Delicate features and a voluptuous figure.
And a sweet voice to top it off.
Elisa was the kind of woman most men would find attractive.
At least until a second ago.
"La, Lady Elisa!"
Hans C's eyes widen.
The slender woman, about 160 centimeters tall, collapses to the ground.
Thud.
Her temple is caved in.
Her eyeball protrudes excessively.
Crimson blood spurts from where her ear should be, like a water gun.
The beautiful Elisa is no more.
"You, you bastards, what the hell did you do...!"
Hans C, witnessing her gruesome appearance, shouts in a voice filled with shock.
"Why! Why did you harm Lady Elisa! What did we do...?"
Well, they haven't done anything yet, it's true.
So I answer briefly,
"Ah, I'm sorry. It was a mistake."
My hand slipped because the mace is heavy.
It's true, so...
"Come closer for a moment. Let's talk about compensation for the mistake."
"You crazy bastard!"
As expected, it doesn't work.
Well, he has a brain too, I guess.
Hans C, sensing his fate, enters a state of panic.
"Ah, no... we're all going to die..."
"I'm glad you understand."
I also stop denying it.
However...
"Because of these crazy bastards..."
As I'm smirking at Hans C, who is filled with fear, I feel an indescribable sense of dissonance.
I slowly examine the situation, and the cause of the dissonance lies in his gaze.
'Why is he looking somewhere else, not at us, and feeling scared?'
I naturally follow Hans C's gaze and move my head. At the end of his gaze is (former) Elisa.
The unfortunate woman who has lost her beauty in life and become a cold corpse.
But did she sense my gaze?
"Giggle, giggle, giggle..."
Elisa, who should have already returned to the embrace of God, starts convulsing and making eerie sounds.
Her limbs twist and turn dynamically as if she's touched a live wire, reminiscent of the joint dance performed by zombies in movies.
'What the fuck is this?'
I don't understand at all.
When I smashed her head, I definitely felt that distinct feeling of a one-hit kill.
But why is she alive and twitching?
And making such creepy sounds?
"Giggle, giggle, giggle!"
"Bjo, Bjorn? What's going on?"
Don't ask me, dwarf.
I'm scared shitless too.
I've killed several people since waking up in this body, but I swear to the ancestor god, this is the first time I've seen a corpse dance like this.
But...
Crack.
This habit of clenching my jaw when I'm nervous is proof that my body belongs to a valiant barbarian.
"...I'll take care of it."
"Take care of it?"
Instead of answering, I dash forward and swing my mace down.
The target is Elisa's face.
Thwack-!
Her skull, incomparably softer than a Death Fiend's, caves in once more, and the dwarf faints.
"De, desecrating a corpse... even if they were marauders—!"
It's unethical?
So what?
"I couldn't help it, it was too scary."
"What? Is that something someone who's scared would—"
I cut him off and answer.
I don't know why I have to keep repeating this to people.
"The best defense is a good offense."
Damn right.
I'm scared, so I'm going to smash it to pieces.
It's the barbarian way to ruthlessly crush enemies to protect myself.
'Ah, now I understand.'
This is why Ainar was afraid of banshees. You can't beat up incorporeal monsters.
You need magic damage, not physical damage.
With this new realization, I check on (former) Elisa once more.
And I click my tongue in frustration.
"Damn it, she's still dancing..."
Even with her face completely caved in, Elisa continues to contort her joints, presenting a horrifying sight.
Do we really need magic damage?
"Dwarkey! Use magic!"
"But..."
What do you mean, 'but'?
There's no need to be nice to guys like this.
They only listen when you speak harshly.
"Just do it!"
At my shout, Dwarkey starts chanting a spell.
And at that moment...
"I, I can't die!"
Hans C turns around and starts running away.
It's a futile effort.
Before he can even take a few steps, the crossbow bolt shot by Rotmiller hits Hans C in the back.
Thump!
Hans C collapses miserably, still facing away.
Seeing his pathetic end, I mutter briefly,
"Idiot."
If he hadn't given away his armor, he could have easily blocked one arrow.
As expected, if your intelligence is low, your body suffers.
I then turn my gaze to the last one remaining, Spearman Tyson, and ask,
"Aren't you going to run away?"
"It's pointless."
His eyes and tone are as if he's given up on everything.
However, my warrior's blood senses a strange dissonance in his voice, just like with Hans C.
That's when...
Swaaaaaaaaaaa!
A black light suddenly bursts from Hans C's body.
Honestly, I was scared shitless and hid behind Dwarkey in a hurry, but nothing happened.
The light shines for about 5 seconds and then disappears. Only then do I uncurl my body and check the front.
"What the hell?"
I don't know what kind of bizarre combination this is, but Hans C's body has turned into a mummy after emitting the light.
His body is shriveled and lifeless, completely devoid of moisture.
Our gazes naturally turn to Rotmiller, who shot the crossbow.
"Rotmiller, what the hell did you do..."
"I, I didn't do anything! Really!"
I know, man.
This must also be related to (former) Elisa. After all, Tyson turned into that state even though we haven't done anything to him yet.
Mage Dwarkey hurriedly gives his opinion.
"The life force that was drained from those two was absorbed into that woman's body!"
Hmm, is that roughly what happened?
I've played the game so much that I have a rough idea of what type she is.
And I have a hunch.
"Giggle, giggle, giggle..."
Elisa then gets up, dancing with her joints.
Her face is still half-crushed.
And with that, Elisa opens her mouth.
"Ho, w, di, d, yo, u, kn, ow?"
"Know what."
"Th, at, we, we, re, en, em, ies."
"Ah, that."
I try to answer calmly, even though I'm scared shitless.
"Bastards always smell rotten, you know."
Was it a satisfying answer?
It seems like it.
Seeing the half-headed Elisa laughing so hard...
"Ki, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi!!!"
Damn it, why can't things just go smoothly for once in my life?
"..."
The current situation is similar to the Corpse Golem battle.
Everyone is frozen stiff at the unrealistic sight, and just like then, I shout to wake up the dazed team members.
"Everyone, get a grip!!"
If we're not careful, we're all going to die.
__________________________________________
I've been playing [Dungeon and Stone] for 10 years.
Although it's not a popular game, I'm proud to say that I know everything about it.
And it's not wrong.
"Ki, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi!!!"
"How, how is this possible? Why is a dead person..."
A corpse has been resurrected.
However, based on my knowledge, I'm sure this isn't a miracle performed by Leathlas, the god of exploration.
Regardless of what his followers do, Leathlas is a god of good alignment.
I briefly share the conclusion I've reached.
"A priest of Karui."
A priest of Karui, the god of darkness.
It's a kind of hidden class that can only be chosen when you start as a human and then change your job to priest.
The advantage is that they can use both divine power and dark magic, but the penalties are just as severe.
"A priest of Karui!"
"That woman was a follower of that evil god!"
If you change your job to a priest of Karui, you'll be dragged to the execution grounds the moment your class is revealed.
Therefore, you have to form a team with evil-aligned NPCs as followers, and you even need to periodically sacrifice living beings to maintain your job.
'That's probably why they were acting like marauders. The labyrinth is the safest place to find sacrifices.'
With this, most of the causal relationships have been resolved.
But there's still one question left.
Why us?
Why were they so persistent in targeting us?
However, there's no time to dwell on such things.
"Because of, you, I lost, a precious, follower."
Elisa, who seems to have digested all the life force she absorbed from Hans C and Tyson, looks at me and speaks.
Her vocabulary seems to have improved compared to before, probably because her crushed brain has recovered.
In other words, her intelligence has returned.
But...
'What the hell is this crazy bitch saying?'
As expected, intelligence and personality are separate things.
I answer briefly,
"To blame others even in this situation, you must have not received proper family education."
"...Wh, what?"
It's all this woman's fault that Hans and Tyson died so miserably at such a young age.
If they had just accepted their fate with their heads smashed, this wouldn't have happened.
I then gather my resolve.
"I'll avenge Hans and Tyson."
And I'll take all their equipment and valuables.
