While the three of us were discussing about monster players, Genjuro and Ruby returned. Alright, let’s set off.
From here on out, it would be the fourth floor. The enemies would become stronger than before, and traps would increase as well. We had to brace ourselves and be prepared.
――――――――――
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Scythe Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Summoning Magic] skill has increased.
Newly acquired the “two-stage evolution” spell.
The level of [Enchantment] skill has increased.
Newly acquired the “quintuple enchantment” spell.
The level of [Necromancy] skill has increased.
The level of [Curse] skill has increased.
The level of [Trap Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Spirit Channeling] skill has increased.
The level of [Witchcraft] skill has increased.
The level of [Assassination] skill has increased.
――――――――――
Various skill levels increased, but let me tell you one thing. This place is dangerous. What’s dangerous about it is not just the increased number and quality of enemies, but also the high frequency of chaotic battles.
You might be curious as to what I meant by “chaotic battles”. It became evident upon arriving here that the Ratmen and the undead held animosity towards one another within these catacombs. I had suspected that there were no mixed groups of Ratmen and undead up to the third floor, but I didn’t expect them to kill each other the moment they met.
As a result, the case of undead monsters intruding into our battles with the Ratmen, and vice versa, happened frequently. Sometimes, the Ratmen and the undead would fight each other, and we took advantage of the situation by casting indiscriminate magic attacks to gain an advantage. So, we couldn’t really complain about this situation.
We thoroughly scoured the fourth level, yet it appears there are no hidden chambers to be found. Despite Ruby’s meticulous search efforts, we came up empty-handed, so there’s no doubt about it.
And albeit a little delayed, let me introduce my newly acquired spells. Although, to be precise, both of them were quite straightforward. The two-stage evolution of [Summoning Magic] allowed me to summon monsters equivalent to level 20, and the [Enchantment] skill quintuple enchantment enabled me to bestow up to five enhancements per ally. Both were useful, but there wasn’t much more to say about them.
Currently, we stood before the staircase leading to the fifth floor. Despite having engaged in numerous battles, we weren’t tired enough to take a break just yet. However, we hesitated to descend the stairs due to the intense sounds of combat that could be heard even from this point.
Someone was fighting down there. The question arose: Should we intervene, or should we wait until the battle subsides before descending? The opinions were divided.
“Hey, let’s go! Brawls can be quite enjoyable, you know!” Jigoro said.
“No, No, let’s proceed cautiously, shall we?” Ruby said.
“Ruby, sometimes a bit of boldness is necessary, you know?” Genjuro said.
“Genjuro, all you want is to fight, isn’t it?” Iris said.
Jigoro and Genjuro sided with the former option, while Iris and Ruby favored the latter. The final decision was left to my judgment.
Hmm, what should we do…? I understand that it would be safer to wait until the battle ends. However, it’s uncertain how long it will continue, and there’s a chance we could take advantage of the situation if we act now. It’s a dilemma, a real dilemma… Alright, I’ve made up my mind!
“…Let’s go. If we don’t go, we won’t know anything, and there’s also the possibility that this battle itself could be an event.”
“Hahaha! You really understand it, General!” Jigoro said.
“Indeed, indeed,” Genjuro added.
“Well, well, I guess there’s no helping it. I’ll go along.”
“When you mention the possibility of an event, it’s hard to refuse.”
It seemed that the women of the party were somehow convinced as well, which was a relief. Now then, let’s proceed. In my estimation, I believe that the Ratmen and the higher ranks of the undead are engaged in a large-scale battle. That should be it, right?
◆◇◆◇◆◇
“Ooooooooooooooo!”
“Dyujugagaaaaa!”
As we descended the stairs, we were met with the resounding clash of swords and the explosive sounds of magic. My prediction was half correct. I had correctly guessed that the ones engaged in battle were the Ratmen and a number of higher species of the undead.
So, what was incorrect about my prediction? It was the fact that while the Ratmen formed a legion of dozens to hundreds, there was only a single undead creature.
I was amazed at how well it was holding its ground. Curious, I decided to use my {Appraisal] skill on the largest Ratman who seemed like the boss and the lone undead who was fighting valiantly. The result of my appraisal was as follows.
