Chapter 72

Bailey’s body, drenched in sweat and hot water, trembled when Jae repeated the words he had already echoed over a dozen times.

“Again, water.”

Wiping his forehead with an already soaked cloth, it was hard to tell whether his forehead was absorbing the moisture or the fabric.

“Hah... hah... Yea... Yes...!”

Or perhaps, it was neither? Still, he didn’t mind it and answered with as much vigour as could be mustered. Then, he cast Water Magic in the air above his head.

“「Water Ball」!”

Satisfied with the beach ball-sized sphere of water the boy generated, Jae continued in the same commanding tone.

“Good. Now boil it.”

Then, after exhaling a deep yet shaky breath, Bailey chanted Fire Magic. All whilst maintaining the sphere of water he had previously created.

“Hooah......「Ignite」...!”

Like that, the ‘water ball’ had absorbed the fire’s heat, increasing the temperature to scalding heights, easily above boiling point.

“Fantastic. Hold this for as long as possible. Whenever you feel the water temperature about to decrease, use Fire Magic again.”

Seemingly not listening to any of Jae’s words, Bailey’s strained face was clearly struggling with even just this much. In fact, it was because his ears were ringing as if he had tinnitus that he didn’t notice Jae talking.

Incidentally, ‘just this much‘ was already an achievement to be celebrated. After all, it was an impossible feat of using two opposite attribute magics simultaneously. Not only that, but the technique had also been used in rapid succession―For a total of 17 consecutive times.

Accordingly, it appeared that Bailey had just about reached his limit. The ringing in his ears was only the start of it; his jellified knees wobbled and collapsed under the weight of his upper body which felt as heavy as if it were made of steel.

Before the boy fell to the ground, Jae caught him. Laying him down gently, he was finally given a chance to breathe... Though, it was more like he was gasping for air.

Of course, because he had lost control of his body and collapsed, it meant that the control over his magic was no longer being maintained. So, gravity dragged the unnecessarily big sphere of boiling water onto his bare torso, lightly searing his skin.

Some may call this abuse―however, strangely enough, the unconscious Bailey slept peacefully through even the dumping of scorching water. Looking at this strange sight, Jae nodded satisfactorily.

For now, this should be enough.

「MP Consumption Down」,「Water Magic」,「Fire Magic」,「Mana Manipulation」―the purpose of this highly-intensive and repetitive training was not only to increase the levels of these four skills, but it also served to raise the proficiency of various Resistance Skills like「Tough Skin」,「Pain Tolerance」,「Pain Resistance」,「Burn Resistance」,「Heat Tolerance」,「Heat Resistance」,「Water Magic Resistance」and「Fire Magic Resistance」.

To summarise, it was efficient. Ah, but of course, there’s more to it.

You see, by not using restorative potions to regenerate Bailey’s health or mana, he would be able to recover them naturally, therefore raising the levels of the skills「Automatic HP Recovery」and「Automatic MP Recovery」.

It really was an insane method of training that raised crazy amounts of skills simultaneously, but it was similar to the kinds of training Jae himself did when Aphy was teaching him.

I guess that’s just how it is in life, huh―to get the best and fastest possible results, you have to be willing to go through and endure the worst.

Jae muttered while looking down at the slowly healing, sleeping boy, “...Still, I’m surprised he managed to withstand that much, and for that long.”

...It really proves his determination...

Witnessing it first-hand, he was almost becoming jealous. Belatedly realising it, Jae covered his face in shame.

“Ah, what am I thinking...?!”

Whether it was a feeling induced by the influence of「Envy」or not, Jae felt disgusted at himself.

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with me? Am I about to envy a child? Ugh...

Emptying his mind, Jae exhaled and moved his hand away from his face. Glancing at Bailey, then to the direction in which they were headed, then back to Bailey, Jae spoke aloud to himself.

“Well. Let’s also try our best then, shall we? Teaching by example should provide a better learning experience, too.”

In a situation like this, there was no way he was letting Bailey be the only one to gain skill proficiency.

An exhilarated grin was quick to take root on his face as Jae felt the magic inside his body promptly swell up, and suddenly, stiff discoloured patches sprouted in certain parts of his body. The surprisingly tough, stygian black blotches quickly rose all across places like his face, neck, arms and legs.

Jae activated one of his more recently-acquired skills,「Dragon Body」.

I haven’t trained properly in a good while, either, right? I’m curious as to how this form will turn out in the future.

Just as he was about to begin―At that moment, an ominous notification appeared.

