Chapter 56

The next morning.

I chartered a small boat from the port of Kula and headed for the island of Isolys. It’s not that far out, so it would take about two hours to arrive.

As I stepped onto the island, I recalled something. Isolys is a dungeon of a massive, decaying ancient castle. In Mavion, it was simply a "setting," but this world has "history." Perhaps the lord of this castle once existed? If so, when did it become a dungeon, and when did the monsters start to overrun it? It might be interesting to search through some literature and find out.

While thinking about these trivial matters, I arrived in front of the Isolys dungeon. The enormous castle was so large that its full appearance was hard to grasp, and it was unusually dark, with an eerie silence. There was only one entrance, the main gate, and two monster gatekeepers stood there. The boss is in one of the two deepest areas, the "Top Floor," but my destination is the other, the "Underground Grand Library."

"Let's head to the library quickly."

"As you wish."

I ran up and stopped in front of the two gatekeepers. The gatekeepers were large, knight-like monsters, nearly three meters tall, clad in ominous black armor.

"Transform."

Just as the gatekeepers were about to swing their long swords at me, I activated "Transform." I twisted my body, extended my right hand forward, and placed my left hand on my waist. I set the pose to be as simple as possible to allow for immediate activation.

"―――!"

The two gatekeepers were blown away by the blue-black lightning that burst from my entire body.

During the transformation process, any enemy character within a certain range is guaranteed to be knocked back. This, along with the approximately 8 seconds of invincibility, is one of the most important effects of transformation. The Mavion developers clearly understood the "rules" of transformation.

And there's one more important thing. The transformation takes about 6 seconds to complete, while the invincibility lasts for about 8 seconds. In other words, "I can act invincibly for 2 seconds."

This means...

"This is what it means."

As soon as the 6 seconds were up, I deliberately approached the armored knights.

The armored knights, still affected by the knockback, were pushed back, creating a large gap. This allowed me to prepare my skills with ample time.

The standard attack against knight-type monsters is magic. I combined "Rook Archery" and "Thunder Attribute - Third Form" and launched it at one of the armored knights, who was still down far away. There was a sound of his head being blown off. The remaining one was just getting up. The distance was such that I could easily prepare my skills. I finished it off with "Rook Thunder Third."

"Isn't it overwhelming!"

Angolmoa said happily.

"This time, both were critical hits, so I could take them down in one hit. If not, it would have taken a bit longer. It's not as overwhelming as you think."

I explained while advancing deeper into the Isolys dungeon.

Yes, this critical hit is quite unpredictable. It comes out when it's not needed and doesn't come out when it's needed. Relying on it is a bad idea. It should be considered as a bonus to avoid disappointment.

I could have asked Yurari to use "Enchantment Magic" to add a critical hit rate increase effect to my equipment, creating "100% Critical Equipment," but that would lead to a quagmire. Money and time would be spent like water. While the former might be acceptable, the latter is not.

However, with "Transform" at level 9, "Critical" at level 9, "Rook Archery" at level 9, and "Thunder Attribute - Third Form" at level 6, combined with a mithril longbow specialized for attack speed and enhanced to level 5, it's a bit tough to get a critical hit against knight-type monsters with low magic resistance... It might be a bit difficult.

The black-armored gatekeepers are roughly as strong as the white dragon in the Meteo dungeon. Hearing this, most players would think, "The Isolys dungeon isn't that big a deal." No, that's not true. The reason is that while Meteo is always a 1-on-1 battle, the Isolys dungeon is always a 2-on-1 or more. In the room just before the top floor, you are forced into a 3-on-1 battle with a gold dragon, which is eight times stronger than the white dragon.

However, the monsters in Isolys are indeed soft. All the monsters that appear are attack-specialized, with HP and VIT much lower than those of A-class monsters. This is true for the boss as well. Especially the "Dark Wolf," which has the lowest HP among A-class boss monsters. In exchange, it launches the most vicious attacks.

"Well, let's change the plan. Safety first to the Underground Grand Library. We'll take our time and go for a spicy challenge."

"Spicy, huh?"

"A no-nonsense atmosphere."

"I see. Do your best, my Second."

"Both of us need to do our best."

Impatience and frustration are forbidden. I tightened my focus and aimed for the deepest part of Isolys.

It had been about 6 hours since I entered the castle.

I took appropriate breaks and advanced cautiously, and finally, the entrance to the Underground Grand Library came into view.

"We'll set up camp here."

"......Just a roadside?"

I set up a tent in the gap between the statues at the back of a stage-like area, where large armors were lined up in the corridor just before the library entrance.

"It's safe. The only monsters that appear around here are ghosts. Ghosts can't jump, so they can't cross a height difference of a certain level."

"......"

Angolmoa looked at me with a blank, bewildered face. Perhaps he couldn't understand why I was sleeping so close to the enemy? But it's fine as long as it's safe.

"Let's go."

"Yes. Finally, the Dark Wolf."

"Right. As soon as I open the door, I'll rely on possession."

"As you wish."

After a brief rest, I prepared to face the deadly battle.

I instructed Angolmoa and prepared an item that could set up a light source.

The most useful item in the Dark Wolf battle is the "Large Bonfire," which is the most durable item in the so-called "bonfire series." It was an item used in the "Large Bonfire Event" in Mavion in the past, which could be crafted with the "Crafting" skill at level 16 using bonfire and rice bales as materials.

This item burns for an astonishing 336 hours per unit. It was designed to last for the entire two-week event period without going out, but for some reason, it could still be crafted after the event ended. It was probably a mistake by the developers. Therefore, it was a very helpful item during the Dark Wolf taming.

And as expected, it could be crafted in this world as well. So, I would use it again this time.

