――――――――――
The level of [Spirit Channeling] skill has increased.
The level of [Witchcraft] skill has increased.
――――――――――
I advanced while actively using both [Spirit Channeling] and [Witchcraft] aiming for the icon of Jigoro on the map. In terms of practicality, I possessed an unmatched level of power against opponents of lower rank. While showing illusions with [Witchcraft], I would command the summoned spirits with [Spirit Channeling] to charge at the immobilized enemies and finish them off with an instant death spell. The success rate was still low, but defeating the enemy without them understanding how felt quite villainous.
Also, Iris was not with me. She was deeply engrossed in a newly available production task and pressed for time. As evident from my choice of words, the Lesser Roper race proved to be exceedingly slow. They had a tough outer shell and numerous tentacles, combining both a wide range of attacks and high defense, but being too slow was their greatest weakness.
Even at their swiftest, their sprinting speed fell below that of a mage’s casual walking pace. Only yesterday, despite employing multiple speed boosts on her, we barely reached our destination before sunrise. Needless to say, Iris felt sincerely apologetic afterwards.
“Hey, over here!”
I heard Jigoro’s voice coming from the front. I don’t think he should be shouting so loudly, but well, that was Jigoro for you. He never cared about such details.
“Oh, you evolved? Three eyes, huh? Looks pretty cool, man!”
“Well, you too. You don’t seem like a regular goblin at all. Your physique is impressive. And those tattoos look great.”
Jigoro had also evolved, just like me. While his height hadn’t changed much, his muscles had become significantly thicker. I wonder if his weight had more than doubled.
Moreover, his entire body was adorned with golden tattoos. They seemed to resemble tigers, reminiscent of war paint passed down in some ancient tribes. I thought I had become quite a rare species myself, but it appeared he was one too.
“Hehehe! You appreciate this awesomeness! I should have a drink with Isam!”
“Indeed, that might be true, but I can’t physically consume alcohol. Now, let’s leave the race compliments behind and get to the point. Where’s that duo you mentioned?”
“They’re right behind me. Follow me.”
I followed Jigoro’s lead, and we arrived at an ordinary-looking tree.
“There’s nothing here?”
“Don’t rush it. Watch this!”
“…A lid?”
At the base of the tree, there was a hole that extended deep inside, and its entrance was covered with a lid made of soil and branches. It resembled a hideout, but since there was no notification, it must be something else. Most likely, it was a hiding place created by either the larva or the slime mentioned by Jigoro.
“They’ve made their hideout deep inside here. They must have thought I came to eat them, so they attacked me out of nowhere.”
“I see. Well, they’re obviously not your typical monsters. It’s understandable to be scared.”
“So, what should we do? Should we try to recruit them like you did with Iris?”
“Let’s give it a shot. It won’t hurt them to have allies either.”
“Alright, let’s go.”
Jigoro and I entered the hole that led underground. The hole had a width that a single human could easily walk through. For someone thinner than a human like me, and for someone smaller than a human like Jigoro, it was a breeze.
It was pitch black inside, but since most monsters possessed [Night Vision], it was not a problem for us at all. After walking for a while, we finally caught sight of the two creatures we were looking for.
Their appearance matched exactly what Jigoro had described in his message. There was a giant larva, about the size of a large dog, and perched on its head was a slightly trembling, faintly blue slime. It was an unusual combination.
“Plurplur (ahh, scary!)”
“Kachikachi (This looks bad.)”
Both of them eyed us with caution, as if studying our every move. Just as they believed the visibly menacing goblin had departed, he returned, accompanied by an undeniably dangerous figure cloaked in black robes, donning a skull mask adorned with a third eye. One would need a severe lack of comprehension about the concept of death to not possess such an imagination, reaching a level where their brain could be deemed a specimen for neuroscience research.
“Kachikachikachichi (I will risk my life here)…”
“Wait a moment. We don’t intend to engage in combat with you.”
“Kachi (What?)?”
“Plurul (Huh?)”
Alright, it seems they haven’t completely lost hope. Now it’s negotiation time. This is our chance to gain more monster allies. I have to be careful with every word I say!
“First of all, I want to apologize for abruptly intruding into your hideout. I am truly sorry. However, I wanted to have a conversation with all of you. We are players who, like you, have chosen monster characters.”
While saying this, I removed my mask and revealed my face. Oh, well. This might not have been a good move. They seemed really startled. If someone took off the frightening three-eyed skull mask and the face inside wasn’t that different looking, even I would be frightened!
I feel like I just showed them an unsettling set of Matryoshka dolls. Their bodies tensed up. But it’s too late now. Let’s try to persuade them like this.
“Oh, if it’s about language, there’s no problem. I possess the skill called [Linguistics], so I can understand your words,” I said.
“Kachikachi, kachikachi (Is that so, is it true)?”
“Yes, it’s true. My name is Isam. Could I ask for both of your names?” I inquired.
“Kachigachigachi (My name is Genjuro).”
