Chapter 93

Reincarnated as a Sword Emperor in the Sword Art World (93)

The "Abyss of the Demon Squid" was classified as a B-grade in terms of spatial scale.

This meant it was one level larger and more extensive than the "Cyclops Lair" that had been explored earlier. However, due to the expression "one level," adventurers who had never experienced a B-grade scale found it difficult to understand just how much larger it was compared to a C-grade.

Even when using monsters as a metaphor, it was a relatively simple matter.

If the difference between D-grade and C-grade was like that between kobolds and orcs, then the difference between C-grade and B-grade was on the level of orcs and trolls. This meant a difference of at least six to ten times larger.

In the "Cyclops Lair," which was classified as a C-grade in spatial scale, Leonard's party took more than three hours to reach the cavern of the medium, even when taking the shortest route.

Simply in terms of numbers, this meant it would take a minimum of 15 hours to a maximum of over 30 hours.

"Moreover, the 'Abyss of the Demon Squid' has very poor visibility, and the terrain is such that monsters can ambush from all sides, which significantly slows down the exploration speed. If we explore in a normal manner, it would take more than a week to complete."

However, Francis continued, changing the flow.

"Having a spatial scale of B-grade or higher is not all disadvantages. There are also several advantages."

"Like how the larger the 'Rift,' the more resources can be mined?"

"Ah, that's also true. High-yield 'Rifts' are almost all B-grade or higher. The internal ecosystem needs to reach a certain size to function properly."

Agreeing with Esther, she continued her explanation.

"However, our guild's exploration purpose is not to mine resources, but to assist in the investigation and sealing of the 'Rift.' I'll tell you about the advantages that can help with that."

First, the spatial scale of the 'Rift' was directly related to the width of the entrance, so from B-grade onwards, the Aquamarine could follow. Of course, this was possible because it was the most agile among the four Masterpieces.

The other three were clearly in the large category, unlike the Aquamarine, which was between medium and large.

"Even the Zarat, which is considered an extra-large, and the large Moby Dick or Golden Hound, can only enter if the spatial scale is A-grade or higher."

"…Is it such a big advantage that the Aquamarine can follow in?"

"Of course!"

Francis, reacting to Nian's words, became very excited.

"There's no need to form a rescue team or support team with a time limit like in the 'Cyclops Lair.' If an emergency occurs, we can immediately send a signal by ship, and if the range of Aquamarine's firepower is within reach, we can provide covering fire! Reorganization is also faster!"

"Indeed."

Leonard, who had once witnessed the destructive power of the Aquamarine, nodded first.

A ship that could use a 6th-tier area-of-effect magic, [Freezing Ray], on a group of low-level enemies. The output of proper offensive means or defensive equipment might be on par with or even exceed that of a Master-level.

If the Aquamarine's power could reach the location of the medium?

'Without the members even having to step in, we might be able to defeat the 'Rift Guardian' and successfully seal it.'

While thinking this, Leonard judged that the possibility was almost non-existent.

The 'Rift' is a strategically designed invasion facility, and there's no reason to expose its core, which is like the heart of the facility, to danger. Even the cave of the "Cyclops Lair" was deep enough that the Aquamarine's bombardment couldn't reach the deepest part.

A demon squid capable of using two-dimensional magic likely had an even more robust defense system.

Francis clapped a few times, as if to cut off his thoughts.

"Alright! Then let's all go to the bridge and experience the moment we enter the 'Abyss of the Demon Squid' together! It will be a different feeling from entering on foot!"

The guild members, a mix of curiosity and anticipation, followed her.

Just four days after setting sail from the central city, the Aquamarine was about to explore the second 'Rift.'

* * *

Unlike the "Cyclops Lair," which was on a sea as calm as a windless zone, the "Abyss of the Demon Squid" was located in a reef area surrounded by treacherous currents.

Strong winds and waves were already raging, and the reefs protruding above the water surface were not only failing to reduce their force but were amplifying it several times over. The wind, flowing between the reefs, became even faster, creating high and strong waves that seemed to threaten to destroy any ship that entered.

The faces of the guild members in the Aquamarine's bridge turned pale.

"…We have to enter there?"

"The cyclops wouldn't last long if thrown in there. They'd be torn apart by the reefs, gills and all."

"No wonder the exploration frequency hit rock bottom. The internal environment is bad enough, but the external environment is a mess too."

However, Francis smiled and placed her hand on the crystal ball.

"An ordinary ship would be wrecked in less than 10 seconds. But my Aquamarine has not a speck of ordinariness."

The ship, accepting the captain's will, moved forward, advancing into the center of the swirling currents.

To a layman, it was nothing short of suicidal.

Francis shouted confidently.

"Reefs like this! Currents like this! Compared to the 6th Sea, they're just child's play! We're going straight through!"

"What?!"

"I won't accept any objections! [Crushing Cannon], fire!"

As she gave the order, several magic arrays at the bow of the ship glowed with a yellow magic light, concentrating their power.

6th-tier physical magic, [Impulse Wave].

Boom...!

The shockwave that erupted from the bow blasted all the reefs in the Aquamarine's path to pieces.

It was several times, no, several dozen times more powerful than when used by a mage.

Even Jack Russell let out a "Wow!"