Well, it won't be easy.
When has my life ever been easy?
________________________________________
「Elisa Behenk has cast [Call of the Dead].」
"Lo, look over there!"
The dwarf exclaims and points to one spot.
Hans C and Tyson, who have become mummies, are slowly getting up. I'm not surprised, since I've played as a priest of Karui a few times.
'Call of the Dead.'
It's the basic and core skill of that class.
Originally, it only summons undead monsters, but if you use corpses as mediums, you can control stronger minions.
Those eyes, devoid of reason, are proof of that.
"Grrr..."
Hans and Tyson, now promoted to undead, roll their eyes as they look at us.
And...
"Destroy the enemies, my servants!"
Following Elisa's command, they charge towards us.
Kwaaang!
The battle begins in earnest as the charge of 'Hans-on' clashes with the shield wall formed by me and the dwarf.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Enhance].」
「The effects of active skills used afterwards will increase in proportion to Soul Power.」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Poison Infliction].」
While we're getting beaten up in the front, Misha and Dwarkey diligently deal damage, but there are no effective hits.
Their strength surpasses that of humans, and their high physical resistance makes them impervious even to my mace strikes.
And they even gained resistance to poison and cold due to their undead transformation.
It seems like the matchup is not in our favor.
Clang! Whoosh!
Of course, Rotmiller, who has extensive experience fighting undead, uses his Molotov cocktails without hesitation, but…
"Foolishness!"
「Elisa Behenk has cast [Flame of the Dead].」
Black flames flicker in the air and start absorbing all the surrounding flames.
'Damn it.'
The situation has become troublesome.
Fire, which is the second most effective element against undead after holy power, doesn't work?
'Do we have no choice but to destroy the core?'
Undead don't die even if their bodies are completely destroyed, as long as their core is intact.
For reference, the core of skeletons is hidden between their ribs, and for Death Fiends, it's their brain.
Then what about these guys who have been reborn through the power of the dark god?
The answer is simple.
"Misha, can you kill that woman?"
The core of summoned creatures is usually located within the summoner.
In other words, if we can just kill Elisa, 'Hans-on' will also find peace and return to the true embrace of God.
"Hmm…"
"It's okay even if you can't kill her. Just inflicting damage will improve the situation significantly."
"I'll try."
Misha nods.
And she immediately steps on my shoulder and leaps high, flying towards Elisa.
Her movements are as agile and flexible as a fairy's. However, her opponent is not one to be defeated easily.
「Elisa Behenk has summoned [Shadow Guards].」
Shadowy figures of soldiers rise from the ground, forming a tight barrier around Elisa.
It seems difficult for even Misha to break through them and take Elisa's head in a short amount of time.
But…
'There's no reason why we can't fight a long battle.'
If Hans-on had weapons in their hands, it would be a different story.
But since we already confiscated them, Hans-on, who have become undead, aren't that threatening.
In fact, even just the dwarf and I can stall for as long as we want.
Having made my judgment, I redistribute the team members.
"Dwarkey, Rotmiller, you two help Misha as well."
"But…"
"It's okay, we can somehow manage here with just the two of us."
"Alright! Then we'll leave it to you!"
As soon as Dwarkey and Rotmiller join in, the tide of battle starts to slowly turn.
Of course, the Shadow Guards respawn as soon as they're destroyed, and Elisa continues to cast various curses on us, but…
"It seems like she's running out of energy! Keep it up!"
From a certain point, the number of Shadow Guards being summoned decreases significantly.
Even the power of an evil god has its limits.
Could it be that she didn't anticipate this situation?
"These, damn, bastards…!"
Elisa, cornered, starts to panic and tremble.
However, perhaps she still has some rationality left for survival, she grits her teeth and mutters quietly.
"I won't, forget, this humiliation…"
The number of Shadow Guards, which we've been reducing for about 20 minutes, is down to less than five.
Realizing what she's trying to do, I shout urgently.
"What? Damn it, no!"
Where do you think you're going after we almost caught you!
I push away Hans-on, who had been clinging to me throughout the battle, and dash with all my might.
But…
「Elisa Behenk has cast [Wraith Form].」
Elisa's body becomes translucent and floats into the air. And in that state, she glances at us once and…
"You'll, never, return, alive."
…flies away into the darkness.
Whoosh!
I sigh deeply as I stare in that direction, like a dog chasing after a chicken.
"Damn it…"
The boss monster we almost caught has escaped.
And with a deep grudge against us.
-x-X-x-
Priest of Karui.
It's a kind of hidden class that requires reaching at least the 5th floor to change jobs to, and unlike regular priests, it's loaded with various combat spells and curse abilities.
"What the hell! She ran away!"
We had considered the worst-case scenario of a total party kill, but in the end, we were able to overcome this danger without any casualties.
How was that possible?
If I calmly reflect on it, there are several reasons.
"A priest of Karui... as I've heard, she was a terrifying being. Bjorn, we would have been in big trouble if it weren't for you."
We confiscated their weapons early on.
Swords, shields, spears, and even Elisa's staff. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it was a blessing that we took the staff.
Without her staff, it wouldn't have been as easy for her to cast spells.
Well, there's another key factor, but...
"As expected, a reliable barbarian is the best. I thought that woman was a priestess and Rotmiller was mistaken or something. But you just smashed her head in!"
"I, I thought the same. Bjorn, when you swung your weapon, oh my, my heart almost stopped..."
A blow delivered at an unexpected moment for both enemies and allies.
Elisa, whose head was smashed by this one hit, had to revive herself by absorbing the life force of her companions.
However, it wasn't a complete resurrection.
How could her body be fine after her brain was smashed and then restored?
'Her speech, which was choppy and broken, must have been because she hadn't fully recovered.'
There were many advantages to that.
However, while I feel relieved, I also feel a sense of dread. What if we had fought when we were both at 100%?
Well, I think the win rate would have been about 50/50.
Assuming that at least two people would die, no matter who won.
It would have been a fierce battle.
That's why they tried to trick us by pretending to be survivors.
'So, did the fact that our strength was evenly matched actually help us?'
After finishing my reflection on this incident, I briefly check my physical condition.
It's the worst, needless to say.
「[Energy Depletion] is ongoing.」
「Energy recovery rate is decreased.」
「[Low-Grade Decay] is ongoing.」
「Wound recovery rate is decreased.」
「[Tracking] is ongoing.」
「The character's location is being transmitted to the caster.」
「[Wraith Walk] is ongoing.」
「The character experiences slight pain when moving.」
「[Stamina Reduction] is ongoing....」
Damn it, I'm going crazy.
My eyes are sore, and my head feels like it's been pickled in salt. I also feel like I can't control my lower body.
Phew, damn it, how many curses did that bitch cast on me?
「Warning: Character has 15 or more stacked curses. If not treated with divine power or magic, the character's physical abilities may be permanently reduced.」
My condition is terrible.
It's a total disaster. Honestly, it's hard to even explain what's wrong with me.
But I'm not too worried.
We have a mage in our team.
"Dwarkey, I request a curse removal spell."
"Cu, curse removal?"
No, why is he surprised?
It makes me anxious.
"You said you can use curse magic, didn't you?"
"That's true, but..."
But what?
As I stare at him, urging him to continue, Dwarkey avoids my gaze and says,
"I said I can use a few curse spells, but I didn't say I can remove them...?"
Huh?
"What kind of bullshit is that?"
"I couldn't help it since I learned magic on my own, not through entering the Magic Tower. I also heard that there's rarely a need to remove curses during explorations..."
Dwarkey continues with his excuses.
To put it simply, it's a very simple story.
"In other words, you didn't have the money."
Dwarkey nods with a displeased expression as I summarize the situation in one sentence, like a barbarian.
"That's right. I thought it would be better to learn the most necessary things first."
Right, that's the kind of team we are.
What's the point of complaining now?
We're all in the same boat, so complaining further will just make us look pathetic.
Let's not dwell on what's impossible and focus on what we can do right now.
"Rotmiller, is there a way to track that woman?"
