1-8 Training in the Dungeon

(Gale) “Okay, Hikaru’s group, step forward. Everyone else fall back! Get ready! These monsters are called Hell Rats. Their movement is quick, but they are not very strong. Just stay calm.”

The one who’s given out instructions and leading our group in the Widowood Dungeon is the Knight Captain Gale. The man have short brown hair and his age is said to be around 35 despite looking young and handsome. However, his sharp eyes tells them that he has enough experiences to gain his position and he was our combat training instructor.

Today, we finally entered the Widowood Dungeon where Gale and a bunch of knights have accompanying us Heroes to safeguard us during our training. The entrance of this place was the opening of the cave, but interior was completely different as it has many tree roots sticking to the ceilings and walls. Sometimes there are brushes and and other plant life that normally founded in the forest were here also, hence the name of this place.

Not only that, the monsters here were mostly wood based and other animal-like creatures found in the forest. However, they are stronger than normal forest monsters since this is the dungeon and their magic stones are more richer too.

Our party were divided into ranks before we entered the dungeon and we have encounter our first monster right now. Hell Rat is bipedal monster that look like a rat except 5 times bigger and have red eyes with sharper teeth. Just as Gale said, they are fast critters as they charge toward Hikaru’s group.

The front-line was comprised of Hikaru and his party. Him, Mariko, and Daiki intercepted the charging Hell Rats. Meanwhile, two girls that were close to Kiyoko started to chant. The girls were Nagi Aoyama, the chairman of the public moral committee whose job is a Sorcerer, and Rin Ogawa the loli gyaru who is also a Barrier Master. They were preparing to invoke their magic, staying in the formation like they were taught.

Hikaru, whose job class is a Paladin, cut down a few monsters with incredible speed like they are ants while wielding his Holy Sword, one of the powerful Relics given from the kingdom. The sword had a light attribute and any enemies caught in the light that the sword produced would be weakened, and it also automatically strengthened its wielder. What a nasty effect despite ‘Holy’ in its name.

Daiki’s class was a Magical Swordsman, the same class as my fake one except it is more adapt to using magic. His sword is also a Relic which increases its user’s magic while reducing the cost of his MP. Daiki didn’t have any sword training back at our world, but thanks to the training here, his sword skills are more or less than Hikaru and Mariko as he swing his flaming sword to cut down his foes.

Mariko’s class was a Samurai, which isn’t surprising due to her reputation back home. She took a battoujutsu stance and drew her sword which all of her enemies were slash in an instant. I was impressed of her refined agility and I find several knights let out their admiration sighs upon seeing that. Guess this will increase her admirers once more.

The rest of our class were fascinated by the battle as I hear a chant has responded.

“””Flare Storm”””

Kiyoko and her group launched the spiraling flames toward the Hell Rats as the monsters let out their death cries before turning into ashes. By the time we noticed, all the Hell Rats were wiped out. The other students didn’t get a turn. It seemed like the enemies on the first level were too weak for Hikaru’s party.

(Gale) “Good work! We’ll give the other students the next monster first! But you three might have overdone it a little, don’t you think?”

Gale let out his comment to Hikaru’s group while admonishing the rear-support who begin to blush from embarrassment. The students couldn’t contain their excitement of their first dungeon battle as they broke out their grins. However, I feel nothing of it as if this isn’t worth getting excited for.

The party continue forward with no problem at all as we took turns in battles, and made their way to the lower levels smoothly. Eventually, we arrived at the 20th floor, which is the mark of a first-class adventurer while also nearing our objective. The highest level explored was the 58th floor, but this achievement was accomplished by adventurers over 100 years ago. This dungeon sounds tougher than I thought would be.

Still, the rest of us students were cheats so we easily break through to the 20th level despite our lack of battle experiences except me.

(Gale) “Be careful now! From then on, the level beyond this floor will get tougher as monsters start to form groups to attack! Also, beware of any unknown traps along the way!”

Captain Gale’s voice was very low but it resounded clearly for us to hear. Traps were the deadliest features of a dungeon. In some instances, the traps were lethal and most of them appear out of random.

