Year 7446, Month 9, Day 10
However you know, all said and done we were able to make it to here at favorable pace.
I think it's quite the good pace considering Giberuti ended up going down along the way and we had to carry him while moving.
It's big that Zulu is wearing the leather armor he used to use in the past as well.
As expected if it was the banded-mail we took from {Bright.Blade} this speed would have been impossible.
And then, just before 9:00 am we arrived at the 6th floor.
This time we managed to teleport into a location that's roughly 7 km from the teleport crystal.
It's considerably good luck to pull this spot on the first try.
If it's here then it's very possible for us to enter the 7th floor this morning.
Zenom and Miduch lead the {Butchers} and {Exterminators} as they just cleared through this 6th floor a number of times the other day. I thought they would already have been over some of their aversion to the teleport traps but it seems the previously psychological burden isn't going to disappear so easily. Certainly if I were to see my allies disappear right in front of my eyes to some unknown location then I might end up with a trauma similar to them as well.
Teleport traps are frightening but if you were to ask me I'm more afraid of the monsters that make use of those suddenly attack almost like an ambush. We have no choice but to remain on guard. Consequently on this floor rather than "running through" we just proceeded by speed walking.
Though Miduchi said, "It's certainly a bit slow but we're still clearing through at a considerably high speed."... I can't even remember when it was anymore when we would pass through slowly one at a time and spend a total of several minutes just to get by. I'll accept that we've make tremendous progress compared to them though.
Normally we move slower as they nervously stick to the wall and follow behind but this time we weren't lowering our speed for that Ginger, Jeru, and the others at all. Gwine just acts like she's looking at the map for a bit and says, "The part sticking out of the wall over there has a teleport trap about 3 meters ahead of it" and then we all walk casually past it along the wall without lowering our pace.
For the sake of caution I wanted to turn around but (Particularly on the side of a trap in the worst case a boar appears there and someone gets knocked into the trap it would be difficult) I even endured that. If I don't do this then they'll eternally maintain the trauma and every time they have to pass a teleport trap they'll turn pale while barely unable to advance.
I thought if they could conquer it here then it might have some influence on the other members with the same type of trauma.
While Ginger and Jeru are probably pale and barely advancing, without even turning around I faced forced with my pace the same while saying, "Anyone who's slow will be left behind. If it's impossible then return. If it's from here then you can quickly return back to the 5th floor and there's no monsters. If you run it won't even take 5 minutes." before walking off. Kamu, Misu, and Rodrick were trying to say something but I didn't pay it any mind.
And then, the Ginger and Jeru they were worried about followed after us just a bit late. We're walking as well and they know that if you walk along the edge of the hall you can pass by without getting caught in the trap so it's only obvious though. However, compared to the time when I had entered {Sun.Ray} it's tremendous progress. It's quite something.
Well that's great.
Starting next time I can properly remain cautious after all.
However, we were only able to advance smoothly for the first 30 minutes or so and after that along the way we suddenly were attached by {Cave Boars}. The first time the {Cave Boar} appeared from the front so Zulu and I finished it off with Miduchi's magic as support. However, the second time was from the rear. That time the ones who were in the back was Jeru and Misu but it seems they had just a bit of good luck as well. The moment the {Cave Boar} appeared it was just as Giberuti had turned around to hand them some Baldoggie as a snack.
He was surprised but thanks to Giberuti calmly sticking the wall while shouting "Behind!!" and Jeru dealing with the charge of the boar covering for Misu we were able to make it this far without anyone suffering any injuries.
Without any large trouble, and the power enemy {Quad-handed Apes} never appearing as the boss of a room, we arrived at the teleport crystal in the center room at about 11:00 am. The {Cave Great Boar} in the room along the way Miduchi and I used {Detect.Life} to figure out the number and their location before using attack spells the moment we had visibility to injure their legs and deal with them all.
It seems Kamu and the others think that Miduchi and I have frighteningly sharp intuition.
Adding to that, it seems the fact that were overlooking boss class magic stones(they can be sold for roughly 150,000~250,00 Z each) from the 6th floor is a regret as well. Obviously I regrets over it as well. I want to gather them all. They would all add up to over 1,000,000 Z I'm sure...
"Take a 30 minute break. It's the last break so properly rest. Giberuti prepare just the Baldoggie. Ah, it's fine to just line them up in the frying pan."