"...Unfortunately, no. I've been trying to find a way since earlier, but I can't find any leads."
Hmm, as expected...
This is a bit... no, this is quite troublesome.
Although it seems like some of them haven't fully realized it yet.
"What do you think? How dangerous is it?"
"Well, I'm not sure yet. But one thing is certain, we need to leave this place right now."
"Leave... but where to?"
"Wait! What are you guys talking about?"
Dwarkey interrupts our serious conversation.
I want to tell him to stay out of it while the adults are talking, but...
He's still a mage, after all.
Maybe he'll come up with a good idea if we discuss it, so let's just give him a rough explanation.
"Didn't that woman say she wouldn't let us leave alive when she ran away? She'll definitely come back for us."
"That's true, but can't we just deal with her like we did before if she comes again?"
No, that's not as easy as it sounds.
Is it because it's his first time in the labyrinth?
He's a mage, but he seems to have worse judgment than Misha.
"It's definitely a big deal! If she ambushes us from behind while we're fighting monsters, we'll be in trouble!"
It's common sense that invisible enemies are scarier than visible ones.
And when she comes back for revenge, she'll be almost fully recovered.
'And she'll have the advantage of choosing the timing of the ambush.'
As I learned from gaining an advantage with a pre-emptive strike earlier, battles are usually more favorable for the one who initiates Rotmiller explains this kindly, and Dwarkey shuts his mouth with a look of fear.
"A priest of Karui lurking in the darkness, it seems like we've encountered a major obstacle in our journey. Hahaha."
The dwarf, the figurehead leader, tries to act nonchalant and laughs while patting Dwarkey's shoulder, who is stiff...
...but the tense atmosphere doesn't improve at all.
Well, they know better than anyone since they just fought 1:5. Just how troublesome priests of Karui are.
Just as the anxiety is starting to escalate...
"Since things have turned out this way, it would be best to enter the Witch's Forest as soon as possible."
I suggest the only solution to the current situation.
Rotmiller asks briefly,
"Why?"
"She won't be able to track us once we get there. The curse problem will also be resolved."
It's an answer with a lot omitted, but it's enough. Judging by their expressions, they seem to understand what I meant.
"Using the terrain characteristics of the Witch's Forest... that's a rational judgment."
Rotmiller nods.
However, is there one thing that's puzzling to him?
"But didn't you say this is your first time on the 3rd floor?"
Yes, that's right.
So please, just proceed without me having to say anything, man.
"...I studied at the library."
"Library?"
Rotmiller tilts his head at my excuse, which isn't really an excuse.
However, I'm not too worried.
There's a witness right next to me, just in time.
"It might be surprising, but it's true. Bjorn goes to the library every day and reads books."
"Wow, a barbarian reading books?"
"No wonder his way of speaking is extraordinary compared to other barbarians."
They look at me as if I'm some kind of weirdo.
I wish they would just make a decision and do what needs to be done.
"So what do you all think?"
"I agree with your plan."
Afterwards, with Rotmiller supporting my suggestion, the dwarf and Misha also vote in favor, and the conclusion is reached quickly.
However, there's one thing left to do before we leave.
I look at 'Hans-on', who collapsed like puppets with their strings cut as soon as Elisa escaped, and say,
"What are you all doing? Aren't you going to strip them?"
No matter how urgent it is, we need to take what we can get.
We're explorers, aren't we?
We defeat marauders and monsters.
_____________________________________
"If we sell everything, it will be well over 6 million stones."
Is it because they were 3rd-floor marauders?
The loot dropped by 'Hans-on' is on a different level compared to the ones we encountered before.
Of course, if we divide it into five, the income would be roughly similar to before, but...
"Really?! We can each get over 1 million stones! I was worried about this year's taxes, but this is a relief!"
"With that money, I can learn a few more spells! Ah, I'll definitely learn the curse removal spell this time!"
Dwarkey and Misha, who have suddenly come into a large sum of money, happily imagine their future.
However, Rotmiller, the dwarf, and I just smile awkwardly and remain silent.
Because no matter how much you earn in the labyrinth, it only matters if you return to the city alive.
"We'll sell all this loot in the city later and settle the accounts then."
For reference, during the journey, the three of us with expandable backpacks will share the responsibility of storing the loot.
No one can predict what will happen in the future.
Someone might die during the exploration, lose their backpack, or even try to run away with everything.
However, I'm a bit surprised during this process.
'I knew about the dwarf, but I didn't expect Misha to have an expandable backpack too...'
Contrary to the impression she gave, is she the type who diligently saves money?
Maybe Misha is unexpectedly good with money.
"Then let's depart."
After collecting the loot, we pack up our campsite and quickly leave.
Rotmiller takes the lead, finding the path, and the rest of us follow behind, on guard for any surprise attacks.
We focus on moving, avoiding most monster encounters using Rotmiller's sense of smell.
How much time has passed?
「Warning: Character's stamina is continuously decreasing. If not resolved soon, permanent....」
I feel like I'm going to die.
After traveling for about 5 hours, almost running with all these curses hanging on me, my body is in a terrible state.
If it weren't for the Magic Resistance, Darkness Resistance, and other stats I gained from the vampire, I would have probably collapsed from exhaustion by now.
"Bjorn, are you... alright?"
"I can endure, don't worry about it."
I pretend to be fine at the dwarf's concern, but honestly, I'm not fine at all.
Unlike these guys who only have two or three curses, that crazy bitch cast countless curses on me.
And she only cast them on me.
'Damn Energy Depletion...'
Energy Depletion.
It's a shitty skill that drastically reduces the recovery of stamina, which is consumed whenever the character moves or takes action.
For reference, stamina is separate from health, so no matter how high my natural regeneration is, it's useless.
'In game terms, I probably have about 30% left?'
In the game, the character wouldn't move if the stamina gauge fell below 10%.
NPCs would often whine and beg to be killed.
But I'm not at that point yet.
Of course, it's incredibly difficult.
But it's not enough to kill me.
I can still endure with willpower.
So, I still have plenty of room left.
「Achievement Unlocked」
Condition: Stamina falls below 5%.
Reward: Mental stat permanently increases by +1.
Yeah, it definitely will be.
I can't endure if I don't think that way.
Let's just think about the positive aspects.
Although we pushed ourselves a bit, we're almost at our destination.
"The soil is moist, so I think we'll arrive if we go for another 10 minutes."
A journey of about 5 hours.
Contrary to our worries, we reach the Witch's Forest without a single attack.
'If she hasn't shown up yet even though we've come this far, that means she hasn't fully recovered either.'
It was worth it to rush even though it was tough.
I don't think there's a chance she gave up on us.
After all, she even revealed the power of the dark god in front of us to try and survive.
If we, the witnesses, return alive and well, she'll be in a very difficult situation.
"We've arrived."
As I hear Rotmiller's words, I shake off the thoughts that filled my head.
Phew, as expected, thinking about other things is the best when things are tough.
I was able to skip a whole 10 minutes!
"This is the Witch's Forest... Somehow, I feel a creepy vibe."
"All the mages who come here for the first time seem to say that."
"It feels like ominous magic power is vibrating throughout the forest."
Barren thorn bushes.
Vines wrapped around them like snakes.
"Wai, wait! The tree over there moved!"
It's a place where everything is alive and moving.
The Witch's Forest.
「Character has entered a special area.」
「Field effect - Witch's Forest is applied.」
「Status effect [Disoriented] is applied.」
「Status effect [Auditory Hallucination] is applied.」
「Status effect [Visual Hallucination] is applied.」
「Status effect [Pain Amplification] is applied.」
As we step into the forest, relying on the torches, a chilly air permeates my skin.
「All status effects except for field effects are nullified.」
Ha, I feel much better now.
____________________________________
「Bjorn Yandel」
Level: 3
Physical: 155 / Mental: 91 (New +1) / Ability: 115
Item Level: 683
Total Combat Index: 528.75 (New +1)
Acquired Essences: Corpse Golem - Rank 7 / Vampire (Guardian) - Rank 5
-x-X-x-
The curses I was carrying have disappeared.
