Academy Dungeon, 4th Floor (Kaori Mizutani)
“Sorry, Chairwoman, I’m hanging up now. Let’s meet up later! We’ll take down the monsters here!”
“Got it! I’m on my way!”
I said, ending the call, and turned to my party members.
“Alright, let’s move out!”
“Yeah!”
We were about to run forward together—until…
“Kukukukuku…”
“What…?”
A monster had appeared in front of us without any warning.
It was massive—twice our height, with a muscular body, fierce red eyes, and giant, bat-like wings.
“A… a Balor?!”
“You know what it is?”
Sasaki-kun, who’s always browsing through monster encyclopedias in the library, seemed to recognize it.
“Of course… I’ve memorized all monsters above A-rank.”
“A-rank? Is it on the same level as the Archdemon that Amagi-san and Yumeno-kun fought before?”
Why are such powerful monsters appearing one after another? The government classified this dungeon as D-rank after investigating the Archdemon as an anomaly, right?
And that monster… it’s smirking.
“It’s not just the same level…”
“Huh?”
Sasaki’s gaze was fixed on the Balor.
“Even within the same rank, there are clear differences. Balor is… stronger than the Archdemon.”
“No way…”
“Hmph… If you know who I am, this will be quick. You are offerings.”
What now… It’s clearly looking down on us and has no intention of letting us go.
Where did it even come from? Did it bypass Sayamura-san’s team and come directly to us?
There’s no time to think. We’re close to the staircase from the third floor.
We’ll try to hold it off and wait for Amagi-san and the others. But my body feels heavy. Holding back this A-rank magic while trying to withstand its attacks is a tall order. But we have no choice.
Sayamura-san’s team is likely dealing with monster attacks too, so we can’t expect help.
Reality, however, is unforgiving.
Balor slowly raised its hand, gathering dark energy.
“Magic Shield… try to withstand it!”
Sasaki began chanting a defensive spell, but his expression was tense. The magic gathering in Balor’s hand was overwhelming.
“Did you really think you could escape me…?”
It’s coming.
The three of us positioned ourselves to shield Sasaki, our mage. If we endure this, Sasaki can heal us…
“Dark Wave.”
No…
This power… is on another level.
The wave of dark energy overwhelmed us, breaking through Sasaki’s barrier and knocking us down.
Thrown aside, we lost consciousness.
Academy Dungeon, 4th Floor (Eriina Sayamura)
A golem, a class of monster that appears as a floor boss in C-rank dungeons, stood before us.
The warrior Tetsu and the tank Koichi stepped forward.
While they distracted and took hits from the enemy, I unleashed my magic. Risa supported us with buffs. That’s our formation.
“Speed Up!!”
The golem has high attack power but is slow, so Risa cast a speed boost on everyone.
“Let’s go!”
Tetsu brandished his sword, facing the golem head-on.
Huh? Shouldn’t the tank be in front? Koichi’s standing right in front of me. What’s he doing?! Protecting only me doesn’t make any sense!
“Koichi, get up there too!”
“I’m here to protect you, Lady Eriina! You’re the key to this fight!”
Uh, I’m not flattered at all, and I don’t understand his logic.
“Fine then, Koichi, get ready! When the golem stops, be ready to hit it!”
“…”
Why is he silent now? It’s annoying, but Tetsu is holding the golem’s movements on his own, so it’s working.
“You can use earth magic, right? Bind the golem!”
“Hmm… Understood, Lady Eriina!”
We were focused on the golem, and other monsters didn’t interfere, allowing us to concentrate on this battle.
This experience will boost our confidence.
“Here we go! Earth Shake!”
Koichi cast his spell, causing the ground around the golem to shake and its footing to crumble.
Nice! I knew you were more than just a human shield!
This is our chance!
The golem assumed a defensive stance against the magical attack, so it wouldn’t counter. Tetsu closed in on it.
And I dashed forward, sword drawn.
“This ends now. Stone Slash!”
I unleashed an earth-enhanced slash at the golem.
Take this! …Huh?
“Run, Eriina!!!”
“Kukuku… Of those who entered this floor, you seem to be the strongest.”
What…?
My Stone Slash pierced the golem, but from the other side, dark energy erupted, erasing the golem and wrapping around me.
“Lady Eriina! …Damn it, Water Strike!”
Koichi attacked the dark energy surrounding me with magic, but it had no effect.
“Everyone, retreat! Call for backup from Sakura!”
We have no choice but to withdraw and seek help.
“Wait, what would calling Amagi-san accomplish?”
“Now’s not the time, Risa!”
Stop it. This is no time for arguments!
Koichi… send for help quickly… this is…
“I have my sacrifice. I have no further use for you… Dark Wave!”
