Chapter 47

Volume 1 is finally on sale today.

Thank you very much.

"Milady Jil, let's take a break here for a moment."

"Hmm, yes, that's a good idea."

As Jil and her followers, who accompanied her, stopped advancing through the 11th floor of the 'Dungeon of Mines,' she opened the diary and read the words of the promise written there.

They were members of the 'Golden Eagle' guild but had rallied in support of the Roland faction. They had gladly accepted the task of supporting Jil in this Skull Dragon extermination quest.

Although Jil, with her near-infinite stamina, could have traversed the dungeon alone, this time it was an S-class monster they were dealing with. She wanted to be in the best condition possible for the battle. For that reason, she had asked her followers to supply her with potions and other items.

"Here, this is a potion."

"Thank you."

Jil took the potion from one of her followers, Milko. Milko had been her assistant ever since she became a senior member. Jil treated him like a younger brother, and he regarded her like an older sister. When the Roland faction was formed, he was one of the first to rush to her side.

"I'm sorry for making you do this, even though you're not a professional item holder."

"No, don't worry about it."

"In order to prevent Lucius from doing as he pleases, we must ensure that this quest is a success for Milady Jil."

"…Thank you."

Jil felt the weight of their fates on her shoulders. If she failed this quest, they would likely be expelled from the 'Golden Eagle' guild.

(I have to succeed in this quest for their sake.)

As they were resting, a loud rumbling sound suddenly came from a distance.

"What's that sound?"

Milko tilted his head in confusion.

"Probably the Skull Dragon," Jil said curtly, standing up and quickly getting into a battle stance.

"Now that the boss has left the dungeon, the only thing that could make such a loud noise is the Skull Dragon."

"That's ridiculous. According to the quest receptionist, the Skull Dragon should be on the 12th floor. Why would it be on the 11th floor? Could it be… descending!?"

"Most likely."

"Then, is the Skull Dragon heading towards the city?"

"There's a magic circle on the 10th floor that can return you to the city. If we don't stop it here, the Skull Dragon will be unleashed upon the city."

Jil's words made her followers gulp. It had been years since a monster had appeared in the city. If the Skull Dragon were to be unleashed, the city, which had no defenses against such a large monster, would become a hellish scene of chaos and destruction.

Suddenly, the intermittent footsteps that had been heard until just a moment ago stopped.

"Everyone, hide!"

Jil shouted. They hesitated for a moment but quickly ran into a nearby tunnel to hide. A massive shadow suddenly covered the ground, and then bone arrows rained down like a storm.

"Ah!"

One of the followers who had been too slow to hide screamed. As he braced himself for death, Jil stood in front of him, blocking the bone arrows with her shield and armor. The five bone arrows bounced off her without causing any harm and fell to the ground.

"Jil!"

"Quick, run!"

"Yes!"

The massive dragon, now reduced to bones, landed with a rumble that shook the ground. The five who had hidden in the tunnel peeked out, watching the Skull Dragon.

(It's huge…)

It was as tall as a tower. However, the Skull Dragon's uniqueness didn't end there. Not only could it launch bone arrows, but it was also highly mobile.

(Just a moment ago, the rumbling was coming from far away. It flew here in an instant. How fast is it with that massive body?)

Milko felt a chill run down his spine. There was no way to escape this monster. If Jil were defeated, there would be no one left to stand against the S-class monster. They would all be wiped out.

"Hmph, a worthy opponent."

Jil's eyes gleamed with excitement at the prospect of a formidable opponent, one she might not be able to defeat even if she gave it her all.

The Skull Dragon, which had no eyes, or rather, only empty sockets where its eyes used to be, paused as if contemplating something. Jil readied her sword and shield.

In an instant, the Skull Dragon, with surprising agility for its size, took a step, whipped its bones like a whip, and extended its claws.

(Too fast, I can't dodge!)

Jil instinctively took a defensive stance with her shield but was blown away and slammed into a building's wall. The building crumbled, and dust rose into the air.

Milko and the others watched in shock.

(No way. Jil was defeated in one hit…)

The Skull Dragon turned its attention to Milko and the others.

"Ah!"

"Hey, this isn't a joke!"

Just as the Skull Dragon was about to use the same technique on Milko and the others, a red shadow descended from above, swinging a sword. The Skull Dragon barely managed to block it with its right wing, but the wing was shattered by the great sword.

"Harder than I thought."

Jil grimaced at the unexpected resistance.

(I thought I could cut through the wing in one strike. It only broke a little.)

"Then, let's try this!"

The Skull Dragon swung its claws at Jil, who had landed, but she deflected them with her shield.

(Got it!)

Jil released her shield and, with both hands, swung her sword at the extended arm. Bones shattered, and white fragments scattered.

(I got it!)