However, instead, cursed words keep echoing in my ears.
[Die! Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!]
Yeah, I'm not dying.
[Motherless bastard!]
Yeah, I have a mom in the real world.
[Keeheeheehee! Keeheehee!]
I roughly ignore the auditory hallucinations that come every few seconds and smile.
It's a bit annoying, but so what?
They're just hallucinations.
No matter how much they curse, there's no real damage, and thanks to these guys, even the real curses have disappeared without a trace.
'Besides, the things they say as mental attacks are all lame.'
If they're going to do it, they should do it properly.
There's no originality or sincerity.
Well, these guys seem to think differently.
"Bjorn! How can you just laugh off those insults! Are you crazy? It's been so noisy that I have a headache!"
Misha, the dwarf, and Rotmiller, who have been to the Witch's Forest before, are in a relatively better state, but Dwarkey is the problem.
"...Ugh, ugh."
His eyes are glazed over, and his cheeks are sunken, as if he's about to throw up everything in his stomach.
Well, it's understandable that he would feel nauseous in this environment.
'I didn't know it would feel like this, it's strange.'
Everything looks distorted due to the [Hallucination] and [Disoriented] effects.
I'm clearly looking to the right, but I see what I saw in front of me, and my sense of distance is also blurry.
It's like looking at the world through a convex mirror.
"Urgh, bleugh!"
Dwarkey finally can't hold it in and vomits up thick stomach acid.
Feeling worried, I ask,
"Can you use magic in that state?"
"Bjorn, you're being mean. Your companion is struggling, but that's more important?"
What is she talking about?
She told him to grow up when he was throwing up earlier.
Phew, this is why I should refrain from getting attached to people.
It clouds my judgment.
"Misha, I wasn't asking you. So Dwarkey, your answer?"
"Do, don't worry. I can use magic without any problems... Urgh!"
Hmm, I guess we should assume there's no magic until he gets used to it.
Why are mages so weak-stomached?
As I click my tongue, unable to understand them at all, Rotmiller looks at me with a strange expression.
"Still, it's impressive. Even barbarians with strong spirits usually struggle a bit on their first time..."
Well, that's what I heard.
But I was just too exhausted earlier.
As I laugh it off, as expected, the dwarf steps in, tsundere-ing for his best friend Dwarkey.
"Tsk tsk, that's what happens when you spend all day sitting at a desk, your body becomes weak."
"Hey, I'm still one of the more athletic mages—"
"Enough, let's take a break until you get used to it. You didn't sleep well last night either. You're probably feeling worse because you're tired."
"I won't forget your consideration..."
In the end, we decide to stay in the entrance area for a while until Dwarkey adjusts to the environment.
I don't have any major objections either.
One way or another, the presence of a mage is important here, and I also need to replenish my depleted stamina a bit.
"I'll keep watch, you guys rest."
As soon as the dwarf finishes speaking, I collapse onto the ground and rest.
I'm too tired to even take out my sleeping bag.
But what is this?
"Bjorn, there's something I wanted to say..."
The dwarf approaches stealthily and speaks in a whisper just as I'm about to get some shut-eye.
"About that Elisa earlier—"
I wake up instantly.
What is this guy talking about?
"It's not Elisa, it's that bitch."
"Uh, uh, right, anyway, about that bitch. No matter how I think about it, she seems like someone I've met before..."
What?
I thought he was just rambling as usual, but it seems like it's something important.
I sit up and listen attentively, and the dwarf hesitates for a moment before speaking.
"Remember when you went to the guild to raise your explorer rank on my advice? Back then, someone was asking you questions while you were filling out the application form."
"Get to the point, I'm tired."
"Now that I think about it, I think it was her."
Phew, that's much better.
There are still some frustrating parts, though.
I ask calmly,
"Then why didn't you recognize her right away?"
"That's... she looked dirty, unlike in the city. And, and, her clothes were ri, ripped here and there!"
Ah, so he was too busy staring at her cleavage to properly check her face.
Still, at least one question has been answered.
Why Elisa and her group targeted us.
'It was all because of that thing.'
No. 3112 Guardian's Bracers.
It's a high-value Numbered Item worth 50 million stones at the exchange. And since it was an application for rank promotion, it must have been mentioned there as well.
It's more than enough of a motive for a marauder.
The more money, the better, after all.
'So we've been targeted since then...'
As I acquire new information, causal relationships that I was unaware of come to mind.
Most of our team meetings were held at bars.
If she wanted to, it wouldn't have been difficult for her to find out that we were using the Beast's Lair route.
She could have even arrived first and set traps.
"Phew, they say treasure always brings misfortune, and that saying is spot on, isn't it?"
The dwarf sighs deeply.
It seems like he wants some sympathy, but unfortunately, he chose the wrong person.
Treasure bringing misfortune my ass.
"Don't shift the blame. It's your fault for writing it on the application form where everyone can see."
"Yo, you're blaming me now! You were there too!"
That's true, but I didn't know I had to worry about you filling out the application form.
The dwarf loses his words as I look at him with a disappointed expression.
'Sigh...'
I don't bother scolding him further.
It's already in the past.
It's more rational to get some rest.
_________________________________
Our rest time is short.
Just enough to close my eyes for a bit?
We have to wake up from our sleep as a monster appears less than 30 minutes later.
Ah, is it not right to say 'we'?
"You sleep well."
"How can you sleep through that noise?"
It seems like I was the only one who slept deeply enough to even dream…
It's because these guys are full.
"Anyway, where's the monster?"
"Over there."
I look in the direction the dwarf points and see the figure of a winged human.
For reference, it's about the size of a palm.
"Fairy."
It's a 9th-grade monster, Fairy.
For reference, its only skill is to emit poisonous powder containing narcotic substances, and it was a non-aggressive mob in the game.
However...
"We've encountered a troublesome one from the start."
The fact that the fairies are gathered like that means that that guy is also nearby.
"Are we fighting?"
"It seems like it's not something we can easily ignore. Dwarkey, you seem to have recovered a bit."
So we're fighting.
Well, it's not bad.
It's a monster that I haven't gained experience points from yet.
And if an essence drops, it would be a jackpot.
Although it's not an essence I need right now, it's a rare essence, so it will definitely fetch a high price at auction no matter who absorbs it.
"Then if everyone is ready, let's lure it out."
The dwarf takes his battle hammer and gets into position, finishing his battle preparations.
And he uses his signature combo.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Discharge].」
It's called Lightning Discharge.
As he swings his hammer, the crackling electricity shoots out like a cannonball.
And it blasts the fairies, who are immune to physical damage.
「Killed Fairy. EXP +1」
One thing's for sure, I'm a bit envious of this.
I wish I had an elemental damage skill like that too.
"Keeeeeek—!!"
As soon as a dozen fairies are blown away, I hear a chilling sound from afar.
It's a roar that sounds like hundreds of beasts crying out in anger.
Soon, the creature reveals itself from the darkness.
With heavy footsteps that match its size.
Thud-!
The 7th-grade monster, Half-Troll.
As the name suggests, it's not a real troll, but more like a mix between a human and a troll.
For reference, it's a monster that only appears in the Witch's Forest and has a habit of stalking fairy groups.
Unfortunately, I don't know the reason why.
I couldn't find that kind of information anywhere in the game.
Anyway, let's just leave the digressions at that.
"Grrr..."
The creature, standing at about 2.5 meters tall, lowers its posture cautiously and stares at us.
However, its patience is short, as befits a monster that follows its instincts.
"Kaaaaak—!!"
The Half-Troll swings its massive club at us, the ones who massacred the fairy group it was diligently following.
It's aiming at me even though the dwarf is right next to me.
Thud!
It's heavy.
It feels heavier than the 'Iron Ant' from Steelrock Hill.
Well, it's only natural since the Iron Ant is a pack animal even though it's also 7th-grade.
It's been a while since my arms felt this sore.
Swoosh.
So I tilt my shield at an angle and deflect the Half-Troll's club to the side.
