Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital – Part 10
As we advanced while defeating the Orichalcum Golem, the door to the boss room eventually came into view.
After a brief rest, we entered the boss room.
What awaited us was the Dark Demon. Its head resembled that of a goat, while its body was human, adorned with bat-like wings on its back and a rat’s tail. Its fingertips glimmered with claws as red as blood. The twisted horns on its head were the very essence of a demon. Standing at around two meters tall, excluding the horns, it was an imposing figure.
This formidable foe was adept in both hand-to-hand combat and magic, boasting high intelligence. However, before us stood not one but two Dark Demons, and further back loomed a higher-ranking demon with a black goat’s head. It seemed to be a Rare Boss, so let’s refer to it as Satan. Its presence alone was enough to invoke such a name.
“I’ll take the magic attacks. When it comes to close combat, I’ll handle the Rare Boss in the back, so everyone else focus on the two in front,” I instructed.
“Yes, Soushi-sama!” “Understood!” “Got it!” “Acknowledged!” “Roger that!” “Leave it to me!” “I’ll disrupt any area magic!” “Consider it done!”
I couldn’t help but feel reassured by my dependable companions as I readied the Immovable Fortress Wall and stepped forward.
The two Dark Demons reacted, spreading out to the sides and preparing to cast spells. Before they could, Freinir’s Divine Halo shone brightly, canceling their magic. At the same time, Sfenia and Shizuna unleashed their fiery spears, striking one of the demons.
While one managed to evade, Sfenia’s magic, enhanced by her Sure Hit skill, was unavoidable. The demon was engulfed in flames and sent flying.
The other demon, perhaps having given up on magic, lunged toward me, its crimson claws flashing.
Realizing its attempts to slash through my shield were futile, the Dark Demon tried to circle around me. However, Larni’s Mithril Sword intercepted it, inflicting a deep wound.
The slashed Dark Demon quickly regained its stance, but Larni and Mariane charged in, initiating a two-on-one battle.
Meanwhile, Karma and Sakurahime rushed toward the Dark Demon that had been blasted away by magic, also engaging in a two-on-one fight.
The remaining Satan, who had been observing calmly, suddenly raised one arm to the heavens, preparing to cast a spell. It seemed to be gathering a considerable amount of high-level magic.
“I said I would stop you,” I muttered.
However, before Satan could unleash its powerful magic, Geshura’s lightning magic struck fiercely, causing Satan to stagger and successfully interrupting its spell. Geshura’s magic disruption was a potent tactic.
Seizing the opportunity, I closed in on Satan. It attempted to retreat, but two beams of light appeared horizontally behind it, forcing it to leap into them. Freinir had seemingly devised a new application for her Holy Light.
Pushed back by the Holy Light, Satan charged at me. Its movements were enhanced by both Honshin and Swift Run, making it a maneuver that would be difficult for an average adventurer to follow. Yet, my eyes tracked its every move without issue.
Satan feigned an approach from the front but then circled to the left. Clever, aiming for my unarmed side. However…
SPLAT!
I slammed the Immovable Fortress Wall against Satan’s outstretched crimson claws, sending it flying like a fly crushed by a swatter, its body crumpling upon impact.
Yet, it still had some breath left. I confirmed that the battles against the two Dark Demons were under control and approached the gasping Satan. First, I activated Plunder. Then, I delivered the finishing blow with my mace. In this moment, I felt more like a demon than Satan itself.
I glanced over to see Larni and Mariane’s duo had taken down their Dark Demon, with Mariane’s status ailment immobilizing it just long enough for Larni’s Mithril Sword to deliver a decisive strike, severing its head.
Karma and Sakurahime had also triumphed, with Karma pushing forward with a swing of her great sword, followed by Sakurahime unleashing her Phantom Blade skill in a flurry of strikes to finish it off.
It seemed we had achieved a complete victory against the boss of this A-Class Dungeon. I often thought about how powerful our party was, thanks to Soul’s Guidance.
Three treasure chests appeared: two silver and one gold. The gold chest was a first for everyone except me, and their eyes sparkled with excitement. In fact, Larni looked as if she might burst into dance.
From the two silver chests, we obtained an Elixir and a Mithril Shield. Since no one needed the Mithril Shield at the moment… Geshura expressed her desire to use it, so I handed it over.
The real question was about the gold chest…
“Hey, hey, Soushi, can I open it!?” Larni exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation, and I nodded in agreement.
With an ecstatic shout that I had never heard before, she opened the gold chest.
“Wow, amazing!”
What emerged was a massive sword, radiating a faint golden glow, with a blade measuring over one and a half meters in length. The hilt was adorned with a lion carving, making it a piece of craftsmanship that seemed to hold significant value.
Mariane, after appraising it with a sigh, reported, “This weapon is named the Beast King’s Fang. It is made of Orichalcum and has effects of Herculean Strength +3, Slash +3, and Honshin +3. This is also a national treasure-level weapon.”
“This is an enchanting piece. Just looking at it, one can sense the terrifying power it holds,” someone remarked.
“Indeed, it is a remarkable weapon. Such a treasure is rare even in the Empire. To witness the moment it was acquired is truly a stroke of luck,” another added.
While Shizuna and Sakurahime were captivated, I noticed Karma staring intently at me.
“Of course, this belongs to you, Karma. Go ahead and hold it,” I said.
“Are you really sure? I mean… this makes me so happy!”
The beautiful tiger beastwoman beamed, patting my shoulder before picking up the massive sword lying on the floor. She examined the blade closely, checked the grip, and then grinned.
“This feels great, like it was made just for me. Sorry, everyone, but I’m going to use this!”
Karma removed the Mithril great sword she had been carrying and slung the Beast King’s Fang over her shoulder instead.
Seeing her delighted expression, Larni pouted slightly, crossing her arms.
“Aw, I got beaten to it by Karma.”
“Sorry, Larni. Now I’m officially reserved for this one,” Karma teased.
“Hmph! The main prize is saved for last, so I’ll be getting the best one!” Larni retorted. “By the way, Soushi, you used Plunder earlier, right? What did you get?”
“Oh, that was—”
I showed everyone what I had in my hand: a pendant adorned with a skull, glowing ominously red.
“Despite its appearance, it radiates a sacred power. Moreover, it’s incredibly strong,” Freinir remarked, narrowing her eyes, while Mariane focused intently on her appraisal.
“…This accessory is named Fallen Angel’s Remorse. It grants All Status Ailment Resistance +5 and All-Element Magic Resistance +5. This too is a national treasure,” she reported.
“That’s an astonishing effect. Who should wear it…?”
“I believe it should be worn by Soushi-sama, as it enhances defensive capabilities,” Freinir suggested.
“I agree. While the effect is remarkable, the appearance is a bit… unconventional,” another member chimed in.
The others nodded in agreement, though it was unclear whether they sided with Freinir or Shizuna. It was evident that the peculiar design made it difficult for the women to wear it comfortably.
Regardless, since it was the party’s consensus, I decided to equip it. However, this accessory seemed more like something royalty would covet.