Chapter 17 – Capture: Backyard Dungeon (3)
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After I took a breather and finished my skill acquisition, I put my smartphone away and slowly proceeded into the anthill while being vigilant of my surroundings and holding Dragon Eater low.
This nest should be pitch-black because no sunlight was shining down here, but because the walls were dimly glowing, a certain level of illumination existed, allowing me to see something while I was walking. I felt relieved that I didn’t have to do this while fumbling my way through utter darkness.
All of the faint sounds and vibrations became elements helping me to make a decision as I advanced.
Thanks to having used Optimize, I had obtained three skills in total, but the movements I’ve done so far were quite dangerous, and only now could I fully understand what following no style entailed. By having obtained battlefield knowledge, I had become able to increasingly act like a true warrior.
I felt like my defenses had improved drastically compared to before, even when it was about walking through the anthill like this. Right now I was confident enough that I’d be able to deal with the ants, even if they started to rain from the ceiling.
Also, I apologized to Dragon Eater in my mind. On the first floor I had simply swung him around like a madman. Even though it was possible to use him a lot, lot more skillfully and efficiently.
No matter how much money I’m offered or points I’m given, I do not intend to part with this sword. So I must treat this guy, who ought to become my partner, more cherishingly.
The blue light glowing on his blade flashed several times. I felt like he was telling me that he didn’t care as long as I fed him properly.
｡ ₊°༺🫀༻°₊ ｡
I went further into the burrow, but there was still no sign of me encountering the enemy. The other day I got nervous and kept losing stamina, but now I felt as if I would be able to clear this dungeon while staying relaxed.
While only being flanked by the dim glow of the walls, I simply marched onwards. The ant roads here were a lot bigger than the ants I fought on the surface. Very likely the enemy from now on will be much larger, too.
At some point I finally reached an open space in this burrow that only consisted of ant roads thus far.
Brightness seemed to billow up from the ground, ceiling, and walls. While I was marveled by the fantastic view, looking like a planetarium, visible in front of me, I calmly perceived the existence of enemies.
They, who had clung to the ceiling, came down like rain, soundlessly landing on the ground. They had probably expected me to come here.
The ants were three times as big as I am. In total, thirteen of those monstrosities surrounded me. They threatened me while clicking their mandibles. Three in front, four in the back, two on the right, and four on the left.
Sharp mandibles and a protruding jaw were installed on a big, developed skull, looking like they’d be able to easily tear my body to shreds,
I think those are called soldier ants. The ants, which I freely defeated on the first floor, ultimately were worker ants. These guys here are the main force, charged with the duty to protect the nest. I suppose they’re the genuine defense force.
Readying Dragon Eater with both hands, I operated the mana filling my body and spread it into each fiber. Based on the principles of 『Magic Tactics』, I readjusted my sword into holding it over my head, and put strength into my legs.
Certainly, each and every single one of them is doubtlessly powerful. But, not in front of my growth speed!
“Sshhh!”
I filled Dragon Eater with plenty of mana. First I released a sword wave made out of blue mana towards the left and back, where the majority of enemies were. The wave cut their torsos in halves and blew their antennas away. Three soldier ants were hit directly. Moreover, I succeeded in constraining the other five.
In the meantime, I’ll get rid of the ants in front and on the right side.
I jumped, supporting my movements by pouring mana into my legs. It allowed me to leap all the way behind the ants, who used to be in front of me. Quickly turning around, I ran towards the place I used to be before while brandishing my katana thrice.
Dragon Eater devoured the soldier ants’ bodies.
Whenever you challenge many by yourself, you must stay on the move so as to not allow the enemy any time to prepare.
I cleaned up the front portion of my enemies. Seemingly trying to save their friends, the two soldier ants on the right side closed in on me. My intuition confirmed my decision that I had no choice but to fall back here.
“Oh, a chance!”
I turned into a gale and dashed through the gap between the two ants on the right. As I swung him to the left and right, Dragon Eater greedily feasted on the enemies once more.
“Hahahahaha!!”
Whether they field huge or low numbers, it doesn’t matter. My physical abilities which are enhanced by my level, the functions I was granted through skills, my knowledge, and the courage I possess: all of these make me unrivaled!
I cut and destroyed the remaining ants in the back. It didn’t even take me a minute to get rid of these guys.
The smartphone notified me of a message. I feel like it’s become quite hard to raise my levels now, but there’s still experience points to be gained here. I warned myself to not get too hotblooded.
Ah, maybe the boss monster ahead of here will be strong. Also, I haven’t been able to find an item I can store yet, but a reward should exist somewhere as well. What does it hold? What is awaiting me?
The blue, blood-vein-like glowing of Dragon Eater slowly pulsated after it ate up the ant soldiers entirely.
“Yeah, I know, I know. You’re still hungry, eh? But yeah, me too. Dragon Eater, I still wanna kill lots and lots more enemies.”
…It looks like some people have the same mental level as a sword.
Taking into account how the ants just now had clung to the ceiling, I upped my caution by one more level. Sharpening my senses, I carefully scrutinized my surroundings while clasping my katana.
Nothing suspicious, nor any signs of the enemy. Alright. Let’s go ahead while maintaining this state.
I put more strength into the hand holding Dragon Eater.
I was still far from being satisfied. I want to fight a lot more. I want to experience the unknown.
Onwards, step after step.
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