This naturally shifts the aggro from me to the dwarf.
It's a useful tip that can only be used when there are two tanks in the team.
After all, it's unfair if only I have to suffer, right?
Suffering should be shared among companions, that's what I learned.
"Kaaaaak—!!"
The second club swing follows with a roar.
The dwarf, who engaged in a strength contest unlike me, lets out a small groan as if his bones are chilled.
Only then do I realize one more thing.
"Keugh..."
Ah, right, he doesn't have Pain Resistance.
This is one of the biggest reasons why warriors avoid the Witch's Forest.
Warriors are beings who are used to being beaten up on the front lines. But here, the pain is amplified several times due to [Pain Amplification].
'And most of the monsters that appear here are immune to physical damage and even use mental skills...'
There's a reason why Rotmiller tried to give the dwarf and me the first and last watch last night.
In the Witch's Forest, warriors inevitably have to bear all sorts of hardships.
Although I can just shrug it off because I have Pain Resistance…
'Come to think of it, Pain Resistance is OP.'
As expected, life is full of ups and downs.
The Corpse Golem essence I absorbed by chance continues to be a great help.
Whoosh!
The Half-Troll swings its club once more.
And the dwarf, who stubbornly continues the strength contest, shouts,
"Is the magic not ready yet!"
Not yet.
As you know, he's slow at chanting, right?
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I strike the Half-Troll with my mace to help the dwarf, who seems to be struggling.
Of course, it doesn't have much effect.
Thwack!
Its hard bones and muscles are unfazed by a single mace strike, and it's a troll, even if it's only half.
Its regeneration is amazing.
Although it's nothing compared to the vampire.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade support spell [Freezing Enhancement].」
「The power of the next ice spell is greatly increased.」
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
As I'm ping-ponging aggro with the dwarf, the spell is finally completed.
Dwarkey's ultimate move.
Enhanced Ice Spear.
Whoosh!
An ice spear twice the size of usual flies towards the Half-Troll and pierces its abdomen.
In terms of power alone, it's an output that none of us can match.
However, it's frustrating to watch.
'When will this guy develop some sense?'
I gave him advice last time, but he stuck the spear in an ambiguous spot again. If he had hit the heart or head, he could have finished it off in one shot.
Why is he so wasteful?
Is aiming that difficult?
"Keeeeeek—!!"
The Half-Troll writhes in pain and lets out a scream.
But it doesn't last long.
「Half-Troll has cast [Frenzy].」
「Pain is temporarily nullified, and physical stats are greatly increased.」
Despite having a spear stuck in its gut, the Half-Troll starts moving dynamically, like a fish out of water.
Ha, this is why we should have killed it in one shot.
'...He'll get better someday, right?'
I hope so.
Otherwise, there's no point in going through all these trial and errors.
"Ugh! I was a bit off!"
Misha stabs her poison-inflicted dagger into the Half-Troll's heart while it's rampaging, but unfortunately, it's too short to pierce through the thick muscle.
The crossbow bolts shot by Rotmiller, the scout, barely even scratch the surface of its skin.
'Do we have to wait until the spell is ready again?'
One way or another, Dwarkey is the damage dealer with the highest potential damage output in the team.
I'm realizing the weakness of our team once again.
The tank line is sturdy enough to withstand the Half-Troll's [Frenzy] state, but the damage dealer line isn't keeping up.
However, this is not the kind of problem that can be solved immediately.
"It's done! Move aside!"
After about 10 more minutes of struggling, Dwarkey unleashes his ultimate move once again.
Fortunately, this time it hits the head.
「Killed Half-Troll. EXP +3」
The Half-Troll disappears into light as its head is blown off.
As expected, the hoped-for essence doesn't drop.
Only a fist-sized magic stone falls to the ground.
"What a shame. It's not a monster you see often."
Misha and Rotmiller click their tongues, seemingly disappointed.
I can understand.
If I hadn't absorbed the vampire's essence, I would have been drooling over it too.
7th-grade regeneration essences are rare.
Well, I'm now at a level where I can't be satisfied with something like that.
[07:13]
It's the morning of Day 4.
We'll reach the 4th floor tomorrow, and that's when the real journey will begin.
From there, 6th-grade monsters also appear.
I hope we can get at least one 6th-grade essence…
________________________________________
"Then let's get moving."
After defeating the Half-Troll, we decide to resume our journey.
Everyone looks exhausted after staying up all night, but the Witch's Forest is not a good environment to rest in.
We conclude that it's better to push ourselves for a day and shorten the time it takes to reach the 4th floor.
However…
"Explorers."
Just as we're about to start our journey again…
Strangers emerge from the darkness.
It's not that surprising.
Even in the Witch's Forest, it's about time for a new group to enter after we've been camping here for so long.
However, there's one problem.
'One, two, three, four…'
What the, why are there six of them?
Normally, teams consist of up to five people.
It's because the Bonding spell only works for up to five people.
But a 6-person explorer team?
As I'm feeling suspicious and observing the faces of the unfamiliar explorers, I see a familiar face.
Unfortunately, it seems like they recognize us too.
"…Explorers! It's them! They killed my companions!"
Damn it…
This is something I really didn't expect.
Just as our entire team is speechless after hearing those words…
"May the star that rises at twilight guide us…"
A man who seems to be the leader of the opposing group makes the sign of the cross.
Judging by the way he's covered in Leathlas Church merchandise, this guy must be a hardcore religious fanatic, even in this world.
Damn it, that bitch is lucky.
How the hell did she find someone like that in the labyrinth?
"Oh God, please give me the strength to defeat these evil beings…!"
It seems like conversation won't work.
-x-X-x-
"How did that woman follow us! Didn't you say the Witch's Forest was safe?!"
Misha shouts with a disgusted expression.
"That persistent bitch!"
I agree.
However, if we calmly analyze the situation instead of just cursing…
Once we entered the Witch's Forest, that bitch wouldn't have been able to pursue us alone.
So she must have looked for explorers to use.
By pretending to be a poor priestess who lost her companions to evil marauders.
"Excuse me, there seems to be a misunderstanding. That woman is a priest of Karui—"
"What! So they weren't just marauders, but followers of that evil god!"
"No, I'm saying that it's not us, it's that woman—"
"Surrender yourselves and accept God's judgment!"
The dwarf tries to reason with them, but the man, whose brain is pickled under the blessing of God, only understands what he wants to hear.
"Lord Davis! Please bring down God's wrath upon these evil beings! Only then can my companions, who are wandering in the spirit world, let go of their resentment and return to God's embrace!"
At the bitch Elisa's cry, the opposing explorers draw their weapons in unison.
And we do the same.
Sometimes, fists come before words in conversations between explorers.
"Don't worry about injuries and just focus on defeating the enemy! The blessings of Leathlas will be with you!"
At her words, which mean they should fight like dogs and she'll heal them, the leader of the opposing side charges towards us, his eyes rolling back.
While shouting that annoying slogan.
"May the star that rises at twilight guide us!"
Honestly, I find it hard to understand why they're going to such lengths to help that bitch.
I understand the guy who seems like a devout believer, but the other companions don't have to do this, do they—
"Don't hold back! If we kill them, our team will have a priestess!"
"Uooooooh!"
Ah, so that's it.
They're trying to kill us for practical reasons, not religious ones.
Now that I see it, that bitch must have made all sorts of promises as rewards…
Okay, I've grasped the situation to some extent.
Thud!
I block the leader bastard's axe with my shield and shout.
It's called sowing seeds of discord.
"Idiots! If a priestess joins, who's going to leave the team?"
These guys were a 5-person team from the beginning.
In other words, if a priestess joins, one of them has to be kicked out.
As I bring this up right from the start, the leader bastard panics and shouts,
"Do, don't be swayed by their evil words!"
Evil words my ass.
It's obvious that they didn't even think about this.
"Uh, uh?"
As if to prove it, the four explorers besides the leader hesitate for a moment.
Unfortunately, it doesn't last long.
"Hmm, but it won't be me."