Everyone's quietly resting their bodies. Giberuti's taking his wooden rack that he left to Zulu back and started adjusting the belt on it as well. This time we're expecting several injured people so he's coming along to the 7th floor as well. Though it's not limited to just injured people that we'll have to carry.
Of course I guess you could say, the camp site of {Black.Topaz} was left in the same condition as that morning.
It seems we haven't just missed them.
...............................
"It's here. We're finally in the correct location."
On our 17th time teleporting in we finally managed to get to a location that leads to the northern monster room.
There's roughly 6 km to the northern monster room.
In order to get to the place where we came from the other day we have to clear through the northern monster room once but it's possible to pass through the ogre mage room without fighting by just moving along the wall.
It took another 30 minutes to get up to here. It hurts that we ended up wasting some time but if the teleport luck is bad we would have had to clear through one of the other monster rooms and then pass through the 7th floor teleport room before going back over to the monster room on the northern side. As a result it's certainly the fastest method but I feel like we would be hurrying a bit too much.
"Alright, with me at the lead, Zulu is behind on the right, Rodrick on the left, behind Zulu on the right is Jeru, behind Rodrick is Ginger, behind me is Gwine and then behind her is Giberuti. Behind Giberuti is Kamu and Misu. Miduchi follow after at the very rear. The interval is 5 meters. We'll use this as the base. Let's go."
Several minutes after I started running.
There's something I suddenly thought of.
If a bit after we pass through the northern monster room what would happen if I make a large noise using the spell {Audible Clamor}?
I feel liek the ogres in the halls would approach wondering what the noise is. If {Black.Topaz} is camping somewhere or injuries and unable to move as they standby somewhere then they might notice the reinforcements. Even if that isn't the case I think it's worthwhile just by pulling the attention of the ogres away from {Black.Topaz}.
In order to not surprise everyone from suddenly using it, I stopped moving for a moment and after conveying that, Jeru and Misu were against it. They were saying not to use my mana for something like that. They were hoping for me to reserve it for the combat with ogres. In reverse Kamu, Ginger, and Rodrick supported it.
"Jeru, Misu. Well just watch. If Greed-kun is saying it himself then I'm sure it's fine."
"Look at everyone else from the {Slaughterers}. They're making calm faces."
"..."
Ginger and Kamu both said that while Rodrick isn't saying anything in particular.
"You all, what were you listening to in our meetings up until now? If you heard the reports from the {Slaughterers} then it should have been plenty for you to realize it?"
"That's right. Didn't Ral say it as well? That even she's never seen Greed-kun being serious."
Wha!? Huh? Don't screw with me, what in the world has she been watching up until now, that shitty brat!
Did I look like I was slacking and not serious!?
I've fought seriously countless times. Even that time when I was in {Sun.Ray} I was seriously when I fought against those last ogre mages. That time there were people injured in the {Slaughterers} so I couldn't afford to be acting composed. I've always been serious and greatly diligent.
Does she seriously think that firing off powerful spells no one has ever seen before in rapid succession or recklessly charging into things is being serious, that idiot? Don't be mistaking seriousness with desperation. If you have that sort of brats way of thinking you won't have any success. If you think that being serious is giving all have as if your life depends on it and fighting with complete devotion then you'll end up a soldier for the rest of your life.
Of course even I've gotten desperate when fighting before. The time when I changed the {Vampire} into dust I was as desperate as desperate can be, I was giving it all I had as if my life depended on it, the amount of mana I used in the spell was way beyond a lavish feast. If you don't call that desperation without thinking anything about what comes next, then what would you?
Though I say that, it's probably just talk again...
I'm sure Ralpha is that much of an idiot.
Or maybe she's mixing up seriousness and using up all of one's strength.
After all it seems she's from "Hatsudai Academy High School"~ Not that I know about it though.
In order to not have to get desperate and use all of your strength fighting as if your life depends upon it that's the reason why you have a brain right. The {Horned Bear} when I was a brat and then the {Vampire} and {The.Gazer} since coming to Baldukk. I never want to have to enter that sort of combat to the limit again...Even if I say that as long as we continue exploring this dungeon I'm sure it's possible we'll fall into similar circumstances after this as well.
I'm sure there's plenty of situations where a party gets ambushed by monsters in the dungeon and falls into an unfavorable situation. That itself I'm sure would be a situation like being attacked by an unpredictably strong monster or an attack by a huge swarm. Whether it's Jeru or Miduchi if someone from my party falls into a crisis that's the time for me to get frantic and get it my all once more, I'm sure I'll fight mustering all of my strength.
