Chapter 45

This time, there are cruel descriptions, so please be cautious if you are sensitive to such content.

We managed to reach the 10th basement floor where the boss is located.

I know that the firewall and earth wall blocking the entrance were destroyed by the trio.

Nina, who is not good with men, had an anxious look, but Lena, whose status has risen, seemed full of energy? Or perhaps, full of killing intent?

I update Nina and Lena's buffs. Normally, I would do this before transferring through the crystal, but this time, due to the trio, we ended up doing it in the boss room.

After updating the buffs, the boss appeared after a while.

Name: Godiva

Race: Cyclops (Subspecies)

Rank: 4

Level: 21

HP: 744

MP: 167

Strength: 596

Agility: 126

Stamina: 345

Intelligence: 32

Magic Power: 109

Luck: 27

Passive Skills:

Night Vision LV3

Staff Mastery LV3

Active Skills:

Staff Techniques LV2

Combat Techniques LV3

Roar LV2

Unique Skills:

None

The last boss was a Great Magic Ape, but this time it's a Cyclops (Subspecies). It seems the boss is not fixed.

Since there are no minions, as long as we are careful about the skill "Roar," Nina and the others should be able to defeat it easily.

Lena casts the second-level black magic "Earth Lance."

It's one of the Cyclops (Subspecies)'s weaknesses, earth magic.

It seems she remembered the information about the monsters in Gorgo's labyrinth that I told her.

The Cyclops (Subspecies) has good eyesight, so it easily dodges the Earth Lance flying straight at it, but at that moment, Nina, who had slipped under its feet, slashes at its legs.

The enraged Cyclops (Subspecies) tries to stop Nina with its Roar, but Nina has already put some distance between them.

Then Lena casts the second Earth Lance.

No matter how good your eyesight is, it's useless if you can't see it.

The Earth Lance pierces the Cyclops (Subspecies)'s left flank.

"Goaaaaahh!!"

It tries to pull out the Earth Lance piercing its flank, but each time it does, the Cyclops (Subspecies) lets out a scream.

A normal Earth Lance is spear-shaped and focuses on penetration, but Lena's Earth Lance has multiple barbs.

It gets caught on the barbs and can't be easily pulled out.

The Cyclops (Subspecies), giving up on pulling out the Earth Lance, starts running towards Lena but falls after a few meters.

Looking at its legs, they were wrapped in threads made of magic. It seems Nina had wrapped them around when she slashed at its legs.

As a thief, she has bad habits.

"Sorry~"

The next moment, the Cyclops' head was severed.

It seems that simple brute-force monsters can no longer stand up to Nina and the others.

When we opened the treasure chest that appeared, there was a book inside.

"A dud?"

"No, it's a hit. I've never seen it before, but it's a magic grimoire."

"...A Lightning Grimoire"

Lightning Grimoire (Lower Rank): Allows you to learn lightning magic up to the second level.

Indeed, when I look at the book, it says "magic grimoire."

"Is this a magic grimoire? I heard that if you read it, you can learn magic, right?"

"That's right~ Only the first person to read it can learn it, but in exchange, anyone who reads it can learn it, so it's in high demand~"

Mainly, nobles pay a lot to buy them. This time, the grimoire is of the lower rank, but it can still be sold for at least 20 gold coins.

Lena is glancing at me from the side.

"What do you want to do?"

"This time, Nina and Lena defeated it. Let's decide together."

"Hmm, hmm, I can't use it even if I learn it, so Lena, do you want to learn it?"

"...Is it okay?"

"Is it okay? After all the effort you put into appealing to me and Nina... But if I see Lena learn it, I can easily learn lightning magic too, so it's not a loss."

Immediately, Lena starts reading the grimoire while I start skinning the Cyclops (Subspecies). Nina is also helping, trying to learn the techniques of skinning.

"...I've learned it. Now I'm even more of a genius."

She seems excited about learning new magic and is in high spirits.

