Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital – 04
The day after our one-day rest, we were finally set to challenge the A-Rank Dungeon.
This dungeon, presumed to have its lowest level at the 30th floor, had only been partially explored up to the 27th floor. Given that this was our first A-Rank challenge, we prepared ourselves for a strategy of clearing five floors a day over six days. It was only when we completely conquered this dungeon that we could truly call ourselves adventurers.
Located two hours on foot from the Royal Capital, the entrance to the A-Rank Dungeon was found within a stone shrine that sat majestically at the center of a field reminiscent of ancient ruins.
“Here we go, the A-Rank Dungeon! Hmm… I think I’m feeling a bit nervous,” said Larni, the wolf beastman swordswoman, her face betraying her excitement.
Beside her, Karma, the tiger beastman wielding a great sword, and Shizuna, the Oni priestess, chimed in.
“It feels like we’ve finally made it this far. But from here on out, it’s really the main event for us,” Karma remarked.
“I never thought we would be challenging an A-Rank Dungeon in such a short time. But with everyone here, I feel at ease,” Shizuna added, her expression also bright with anticipation.
Meanwhile, Sfenia, the High Elf, and Mariane, the guild receptionist, were focused intently on the entrance, their expressions serious.
“We’re finally at the A-Rank Dungeon. I’ve heard that Anatoria struggled quite a bit with A-Rank dungeons. While ‘Soul’s Guidance’ should help us, we must approach this with resolve,” Sfenia stated.
“The A-Rank Dungeon in the Royal Capital has forced many A-Rank parties to retreat, remaining unexplored. With ‘Soul’s Guidance’ in play, the difficulty will only increase, so we cannot let our guard down,” Mariane warned.
“I, too, feel a sense of dread about venturing beyond the 28th floor without prior information. If it feels too dangerous, I won’t hesitate to use the ‘Bell of Return’ we’ve borrowed from the church,” I replied.
The importance of information and the guild’s guidebook weighed heavily on my mind. Above all, our priority was to return without losing a single member, and as the leader, I needed to set the tone.
What concerned me were Geshura and Sakurahime, who were still inexperienced as part of ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ While we had improved our teamwork in B-Rank Dungeons, it would be crucial to see how far we could elevate our coordination by the time we reached the lowest floor. Especially Sakurahime, who, as a B-Rank, lacked sufficient skill acquisition and levels compared to the others, required extra caution.
Perhaps sensing her own uncertainty, she approached me with a worried expression.
“Souji-dono, I believe I still lack the strength to challenge an A-Rank Dungeon. If I am a burden, please tell me immediately.”
“I understand your concerns, Sakurahime. However, dungeon exploration is a challenge for the entire party. Your role is essential, so there’s no need to feel overly pressured,” I reassured her.
“With my ‘Divine Halo,’ I can weaken our enemies, and with ‘Divine Blessing,’ I can enhance everyone’s abilities. Besides, with you here, Souji-sama, we will be just fine,” she replied, her confidence bolstered.
It was rare for Freinir to offer words of encouragement, and it seemed she had grown even more since the recent commotion involving the Saint.
“Thank you, Frei-dono. My role is to protect you and the others in the front and back lines. I will fulfill that duty without fail,” Sakurahime responded earnestly.
“With my ‘Spirit’ protecting the rear, we are well-prepared. With Sakurahime on our side, we can face even an Ogre with confidence,” Shizuna added, her bond with Sakurahime evident.
“Indeed, Shizuna-dono, I will ensure our defense holds strong. But that ‘Spirit’ is always so peculiar and fascinating. I would love to show it to my father,” Sfenia mused, as the girls began to chat among themselves.
Meanwhile, Geshura, the half-human, half-serpent beauty, was retrieving her staff and buckler from her bag equipped with an Item Box. She was careful to check her surroundings, as I had instructed her not to use them in public.
“Geshura, are you ready?” I asked.
“All is well. If a B-Rank Dungeon posed that little challenge, my strength should be more than sufficient for an A-Rank. I am already a member of this party; just say the word, and I will unleash my full power,” she replied confidently.
“I’m counting on you. Especially since we will be facing unknown enemies this time. Your strength will be invaluable,” I said, having gauged her abilities in previous dungeons. As a member of the Kin of Twilight, it was clear she possessed strength exceeding that of an A-Rank adventurer. Her unique lightning magic and powerful wind magic capable of creating large vacuum blades were formidable, to the point where she could likely conquer a B-Rank Dungeon alone.
“Alright, once everyone is ready, we will enter the dungeon,” I announced, checking on everyone before heading toward the dungeon entrance.
The first five floors of the A-Rank Dungeon, resembling ancient ruins, featured straightforward stone corridors that extended deep into the structure.
Scattered throughout the corridors were spacious rooms where monsters typically appeared. Each of these rooms was as large as a boss chamber, with even the smaller ones being about the size of two tennis courts.
Of course, due to the nature of ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ the number of monsters that appeared was alarmingly high.
For instance, on the first underground floor, the D-Rank boss, the bull-headed giant known as the Minotaur, appeared as a common foe. Normally, two to three would show up, but we faced a staggering eight at once.
Seeing eight Minotaurs was shocking; I was almost left speechless…
“I’ll take the first strike! ‘Flare Circle!'”
Sfenia unleashed her advanced fire magic, turning one Minotaur to ash.
“‘Divine Judgment!'”
A pillar of light from Freinir engulfed another.
“I’ll handle one!”
Geshura’s lightning magic tore through another Minotaur.
“I won’t be left behind!”
Shizuna launched twenty rock spears, skewering yet another.
“Here I come!”
Larni closed the distance in an instant, decapitating one with her sword.
“Right here!”
Mariane, having completely concealed her presence, struck from behind, plunging her blade into the nape of another.
“Take this!”
Karma smashed through one from the front with a powerful blow.
“And I shall too!”
Sakurahime, while skillfully maneuvering, dispatched another Minotaur without a hitch.
In the blink of an eye, all eight Minotaurs lay defeated. I could only marvel at the overwhelming power of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ and the incredible strength of my companions.