"What is it?"
I guess I must have been making a strange expression. Miduchi called out to me.
"No, it's nothing.."
"In any case, Jeru and Misu I won't forgive any objections. Obey the leader."
I don't know whether or not she noticed my face(I think it's probably unrelated) but Kamu said that to Jeru and Misu. Yeah, I overlooked it because we're not in combat but normally this place is the middle of the 7th floor where it wouldn't be strange no matter how tense we get.
"On the 7th floor here it's bright so we have good visibility, if we properly maintain vigilant then I'm sure we won't be ambushed so easily. Miduchi don't let your guard down from any direction. Let's go."
And I just said that to them before hurrying ahead.
........................................
We passed through the northern monster room by following along the outer wall and arrived at the entrance we previously encountered {Black.Topaz}.
Just from what I can tell nothing has changed.
With the exception of when we passed through the monster room, since we hurried up to here the time was just a bit past noon.
"We'll have lunch later. Let's go."
We advanced down the wilderness like hall from the monster room and about 100 meters ahead entered the forest.
The forest should last for about 150 meters.
There's probably an ogre somewhere in this forest.
If it gets caught in my {Detect.Life} then there's no way for it to run.
The moment I detect it I'll dash towards the ogre at full speed and before anyone other than Zulu can catch up finish it off instantly just like up until now.
If there's more than three of them then I'll use magic but if it's two then I can finish them off with my bayonet.
After passing through the forest some shrubs continue for about 100 meters.
Ahead of that is a forest again.
I targeted the top of a tree as far as I could see and used the spell {Audible Clamor}.
Even though the halls of the 7th floor are considerably wide and the ceiling is high, in the end it's shaped like a tunnel.
Wouldn't the magic sound reach pretty far?
A large rupturing sound echoes through the hall on the 7th floor.
It should be plenty if we use {Audible Clamor} every 500 meters to 1 km apart.
Though it's just my intuition.
In less than another 1 km we should reach the fork-path that {Black.Topaz} came down from the teleport location they started on the 7th floor.
In about 10 minutes we arrived at the forked-path.
There was nothing particularly different up to here.
We beat down all of the ogres we encountered.
As expected since they're ogre magic stones the amount is what it is so it's a waste but it's fine if we take our time returning to gather them after saving {Black.Topaz}.
Most likely but after {Black.Topaz} split up with us they were carrying their allies corpse so along with being careful of monsters they were probably advancing a lot slower than normally.
Wouldn't it take about 2 hours from the monster room up to here I guess?
I called out to Gwine and she confirmed that there's a high possibility that this connects to the teleport crystal {Black.Topaz} used to get to here.
That time, on our way the corpses of the ogres that seemed to have been defeated by {Black.Topaz} were discovered a bit closer to the monster room.
There's three places where we've confirmed teleport crystals ahead of this forked-path.
{Black.Topaz} should have teleported in using one of those and they should have been progressing towards that teleport crystal.
....................................
When we proceeded about 2 km from the starting fork we discovered traces of a camp.
It was in a location along the wall of the hall where some rocks were.
They must have spent the night here that day.
If their numbers were decreased and carrying a corpse as they remained on guard I guess this is about it.
There was several traces of combat on the way up to here but the magic stones were taken out of the ogre's corpses so it's definitely not a conflict between ogres.
No, it's not like I've seen ogres fighting among themselves before so I don't know though.
I've only ever seen them beating up on goblins.
Whether it's traces of {Black.Topaz}'s combat on the outward journey and trip back isn't clear though.
After that roughly 1 km.
About 2 km ahead of here is the forked-path to the closest teleport crystal to the monster room what we {Slaughterers} call the super lucky "win".
As expected it was too close so we thought, "it's most likely not here" but if {Black.Topaz} was wiped out on their way back then it's possible.
We need to confirm it.
We carefully investigated up to where the teleport crystal should be(it's not like we used that one this time so we can't see or touch it) but it ended with just killing off an ogre and goblins.
Ahead of this there's only a few places with dead ends.
We ran back to the forked-path from just now and then started down a different path.
Along the way there's several forked-paths but they're all dead ends.
In the middle of despair while carrying a corpse to the surface it's unlikely to think they would try to do mapping of all the split paths.
We ignored all of those forked-paths and then ran another 2 km or so.
Of course I'm still periodically using {Audible Clamor} and having Miduchi and Gwine use it as well.
