Chapter 10

Descending the spiral staircase, I felt like I had gone down at least three floors of an ordinary building when I finally reached the second level.

However, it didn't look much different from the first level.

The scene was a continuous stretch of a cave with reddish-brown earthen walls faintly lit.

"Apparently, the scenery changes dramatically by the fifth level. From what I've seen, the second and third levels are pretty much the same."

"Does that mean only the monsters change?"

"Right. Of course, the map is different from the first level as well."

I tried activating the [Mapping] skill.

The square map was mostly unknown territory, with only a small area, my current position, brightly marked.

"Let's walk around a bit. But, Rokusou, since it feels stable even at level 3, we might be able to consider the third level by the end of today."

Sotachi said this and started leading the way again.

I followed her.

As we moved forward, Sotachi briefly explained the monsters we might encounter in the second level.

"There are Kobolds in the second level, but the new monsters are [Goblins] and [Hobgoblins]. [Goblins] are just like Kobolds with a bit more fur, but [Hobgoblins] are quite strong. When I first came down from the first level, I had a tough time even with one of them."

"Sotachi had a tough time..."

"No, no, that was when I was at a much lower level. I think it was around level 5 when I first fought one. They're still troublesome, but one alone isn't a big deal now."

"I'm only level 3, though."

"Hehe, don't worry. I haven't seen Hobgoblins appear in groups in the second level, and I'm with you."

"You're a reliable senior. I'm counting on you."

"Hehe, you can call me 'Onee-chan' if you want. –By the way, how old are you, Rokusou?"

"十九歳ですけど (I'm nineteen.)"

"Oh, so I'm one year older. Please call me 'Kazune Onee-chan.'"

"Then – Kazune Onee-chan."

"…! I'm sorry, I got carried away. Please forgive me."

Sotachi blushed and was breathing heavily.

I had no idea what was going on.

As we continued through the cave, chatting lightly, Sotachi suddenly reacted.

She motioned for me to stop and whispered.

"There's a monster ahead, just one. Since it's the second level and there's only one, it can't be a Kobold. It's either a Goblin or a Hobgoblin. If it's a Goblin, I'll leave it to you, Rokusou."

After Sotachi said this, a short moment later—

A monster appeared from the front of the cave.

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