As one of the four Masterpieces, the Aquamarine's power source was on a different level from what a single mage could produce. Even using the same magic formula, the power and range were enormous.

"[Full Speed Ahead]! Deploy [Stagnate Field]!"

With a single command, the ship accelerated, and a time-based area-of-effect magic was cast along its path.

All the waves that entered the [Stagnate Field] slowed down instantly. Unlike living beings, the currents had no resistance to magic. Even though the spell could only be maintained for a few seconds, it was more than enough.

The ship, crossing the sea faster than a galloping horse, plunged into the center of the reef area.

And then.

"Rift entrance detected! We're going in!"

Seeing the hole in the center of the reef area, Francis directed the ship to charge in.

The "Abyss of the Demon Squid."

Without a moment's hesitation, she entered the A- grade 'Rift.' The ship was sucked into the dimensional gap before anyone could stop or hinder her.

Right at that moment.

——————.

The sensation was not much different from entering the "Cyclops Lair."

The only difference was that, unlike before when they could only recognize themselves, they could now see their surroundings. Previously, the four people were recognized separately, but this time, the entire ship was recognized as a 'single' entity.

The mental discomfort and unpleasantness were also much less.

"Ah."

"Ugh."

"Hmm."

The guild members, who had passed through the dimensional gap in a few seconds, let out incomprehensible groans.

Even a 7th-tier High Mage was not an exception.

"Interesting. The magic formula I cast on my body was more than half neutralized. It seems that in the dimensional gap, only 6th-tier magic or higher can be maintained for a very short time."

"Is that true for artifacts as well?"

"Hmm, judging from the fact that a few rings with auxiliary magic were temporarily disabled, it seems so. It's likely that even one-time items like scrolls cannot be used."

Russell, who had answered his question, muttered.

"Magic formulas that can truly interfere with dimensions start at the 8th tier. Perhaps to transcend the 8th tier, one must be able to handle the power based on the laws of this world even in an external dimension…."

Leonard, leaving Russell to his musings, looked around the scene outside the bridge window.

It was a quiet and dark space, as if it were the middle of the night.

Deep sea.

'If this were a normal deep sea, we wouldn't be able to breathe or feel the pressure.'

This was something he had experienced firsthand while practicing water techniques at the Sea Sword Sect. Even diving a hundred feet underwater, the pressure pressing down on his entire body was beyond his imagination.

He had tried to dive deeper, as his external and internal skills had both reached the peak of mastery, but from a depth of three hundred feet, the cold and pressure made even the Lianwu Xiezhao retreat.

Even the realm of invulnerability to cold and heat, and the body that could withstand swords and spears, was far from enough to handle such unprecedented force.

"It's too dark. We could shoot a flare, but…that would attract a swarm of monsters, wouldn't it?"

Francis's mutter was answered by a voice.

Russell, who had finished his thoughts, said.

"That's right. I've dissected a demon squid before. They definitely have vision. I don't know how sensitive they are to light, but it's unlikely to be lower than terrestrial creatures."

In such a deep and dark environment, the possibilities were largely divided into two. Either they have no vision at all, or they are sensitive enough to see even the faintest light.

The demon squid belonged to the latter category.

Francis, giving up on the flare, grumbled with a troubled look.

"Even if the demon squids come in the thousands, they can't do anything to the Aquamarine, but there would still be a problem."

"They are an intelligent species. Once they realize the odds are against them, they will retreat to the area around the medium and set up a defensive stance. It would be difficult to break through in a short time, even with a High Magic."

"They haven't noticed us yet. The low exploration frequency has probably lowered their vigilance against intruders."

Unlike the "Cyclops Lair," which had been thoroughly searched several times to determine the presence of resources, the "Abyss of the Demon Squid" had not even completed the map of its entrance area.

With only the bodies of monsters as a potential resource, and a high risk and difficult entry conditions, it was only natural.

Francis said,

"Let's follow the initial plan and explore. Leonard, Russell, and Vivian will infiltrate to complete the map of this area—."

"I have a more effective strategy in mind. Would you like to hear it?"

"Huh? Please tell me."

Jack Russell, who rarely offered suggestions, made Francis listen with a curious expression.

The story itself was not long.

It was just that the content was so shocking.

Francis asked with a slightly trembling voice.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course. Using this method, we could seal it in less than half a day. Everyone on the Aquamarine, including you, will have to work hard, though."

"This isn't a ship that can handle a 'Rift' of this magnitude! But isn't it a bit dangerous for just two people to enter the deepest part? If your intentions are discovered, you'll be surrounded without the Aquamarine's support."

"No problem. While we can't move between the inside and outside of the 'Rift,' we can use spatial movement within it. We can return to the ship immediately."

Listening to Russell's confident words, she thought for a moment and said,

"Leonard? I'll leave the decision to you. Can you do it?"

"Hmm."

While the strategy was not just unconventional but beyond common sense, it wasn't that strange to Leonard.

It was like using both the "Feint to the East, Attack to the West" and the "Golden Cicada Shedding its Shell" tactics.

Using the Aquamarine and Russell's magic to draw the attention of the entire 'Rift,' they would break through to the deepest part at full speed. The appeal was that they wouldn't waste time dealing with minor enemies.

"No problem."

With Leonard's short agreement, the strategy to conquer the "Abyss of the Demon Squid" began.