The designated Dungeon Boss notices your existence

Falling down with a thud, Nicholas plopped onto the ground and complained.

“Urgh... This place is just insane...”

Unconsciously touching around his waist for something, he grabbed a leather flask containing water and, bringing it to his cracked lips, instantly downed it, spilling more than a few drops in the process.

Incidentally, since he had a rather unfortunate aptitude for magic and a small mana pool, it was necessary to keep an external source of water on him at all times.

It didn’t take more than a few seconds for the flask to run empty, and when it did, he let loose a refreshed sigh and called out, “Refill please~”

Just as Nicolas waited for someone to assist him, the rest of the group was also resting. As for the reason? Well, the almost incapacitating heat certainly contributed, but the primary cause was something else.

Nicholas turned his gaze slightly to the right, where a truly gigantic lizard carcass lay.

‘Adult Drake+’.

The name came from the fact that, although the ‘Race’ on its Status was named as merely ‘Drake’, it was far bigger and incomparably stronger than any Drake they had previously battled; hence, the ‘+’.

After discussing for a short while, they concurred that it was probably a result of having grown up in this abnormal Dungeon with extraordinary levels of high-quality mana.

...We really underestimated this place, huh?

Nicholas was in amazement that, despite their group being as powerful as it was, they still struggled to take down even one monster like this.

Nevertheless, the fact they took it down was in itself an achievement. Especially if he thought back to when they were first summoned to the new world, or even before they were summoned. After all, who could imagine that their life would change so drastically and become so absurd in such a short time?

And, speaking of before they were summoned...

“Hey... Amelia, do you have any more stories of what happened on Earth after our disappearance?”

Earth stories. A.K.A., news. Whenever they had sufficient free time, Amelia would frequently entertain the party by informing them of certain events and things that happened on Earth after they were gone.

“Eh...? I mean, like I said last time, there really isn’t much that happened. Being simply labelled as something like the ‘2020 ***** student mass disappearance’, it’s not like anyone could find something like clues to what happened or where anyone had gone. The school was shut down, and once fears and panics were quelled, it became just like any other incident, almost drowned out by history.”

Despite this being the third time they heard it, no one knew how to reply. It was said that the families of all those who disappeared were heavily compensated by the school, but it of course wouldn’t be enough to expunge the horrid feelings of losing that loved one.

Aside from those related to the people who disappeared, it wasn’t like the incident was utterly forgotten, as it spurred a ton of conspiracy theories―nonsense like being linked to the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Furthermore, since it was such an anomaly of an event, it was a rather common topic of discussion.

Although the media and internet, calling the incident with ‘student’ in the name, almost completely overlooked that there was a teacher involved as well, it wasn’t something totally out of the question―since it revolving around the students would gather more attention.

While they were reminiscing about life on Earth and imagining how their families would look at the moment and if there would ever be a chance to see them again, Rena sat silently on a rock, bored.

Aaaah...... When is Daddy going to come?

I suppose, in her own way, she fits right in with the current atmosphere.

“...Tsk. Oi. Everyone ready?”

Suddenly, Ryan interrupted the group’s gloomy mood with a small click of his tongue. When their attention was gathered on him, he pointed below him―at the Drake’s lifeless body on which he arrogantly sat―and continued.

“There’s gonna be a helluva lot more bastards like this, so get your asses out of that shit mood and prepare. Ya think this place’s a joke or somethin’?”

Towards the party shaking their heads in response, Ryan snorted.

“Hah! Things like this’re just the beginnin’! Take a look at the world here―hot n’ dry, huh? And, what monsters have we seen since enterin’? It’s obviously a Dungeon based ‘round lizard-type monsters.”

The group concurred. He certainly had a point, and the conflict with the Drake only reinforced their suspicions.

If things continued to progress as they had, it was highly probable that they would not only come across stronger variants of the monsters they were used to such as Wyrms and Wyverns... But there was even a chance of coming across a legendary ‘Dragon’―a creature they had yet to encounter even in this fantasy world.

At that moment, Rena’s ears perked up as she sensed an unusual magic power. Jerking her head, she stared intensely at the location in the distance. Then, her eyes widened as something gradually came into view.

She unconsciously let out a voice as she watched the approach of a distant figure.

“There’s someone!”

“Huh?”

“Wh-what? Where??”

Could it be?

They were too far away to make out with the naked eye, even with the help of Skills and magic. All anyone could tell was that it was in the shape of a person and walking steadily towards them.

As the distance between the party and the mysterious figure slowly closed, some unique features and characteristics could be marked.