We're using the time they spend concentrating for the spells as a rest break.
And then we're coming up on another forked-path leading to a teleport crystal.
That teleport crystal is about 1.5 km from here.
This one is close to a "win" as well.
We couldn't find anything out of place on the way down from the forked-path.
After returning and advancing about 100 meters ahead we found traces of a camp again.
Unexpectedly there was also traces of someone spitting up blood.
I thought they hadn't progressed very far but I guess someone else was injured.
I guess they were injured in combat with one of the ogres that respawned?
I don't know who it is but it seems to be a serious injury that even Anderson, Kaku, Roru, or Marin can't heal with spells.
If they fought then they must have been using attack spells and it should take some time to recover as well.
If they're still carrying them then I'm sure like this their pace would have gotten considerably slow.
In the traces of combat along the way there were newer corpses of ogres that started appearing.
It seems they're giving it their best.
And then after advancing another 3 km we found traces of a camp.
With this it's become definite that they were still alive in the night of the day before yesterday.
I guess they somehow managed to make up to here while remaining on guard and carrying the heavy burden of Rotto's corpse.
They might have been taking a break to recover mana every time after they finished combat.
We decided to have sobagaki and Baldoggies for a bit late lunch here.
They were moving a lot slower than I had imagined.
They didn't just struggle with the monster room but it seems struggling with all the ogres that started respawning on their way back raised their caution quite a bit.
According to Gwine there's another 7 km to the last teleport crystal candidate we have.
They departed for the 7th floor before 5:00 am that day.
We passed through the 7th and 8th floors and ended up encountering them in the evening on our second trip through.
If they smoothly entered combat on their way in and didn't get caught up in investigating the forked-paths on the way to the monster room then after all their teleport crystal would be the last candidate.
Their movement speed is slow so they might need another night.
"If it's like this then they're probably worn-out but alive."
"If that isn't the case then we'll be troubled. The request fee is depending on it."
Misu and Jeru were saying something like that but they aren't letting their guard down as they scan the surroundings with a serious expression.
"Really..Putting aside the money, isn't it only obvious it's better for them to be alive?"
Rodrick retorted with an amazed tone of voice but it seems he thinks it's a joke.
"Why are you saying such softhearted things. They have the skills to make it to the 7th floor. It's more beneficial for us for them to be dead..But if that's the case then the reduction in request fee.."
Ginger grumbled with a troubled voice.
"Stop pointlessly chattering. Now then, a bit more. Let's go."
Miduchi reprimanded everyone like that.
After advancing another 4 km we discovered traces of a camp again.
With this it means they were definitely alive until last night.
On the way up to here there was traces of combat several times and just the blood was dry but the decay of the corpses hadn't started.
"It should be in another 3 km or so. Let's hurry."
After hearing Gwine's words we all started running.
And then along the way around the time we were going to pass through the forest I got a reaction for something with {Detect.Life}.
The number is 2.
I poured MP into distance and(even then it's less than normally though) extended it to about double so it was about 200 meters ahead.
After using it consecutively once more and it seems they're moving over here.
Different than {Party-ization} it's not very user-friendly right.
I guess they're ogres?
After all that's the case.
They came running out from the dense forest.
At almost the same time I ran out into the area with waist-high grass like a field.
I can see the 2 ogres running towards me with their heavy footsteps.
I finish off one with {Stone Arbalest Missile}.
One more shot, and just when I thought that a {Stone Arbalest} came flying from my side.
When the ogre tried to evade it I felt like the trajectory shifted just a bit.
It's the same {Stone Arbalest Missile} as my own.
It's Miduchi.
The moment I thought I turned around one and shouted "Hurry!" before running at full speed.
That ogre is most likely a scout.
It must have come to check after noticing the {Audible Clamor}.
This is bad.
The fact that there's an ogre between us and {Black.Topaz} means...
Even in the best situation...
No, I'll stop thinking for now.
We need to hurry even just a second faster.
I run past the side of the fallen ogres.
Hurry.
I run through the field and entered the forest ahead of that.
I quickly used {Detect.Life}.
Just as expected there was a reaction.
The number is 11.
The distance is about 100 meters ahead.
Since Rotto should be dead the number of survivors in {Black.Topaz} should be 7 people.
Can I still make it in time!?
"We've come to save you!!"
I raised my voice from the bottom of my stomach.
It would be good if they heard it though.
""..o!!""
".. ..!!"
"..lp us!!"
Alright.
