Chapter 90

The destination is the "Miniella Mine Dungeon." As the name suggests, it has many levels that resemble mines and caves.

Adventurers with low ranks cannot enter the dungeon (usually D-rank or higher), but in the case of slaves, it's only necessary to check the master's rank, and it seems that it's okay even if the slave doesn't meet the conditions.

I don't quite understand, but if a slave enters alone, their rank is checked, and when entering with their master, only the master's rank is considered. It's a bit unsettling that using a slave as a shield is allowed, but that's how the system works.

In the dungeon, you can also bring your familiar, so we have Shimaou as a combatant. Momo and Lychee are also with us, but they are not considered combatants. Although I am the only magic user and healer, we have a tank, an attacker, and Tiga's ears and Shimaou for scouting, so the balance seems to be fine.

However, the most important thing in this dungeon is securing a foothold. There are narrow paths and cliffs where you could slip and fall, so it's dangerous. I've brought ropes to use as lifelines, but we need to be careful.

Moreover, some of the monsters that appear, like bats, can fly and might bypass the tank, so it's not entirely reassuring.

In front of us is a large centipede called "Geji Centipede," a boss that waits at the entrance of the dungeon. The entrance is a space with a good foothold and few obstacles, making it easy to fight.

However, the boss is huge... about 15 meters long, I think. Hmm, it's even larger than that giant snake... but it's not fast. It's big and creepy.

"The armored parts are very hard, so aim for the many legs. Be careful not to get bitten, as it's poisonous. It also sometimes spits a poisonous mist."

"Understood... 'Guard,' 'Taunt.'"

Tiga steps forward to intercept the centipede's charge... but is pushed back by the momentum. The centipede's power is much higher.

Tiga's level isn't that high, so it's understandable.

"Heal... Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry... I intended to hold it back, but I couldn't."

"By the way, we can't proceed unless we defeat this thing... but since it's not that fast, let's take it easy."

Actually, this situation is as expected. Unlike last time, I've thoroughly researched the dungeon, so I anticipated this boss and Tiga and Reus's low levels.

While it's a bit difficult to fight because the tank can't completely stop the centipede... in the worst case, Naga can also act as a tank. We had a meeting with Naga beforehand to confirm the roles, with Tiga as the tank.

While we were cautiously attacking... Naga tried to attack the shell, but it didn't work, so he lit his greatsword on fire to attack.

"Let's go!"

When Naga strikes the centipede, a foul odor fills the air.

"Ah! Naga! Suppress the fire! It's said to be very smelly when burned! Please don't channel magic! Wind!"

"Got it."

As Naga thought, this centipede has very high DEF but low MDF, so it can be defeated relatively easily with magic attacks. However, it's extremely smelly when burned... I heard it was bad, but it really was. I quickly used magic to create a wind to blow it away.

The smell can linger and attract other monsters, so I asked Naga not to use magic. I hope no one got smelly because of the wind.

Naga, who was about to strike, looks a bit disappointed. Sorry.

In Naga's case, his high STR allows his attacks to go through. I could also use magic attacks, but I glanced at Reus and Tiga.

"We can't defeat it at all... damn it."

"GYU!"

Reus is dodging the centipede's attacks but is frustrated because his counterattacks don't seem to work. He wields two swords, one in each hand, one made of black iron and the other of steel. His strikes are light... well, light compared to my brother and Naga, but they are stronger than my one-handed attacks. Considering the number of strikes, it's sufficient.

However, he seems unsatisfied. Probably because Naga is using heavy attacks.

Additionally, Shimaou is on the centipede's face, attacking its antennae. His claws are glowing green... is he channeling magic through them?

Hmm, I remember Leonis saying this monster was dangerous for me. It's indeed strong... he's helping Reus and attacking.

It seems the two of them are still not quite used to combat. I'm not that strong either, though.

"Sorry, I'm just a burden."

I shake my head at Tiga, who approaches. I don't think he's a burden. I just wanted to gauge their strength. Tiga is calm and can be relied on in the future.

"It's fine. We'll get stronger as we go. We don't know each other's movements yet, so let's take it easy. Avoid dangerous attacks or guard. You don't need to stop them... just be careful of the poison... we can detoxify with magic, though."

"Yeah. It's frustrating to be useless as a tank... but I don't want to be poisoned again."

It's a different type of poison... but I think it might build some resistance... so maybe he can endure a bit.

"At least, I think Reus and I would struggle if we took strong attacks. It really helps when you use 'Taunt' to divert them."

"That's good to hear."

Naga is tearing off the centipede's legs, so its movements have slowed, and its charge attacks are much weaker. In this state, we can win without injury, even if it takes some time. However, the centipede crawls up the wall and moves to a place out of reach.

"Hey! We can't reach you! Come down!"

Reus is shouting, but the centipede ignores him. Even Tiga's "Taunt" and Naga's attacks don't make it come down.

"This is a problem. What should we do?"

"I'll use a magic attack. If it hits, it should fall. Be on guard... Water Arrow!"

I cast a water spell at the centipede, which is stuck to the ceiling. It's a big target, and with a charged attack, it should work.

"GYAAAA!"

Angered by the attack, the centipede falls from the ceiling and charges at me.

"Clayne!"

"I'm fine!"

The target has shifted to me, so they're worried. But I planned for this and used the magic attack, so it's not a problem. The centipede charges with its large body, and I dodge at the last moment, stabbing its side with my sword. Of course, I infused the blade with ice magic. Bugs are weak to temperature changes, so I used ice. Unlike fire, it won't be smelly. Ice is versatile.

Fire... I've started to think it's not as useful as I thought... even though my brother and Naga use it on their weapons.

We need to be careful not to start a forest fire, and fire-resistant monsters are common in the mine dungeon. It's tricky to use.

The centipede's side is torn open by the charge, and it collapses, screaming. The temperature change has made it twitch and stop moving.

"Huh? How did you do that?"

"Later! This is our chance while it's still!"

Ignoring Reus's surprised expression, we launch a simultaneous attack... well, Naga used a special skill on the centipede's head, and it was easily defeated.

"Are all the monsters in the dungeon this big?"

"There's a boss at the entrance and every 10 levels. In the higher levels, there are also wandering bosses, but I don't think we'll go that far this time."

While dissecting the centipede, Reus came over, curious. I explained the dissection process, and I'll handle this boss.

The poison from this centipede is important... it's useful for making antidotes for insect-type monsters like centipedes and bees. As a boss, it provides higher-quality materials, but they are relatively easy to obtain since it always appears at the dungeon entrance. As a pharmacist, I want to be able to handle the fangs and numerous claw materials... the shell is not useful, though.

"You're skilled. Aren't you grossed out?"

"At first, I was a bit surprised... but as a pharmacist, I can't be afraid of bugs... By the way, if you don't want to dissect it, you can take it to the guild, and they'll do it for you. For valuable monsters like fur, I recommend that."

However, this large body is too big to fit in a magic bag, and Reus and the others don't have magic bags...

I'll ask Marry to buy them for the three of us.

After confirming that everyone is not seriously injured, we enter the dungeon.