Volume 1 - CH 26

Chapter 26-How to Fight the Shadow Man and the Red Mage

(TL:By Rafael)

The bottom level of the Labyrinth of Ione Ruins is a little different from the previous levels.

Up to this point, it has basically consisted of passageways and small rooms, but the lowest level has a large floor area because there is no atrium.

There are also small rooms on both sides that seem to be remnants of stores, and some of them still have decayed signs hanging on them, probably because the bottom level is less affected by greening and weathering.

"The atmosphere is a little different. ......"(Marina)

"Yes. It's more like an abandoned building."(Silk)

Marina and Silk seemed to feel a little uneasy at the change in appearance.

On the other hand, Rain is looking around with some interest.

"What's wrong? Rain."(Yuki)

"Very interesting. I feel like I want to go through this whole level alone."(Rain)

"Well, I'll think about it after the request is over. First priority is to complete the request."(Yuki)

"Yes. I know."(Rain)

Rain nodded her head in agreement.

"When we're done, let's go diving again. I'm actually a little interested in the Auld Dread City Labyrinth."(Marina)

"Yes, I agree, since we went all the way to Quarto."(Silk)

Marina and Silk are both saying that attacking dungeons outside the vicinity of Finis will surely be a good experience.

I don't have a lot of experience diving dungeons in this area myself.

Considering my future as a supporter, maybe I should be the one to take the initiative.

"Then let's get to the door!"(Marina)

"Yes, we should. But there is also the matter of Shadow Stalker, the Shadow Man. Let's keep our guard up."(Yuki)

"I know!"(Marina)

Marina smiled and nodded.

In the dimly lit dungeon, her cheerfulness is like a strengthening magic that helps.

"I'm sorry, Silk, but I need you to help me with the reconnaissance. I'm not very good at night vision."(Yuki)

The lowest level is even darker with the upper levels blocking the sunlight.

The "Cantera of Detection" is not a good light source, as it is used more for detecting traps and devices than as a light source.

But with the help of Silk, who is a ranger and can see well at night, we can make up for it.

"I understand."(Silk)

I nodded to Silk and began to walk slowly through the lowest level of the square.

This was probably the kind of floor that housed a large store, with some small but fairly large rooms scattered around the key areas.

The more space there was to fight, the more chance there was of being surrounded.

"Sensei, ......."(Silk)

As I walked to the middle of the floor, Silk issued a small but sharp warning to me.

Her gaze was directed at the three levels visible in the ...... atrium above.

"......!"(Yuki)

In the very edge of the third level, a Shadow Stalker stands looking down at us.

It's not as hostile as ever, but it's just as creepy.

"What should we do?"(Silk)

"I can't help it. I don't feel good about being seen, but I don't think they're going to attack us right away from that position."(Yuki)!

As soon as I said that, Shadow Stalker jumped up and down.

"Now ......?

I stiffened at the unexpected movement.

The phase shift in the stairwell must be a powerful force that can twist away even rocks.

And yet, Shadow Stalker, the Shadow Man, made his way down to us without a care in the world.

(What's going on? ......?)

The shadow man, Shadow Stalker, laughed at me as if he didn't know my question.

I felt a definite madness and murderous intent from the Shadow Stalker, who twisted his mouth into an arc as he laughed strangely.

"It's coming! Prepare for battle!"(Yuki)

I unfolded the emergency magic scroll scroll.

It's a magical tool artifact that requires a good amount of time, effort and money, but it can't be changed for safety.

...... And it's too stupid for alchemists to be stingy with their tools and fight.

At the same time as the Multi-Enchantment Scroll, which grants multiple enhancements, burns down, the Shadow Stalker moves.

Shadow Man Shadow Stalker" raises his arms as if tracing the midline.

"Kyaaaah!"(Marina)

In the next moment, Marina, who had jumped to the front of the pack, flew into the air and fell down.

"Marina!"(Yuki)

I pulled out my shortsword and stood between him and the others.

I'm not sure what Shadow Stalker did, but from the traces left on the floor, it must have been some kind of sharp shockwave.

Fortunately, the magic that the Multi-Enchantment Scroll of Multiple Enhancement grants includes the magic of the Glass Shield.

I'm sure Marina will be fine.

"Ssssssss ......"

"It gives me a sickening laugh. ......!"(Yuki)

I was a little pissed off, but I held up my small shortsword.

For a middle guard like me, calmness is the key.

Maintaining the situation is the main job, and breaking through is the job of the attacker.

In other words, my job here is to take the place of the vanguard and protect the back until Marina returns.

But ......, I dare to be a little reckless here.

I told the three of them that I would take care of it.

"Shhhh!"

"......!"(Yuki)

Just as Shadow Stalker was about to do the same, I jumped into the air with a single breath.

A mysterious shockwave caught me head-on, but there was no need to be afraid of it.

One-on-one combat is still my specialty.

I'll show him how a red mage fights. ......!

I felt the impact of the glass shield breaking.

I felt the heat of my cheeks splitting a little from the impact of the breakage, but I stepped in without regard.

Perhaps my move was unexpected, but the smile disappeared from Shadow Stalker's face.

"Shaaaa!"

A hand sword swung down to catch me, but it was useless.

The Blink Shadow, a shadow alter ego that was activated beforehand, took my place and disappeared after receiving a blade-like shockwave, leaving only a gouge mark on the ground.

"Fuck you, ......!"(Yuki)

(TL: I assure this was a correct Translation)

I'm not so naive as to let this opportunity slip away.

He swung his shortsword with all his might at Shadow Stalker, the man of shadows.

The three offensive grants ......, namely, 《Special Sword Critical Weapon》, 《Holy Granting Enchantment Saint》, and

《Flaming Wound Flame Scratch》, were placed on the blade of True Silver Mithril to ward off evil.

"It's a bonus, keep it!"(Yuki)

While backstepping away from the tatara-stomping Shadow Stalker, I pull out the Holy Oil from the holder on my waist and throw it at him.

"Huahhhh!"

The oil ignites the flames flickering in the wound, and the shadow person, Shadow Stalker, lets out a strange scream and begins to burst into flames. Then the shadow quickly crumbled to pieces and eventually disappeared.

"Marina, are you alright?"(Yuki)

"You're awesome! Yuki!"(Marina)

I turned around and was hit by Marina's dashing hug.