―Unfortunately, it was not the person Rena had imagined.

Two long, winding crimson horns protruded from the head covered with wild hair of the same colour. It also seemed like a scaly red tail was sticking out from the lower back.

Other than that, dozens of lustrous scales covered the body like a coat of natural armour plating.

About a minute passed, though it felt more like an hour.

The stranger, who continued to walk toward them in a straight line, did not waver for a second.

Purely from appearance, it resembled the physique and facial structure of an incredibly handsome man in his early twenties, though the group was sure he lived a life far longer than that from the damning pressure he exuded.

Gazing at his vertical slit, golden iris eyes that reflected the nervous image of themselves, the group were unsure of how to act in front of him. Needless to say, they were apprehensive about what was to come.

Eventually, he arrived.

Stopping the advancement of his footsteps at about twenty feet away from the group, the menacing stranger, whose intentions were impossible to tell, opened his mouth.

“When did you lot show up?”, he asked bluntly.

“...Um, would you mind telling us who you are?”

Kaitlyn was the one to respond as everyone else was speechless. It was evident from his appearance alone that this person was related to Dragons, and thus it should not be a surprise for him to be in this Dragon-related Dungeon.

However, the group just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was strange. They never expected to find another person in this Dungeon, and especially not one who could speak their language.

“Hah? You dare speak casually to me, human? I wonder just where those balls come from. You appear to be a female, though...”

It was a terribly insulting comment that caused Kaitlyn’s face to dye red and become unable to talk back. After all, she instinctively knew that no matter what she did, nothing would have an effect on this person.

The one who knew this fact the most out of anyone in the group, however, had to have been Ryan. It was inevitable, since, whenever he attempted the use of his skill「Great Sage’s Eyes」, this was all that was returned to him:

Target's level is too high. Skill failed

Now, that was something he had never seen before. The gap in Status between this Dragonkin man and Ryan was far too wide for him to catch even a glimpse of it.

Despite being unable to view his Status, the one System message was all he needed to make a solid judgement. And, the result of that was...

―We can’t resist him.

As he immediately concluded this upon seeing the message, the stranger spoke again.

“Well, whatever. I’ll benevolently let it slide since I came here to get something from you. Consider it a trade.”

What? He came to... get something?

As Ryan questioned this, the man continued before he had a chance to say anything.

“Humans. How did you come here?”

After careful consideration, Ryan decided on how to deal with the stranger.

“Are ya talkin’ about that violet portal we entered to get here?”

“Ah, ah! Indeed, kiddo. That portal. Where is it?”

“The thing vanished when we came through, but if ya need, we can show ya where it brought us. It ain’t that far away.”

“I see. This guy understands me, getting right to the point like that. Hah. You’re alright for a human. I shall permit you to call me Sal.”

After successfully establishing a non-hostile relationship with the stranger named Sal, Ryan’s tension was greatly relieved. Still, things weren’t even close to over yet.

The group froze at his next words.

“We are not going back to the place you came from though. The portal won’t arrive there since that’s not how this place works. Instead, I’ll tag along with you.”

Specifically, the words “I’ll tag along with you” made everyone uneasy. He looked towards the carcass and commented.

“Judging by the state of that thing there, you still struggle against these kinds of things. Well, it’s only natural since you’re mere humans. Oh, I guess one of you is a Demon too.”

If there was a silver lining, however, it would be what came next.

“Anyway, you should forget about these petty things already. You won’t be able to find one even if you try.”

Did that mean he was going to protect them? It took a moment to realise what Sal was saying, but the group let out a collective sigh in relief that they wouldn’t be at odds with this monstrous man.

If there was only one thing they found odd about the situation, it would definitely be...

...What the hell does this guy plan on doin’ once he finds the portal?

If, by any chance, Sal intended on leaving the Dungeon through the portal when they found it...

A crease appeared on Ryan’s forehead. Depending on that―

Instead of bein’ overjoyed at finally returnin’ to the castle...

――It might turn out that they have no place to return to.

Ryan could only pray that this wasn’t the case, and for the first time, he thought he might have screwed up.

The designated Dungeon Boss notices your existence The designated Dungeon Boss has established a systemic connection with you under the conditions that you are within the bounds of the Pride Dungeon The designated Dungeon Boss cackles in delight at your sudden appearance

“...”

Was this always something that could happen? Or is it unique to the Pride Dungeon?

Either way, Jae felt exposed by the unforeseen situation.

What should I do? No, what can I do?

‘Dungeon Boss’. This.

...It’s Aphy, right?