As I think of this, a weakened monster was thrown to me and Hisao by the knights again. Up to this point, both of us had not done anything in particular. We were put together behind the cover provided by the knights as we are not wanted to be part of the group battle. I felt no harm from it, but Hisao is doing his best in this training so I’ll let him have the target again.

(Shinji) “Hey, Ashitaba. This one's on you.”

(Hisao) “But you already let me have the target last time and before that as well. Don’t you think you need experiences too?”

(Shinji) “Don’t worry about it. Rather, don’t you think that you need to get stronger too? After all, your class is not a combat type.”

(Hisao) “Sigh~ alright… ‘Transmute.’”

Hisao transmuted the ground and let out a sigh. The weakened monster’s abdomen was skewered by the sharp sword in the pothole. The knights nearby were impressed of Hisao’s idea while some were shooting a look of disdain towards me. Since I kill monsters less than him and didn’t put any energy in training, it is natural for them to act that way.

Although I said that I want to experience the dungeon myself, I can’t afford of showing off my power before them. That will give them a great surprise towards the one who is a slacker while ruining my plan to leave this kingdom peacefully. So I decided to joined them in daytime so I can memorizes the routes and enter during night to train when there is less people around.

I give a potion from my bag to Hisao who took it and drink it all up after giving thanks towards me. Each of us were given a bag that has space attribute which allow us to put items in its subspace pockets. What a neat and game-like bag.

I also felt of Hisao’s ideas which convinced me that he is an otaku since this technique is similar to one of the characters from that anime been using. His control and power over his transmutation is getting stronger as well. However, I didn’t say anything to him as we continue moving forward in the dungeon.

Eventually, after clearing the enemies in the 22th floor, we stopped for a short rest. I look at Hikaru’s group who were chatting happily when Kiyoko made eye contact with me. She started to blush before breaking the eye contact with me. It seemed last night was too much for her since she is a pure virgin.

(Mariko) “Kiyoko, why do you look flustrated when you keep eyeing on Fujiki-kun since this morning? Could it be something related to your weird expressions last night?”

(Kiyoko) “N-No! It is not related to that! I was worrying about Fujiki-kun’s safety, that’s all!”

(Mariko) “Hmm~ Is that so~?”

Mariko who can grasp human relationship noticed our strange exchange and start teasing Kiyoko about it which her best friend replied back in a frustrated tone. This increases her curiosity even more, but Mariko hept her mouth shut since she saw her friend getting sulky about it.

As I cast my eyes on them, I suddenly felt that strong gaze behind me as I turn around to find the culprit, only to turn out empty again. This is not the first time I felt this gaze since I sense it this morning more than once. This feeling is not like the time at classroom as it is more heavier and deep, enough to call it murderous.

I don’t like this as if I’ve been preyed by the unknown. I can narrow it down to a few people, but since I don’t have proof, I kept my guard up just in case that he strikes.

Our party continue heading down as we finally arrived the 24th floor and we eventually near the end of training as we saw stairs that led to the 25th floor, the goal of our today’s training. What separating from us is a huge stone bridge that leads to the stairs surrounded by cliffs with no river underneath it, there was only a bottomless abyss. If I fell here, it would probably feel like falling into hell.

At this time, Hikaru’s party and Captain Gale whom were at the front stopped. The surprised classmates also got into their fighting stance with confused look. Clearly, we are about to encounter some monsters.

(Gale) “They’re camouflaged! Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings!”

Gale advise us as the walls suddenly bulges and discolored. The body that was camouflaged was now dark green and it’s turns out to be some kind of chameleon-like monsters as they gaze at us with strange eyes.

(Gale) “They’s Bizarre Lizards! Avoid their tongues! It can cause various status effects and they pack a punch!”

Captain Gale’s voice was heard throughout the cave as these lizards start doing something. They inhaled a deep breath as their sacks were bloated. Having a bad feeling, I put my ears just as they let out a terrible screeching that vibrates and shake the room we’re currently in.

*Kkkiiiii~!!!*

(Shinji) “Guwa?! What an annoying sound!”

Despite that I’m covering my ears, I can still feel the shock from their attack as it did not hurt, but paralyzing me instead. I shake it off due to my high stats and look around to see that everyone is also affected by their roar, the front-line were affected the most as they temporarily frozen in place.

