Today, I continued exploring the dungeon, searching for items. Since I have no idea which floor they might be on, I’ve been methodically combing through the levels from the very first.
Honestly, I feel like I’ll never find them.
But even if it takes me a year, I’ll keep searching for two years, or even three if necessary.
That said, I turn 17 soon, and that’s when my former classmates will be summoned. When I think about that, I can’t help but want to find these items as quickly as possible.
“Hey, Toma, stop spacing out!”
“Yeah, we’re in the middle of a fight!”
“Ah, sorry. My bad.”
I released the string of my Lightning Toma Bow.
The lightning-infused arrow struck a monster, paralyzing it with electricity.
“Take this!”
Ben, wielding his flaming morning star, struck the monster square in the face. It was his skill, Flame Strike, in action. The flames engulfed the monster, spreading quickly and reducing it to a smoldering heap.
The smell of burning flesh wasn’t pleasant.
“I offer my prayers to the Great God of Light, Lightruid. Light Arrow Rain!”
Arrows of light showered down like rain, piercing the monster repeatedly. The colossal beast, riddled with holes, wavered and collapsed.
“One down!”
“Chimeras are always so strong.
[Your level has increased.]
Finally! I’ve reached Level 300!
[Your skill, Transformation, has leveled up.]
“Yes! I knew it! Based on my experience, I figured the skill would level up once I hit this point, but I’m so relieved it actually did!”
Status Window
Name: Toma Bald Roxfall
Race: Demigod (Human/God Hybrid)
Information: Male, 11 years old, Marquis of the Kingdom of Kurudia, Healthy
Title: Apostle of Deus, the God of Creation
Rank: G
Attribute: Divine
Blessing: God of Transformation
Level: 300
Skill: Transformation (Level 7)
Life: 142,475
Stamina: 143,285 (-30,745)
Mana: 145,560
Transformation (Level 7): Allows the user to perceive and transform surrounding terrain information.
This isn’t just a mapping skill. It’s more like “terrain perception.” That name feels more accurate.
Let’s try it out.
“Ahhh!”
“What’s wrong?!”
“A monster?!”
“Toma-sama?!”
A flood of information rushed into my brain, causing an intense headache. Apparently, I made the mistake of using the skill without specifying a range.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Are you poisoned?”
“No, I just overused a new ability and got a headache. I’m fine now.”
“You scared us by collapsing to your knees like that!”
“Next time, warn us before you try something!”
“Sorry about that.”
“Just in case, let me heal you. I offer my prayers to the Great God of Light, Lightruid. Light Heal.”
Thanks to Light Heal, the throbbing in my head cleared up.
I thanked Charmy and narrowed the skill’s radius to ten meters before trying again.
A 3D map of the terrain within a ten-meter radius unfolded in my mind, along with the positions of people in the area.
The terrain had no ceiling, and the walls acted as dividers. It looked like the screen of an old video game I’d once seen, though I’d never played it myself.
I could also adjust the perspective, viewing the map from above, the side, or even below.
Currently, there were only six people nearby: my group of three and Captain Susanna’s three temple knights. No monsters or other threats were detected.
When I gradually expanded the radius to about 130 meters, I felt a faint headache. It seemed that sticking to a range of around 100 meters was best for now.
Using the terrain perception skill, I began searching for items.
Walking while using the skill was difficult, so I adopted a method where I’d walk about 50 meters, then activate it.
I meticulously explored all 25 levels of the dungeon, creating detailed maps along the way. Unfortunately, the 25th level yielded no items.
We moved to the 24th level and decided to camp near the stairs.
I pulled out a table, chairs, and a large metal container from my spatial storage.
The container was divided into two rooms, each equipped with beds for eight people. One room for men and the other for women.
The spatial storage could hold over 30 tons of items, including large objects like the container. It was incredibly convenient.
“As usual, we’ll take turns keeping watch. Please rest, Toma-sama.”
“Thank you, as always.”
“No need to thank us. Since we aren’t participating in combat, the least we can do is stand watch.”
I attended school for two days a week and spent two to three of my four days off exploring the dungeon.
Captain Susanna and her knights entered the dungeon even on days we didn’t. When do they rest? I hope they’re not overworking themselves.
As we ate dinner, I activated terrain perception and noticed someone approaching.
It was rare to encounter other explorers in these final levels, given their vastness.
“Someone’s coming,” I said.
“We’ll remain vigilant,” replied Captain Susanna, standing to attention.
Four figures appeared, visible to the naked eye. Two wore heavy metal armor, while the other two were cloaked in robes.
“Relax, we’re not here to fight,” one of them called out.
“We just want to rest before descending to the 25th level. We’ll use this side.”
The group positioned themselves on the opposite side of the staircase.
After finishing our meal, we stored the dishes in spatial storage and retreated into the container, inviting Captain Susanna to join us.
“Stay on guard.”
“Did they seem suspicious?”
“Yes. They were originally six, but two vanished out of sight. Moreover, they’re members of the Katrias faction’s Vanguard.”
“Understood. We’ll prepare to subdue them if necessary.”
“I’m ready to fight too!”
“Toma, can you give us detailed information on them?”
“Right. Their levels are…”
The group of six included two hidden members at levels 260 and 265, while the visible four ranged from levels 230 to 250.
Their ranks varied: the hidden members were Rank C and B, while the four at the staircase were Rank C. They were evenly matched with Captain Susanna and her knights.
