Chapter 15: Encounter 06
The next day, we were set to challenge the B-Class Dungeon as planned.
The B-Class Dungeon in Oz consists of 20 floors, but since this was the first B-Class Dungeon for “Soul’s Guidance,” we planned to stay inside for three nights.
Before us stood a steep gray cliff, with a picturesque cave entrance carved into it.
“Here we go, the B-Class Dungeon! Ah, I’m feeling all tingly with excitement!”
Larni’s ears perked up as she wore a delighted expression. Meanwhile, Freinir and Shizuna looked a bit anxious.
“I know that with you, Soushi-sama, we should be fine, but I can’t help but worry if my abilities will be effective,” Freinir admitted.
“That’s true. Especially for me, I clearly feel my power is lacking. I might end up being a burden,” Shizuna added.
“I think it’s good not to be overconfident, but there’s no need to be so worried. If our strength falls short, we can always compensate as a party. Now, let’s move forward.”
As usual, I led the way into the cave.
After a while, I felt as if we had crossed a boundary into another world. This was the Dungeon.
Aside from some glowing rocks in the ceiling providing light, it was an ordinary rocky dungeon. The passage was about five meters wide and three meters high—just the right size for combat.
As we progressed, we sensed the presence of about ten monsters. The first to appear was a large lizard known as the “Mithril Lizard,” its skin shimmering in blue and silver. It was said to be a formidable foe, with high resistance to both physical and magical attacks, and a long, sharp tongue used to ensnare its prey.
“Divine Light, activate!”
Freinir cast “Divine Halo,” slowing the movements of the Mithril Lizard.
“Blizzard!”
Next came Sfenia’s blizzard magic. A sudden ice tornado erupted in the midst of the group, freezing and shattering three of the lizards.
“Ice Javelin!”
Shizuna unleashed ten ice spears, skewering one of the remaining lizards.
That left us with six. Larni and Mariane swiftly maneuvered around to the back of the group using “Swift Run,” slashing at the lizards from their blind spots. Two lizards, driven to desperation, managed to reach me, only to be crushed along with their extended tongues.
“Hmm, Frei’s ‘Divine Light’ is so powerful that I can hardly tell what’s happening. I expected the Mithril Lizard to be tougher,” Larni complained as she returned.
“Indeed. I don’t think these monsters should be this easy to defeat,” Mariane agreed, but this was simply the basic strategy of “Soul’s Guidance.”
“Once we get used to it, we should try fighting without ‘Divine Light.’ But for now, it seems we have no issues as a party, right?”
“That’s true. I’m relieved to see that my magic is somewhat effective,” Shizuna said, her face relaxing.
With that, we continued onward, dispatching more Mithril Lizards along the way.
We also tried battling without “Divine Light,” but it seemed that their original defense was quite high, making our attacks less effective. However, as we grew accustomed to the fight, it became manageable, confirming that our combined strength was sufficient against B-Class monsters.
On the third underground floor, we encountered the nostalgic “Goblin King.” This “King” was a unique type of monster, leading over fifty “Goblin Soldiers” into battle while being the only one of its kind.
The Goblin Soldiers were E-Rank monsters, but their numbers and the King’s influence made them stronger, posing a challenge for smaller parties.
However, with Freinir and Sfenia’s area magic, we could quickly reduce their numbers. The remaining foes could be easily handled by me and the Spirits. Meanwhile, Larni and Mariane could focus on taking down the King.
On the fifth floor, we faced the “Buffalo Wolf,” an upgraded variant of the “Boar Wolf” that belonged to F-Class. It resembled a large buffalo with menacing horns and was a dangerous monster that charged at us with incredible speed using “Swift Run.”
However, using “Provoke,” it would recklessly charge into the “Immovable Fortress Wall,” leading to its own demise, making the battle quite absurd in a different way.
Now, onto the boss. As we opened the massive stone door, we were greeted by a “Chimera.” This monster, famous even in my original world, had the body of a gigantic lion, with the heads of a goat and a snake added on. Its size was imposing, exuding a terrifying presence.
“I feel like ‘Divine Light’ is less effective here,” Freinir remarked, indicating the strength of a B-Class boss.
Sfenia’s fire-based area magic “Flare Circle” and Shizuna’s “Fire Lance” were deftly dodged by the Chimera, which retaliated by launching fireballs, ice shards, and rock fragments from its three mouths.
Of course, all of these were deflected by my shield. The “All-Element Magic Resistance” I had just acquired seemed to be working well, as the residual effects of flames and cold had no impact on me.
Larni and Mariane attacked from both sides, completely outpacing the Chimera. They skillfully avoided its bites and front paw strikes while landing their own slashes.
However, it was still difficult to land a decisive blow. Larni attempted to sever one of its hind legs, but the Chimera sensed her move and evaded it.
Mariane’s spears had struck several times, but it seemed the creature was still resistant to status effects. It was proving to be quite tenacious.
Just as it seemed we were in for a long battle, Shizuna made her move.
“I’ll send in the Spirits! Look for an opening!”
With that, Shizuna commanded two rock golems to charge at the Chimera.
The difference in strength was evident, as the Chimera easily shattered the two golems with a single strike. However, that momentary distraction halted its movements.
“Got it!!”
Larni’s Mithril Sword cleanly severed its hind leg, followed by Shizuna’s “Flame Javelin” and Freinir’s “Holy Light” piercing through.
“Gyaaaah!?”
A cry erupted from its three heads. At that moment, Mariane’s spear struck, triggering “Paralysis,” and finally, Sfenia’s “Flare Circle” engulfed the massive body, turning the mythical monster into ash.
“Thanks to Shizuna, we managed to take it down!”
Larni exclaimed joyfully, but Shizuna frowned slightly, her expression bittersweet.
“I feel bad for the Spirits, but I’m glad they were able to help,” she said.
“Monsters that rely on long-range attacks and are quick tend to be a bad match for me. You made a good call,” I replied.
“It makes me happy to be praised by you, Soushi-dono. However, the Spirits will be unusable for about an hour now,” Shizuna noted.
“That’s fine; we’re done for today. Now, about the treasure chest… Sfenia, you should be the one to open it since you dealt the final blow.”
“Thank you! I’ll open it now.”
The treasure chest was an ordinary wooden box. As Sfenia opened it, the box vanished, revealing a hair ornament. It was an expensive-looking piece with a golden base and a diamond-like gem.
“This is a common decorative item, but it’s quite valuable. If we take it to the merchant guild, it should fetch around 5 million Rom,” Mariane confirmed with her appraisal.
Larni seemed dissatisfied since it wasn’t an equipment piece, but considering that a decorative item worth 5 million Rom is quite valuable, it was debatable whether it was enough compensation for defeating the Chimera.
When Sfenia tried it on, it became clear that a High Elf wearing a beautiful accessory produced a remarkable effect. “Soul’s Guidance” was already a party that didn’t struggle financially, so keeping such accessories instead of selling them might be a wise choice.