Year 7446, Month 9, Day 10
However you know, all said and done we were able to make it to here at favorable pace.
I think it's quite the good pace considering Giberuti ended up going down along the way and we had to carry him while moving.
It's big that Zulu is wearing the leather armor he used to use in the past as well.
As expected if it was the banded-mail we took from {Bright.Blade} this speed would have been impossible.
And then, just before 9:00 am we arrived at the 6th floor.
This time we managed to teleport into a location that's roughly 7 km from the teleport crystal.
It's considerably good luck to pull this spot on the first try.
If it's here then it's very possible for us to enter the 7th floor this morning.
Zenom and Miduch lead the {Butchers} and {Exterminators} as they just cleared through this 6th floor a number of times the other day. I thought they would already have been over some of their aversion to the teleport traps but it seems the previously psychological burden isn't going to disappear so easily. Certainly if I were to see my allies disappear right in front of my eyes to some unknown location then I might end up with a trauma similar to them as well.
Teleport traps are frightening but if you were to ask me I'm more afraid of the monsters that make use of those suddenly attack almost like an ambush. We have no choice but to remain on guard. Consequently on this floor rather than "running through" we just proceeded by speed walking.
Though Miduchi said, "It's certainly a bit slow but we're still clearing through at a considerably high speed."... I can't even remember when it was anymore when we would pass through slowly one at a time and spend a total of several minutes just to get by. I'll accept that we've make tremendous progress compared to them though.
Normally we move slower as they nervously stick to the wall and follow behind but this time we weren't lowering our speed for that Ginger, Jeru, and the others at all. Gwine just acts like she's looking at the map for a bit and says, "The part sticking out of the wall over there has a teleport trap about 3 meters ahead of it" and then we all walk casually past it along the wall without lowering our pace.
For the sake of caution I wanted to turn around but (Particularly on the side of a trap in the worst case a boar appears there and someone gets knocked into the trap it would be difficult) I even endured that. If I don't do this then they'll eternally maintain the trauma and every time they have to pass a teleport trap they'll turn pale while barely unable to advance.
I thought if they could conquer it here then it might have some influence on the other members with the same type of trauma.
While Ginger and Jeru are probably pale and barely advancing, without even turning around I faced forced with my pace the same while saying, "Anyone who's slow will be left behind. If it's impossible then return. If it's from here then you can quickly return back to the 5th floor and there's no monsters. If you run it won't even take 5 minutes." before walking off. Kamu, Misu, and Rodrick were trying to say something but I didn't pay it any mind.
And then, the Ginger and Jeru they were worried about followed after us just a bit late. We're walking as well and they know that if you walk along the edge of the hall you can pass by without getting caught in the trap so it's only obvious though. However, compared to the time when I had entered {Sun.Ray} it's tremendous progress. It's quite something.
Well that's great.
Starting next time I can properly remain cautious after all.
However, we were only able to advance smoothly for the first 30 minutes or so and after that along the way we suddenly were attached by {Cave Boars}. The first time the {Cave Boar} appeared from the front so Zulu and I finished it off with Miduchi's magic as support. However, the second time was from the rear. That time the ones who were in the back was Jeru and Misu but it seems they had just a bit of good luck as well. The moment the {Cave Boar} appeared it was just as Giberuti had turned around to hand them some Baldoggie as a snack.
He was surprised but thanks to Giberuti calmly sticking the wall while shouting "Behind!!" and Jeru dealing with the charge of the boar covering for Misu we were able to make it this far without anyone suffering any injuries.
Without any large trouble, and the power enemy {Quad-handed Apes} never appearing as the boss of a room, we arrived at the teleport crystal in the center room at about 11:00 am. The {Cave Great Boar} in the room along the way Miduchi and I used {Detect.Life} to figure out the number and their location before using attack spells the moment we had visibility to injure their legs and deal with them all.
It seems Kamu and the others think that Miduchi and I have frighteningly sharp intuition.
Adding to that, it seems the fact that were overlooking boss class magic stones(they can be sold for roughly 150,000~250,00 Z each) from the 6th floor is a regret as well. Obviously I regrets over it as well. I want to gather them all. They would all add up to over 1,000,000 Z I'm sure...
"Take a 30 minute break. It's the last break so properly rest. Giberuti prepare just the Baldoggie. Ah, it's fine to just line them up in the frying pan."