Seizing this chance, the Bizarre Lizards begin their attacks as they stench out their tongues toward Hikaru’s group. Although their status are not as high as mine, they were able to shake it off as well and dodged their attacks. Kiyoko’s group were also able to shake it off and tried using magic to counter it. However, the next scene completely caught them off guard.

There’s another Bizarre Lizard appear behind them and it managed to spook them by letting out a sound that sounded like a creepy laugh. The girls were surprised by that strange laughter as they stopped their chant.

(Gale) “What are you doing? This is a battle!”

Gale managed to incept the attack in a hurry while cutting down the other lizard. Then he give a scolding to the girls which they apologized like this. Hikaru who saw the whole scene becomes angry.

(Hikaru) “Damn you lizards…! Scaring the girls like that... I won’t forgive you!”

Hikaru thought that the lizards are playing unfair for using that dirty tactic and decided to finish them off. His sword start to glow brightly than before as he begins to chant.

(Hikaru) “Take this! ‘Sever Shine!’”

(Gale) “Ah, you idiot, stop it now!”

Gale who sense the magnitude of that magic power was shocked and shout out to Hikaru to stop his attack. Ignoring Gale’s warning, the idiot ikeman brandished his sword over his head and swung it down in one motion. His sword form a blade of light from its intense light its emitting. Drawing a curve, the light bisected the Bizarre Lizard without encountering any resistance. The blade of light continued on until it destroyed the wall beyond.

The remaining monsters went scared from seeing that attack as they scurrying off. Hikaru turns to the girls with a smile that said ‘It’s alright now!’ which Captain Gale smacked him.

(Hikaru) “Ow!? What was that for?”

(Gale) “I understood on how you feel, but you need to restain on using that strong attack in here. What if the cave collapsed and buried us along with it?”

Captain rebuked to Hikaru’s reckless as the latter couldn’t refuted it while lower his head. I also let a sigh from his short-temper as I saw the girls tries to comfort him.

Suddenly, I heard noises that sounded like a pack of insects and turn to find it is coming from the huge crack that Hikaru made. When the noises get stronger, some of our classmates begin to notice as well until one of them screamed all of the sudden.

(Girl #1) “Gaaahhhh!?!”

(Gale) “What’s wrong?! Another monster?”

(Knight #1) “C-Captain… Look at the wall!”

(Gale) “T-That’s…!?”

Gale turn to see the noises as well as the rest of us saw what has come out from the huge crack.

Spiders. A horde of spiders pouring out from that crack as they charging towards us. They look like any ordinary spiders except their sizes are as large as a human if you include the legs. Most of us were disgusted by this, especially several of the girls as they grew pale in sight of them.

(Gale) “Damn, Black Arachnids! Could it be we managed to woke up their resting spot? Gets in position, people! Be careful, they’re poisonous! Also, use fire magic to kill them!”

We received his order as most of the students and knights get ready for battle. The Black Arachnids managed to get in their range as several of us battle with their weapons while some of us launched fire attacks towards the hordes.

(Knight #2) “What?!”

(Girl #2) “No way!?”

(Boy #1) “Our fire magic didn’t work on them?!”

The spider horde that was hit by fire attacks came out the smoke unscratched despite their weakness of fire. The close combat group managed to fend off some of the spiders while the magician group overcome their shocked as they releases different variety of magical attacks instead of fire. However, that also proven to be ineffective as well.

Black Arachnids aren’t solid but move quickly and irregularly. Furthermore, they’ll come from all directions as they can also climb up and down and left and right on the walls and ceiling causing us to chase them around. Now they aren’t effective by magic, the people switched to using physical attacks to take them on, but we were about to be overwhelm soon if we don’t decrease their numbers.

(Gale) “What the hell?! Black Arachnids shouldn’t be able to resist magic! Could it be-?”

At that time, a huge explosion was vibrating in the room as we saw the monster who came out from the huge crack. Captain Gale stared at the huge monster with blank expression, his mumbles was transmitted loud and clear.

(Gale) “A… Black Arachnid Queen…?”

Yes. What came out from the crack is a large spider that is several times bigger than this horde here. However, there is a huge difference between them as there is a figure on top of its torso.

