129 - Basement Floor 8
With an amphibious Mini-Porter and another Mini-Porter loaded with luggage, I used the [Box] skill to finish my preparations.
At a glance, I looked as if I were equipped to defeat monsters within the first five basement floors and return immediately.
With me operating the Mini-Porter in the center, the plan was to challenge the labyrinth while providing light with a lantern from the start.
I had decided to ignore monster materials until we broke through the fifth basement floor. Even if I collected them, it would only be magic stones.
After finishing my preparations, I looked back to confirm the members for this trip.
Me.
Novem.
Aria.
Miranda, who had borrowed a spear from Aria.
And Monica.
Five of us were challenging it, and Monica was particularly fired up.
Last night, she had been happily polishing a hammer even larger than the first one she created at Alamsars.
Everyone had changed into clothes that were easy to move in, and they had removed as much metal armor as possible. They were clad in leather equipment in consideration of the seventh basement floor and beyond.
The choice was based on their own confirmation that the need for metal armor was low up until the seventh basement floor.
As I woke up early and prepared for departure, Shannon looked sleepy.
Mei was lying on the ceiling of the Porter, watching us.
Eva was confirming the matter of meals with Monica.
"Make sure to store the pre-made meals properly. I even went through the trouble of having that chicken coward prepare ice. Also, please eat the perishable items first. Or rather, if you run out, make some yourself or buy some," Eva said.
"I know, but you know how much Mei eats. I wonder if this will be enough?"
Looking at the leather pouch containing gold coins, Eva looked back and forth between Mei lying on the Porter and the pouch with a worried expression.
Mei replied,
"It's fine. If the food runs out, I'll just look for some around here. Just so you know, I've lived longer than all of you, you know?"
They were deceived by her youthful appearance, but Mei had lived for at least eighty years. After all, she had met the fifth generation inside the Jewel Orb.
Novem said to Eva,
"Well then, I leave the rest in your hands. Also, please don't concentrate too much on your singing."
Eva smiled troubledly and stepped back slightly.
(That Novem guy just gave Eva a warning.)
Finally, Clara, who had come out of the tent, said to us,
"Don't worry, I'll report everything once you return. Please be careful, Liel-san and the others. Also, I was asked to give you this."
I thanked her as I received a book from Clara.
"Thank you. Well, I'll do my best so that I can bring back a good report too."
I nodded and began walking toward the labyrinth.
The Mini-Porter followed behind me.
Miranda and Aria called out to Shannon and started walking, while Novem spoke to Mei and Eva.
It should have been a heartwarming sight, but I felt a certain large wall between them.
The fourth generation inside the Jewel Orb let out a slightly troubled voice.
'Hmm, it feels like the party's atmosphere is going to solidify just like this. It might be different if there were some kind of catalyst, though.'
I also wanted to improve the current situation somehow, but since I didn't know how, I couldn't bring myself to intervene.
(I want to do something about it, though.)
Whether it was better that they weren't openly conflicting, or if it would be better for them to clash... I didn't know.
Once inside the labyrinth, I used the [Map] and [Search] skills, as well as [Speed] to increase movement speed, avoiding combat as much as possible and advancing via the shortest route.
Unlike when I had stepped into the labyrinth with Crate-san and the others before, both Miranda and Aria seemed satisfied with the speed.
"As I thought, I want to proceed at this kind of pace," Miranda said.
Aria agreed with her.
"The previous group was too slow, so it feels faster than usual this time."
Internally, I thought,
(I think you feel that way because I'm using skills.)
Then, Novem spoke to Miranda and the others—
"Were Crate-san and the others really that slow?"
—he asked.
After a moment of silence,
Aria sent a troubled look to Miranda, and Miranda deliberately brushed the hair behind her ear.
"...Yes," she simply said.
The sixth generation, perhaps remembering something unpleasant, spoke in a trembling voice.
'Stop it... stop this atmosphere.'
That's what he said.
Just as I was about to explain to Novem, Monica joined the conversation.
"How tedious. Or rather, the chicken coward is shaking, so please don't frighten him. Why don't you all try thinking from the chicken coward's perspective for once? The chicken coward's mental strength isn't high enough to endure this prickly atmosphere between women!"
That was certainly true, but for some reason, I couldn't accept it.
As I tried to talk back, the fifth generation stopped me.
'Don't jump into the conversation. It'll just become a hassle.'
I touched the Jewel Orb and sought advice from the successive heads on whether there was any way to break the deadlock, but...
The third generation said,
'Among us, the ones who had harems were the fifth and sixth generations. If those two can't give advice, there's no point in asking us... well, it's fun to watch, so do your best.'
It seemed they had no intention of giving advice.
(What the, aren't you supposed to be a bag of wisdom for times like this!)
While I was getting irritated, the fifth generation spoke with exasperation.
'...You'll have to create an environment where you can have a serious discussion at least once. In a place where Liel isn't present, or in a situation where he doesn't interfere.'
