Chapter 15: Encounter 18
“Now then… please be aware that I am not the same as I once was.”
Lyra Nora elegantly raised her right hand, and over ten crimson spears, resembling blood, materialized around her. This was her unique magic, “Blood Lance.”
In an instant, I activated my “Provoke” skill, confirming that Lyra Nora’s brow twitched slightly.
As she drew her right arm back towards me, the “Blood Lances” were unleashed in a synchronized assault, gliding toward me. It seemed that the “Provoke” skill had some effect after all.
The “Blood Lances” struck against the “Immovable Fortress Wall” one after another. While their size remained unchanged from our previous encounter, their density had significantly increased. Nevertheless, they only caused the wall to tremble faintly without penetrating it.
“Despite the increase in power, it seems that shield of yours is utterly ineffective. How troublesome,” she remarked, a hint of frustration in her tone.
As I stepped forward, Lyra Nora leaped back, unleashing a barrage of “Blood Lances.” Her movements were swift, and with my current mobility, I couldn’t corner her. However, it was clear that she too lacked decisive power in this situation.
“Then how about this?”
Lyra Nora raised her hand above her head.
I sensed a presence above me and swiftly rolled to the side. About ten “Blood Lances” pierced the spot where I had just been. I see, this was an attack using her “Remote Cast” skill.
Lyra Nora continued to unleash a series of “Blood Lance” attacks from a distance. I dodged some of the magical spears, blocked others with my shield, and shattered a few with my mace. However, it was impossible to defend against them all, and I took a few hits. Thankfully, the damage was shallow, likely thanks to my “Adamantine Body” and “All-Element Magic Resistance” skills.
“Even a direct hit can’t pierce through? Just how many skills do you possess? And your wounds seem to heal almost instantly… It’s hard to tell who the dungeon boss is here,” she said, a playful smile on her face as she continued her relentless assault. Given her ability to unleash such powerful magic in succession, it was clear that Lyra Nora was indeed more suited to the role of a boss.
Suddenly, a whirlwind enveloped Lyra Nora. It was Sfenia’s “Cyclone Edge.” It seemed that the “Adept” had been wiped out.
“I may have played a bit too much,” Lyra Nora mused.
Aside from some torn clothing, she showed no significant damage, but she twisted her body to evade Freinir’s “Holy Light.” Just then, ten “Flame Bolts” from Shizuna surged toward her, but she effortlessly swatted them away with her hand.
“Soushi, I’m coming in!”
Larni and Mariane charged toward Lyra Nora using “Swift Run.” Following closely behind were Karma and Sakurahime, surrounding her to strike.
In each of her hands, Lyra Nora wielded a crimson one-handed sword. She danced gracefully, skillfully wielding both blades, demonstrating an equal footing against four opponents.
She deflected Larni’s magic sword, parried Mariane’s spear, blocked Karma’s great sword, and redirected Sakurahime’s naginata. The sharp counterattacks she unleashed made it difficult for Larni and the others to press their advantage.
However, “Soul’s Guidance” proved to be quite effective. As they grew accustomed to their teamwork, they began to corner Lyra Nora. As several wounds began to mar her body, the confident expression of the vampire woman started to fade.
“You truly are impressive. Now, it’s time for me to get serious!”
Lyra Nora leaped back dramatically. Larni and the others pursued her, but their attacks were simultaneously deflected.
It seemed that Lyra Nora released a shockwave from her entire body. Larni and the others were blown back to where I stood, each of them rising to their feet.
“Soushi-san, something’s coming!”
Karma shouted.
A red aura surged from Lyra Nora, swirling around her. The crimson tornado lifted her into the air, where she paused momentarily.
“I shall test whether you can withstand this with your shield. This technique is called ‘Blood Fang Mountain Pierce,'” she declared.
With that proclamation, Lyra Nora transformed into a massive spear, swirling with crimson energy, and charged toward me at an incredible speed. If I were to take this head-on, I would surely be torn apart. But I had the “Immovable Fortress Wall” at my disposal.
Gyaaaah!
The colossal crimson spear-tornado pierced through my orichalcum shield with tremendous force. I felt the pressure as I was pushed back, struggling to maintain my ground against the attack of this supernatural being, which was undoubtedly more powerful than any technique I had faced before.
However—
“Ooohhh!”
A cry escaped my lips, a shout of joy at being able to unleash all the power I had acquired.
My retreating feet finally halted. I braced the shield with both arms, gathering my strength.
I concentrated, focused, and then—
“Ahhhhhh!!”
I thrust forward with all my might, pushing the “Immovable Fortress Wall” against the crimson tornado. Perhaps due to the effect of the “Honshin” skill, the shield broke free from the inertia and slammed its entire mass into the swirling spear.
Gush!
With a thunderous crash, Lyra Nora’s body, enveloped in the tornado, was sent flying. In an instant, it transformed into a red mist, dispersing into the air.
“Hehehe, that was quite the battle once again. I never expected ‘Blood Fang Mountain Pierce’ to be shattered by sheer force.”
Her beautiful voice echoed in the air. I had intended to ask her what the “Ancient Providence” was, but it seemed that now was not the time.
