―――――――――――
The level of [Light Weakness] skill has decreased.
―――――――――――
I logged in, and to my delight, the clock displayed 11:30 a.m., the perfect time. Having my waist equipped with a magic lamp, I made my way from my room to the laboratory, which had now turned into a conversation room for everyone.
Inside, I found Iris engrossed in her work while Ruby immersed herself in a book. As soon as they caught sight of me, their movements froze, as if time itself had come to a standstill.
“Good morning. Well, technically, good afternoon, right?”
“U-Um, good afternoon… Isam?”
“Why the question mark?”
Slightly bewildered by Iris’s greeting, I tilted my head. Was there something strange about me?
“Isam? Hey, what happened overnight to turn you into such a monster?”
“M-Monster?”
“No, no, those fangs… and claws on your elbows… and why do you have extra arms?”
“I added the extra arms myself… but fangs? Claws on my elbows?”
What’s this about fangs and claws on my elbows? I followed their pointing fingers, and indeed, at the tips of my elbows, there were unfamiliar sharp protrusions resembling claws. What on earth was going on?
Following that, I cautiously touched my own face and ran my finger along my lips. To my astonishment, my pointed fingertips came into contact with a set of fully grown, menacing fangs, as if belonging to a ferocious beast.
In a panic, I quickly opened the menu screen to confirm my appearance. There, reflected before me, was a sinister-looking skeleton that could only be described as ominous.
“…Terrifying!”
“No, no, it’s you. So, what happened?”
“Oh, well…”
I began, recounting to them the events of the previous day. I explained how I had modified my own body, leading to evolution and a change in occupation. However, as I shared my story, both of them sighed with exasperation. Why is that?
“Isam, you’re surprisingly daring,”
“Daring?”
“Well, even within the system, it was unclear whether it was possible or not. To boldly attempt it shows that you’re a true risk-taker,”
“And, you know, most people would hesitate to modify their own bodies like that.”
“Is that so?”
Well, this is just a game, so shouldn’t we actively explore interesting things? And I don’t quite understand the aversion to body modifications either. After all, it’s just a game. It’s not like we’re undergoing actual cosmetic surgery. Is it really something to be so averse to? Well, I suppose it’s a matter of different perspectives.
“Regardless, I should have become stronger through evolution and job change. You can count on me for the Ratman General battle,” I declared.
“We’re counting on you!”
“Yes! …. Ah, by the way, what should I do about the extra arms armor?” I asked.
“There’s no way I can make it in time for the Ratman General battle, so can you wait until we return?” Iris suggested.
“What about the materials?”
“I will use the scales of the Lesser Small Naga,” Iris responded.
“Understood.”
By the way, Iris complimented my evolved self as being “even cooler” This girl truly is something else.
◆◇◆◇◆◇
After the three of us continued chatting for a while, Jigoro and Genjuro logged in as well. They were both surprised by my transformation, although not as much as the two girls.
Genjuro expressed his joy at me becoming stronger, while Jigoro was excited about having a stronger sparring partner…. damn battle maniac!
Anyway, we departed from the laboratory as planned to defeat the Ratman General. As we advanced, we defeated the Ratmen we encountered along the way, finally reaching the point where Jigoro and I had retreated from before.
The other party hadn’t noticed us yet. Hiding in the shadows, I used my [Enhancement] to strengthen everyone. The preparations were complete.
“Alright, we’re ready.”
“Then let’s stick to the plan,”
“Yeah, here we go… Magic Stone Absorption, Diamond Magic Circle Remote Activation, Heat Mist!”
By combining the power of [Enhancement] with the staff’s skill of [Magic Stone Absorption], I amplified the potency of my skill. Simultaneously, four bursts of Heat Mist erupted through the Diamond Magic Circle, engulfing the Ratman General and his entourage in a relentless assault.
The heat mist, enhanced by the effects of the [Assassination], incinerated the Ratmen. It was as if they were immersed in boiling water from head to toe, inflicting unimaginable pain upon them.
The Ratman horde writhed in agony under the torment of the searing Heat Mist, but I knew this alone wouldn’t be enough to finish them off. If anything, opponents of equal or greater strength wouldn’t be dealt significant damage.
“Continue with the Diamond Magic Circle Remote Activation, Summon the spirits. Detain it!”
“””OOOOOOHHHH!!”””
“What?!”
So, what should we do then? The strategy we devised was to eliminate the surrounding forces while keeping the stronger opponent occupied. It was a common tactic when facing larger numbers than ourselves.
The target to be detained through this plan was none other than the Ratman General himself. To accomplish this, we would rely on the sheer quantity of spirit creatures summoned through the [Spirit Channeling] skill, regardless of whether they were good or evil!