Then, the fourth generation suggested,
'...Why not just use Connection?'
I rolled the Jewel Orb with my fingertip to indicate a rejection. Because Connection—creating a link—requires mucosal contact to create a mana line.
And that would be a deep, adult kiss.
For me to go around kissing everyone as a preliminary step to create a place for discussion... I don't quite understand the meaning of that.
Remaining in that prickly atmosphere, we arrived at the room with the stairs leading down to the third basement floor.
Since there was a group coming up the stairs, we cleared the way.
It was Alette-san and her party.
(I wonder. In this prickly situation, Alette-san looks dazzling. But she looks kind of tired... did something happen?)
She had a slightly exhausted expression, and her subordinates' movements seemed heavier than usual.
"Alette-san, what happened?"
When I asked out of curiosity, Alette-san looked at me and smiled.
"Liel-kun. Perfect timing. We're heading back now, but could you give me a simple guide for the way back? I'm actually exhausted."
Told this by Alette-san, I took out a memo and drew a simple map.
While I was drawing, Alette-san's party used the time to rest, sitting down in that spot and looking pained.
With a wry smile, Alette-san explained.
"Actually, we defeated the boss of the seventh basement floor. But it was quite a nuisance."
"Was it strong?"
Alette-san shook her head.
"It's not an enemy we couldn't defeat. However, I've seen the eighth basement floor, and from here on, you need a boat. Albano and the others decided it was impossible, so they're currently fighting monsters on the seventh basement floor."
Up to the waist.
Rather, it was up to around the chest, and it seemed they had struggled considerably to defeat the boss in its room.
"We need to return to the surface and prepare. We'll need to gather lumber to make boats or rafts. Anyway, it's a troublesome labyrinth. It would really help if it ended at the tenth basement floor."
The tenth basement floor was the information provided by the guild based on what they knew. There might be a margin of error, or it might even be shallower than that.
However, if it were deeper, it would be a disaster.
Having finished the map, I handed the memo to Alette-san.
"Here you go."
"Thank you. I'm tired from combat I'm not used to. I've been pushing myself because I have to return to the surface quickly... I'll be taking a vacation for a while."
It seemed Alette-san was struggling more with the nuisance of the labyrinth than the strength of the monsters.
However, seeing Alette-san and the others begin to move, Miranda approached me.
"Isn't this great? The eighth basement floor is untouched. It might be a mountain of treasure."
As she told me in a joking tone, I replied,
"I hope so. ...Let's spend the night on the sixth basement floor. Tomorrow, we challenge the eighth basement floor."
Seeing everyone nod, I descended the stairs.
Having spent the night on the sixth basement floor as planned, on the second day, we stood before the room where the boss of the seventh basement floor resided.
With water soaking up to my knees, I drew my saber and gave instructions to my companions.
"Miranda, Aria, get back. Monica, don't move. Novem!"
Before us stood Frogmen, who looked like frogs in human form, blocking the way with spears and shields.
Since we were soaked up to our knees, everyone's movements were slower than usual.
I could have used the fourth generation's [Up-Down] skill to gain an advantage in combat. However, to see how strong the enemies were here, we fought in our raw state.
Novem raised his staff—
"Wind Blade."
As he used the magic, blades of wind attacked the monsters one after another.
Strong winds occurred within the cave, swirling the water up.
As the enemies' shields, weapons, and bodies were stained with blood, the blood spread around them. While the light source was unstable as the lantern swayed in the wind, I confirmed that the enemies were annihilated and sheathed my saber.
As Aria went on lookout, Miranda, wearing gloves, began collecting magic stones from the Frogmen.
Meanwhile, Monica was grumbling.
"It's not a problem for me to get wet. But this hip-high boot style... I certainly made them because I was told to, but I never thought they'd make this Monica wear them... the chicken coward understands nothing."
The reason Monica was complaining was due to everyone's attire.
To ensure we were fine getting wet, we were wearing raincoats.
I thought this would make it a bit easier to move, but when I made Monica wear one, she cursed me as a "pervert."
She still looked frustrated.
"Damn it... I can't take tools out from under my skirt. What on earth do you intend to do by making a maid dress like this?"
Sighing, I moved through the water.
Novem stopped the swaying lantern with his hand.
"Listen, if you get wet in those frilly clothes, it's a nuisance to everyone else! Think a little!"
Then,
"Then there's no need to worry. Waterproofing is standard equipment. Besides, it dries quickly."
Monica struck a sharp pose, but Miranda spoke up.
"I'm finished. Now, next is finally the boss's room. Though he's already gone. From what I heard, it's almost like an underground lake."
That was indeed the case.
I decided it was time to prepare.
Since Albano-san and the others had withdrawn, only Marina-san and we were on this floor now.
(Or rather, I wonder what Marina-san is thinking. Even if she fights on the floor above, there's no difference in the monsters that appear. Is she a genuine battle maniac?)
Recalling when we met on the fifth basement floor, I told everyone to move away.
