dungeons as possible, so I believe I will return with my party.”
“When that time comes, please do come to see me. I would love to hear various stories from your party members.”
It seemed that young Ryusha had a particular interest in female adventurers. I could understand his feelings, though.
“I understand,” I replied, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that if Ryusha were to become the king of this country, visiting him would inevitably turn into a political affair.
“By the way, Soushi, you appear to be around my age, but how long have you been adventuring?” the Marquis asked. “Earthlin mentioned that you’ve likely faced quite a number of perilous situations.”
“I have not yet been an adventurer for a year. However, I have accumulated various experiences, and as a result, I have received some titles,” I explained.
“To have gained strength surpassing A-rank in less than a year is quite remarkable. It sounds like a tale of ancient heroes. Speaking of which, Earthlin mentioned something interesting. He felt that during today’s battle, he was filled with an unusual strength. I have heard that ancient heroes possessed such power as well.”
The Marquis fixed me with a sharp gaze, while Ryusha’s eyes sparkled with excitement from across the table.
“I am not aware of such things…” I replied, but I could tell the Marquis likely saw through my words.
To think he could deduce the existence of the “Vessel of the Commander” skill from such scant information—truly, capable individuals are formidable.
However, it was unexpected that the “Vessel of the Commander” skill could have effects with just a little guidance. If it could influence even those who were not part of a party, it might indeed be a skill with military-level effects, as Mariane had suggested.
The Marquis studied my face for a moment before his expression softened into a smile.
“Hehe, it seems I was merely inspired by your remarkable efforts, Soushi. However, the fact that your fighting spirit boosts morale cannot be overlooked. It seems best for you to lead the charge on the battlefield, as you suggested.”
It appeared he had grasped our situation and chose to overlook the skill’s existence. Instead, he was asking for my assistance in battle.
Yet, the way the Marquis spoke made it seem as though I was being treated as someone who, while aware of the skill’s effects, was secretly aiding the Marquis’s forces.
I had completely forgotten about the skill, so being misinterpreted as such a modest person was rather frustrating.
The following morning passed without incident, and I headed to the Adventurers’ Guild as usual. After that, I decided to delve a little into a B-class dungeon.
The B-class dungeon in Lagantz Territory had twenty floors and was a type that involved traversing a large tomb, primarily inhabited by Undead monsters.
The boss on the fifth floor was said to be a “Bone Dragon,” which should pose no particular problem. There was also a “Baron Phantom,” a spirit-type monster among the weaklings on the fifth floor, making it an ideal opportunity to test the “Water Attribute +3” effect.
On the first and second floors, the infamous (?) “Headless Swordier” appeared in groups of two to three, but they were no issue at all. On the third and fourth floors, blue-skinned demons known as “Throwing Ghouls” emerged, hurling magical projectiles. These projectiles were troublesome, exploding like grenades upon impact, but I was able to defeat them easily by using the “Immovable Fortress Wall” to block their attacks and then charging at them.
As for the fifth floor, the “Baron Phantom” appeared as a ghostly figure resembling a noble. It was indeed a monster adept in magic, particularly troublesome with its area-of-effect spells. Flames would suddenly erupt from beneath my feet, creating a chaotic battlefield.
The countermeasure was to keep moving. I dashed around, swinging my mace and unleashing “Shockwaves.” Normally, physical attacks would be less effective against spirit-type monsters, but the “Water Attribute +3” effect proved reliable. I was able to obliterate them in one hit, and as I grew accustomed to the rhythm, I could finish them off with a first strike.
Now, it was time for the boss room. A “Bone Dragon” made of bones was supposed to appear, but emerging from the black mist was a large dragon made of bright red bones. It was about twenty meters long. Though it was just a skeletal form, it had wings, adding to its intimidating presence.
The red bones looked rare, so it was likely a Rare Boss.
Gah-gah!!
As I observed, it launched a spear of blood as a breath attack. It resembled a lower-tier version of the “Blood Lance” used by Lyra Nora, the boss of the “Wandering Dungeon.” I advanced while blocking with the “Immovable Fortress Wall,” only to be met with a sweeping tail strike. As I pushed my shield forward at the moment of impact, the tail shattered into pieces.
Gah-guh!?
The “Red Bone Dragon” hesitated for a moment, but then it lunged at me with a bite from above. Its movements were swift, and the teeth lining its open jaws looked capable of tearing through even plate armor in a single bite.
However, that was a grave mistake against me. The Aberrant Mace struck back in a counterattack, shattering the red dragon’s skull into fragments.
What emerged was a silver treasure chest. Upon opening it, I found a beautiful silver staff, nearly as tall as I was. It was adorned with the figure of a praying angel, and I immediately recognized it as a perfect gift for Freinir. She must be feeling quite down from not being able to see me, and I hoped this would serve as a fitting souvenir for her.
With those thoughts in mind, I decided to exit the dungeon for the day.