Chapter 674 - The Secret Cave at the Water's Bottom
"Somehow, even though it's a cave, it doesn't have a cave-like atmosphere, does it?"
"It might be because of what's underfoot."
"This writing… I believe the players are working hard to decipher it…"
"Yep, Arcadia script. As expected of you, Sora-senpai. Unlike your partner, you're quite knowledgeable."
"Fufu… I think Sora-chan is more knowledgeable than I am."
Brushing off the suspected diss, we proceeded down the path in a single file, the order matching the voices, in a cheerful and friendly mood.
With myself and Kanata at the lead and theふわふわ, smiling, and cheerful Ui-san taking up the rear, we have been walking through the 'domain' for several minutes now. Given the members, this adventure is probably the furthest from any sense of crisis I've ever experienced, but more importantly, the sweet, sweet sound of a 'private party' is right here.
Anyone who has ever enjoyed a game has surely dreamed of it. The ultimate environment where you can stand alongside truly close friends and embark on an unknown conquest.
And the members? It starts with the partner I trust more than anyone in the world, followed by my blunt yet caring and reliable self-proclaimed junior number one, my self-proclaimed junior number two who adores me to a slightly worrying degree, and even my revered and great master.
What is this party? It's literally a Utopia; I can't help but laugh.
"…What is it? You're making a creepy face."
"Ah, haha… He seems to be excited, so please don't mind him."
I had intended to casually look around with a poker face, but my inner feelings might have been seeping into my expression. Tetra, whose eyes met mine, threw his usual sass at me, but as Sora-san said, I'm so ecstatic that my mental state is invincible, and I took zero damage.
Ah, nothing has even happened yet, but this is so, so fun.
"That aside… aside from what's underfoot, it looks like a limestone cave, but I can't see a single drop of water. The humidity isn't much of a concern either."
The Sword Saint-sama at the back seemed to have no knowledge of this place. Well, naturally, I'm in the exact same boat, but—
"I completely agree… and it's a bit late to ask, but has anyone here been here before?"
Following up on Ui-san's words, I posed the question to the party. Perhaps surprisingly, not a single hand went up. However, two gazes suggested something other than affirmation.
"Right, um… I haven't been here, but I have a vague idea of the layout."
"Same here. I only caught a glimpse of it in the archives."
The two who indicated they had some knowledge were the boys, Kanata and Tetra. I see. In that case, if we get stuck, I can just ask these two for the way forward.
Considering they only spoke up now that I've asked, I probably don't need to make the selfish request of asking them to refrain from spoilers.
Excellent consideration from my juniors (who aren't my juniors) number one and two.
Alright, then, it's about time—to switch my focus to 'conquest' in earnest.
This place, the first part of the lair of [Rapharn, Great Spirit of the Rushing Waters], also known as the [Secret Cave of Withered Water], is, as my two juniors know, one half of the half that is generally known.
That's as far as my prior research goes. I naturally haven't touched on the details of how to navigate the interior, which has become a dungeon-like 'labyrinth.'
Apparently, you need to solve some kind of gimmick to proceed on the correct path… now then. The most prominent clue is what we've been talking about since earlier: what's underfoot.
It feels somewhat similar to the alphabet, but it's a mysterious symbol I can't read a single letter of—the so-called 'Arcadia script' is written in a continuous line, forming a 'path' that follows the cave.
"Surely they wouldn't ask us to solve the maze by reading this…"
"I, I highly doubt that's the case…"
Sora-san, right behind me, chimed in after my mumbled words. Further back, my master also had a thoughtful expression, but it seemed she had no knowledge of the 'script' either.
"By the way. They've discovered a few patterns and principles, but as for the letters themselves, not a single one has been deciphered yet."
"To begin with, there have been very few discoveries of objects or places where this script is inscribed…"
With additional information provided by Tet-Kana, it was made clear that there was no need to rack our brains over this. This level of support is genuinely helpful, so I'm grateful.
Well then… what to do? No matter how much we walk, only the occasional branching path appears, with no sign of any event triggering. From experience, in times like these, the game often requires some kind of action from the player…
"……………………………………Hmm?"
"Whoa, pfft…!?"
Was it my fault for suddenly stopping in the dim light, or was it Sora-san's fault for being unusually close despite being in a group of friends?
She bumped into my back with a soft thud. I turned and steadied my stumbling partner, all while pursuing the tail of a conjecture that had faintly surfaced in my thoughts.
This place is the secret abode where a Great Spirit resides.
And the characteristic of the four identical spirits hidden in the world is… upon defeating all of them, one is granted a special skill that enhances the element they govern.
Governing element, meaning water.
That means, what is deeply related to the blessing here is… a user of [Water Magic Aptitude].
—It looks like a limestone cave, yet there isn't a single drop of water to be seen.
I see, that is indeed extremely unnatural. Combined with the fact that it's at the bottom of a river, it's strange not to feel even a millimeter of moisture.
The sense of dissonance has been presented… in that case, yes. It's worth a shot.
"Is it okay if I try flooding this place for a second?"
My partner, who had been reflexively covering her nose in embarrassment, though it probably didn't hurt.
And my master, who hadn't been particularly good at this sort of strategic deduction, had been tilting her head endlessly while thinking fluffy thoughts.
The dumbfounded looks from both of them, as if to say 'What are you suddenly talking about?,' were completely understandable. I'm aware that what I'm saying is pretty out there.
But the logic and evidence are right here in my head, so it can't be helped.
And then—
"Haha, as expected."
"You really are a quick thinker, as always."
Two knowledgeable praises were added, and my deduction was confirmed to be the correct answer.
Alright then. I exchanged glances with my partner, whom I supported with one arm, and my master, who looked at me with impressed eyes. After receiving nods of agreement from both… I activated [Nine Tail].
To ensure we wouldn't be separated, I connected everyone's avatar with 'shadow threads'—
"[Flood]."
Without hesitation, I chanted the name that manifests a waterfall.
The fact that he didn't try a small amount (Aqua) first and just went straight for the deluge (Flood) is so very protagonist-like (of him).