Chapter 7

I changed it to "A+ Snake Spider."

―――44th Floor VS Snake Spider

(First, I need to observe its movements... I need to find the optimal solution as if I were in its position... The restraint is probably from the spider's legs, and the attack will likely come from a leap followed by a bite with its fangs...)

While considering the enemy's thoughts, I accelerate my own thinking.

(What should I "laundry"? Should I predict its actions and "laundry" its legs? No, should I "laundry" this monster's "skill" itself...?)

Shurorororo

The Snake Spider seemed to be smiling. Then, it crouched and showed a leaping motion.

(It's coming!! First, I'll use a simple spell to restrain it. I need to close the distance quickly!!)

"Fireball"

Until now, my "Fireball" was only used for the party's torch. This is the first time I'm using it against a monster. The small, seemingly weak fireball might not even serve as a deterrent... I chuckled while constantly moving to avoid being targeted and not staying in one place.

"That fireball!!"

Lucifer shouted in surprise, making me feel embarrassed for using such a simple spell.

(I should have "laundried" something... But I need to touch it to do that...)

I tried to justify my use of the expensive magic book that almost everyone can learn from, feeling a bit ashamed.

I predicted the Snake Spider's leap and cast the spell at that spot. As expected, the Snake Spider leaped towards me.

(At least, it should hit... It should disorient it enough)

I ran towards the Snake Spider. My conclusion was to "laundry" its "magical body."

(First, one victory...!!)

I can conduct experiments later. For now, I need to prioritize defeating this "A+" monster.

The moment I closed the distance, I visualized being able to "laundry" immediately. Whether "laundry" can be applied in combat is still unclear, but there's a good possibility.

If it fails, I'll focus on evasion and look for other possibilities...

Jugubuaa!!

I confirmed the "Fireball" hit. The small fireball definitely struck the Snake Spider's neck.

(Alright. I slowed it down a bit. Now, I need to finish it quickly...)

A, Aaagagagaa!!

"Huh? Is it working?"

The Snake Spider let out a terrible scream, sat down upon landing, and started cutting its own neck with its front legs.

"Huh? What...?"

The Snake Spider was thrashing around in pain. I didn't understand what was happening, but this was a chance... I circled around to the back, leaped high, and jumped onto the spider's back.

(Succeed, please!! I beg you!!)

"Magical Body Laundry!!"

As I shouted, particles of light... no, rainbow-colored particles, swirled and swarmed the still thrashing Snake Spider.

"...!! Lord Luke!! It's so beautiful!!"

I heard Lucifer's shout, but I was just moved by the rainbow-colored light.

(Ah. I can fight... I can do it...)

I clenched my lips in near certainty of my "first victory."

"Shut up and get 'laundried'!"

"If you can't fight, just do the chores quietly."

"Get out of the way!! You're just a nobody!!"

"You're an eyesore!!"

The insults from my party members flashed back, and I recalled all the effort I had put in. Fragments of my journey towards my "dream" came to mind.

I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the heat in my eyes,

"Hey, Luke... How do you feel right now...?"

Kyle's face and voice appeared in my mind. His creepy smile and genuinely happy voice invaded my vision.

The rainbow-colored particles that enveloped the Snake Spider suddenly dissolved, and the Snake Spider turned into a black mist.

Plop!

A fist-sized magic stone fell to the ground, and the black mist disappeared. I landed softly on the ground and spoke quietly.

"Haha. Kyle... I feel great..."

Just one victory. But for me, it was a big step. A sense of achievement ran through my body, and I sat down. I saw Lucifer running towards me.

"Lord Luke!! What... What an amazing 'power'!! You are truly the 'strongest'!!"

Lucifer, excited, jumped onto me as I sat. I felt like crying a little and spoke softly.

"Hey, Lucifer. Can I... conquer this dungeon...?"

Lucifer, noticing the change in my tone, moved away and met my gaze.

"Lord Luke...? Of course! Only you can achieve it... There's nothing you can't do!!"

"Hehe. Thank you..."

"You don't need to worry about anything... I'll always be by your side..."

Lucifer said this and hugged me again.

You're the 'strongest'! I was happy to hear that.

Her smile, which seemed to truly trust me, reminded me of my parents.

I was relieved that my efforts were not in vain.

I was happy to know I still had potential.

The anticipation of realizing my dream made my chest tighten.

"It's okay. Don't worry... It's okay."

Surrounded by Lucifer's gentle words and sweet scent, I once again dreamed a sweet dream.

Becoming an S-rank adventurer with the "laundry" skill that was called useless. Obtaining the "end of the dream" that lies at the bottom of the dungeon.

I cried in Lucifer's embrace for a while.

"It's okay. Don't worry. Everything will be fine..."

Lucifer's warm, gentle, and nostalgic hands stroked my head, and I couldn't stop crying.

Next chapter: "Softness and a New Resolve"

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