Chapter 45: The Forgotten Dungeon [5]

Ancients.

This term referred to humanity, which, in the distant past, achieved great prosperity through a highly advanced magical civilization. However, since it was too long ago, not much was known about it.

There were only speculations about when this civilization came into being, how long it lasted, and what caused its downfall--no concrete facts.

It was a civilization as mysterious as a legend.

Yet, it wasn't just a legend, as artifacts and ruins had been excavated.

Both artifacts and ruins demonstrated that they had indeed existed with a considerable level of civilization.

Especially the artifacts, which contained a unique magical power different from today's systems.

These artifacts were called the relics of the Ancients. And it was the magical power within these ancient artifacts that lured monsters and created natural dungeons.

'The root cause, indeed.'

I thought this as I stood before the last room visible right in front of me.

But such settings weren't important right now. Defeating the boss monster that occupied the artifact and securing the spoils of victory was all that mattered.

"Wait."

I raised my hand to stop Kamian and Annette.

"It seems we've reached the end."

"The end?"

Annette's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes. I feel an unusual aura. It must be the aura of the artifact."

Aura, my foot. I didn't feel anything, but I naturally put on an act.

"I feel that aura too."

Kamian said. It seemed the protagonist felt the aura as well. After all, he was the strongest here.

Though I could outperform them because I had received a vitality buff and knew the weaknesses of the monsters we faced, my basic strength still didn't match Kamian's.

But Kamian himself didn't seem to think so.

Perhaps because I slaughtered monsters without tiring at such a fast pace, he believed I was more skilled than him.

'Yes, that's how it should be.'

I chuckled inwardly. An incompetent trash human who turned out to be hiding their true skills? I would inevitably become a concern for him.

At least now, I would be firmly etched in the protagonist's mind.

"Really? Then it must be certain. Let's brace ourselves and go in."

I refreshed their attention and gave them time to gather their thoughts because the creature ahead was no easy foe.

Even though it was a lower dungeon, it was a creature that had subdued all other monsters here with its strength and had taken sole possession of the place with the artifact.

Kamian, having put on airs, shamelessly asked for the weakness outright.

It seems he was counting on me after all. I let out a chuckle.

"Hey, second place junior. You don't know the troll's weakness? Everyone knows that."

"...I don't."

The moment he heard 'second place,' Kamian's eyebrows twitched noticeably. I knew why.

The term 'second place' was one of the words he least wanted to hear now.

He had been second place at the time of admission, but since he hadn't achieved any notable results since then, being called a second place entrant was almost like a complex to him.

But seeing his reaction, I decided to keep using that title in the future.

Why?

Because people need to be stimulated in some way to strive harder.

And because it's fun to tease the protagonist. I smirked inwardly and spoke.

"The troll's weakness is simple. Just cut off its neck, and it'll die right away."

The words were very simple.

But.

If it meant beheading a vicious giant monster over 4 meters tall, that's a different story. It's like saying anyone can become rich if they win money at a casino.

That's why Kamian's reaction was incredulous.

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"Understood. Let's try."

With that, Kamian looked up at the troll's massive form. A height that he could barely reach even with a powerful leap.

His eyes narrowed as if he couldn't muster the courage easily.

"KUOOOO!"

In the meantime, the troll, having finished its threatening roar, charged to hunt its prey.

THUD THUD THUD THUD!

The troll's movement, shaking the ground as it charged, was not slow at all. No, it was rather agile for its huge size.

"Step back."

I pushed Annette, who had been momentarily stunned by the momentum, back with my hand.

Only then did she snap back to her senses and began to chant a spell from a safe distance.

I turned my gaze to Kamian.