Chapter 26

Thank you for coming today ('ω')!

I hope you enjoy it.

The lowest level of the Aion Ruins Labyrinth is a bit different from the rest.

Up until now, it was basically composed of corridors and small rooms, but the lowest level has no open spaces, so the floor area is wider.

There are also small rooms on both sides that seem to be remnants of shops, and because the lowest level is less affected by greening and weathering, some of the rooms still have decayed signs hanging.

"It feels a bit different..."

"Yeah, it feels more like a ruin than a labyrinth."

Marina and Silk also seemed to feel a bit uneasy about the change in atmosphere.

On the other hand, Rain was looking around with a bit of interest.

"What's up, Rain?"

"It's very interesting. I feel like I want to investigate every part of this level."

"Well, let's think about it after we finish the mission. Our priority is to complete the mission first."

"Okay, I understand."

Rain nodded in agreement.

"Let's go back and explore again after we're done. Actually, I'm a bit interested in the Out-Dread City Labyrinth too."

"That's right. Since we've come all the way to Quarto, I agree."

Since Marina and Silk are saying that, exploring a dungeon outside the Finis area will surely be a good experience.

I myself don't have much experience exploring dungeons in this area.

Considering my role as a supporter, I should be more proactive.

"Then, let's hurry to the door!"

"Yeah, but we also have the 'Shadow Person' to consider. Let's not let our guard down."

"I know!"

Marina smiled and nodded.

Her brightness in the dim dungeon is like a strengthening spell, and it's a great help.

"Alright, let's go. Silk, I'll need your help with scouting. I can't see well in the dark."

The lowest level is even darker because the upper levels block the sunlight.

The [Piercing Lantern] is more focused on detecting traps and mechanisms than providing light, so it's a bit dim.

However, with Silk's help as a Ranger who can see in the dark, that can be fully compensated for.

"Understood."

Silk nodded, and we started walking slowly through the wide area of the lowest level.

This area probably used to house large shops, and there are quite a few large rooms scattered around, along with smaller rooms.

The more space for combat means there's also a higher chance of being surrounded.

"Teacher...!"

When we were about halfway through the floor, Silk gave me a sharp warning.

Her gaze was directed upward, to the third level visible through the open space.

"…!"

On the third level, a 'Shadow Person' was standing, looking down at us.

As usual, I didn't sense any hostility, but that made it even more unsettling.

"What should we do?"

"There's nothing we can do. It's uncomfortable to be watched, but they won't attack from that position immediately."

Just as I said that, the 'Shadow Person' leaped down.

"What...!?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected movement, I froze.

The phase shift in the open space is supposed to be a powerful force that can even twist and erase rocks.

Yet, the 'Shadow Person' effortlessly descended in front of us.

(What's going on...?)

The 'Shadow Person' laughed, distorting their mouth into a curve and emitting a strange laugh, from which I sensed a definite madness and killing intent.

"Here it comes! Get ready for battle!"

I unfurled an emergency magic scroll.

It's a magic item that takes time and money to prepare, but safety is irreplaceable.

...It would be foolish for an alchemist to skimp on equipment in a fight.

As the [Scroll of Multiple Enhancements] burned and took effect, the 'Shadow Person' moved.

Raising their arm as if tracing a central line, the 'Shadow Person' prepared to strike.

"Kyau!"

In the next moment, Marina, who had rushed to the front, was sent flying and fell to the ground.

"Marina!"

I drew my short sword and stood between her and the 'Shadow Person'.

I have no idea what the 'Shadow Person' did, but the traces on the ground suggest a sharp shockwave.

Fortunately, the [Scroll of Multiple Enhancements] included the [Glass Shield] spell.

Marina should be fine.

"Swish, swish, swish..."

"What a creepy laugh..."

Despite feeling a bit annoyed, I readied my short sword.

As a middle guard, staying calm is crucial.

My main job is to maintain the situation, while breakthroughs are the job of the attackers.

In other words, my job is to take the place of the front guard and protect the rear until Marina recovers.

However... I'll take a bit of a risk here.

I promised the three of them that I would handle it.

"Shaa!"

"…!"

Just as the 'Shadow Person' was about to make the same move, I lunged forward.

The mysterious shockwave caught me head-on, but I had no reason to fear it.

One-on-one combat is still my forte.

I'll show this guy how a Red Mage fights...!

The sensation of the [Glass Shield] shattering and the impact.

The shockwave tore a small cut on my cheek, but I ignored it and pressed forward.

Caught off guard, the 'Shadow Person's' smile faded.

"Shaaa!"

The hand strike that came down caught me, but it was futile.

The [Phantom Double] I had already activated took the brunt of the shockwave, disappearing and leaving only a mark on the ground.

"Take this...!"

I wouldn't miss this opportunity.

I swung my short sword with all my might at the 'Shadow Person'.

A single strike loaded with three offensive enhancements: [Critical Sword], [Holy Infusion], and [Burning Wound].

"Here's a bonus, take it!"

While stepping back to maintain distance from the 'Shadow Person', who was stumbling, I pulled out a vial of holy oil from my belt and threw it.

"Whoosh!"

The oil ignited the flickering flames on the wound, and the 'Shadow Person' let out a strange scream as they began to burn. Then, the shadow crumbled and soon disappeared.

"Marina, are you okay!?"

"Amazing! Yuke!"

Marina's dash hug hit me as I turned around.

How was that ('ω')?

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