Chapter 15: Encounter 03
This was the second C-Class Dungeon under the guidance of “Soul’s Guidance,” and being located in the middle of a grassland, the monsters that appeared were primarily beast and insect types.
On floors one through five, we encountered the acid-spitting spider known as the Acid Spider, the heat-horned grasshopper called the Flame Locust, and the gigantic bee known as the Killer Bee General.
Larni’s skill, God of Plague, was performing exceptionally well, especially with the Flame Locusts, which appeared in groups of thirty at a time. However, it was Freinir, enhanced by her new staff, who truly shone in this battle. With her skills of Range Expansion, Charge, and Holy Light, she unleashed a powerful shower of light that riddled the large grasshoppers with holes, effectively annihilating them.
Sfenia watched in awe and remarked, “Frei’s offensive magic surpasses that of high-ranking sorcerers. I can’t afford to fall behind.”
She seemed somewhat frustrated. I could only hope that a powerful staff would drop for her in this dungeon.
The boss was a normal boss, the Giant Worm.
This worm-like monster measured over twenty meters in length and boasted an incredibly thick hide, granting it high resistance to both physical and magical attacks. However, its only means of offense were body slams and bites from its circular rows of fangs. While I held its head down, the others targeted it with their skills.
What stood out the most was Larni’s slashing attack. With her Blade Extension skill leveled up, she effortlessly sliced through the worm’s thick body, which was at least 1.5 meters wide.
From the treasure chest, we obtained a Silver Necklace, which had the effect of Agility +1, so it naturally went to Sfenia without hesitation.
On floors six through ten, we faced the Sword Deer, a large deer with curved blades for antlers, the Twin-Head Eagle, and the Paralyze Tiger, a large tiger with paralysis poison.
The Sword Deer possessed the Swift Run skill, while the Paralyze Tiger had Honshin, making them quite troublesome opponents. Engaging them head-on would likely lead to a tough battle.
However, when I used Provoke, their movements became predictable, allowing us to systematically eliminate them like a well-oiled machine. Yet, as I continued this tactic, Larni pointed out sharply, “It seems like with Soushi around, our tactics are becoming rather haphazard. Isn’t that a bit concerning?”
Taking her advice to heart, I decided to moderate my use of Provoke.
The boss was supposed to be the Salamander, a giant fire lizard we had encountered in the field before, but instead, we faced a massive lizard covered entirely in ice.
“It appears to be a Rare Boss. I believe it’s called the Freezing Lizard. It can launch numerous ice spears and exhale a breath of cold air,” Mariane informed us.
With this information, it was clear that we would need to employ our usual Shockwave defense.
After weakening it with Freinir’s Divine Halo, we chipped away at the ice covering its surface with Sfenia’s Elemental Magic, and Mariane’s status ailment skill successfully inflicted paralysis, sealing our victory.
The final blow came from Larni’s fire-elemental Magic Sword, but before that, I had a hunch and used Plunder, obtaining a short sword called Freezing Edge. This B-Rank weapon boasted the effects of Water Element +1 and Wind Element +1, allowing me to upgrade Mariane’s weapon.
From the silver treasure chest, we retrieved a Fairy Conductor’s Baton, a slender baton typically held by an orchestra conductor. Upon appraisal, it turned out to be a short staff with the effects of Magic Power +1 and Range Expansion +1, making it quite a powerful item. Naturally, it was destined for Sfenia.
It felt as though we were acquiring weapons far too easily, but since it wasn’t a bad thing, I decided not to dwell on it.
In any case, we decided to call it a day and set up camp in a safe zone.
“By the way, I almost forgot, but I had obtained a Skill Orb,” I said after we gathered in a circle for dinner, suddenly recalling it as I pulled it from my Item Box.
Larni leaned forward, intrigued. “Oh, it feels like it’s been a while. What kind of skill is it?”
“It’s called All-Element Magic Resistance. Apparently, it’s quite a high-level skill.”
“Where did you get it?”
“It dropped from the Lich Legion. It was a powerful sorcerer-type monster, so it makes sense that it would yield a fitting skill.”
“All-Element Magic Resistance is a skill typically obtainable at A-Rank, and it’s exceedingly rare. It could fetch around three hundred million Rom if sold,” Mariane stated, causing Larni and Shizuna to widen their eyes in disbelief.
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
“I’ve never seen a Skill Orb before, but it’s worth that much?”
“So, the question is, who will use it—”
“I believe it should be used by Soushi-sama. After all, it was obtained by you, and more importantly, you are our shield,” Freinir interjected, and everyone nodded in agreement.
“Absolutely!”
“I think that’s only fair.”
“That seems reasonable.”
“Of course.”
“Thank you. Then I shall use it.”
As I grasped the orb, I felt the sensation of acquiring a skill. Indeed, this was an incredibly powerful skill.
While I was putting the empty orb away, Mariane unsheathed the Freezing Edge from her waist and began to examine it. The blade, as beautiful as glacial ice, emanated a chilling aura.
“However, I’ve heard that you can steal items from monsters using Plunder, but I’ve never heard of anyone managing to do so from a Rare Boss in a C-Class Dungeon. Is this due to your exceptional abilities, Soushi-san?”
“That’s likely the case. When I reach into my Item Box, I feel a resistance, but the stronger the monster, the greater that resistance becomes.”
“You make it sound easy, but I imagine the resistance is quite formidable,” Mariane remarked as she sheathed the sword, while Larni leaned in closer.
“To be able to obtain weapons from sources other than treasure chests is incredible. And they come with magical effects, right? Just selling off the surplus items could make us rich.”
“That’s true. Oh, speaking of which, I got a new ring at Mecalinan, so I have an extra ring with Agility +1. Does anyone want it?”
I thought nobody would want a ring that an old man had worn, but as I pulled it out, a tense atmosphere enveloped the group.
The five of them exchanged glances, and I hoped they weren’t trying to push it onto one another.
Ignoring my concerns, Larni reached for the ring.
“Agility +1 would be best suited for a front-line fighter, right? I think I’ll try it on.”
“No, the rear guard also needs to move quickly in emergencies, so it’s not without its uses,” Sfenia interjected, blocking Larni’s hand. Her voice carried an unusual intensity.
“Well, I still want it,” Larni insisted.
“I want it too,” Sfenia added, refusing to back down.
Looking closely, I noticed Freinir, Mariane, and Shizuna also had eager expressions on their faces.
It seemed that even a ring worn by an old man was desirable if it had magical effects.
“Then let’s decide by drawing lots. It would be useful for whoever wears it.”
Ultimately, my suggestion led to a lottery, and surprisingly, the atmosphere was more tense than during our battles.
Mariane ended up drawing the winning lot, and her usually carefree demeanor softened into a joyful smile, indicating how thrilled she was. Meanwhile, the other four looked quite dejected, suggesting that we might need to quickly gather more accessories.