“Lyra Nora-san, if we meet again, could you tell me what ‘Ancient Providence’ is?”
“Oh? You have an interest in such matters? Very well, if we meet again, I shall share a bit with you. I look forward to that moment. Until then, farewell.”
With those words, the mysterious vampire’s presence faded away. It seemed that one of our quests had been resolved.
My companions gathered around me. Freinir hurriedly cast Life Attribute Magic, but it seemed that the residual effects of Lyra Nora’s technique had left me covered in wounds. I hadn’t even noticed until now, but it was indeed a fearsome technique.
“I think your strength is remarkable, Soushi-sama, but please don’t overexert yourself.”
“Thanks, Frei. But protecting everyone is my duty. With you around, my wounds will heal, and I have your support, so there’s no problem.”
As I patted her head, Freinir narrowed her eyes, a pleased expression crossing her face.
Behind her, the tiger beastman Karma shrugged while adjusting his great sword on his back.
“Good grief, being part of this party never ceases to amaze me. That powerful boss wouldn’t stand a chance against anyone but you, Soushi-san.”
“Indeed. To avoid unnecessary casualties, it might be best to ask the guild’s Grand Master to handle this. I’ll discuss it when we return.”
“Mariane-san is right. If an inexperienced adventurer charges in, they’d be wiped out by that technique in an instant. The ‘Wandering Dungeon’ is truly terrifying.”
“But the skills we can acquire here are powerful, so the rewards are worth it, right? I think it should be coming soon…”
As if responding to Larni’s words, I felt a surge of sensation indicating I had acquired a new skill.
I had gained “Super Impact,” an advanced version of “Heavy Impact.” This skill adds weight to my attacks, which should further enhance my destructive power. However, given my current capabilities, I felt it might be hard to gauge its effectiveness…
Freinir had acquired “Divine Spirit Magic,” which appeared to be an advanced skill of “Divine Attribute Magic.” It seemed she could use a powerful attack spell called “Divine Punishment,” though it felt somewhat ambiguous, as if it aligned with her image but also diverged from it.
Larni had obtained “Great Severance,” an advanced version of “Slash.” As the name suggests, it would enhance her cutting power, sharpening her abilities as the party’s attacker.
Sfenia had gained “Mixed Magic,” a skill that allows her to combine different attributes to cast spells. While combining two attributes significantly increases power, it apparently consumes a lot of stamina. She would need to be cautious about when to use it.
Mariane’s “Invisibility” skill allows her to vanish from sight, and when combined with “Stealth,” she can completely mask her presence. Although its duration seems short at lower levels, when she used it, everyone was genuinely surprised to see her completely disappear. She truly resembled a fantasy ninja.
Shizuna acquired “Spirit Evolution,” a special skill exclusive to adventurers who can summon spirits. This skill enhances the spirits she summons, and when she re-summoned her “Spirit,” a part of the rock golem had transformed into iron. If it were to become entirely iron, it would be incredibly powerful.
Karma also gained “Great Severance,” enhancing her capabilities as an attacker. It seems that those with “Great Severance” are rare even among A-Rank adventurers, and the attack power of “Soul’s Guidance” knows no bounds.
“It seems I have also acquired a skill. To have my life saved and gain such a powerful skill… how fortunate I am.”
Sakurahime, the female warrior, also seemed to have gained a skill. According to her, it was called “Phantom Blade,” a skill that allows her to deal multiple damage in a single attack. It sounded like a rather powerful skill.
“By the way, Sakurahime-san, what will you do next? From what you said earlier, it sounds like the other three abandoned you or used you as bait.”
Larni’s bluntness caught Sakurahime off guard, but it was indeed an important topic. After a moment of thought, Sakurahime shook her head as if to dismiss something.
“…For now, I will return to the church in the Royal Capital. As I am still a member of ‘Supreme Radiance,’ I cannot act freely. Moreover, the previous conversation was initiated by me instructing them to ‘abandon me and flee.’ I cannot blame the three of them.”
“Hmm, it sounds tough for you, Sakurahime-san. Taking care of those kinds of people. But remember, if something similar happens again, you might not be able to help them.”
“I have already been saved three times by ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ and this time you even used an ‘Elixir’ on me. I fully understand the depth of this debt. I must repay it, and I will consult with my family about it, so please grant me some time.”
Sakurahime bowed her head deeply, as if to emphasize her sincerity. I was a bit taken aback, realizing that I had indeed placed a significant debt upon her. The “Elixir” I had hastily used was no small matter either.
“I understand your feelings, Sakurahime-san. I have no intention of asking for anything in return, so please discuss it with your family and consider it. For now, let’s just get out of this dungeon.”
“Thank you. I will surely repay this debt… without fail…”
Sakurahime continued to bow her head while holding my hands with both of hers, proving to be a serious young woman. However, if she continued to be a part of “Supreme Radiance,” I couldn’t shake the feeling that she might find herself in danger again.
It seemed odd that someone would repeatedly find themselves in peril… Just then, a thought struck me. Could it be that this characteristic was akin to the nature of my “Bad Luck” skill?