"Hmph, that's something we can think about later."
"One of us might die today."
"I don't care if she's a priestess or whatever. Just selling those pieces of equipment alone will let me live comfortably for a year."
Damn it, as expected of explorer bastards.
Each and every one of their reasons is fucking psychopathic.
So you guys just need justification and money, right?
'Well, it's good that they're consistent.'
I start forming a shield wall with the dwarf and analyze the enemy's strength.
'Three melee warriors, two ranged attackers, and a priestess who's cosplaying…'
As explorers who have reached the Witch's Forest, the difference in our levels is negligible.
They even have one more person.
There's nothing much to consider this time.
Even considering that the bitch Elisa can't use the power of the evil god because she's cosplaying…
We're clearly at a disadvantage.
However, let's at least try to come up with a strategy…
'We have no choice but to take them out with a surprise attack.'
Therefore, I call the mage.
"Dwarkey!"
No need for long explanations.
"10 seconds! Just wait 10 seconds!"
He's finally gained some experience, it seems, as he answers immediately when I call his name.
However, it seems like the other side has also gained experience.
"A mage! There's a mage on the other side!"
They've also noticed Dwarkey's presence and are focusing their attacks on him.
The dwarf and I can cover the three melee warriors…
Whoosh!
…but it's physically impossible to block the arrow and projectile skill flying towards Dwarkey, who is chanting.
However, I'm not too worried.
We're still an explorer 'team', aren't we?
There's no need for me to do everything alone.
"Ugh!"
Misha deflects the incoming arrow with her dagger, and Rotmiller blocks the projectile ability with his shield.
And at the same time, the spell is completed.
「Liol Wobu Dwarkey has cast the 8th-grade attack spell [Ice Spear].」
It's not an Enhanced Ice Spear, but that doesn't matter.
It's not like our opponents are large monsters.
This is enough to send them back to God's embrace with one hit.
Of course, assuming it hits a vital point.
Whoosh!
The resolve to shoot a spell at a person, not a monster.
The moment to exercise that resolve comes much sooner than expected.
What decision will Dwarkey make?
Kwaaang!
Contrary to my worries, the Ice Spear is shot directly towards Elisa's head.
However, unfortunately, it misses.
This is why explorers are more troublesome than monsters.
"Whew, that was close. Are you alright?"
"Yes, yes! Thank you for saving me!"
She knew the magic was coming, and she knew it was likely targeting her, the priestess.
So there was no reason why she couldn't block it.
An explorer who has reached the 3rd floor and is heading towards the 4th would have that level of physical ability.
'…Phew, human bastards are the most annoying.'
It's not easy.
Just like Rotmiller and Misha successfully protected Dwarkey, the opponents also don't just stand there and take our attacks.
Therefore, it's time to make a final decision.
We've tested the waters enough…
"Dwarkey! Use the voice control spell!"
"A, alright!"
As I give a firm order, not accepting any questions, Dwarkey chants the spell without objection.
Voice control.
Simply put, it's a convenient spell that allows us to have team voice chat.
Now they can't hear us even if we talk among ourselves.
I glare at the opponents and shout,
"Murad!"
"Why are you calling me!"
"Let's run!"
"Euahahaha! That's a great idea!"
Fortunately, even the dwarf, who has emergency command authority, agrees with my judgment.
Well, even he has that much brains, right?
Even if we win this fight, it will likely be a pyrrhic victory with only injuries. By then, that bitch will also use the power of the dark god without hesitation.
If we persist out of stubbornness, only a bleak future awaits.
"Misha! Take Dwarkey when you're ready!"
"Got it!"
"Hikurod, use that thing when I give you the signal!"
"Alright!"
Misha and the dwarf nod without objection.
Rotmiller, who has the most important role, is left, but there's no need to give him separate instructions.
He just gets it.
"Follow me closely as soon as I start running!"
As expected, this man is the only one I can rely on.
Anyway, I think that's all the announcements…
"Now!"
The moment I give the signal, Misha slings the weak Dwarkey over her shoulder, finishing our preparations to escape.
And at the same time, the bracers worn by the dwarf emit a bright light.
「Hikurod Murad has used [Guardian's Bracers].」
No. 3112 Guardian's Bracers.
In the game, it had a constant 5% damage reduction, and its usage effect increased in power based on the amount of damage reduced.
For reference, that usage effect is…
「Strongly pushes back enemies and temporarily grants immunity to all harmful effects on allies.」
Area-of-effect knockback and debuff removal.
As befits a Numbered Item in the 3000s, its effect takes priority over field effects.
「Status effect [Disoriented] is removed.」
「Status effect [Auditory Hallucination] is removed.」
「Status effect [Visual Hallucination] is removed.」
「Status effect [Pain Amplification] is removed.」
The moment the three melee warriors who were clinging to us are thrown back…
My distorted vision returns to normal, and everything becomes clear.
Of course, the duration is short.
I don't know how much the dwarf has been getting beaten up…
'But it's probably around 20 seconds at most.'
For reference, this time also takes into account the dwarf's racial trait, which increases the efficiency of Numbered Items by 1.5 times.
But this is enough.
To buy time to escape.
"What are you doing! Let's get out of here!"
Phew, it feels like we've been running away from something this whole time.
____________________________________________
Scout.
They are the ones who detect enemy movements first and guide their team members along efficient paths.
Then what are the qualities needed to become a scout?
The answer is simple.
'Prior knowledge of the labyrinth and data accumulated through experience.'
With these two alone, you can find your way on the 1st and 2nd floors. And the 3rd floor, which is an open world with unchanging terrain features, is no different.
However, from the 4th floor onwards, it's a different story.
Well, to be precise, should I say from the Witch's Forest where the 4th-floor portal is located?
「The usage effect duration of the Numbered Item [Guardian's Bracers] has ended.」
「Field effect - Witch's Forest is applied.」
Compasses are useless, people's sense of direction completely disappears, and the only landmarks are trees, but even those trees move as if they're alive.
Therefore, from this point onwards, scouts need special abilities to find their way.
"This way."
Rotmiller's main ability is 'sense of smell'.
Having adjusted his smell stat through essences, he accurately finds the path leading to the 4th floor even in this bizarre forest.
If your sense of smell reaches a certain level, you can smell the scent of magic power, and he uses that to find his way?
I don't understand it well, but that's roughly the principle.
However…
"The scout on the other side is also no ordinary person. Judging by the way they're closing the distance towards us."
Even so, those bastards are following us closely.
Of course, I can't even sense their presence…
But if Rotmiller says so, then it must be true.
'So in the end, the key is who reaches the 4th-floor portal first…'
Just as I'm organizing my thoughts…
Rotmiller, as if thinking the same thing, announces,
"We'll increase our speed from now on."
Now it's a race against time.
If we can get there first, we can avoid unnecessary combat.
But if they catch up to us before that…
Then we have no choice but to fight until one of us dies.
'The problem is, everyone is tired…'
Life doesn't always go as you wish.
Especially when you're exhausted and struggling.
"Miss Kaltstein, give me that guy!"
The dwarf decides to take over carrying Dwarkey to help Misha.
And that's when the accident happens.
"Ack!"
Trying to save time, we attempt to hand over Dwarkey to the dwarf while running, which turns out to be a mistake.
Misha loses her balance and falls.
Fortunately, the dwarf had already taken over carrying Dwarkey like a sack of potatoes, but…
"Cramp! I think I have a cramp in my leg! I can't move!"
Cramp my ass.
It's obvious she sprained her ankle while falling.
"Don't move and just stay still."
I immediately stop and grab the back of Misha's neck, lifting her up.
And the moment I sling her over my shoulder…
'Damn it? What is this?'
The light disappears, and deep darkness engulfs my vision.
The dwarf with the torch was right in front of me just a moment ago…
"Bjo, Bjorn?"
"…Be quiet."
I calmly open my backpack and take out a torch.
And I light it and insert it into the slot on my helmet.
As expected, the team members who were next to me just a few seconds ago are nowhere to be seen.
"Don't tell me we lost them!"