“Plurupluruplur (I’m Ruby).”
“I see, Mr. Genjuro and Ruby. To be straightforward, would both of you consider coming to our hideout? It’s much safer there than here, I believe.”
After mentioning their names, it seemed that the two of them believed that I could truly understand their words. I was aware that my suspicious appearance could raise doubts.
Upon hearing my proposal, Genjuro and Ruby seemed surprised, exchanging glances with each other. They remained in that state for a while. Perhaps they were discussing it through friend messages or party chat. Eventually, they both responded simultaneously.
“Kachikachi gachii (Let’s give it a try, I suppose).”
“Plururuu (Yes, please)!”
Oh, it seems persuasion wasn’t even necessary. If they can go to a safe place, it’s natural for them to seize the opportunity.
“Well then, I will send a party invitation, so please join,” I informed them.
“Kachi (Understood).”
“Pluruplur (Okay)!”
With that settled, we were good to go.
“Let’s depart then. Keep in mind that we will be passing through a highly suspicious area until we arrive,” I cautioned them.
◆◇◆◇◆◇
“Kachi, gachigachikachi (Heh, quite a clever setup).”
“Purupuru (Impressive)…”
Both of them seemed surprised by the mechanisms in the laboratory. Thank you for the desired reaction.
While we were on our way, I took the opportunity to learn more about them. Starting with Genjuro, he belonged to the race known as ‘Insect Larva,’ and if he evolved, he’d have an appearance that was a mix between a bug and a human, a two-legged, four armed insect.
Apparently, he wasn’t initially told about starting as a larva during character creation, so when he finally set foot in the game world, he was stranded underneath the ground… It’s surprising that he didn’t protest.
As for Ruby, she’s undoubtedly a ‘Slime.’ She has a liking for what is commonly known as a rising from zero story, and she was determined to rise up as a slime, a character often treated as the weakest in most stories.
However, upon hearing that Genjuro was in trouble, she couldn’t stand still and quietly made her way from her starting position to help. It turned out that they managed to meet up. But even though they joined forces, it didn’t mean they could do anything significant. Instead, they found themselves confined together, forced to stay indoors away from human players and monsters.
As implied by the phrase “upon hearing that Genjuro was in trouble,” these two were not just acquaintances but actually family in real life. Their relationship was that of grandfather and granddaughter. They seemed to get along well.
“Ah, welcome back.” Iris said.
“Thank you. Let me introduce them. This is Genjuro, an ‘Insect Larva,’ and Ruby, a ‘Slime.’ And this is Iris, the one I mentioned to you guys earlier, the ‘Lesser Roper.’ Please get along.”
“Shurushuru (Nice to meet you)!”
“Kachikachi (Pleased to meet you).”
“Purupuru (Nice to meet you)!”
I dropped the use of honorifics for the same reason as with Gogor and Iris. It seems that the initial contact between the three of them went well. At this rate, they would soon become close friends. I mentioned that I would help them with hunting when necessary, so this should be fine.
“You can use anything here as long as you don’t break it. Well then, I’ll go out for a little hunting. If anything happens, send me a message.”
“Understood! Take care!”
“Oh, Isam. Can I come with you? It’s more convenient to go together as a team, right?”
“That’s true, but today I plan to focus on mapping the sewer area. Is that okay with you?”
“Sure thing. It’s even better if we encounter some strong opponents.”
Hmm, in that case, let’s head south. With our evolved forms, we should be able to handle multiple Ratmen easily. Let’s go!
◆◇◆◇◆◇
――――――――――
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Curse] skill has increased.
The level of [Spirit Channeling] skill has increased.
The level of [Witchcraft] skill has increased.
――――――――――
Ah, it was really easy. Jigoro effortlessly managed to handle two Ratmen on his own. Although things got a bit tougher when there were three or more, I would take care of the additional ones while he dealt with the rest, resulting in the same outcome. We smoothly proceeded to conquer the southern side.
“Speaking of which, what did Jigoro evolve into? By the way, I evolved into an Abyss Skeleton Mage.”
“As for me, I became a Berserk Goblin. It appears to be an upgraded version of the Mad Goblin, you know?”
Apparently, the Berserk Goblin possesses increased health, strength, and agility, but acquiring weapon-related and magic-related skills becomes more challenging. It’s the complete opposite of me. Should we aim for a balanced approach? No, then we would become jacks-of-all-trades.
“I see. I am also an upgraded variant of the Skeleton Mage.”
“Is that so? What a coincidence!”
“Well, I don’t think it’s a coincidence. We must have fulfilled certain conditions.”
Indeed, it couldn’t have been just a coincidence. In my case, it must have been because I had acquired all the Abyssal magic related skills. Jigoro must have fulfilled some form of condition as well.
“Conditions, huh? Could it be… ‘The Trial of the Azure Moon’? Can’t think of anything else.”
“The ‘Trial of the Azure Moon’? You cleared it too?”