“Dyugagagaa!”
“Djidji~i, djuuu!!”
Even amidst the hellish chaos and agonizing screams, there were still shadows in motion. Judging by their physique, they had to be the Ratman Knights. They were superior to me in terms of level, so it was only natural that they could endure. However, they had yet to regain control of the situation. It was all going according to plan.
“SHAAAA!”
“Let’s go!”
Jigoro and Genjuro, who seemed to have spotted the Ratman Knights’ shadows just like me, leaped into the mist. Thanks to the FSW system, our attacks had no effect on allies, so the two could rampage inside the heat mist without concern.
Jigoro, having evolved, now possessed thunder-infused fists without needing to undergo his divine beast transformation. Genjuro, rewarded with a large sword through the trial, inflicted definite damage upon the Ratman Knight with each strike. Though there were four Ratman Knights in total, the two that Jigoro and Genjuro were currently engaging were already on their last legs.
“Hyaah!”
“Hah!”
“Black Field, Dark Wave!”
The battle wasn’t confined to just the two of them. Iris, Ruby, and I, the three of us, were dealing the finishing blows to the Ratmen on the brink of death, thanks to the scorching Heat Mist. Iris strangled and broke their necks with her tendrils; Ruby plunged her dagger into vital points; and my magic attacks sent them flying.
Despite lacking the raw attack power of Jigoro and Genjuro, Iris and Ruby excelled in their speed and versatility. When it came to taking down weakened enemies, Iris, with her numerous tendrils, and Ruby, with her swift movements, had the advantage. As for me, my ability to launch ranged attacks made me well-suited for the task.
“DYUOOOOOOO!!!”
By the time all the Ratmen and three Ratman Knights were dead, the Ratman General, who had managed to fend off the spirits, let out a roar. It’s hard to discern the complexion of a rat’s face, but thanks to my understanding of [Linguistics], it was clear that he was seething with anger.
“Duuuu! Duuaa!”
“I won’t let you! Twin Magic Circle Remote Activation, Stone Wall!”
The newly liberated Ratman General’s first move was a long-range attack using [Earth Magic]. From the looks of it, it was a barrage of Stone Lances, and moreover, two of them in a row. His aim was clearly Jigoro and Genjuro, who seemed on the verge of defeating the Ratman Knights.
I used my magic to shield Jigoro and Genjuro from the approaching Stone Lances. Despite being lower level, my job’s defense proved effective, and my Stone Wall remained intact, successfully blocking the onslaught.
“Thanks, man!”
“Nice one!”
“Ji…!”
Now that there was no one to interrupt them, the last Ratman Knight met his demise with a powerful blow from Jigoro’s fist to its abdomen and a splitting strike from Genjuro’s large sword to its head. Now, only the Ratman General remained, albeit by far the superior one.
And at that moment, the effects of the Heat Mist wore off. We found ourselves back in the normal sewers, facing off against the Ratman General.
“Now, the real battle begins! Iris!” I called out.
“Yes!”
Iris extended her tendrils, attempting to entangle the Ratman General’s legs. Though it didn’t cause direct damage, her power wasn’t strong enough to restrain him indefinitely. However, it was undeniably annoying.
As expected, the Ratman General skillfully avoided the tendrils by stepping lightly. He was indeed quick!
“Hey, big guy! Let’s have some fun!” Jigoro taunted.
“And let me join in on the fun as well!”
Genjuro added as he switched to the sword we had retrieved from the underwater cave during our recent exploration. It had been sharpened by Iris, unlocking its true potential as a formidable weapon.
Similarly, it seemed that the side sword (Wakizashi) that we had found with it was also an extraordinary weapon, part of a set. Furthermore, it had the potential to awaken new powers when strengthened with various materials. These two might become Genjuro’s long-term companions.
But I digress. The two skillfully evaded Iris’s tendrils and closed in on the Ratman General, relentlessly attacking him. While he defended himself by evading and using the sturdy parts of his axe and armor, he seemed unable to counterattack. In that case, let’s disrupt the balance.
“Trap Setting, Diamond Magic Circle Remote Activation, Thunder Arrow!”
“Jji!?”
I unleashed the Thunder Arrow, a difficult-to-dodge attack that had a wide range of impact. The Ratman General, who was preoccupied with the onslaught of Iris’s tendrils and the other two’s dual assault, couldn’t react in time and was hit directly by all four thunder arrows.
“Take that!”
“!?”
Seizing that opportunity, Ruby, who had been hiding and observing from the shadows, launched a sudden attack. She attached herself to the sewer ceiling and swiftly stabbed her two daggers into the Ratman General’s throat and right eye. That must have hurt!
“Oraa!”
“Hmph!”
