CH 207

Episode 207 – Dungeon Transformation

TL Note: The author recently uploaded 5 chapters at once, so I’m trying to translate them as quickly as I can. I’m going to upload two chapters today to make up for my upload mistake on Chapter 205 :’) Enjoy!

As we descended the stairs down to the 8th layer, the dimly lit cave system that we had been in was replaced by the landscape of a lush, overgrown forest which was somewhat reminiscent of Nava Forest. Although I had already taken a peek around here yesterday, the scenery was really a wondrous sight to behold.

“I was surprised by the plains on the 7th layer, but after seeing this area with so many trees and plants, it sure is hard to believe that we’re underground.” (Lewin)

“Hmm? You already knew about that, so what?” (Aruna)

“Well, I knew about it, but when you actually see it, doesn’t it seem mysterious? Like how it was made, for example. The structure itself seems to change every day, and the Bosses seem to revive fairly quickly.” (Lewin)

“That’s just how the world is. Even above ground, there are many things that just can’t be explained.” (Aruna)

It’s just that… Hmm. The degree of mystery here is different, or something like that…

I felt a little miffed that I couldn’t find the words to describe it, but Aruna had already begun to move on and started to fight, marking the start of our attack on the 8th layer.

Just as I had imagined about the 8th layer and beyond, the amount of monsters had more than doubled compared to the 6th layer. The strength of the monsters had increased somewhat, and the number of times the two of them had been caught off guard by incoming attacks was also increasing. I made sure not to overlook even the smallest abnormalities as I precisely dished out healing using Medical Herb Pills and Recovery Slime.

At times when their numbers were beginning to overwhelm us, I would throw out long-range handmade bombs made from Bomb Grass and Flameweed. In the case that their numbers became too much to handle, I decided to use the smoking Magical Grass to release a powerful stench that would keep them at bay.

This method with Magical Grass was extremely unpopular with not only the monsters, but also two in the vanguard. Nonetheless, it was tremendously effective against any monster that had a sense of smell, which included the monsters of the Dungeon.

If we were ever in real danger, I knew that staying on the move with the smoking Magical Grass would drastically reduce our probability of getting attacked by monsters. Especially since we were now on the heavily wooded 8th layer, the percentage of monsters that could be considered bug-type or beast-type monsters had increased, so I expected this method to be quite effective.

“That herb stinks, so please don’t.” (Aruna)

“I also hate that smell. Back then, I felt like I was going to throw up…” (Rosalie)

Just as I was thinking about the effectiveness of smoking Magical Weed and considering whether or not I should do it, the two people in front of me suddenly turned around out of nowhere and vehemently voiced their opposition, as if they had read my mind. It wasn’t just Aruna, even Rosalie managed to dissent without stuttering.

Well, even I myself have been traumatized by the smell of Magical Grass, and it’s not like I want to use it proactively anyway, so I guess I’ll put it on hold for now.

I put away the Magical Grass I was holding in one hand and took out my sword instead, preparing myself to be attacked at any moment as I proceeded forward.

“Found the stairs.” (Aruna)

“We managed to clear the 8th layer fairly easily. The circumstances changed completely, and I thought we would get forced into some pretty tough fights, but I think it seems like we should be able to make our way down to the 14th layer with ease.” (Lewin)

“Yeah. Rosalie’s starting to get into it.” (Aruna)

“Yes. I managed to get over my social anxiety a bit after experiencing Aruna’s fight with the Two-Mino, and… Jade-san’s stench.” (Rosalie)

It’s good that you’re getting over it and are moving better, but the reason for you getting over it makes me feel somewhat conflicted… And plus, the way she said it makes it sound like I’m the one who stinks. Hmmm… Maybe the smoke from the Magical Grass made me stink as wel―

“Oh, and if you start smelling like that when we’re not in a pinch, I’m leaving the party, just so you know.” (Rosalie)

Oh. The timing of that was so perfect that I felt like my mind was being read like a book. I thought that this was a pretty good result, since it allowed her to avoid the onset of her social anxiety, but it seemed that she just hated being forced to smell that stench even more.

“Yeah, that’s okay. I promise not to use it if we’re not completely surrounded by monsters.” (Lewin)

“Anyways. After the next layer is the Safe Area. Are we going to the 14th layer today?” (Aruna)

“No, today… or rather, for the next few days, I was thinking of staying on the 10th layer.” (Lewin)

My reply must have surprised Aruna, as her perpetually droopy ears suddenly stood straight up on end.

“Why? Our journey to this point shouldn’t have been hard enough to make you want to stop.” (Aruna)

“I have a different reason for staying on the 10th layer. It’ll probably be pretty hard to explain verbally, so I’ll explain everything once we arrive on the 10th layer.” (Lewin)

“Mm. If I’m not convinced, I’m going to keep going.” (Aruna)

With that, we rapidly descended the stairs. If I properly explained, they’d probably understand, but I still wondered about how it’d turn out because of how Aruna could be. If things went poorly, she’d refuse, and then I’d have no choice but to keep going with them.

After easily clearing the 9th layer, which looked almost the same as the 8th layer, we arrived at the 10th layer, which was a Safe Area where no monsters appeared.