kscans

Chapter 205 - Petra and the 45th Floor of the Crystal Palace

We were on the forty-fifth floor of the Crystal Palace. The party consisted of me, Famu, Mizuki, Myra, Marmi, and Petra. Petra’s weapon of choice was a great hammer. She swung it with a brute strength I never would have guessed from the delicate hand I shook when we first met. Then again, she had also carried a whole cask of ale with ease, all the way from the dwarf-controlled western district to the elven district in the east. She clearly had stamina to spare. Right now, she was bringing that great hammer down on the head of a giant centipede. The creature’s hard carapace shattered effortlessly. The front line was held by her, Famu, and Mizuki. Famu acted as a decoy, her swift movements confounding the enemy while Marmi and I supported from the rear with magic and arrows. Mizuki and Petra would then move in to deliver the finishing blows. That was the rhythm of our battles.

"I don't have anything to do,"

Myra pouted, watching Famu pick up a Mana Seed after the battle.

"Myra, you can heal anyone if they get hurt, but if you can't move, no one can heal you,"

I reminded her. Besides, she was the only one we could entrust with both protecting the rear guard from sneak attacks and reinforcing the front line if a powerful enemy appeared. We were counting on her for the most difficult situations. She was our trump card, our impact player. Her role had become even more critical since Aira stopped joining us. Still, I found it a little strange that she was so eager to jump into the fray.

"I think it’s best if you don't fight, Myra."

"And why is that?!"

she demanded, slamming her shoulder into me so hard I stumbled.

"Aira is going to study theology at the magic academy. She's my little sister. If she gets serious, I'm sure she'll earn top grades. I need to level up enough to keep up with her."

She clutched her mace. Was she still so single-mindedly focused on winning their next sisterly squabble?

As we were talking, we reached a dead end. There was a pedestal with a treasure chest on it. We'd been making a beeline for the Area Guardian's room on every floor, so this was the first time I’d actually seen a treasure chest in this dungeon.

"My apologies. It seems I took a wrong turn,"

Petra said, turning around. With her glasses and mask, I had no idea what emotion she was trying to convey.

"Petra, I’ve been meaning to ask, but can't you do something about that getup?"

Mizuki, who had been staring at the chest, spun around in surprise.

"Huh? That's what you're focused on? Shouldn't we be more worried about the chest right now?"

"You think? I'm pretty concerned about this, too. I'm confident I wouldn't even notice if she got swapped out with a monster."

"I think you'd notice that, at least,"

Mizuki sighed. Getting impatient with our pointless conversation, Myra pushed her way between us.

"Mash, dwarf women do not show their faces to anyone outside their immediate family. Even after marriage, very few show their faces to anyone other than family."

"So it's like…"

Mizuki started to say, then swallowed her words. She was probably about to compare it to some custom from our world. I, for my part, thought it was odd to call a woman over fifty a 'girl,' but only Marmi and I knew her true age. Myra was being fooled by her short stature and youthful-sounding voice.

As I was mulling this over, I felt Petra’s gaze on me from behind her glasses. Not wanting to get bashed with a great hammer, I quickly looked away.

"So, what are we doing about the chest?"

"You think it's trapped?"

Petra and Mizuki conferred. The treasure chest sitting on the stone pedestal was made of wood, but its edges were reinforced with thick metal bands and studded with iron rivets. The lid was a half-cylinder, giving it a very classic, 'treasure chest' feel.

At Mizuki’s question, Petra observed the chest for a moment, then peeked into the keyhole.

"No traps. It's just locked,"

Petra announced.

"Where's the key…"

"You'd normally find them while exploring the dungeon, either as drops or in other chests. The keys vanish after one use, but as long as it's from the same dungeon, it should be universal. Well, sometimes they're color-coded and you can't use them."

I was learning the basics of dungeoneering far too late. We'd just been obsessively clearing the fortieth floor, single-mindedly heading for the Area Guardian's room. We didn't have any chest keys. It just went to show how important it was to gain experience by exploring from the lower floors up.