Incidentally, Lena's level has risen to 20, so she can now take on a second job.

"Shall we continue?"

"No, let's go back today. There's a high possibility that those guys are waiting on the 11th basement floor, and since Lena's level has risen to 20, let's head to the guild."

"Okay~"

We return to the outside by touching the blue crystal. The trio wasn't there, so they were probably waiting on the 11th basement floor.

When a party is fighting in the boss room, the next party that transfers through the crystal will bypass the boss room and transfer to the next floor.

There are some tricks, like summoners summoning monsters and sending them to the boss room to bypass it.

As we walk down the main street of the city of Kama, as usual, we hear voices.

"Hey, you there, adventurer! I can use white magic!!"

"Sir!! I have the skill 'Strength Boost LV2,' how about some carrying work?"

These are the slaves trying to attract customers. It's not unusual.

Slavery is recognized in every country. Even the holy country of Jardaluk tacitly allows it.

However, all the slaves look emaciated, so they probably don't get proper meals. Literally, they will die if they are not bought.

I make eye contact with a slave in a cage. Again. This slave is a dark elf girl with scars on her left eye and neck.

At first, I didn't notice, but when I walk down the main street, our eyes meet for some reason. She doesn't try to attract customers like the other slaves, probably because the scar on her neck makes her unable to speak, but more importantly, her eyes are lifeless.

Those without the will to live are destined to die. No one will conveniently come to save them. It irritates me to watch, so I walk past quickly.

At the guild, I have Colette buy the materials I skinned.

"You're early today. Oh, is this the skin of a Cyclops (Subspecies)! As always, it's in good condition."

"Colette, can you buy this magic grimoire after I've used it?"

I put the used lightning grimoire on the counter, just in case.

"A magic grimoire!"

Colette appraises the magic grimoire.

Incidentally, Nina and Lena, who seem uninterested, are slicing and frying potato-like things I made, sprinkling salt on them. They are like potato chips.

In this world, sweets are only eaten on special occasions, and only the children of nobles or large merchants can eat them regularly.

Both of them are eating greedily. Next time, I'll get some honey from a giant bee's nest and make some sweet snacks.

"Indeed, it's used, but there is still demand for research and collectors. How about 5 gold coins?"

"I'll take that. Colette, if you like, here you go."

I give the leftover potato chips to Colette, who eats one and says, "What an unusual snack."

"Fu..."

Her hand reaches out one after another.

"Colette?"

The potato chips I gave her were gone in an instant.

"Huh!? S... Sorry!"

Colette, who came to her senses, blushes in embarrassment.

I noticed that the two receptionists were looking at me the whole time.

"No, if you like it, I'll bring more next time. Also, Lena has reached level 20, so we want to go to the job change room."

"Please, do!!"

I was slightly taken aback by Colette's enthusiasm.

When Lena places her hand on the crystal in the job change room, the jobs she can take on are displayed.

'Witch,' 'Priest,' 'Enchanter,' 'Teacher,' 'Perfumer'

"You were amazing, Yu, but Lena is also versatile! To have five jobs displayed is quite rare. You have the job 'Witch.' Only women can take this job, which is higher than a mage and specializes in offensive magic."

Lena seems somewhat disappointed that the job 'Sage' is not available.

"To become a 'Sage,' you need at least 'White Magic LV5' and 'Black Magic LV5,' but you don't have to take a second job right away. You can come back when your skill levels are higher."

To become a sage, it's not just about having 'White Magic LV5' and 'Black Magic LV5'; your stats are also important.

Since we are not struggling in combat, we can level up and eventually become one.

"You think like a noble, Yu."

When I ask Colette what she means, it seems that nobles hire adventurers to level up and take on the jobs they aim for. As a result, there are many knights and paladins who are high in level but lack experience.

"...But usually, people take a second job right away."

"I'm not in a hurry."

"I'm fine too~"

"It's only Lena who's worried."