――――――――――
Race: Ratman King Lv45
Job: King Lv5
Skills:
- [Robust Digestion]
- [Sharp Fang]
- [Staff Mastery]
- [Fire Magic]
- [Light Magic]
- [Dark Magic]
- [Strength Enhancement]
- [Defense Enhancement]
- [???]
- [Agility Enhancement]
- [Command]
- [Subordinate Strengthening]
- [???]
Race: Gravekeeper Lv60
Job: Gravekeeper Lv-
Skills:
- [Fist Mastery]
- [Kick Mastery]
- [Sword Mastery]
- [Axe Mastery]
- [???]
- [Stamina Enhancement]
- [Strength Enhancement]
- [Defense Enhancement]
- [???]
- [???]
- [???]
- [Dark Vision]
- [Status Resistance]
- [Pain Resistance]
- [Fire Weakness]
- [Light Weakness]
――――――――――
It had been a while since I last encountered an opponent whose skills I couldn’t read. The two were overwhelmingly superior to me in terms of level.
The Ratman King, as the name suggests, appeared to be the king among this horde of Ratmen. Although it didn’t possess any obvious items resembling a crown, it wore armor that seemed quite exceptional for a monster, and it wielded a staff.
Despite having the appearance of a mage, it was even larger than the Ratman General, exuding an aura befitting a ruler, despite being a rat.
On the other hand, the Gravekeeper was clad in rusty full-body armor and held a sword in his right hand and a hand axe in his left. While his helmet covered his face, making it unseen, judging from the nature of his skills, it was likely that there was a zombie-type creature beneath the armor. His ability to effortlessly repel the approaching Ratmen from all directions could only be described as a display of power based on his level’s stats.
The battle situation was slightly unfavorable for the Gravekeeper. The difference in numbers was simply too great. Led by the Ratman King, there were four Ratman Generals, along with a significant number of Ratman Knights and Ratman Mages, forming the rest of their forces.
Furthermore, despite being rats, they managed to maintain coordination. They tactically rotated their vanguard fighters, minimizing exhaustion, while the Ratman King and Ratman Mage, who were capable of using the Gravekeeper’s weaknesses—[Fire Magic] and [Light Magic]—unleashed their attacks. The Ratman King, in particular, with his ability to use both of the Gravekeeper’s weakness attributes, was having a significant impact with his magic attacks. Their coordination was flawless, and at this rate, certain defeat awaited the Gravekeeper.
“What do you think we should do, Isam?”
Genjuro posed that question to me. The answer had long been decided even before I used [Appraisal]. Therefore, I responded immediately.
“Support the Gravekeeper.”
Why did I choose to stand by the Gravekeeper’s side?
Was it out of pity for the Gravekeeper, who was being mercilessly attacked from all sides? No.
Was it because we were both undead creatures? Not at all. It was simply because I disliked the Ratman King.
What didn’t I like about it? Well… it’s because it possessed [Light Magic], a skill that I couldn’t use! How dare a creature like the Ratman, who serves as a source of experience points for us, have the audacity to wield [Light Magic]!? It’s infuriating! I want to turn them all into experience points!
“First, let’s reduce their numbers. Star Magic Circle Remote Activation, Ice Circle!”
“Du-ju!?”
I deployed five Ice Circles, an area-of-effect spell of the [Water and Ice Magic] skill, right in the middle of the Ratman horde. Thanks to the prior enhancement of magic power through [Enchantement] and the effect of [Assassination], the Ratman Knights in that area froze solid from the cold and became immobile, while the Ratman Mages met an instant death.
“Next, let’s keep going! Star Magic Circle Remote Activation! Summon hungry ghosts!”
To further pursue my attack, I opted for the summoning of hungry ghosts through the [Spirit Channeling] skill. Given their relentless biting and devouring nature, they were an undeniable force that couldn’t be ignored. And chaos ensued with their presence, disrupting any semblance of order and unity…
“Ooooo!”
“Jiji…!”
Seizing the opportunity, the Gravekeeper took advantage of the situation. If you’re not aware, let me enlighten you, vermins. You are currently caught in a pincer attack. In other words, you’re trapped like cornered rats!
“Du-Du-Du-Du-Oo!”
“Duuuu!”
“Joojoo!”