Misha shouts in dismay.
And I answer…
I don't want to believe it, but…
"It seems… that's the case."
We've been separated from the group in just a few seconds.
"Then what are we doing! Let's go after them!"
Misha urges me, realizing the situation, but I choose to stay put.
Do we even know where they went?
"That way! They definitely went that way!"
That's just how it looks to us.
In the Witch's Forest, you can't rely on sight.
If we go in the wrong direction, we'll just waste time and get even further away from the team.
"In situations like this, staying put is the best option."
Let's trust our companions and my judgment.
Rotmiller is a scout with olfactory abilities, isn't he?
He'll realize we're gone and come back for us soon.
"Um, Bjorn…?"
Ah, uh, hmm…
That's what should have happened…
"How long do we have to wait?"
Even after a minute, the party that went ahead doesn't return.
Damn it, what is this? Should we wait a bit longer?
As my worries deepen…
"Aak!"
We faintly hear a short scream from the darkness.
"Bjorn! Did you hear that! It was definitely Murad's voice!"
Although I can't be sure, it does sound like him.
If it's not another accident, they should have returned by now to look for us.
However…
"They're definitely in trouble. We need to go help—"
"Lower your voice."
"Why?"
"We could be in danger too."
Making noise is not a good idea.
We still don't know what's going on over there.
If it was just a monster encounter, they would have had time to come back for us.
"That's why we need to go help them even more—"
In the first place, there's no way to help even if we wanted to.
If we could hear a continuous sound, it might be different…
But we can't find the right direction based on hearing a single scream.
That's the kind of place the Witch's Forest is.
"Mmph!"
Therefore, I first cover Misha's mouth with my hand.
And I focus on my hearing.
"…Miller …bitch is …here."
"…create an opening...."
"Ha... …no choice but to...!"
"At least…scout…need to kill…so they can escape…!"
"...."
"…good! Escape...!"
Afterwards, I hear a few more faint cries, and then they completely disappear.
The forest is silent, without even the sound of the wind.
"...."
Although an eerie silence fills the surroundings, I stand still and wait for about 5 minutes.
The party we lost doesn't return.
It's still too early to say for sure whether they're dead or alive, but one thing is clear.
They won't be coming back even if we wait any longer.
That means—
"We're fucked."
The two of us, a beastwoman and a barbarian, are stranded.
In the labyrinth filled with monsters and marauders.
And in the middle of this Witch's Forest, where we can't even find our way back without a scout.
Damn it.
-x-X-x-
What's the most important thing in a disaster situation?
Water? Food? Stamina? Tools?
Well, they're all very important…
But if I had to choose just one, I would choose mental strength.
"No… I can't die like this, I can't! After all the hardships I endured, to die so meaninglessly…!"
"Misha, calm down."
When you're in a shitty situation, you need the courage to accept reality calmly instead of denying it.
That's the only way to objectively assess the situation.
Therefore, I abandon all questions.
'It doesn't matter what happened to them.'
Maybe a unique monster appeared, or maybe Elisa and her group used some clever method to ambush them in that short time.
All possibilities are open.
But that's not what I should be focusing on now, right?
'Think.'
I'm currently separated from the group.
I have one beastman companion with me.
Unfortunately, she's a warrior-type who only deals physical damage.
And the possibility of the companions we lost returning here seems infinitely low.
Yeah, in short, we're fucked.
This place, where monsters with physical immunity run rampant, is known as the graveyard of warriors.
It's practically impossible for two warriors, a barbarian and a beastman, to get through here.
And on top of that, we also have pursuers targeting us.
Actually, this is the biggest problem.
If the two of us encounter them, it's instant game over.
But if we're not going to just bite our tongues and die, we need to think.
Not about how fucked up the situation...
'What action should I take right now?'
What actions should I take?
Even if it's just a struggle, what should I give up and prioritize for survival?
In short, what is the best course of action right now?
"…Let's move."
"What? But even if we do that—"
"Even if we can't find our way out, it's better to leave this place."
Once I objectively assess the situation, I can see what needs to be done even in the worst conditions.
I prioritize among them and decide to tackle them in order of importance.
The first one.
"This place is dangerous."
Leave this place.
The reason is simple.
We have no information about what the dwarf's party encountered near here, except that it was dangerous enough to prevent them from coming back for us.
"If that bitch played some kind of trick, we'll eventually find out."
"But if that were the case, shouldn't she have shown up by now?"
Well, maybe we're just not their top priority. For reasons like the dwarf running in the opposite direction and them having to chase after him.
Of course, I have no intention of arguing about it for long.
The first things to give up for survival are intangible values like compassion and consideration.
"So what are you going to do? The choice is yours."
I'm not going to carry around dead weight just because she's my companion.
In the first place, that's not even a real companion.
I draw a clear line.
"If you don't like my judgment, we'll go our separate ways from now on."
"Wh, what are you saying?!"
"Answer me."
I don't want to waste time arguing.
Yes or no.
Misha, who had been silently meeting my eyes, bites her lip and makes a choice.
"…I'll follow your lead completely from now on. In the first place, there's nothing I can do since I'm injured."
It's a great answer that accurately grasps what the questioner wants and expresses it.
She's more perceptive than I thought.
As expected, there's a reason why she's a 5-year veteran explorer, even though she usually doesn't seem like it.
"St, still, that's too harsh…!"
Misha whines as if hurt when I relax my expression, but this much…
It's fine. As long as she follows my instructions.
"Drink this."
I open a potion bottle and hand it to her, and Misha slowly drinks it as if it's poison.
And then she starts groaning.
Not the sexy kind.
Potions are not the kind of thing that can elicit that kind of response.
"Hikk, keugh!!"
Listening to her pained sounds, it seems like the potion is working well.
So I carry Misha on my shoulder.
It's just a sprained ankle, so the pain should subside within 5 minutes and she should be able to walk, but…
It's better to save even that much time.
"Ugh, bleugh! My, foot! Please slow down! No, walk gently!"
As I start jogging, Misha begs with a groan.
It seems like she's getting motion sickness.
However, I can only say this:
"Just bear with it even if it's hard."
Sorry, right now I'm a psycho barbarian who has forgotten about compassion and consideration.
Efficiency comes first when survival is at stake.
People don't die from a little motion sickness, right?
Tadatadat!
Anyway, as I'm running through the forest and sprinting without any direction…
Misha starts pounding on my back like crazy.
"Put me down, keugh! Pu, put me down! I'm, I'm fine now!"
"Don't lie."
"It's true! I, I swear on the guardian deity of my clan!"
"Hmm, then why is your voice so weak?"
I point out the logical flaw in Misha's words.
But for some reason, I get scolded.
"How can I have any strength! You stupid barbarian! Anyway, put me down!"
"Alright."
Since she's hitting my back, it seems like she has enough energy to move, so I put Misha down without any resistance.
"Ugh, I thought I was going to die!"
Geez, stop exaggerating.
I ask her just in case, even though she looks fine.
"So your foot is okay now?"
"As you can see."
"Answer properly. Does it mean you can fight right away?"
"For now… yes! But why do you ask?"
Because we have to fight, that's why.
"Good timing, there's a monster over there."
Misha follows my gaze. At the end of her gaze is a giant tree moving along the ground with its roots.
The 8th-grade monster, 'Snetri'.
It's a creepy monster that attacks explorers using its branches that wriggle like tentacles.
For reference, along with the Half-Troll, it's one of the few regular monsters that inhabit the Witch's Forest.
In simpler terms, it can be hunted with physical damage alone.
"Do we really have to catch it? It's slow, so it won't be able to follow us… Ah! I'm not saying I won't follow your lead!"
Hmm, that's good then.
Anyway, since it was a reasonable question, I answer briefly.
"There's a chance an essence might drop."
"Essence?"
Misha tilts her head as if she heard a strange word.
It's understandable.
If I weren't in this situation, I wouldn't even consider such a plan.
"The monsters that appear in the Witch's Forest all have elemental abilities."
To be precise, except for the Half-Troll.