“…!”
Furthermore, Jigoro and Genjuro joined in the pursuit. Their attacks, which would have easily taken down an ordinary Ratman, severely depleted the Ratman General’s health. Impressive.
“Heee!”
Finally, Iris, who had managed to grasp the leg of the heavily injured Ratman General, successfully tripped him by pulling with all her strength. If he were in perfect condition, the Ratman General would have resisted, but he was already heavily wounded, so he couldn’t hold his ground. Regardless, this was our chance.
“Oraoraoraa!”
“Don’t call it unfair!”
“What we’re doing is definitely villainous, though!”
The three of them, Jigoro, Genjuro, and Ruby, continued to pursue the fallen Ratman General. I used my [Witchcraft] to create illusions and auditory illusions. This was no longer a battle; it was more like a merciless beating.
“~~~~~!”
When the Ratman General’s health dropped below ten percent, it swung its axe randomly, driving Jigoro and the others away before rising to its feet, spitting out blood. It probably intended to roar, but its crushed throat rendered him voiceless.
However, now that it had come to this, there was no doubt that it would muster its remaining strength and come at us with all it had. We were entering the final stage of the battle.
“~~~~! ~~~~~~!”
The Ratman General’s opening move was once again a magic attack. It didn’t seem particularly powerful, but there was no need for us to needlessly endure it. If it was a magic attack; then it was my turn.
“Diamond Magic Circle Activation, Magic Shield!”
I summoned a magic shield in front of everyone except myself to provide support. I used the effects of the Moon’s Feather Robe to fly and evade. Well, three-dimensional movement is fun, and dodging now is a breeze.
“~~~~!”
Perhaps realizing that increasing the output of his magic attacks wouldn’t help, the Ratman General switched to attacking with its axe. It charged forward, raising both axes.
Impressive speed! This is completely different from before! Is this what they call “superhuman strength in the heat of battle”?
“Leave it to me.”
With those words, Genjuro leaped forward. And to our amazement, he skillfully parried every attack from the Ratman General’s axes with his katana! It’s truly unfair that he has these real-life cheating abilities!
He managed to land several counterattacks, but for some reason, the damage seemed ineffective. Did the Ratman General temporarily increase its defense?
“No use being envious. Everyone, it’s time for an all-out assault!”
“Yes!”
“Got it!”
“Understood!”
Without waiting for a response from each individual, I unleashed a barrage of various spells from the blind spots of the Ratman General, using remote activation. I paid particular attention to my [Curse] skill. If its defense has increased, then I’ll just lower it!
Jigoro transformed into his divine beast form, earning damage with lightning-fast hit-and-run tactics. Ruby attacked vital points and joints from blind spots with her short daggers. As for Iris, once she realized that her restraints were ineffective, she began swinging her rewards from the trial, a wooden hammer and axe. Surprisingly, Iris might be the boldest fighter among us.
The four of us unleashed attacks that were anything but half-hearted. Yet, the Ratman General still wouldn’t fall. Just how tough was this guy!?
“~~~~!”
“For the love of… will you give up already!”
With bloodshot eyes, the Ratman General continued swinging its axe with single-minded determination. It seemed that Genjuro, who had appeared to be on the defensive, had actually been waiting for the perfect opportunity. The moment the Ratman General prepared to unleash a particularly powerful strike, Genjuro swiftly stepped in, drawing the short sword that was sheathed at his waist, and deeply cleaving through the Ratman General’s abdomen.
“~~~~…~…”
It seemed that this decisive strike was enough. The Ratman General collapsed without even being able to let out a final scream of agony.
――――――――――
You have won the battle.
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of the [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Earthen Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “earth hole” spell.
The level of [Water and Ice Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Ice Circle” spell.
The level of [Flame Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Extinguish Fire” spell.
The level of [Storm Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Vacuum” spell.
The level of [Forest Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Growth” spell.
The level of [Lava Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Lava Shot” spell.
The level of [Sand Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Quicksand” spell.
The level of [Mist Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Frost Mist” spell.
The level of [Lightning Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Electrification” spell.
The level of [Explosion Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Landmine” spell.
The level of [Black Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Void Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Enchantment] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Circle] skill has increased.
The level of [Necromancy] skill has increased.
The level of [Curse] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Fear” and “Silence” spells.
The level of [Trap Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Diamond Trap Circle” spell.
The level of [Summoning Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Witchcraft] skill has increased.
The level of [Assassination] skill has increased.
Isam and the others have discovered a hidden area called the “Forgotten Catacombs”.
As a reward for the discovery, 5 skill points will be granted.
――――――――――
That’s a lot of information! And once again, a hidden area. There are so many new spells to learn and plenty to analyze, but the most important thing is that we won the battle!
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