"...I understand... Tou."

Her voice was almost inaudible, but I heard it with my 'Enhanced Hearing' skill.

Zeppe and the others were lying in wait on the 11th basement floor of Gorgo's labyrinth.

"As expected, they're returning."

"We have plenty of time, no need to rush."

"It's been a while since we've had a rookie worth killing. Let's enjoy it."

As the three of them happily fantasize, a party appears from the crystal room.

"Huh? What are you guys doing here... You're subhumans, aren't you?"

The leader of the five-person party spouts insults at Zeppe and the others. 'Subhuman' is a derogatory term for non-humans like elves, dwarves, dragon people, and giants.

"Get out of the way, you stink of subhuman."

"Doos, stop it!"

Zeppe and the others are smiling despite the insults.

"What are you laughing at? You're disgusting... Doos, let's go."

Doos and the others try to pass by Zeppe and the others, but Vol blocks their way.

"What do you think you're doing!"

Doos and the others draw their weapons and get into a battle stance.

"Hehe, hehe... We're a bit excited and need your cooperation, you see."

"Even you scum can be useful to calm us down."

"Subhumans!"

Doos swings his sword at Zeppe. The moment it hits, Zeppe moves.

(You fool! You're too slow now!!)

The next moment, holes appear in Doos's limbs.

"What, why? Who are you...?"

"Seiya, what are their levels?"

"22 to 26."

"Ha! You challenged us at such levels?"

Doos is instantly defeated, and the other members are taken down one by one. They are adjusted so that no one dies.

"Please... spare... me... I was wrong. It's enough now."

Vol drags a woman by her hair to Doos. She seems conscious but unable to move.

"Stop... please, don't... hurt Rim anymore."

"Understood. I won't do it anymore."

Zeppe answers with a laugh.

"By the way, is this woman important to you?"

"Yes... thank you for understanding."

"Vol, she seems important~"

The next moment, Vol starts cutting off Rim's limbs. Doos, not understanding what's happening, is stunned.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!"

Rim, unable to move from the pain, writhes on the ground.

"Haha, Vol is cruel. Doos, I forgave you, but Vol didn't."

"Poor thing, let's see..."

Seiya starts casting healing magic. However, he only seals the wounds, leaving the severed limbs untouched.

"What are you doing!!! If you do that, she'll never be the same again!!!"

Doos screams. Vol, satisfied with his expression, starts cutting off the limbs of the other adventurers. They can't escape and are cut off one by one. Seiya seals the wounds with healing magic.

"Good, good! That expression is great!! Ah, those two are really cruel, aren't they? I forgave you, you know?"

Zeppe approaches, drooling.

"Look? If you don't do something, it will get worse."

"AAHHHHH... STOP... IT..."

Doos can no longer speak coherently.

Watching his long-time companions being brutally injured, he is on the verge of madness.

Zeppe whispers in Doos's ear.

"Doos, Seiya likes to take women from others. So, you need to try harder, don't you?"

"Wh... what...?"

Seiya mounts Rim. Without limbs, Rim can't resist.

Vol, who has finished cutting off the limbs, watches the scene with Zeppe.

"Ahhh, I want to make those kids suffer the same fate."

Name: Yu Sato

Race: Human

Job: Magic Warrior, Enchanter

Level: 25

HP: 687

MP: 1034

Strength: 249

Agility: 201

Stamina: 264

Intelligence: 223

Magic Power: 253

Luck: 1

Passive Skills:

Sword Mastery LV7

Strength Boost LV6

Detection LV5

Dagger Mastery LV3

Physical Enhancement LV3

Agility Boost LV2

Leadership LV5

Staff Mastery LV2

Body Techniques LV3

Night Vision LV3

Fire Resistance LV4

MP Recovery Speed Boost LV5

Spear Mastery LV3

Dark Resistance LV2

Trap Detection LV2

Stealth LV2

Poison Resistance LV3 ↑1 UP

Skinning LV2 ↑1 UP

Shield Mastery LV2

Chant Speed Boost LV1

Half-Demon Eye LV1

Active Skills:

Sword Techniques LV5

Combat Techniques LV5

White Magic LV5

Black Magic LV6

Blacksmithing LV2

Alchemy LV5

Steal LV2

Stealth LV2

Appraisal LV1

Dagger Techniques LV3

Staff Techniques LV1

Magic Sword LV3

Fighting Techniques LV3

Enchantment LV3 ↑1 UP

Roar LV3

Magic Fist LV3

Spirit Magic LV4

Spear Techniques LV3

Lockpicking LV2

Trap Disarming LV2

Necromancy LV1

Barrier LV2

Shield Techniques LV2

Magic Awakening LV1

Unique Skills:

Demonic Eye LV3

Plunder LV3

Familiar Subjugation LV3

Beast Killer

Enhanced Hearing

Equipment:

Weapon: Obsidian Greatsword (Grade 5): None

Armor: Flying Hat (Grade 5): None

: Obsidian Armor (Grade 5): HP Boost, MP Boost, Strength Boost

: Obsidian Gauntlets (Grade 5): HP Boost, MP Boost

: Ogre Boots (Grade 6): Magic Resistance Boost, Poison Resistance Boost, Paralysis Resistance Boost

Accessories: Sisha's Pendant (Grade 5): Concealment, Disguise

Name: Nina Leva

Race: Human

Job: Thief, Assassin

Level: 25

HP: 311

MP: 184

Strength: 145

Agility: 262

Stamina: 117

Intelligence: 75

Magic Power: 54

Luck: 22

Passive Skills:

Detection LV3 ↑1 UP

Trap Detection LV3 ↑1 UP

Dagger Mastery LV4 ↑1 UP

Stealth LV4 ↑1 UP

Dual Daggers LV2

Assassination Techniques LV2

Active Skills:

Steal LV1

Ambush LV4 ↑1 UP

Trap Disarming LV3 ↑1 UP

Stealth LV4 ↑1 UP

Combat Techniques LV3 ↑1 UP

Dagger Techniques LV4 ↑1 UP

Assassination Techniques LV1

Lockpicking LV2

Unique Skills:

Magic * * * Land

Equipment:

Weapon: Sword Breaker (Grade 5): Enhanced Sharpness, Obsidian Dagger (Grade 5)

Armor: Steel Helmet (Grade 6): Paralysis Resistance Boost

: Hard Leather Jacket (Grade 6): Defense Boost

: Hard Leather Gauntlets (Grade 6): Agility Boost, HP Boost, Poison Resistance Boost

: Hard Leather Boots (Grade 6): Agility Boost, Strength Boost, Defense Boost

Accessories: Ordinary Earring (Grade 6): HP Recovery Speed Boost, Poison Resistance Boost

Name: Lena Forma

Race: Human

Job: Mage

Level: 20

HP: 90

MP: 416

Strength: 18

Agility: 24

Stamina: 23

Intelligence: 119

Magic Power: 138

Luck: 16

Passive Skills:

Chant Speed Boost LV3

MP Recovery Speed Boost LV2 ↑1 UP

Active Skills:

White Magic LV3

Black Magic LV3

Barrier LV2

Magic Awakening LV1 NEW!

Unique Skills:

None

Equipment:

Weapon: Mage's Staff (Grade 5): Magic Effect Boost

Armor: Triangular Hat (Grade 6): HP Recovery Speed Boost

: Mage's Robe (Grade 5): Magic Resistance Boost

: Sticker's Mantle (Grade 5): Fire Resistance Boost

: Ogre Boots (Grade 5): Magic Resistance Boost, Poison Resistance Boost, Paralysis Resistance Boost

Accessories: Yuga's Amulet (Grade 5): Defense Boost

: Ring of Life (Grade 5): HP +50, HP Boost, MP Boost