Jil's strike severed the Skull Dragon's left wrist. The Skull Dragon, unable to withstand the pain, leaped back to create distance. Jil, not pursuing, picked up her shield while maintaining a distance that allowed her to barely avoid the claw attack that had blown her away earlier.

However, the bones Jil had shattered or broken began to move on their own, returning to the Skull Dragon's body and reconnecting. In no time, the Skull Dragon had restored its original form.

"Phew, breaking bones is pointless, it seems."

Jil focused on the glowing purple core in the thickest part of the Skull Dragon's bones, between the ribs and the spine, where its heart used to be.

(I have to damage that core. The ribs protect it, so one hit won't be enough. I need to attack continuously.)

A dull pain shot through her chest.

(Damn, the damage from earlier is affecting me. My stamina must be significantly depleted.)

Jil clenched her teeth to hide her discomfort.

(If I receive the same attack again, I might not be able to stand.)

The Skull Dragon immediately made a move to attack. Jil ran, displaying agility that belied her armor. She barely managed to dodge the Skull Dragon's attack. The ground where she had been standing was left with a menacing claw mark.

(I can't afford to let my guard down for a moment.)

While Jil was battling the Skull Dragon, Monica, who had cleared the 'Dungeon of Mines,' had woken up at the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' headquarters after a 24-hour sleep.

After having a light meal in the cafeteria, she headed to the reception.

"Monica, you're on this month's kill count ranking."

The receptionist handed Monica the kill count ranking issued by the quest reception office.

"Ah, thank you."

When Monica looked at the ranking, her name, 'Monica Vermare,' was proudly listed at number one.

(Yes! Provisional first place.)

Monica made a fist with one hand.

The difference between first and second place was over twenty kills.

(I might really get the top spot this month. If I do, maybe Roland will praise me a little. Hehe.)

"Congratulations on the provisional first place."

"Ah, thank you, Clarice."

"Sorry to bother you right after you woke up, but can I relay a message from Roland?"

"Yes, please do."

Since Clarice became Roland's secretary, she often relayed messages and instructions to Monica. Monica knew Roland was busy, so she understood, but she couldn't help feeling a bit lonely.

"If you have the stamina, you're to join the team that has returned from the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld.' Your mission is to clear the dungeon and aim for the top spot in the kill count."

"Yes!"

(Roland remembered our agreement about the kill count.)

Monica felt happy just knowing that Roland was thinking about her, no matter how busy he was.

(Alright, I'll do my best.)

Monica renewed her determination. She felt confident that she could achieve it. Thanks to the 'Skewer' skill, her kill count had reached unprecedented levels. Moreover, despite exploring the dungeon three times this month, she still had plenty of energy left. In terms of exploration distance, she was likely the best in the city.

With this, she was confident she could reach the top spot in the kill count.

(Watch me, Roland. I'll definitely meet your expectations.)

Monica gripped the 'Silver Dragon Slayer Bow' Roland had given her tightly.

"By the way, where is Roland now? At the 'Spirit Factory'? Or the quest reception office?"

"Roland has gone to the 'Dungeon of Mines.'"

Monica was taken aback.

"The 'Dungeon of Mines'? Why? We've already cleared it."

"Actually, an S-class monster, the Skull Dragon, has appeared."

"Skull Dragon!?"

"Yes, and Jil has already gone ahead…"

"Jil!? You mean Jil Arwin from the 'Golden Eagle'?"

"Yes, that's right. Jil is now under the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' and is participating in the S-class monster extermination. However, she entered the dungeon before the S-class equipment developed by the 'Spirit Factory' was completed. Roland is now in the dungeon, delivering the completed S-class weapon to Jil."

"Chasing after Jil…"

(I can't let myself get distracted. I need to focus on my mission and aim for the top spot in the kill count. I can't afford to worry about Jil.)

Monica grabbed the front of her shirt to calm herself.

(If I get the top spot in the kill count, Roland will surely recognize me. Right, Roland?)

Monica pushed her anxiety deep into her heart and headed for the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld.'

Roland was pacing restlessly in the hallway of the 'Spirit Factory.' His face clearly showed his anxiety and frustration. His mind was replaying his conversation with Dianna.

"Do you want to join the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree'?"

"Yes, I do."

Dianna smiled sweetly.

"I want to be your secretary."

Dianna said this with as much flattery as she could muster. Even Roland was taken aback by this.

"Dianna, do you understand your position?"

"Of course, I understand. I'm Lucius's right-hand woman. If I join your side, it will bring you immeasurable benefits, won't it?"

"A few weeks ago, maybe. But now the tide has turned."

"I have a lot of information that can bring down Lucius."

"I already know Lucius is cornered. We don't need your help to finish him off."

"Then, how about this? Jil is in danger."

"…What?"

Roland's face tensed.

"Seems you didn't know that."

"What do you mean? Why…?"

"According to the plan, Jil won't be coming back from the dungeon."