“You too? I see, then Isam must have as well! That was a tough one, wasn’t it?”
Jigoro nodded, reminiscing about the trial. It was only natural for him to have succeeded, considering I had. I made sure to diligently check the official bulletin board, where they analyzed and speculated about the conditions.
“Yeah, it was tough. The rewards were great, but I don’t ever want to fight that again.”
“I, on the other hand, would love to have another bout with it.” Jigoro said.
This battle maniac. However, if Jigoro managed to overcome the trial, that means he received some rewards as well. Although he doesn’t seem to have any noticeable equipment on him…?
“What were the rewards? Ah, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“I don’t mind. It was this loincloth, a tattoo, and some unclear gemstone. I don’t have the [Appraisal] skill, so I can’t tell what they do. It’s a good opportunity, why don’t you take a look, Isam?”
“Sure. Let me see…”
As instructed, I used [Appraisal] to examine Jigoro’s rewards. And here were the results:
――――――――――
Moon Tiger’s Loincloth – Quality: God, Rarity: G (God Class)
A loincloth made from the hide of the “Fierce Moon Tiger” Indestructible. Bound to its owner.
Its true power will surely be unleashed alongside the growth of its owner.
Initial Effects: [Strength Enhancement] Lv 2, [Physical Defense Amplification] Lv 2, [Tiger’s Blessing]
Mark of the Divine Beast (Tattoo) – Quality: God, Rarity: G (God Class)
Proof of vanquishing a powerful divine beast. Bound to its owner.
Its true power will surely be unleashed alongside the growth of its owner.
Initial Effects: [Divine Beast Transformation], [Magic Resistance] Lv 2, [Agility Enhancment] Lv 2
Soul Gem of the Divine Beast (Tiger) – Quality: God, Rarity: G (God Class)
A gemstone that seals the soul of a divine beast. Indestructible. Bound to its owner.
By consuming it, one obtains the essence of the divine beast.
――――――――――
The rewards were just as impressive as mine, and they perfectly matched Jigoro’s fighting style. Truly, the rewards for this trial were incredibly lavish. I conveyed the [Appraisal] results to him.
“Wow, so this gem is something you actually consume. Well then, here goes nothing!”
Gulp!
Without a moment’s hesitation, Jigoro tossed the ‘Soul Gem of the Divine Beast (Tiger)’ into his mouth and swallowed it whole. He’s quite bold, isn’t he?
“Did anything change?”
“Well, all I got was a notification prompt saying that I consumed the ‘Soul Gem of the Divine Beast (Tiger).’ I didn’t gain any abilities or skills whatsoever.”
“Is that so… Well, it seems there must have been some other condition attached to it. Something about gaining factors.”
“Hmm, I see. Well, whatever. Let’s move on.”
“Yeah… Let’s go.”
He seemed truly indifferent, didn’t he? It appeared that he was only interested in enjoying battles, no matter where we went. If it were me, I would likely spend an hour on verification and analysis. This felt like a shortcoming of mine.
And so, we continued to head south without hesitation. I was filled with anticipation, wondering how far we would progress in terms of gaining experience and completing the map. It was truly exciting!
――――――――――
Name: Isam
Race: Skeleton Lv10 (Max!)
→ Abyss Skeleton Mage Lv1 (Up!)
Job: Apprentice Mage Lv10 (Max!)
→ Apprentice Abyss Mage Lv1 (Up!)
Titles:
- Knowledge Seeker
- Title Earner
- Heretic → Connoisseur of the Abyss → Explorer of the Abyss.
- Underdog
- Mastermind Strategist
- Trial Survivor
Remaining SP: 60
Skills:
- [Staff Mastery] Lv 14 (Up!)
- [Magic Control] Lv 16 (Up!)
- [Earth Magic] Lv 9
- [Water Magic] Lv 9
- [Flame Magic] Lv 0
- [Wind Magic] Lv 9
- [Black Magic] Lv 2
- [Void Magic] Lv 1
- [Summoning Magic] Lv 10
- [Enchantment] Lv 7
- [Magic Circle] Lv 9
- [Necromancy] Lv 7
- [Curse] Lv 6 (Up!)
- [Trap Magic] Lv 7
- [Spirit Channeling] Lv 2 (Up!)
- [Witchcraft] Lv 2 (Up!)
- [Archaeology] Lv 7
- [Linguistics] Lv 6
- [Pharmacology] Lv 7
- [Alchemy] Lv 7
- [Appraisal] Lv 10
- [Night Vision] Lv-
- [Stealth] Lv 10 (Max!)
- [Sneak] Lv 9
- [Ambush] Lv 7
- [Status Resistance] Lv –
- [Light Weakness] Lv 6
- [Blunt Attack Weakness] Lv 10
- [Undying Wisdom] Lv 1
- [Abyss Dweller] Lv1
- [Abyssal Aura] Lv1
Unique Skill:
- [Yifa’s Blessing]
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