170

The party continued to dungeon dive.

Having a duke watch their backs. The members tried tricks and attacks they'd usually shy away from. Resulting in a few injuries here and there. However, the duke being ever resourceful had higher quality HP potions at the ready for them. Truly, it was nice to have a senior holding their hands for once.

During the lunch breaks. Lucas and Marvin would ask Asai for tips and guidance on their swordplay.

As much as Asai wanted to oblige, and respect them. His level was simply too high, with no option of using any real weapons, he pulled out a twig from his [Inventory] one of many that were reserved as firewood.

Imbuing his mana into it, its density greatly increased. Thus, began their little spars where Asai, not actually being trained formally and having learned most of his skills from actual combat. He couldn't explain the whys and hows, but he could only show. Whenever they attacked in a way that was good. Asai would nod. When they struck in a direction or form that he felt was bad and inefficient he would shake his head in disapproval.

Thanks to this silent guidance, the two seemed to have gained new found confidence when tackling the next group of monsters.

...

The group now approached the large hall. There were no crystals spawning yet, but there he was. The taint variant of the [Rigal Bomb]

"You guys stay here and watch. Don't enter. Once you enter you can't leave. Also, when it dies, it will probably explode."

Perhaps having been around Asai for too long, the party sat down and got comfortable. As if they were about to watch a street performance.

...

[Taint Bomb: Lvl 65]

"I wonder how the level is decided? Is it dependent on the adventurer's levels for auto balance? So, if I entered with them and then decided to leave halfway. Would they have been forced to fight a monster balanced for me? Good to know I didn't fuck them over..."

[Hide]

[Phantom Menace]

The two shadow clones instantly charged forward, flanking the sides. Asai charged forward also.

Immediately upon entering melee range the three Asais performed a vault

[ANNIHILATE]!

The boss entirely confused. Backhanded a clone sending it crashing into the walls. Instantly killing it. Asai's skill now had a free pass to the back of the monster. Slamming it forward.

In honour of her memory. Asai shot forward and shoved a shortsword into hits ass. Whilst Resummoning his clones

[Phantom Menace] The skill took another large chunk of his mana. Now feeling anemic, he ordered the two.

"BEHEAD THE FUCKER!"

With two short swords, the began to chop at the boss's neck as if it was wood. Which, in this case was partially true. Leaving the sword up its arse. Asai ran up its back, whilst the beast wailed and managed to slam one of its fists into the clone, pulverizing it. The other hand backhanded the clone again killing it.

As the boss tried to push itself up via its arms, Asai was already in position. 

[ANNIHILATE] !

The skill fiercely slammed into its bark-head. Splinters erupting and placing cuts and wounds all over Asai's skin. As the boss fell back down, Asai instantly leapt off. Walking back towards the party.

They watched as the dungeon boss erupted, shattering into many pieces of wood before exploding. Causing the entire dungeon to rumble and shake whilst Asai didn't even bat an eye.

The man simply walked back to them.

"All done, enjoyed the show?"

The group, stared at the man who wasn't even out of breath. His back drop, the fiery explosion that was still blasting and flaring around in the back.

"So, this is a duke of the kingdom..."

"Wow..."

"This is him. The hero of the battlefield. The only human to return from Via Marea undefeated..."

"Will I be able to be as brave as him!? Will Lucy look at me then?"

[Asai Trichia: Lvl 72->73]

[HP: 115 MP:115]

[Title: Monster]

kophzi

https://youtu.be/Sqz5dbs5zmo