Chapter 15: Encounter – Part 11
The next day, the now seven-member party of “Soul’s Guidance” arrived at the D-Class Dungeon located on the hills of Euron.
There were three objectives for this expedition.
The first was to confirm the coordination with our new member, Karma. However, since we were all experienced adventurers, I had no particular concerns about this.
The second objective was to determine whether this dungeon had a high drop rate for Elixirs. “Soul’s Guidance” had previously obtained two Elixirs from this dungeon. If we could find a third, the possibility of it being an Elixir Dungeon would significantly increase.
The final objective was to check the level-up of my “Vessel of the Commander” skill. According to the information I received when I acquired the skill, we should now be able to enter the boss room with all seven of us.
“This dungeon has fifteen floors, and as I mentioned yesterday, if possible, let’s try to reach the top in one go. But if it gets too tough, don’t hesitate to speak up.”
“Going straight to the fifteenth floor is a first for me too. I’m kind of looking forward to it.”
Karma, the newcomer to “Soul’s Guidance,” seemed to have a high aptitude for this party.
“If I run out of stamina, I’ll be the first to falter. I’ll do my best to hold on.”
Shizuna was right; as the leader, I needed to keep a close eye on her.
“Alright, let’s get going.”
With me leading the way and Karma bringing up the rear, we entered the dungeon entrance that opened at the top of the hill.
The battles against the weaker monsters posed no issues at all.
What caught my attention was the increase in the number of Hobgoblins and Assault Tigers appearing, from around fifteen to nearly thirty. It was likely due to Larni’s “God of Plague” leveling up, but it might also be related to the increase in our party size.
Regardless, we were now a group of seven plus two Spirits, so we could easily overpower our foes. I felt we were drifting further away from the typical dungeon battles…
“I was surprised by Shizuna’s Spirits, but the number of monsters is impressive too. And they’re all incredibly strong. I’d better step up my game, or I’ll be left behind.”
After a few battles, Karma remarked, her great sword slicing through three Hobgoblins in a single swing, leaving even Larni astonished.
After a little over two hours, we reached the boss room. The door opened smoothly, confirming the effectiveness of my “Vessel of the Commander.”
“Even with seven of us, it really opened… So, Soushi, this is quite the story, huh?”
“Yeah. Now we just need to see what the boss will be like.”
As I replied to Karma, we stepped into the boss room.
The mist that swirled around us was indicative of two monsters.
When the mist cleared, we found two armored Minotaurs waiting for us. This was a first for us to encounter two Rare Bosses at once. Was this due to our increased party size or perhaps Karma’s skills?
“Wow, I’ve heard stories, but two Rare Bosses appearing at once? Am I dreaming?”
“This is just the norm for ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ You’ll get used to it soon enough!”
Larni patted Karma on the shoulder, taking on a senior role.
Despite being Rare Bosses, one was taken down instantly by a concentrated magical attack, while the other was nearly defeated by Karma’s Flying Blade, with Larni delivering the final blow.
We found two treasure chests, both silver Rare Boxes, of course.
“Two Rare Boxes is definitely a first for us,” Sfenia remarked with a cool expression. Karma let out a long sigh, seemingly at a loss for words.
Larni and Shizuna opened the boxes. One contained a Mithril Ingot, and the other, as expected, was a beautifully decorated vial—an Elixir.
“I feel like I’ve experienced more in this one day than in the last three years. Is it really possible for this to be the norm?”
Karma’s words perfectly encapsulated the feelings of an ordinary adventurer.
“I’m aware that this isn’t normal, but for ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ this is just how things are.”
“Wow, I’ve really been invited to an incredible party. But I like this! It’s been a while since I’ve had so much fun.”
Karma grinned. It seemed she had passed the initiation test for “Soul’s Guidance.”
As I instructed Freinir to store the Elixir in the Item Box, Mariane approached me quietly.
“Soushi, this could be very important information. May I report it to the guild?”
“Of course, that was my intention from the start. But other parties will be conducting their own investigations, right?”
“Yes, I believe we’ll be sending requests to multiple parties for verification.”
“If it’s proven, will it be made public? I feel like the impact could be significant.”
“That will depend on the Grand Master. If it’s announced, adventurers might swarm to Euron.”
“It could even affect Euron’s economy if we’re not careful.”
“Indeed. It might even alter the power balance among the nobles.”
“Wow, it could go that far… I hope it turns out well for Viscount Barius. But first, we need to verify it.”