The figure appears to be a upper part of a human female figure as I clearly sees the curvy body line. However, the head is the shape of an insect which makes it even more gross to look at. I can tell it is the boss of the spiders as more of them came out from the hole it made.

The monster gives out a loud screech which Captain Gale returned to his senses and quickly started to issue commands to everyone.

(Gale) “Keith! Lead the students back to the stairs and break through those Black Arachnids! You three! I need you guys to make a barrier as big as you can! We need to stop that monster and its swarm here! Hikaru, hurry and get to the stairs with the others!”

(Hikaru) “Wait, Gale-san! That monster look dangerous so let us fight too!”

(Gale) “Don’t be a fool! That monster is no ordinary Black Arachnid Queen! Look at the pattern on its body! There’s nothing from the reports that it has this characteristics so it must be an Unique monster! Those kinds are even dangerous than any ordinary monster as it possesses a different magic than them!”

(Hikaru) “All the more reason to stop that thing! I can’t just abandon-”

(Gale) “Even if it not an Unique monster, that Black Arachnid Queen is too much for you guys to handle on your current state! That monster has the ability to produce its offsprings, the Black Arachnids, so they must have the same ability as their mother more or less! Therefore, you need to get out with the rest of the students!”

Despite being told, Hikaru stubbornly stood his ground due to his overconfidence and sense of justice as he can’t leave Gale and the knights behind. The Arachnid Queen charges at the group, however, the three knights already formed a magic barrier between them the monsters as it block the Queen’s advancement. Then it start attack the barrier using its sharp and long legs which causing small cracks to it as the monster repeatedly hit it in a fast-motion.

Meanwhile, I was being protected by the knights along with Hisao as they fended off the spiders from coming. I use my Appraisal skill to look at these spider’s status and find that they possesses a Magic Resistance skill which is why the student’s magic didn’t seem that effective. I also look at the Queen and it possess a stronger version of Magic Resistance called Magic Nullification.

This is bad. Majority of Hikaru’s group were mostly magic users which it is useless against the leader of this horde. Sensing the situation is about to turn worse, I decided to not hide my skills and magic as I grab tightly of my sword.

(Shinji) “Ashitaba, I’m borrowing your sword for a moment so stay here with the knights.”

(Hisao) “Huh?! What are you talking?”

The frighten Hisao speak out his confused words about my actions as I immediately grab his unused sword and leaping out in the battle. The knights who saw that try to stop me, but I didn’t pay attention to them as I hack off two spiders in front of me. A green liquid sprays everywhere, resulting in a foul stench wafting in the air, but I didn’t let that stop me either as I run ahead to cut down more of those spiders.

I saw one spider was about to bite off one of the female students who have tripped earlier. The girl was so afraid that she didn’t even try to run away due to fear.

I stabbed the spider on the head which it died immediately and helped the girl up who is still shocked from my intrusion.

(Shinji) “Hurry, keep going. It’s alright, if you calm down these spiders are nothing. After all, most of us here is a cheat! Also, I need to borrow your weapon for a moment.”

(Girl #3) “T-Thank you!”

The girl absently given me her weapon which it is a spear and energetically thanking me as she runs off. I continue to move toward Hikaru’s group as I cut down many spiders along the way.

Most of the students went into panic since they rely more on their magic and it wasn’t effective against these monsters. They brandished their weapons carelessly, and even the magics were in disorder. At this rate, it was highly likely that someone would die. Although Knight Keith was desperately trying to bring them under control, it was not going well.

Therefore, we need a leader to calm them down so I’ll get that idiot ikeman to come to his senses and help out the students. As I plow through the monster swarm, I can feel my power increase each time that I kill a spider. This sensation is definitely sign of level up thanks to my familiar’s power.

While I’m getting closer to them, Mariko and Daiki tried to move Hikaru to retreat in Gale’s orders which he stubbornly refused as I saw the barrier finally being broken and the Arachnid Queen swing its leg out towards the group.

(Shinji) “This is bad! Come forth, Zubaken!”