"So we just need to find a key and come back, right?"

"Maybe. Another explorer might find it first and open it. If that happens, this chest will vanish and reappear somewhere else."

"Then what if we just smash it…"

Mizuki, unable to give up, looked at Petra with hopeful eyes. She seemed to be counting on a single blow from that great hammer. Wouldn't that destroy the contents, too?

"Ah… if you do that, it's a different story. Every monster on this floor will converge on this spot. I don't think the six of us can handle all of them."

"Mmmph…"

Mizuki glared at the chest resentfully.

"Why are you so worked up about it?"

I asked.

"Have you forgotten? We have a fifty-large-gold-coin debt!"

Mizuki shot back. Right, I'd forgotten. If there was an easy chance for a big score, we had to take it.

"In that case, could we use this key?"

I pulled out the magic key Laciel had given me. Mizuki winced at the sight of it. It must have brought back some bad memories. I made a mental note to put her through that again sometime. While I was lost in my thoughts, Petra took the key and studied it intently.

"This is… incredible."

She inserted it into the keyhole. With a twist, there was a metallic click, and the chest opened.

Everyone’s expectant gazes poured into the chest. Inside were two more treasure chest keys.

"Well, maybe we can sell them for something,"

I said, my interest in the chest already gone. I started walking toward the Area Guardian's room.

"Say, I wonder if that bull's head is worth anything?"

Mizuki said, rummaging through her storage as if she'd just remembered.

"A bull's head?"

Why would she have something so creepy? Then, she pulled out a gleaming golden bull's head. I'd completely forgotten that 'Mizuki-chan' and Marmi had gotten it after fighting a headless bull in the castle in Heilon.

"…That is a symbol of the friendship Mizuki and I forged in battle,"

Marmi declared, apparently remembering as well.

"I don't have any memory of that, but if we can cash it in, let's sell it. It's just getting in the way and it's creepy."

As she was about to put it back in her storage, Petra took it from her.

"Hmm. You said your debt was fifty large gold coins? I'd be willing to buy this for that amount."

"What? You're not actually planning on wearing that thing, are you? Don't come crying to me if you get cursed and turn into a bull-person!"

"That's not it. I believe this metal is mixed with Orichalcum."

"Orichalcum! Is that really rare?"

Myra tugged on the hem of my shirt.

"It's extremely rare. Weapons and armor made from it are even rarer,"

she whispered. I realized she was trying to shut me up. I must have been saying things that were completely out of touch with this world's common sense. Petra already knew my true identity, so it wouldn't be a problem if I kept saying ignorant things, but Myra gave me a small nod, so I decided to let her handle the rest of the conversation.

"If it contains Orichalcum, we can't sell it so easily. Besides, even if you say you'll pay fifty large gold coins, can you really procure that amount right away?"

Myra challenged.

"This is useless to you anyway. You silenced Mash, but you can't accurately appraise this metal's value either, can you? In this city, I'm the most qualified to make effective use of this. I don't have that much gold on me, but I'll have my grandfather arrange it. And… let's see. I'll forge one weapon for you using this metal. On top of that, I'll take care of your weapon maintenance for as long as I live. Free of charge, of course."

With that, she placed the bull's head into her personal Workshop. She was right; it was useless to us. Plus, it was so exquisitely crafted that it almost seemed to convey the bull's dying agony and regret. Getting rid of it and getting paid was a blessing.

After a few more battles, we arrived in front of the Area Guardian's room.

"So, what's the monster in here?"

"A Phoenix,"

Petra answered curtly, pushing the door open.

"W-Wait! It's immortal, right? How are we supposed to beat something like that?"

"Mash, it might have that name, but the legendary phoenix from our world wasn't immortal; it had a lifespan. It's a symbol of destruction and rebirth, the end and a new beginning, the cycle of life itself,"

Mizuki explained, following Petra inside.

