kscans

Chapter 674 - The Secret Cave at the Water's Bottom

"Somehow, even though it's a cave, it doesn't really have a cave-like atmosphere."

"It's probably because of what's under our feet."

"These characters… I believe the players are working hard to decipher them…"

"Yup, Arcadian script. As expected of Sora-senpai, you're knowledgeable, unlike your partner."

"Fufu… I imagine Sora-chan is more knowledgeable than I am."

Brushing off the suspected diss, we proceed in a line in the order of the voices, cheerfully making our way.

With me and Kanata at the lead, and the gentle, smiling, and cheerful Ui-san bringing up the rear, we've been walking through the 'Domain' for several minutes now. Given the members, this is an adventure that's as far removed from a sense of crisis as possible, but more importantly, the sweet, sweet sound of 'a party of close friends' is right here.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a game has surely dreamed of it. The ultimate environment where you can embark on an unknown conquest, side-by-side with friends you can truly be yourself with.

And what's more, the lineup starts with the partner I trust more than anyone in the world, includes a senior who is my self-proclaimed junior number one, curt but caring and reliable, a self-proclaimed junior number two who adores me to a slightly problematic 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 give a nonchalant glance with a poker face, but perhaps my inner feelings were showing on my expression. Tetra, whose eyes met mine, threw his usual sass at me, but I, floating on cloud nine and with an invincible mentality thanks to Sora-san's words, took no damage.

Ah, nothing has happened yet, but this is so much fun.

"That being said… aside from what's underfoot, it looks like a limestone cave, but for some reason, I don't see a single drop of water. The humidity isn't that noticeable either."

The Sword Saint at the rear seems to have no knowledge of this place. Well, that's to be expected; I'm in the same boat—

"I completely agree… but now that I think about it, has anyone here been here before?"

piggybacking on Ui-san's words, I posed the question to the party. To my surprise, not a single hand went up. However, two pairs of eyes met mine, likely for a different reason than affirmation.

"Yes, um… I haven't been here, but I have a vague idea of the basics."

"Same here. I've only seen a glimpse of it in the archives."

Indicating they had some knowledge were the two boys, Kanata and Tetra. I see. In that case, if we get stuck, I can just ask them for the way. Excellent.

And considering they only revealed this now that I've asked, I probably don't need to be selfish and ask them to refrain from spoilers.

Excellent consideration, juniors (not really juniors) one and two.

Well then, it's about time—to switch my focus to 'conquest' in earnest.

This place, the first part of the lair of [Rafan, Great Spirit of Sudden Water], a.k.a. the [Secret Cave of Dry Water], as my two juniors know, is one half of the part that is generally known.

My prior research stops there; I haven't touched on the details of how to conquer the interior, which has become a dungeon-like 'labyrinth.'

To proceed on the correct path, it seems we need to solve some kind of gimmick… Now, what could it be? The most prominent clue is what's been coming up in conversation: what's underfoot.

It feels similar to the alphabet, but I don't think I can read a single character of this mysterious symbol—the so-called 'Arcadian script' is written in a continuous line, forming a 'path' that follows the cave.

"They wouldn't ask us to solve a maze by reading this, would they…"

"P-Probably not, I think…"

Sora-san, right behind me, followed up on my muttered words. Further back, my master also had a thoughtful look on her face, but it seems she has no knowledge of the 'script' either.

"By the way. A few patterns or rules have been discovered, but as for the characters 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…"

Tetra and Kanata provided some additional supplementary knowledge, making it clear that we don't need to rack our brains over it. This level of support is genuinely helpful, so I'm grateful.

Hmm… so what should we do? We walk and walk, and occasionally a fork in the road appears, but there's no sign of any event happening. From experience, in times like these, the players are often required to take some kind of action…

"…………………………………Hmm?"

"Gah, woah…!?"

Is it my fault for suddenly stopping in the dim light, or is it Sora-san's fault for being so close in a place where there are other people, albeit close friends?

As she bumped into my back and stumbled, I swiftly turned and supported her, all the while pursuing the tail of a conjecture that had faintly surfaced in my mind.

This place is the secret abode of a Great Spirit.

And the characteristic of the four identical beings hidden in the world is… upon defeating all of them, one is granted a special skill that enhances the attribute they govern.

Governing attribute, that is, water.

Which means, what is deeply related to the blessing here is… a user of .

—Despite being a limestone cave, there isn't a single drop of water to be found.

I see, that is indeed extremely unnatural. Combined with the situation of being at the bottom of a river, it's strange not to feel even a millimeter of moisture.

The incongruity has been presented… In that case, yes. It's worth a try.

"Is it okay if I try flooding this place just once?"

My partner, who had been reflexively covering her nose and looking embarrassed, though there was likely no pain.

And my master, who had been tilting her head endlessly and thinking with a gentle expression, perhaps because she's not very good at reasoning out things like conquest.

The blank look I received from both of them, as if to say, 'What are you suddenly talking about?' was only natural; I'm aware that I'm saying something outrageous.

However, the logic and basis are all here in my thoughts, so it can't be helped.

And on top of that—

"Haha, as expected of you."

"You're as quick on the uptake as ever."

With two praises from the knowledgeable ones, my deduction was proven correct.

Alright then. After exchanging glances with my partner, whom I supported with one arm, and my master, who looked at me with impressed eyes, and receiving a nod of agreement from each… I activate [Nine Tail].

To ensure we don't get separated, I connect everyone's avatars with 'shadow threads'—

"[Flood]."

Without hesitation, I chanted the name that manifests a waterfall.