Chapter 52

I have a great idea, but if I keep shouting "Yaaaaaaah! I managed to update today again!" at the beginning of each post, about 90% of people will probably have the illusion that "Oh, it's still going without a break. That's impressive."

"We are about to challenge the 'Twelve Ruins of Darkness.' However, our immediate goal is not to conquer it but to collect rare items."

Until now, Rad and the others have grown stronger by rushing through the shortest path.

They boosted their stats through training while their ability ranks were low, and at level four, they changed to a secondary class and dove into higher-level dungeons to quickly reach level ten.

After that, they continued to grow steadily, and most of the party members reached the peak of regular classes, the fourth-class, just before level fifteen. This time, they used infinite spawns to boost their levels to thirty.

"However, shortcuts can only take us this far."

At least, there are no game-breaking grinding spots beyond this point, and classes above the fourth-class are all unique classes with special conditions. The advantages we've gained so far won't disappear, but the growth rate will definitely slow down.

Moreover, the difficulty of the game increases exponentially as it progresses. We've used methods that can't be called entirely legitimate to strengthen our forces, but the developers seem to have allowed such exploits to some extent and set the difficulty based on that.

This world is a one-shot deal where there's no room for mistakes. We can't afford to let our guard down.

"The 'Twelve Ruins of Darkness' are high in difficulty, but the rewards are also promising. With your current stats, you should be able to equip B-level restricted gear, and with enchantments, you might even reach A-level. Ideally, we should obtain useful unique gear..."

"Wait, wait, old man! What do you mean by B-level and A-level restrictions?"

Rad interrupts as I explain.

"Ah, right. I haven't explained the evaluation ranks yet."

It seems I got a bit ahead of myself. The game mechanics are so ingrained in my mind that I tend to assume others understand them too, which is one of my clear flaws.

"There's an 'evaluation rank' that measures the strength of each ability. If the ability value is 1-4, it's E-, 5-14 is E, 15-29 is E+, and 30 and above is D-, and so on. For example, with your current stats..."

I take out a notebook, find Rad's ability values, and add the evaluation ranks.

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Rad

Strength: 284 (B)

Health: 297 (B)

Magic: 105 (C-)

Spirit: 227 (B-)

Agility: 218 (C+)

Focus: 183 (C+)

Rank Total: 57

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"Something like this."

I open the notebook, and Rad and the others crowd around to look. Nue nods in understanding.

"I see. This makes it clearer what we're good at and what we're weak at compared to just looking at the numbers. So, it's an 'evaluation' rank, right?"

"Yeah. It might be easier to gauge overall strength this way."

I prefer raw data, but that's a matter of personal preference.

"Equipment ability value restrictions are based on these ranks. For example, the Brave Sword you have now has an equipment condition of 'Strength D+', so you can't use it until your strength reaches 75."

"So that's how it works."

Rad, who has just learned this new fact, stares at the Brave Sword in his hand.

"Actually, the effectiveness of training and the amount of experience needed for level-ups are also calculated based on these evaluation ranks, not the ability values themselves. While higher ranks are generally better for equipment restrictions, raising them too much can also be a problem."

"Ah, I remember! It's better to suppress unnecessary abilities to grow faster!"

"Exactly. In the end, that's the conclusion."

Incidentally, the higher the evaluation rank, the more ability values are required to increase it. Even if the total ability values are the same, a more balanced distribution will generally result in a lower rank total.

For example, if I raise all my ability values equally, it would look like this:

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Rex

Strength: 200 (C+)

Health: 200 (C+)

Magic: 200 (C+)

Spirit: 200 (C+)

Agility: 200 (C+)

Focus: 200 (C+)

Rank Total: 54

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Despite a significant difference in combat power compared to Rad, the rank total is only three points different.

Furthermore, if we look at Plana, who has the most extreme stats among Rad's group:

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Plana

Strength: 248 (B-)

Health: 150 (C)

Magic: 124 (C-)

Spirit: 124 (C-)

Agility: 248 (B-)

Focus: 388 (B+)

Rank Total: 54

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Her ability values are clearly higher than mine, yet the rank total is the same. This means the experience penalty is exactly the same as mine.

While it's frustrating to be reminded of Rex's misfortune, let's set that aside for now.

"Looking ahead, it's more efficient to suppress abilities like 'Strength' for mages and 'Magic' for warriors, and focus on their strengths. Some rare items can also raise one ability while lowering another, so collecting items is also one of our goals this time."

With that, I've covered the basics. However, Rad seems to have something else to say.

"Okay, I get the goal, but... the 'Twelve Ruins of Darkness' is the front line for adventurers, right? Can we really fight in such a place?"

Despite his usual bravado, Rad seems to be a bit scared.

"Hey, look at your stats again."

"Uh? Oh, yeah, sure."

