Chapter 19

Lucas and I left the city of Rondalme and headed towards the first "Dream Hole" in this world.

Since it would take some time to travel, we decided to stay overnight in a village on the outskirts of the forest before moving on to our destination.

In "Magic World," a "Dream Hole" is the nightmare of the sleeping god, Alzaros.

Originally, Alzaros was a god of creation who could turn imagination into reality. Over an incomprehensible span of time, he created the gods and the world from nothing. However, in a time that seemed eternal, the absolute god Alzaros lost his sanity and was sealed away by the gods he had created.

Still, Alzaros' nightmares continue to influence reality. His nightmares create gates in the real world that spawn monstrous creatures—monsters. These monsters are unstable entities that dissolve and collapse when they are destroyed. Only the magic stones, which are the cores of the monsters, and items that are the transformed remnants of Alzaros' mana, remain.

Once a "Dream Hole" appears, it cannot be eliminated unless the "Lord of Dreams"—essentially the dungeon boss monster—is defeated. If left unchecked for a long time, it will continue to send monsters into this world.

However, "Dream Holes" that appear near cities are often quickly cleared by adventurers. Therefore, adventurers usually travel from the city to remote villages and then move on to the "Dream Holes."

The world of "Magic World" I know is different in terms of countries and political situations, but it seems the gods are the same. Perhaps the time and place are different, but since the countries from the game era do not appear at all, I cannot determine anything more at the moment. Well, this is the kind of world it is. The collapse of civilizations doesn't seem particularly rare. It's a tragic story, though.

"Lucas, as I've already explained, we're going to dive into the 'Angel's Toy Box.'"

"Um, I'm not doubting you, but are you really sure it's okay? The recommended level is [Lv: 50] and above, right?"

Lucas asked me, looking uneasy.

"No problem, that's the recommended level for clearing it. I have all the information about the monsters that appear in the 'Angel's Toy Box' in my head."

I pointed to my head. In "Magic World," there are no unique "Dream Holes." They appear randomly from about a hundred different types. The map is randomly generated, but the types of monsters and items that appear do not change. From what I've briefly investigated, this system is also shared in this world.

"We're just going to hunt the monsters that are perfect for leveling up in the lower levels. I'll draw the enemies' attention, so Lucas, you take them down with that knife—the 'Iron Piercer.'"

"R-right... That's true. Since you bought me such an expensive item, I have to try my best...! I can't be weak!"

Lucas slapped her cheeks and psyched herself up.

The weapon Lucas now has—the "Iron Piercer"—was purchased with the 800,000 gold I earned from a large-scale quest. Since it wasn't available in regular stores, I had to rely on a black market shop like the "Torn Magic Book Hall" to finally get it, which made it slightly more expensive than its market value. However, the "Iron Piercer" is worth every bit of its cost.

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"Iron Piercer" [Recommended Equipment Level: 18]

[Attack Power: +3]

[Market Value: 550,000 gold]

This knife is easier to use against tough opponents.

On a successful attack, it reduces the target's defense by [15%] for damage calculation.

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The "Iron Piercer" is effective against high-defense opponents, making it ideal for leveling up by defeating higher-level monsters.

However, if used normally, it is significantly inferior to weapons of the same rank. Moreover, attacking higher-level opponents is much harder than defending against them, so while it has an excellent effect, it is not a commonly adopted type of weapon in "Magic World." However, I judged that it is the best equipment for Lucas' skills, my skills, and leveling up in the "Angel's Toy Box."

At first, Lucas said, "I can't accept such an expensive item!" but I insisted because I would be in trouble if she didn't equip it. To hunt our target, Lucas needed to equip the "Iron Piercer." The special ability of the "Iron Piercer" synergizes with one of her skills.

Even if I equipped it, I wouldn't be able to defeat our target. I had to persuade her to accept it.

"Hey! I'll fight with my life for the 800,000 gold you lent me! Even if... I die, I'll protect the 'Iron Piercer'!"

Lucas firmly grasped the "Iron Piercer" with both hands and declared this to me.

"...I'm glad you'll take good care of it, but the 'Iron Piercer' can be replaced. Please take care of yourself."

"But... I was about to be kicked out over a 500,000 gold share dispute, and I never expected you to buy me an 800,000 gold weapon..."

Of course, human life is more important than gold, but 800,000 gold can be earned quickly with a lucky jester.

Honestly, I'm not sure if the old lady at the "Torn Magic Book Hall" will really keep the "Skill Book" for me. To get the "Smoldering Fang," I have to rely on Lucas. If she runs away, I might never get another chance to team up with someone with the "Lucky" skill.

Once you surpass the early stages, the low damage output of a heavy knight makes it almost impossible to kill higher-level enemies. The high performance of a heavy knight is only possible with the "Smoldering Fang."

It's difficult for a solo heavy knight to accumulate money and level up. Forming a party reduces the rewards and makes it harder to follow my strategy. There will also be interpersonal conflicts like with Lucas. Additionally, the "Smoldering Fang" is very expensive, and it's uncertain when the next one will appear in the store. If I miss this opportunity, it might take years to get the "Smoldering Fang."

"Lucas, I'm counting on you. You're the only one I have."

"Huh, Elma, wh-what do you mean!? Um... I'm not good with such things, so I don't understand unless you say it more directly... Um, but, is this kind of talk not good? Is it cowardly?"

Lucas blushed and fidgeted with the tips of her light blue hair.

"What are you talking about?"

...I wish she would be a bit more serious, but I guess she'll be okay.

I lifted my head from the map and looked ahead.

"The entrance to the 'Angel's Toy Box' is in sight."

In the depths of the forest, a rainbow vortex can be seen. This is the entrance to the "Dream Hole."