Days of Dungeon Exploration
Translated by GXYRU
Edited by GXYRU
Becoming an adventurer, there is a tremendous level gap between me, Grey, and Serena. Naturally, the two of them have to adjust to my level. I feel sorry for them, but there’s no other choice but for me to become stronger.
The dungeon we first challenged was the mid-difficulty middle-class dungeon called “Karla’s Tomb.” Low-difficulty dungeons of the lower class are conquered before becoming adventurers to gain practical experience.
Even though it’s a mid-difficulty dungeon, it seems manageable for my current level. However, since it’s my first time, I proceed with caution.
By the way, just because the difficulty level increases doesn’t mean that the boss-class monsters from low-difficulty dungeons appear from the first floor.
In the case of low-difficulty dungeons, the first floor consists of monsters below level 5, and around level 50 monsters appear on the lowest floor. In the case of mid-difficulty dungeons, the first floor is around level 10, and over level 100 on the lowest floor. The strength of the monsters increases, and the number of floors also increases.
“Me and Serena will adjust the numbers only when there are many enemies, but you should be able to handle it on your own most of the time.”
“Yes, I can’t rely on others for everything.”
Karla’s Tomb consists of a total of 50 floors and is quite vast, but we advanced by filling the map on each floor.
Up to around the 40th floor, the strength of the monsters was manageable.
Even after surpassing the 45th floor, I still have a higher level, but since I mostly fight solo, it becomes difficult when there are many enemies.
“Arius, let me help you a little.”
“No, I’m still fine. I may not come out unscathed, but I have enough HP and MP.”
It’s not about being stubborn; it’s a calm analysis. I can also use healing magic.
“Yes, then go as far as you can.”
The two of them will help me when things get dangerous. I’m not expecting anything sweet like that.
If I struggle with a mid-difficulty dungeon, I will never truly become a party member no matter how much time passes.
The level of the monsters exceeds 100 on the lowest floor. Karla’s Tomb lives up to its name, with an abundance of advanced undead monsters. Vampires, Liches, and Undead Dragons, all of them are high-ranking monsters that appear in multiple numbers.
First, I use the area attack magic “Annihilate Ray” to reduce their numbers, and then I go on the offensive with high-level sword skills. That’s the winning pattern.
Of course, I use different magic depending on the type of monster. I only use “Annihilate Ray” because they are undead.
Relying too much on sword skills will make my movements sloppy, so I adjust the timing and movements myself.
“For now, the next one is the boss.”
I fought all the way here alone. Grey and Serena must be bored, but I believe this is the right way.
“As for the boss battle…”
“Of course, I’ll handle it on my own. No… I’ll definitely defeat it.”
“I see. Then, I’ll leave it to you.”
“But Arius, if it’s impossible, recognize it and don’t push yourself. Reckless battles are not commendable.”
“Yes, I understand.”
The final boss of Karla’s Tomb is the No Life King, with higher-tier Soul Eaters as its subordinates.
The bosses seem to have high magic resistance so that they won’t be easily defeated. However, it doesn’t mean they are completely immune. I unleash a series of “Annihilate Ray” as a preemptive attack to chip away at the boss’s HP.
The light attribute magic effective against undead monsters slows down their movements. Since I still have plenty of MP, I activate “Annihilate Ray” again–
With visual effects, the No Life King disappears, leaving behind a giant magic stone and dropped items.
“Huh…”
This feels like brute force. I wanted to gain experience in close combat.
“Well, in a way, it’s the right answer. With Arius’s MP, this might be the most reliable method.”
“Yes, that’s right. There’s no need to get fixated on appearances. As long as we win, that’s all that matters.”
Grey and Serena’s evaluations are not bad. This was my first time conquering a mid-difficulty dungeon.
※ ※ ※ ※
Within six months, we managed to conquer ten mid-difficulty dungeons and started tackling high-difficulty, high-class dungeons. Of course, we learned from our mistakes in “Karla’s Tomb” and made sure not to rely solely on magic to overpower the final boss.
While I thought I had become reasonably strong during these six months, high-difficulty dungeons proved to be a challenge. It’s common for more than ten monsters to appear at once, and multiple groups may attack simultaneously. The weakest monsters are already above level 50.
“Arius, keep an eye on all directions.”
“Be aware of Grey and Serena’s positions and think about what we should do next while acting.”
Grey and Serena started joining me in battles against high-difficulty dungeons. However, we only fought together until the number of monsters decreased, and then they would leave the rest to me. Well, it’s training to improve our coordination skills.
Still, we managed to handle it until the mid-levels, but once we reached the lower levels, I started to struggle against the monsters.
“This one… is tough.”
Muttering to myself while facing off against a high-ranking demon called Bloody Demon with red, scale-like wings. Unlike the previous monsters, which I could defeat in a single blow, the Bloody Demon is still alive even after striking it with both of my swords.
The Bloody Demon has tough scales and high HP, and its physical attacks have a petrification effect. It’s also a troublesome enemy that uses 7th-level magic.
Moreover, it’s not just the Bloody Demon I have to deal with. A superior dragon called Flare Dragon and a massive horse enveloped in black flames, Nightmare, appeared at the same time.
“The fact that you can’t defeat them in one blow means you’re still inexperienced in using your magic power, Arius.”
“That’s right. Arius, concentrate your magic power more. With your skills, you should be able to kill them without a doubt.”
Grey and Serena are completely relaxed. They continue to take down the monsters one by one.
But even this time, they stopped fighting when the numbers decreased.
“Hurry up and defeat them before we get surrounded.”
“We don’t expect you to rely on us for help, do we?”
Ah, I understand. Grey and Serena are strict.
I focus my magic power, imagining it flowing into my sword. However, if I concentrate too much and lose awareness of the surrounding monsters, it’ll be dangerous. I can’t afford to leave myself vulnerable to their attacks.
With the image of concentrating my magic power at the moment of impact, I strike my sword, and the Bloody Demon’s body is split in two.
I continue to defeat the monsters in quick succession.
“Well, that’s how it is. Arius, you learn quickly.”
“Oh, Grey… Please, at times like this, just praise him honestly. Arius, don’t forget this feeling and fight thoroughly today.”
As we ventured deeper into the dungeon, there were still moments when I struggled, but as I continued to fight, my precision in manipulating magic power improved, and my stats increased, allowing me to defeat them normally.
Through this repetition, three months later, we managed to conquer our first high-difficulty dungeon.
※ ※ ※ ※
Arius Gilbert
Age: 8
Level: 225
HP: 2,325
MP: 3,472
Sponsored Content