Or was it? ‘Cackling in delight’ certainly wasn’t something the Aphy he knew would do, even under the most joyful of circumstances.

Maybe because she hasn’t seen me in so long and is just that happy?

......No. It wasn’t even worth explaining how ridiculous of an idea that was. Jae knew it too, but the possibility still crossed his mind simply because he couldn’t fully comprehend what was going on.

Well... Do I even have to do something about it? There’s nothing I can do right now anyway.

He was primarily concerned that the Dungeon Boss turned out to not be Aphy, and instead was some replacement he had never even seen before.

If the Dungeon Boss was not Aphy, it could mean one of two... No, three things:

Either, she transferred ownership of the Dungeon to someone else. Or, she died. First of all, the latter is unthinkable, so we can scratch that off and just say that she transferred ownership, right? Alternatively, it could simply be that Aphy was never the Dungeon Boss from the very beginning... But, that can’t be right, can it?

Other than that, Jae came up with something else.

Could it be... There are two? Or even more, perhaps?

It was unlikely. The rule that “there can only be one Dungeon Boss” seemed to fit well. It’s been that way for all of the Dungeons up until now, after all, so Jae was convinced this was the case... At least, until he thought about it for a bit.

Actually, let’s not just regard things as ‘certain’ without knowing for sure. Since this is the Pride Dungeon, a place like no other, it’d be safest to not make any assumptions.

In conclusion:

―I’ll find and talk to Aphy first, and then find out what the situation is like.

Then, with that settled, back to square one. What should he do?

I’ll train as I originally planned until Bailey wakes up. Then, we’ll continue to track Rena and her party.

Letting the boy get sufficient rest was vital for getting stronger, and the efficacy would only be raised to limitless heights in this place.

Now then.

Jae maintained「Dragon Body」and experimented for a short while to discover what exactly his limits were while in this transformation. The results?

It’s good~

He was elated. Since the last time he used it was when he first acquired it, the difference in his Status between now and then had grown hugely. That gap had reflected even more so in this physical stat-enhancing form.

Since it’s multiplicative instead of additive, the skill becomes stronger the higher my base stats are, huh. In that regard, it performs as a simply superior version of「Power Burst」.

Comparing it to that skill, Jae calculated「Dragon Body」’s boost to have about four times the effect of「Power Burst」, even when it was just at [Lv. 1].

It really was a fantastic skill.

I’m glad I’ve got it. How long will it take to level up...?

Jae wondered that out of curiosity, as he was interested to see how far his body would transform and shift to resemble that of a Dragon’s.

And, as if the universe was listening to his wish―

Skill「Dragon Body]」has levelled up [Lv.1]→[Lv.2]

Oh my...!

Changes immediately began to occur all throughout Jae’s body.

Coursing through his veins was now the blood of a Dragon. It enhanced and transformed various parts of him, inside and out; more of the sinister black scales grew across his body, and it seemed as if the previous ones became even darker and tougher than previously.

It was soon over, however, which was disappointing yet expected for Jae, as the skill had only just reached [Lv. 2].

The moment it ended, however, proof of his transformation appeared in front of his eyes.

Conditions met. Skill「Draconic Blood」has been acquired Skill「Steel Scales]」has levelled up [Lv.7]→[Lv.8] Skill「Steel Scales]」has levelled up [Lv.8]→[Lv.9] Skill「Steel Scales」has levelled up [Lv.9]→[Lv.MAX] Conditions met. Skill「Adamantine Scales」has been acquired Skill「Strengthened Bones」has levelled up [Lv.4]→[Lv.5] Skill「Strengthened Bones」has levelled up [Lv.5]→[Lv.6] Skill「Strengthened Bones」has levelled up [Lv.6]→[Lv.7]

From that one, measly skill level-up, he felt much, much stronger. Looking at everything he had gained and the other skill level-ups, it was understandable.

The scales had certainly become more reinforced, his bones had gotten stronger, and even the blood flowing within him had changed to that of a Dragon’s.

And what about the status boost? Of course, that had been upgraded as well. Now,「Dragon Body」is about eight times as powerful as「Power Burst」. It hadn’t yet been tested whether or not the effects of the two skills stack, but discovering things like that was what the training was all about, was it not?

In any case, Jae could already predict what the future would look like if he managed to level the skill even more.

He grinned excitedly at the thought, his draconic-enhanced teeth glistening under the seven suns.

Merely by going from [Lv.1] to [Lv.2], he had gained this much, so what would happen if he could raise it all the way to the maximum? It was simple.

Haha...

He would become unmatched.