"That's ridiculous. Jil can't be killed by just any adventurer…"

"But what if she's fighting an S-class monster?"

"Tell me. What is Lucius planning…?"

"Well, if I tell you that, it won't be a negotiation, will it?"

Dianna said this in a soothing tone.

"If you want to know about Jil's danger, you know what to do, right?"

Roland punched the wall in the hallway.

"Damn it."

(Jil, please be safe.)

"Roland, it's ready. The S-class adventurer's weapon, the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer.'"

Chial and Dowin brought the S-class weapon on a cart.

"Good. Marina!"

"Yes!"

Marina, who had been resting on a sofa, jumped up.

"Use 'Equipment Possession.' You're the only one who can carry this equipment."

"Yes, I'll do my best… Ugh, it's heavy. What is this? It's almost using up all of my 'Equipment Possession' capacity."

Marina's face turned pale, as if something was stuck in her stomach. Marina was already an A-class equivalent item holder, but even she was struggling.

Nevertheless, Roland, along with the unwell Marina and hastily gathered B-class adventurers, entered the 'Dungeon of Mines.'

(Jil… please hold on.)

The battle between Jil and the Skull Dragon continued. It had been about five hours since the fight began. They were engaged in a tense, nerve-wracking battle.

Jil ran with the speed of a leopard, trying to circle around to the Skull Dragon's side. However, the Skull Dragon was no ordinary opponent. Despite its massive size, it displayed surprising agility, barely dodging Jil's strikes.

(Damn, what a difficult distance to fight at.)

Jil had been trying to create a favorable distance, where she could barely dodge the Skull Dragon's attacks and use her explosive speed to close in, but the Skull Dragon wouldn't let her.

The Skull Dragon skillfully moved, showing unexpected agility, and tried to circle around to Jil's side.

(Why can't you just give me the agility, since you're so big and strong?)

Jil aimed her sword at the tip of the Skull Dragon's wing. However, her approach was too cautious.

The Skull Dragon circled around to Jil's blind spot and whipped its bony tail like a whip.

(Danger!)

Jil felt the attack coming from an unseen direction. She rolled to barely avoid it. Bone arrows then flew at her. Several hit her armor.

(I'm fine. Bone arrows can be blocked by my armor…)

A faint creaking sound of metal reached Jil's ears.

(What?)

When Jil glanced at her armor, she saw cracks.

(No way! Is my armor at its limit already?)

The Skull Dragon immediately unleashed a barrage of bone arrows from its mouth.

"Damn."

Jil hurried to dodge.

(If the armor is hit again, it's over. I need to use 'Earth Craft' somehow…)

However, the Skull Dragon didn't let up with its attacks. The Skull Dragon had a variety of attack methods, regardless of the distance between them.

(Gah, if I stop moving, it's over. But if I keep this up…)

Eventually, Jil was cornered against a wall.

"Damn…"

The Skull Dragon prepared to spit bone arrows, tilting its head back.

(Should I break through the wall to dodge? No, it's too late.)

At that moment, a black projectile flew and struck the Skull Dragon with a crescent-shaped slash, shattering its head. The black-clad swordsman landed nearby.

"Well, I guess I made it just in time."

"Wh-Who are you… 'Crescent Knight' Yugan!?"

"Hmm? You're Jil Arwin of the 'Golden Eagle'?"

"Yugan, why are you here… Could it be!"

"That's right. I was hired by Lucius to slay this bony lizard. Well, here I am."

Yugan deflected the bone arrows flying at him with his sword.

The head he had shattered had already regenerated.

(The head I destroyed is back. I guess I need to attack the heart directly.)

"Quite a lively Skull Dragon, eh!"

Yugan moved with incredible speed, diving into the Skull Dragon's chest.

(Fast!)

"Got it."

Yugan thrust his sword, piercing through the thick bones, but the Skull Dragon expanded its ribs to block the attack. Yugan's thrust stopped short of reaching the heart.

"What!?"

The Skull Dragon purged its ribs and took off, taking advantage of Yugan's off-balance state.

"Damn, wait for me."

Yugan hurried to chase after it.

(Did I… survive?)

Jil collapsed on the spot.

"Ugh, huff, huff, huff."

Jil, who had been moving almost without breathing, now took deep breaths.

(This is an S-class monster. I'm managing, but it's stronger than I expected.)

"Jil, are you okay?"

Her followers rushed to her side.

"Ah, yes, sorry. Can you give me 'Earth Craft'?"

"Yes."

One of the followers reached for 'Earth Craft' in his pocket.

"Wait, give me a potion first."

Milko stopped the man who was about to take out 'Earth Craft.'

"Huh? Oh, right."

A potion was handed to Jil.

"Sorry, thank you."

Jil drank the potion, and her stamina slightly recovered. She realized how much she had exhausted herself.

"