Oh? Have you finally realized the dire situation you’re in? Even as lowly creatures with the title of “King”, you possess a fair amount of AI, it seems. The Ratman King started by sending forth one Ratman General who had been kept in reserve, and the Ratman Knights, and the Ratman Mages who were under its lead.
However, we, too, have leveled up several times since entering this “Forgotten Catacombs”. It’s inconceivable that we would be bested by a mere Ratman General!
“Let’s go!”
“Hiyahh!”
Jigoro and Genjuro charged forward, leading the way and scattering the Ratman Knights in their path.
“Take this!”
“There’s a clear opening behind!”
Iris’s tentacles tightened around the neck of a Ratman Mage, while Ruby’s dagger slashed through.
“Devour them!”
Meanwhile, my various spells rained down upon the disoriented Ratmen. I had sealed away my fire-based magic attacks, considering the possibility of a stray shot hitting the Gravekeeper.
“Ghh… Gii…!”
Approximately five minutes later, we had vanquished the Ratman General and its entourage. They weren’t weak, but they weren’t exceptionally strong either.
“Next, it’s your turn!”
“Let’s go!”
“Wait, both of you!”
Perhaps fueled by their heightened excitement, Jigoro and Genjuro launched a reckless assault on the Ratman King, whose defenses had weakened. This is too reckless!
“Jugaa!”
“Ugh!?”
“Nuu!?”
As Jigoro and Genjuro closed in from behind, the Ratman King swung its staff, visibly annoyed. Despite being a mage-type, the impact of its strikes, fueled by its size and enhanced stats, was formidable. The two of them were sent flying with a single blow.
And to make matters worse, it was about to unleash a follow-up spell! This was bad! Their health was already depleted by nearly half from the blow alone. If they were hit by its magic attacks, which was the Ratman King’s specialty, they would undoubtedly die!
“Gah, Diamond Magic Circle Remote Activation! Magic Shield, Iris!”
“I got it!”
“Du, dzi!”
While I deployed the Magic Shield in front of the two, Iris used her tentacles to pull them toward us. Just in the nick of time!
The Ratman King’s magic was unleashed, but thanks to not having the skill of [Magic Control], the spell missed its mark and struck the ground instead. Since It’s just the shockwave, my Magic Shield could withstand it.
Phew, that was close!
“S-sorry!” Jigoro said
“Ugh, I’m ashamed,” Genjuro said.
“No time for regrets! Use the potions quickly! Summon, Skeleton Guardian! Activate the Star Magic Circle, Paralyze!”
As I summoned two formidable monsters, known for their exceptional defensive capabilities, I cast one of the [Curse] spells on the Ratman King, aiming to hinder its spellcasting abilities. Ideally, I wanted to silence it completely with “Silence”, but I doubted it would work against an opponent whose level was nearly 20 levels higher than mine. Therefore, in order to buy some time, I chose “Paralyze”, a spell that would immobilize it temporarily but was more likely to take effect.
“Jijiji!”
It seemed like my plan worked as intended, as the Ratman King’s movements were halted for a few seconds. However, it would still take some time for Jigoro and Genjuro to fully recover! We needed a little more time!
“Take this!”
“Haah!”
“Look this way!”
Iris and Ruby seemed to have the same idea as me. While I continuously attacked with my “flying slash” martial technique, Iris used her wooden hammer and axe, and Ruby attacked the Ratman King from behind with her daggers. Despite the level difference, we should be able to deal some damage; right?
“Alright, I’m ready now,” Jigoro said.
“Me as well!” Genjuro said.
It felt like an eternity from my perspective, but it seemed that the two of them had finally refilled their health. Ruby, upon confirming this, kept her distance from the Ratman King without pushing further. We managed to recover somehow!
Now, how should we proceed from here? It was evident that we couldn’t defeat it on our own. This situation of “a single mistake equals death” was reminiscent of the solo challenge I faced in the “Trial of the Azure Moon”. Despite having a skeletal body, I felt like I was going to break out in a cold sweat.
“Everyone, let’s proceed cautiously from here…”
“Oaaaaaa!”
Whoa! What was that? Oh, right, it’s the Gravekeeper! I completely forgot about it.
Wait, why is the Gravekeeper here? Ah, I see, all of the three Ratman Generals and their entourage, have been completely wiped out… Does that mean we won?
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