Everyone's quietly resting their bodies. Giberuti's taking his wooden rack that he left to Zulu back and started adjusting the belt on it as well. This time we're expecting several injured people so he's coming along to the 7th floor as well. Though it's not limited to just injured people that we'll have to carry.
Of course I guess you could say, the camp site of {Black.Topaz} was left in the same condition as that morning.
It seems we haven't just missed them.
...............................
"It's here. We're finally in the correct location."
On our 17th time teleporting in we finally managed to get to a location that leads to the northern monster room.
There's roughly 6 km to the northern monster room.
In order to get to the place where we came from the other day we have to clear through the northern monster room once but it's possible to pass through the ogre mage room without fighting by just moving along the wall.
It took another 30 minutes to get up to here. It hurts that we ended up wasting some time but if the teleport luck is bad we would have had to clear through one of the other monster rooms and then pass through the 7th floor teleport room before going back over to the monster room on the northern side. As a result it's certainly the fastest method but I feel like we would be hurrying a bit too much.
"Alright, with me at the lead, Zulu is behind on the right, Rodrick on the left, behind Zulu on the right is Jeru, behind Rodrick is Ginger, behind me is Gwine and then behind her is Giberuti. Behind Giberuti is Kamu and Misu. Miduchi follow after at the very rear. The interval is 5 meters. We'll use this as the base. Let's go."
Several minutes after I started running.
There's something I suddenly thought of.
If a bit after we pass through the northern monster room what would happen if I make a large noise using the spell {Audible Clamor}?
I feel liek the ogres in the halls would approach wondering what the noise is. If {Black.Topaz} is camping somewhere or injuries and unable to move as they standby somewhere then they might notice the reinforcements. Even if that isn't the case I think it's worthwhile just by pulling the attention of the ogres away from {Black.Topaz}.
In order to not surprise everyone from suddenly using it, I stopped moving for a moment and after conveying that, Jeru and Misu were against it. They were saying not to use my mana for something like that. They were hoping for me to reserve it for the combat with ogres. In reverse Kamu, Ginger, and Rodrick supported it.
"Jeru, Misu. Well just watch. If Greed-kun is saying it himself then I'm sure it's fine."
"Look at everyone else from the {Slaughterers}. They're making calm faces."
"..."
Ginger and Kamu both said that while Rodrick isn't saying anything in particular.
"You all, what were you listening to in our meetings up until now? If you heard the reports from the {Slaughterers} then it should have been plenty for you to realize it?"
"That's right. Didn't Ral say it as well? That even she's never seen Greed-kun being serious."
Wha!? Huh? Don't screw with me, what in the world has she been watching up until now, that shitty brat!
Did I look like I was slacking and not serious!?
I've fought seriously countless times. Even that time when I was in {Sun.Ray} I was seriously when I fought against those last ogre mages. That time there were people injured in the {Slaughterers} so I couldn't afford to be acting composed. I've always been serious and greatly diligent.
Does she seriously think that firing off powerful spells no one has ever seen before in rapid succession or recklessly charging into things is being serious, that idiot? Don't be mistaking seriousness with desperation. If you have that sort of brats way of thinking you won't have any success. If you think that being serious is giving all have as if your life depends on it and fighting with complete devotion then you'll end up a soldier for the rest of your life.
Of course even I've gotten desperate when fighting before. The time when I changed the {Vampire} into dust I was as desperate as desperate can be, I was giving it all I had as if my life depended on it, the amount of mana I used in the spell was way beyond a lavish feast. If you don't call that desperation without thinking anything about what comes next, then what would you?
Though I say that, it's probably just talk again...
I'm sure Ralpha is that much of an idiot.
Or maybe she's mixing up seriousness and using up all of one's strength.
After all it seems she's from "Hatsudai Academy High School"~ Not that I know about it though.
In order to not have to get desperate and use all of your strength fighting as if your life depends upon it that's the reason why you have a brain right. The {Horned Bear} when I was a brat and then the {Vampire} and {The.Gazer} since coming to Baldukk. I never want to have to enter that sort of combat to the limit again...Even if I say that as long as we continue exploring this dungeon I'm sure it's possible we'll fall into similar circumstances after this as well.
I'm sure there's plenty of situations where a party gets ambushed by monsters in the dungeon and falls into an unfavorable situation. That itself I'm sure would be a situation like being attacked by an unpredictably strong monster or an attack by a huge swarm. Whether it's Jeru or Miduchi if someone from my party falls into a crisis that's the time for me to get frantic and get it my all once more, I'm sure I'll fight mustering all of my strength.
