Chapter 77

As we emerged from the *Dark Cave*, the *Eternal Monastery* came into view.

(Ah, it’s just as I saw in the game.)

The monastery had turned into a ruin, exuding a heavy atmosphere that repelled humans. Moss had grown, rust had formed, and the color had darkened. The misty air had a slight purple tinge, and I felt an impulse to turn back.

This isn’t really a place for low-level adventurers.

Still, I was glad to be here. After all, the purpose of my journey is to see all the sights in this world. Even if it’s a terrifying place, it’s part of the experience.

To be honest, I love looking at photos of ruins.

“...I’ve heard rumors, but I didn’t think it would actually exist.”

“This place gives me a very bad feeling.”

Leroy and Tithia, being clerics, seemed sensitive to the dark aura. Tart’s tail was more erect than usual, indicating he was sensing something. Blitz and Mimosa were silent, holding their breath.

Tart suddenly exclaimed, “Oh right!”

“Please drink this. It’s a *Dark Resistance Potion*.”

“Thank you.”

The *Dark Resistance Potion* is one of the potions Tart prepared, which, as the name suggests, increases resistance to darkness. The effect lasts for one hour, so Tart distributed ten bottles to each of us.

I would have liked more, but this was the limit given the materials we had.

I drank the resistance potion and was relieved that it didn’t taste bad.

“Let’s go. Our goal is to capture Rodney Harbus, who is inside the monastery.”

The monastery is a ruin, but as a dungeon, its entrance is well-constructed. The stained glass windows feature the emblem of the Dark Goddess Luluye, showing attention to detail.

The monsters we will encounter include the *Ghost* from the *Eldgoth Paradise* dungeon, the *Wailing Witch*, the *Baron Without a Head* (with his bandages fallen off), the *Abandoned Dog*, the *Fallen Nun*, the *Demon Monk*, and the boss at the end—*Luluye*.

We have already shared all the information about the monsters, including their weaknesses. Of course, we also know the structure of the monastery.

Blitz and I will lead the way, followed by Tart, who provides firepower. Tithia and Leroy will come next, and Mimosa will bring up the rear. I will also guide the way, providing front-line support. Leroy will observe the surroundings from the back and provide rear support.

The interior of the monastery was not as decayed as the exterior.

However, it wasn’t completely intact. It retained a solemn atmosphere, but the walls were dirty, and the paintings and vases that once adorned them were shattered on the floor. Occasionally, water from the ceiling formed puddles on the floor.

“Here they come! A set of the Baron and the Dog. Tart, save the *Flame Bottles* and let Blitz and Mimosa handle the attacks!”

“Understood!”

Following my instructions, Blitz and Mimosa attacked the monsters. With my support, their attacks were more powerful and effective.

Leroy also attacked with *Goddess’s Hammer*, contributing to the firepower. Since I specialize in support skills, having Leroy, who can also attack, is quite helpful.

“*Cross Blade*!!”

Blitz and Mimosa’s attacks hit the monsters.

The *Baron Without a Head* is a bandaged man, but his bandages have fallen off, leaving his headless body moving. His attacks are simple but powerful. The *Abandoned Dog* runs around and attacks, using its teeth and claws, and the chain from its collar often causes accidental damage. This dog has a quest where it was left behind when its owner moved, waiting for its owner until it died and became a ghost, breaking its chain to reach the monastery. Some players found it difficult to defeat and complained about it.

After using their skill attacks, they switched to regular attacks and managed to defeat the monsters after a bit of a struggle.

“Nice job!”

“Thank you!”

“They were tough opponents.”

I high-fived Mimosa and Blitz and said, “Let’s keep going!”

We are a bit below the recommended level, so the battles aren’t exactly easy. We do get injured from time to time, so we need to heal properly.

Even small mistakes can be fatal.

We proceeded cautiously and slowly.

Sometimes one monster would appear, and other times three would appear at once. I only ask Tart to use *Potion Throw* when more than three monsters appear.

Otherwise, the *Flame Bottles* wouldn’t last!

However, thanks to the buyback requests, we managed to get a lot of materials and prepared hundreds of *Flame Bottles*.

After walking for a while, I thought it was quieter than expected.

“...I thought there would be more *Paladin Knights*, but there’s none.”

“Maybe they went deeper with Rodney.”

“That’s a possibility—ah.”

At that moment, I noticed garbage on the path. It looked like they hadn’t cleaned up after a meal.

...How dare they dirty this world!

“This is a sure sign—no! Is this evidence of Rodney and his group?”

“I’ll check it out.”

“*Goddess’s Protection* *Regeneration*! Please, Blitz.”

I supported Blitz, who volunteered to check, and sent him off.

We also kept a lookout as we followed Blitz to the area with the scattered garbage. Fortunately, there were no monsters around.

I thought it was just food packaging, but there were also some dishes left behind.

“This... looks like they were attacked during their meal and fled in a hurry, right?”

“That seems to be the case.”

Leroy nodded in agreement with my guess.

“To be attacked during a meal and flee like this... they are failing as *Paladin Knights*.”

Mimosa seemed to be angry in a subtle way.

Well, let’s put that aside... I now understand why there are no monsters around here. The *Paladin Knights* who fled must have taken them with them. Just like Blitz and Mimosa did in the *Deep Valley*—Train.

...That means there might be a lot of monsters ahead.

“Hmm, what should we do?”

“What’s wrong, Master? If it’s cleaning, leave it to me.”

Tart thought I was wondering whether to clean up. My disciple is too cute and too good.

“I think there might be a lot of monsters ahead.”

“Monsters!? ...Oh!”

Blitz seemed to understand the situation from my words. When I explained that it was the same as what we did before, everyone nodded in agreement.

“I’d like to reach the hunting ground safely, but before that, let’s take care of the monster horde!”

Everyone, who had been confused, grimaced at my words.