I yelled out my familiar’s name in a hurry as a small knight appears and sensing my will, he align his legs together and spin around which it forms in a drill fashion. It had pierce and breaks off the monster’s leg as the Queen cries out in pain while the Hikaru and the other were surprised by that unexpected help. I landed in front of Hikaru to let him helped the students.

(Shinji) “Hurry up and retreat, Ituski! Everyone can’t make it without you! Hurry!”

“““Huh? Fujiki!?”””

“““Fujiki-kun!?”””

Everyone was surprised once again from me being here as Hikaru tries to rebuke my words.

(Hikaru) “What are you saying all of a sudden? What are you even doing in a place like this? This is not a place you should be! Just leave this to us, Fujiki…”

(Shinji) “Moron! This is not the time to be saying that kind of thing! Can you not see what is going on?! Everyone is in a panic! Just because the team leader is missing!”

I lashed out to Hikaru who saying stupid things right now as he couldn’t believe that he’s hearing some words from me. I suddenly heard a bell ring in my head which means my Crisis Sense has activated. I turned my body roughly as I held my sword tightly to block the incoming attack from the Black Arachnid Queen.

Grr! Tough! But I managed to held on as I put more strength into my sword and knock back the monster. It stumble a little as everyone here was very surprised at my actions just now. I gripped Hikaru’s collar and made him face towards the panicking students to let him know the situation first.

(Shinji) “A power that can break through them is necessary! A power that can erase the fear in everyone’s hearts is also necessary! And the only one who can do it is you, Ituski! Don’t just look in front of you, look at what’s going on behind you too!”

I saw his expression became dumbfounded from seeing our comrades in a state of crisis and after considering my words, he nodded.

(Hikaru) “...I understand. I’ll go over there immediately! Captain Gale! I’m sorry!?”

(Shinji) “Shut up and go, you idiot ikeman!”

(Hikaru) “Alright, I’m going! Sorry!”

Hikaru immediately apologized to Captain Gale which I retorted this isn’t the time for that. He went off to help out the students as Daiki and the rest headed off to help too. Kiyoko stood her spot as she tries to let me retreat as well.

(Kiyoko) “Hurry, Fujiki-kun! You need to leave also!”

(Shinji) “No, I’ll hold off the monster here. You need to help out Hikaru and the rest with your healing magic so they can escape!”

(Kiyoko) “But-!”

Kiyoko doesn’t agree of my decision as she protested fiercely while tears were forming in her eyes. I pat her head while saying the words to reassure her.

(Shinji) “Don’t worry. I’ve told you before that I can managed myself. After all, I’ve done my own training while going out so I’m confident of my abilities.”

(Kiyoko) “Hic… You dummy…”

(Mariko) “Let him do his part, Kiyoko. You saw that crazy power that he managed to block that attack. His strength must be equal to ours, maybe even more. You need to trust him and hoped for his survival. We need your magic to help the others.”

(Kiyoko) “Mariko-chan…”

Mariko quickly understood the situation as she placed a hand on Kiyoko’s shoulder to convince her friend to go help the other students. Kiyoko reluctantly agrees as she look at me for a moment before running off.

Mariko look at me with an expression that said ‘Thank you’ to me as I nodded her back. She runs off where I faced Captain Gale who hasn’t left yet.

(Shinji) “Go. I can handle things here. Gale-san, you need to help Hikaru and the rest. After all, they are more useful than me.”

(Gale) “...Can you do it? Facing against that strong monster?”

(Shinji) “Yeah, if everything went well, I might be able to finish it by myself.”

(Gale) “Although I can’t believe that we entrust our lives up to you, I can sense your true power and confidence. Alright, I leave this to you!”

Captain Gale went to the student’s side after saying those words to me. I readied my battle stance as the Black Arachnid Queen study itself and let out its screech of anger. Zubaken stand beside me as I think about my chances in this fight.

Although it is foolish for someone to challenge it alone, I felt confident on my chances to win against that monster. Even my current strength isn’t enough, if I kill some of the spiders along with the fight, it might increase my level even more as it also increase my strength.

(Shinji) “Come on, you overgrown bug! Let me see the extent of my training!”

I charge forwards to the Black Arachnid Queen and its followers with Zubaken as my true training in the Widowood Dungeon begins.