"Why would a bird like that be a monster in a place like this…"

I shuddered, recalling Marmi's words: 'Sometimes, dungeons create monsters from human imagination.' On the other hand, Petra had also mentioned fighting this Area Guardian many times before. The fact that she was still alive meant it wasn't an unbeatable foe.

"Famu, if things get dangerous, don't hold back."

"Yes, Master. We have to defeat the Demon Lord. I wonder what floor's Area Guardian he's comparable to?"

"If it's just the Demon Lord, Famu can stop his attacks, and I'll use Goddess Summon. Even if that fails, Mizuki will finish him off, and Myra will heal our wounds."

She nodded. We stepped into the room together.

"…You didn't mention my name,"

Marmi muttered from behind me.

"Without you, we couldn't even get to the Demon Lord in the first place."

"…That sounds like a desperate excuse. I'll have Patricia punch you later."

"Why don't you just punch me yourself?"

"…I'm not very good at getting angry. And I don't want you to hate me."

The entrance door sealed shut. We were standing on a circular platform in a dark space. The platform was soft and glowed faintly, creating an unnerving feeling, as if we were the only six people in the world. Looking up, I could see the inorganic passages of the labyrinth stretching out in層 after層. From here, we couldn't see any other explorers or monsters.

Lowering my gaze, I saw a pillar of light erupting like a fountain from the center of the platform. From within it, the silhouette of a monstrous bird with vast wings began to emerge.

Famu, Mizuki, and Petra formed a line in front, readying their weapons. Behind them stood Myra, Marmi, and I. I drew my bow and nocked an arrow.

After the pillar of light faded, a massive shadow fell over us. It was soaring through the air. Its form, with wings outstretched, was overwhelming. The wings, more than twice my height, were covered in white feathers that shone with a dignified luster. Atop its gracefully long neck was a golden beak, and gem-like, dark-blue eyes stared down at us sharply. Its head was adorned with a crest of scarlet and gold feathers that shimmered as it moved.

A long tail extended from its body, and sparks of fire drifted down from its tail and wings. With every flap, a fierce wind whipped across the platform, and embers danced through the air.

"KREEEEEEE!"

The monstrous bird threw its head back and shrieked, a cry that tore through the air and seemed to shake the very labyrinth above us.

Marmi pointed her wand at the monster. I drew my bowstring taut. But the monster was faster. A sharp click echoed from its beak, and a torrent of fire erupted forth.

I abandoned my attack, grabbing Marmi and diving out of the way.

"Lightning Magic, Thunder Strike!"

From the tip of the wand in my arms, a bolt of lightning shot toward the Phoenix.

Unbelievably, the monster dodged the strike with a single flap of its wings and dove, talons extended. Thrown off balance by the breath attack, I couldn't evade in time. I threw myself to the floor, shielding Marmi.

A harsh clang of metal rang out behind me. Turning, I saw Myra and Petra deflecting the Phoenix's claws with their weapons. Mizuki lunged in to attack, but the Phoenix soared back into the air, evading her strike.

"Kikuichimonji!"

Famu followed up with a vacuum wave, but it seemed to be dissipated by the flap of the Phoenix's wings. The beast's powerful wingbeats scattered embers throughout the room, causing the temperature to rise dramatically.

"It's warm… no, hot,"

I muttered. Marmi and I got to our feet, readying our bow and wand respectively. My first shot was deflected by the wind generated by the monster's wings, veering off course. Marmi's lightning strike was also nimbly dodged as if it slipped right past it.

"Our attacks aren't reaching it."

"…The wind is refracting our attacks,"

Marmi said, glaring up at the sky, wand still raised.

Just then, the monster let out another roar and flapped its wings. A vortex of what could no longer be called mere embers swirled around us, bursting into flame. It then opened its beak wide and unleashed a fiery breath.

Myra must have cast a magical defense blessing, as we were momentarily enveloped in a soft light, but the all-consuming flames and the searing heat that felt like it was scorching our lungs were agonizing. In a fit of desperation, I unleashed my water magic, spraying water in every direction. The instant the cold water hit the fire, steam erupted violently, the intense heat searing our skin even more. The sound of vaporizing water filled the air, and steam engulfed the area, turning our vision white.