I held the mithril longbow in my left hand, the mithril longsword on my waist, and the large bonfire in my right hand, and kicked open the door.

The next moment, "Spirit Possession" was activated. Red and black lightning coursed through my body, faintly illuminating the dim library.

--- At the back of the rows of bookshelves, on a pile of decayed wood and paper, she was there.

"(That one...!)"

Even during possession, I received a telepathic message from Angolmoa. He must have been quite surprised, as a slight tremor was transmitted to me.

A black wolf, neither large nor small. That was her form, just as I remembered.

Her beautiful fur rippled like black flames. Her eyes were a deep black, as if peering into the abyss. It was impossible to tell where she was looking or what she was thinking. Her claws and fangs were neither too long nor too short. At first glance, just a black wolf.

"(We can't win like this! My Second, we must retreat!)"

Angolmoa said. Indeed, a great observation. As expected of the King of Spirits, a very fair assessment. Indeed, with my current stats, there's no way I could win a one-on-one battle against a monster like the Dark Wolf. It's like a child against an adult.

...But, this is a game.

"(Just watch for a moment.)"

I set up the large bonfire about 15 centimeters above a book that was about 2 meters to the left of the fourth bookshelf from the entrance, then ran sideways while keeping an eye on the Dark Wolf.

The Dark Wolf is currently in "wolf form." In wolf form, the first move is always "Charge."

I countered the charging Dark Wolf with "Rook Thunder Third." Red and blue lightning twisted and shot out like a laser, striking the Dark Wolf. In wolf form, physical attacks are ineffective, so I used a combination of "Magic Archery" or "Magic Swordsmanship." Incidentally, I aimed at the legs to build up the down value.

After the charge, there are four possible actions. This time, it seemed to be a "Body Slam" as it moved its left front paw slightly. In this case, dodging is better. I jumped sideways just before the attack.

If the body slam or claw attack fails, the Dark Wolf will definitely perform "Dark Transfer" → "Dark Transformation" → "Dark Summon."

I observed the Dark Wolf, which had teleported to the pile of books, while moving to the side of the bookshelf one row away from the Dark Wolf.

As expected, the Dark Wolf transformed. It jumped gracefully and enveloped itself in black flames, instantly changing into human form.

--- Jet-black long hair, wolf ears. Her eyes were gently closed, and a single mole was visible on her slightly smiling lips. Her seductive figure, which could not be hidden even by the dark black robe, was as curvaceous as her tall stature.

I saw her again after a long time. She, my "Anko," was in the same form as in my memory, unchanged in this world.

...Oops, no time to get sentimental.

After the body slam, the Dark Wolf will always perform "Dark Summon" after transforming.

I prepared "Dragon King Swordsmanship" while watching Anko's shadow. Good, there's a shadow. She's not in "Phantom" state.

"Huff...!"

I calculated to perform "Dragon King Swordsmanship" just as Anko finished her transformation and was about to activate "Dark Summon." If I waited to prepare after seeing the transformation finish, it would be too late. The timing is to start preparing "Dragon King Swordsmanship" about 0.2 seconds after the black flames dissipate and she lands. "Dragon King Swordsmanship" cannot be moved during preparation, and the preparation time is about 4 seconds at level 6, making it a high-risk skill.

"---!"

A flashy shockwave was released forward, and Anko, who was hit directly, was stunned. "Dragon King Swordsmanship" is a very powerful skill, except for its long preparation time and difficulty in hitting. One of the reasons for its power is the stun effect. Indeed, it's strong as long as it hits.

Now, critical hits are important here. During the stun, I aimed two "Rook Archery" shots at Anko's legs. If both are critical hits, she will definitely be downed. If only one or none are critical, the stun will be canceled. In that case, I would need to hit 1-2 more "Rook Archery" shots to down her. The difference in safety between the two scenarios is significant.

"Well... let's see. Alright."

This time, both were critical hits.

What happens if you down her after "Dark Summon"? She will charge again, returning to the starting point.

Anko, who had transformed into human form, did nothing and returned to wolf form through "Dark Transformation," then charged again.

I took a sufficient distance during the transformation and moved sideways along the fourth row of bookshelves from the entrance, countering with "Rook Thunder Third." What will she do next?

Oh, she lowered her head. That means the "Bite Route." I put away the mithril longbow and focused on dodging with full speed.

After the bite, it's "Dark Roar." The preparation time is 2 seconds, so dodging is easy. If bitten just before, it's 99% impossible to dodge.

Anko released the "Dark Roar" in a completely different direction, then teleported back to the pile of books. After the "Dark Roar," it's either a charge or "Dark Transformation." It seems to be a transformation this time.

I had already moved to the bookshelf. I prepared "Dragon King Swordsmanship" at the right timing, checked for "Phantom" state after the transformation, and activated it after taking three steps forward. In the "Bite Route," Anko will cast "Dark Magic" here, but I can cancel it as long as she's not in "Phantom" state.

She was stunned. I dealt damage with "Rook Archery." Unfortunately, only one critical hit.

When Anko's stun was canceled, she teleported and performed "Dark Summon." Which one... this time it was the "Shadow Staff." Good.

As a result of "Dark Summon," she entered "Staff Mode." However, it doesn't matter much. The down value was already maxed out with the two previous shots, so one "Rook Archery" shot to the legs was enough to down her. I hit her legs with "Rook Archery" as soon as she started preparing "Dark Magic" in "Staff Mode."

I dealt additional damage with the combined "Silver General Archery" and "Knight Archery" while moving to the bookshelf and started running sideways.

What happens after the down from "Dark Summon"? Yes, another "Dark Transformation" followed by a charge.

I prepared "Rook Thunder Third" while thinking to myself.

Ah... so relaxing.

Thank you for reading.