Chapter 7: Freinir’s Past – 03
The next day, we returned to our usual duties as an adventurer party. Naturally, our first task was to challenge the D-Class Dungeon for the first time.
The D-Class Dungeon near Euron was located half a day’s walk to the west.
However, since we ran, we arrived in about an hour and a half. It’s astonishing that I can maintain such a near-full-speed pace for over an hour, a testament to the physical abilities of an Awakened One. And to think this is just a D-Rank dungeon is truly terrifying.
As for the dungeon itself, it resembled a mound-like ancient tomb in the middle of a grassy plain, with a stone-structured entrance carved into its slope.
There were two other parties present, both exuding a veteran aura.
“Alright, let’s go in. We’ll stick to our usual formation,” I said.
“Understood,” Freinir replied.
“Got it!” Larni chimed in.
With me leading the way, followed by Freinir and then Larni, we stepped through the entrance.
Inside, the passageway was constructed of stone, maintaining the same atmosphere as the previous dungeons we had explored.
After about ten minutes of progress, my Presence Detection skill reacted—six monsters appeared all at once. Larni’s God of Plague is really in top form today.
Emerging before us were the pig-faced humanoid monsters known as Orcs. They stood about 1.6 to 1.7 meters tall. For me, it was no issue, but the two girls likely felt a sense of intimidation.
Upon spotting us, the Orcs raised their axes and charged at us in unison.
“Holy Light, here it comes!”
Freinir unleashed a beam of light, cleaving two of the Orcs in half. Her power never ceases to amaze.
“I’ll handle the two!”
Larni vanished with Swift Run. In an instant, she decapitated one Orc and plunged her sword into the heart of another from behind.
The remaining two swung their axes at me, but I easily deflected their attacks with my shield. I then slammed my mace into the exposed torso of one Orc, causing its rotund belly to explode in a shower of gore. It seems my mace is an overkill even against D-Rank monsters.
“Hmm, is this really what D-Rank is like?”
Larni’s words echoed my own thoughts, but as the leader, I couldn’t voice them.
“Let’s not let our guard down. I may be fine, but if either of you gets hit by those axes, it won’t end well.”
“Well, I might just barely manage with my Steel Body, but Freinir needs to be careful.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure to keep my distance.”
“Leave that to me. Alright, let’s move on.”
After collecting the magic stones and Orc meat, we pressed deeper into the dungeon.
That day, we retreated after reaching the depths of the third floor. There, we encountered larger tiger-like monsters known as Assault Tigers. Their only attack methods were claws and fangs, which posed no real threat. I simply turned their leaps into minced meat with my mace.
“Being in this party is making my senses feel off. A D-Class Dungeon shouldn’t be this easy, right?”
Larni remarked during dinner that evening.
“Perhaps it’s because of your strength. Being able to take down an Orc in one hit is quite impressive,” I replied.
“Well, Orcs are slow. I couldn’t take down a Tiger in one hit, though.”
“Normally, you’d encounter three at most, and you’d have to work together to handle them. We’re facing multiple opponents alone, so it’s understandable.”
After all, we had faced up to seven Assault Tigers at once. For an average D-Rank party, total annihilation could easily be a possibility. When we sold the pelts we collected, even Mariane, the guild receptionist, looked astonished.
“Freinir’s ability to strike first with her magic is a huge advantage. Being able to take down two for sure is impressive,” I added.
“Is that so? I’m not very familiar with other people’s magic…”
Freinir said, her expression brightening slightly. It’s true that being able to reliably eliminate D-Rank monsters before they can retaliate is significant.
“Indeed. Freinir’s magic presence is quite substantial. Her healing with the Life Attribute is also a great help.”
“But isn’t it unnecessary for you, Soushi-sama?”
“I have Regeneration, after all. But Larni’s potion usage has decreased, which saves us money, making it important for the party.”
Larni nodded in agreement.
“Freinir’s healing magic is highly effective. Normally, recovery doesn’t happen that quickly.”
“Is that so?”
That was news to me. In fact, I had only seen other parties use pebble-type magic during large-scale subjugation missions or high-pressure washing magic against zombie dogs.
“Exactly. It usually takes longer to heal, and sometimes it doesn’t heal in one go.”
I wondered if this was due to the enhancement of her Dependency skill. No, it could also be that Freinir naturally possesses a high aptitude for healing. After all, she was once a candidate for the Saint.
“Well, the most outrageous thing is Soushi’s mace. It’s absurd that just a graze can kill a monster.”
“I truly believe in Soushi-sama’s incredible power.”
“Ah, that’s…”
There was one time when my aim was off, and I struck only the front paw of an Assault Tiger with my mace, yet it died instantly. Apparently, receiving such excessive shock can lead to shock death, and that must have been the case.
In any case, it’s clear how abnormal our party is. It’s important to be aware of this, and I should be careful not to stand out too much.
That night, as I lay in bed at the inn, I heard a knock, and Freinir entered. She wore nightclothes befitting a former noblewoman.
“What’s the matter?”
“I’m sorry, but I’d like to talk for a bit.”
“Oh, that’s fine… Please, have a seat.”
Since we had upgraded to a slightly nicer inn due to reaching D-Rank, the room now had a table and chairs in addition to the bed. I gestured for Freinir to sit in one of the chairs.
“Are you perhaps referring to what happened at the viscount’s house?”
“Yes. How much has Soushi-sama heard from the viscount about me?”
“Well…”
There was no need to lie, so I spoke honestly, and for some reason, Freinir’s expression turned sad.
“Um… What did you think when you heard about it, Soushi-sama?”
“Hm? I thought life has its ups and downs. I can’t imagine the intricacies of noble families, but I sympathize with the situation you were in, and I’m glad we formed a party together.”
“That’s all…?”
“I also thought it would be troublesome if the viscount took you away. I consider myself fortunate that it didn’t happen.”
“Didn’t you feel anything about the fact that I’ve been silent all this time… or that I was once part of a duke’s family?”
“It’s natural to keep secrets. I have things I can’t share too. And as for the duke’s family… honestly, I can’t relate. There were no nobles in my homeland.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, so I don’t see Freinir as someone particularly special, and I don’t think I’ll treat you any differently in the future. Rather, is it okay for you to be treated this way?”
At my question, Freinir’s face suddenly brightened, and she clasped her hands in front of her chest, nodding eagerly.
“Yes, I would be happy if you treated me that way. I am now the adventurer Freinir.”
With her smile, Freinir’s beauty seemed to reach divine levels, making it easy to understand why the church considered her a candidate for the Saint.
“I will do my best to earn your trust and hope to learn your secrets someday. I look forward to our future together.”
With those words, Freinir returned to her room next door.
While I still felt a slight heaviness in the air, I found myself pondering how much of it was due to her skills. Perhaps I need to do something to help her overcome her dependency on me.