I was curious whether my “Bad Luck” skill only influenced the appearance rate of Rare Bosses or if it also affected the contents of the treasure chests. The first Elixir was likely tied to the event of saving the queen, so it was probably related to “Bad Luck,” but the subsequent two felt different. If this truly was an Elixir Dungeon… the implications for a single adventurer could be immense.
After that, we descended straight down to the tenth floor.
Honestly, we had accomplished all our initial objectives, but I wanted to test whether we could reach the fifteenth floor in a single day, so we pressed on.
The boss on the tenth floor was a Gigant Tortoise, but to our surprise, three appeared. This was another first, likely influenced by Karma’s addition to our party.
“Three giant bosses is quite a sight.”
“Just as expected from you, Soushi.”
While Shizuna’s compliment was understandable, Freinir’s words were a bit puzzling. Regardless, even with three bosses, there was little tension; it was a D-Class Dungeon, after all.
As expected, one was taken down instantly by a concentrated magical attack, another was nearly defeated by a coordinated effort from Karma, Larni, and Mariane, and the last fell to a single strike from my mace.
We found three treasure chests: one contained gold ingots, another a bracelet (Herculean Strength +1), and the last a steel longsword. The bracelet was designated for Karma, while the steel longsword was intended for Larni, who, of course, didn’t need it since she already wielded a Mithril Sword +2, so it would be treated as a sellable item.
It had taken us about five hours to reach this point. After a short break, we confirmed that everyone’s stamina was fine and proceeded to the lowest level.
The boss at the lowest level was supposed to be a Small Dragon, but instead, a pitch-black giant dragon appeared.
“Wait, wait, this is a D-Class Dungeon! Isn’t it strange for a Dark Flare Dragon to show up?!”
“This is just normal for us.”
Larni replied to Karma’s shout, but it did feel like our rate of encountering Rare monsters was unusually high. Regardless, it seemed Karma was getting the full “Soul’s Guidance” experience.
As for the Dark Flare Dragon, we completely defended against its breath attack with Shockwave, and then we overwhelmed it with concentrated magical attacks from Larni, Mariane, Karma, and the front-line Spirits, finishing it off swiftly. Though it was a top-tier B-Rank boss, it was utterly powerless against our sheer numbers.
Since we had all previously cleared this dungeon, there were no new skills gained. However, obtaining another Dark Flare Dragon Scale was significant, as it would allow us to craft more armor.
Once we exited the dungeon, Karma stretched and looked up at the sky.
“Ahh, I feel like I’ve used up a lifetime’s worth of luck in just one day. Rare bosses, three bosses, an Elixir, and a Dark Flare Dragon. No one would believe me if I told them. Plus, we all managed to enter the boss room together, and everyone is unbelievably strong. What on earth is this party aiming for?”
“For now, A-Rank, and then we’ll go as far as we can. Personally, I’d like to explore various parts of the continent.”
“Going for A-Rank is quite ambitious… but honestly, it feels like you’ve already surpassed that, Soushi. I want to get stronger and explore the continent too, so I’m lucky to have been invited to this party.”
“Exactly. And the essence of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is far from just this. I still have plenty more surprises in store for you.”
Larni playfully patted Karma on the shoulder.
Beside us, Freinir looked up at me and said, “Soushi-sama, you’re not just planning to explore the continent; you’re also aiming to repel the calamities that loom over it, aren’t you?”
“I’m not thinking anything so grand. There’s no clear indication that calamities will occur. I’m just a bit curious about the Demons.”
“Even so, I think it’s wonderful that you’re willing to challenge the mysteries yourself. I sense a guiding fate, and I believe Soushi-sama will become a legendary adventurer.”
Seeing Freinir gaze at me with dreamy eyes, Karma let out a knowing “Hmm.”
“I see. If our leader is someone like that, then we definitely won’t be bored. Larni, we’re going to become legendary adventurers too!”
“Of course! Otherwise, what would be the point of becoming adventurers?”
“I’ll aim for even greater heights as a High Elf.”
“I’ll make sure to support you as a guild staff member, so leave it to me.”
“I hope that if I become a legendary adventurer, my mother will praise me.”
It seemed that Freinir’s words were steering “Soul’s Guidance” in a strange direction… However, while there were no clear indications of calamities, it was undeniable that there were several suspicious movements happening. I hoped we could gather more information about such matters in the Inner Elf Village.