"What is it?"
I guess I must have been making a strange expression. Miduchi called out to me.
"No, it's nothing.."
"In any case, Jeru and Misu I won't forgive any objections. Obey the leader."
I don't know whether or not she noticed my face(I think it's probably unrelated) but Kamu said that to Jeru and Misu. Yeah, I overlooked it because we're not in combat but normally this place is the middle of the 7th floor where it wouldn't be strange no matter how tense we get.
"On the 7th floor here it's bright so we have good visibility, if we properly maintain vigilant then I'm sure we won't be ambushed so easily. Miduchi don't let your guard down from any direction. Let's go."
And I just said that to them before hurrying ahead.
........................................
We passed through the northern monster room by following along the outer wall and arrived at the entrance we previously encountered {Black.Topaz}.
Just from what I can tell nothing has changed.
With the exception of when we passed through the monster room, since we hurried up to here the time was just a bit past noon.
"We'll have lunch later. Let's go."
We advanced down the wilderness like hall from the monster room and about 100 meters ahead entered the forest.
The forest should last for about 150 meters.
There's probably an ogre somewhere in this forest.
If it gets caught in my {Detect.Life} then there's no way for it to run.
The moment I detect it I'll dash towards the ogre at full speed and before anyone other than Zulu can catch up finish it off instantly just like up until now.
If there's more than three of them then I'll use magic but if it's two then I can finish them off with my bayonet.
After passing through the forest some shrubs continue for about 100 meters.
Ahead of that is a forest again.
I targeted the top of a tree as far as I could see and used the spell {Audible Clamor}.
Even though the halls of the 7th floor are considerably wide and the ceiling is high, in the end it's shaped like a tunnel.
Wouldn't the magic sound reach pretty far?
A large rupturing sound echoes through the hall on the 7th floor.
It should be plenty if we use {Audible Clamor} every 500 meters to 1 km apart.
Though it's just my intuition.
In less than another 1 km we should reach the fork-path that {Black.Topaz} came down from the teleport location they started on the 7th floor.
In about 10 minutes we arrived at the forked-path.
There was nothing particularly different up to here.
We beat down all of the ogres we encountered.
As expected since they're ogre magic stones the amount is what it is so it's a waste but it's fine if we take our time returning to gather them after saving {Black.Topaz}.
Most likely but after {Black.Topaz} split up with us they were carrying their allies corpse so along with being careful of monsters they were probably advancing a lot slower than normally.
Wouldn't it take about 2 hours from the monster room up to here I guess?
I called out to Gwine and she confirmed that there's a high possibility that this connects to the teleport crystal {Black.Topaz} used to get to here.
That time, on our way the corpses of the ogres that seemed to have been defeated by {Black.Topaz} were discovered a bit closer to the monster room.
There's three places where we've confirmed teleport crystals ahead of this forked-path.
{Black.Topaz} should have teleported in using one of those and they should have been progressing towards that teleport crystal.
....................................
When we proceeded about 2 km from the starting fork we discovered traces of a camp.
It was in a location along the wall of the hall where some rocks were.
They must have spent the night here that day.
If their numbers were decreased and carrying a corpse as they remained on guard I guess this is about it.
There was several traces of combat on the way up to here but the magic stones were taken out of the ogre's corpses so it's definitely not a conflict between ogres.
No, it's not like I've seen ogres fighting among themselves before so I don't know though.
I've only ever seen them beating up on goblins.
Whether it's traces of {Black.Topaz}'s combat on the outward journey and trip back isn't clear though.
After that roughly 1 km.
About 2 km ahead of here is the forked-path to the closest teleport crystal to the monster room what we {Slaughterers} call the super lucky "win".
As expected it was too close so we thought, "it's most likely not here" but if {Black.Topaz} was wiped out on their way back then it's possible.
We need to confirm it.
We carefully investigated up to where the teleport crystal should be(it's not like we used that one this time so we can't see or touch it) but it ended with just killing off an ogre and goblins.
Ahead of this there's only a few places with dead ends.
We ran back to the forked-path from just now and then started down a different path.
Along the way there's several forked-paths but they're all dead ends.
In the middle of despair while carrying a corpse to the surface it's unlikely to think they would try to do mapping of all the split paths.
We ignored all of those forked-paths and then ran another 2 km or so.
Of course I'm still periodically using {Audible Clamor} and having Miduchi and Gwine use it as well.