I kept spraying water relentlessly. Just as my vision began to clear and the surrounding temperature started to drop, a flash of gleaming talons shot out from the steam.

"Whoa!"

I managed to twist away, but a pathetic yelp escaped my lips. I thought I had dodged it completely, but the marks of its talons were clearly carved into my arm.

"Mash!"

Myra cried, rushing over.

"I'm fine. It just grazed me…"

Fresh blood dripped from the wound.

Enduring the pain, I scanned our surroundings. The Phoenix had narrowed its focus to Famu, Mizuki, and Petra, repeatedly attacking them with a cycle of ascents and dives. The three of them were clearly slowing down, barely able to dodge, with no opening to counterattack. It was obvious they had taken more damage from the area-of-effect attack than I had.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't get everyone inside the blessing's range,"

Myra said, biting her lip.

"Mo! Magic barrier!"

I yelled.

"…Fine, but if we just defend, we'll eventually be cornered."

"That's not the plan! Put the wall behind it! Don't let it fly up!"

She nodded and raised her wand.

The Phoenix dove at Famu. Famu couldn't fully evade the blow and collapsed. Seizing that moment, Marmi deployed a defensive barrier just above the monster's head. Unable to ascend, the monster was forced to land on the ground.

Mizuki and Petra closed in, flanking it. A gout of fire blasted toward Mizuki, who was taking it head-on. She deflected it with her shield and slashed at the monster's neck, but the beast dodged with a quick step. Petra then swung her great hammer down, landing a solid blow.

While the monster was staggered, Mizuki charged from the front, attempting to cut it down. The monster blocked with its beak, then thrust its head toward Mizuki. She parried with her shield, but the blow was heavy, and her body swayed off-balance.

As Petra, who had circled to its rear, raised her great hammer, the Phoenix kicked out. She was sent tumbling backward.

"Petra!"

The monster tried to move sideways to escape the barrier.

I switched my weapon to my katana, closed in to block its escape route, and slashed. White feathers scattered from the blow. Famu, who had been knocked down by the talon attack, got back to her feet, blocking the monster from reaching the fallen Petra and joining the assault. Behind her, Myra was rushing to Petra's side. The Phoenix began to thrash violently, trying to escape.

"Like hell you will!"

We surrounded the monster, attacking relentlessly. A fierce exchange of blows followed.

Just as I thought the battle would drag on, Mizuki's eyes glowed red. Her sword moved with an unnatural motion, slipping past the Phoenix's beak and lopping off its head. The monster collapsed to the ground.

The three of them stood over the creature, panting heavily.

"They say a phoenix will rise from its ashes again and again…"

Mizuki said ominously.

"I wonder which is stronger, that or the effect of Super Kill,"

I murmured. Just then, the monster's body dissolved into particles of light and vanished. The three girls let out a huge sigh.

"Famu, you took a hit. Are you okay?"

I asked, watching Petra receive treatment from Myra.

"Yes. I felt the impact, but it hit my armor plating, so I wasn't wounded. But… my whole body stings, like I've been burned."

"No, I think you actually were burned. I wonder if a health potion will fix it."

I should have been better off since Myra had blessed me, but my skin was stinging too. I tried drinking one, and the pain and stinging sensation disappeared. How in the world does this work? I thought, handing out potions to everyone. Looking around, I saw white feathers scattered on the ground, but no Mana Seed.

"Doing another run is going to be tough, isn't it?"

I muttered. Marmi approached me.

"…It's fine. We know how to beat it now. Next time, I'll drop a stone sphere on its head the moment it appears."

"Yeah. And I think I'm getting the hang of that technique you learned from Maryanne, imbuing my sword with mana before I strike,"

Mizuki said, testing her sword with a few practice swings.

"I'm starting to understand the circulation of mana in my body as well. I should be able to move a little faster next time,"

Famu added. The fighting spirit of the three girls was stronger than ever.