"Now, shall I bring out the boat-type Mini-Porter? Or rather, can I just unify them as Model 3? This is already the third one."
Aria looked exasperated.
"I don't care, just hurry up. Or rather, are we boarding already?"
I shook my head and snapped my fingers. It wasn't necessary, but I was just imitating the seventh generation, who used the [Box] skill like this.
A magic circle popped up on the water's surface, a large box appeared, and then the lid opened and the box vanished.
As the boat appeared, waves formed on the water's surface, and water pushed up to around my thighs.
"We'll board from here on. Or rather, I want to practice a bit in the next room."
Since it was a form I was using for the first time, I wanted to check the sensation of using the [Golem] magic.
As for Monica, she took the Mini-Porter's floaties that had come out of the box with it and began putting them on.
(I wonder if I should connect the Mini-Porter with a rope.)
I thought about pulling it and operating it when necessary.
Operating the relatively large boat, I moved the water-wheel-like things on both sides, and the boat began to move.
I was slightly confused by the unfamiliar operation, but it seemed manageable.
"Alright, let's go."
Since Monica's work seemed finished, I proceeded toward the boss's room.
Basement Floor 8.
Having boarded the boat, we advanced through the labyrinth, which had become like a waterway.
I had tested the sensation of using the boat in the boss's room of the seventh basement floor, and there were no problems.
And so, I sat at the front and watched the surroundings.
Monica and Novem sat behind me, with Aria and Miranda positioned in the middle.
Monica said,
"Please don't move too violently. We'll sink."
Then, Aria looked back.
"Wait, is this a defective product? Make it properly!"
Looking exasperated, Monica retorted to Aria.
"Don't be stupid. I want to praise myself for being able to create this much in such a short period. Though, I also want to be praised by the chicken coward."
Ignoring Monica's glances, I used a skill.
I was using the fifth generation's [Map] skill, but—
(No good. It's a bit tough here.)
I switched to the second-stage skill, [Dimension], to grasp the surrounding map three-dimensionally. It was a skill that allowed me to know the water and our position in 3D.
Miranda placed a hand on the shoulder of the irritated Aria to keep her from standing up, and looked around.
"Even so, I thought it would be a hassle, but it's surprisingly easy. We don't have to walk to move, and the combat is—"
While Miranda was speaking, I lifted my hips and placed my feet on the front of the rectangular boat.
The boat swayed, but it wouldn't sink from this much. However, it was difficult to keep my balance on the boat.
Holding the Jewel Orb in my left hand, I changed its shape into a bow. Once I shaped it into a short bow, I took a drawing pose.
Then, threads of light appeared on the stringless bow, and five arrows appeared as I drew it.
Using the [Select] skill, I aimed at the monsters approaching.
Moving freely through the water were [Sahagin], who were leading Frogmen.
I drew the bow, took aim, and released the arrows.
The five arrows attacked their respective targets, and the Sahagin that leaped from the water's surface had its head pierced by a light arrow immediately after appearing.
The four arrows then changed direction and plunged into the water.
Then, Frogmen floated up one by one.
Returning the Jewel Orb to its original shape, I hung it around my neck again.
Monica clapped.
"Oh, how splendid."
Aria looked at me with a bit of dissatisfaction.
"We're not even needed. Or rather, from here on, Liel alone is enough, and the rest of us are just support."
I took the oar and pulled the floating monster corpses toward the boat. I took the book I had nearby and decided to work while confirming how to skin Sahagin materials.
"That's impossible. The mana consumption is intense. ...It's difficult to skin materials on a boat. I'll just collect the magic stones."
What I had received from Clara was a book about a past labyrinth that closely resembled the one we were conquering. It described what kind of monsters were there and what the structure was like.
Sahagin were also mentioned, but working on the boat was a hassle. Even if I forced myself to collect them, the materials weren't worth that much.
Novem looked at the Sahagin.
"...They're monsters like those in the sea. Perhaps from here on, monsters that appear in the sea will increase."
Inside the cave.
It was built to resemble an underground lake, but it seemed to be a bit special.
"If that's the case, will this book alone be tough? But this book also says there are monsters that appear in the sea..."
Then, looking at the Sahagin, Monica said,
"Creatures that live in saltwater can survive in freshwater... well, they're humanoid, so if they can breathe, it might not be a problem. But they do have gills. It's strange, or rather, as a living creature, it's wrong."
I replied with a smile,
"You're wrong as an automaton. If that tone of yours were fixed, you'd be perfect. Follow the example of the automatons at Damian's place."
Then, Monica replied,
"Hmph, follow their example, you say? Let me tell you, they just don't say it out loud, but behind the scenes, they're full of grumbles and complaints. They have little interest in anyone other than their master. They badmouth other people constantly! Thinking of that, I am convinced that Monica, who puts everything into words without hiding it, is a wonderful maid with no hidden side!"
She declared this with a sharp expression, but I just laughed through my nose.
"Hide it a little."