We're using the time they spend concentrating for the spells as a rest break.
And then we're coming up on another forked-path leading to a teleport crystal.
That teleport crystal is about 1.5 km from here.
This one is close to a "win" as well.
We couldn't find anything out of place on the way down from the forked-path.
After returning and advancing about 100 meters ahead we found traces of a camp again.
Unexpectedly there was also traces of someone spitting up blood.
I thought they hadn't progressed very far but I guess someone else was injured.
I guess they were injured in combat with one of the ogres that respawned?
I don't know who it is but it seems to be a serious injury that even Anderson, Kaku, Roru, or Marin can't heal with spells.
If they fought then they must have been using attack spells and it should take some time to recover as well.
If they're still carrying them then I'm sure like this their pace would have gotten considerably slow.
In the traces of combat along the way there were newer corpses of ogres that started appearing.
It seems they're giving it their best.
And then after advancing another 3 km we found traces of a camp.
With this it's become definite that they were still alive in the night of the day before yesterday.
I guess they somehow managed to make up to here while remaining on guard and carrying the heavy burden of Rotto's corpse.
They might have been taking a break to recover mana every time after they finished combat.
We decided to have sobagaki and Baldoggies for a bit late lunch here.
They were moving a lot slower than I had imagined.
They didn't just struggle with the monster room but it seems struggling with all the ogres that started respawning on their way back raised their caution quite a bit.
According to Gwine there's another 7 km to the last teleport crystal candidate we have.
They departed for the 7th floor before 5:00 am that day.
We passed through the 7th and 8th floors and ended up encountering them in the evening on our second trip through.
If they smoothly entered combat on their way in and didn't get caught up in investigating the forked-paths on the way to the monster room then after all their teleport crystal would be the last candidate.
Their movement speed is slow so they might need another night.
"If it's like this then they're probably worn-out but alive."
"If that isn't the case then we'll be troubled. The request fee is depending on it."
Misu and Jeru were saying something like that but they aren't letting their guard down as they scan the surroundings with a serious expression.
"Really..Putting aside the money, isn't it only obvious it's better for them to be alive?"
Rodrick retorted with an amazed tone of voice but it seems he thinks it's a joke.
"Why are you saying such softhearted things. They have the skills to make it to the 7th floor. It's more beneficial for us for them to be dead..But if that's the case then the reduction in request fee.."
Ginger grumbled with a troubled voice.
"Stop pointlessly chattering. Now then, a bit more. Let's go."
Miduchi reprimanded everyone like that.
After advancing another 4 km we discovered traces of a camp again.
With this it means they were definitely alive until last night.
On the way up to here there was traces of combat several times and just the blood was dry but the decay of the corpses hadn't started.
"It should be in another 3 km or so. Let's hurry."
After hearing Gwine's words we all started running.
And then along the way around the time we were going to pass through the forest I got a reaction for something with {Detect.Life}.
The number is 2.
I poured MP into distance and(even then it's less than normally though) extended it to about double so it was about 200 meters ahead.
After using it consecutively once more and it seems they're moving over here.
Different than {Party-ization} it's not very user-friendly right.
I guess they're ogres?
After all that's the case.
They came running out from the dense forest.
At almost the same time I ran out into the area with waist-high grass like a field.
I can see the 2 ogres running towards me with their heavy footsteps.
I finish off one with {Stone Arbalest Missile}.
One more shot, and just when I thought that a {Stone Arbalest} came flying from my side.
When the ogre tried to evade it I felt like the trajectory shifted just a bit.
It's the same {Stone Arbalest Missile} as my own.
It's Miduchi.
The moment I thought I turned around one and shouted "Hurry!" before running at full speed.
That ogre is most likely a scout.
It must have come to check after noticing the {Audible Clamor}.
This is bad.
The fact that there's an ogre between us and {Black.Topaz} means...
Even in the best situation...
No, I'll stop thinking for now.
We need to hurry even just a second faster.
I run past the side of the fallen ogres.
Hurry.
I run through the field and entered the forest ahead of that.
I quickly used {Detect.Life}.
Just as expected there was a reaction.
The number is 11.
The distance is about 100 meters ahead.
Since Rotto should be dead the number of survivors in {Black.Topaz} should be 7 people.
Can I still make it in time!?
"We've come to save you!!"
I raised my voice from the bottom of my stomach.
It would be good if they heard it though.
""..o!!""
".. ..!!"
"..lp us!!"
Alright.