When caught off guard, he's always honest. I point out to Rad, who is looking at his stats:

"See? You're already stronger than me in terms of stats."

"Ah..."

He says, as if just realizing it for the first time. I smile at him.

"Have confidence. There aren't many people with A-level adventurer stats. You're not a beginner anymore. You're one of the aces of Freelea City."

"Me...?"

Rad mutters, dazed.

Sure, it might be hard to feel like an ace after only two months as an adventurer. But compared to a regular person from Japan suddenly becoming an A-level adventurer, this is a relatively mild transition.

Rad must have had some internal conflict. He was silent for a while, but when he raised his head a few seconds later, there was no trace of hesitation.

"Old man, I'll give it a shot! I'll do my best with the power you gave me!"

"Haha! I plan to join this exploration too. The dungeon enemies are first-come, first-served. If you're not quick, you might end up doing nothing."

"Heh! I won't lose to you, old man!"

We exchange banter, and Rad seems to have regained his confidence.

"Shall we go?"

"Yeah!"

With a casual call, we set off.

Our first challenge of the 'Twelve Ruins of Darkness,' where vicious rare items and the most dangerous boss await in the 'Cave of the Death Warden.'

※ ※ ※

About thirty seconds after entering the dungeon,

"...They're coming."

Plana, with the best hearing, senses the presence of a monster around the corner.

"Here we go."

Rad, slightly tense, readies his sword, but I gently tap his head.

"Ow!?"

"Don't worry. You'll be fine."

"But... I'm still nervous..."

I feel bad for Rad, who is pouting, but he really doesn't need to be nervous or worried.

Because...

"I don't intend to let any of them get past you."

"...Huh?"

As the monster comes into view, I draw the two swords of the Metal King in my hands.

"---Wind Blade!"

With the speed buff from the art, my body moves like it's flying, closing the distance to the enemy quickly.

"Hey, old man!? That's... fast!"

I can sense Rad chasing after me from behind, but there's no way he can catch up.

Speed bonuses from agility max out at 200. Beyond that, it's the arts that make the difference, but Rad hasn't learned many movement arts yet.

(Two groups of seven zombies. I'll start with the left one.)

By the time the enemy is clearly visible, Rad and the others are completely out of my mind. Adrenaline takes over, and my brain is filled with the thrill of combat and the combos I've practiced.

"---Over Art!"

After the first strike, I don't stop moving and take a stance for a quick draw.

"---Three Inches!"

I activate the quick draw art without a pause. The sword in my hands is not a katana but a sword, but the difference is irrelevant with manual arts.

(First, you!)

The second strike of the Wind Blade, combined with this one, decapitates the lead zombie as a greeting.

※ ※ ※

The 'Twelve Ruins of Darkness' is the main content of the game, designed specifically for the "protagonist." Unlike other dungeons, NPCs generally don't clear this one.

The difficulty is adjusted accordingly, and even in its initial state, the ruins are challenging enough to make top adventurers from each city, the veterans, struggle.

So...

(Hyaah! It's a slaughter!)

With stronger base abilities than veterans and excellent equipment and arts, I have no reason to struggle.

The initial monsters in the ruins are level twenty-five, not a challenge for Rad and the others, and not worth much experience.

Therefore,

(I don't need to hold back at all!)

I can fight without worrying about efficiency or restraint!

(Next!)

Using the momentum from the movement art, I dash past the fallen zombie and activate the next art.

"Counter Slash!"

I swing my sword at three zombies in one go. The strike hits all three, but...

(Too shallow.)

Single-target arts lack the power. I immediately follow up with an Over Art,

"---Flash!"

I cut down the three zombies with a reverse swing.

(That's four!)

The joy of slaughtering monsters makes my lips curl up.

To be honest, there's no reason I shouldn't fight here, but there's also no reason I must.

So, this is just stress relief.

I loved fighting tough enemies in the game, but a "life-or-death battle" in reality would be unbearable.

But fortunately or unfortunately, I have a very bad personality.

So,

(I love overwhelming enemies with sheer power!)

I shout in my heart, performing a complex movement to control the momentum of my sword.

"---Single-minded Sting!"

I pierce one of the zombies that just started moving with my usual combo.

(Alright! This is the last one, the seventh!)

Just as I aim my sword at the last zombie in the group,

"---Over Art!"

A cool voice echoes from the darkness,

"Three Inches, Flash!"

The head and torso of the zombie I was targeting are simultaneously severed. It collapses and disappears, and a calm voice follows.

"---Eight."

I quickly look to the right, and the other group of zombies, which should have been there, is already gone. A chill runs through my body.

(Well, of course they wouldn't just let me have all the kills.)

I look back at the disappearing monsters. There, as I expected,

"---That's the end, brother."

A figure stands there, putting away two ninja swords and smiling at me. It's my sister.

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