Well, we're not going to catch it anyway, so it's an exception.
Misha grasps the gist of my plan and freezes.
"Don't tell me you're going to catch it just for that?"
Yes, not just this one, but every one we see.
We need to get our hands on an elemental ability somehow.
Avoiding incorporeal beings is fine for a day or two, but at this rate, we won't even be able to sleep properly.
Well, if we're lucky enough to find our way out of the forest while wandering around, it's a problem we won't have to worry about…
'But that kind of miracle wouldn't happen to me.'
Of course, the essence drop rate is still abysmally low.
But this is like a side quest.
I have no intention of solely focusing on this plan.
It would be great if it drops, but if it doesn't, it can't be helped.
That's about it, right?
'In the first place, if Elisa and her group find us, all of this will be meaningless.'
If the scout on the other side finishes off the dwarf, or if they start searching for us because we're missing…
When that time comes, all these efforts will be for naught.
But…
That's not a reason not to struggle.
"Anyway, get ready to fight."
"Got it!"
Misha draws her weapon.
"Glgllgllgrrr!"
And she charges towards the Snetri, which is crawling on the ground with its roots.
Rule of survival number one,
To live, you have to fight.
___________________________
「Killed Snetri. EXP +2」
___________________________
I'm walking through the Witch's Forest without a scout.
And if someone asks me how I feel, I'll definitely answer like this.
It feels like I'm wandering around a mirror maze at an amusement park all day long.
And there's even constant BGM in this mirror maze.
[Just kill her! Or enjoy it! Why are you being so nice to that useless bitch?]
[Keeheehee, keeheeheehee!]
[It's all your fault! If it weren't for you!]
Is it just my imagination that the auditory hallucinations are getting more detailed?
Hmm, I don't think so.
The visual hallucinations seem more vivid too.
[Hansu, why are you the only one who survived?]
It's not just monsters in the form of hallucinations anymore, but people from my memories appear.
People I can never meet in this world.
[It hurts! It hurts! It hurts!!]
[When are you going to kill that girl? When are you going to kill that girl? When are you going to kill that girl? When are you going to kill that girl?]
Sometimes, those people appear as hallucinations and say shitty things to me.
It seems like the visual and auditory hallucinations have started to merge.
'It's not like the field effects suddenly got stronger, so it must be that I've become weaker.'
I calmly assess my condition.
However, that's all.
I stayed up all night.
And I had a fierce battle.
I was half-dead from curses and even came back to life, and now I'm lost in a desperate situation.
It's only natural for my mental strength to reach its limit.
But so what?
'I have no choice but to endure.'
That's how life is.
At least for me.
Endure, endure, and endure some more, and instead of dwelling on things I can't change, let's do what I can.
"Misha, use this instead of the dagger."
"Huh? I haven't used a spear before…"
After defeating the Snetri, we take a short break, and I check my expandable backpack. And I hand over the spear that was Tyson's weapon to Misha.
It's an item we agreed to sell and split the profits from when we return to the city, but it's not the time to be picky about such things.
"Just use it without complaining."
"Hmph, alright…"
I haven't said anything until now, respecting her individuality and experience.
But my personal belief is that the longer the weapon, the more practical it is.
In fact, even when we were catching the Snetri earlier, if it weren't for the dagger, we could have pierced it deeply and destroyed the core in one go.
"Ugh, it's awkward! Can't you give me a sword instead?"
No.
I don't know which one is easier to handle, a sword or a spear.
But at least the spear is much longer.
It will be much easier for her to help from behind when I form a wall with my shield.
"Both are weapons you haven't used before anyway. Just use that one."
"Hmph."
Stop whining and acting cute, it's draining my energy.
I don't know how you see me, but I don't think of you as that close.
We've only known each other for less than 2 weeks.
'This… I should use this myself.'
It's not just Misha who upgraded her equipment, I did too.
「Character has equipped Steel Plate Greaves.」
「Total item level has increased by +45.」
First, I put on Hans C's greaves over my shins.
It's a type of greaves with leather on the inside and steel on the outside.
I wish there were thigh pieces too, but unfortunately, those seem to be in the dwarf's backpack.
「Character has equipped War Boots.」
「Total item level has increased by +38.」
I also change my shoes.
They're also what Hans C was wearing.
They're leather boots that look quite good, but the instep is reinforced with iron plates.
And they're in the shape of sharp spikes.
'Explorer bastards are only practical in these aspects.'
I look for more, but there's nothing else that Misha or I can use among the equipment.
However, I find something unexpected instead.
"Huh? Bjorn! Isn't this holy water?"
"…It seems like it."
After a series of misfortunes, is our luck finally turning around?
I'm much happier about this than any piece of equipment.
Because with holy water, we can enchant our weapons.
「The equipment is imbued with holy power.」
「Deals additional damage to evil-attribute monsters.」
Additional holy damage.
In other words, it means we can now beat up incorporeal monsters even without an elemental ability.
Although it's limited to the evil attribute…
Most of the incorporeal monsters that appear in the Witch's Forest are evil-attribute, so there's no need to worry.
'The problem is that there are only five bottles.'
Holy water doesn't have a duration.
It just loses its effect once the additional damage has been dealt.
How many monsters can we kill with five bottles?
Well, who knows, but it's definitely not enough to last until Day 15 when the 3rd floor closes.
'…It's best to use it sparingly.'
Still, it's good news for once.
So I check my backpack more carefully.
I didn't properly check the exploration tools and such because I was in a hurry before.
There might be something else that could be helpful.
"Hmm? Bjorn!"
As we're each taking a bag and rummaging through it, Misha calls out to me.
"I found something strange, do you know what this is?"
It's a pendant with a strange pattern.
And I know what that pattern is.
'Isn't this the symbol of the Karui Church?'
Unfortunately, that's all I can figure out.
Besides being related to the Karui Church, I don't know what this item is used for.
'Anyway, I think I've checked everything I need to…'
I put the items back in and organize the backpack.
And since the variable of 'holy water' has appeared, I review the plan I had roughly made.
Initially, there were three options that came to mind.
1. Ask for help from explorers we encounter by chance.
The Witch's Forest is vast.
And due to its terrain characteristics, encountering other explorers is rare. But if we keep wandering around, we'll eventually come across someone.
Any explorer would be tempted if we offered equipment as a reward.
'The problem is, we can't trust them.'
There are many efficiency freaks among explorers.
Why bother helping when you can just kill and take everything?
There might be someone who thinks that way.
'And besides, she's a woman…'
I glance at Misha, who is munching on jerky as if she's hungry, and continue my thoughts.
2. Wander around aimlessly until we reach the edge of the forest or the 4th-floor portal.
It's a method that relies solely on luck.
Therefore, I judged that there's no need to set this as the ultimate goal. We have to keep wandering around the forest anyway, whether we like it or not.
It's not something that will happen just because we wish for it.
And it's not something that won't happen just because we don't wish for it.
Anyway, next.
3. Focus on survival and hold out until the closing date.
We have enough food and water.
And by securing holy water, we've at least ensured our minimum safety.
If we happen to get an elemental essence along the way, our survival rate in this damn forest will increase significantly.
'Assuming those bastards can't find us.'
I let out a long sigh.
It's only been 4 days since we entered the labyrinth.
That means there's still a much longer journey ahead than what we've already been through.
Considering what we've experienced in the past four days, it's hard to expect the remaining days to go smoothly.
'It doesn't seem like an essence will drop, and if I'm going to do it, it's better to do it now.'
Therefore, I make a decision.
"Misha, are you married?"
"Huh? Suddenly?"
Misha flinches as she chews on her jerky.
She looks like she has no idea what I'm talking about.
Still, she answers, as she promised to listen to me.
"I'm not, but…"
Okay.
I ask again.
This time, more directly.
"Then do you have any beliefs like you can't show your naked body to a strange man?"
"I, I don't think so…"
"That's good."
It's an option that I could never have chosen if I hadn't played [Dungeon and Stone] for almost 10 years.
It's a shame to use that item already, but.....