Author: Yume Neiji

Taking a break in the dungeon is not unusual. In any dungeon, monsters are less likely to appear near the stairs. Me and the Raven Warriors took a break in the staircase rest area that connects the 4th and 5th floor.

“A combination of skills huh…… That’s out of the norm again.”

Felix-san said this in amazement as he handed me some hot tea

With the entrance sealed off, the dungeon is quiet. The rest area also has chairs left by other adventurers, a simple toolbox and the remains of a bonfire.

“….I’m really amazed by you. Having more than two skills is already amazing, but the fact that they enhance each other’s effects is really incredible.”

The tea is said to restore magical power, but the warmth from it also calms the mind.

“It’s a given that it puts a strain on the body. Even with magic, it is difficult to use spells at the same time.”

“T-that’s right……”

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t much help. Actually, my head’s starting to hurt…..…”

“Ha, haha……”

It made me chuckle wryly, but it was something I really had to be careful of. After all, there was no point in collapsing upon using it.

Even while resting, the roars of the undead echo in the distance. Surrounded by the cold stone wall, the Southern Dungeon was terribly cold.

“…… Why are they all undead?”

Suddenly, such a question came to mind.

It seems that the design of dungeons varies depending on the god or believer that have taken refuge in it.

So what about monsters?

『…… Rion, can you hear me?』

It was Sigris’ voice.

『This dungeon is where I was sealed.』

I give a small nod.

『The reason why there are so many large rooms like in the cathedral is because there were so many warriors in the temple at the time, and Valkyria is responsible for healing human warriors. Therefore, there were many warriors who came here for treatment.』

Sigris continued.

『The reason there are so many undead here is because their weapons… or perhaps their bones have turned into monsters.』

“T-then, they’re people from a long time ago…?”

If that’s the case, the ones we’ve defeated up until now are…

『Rion, there’s nothing for you to worry about.』

Sigris spoke gently. But it feels like she’s forcing herself, and it makes my heart ache.

『They are, after all, undead made from bones and relics. They are different beings from the believers and warriors of that time.』

Then Sigris stopped talking after that.

I had another question in my mind, but I didn’t ask it out.

Monsters —they are something we fight all the time, but there are many different types, from creepy undead, dwarf-like goblins, and beast-like wargs.

If Skoll, who attacked the royal capital, was also a monster, then what were they really?

『I’ll explain it.』

The gold coin trembles, and Solana rushed out. She came out the size of a doll, and no one is paying attention to her, so I guess no one else can see her except for me.

I excused myself to Felix-san and then I left the Raven Warriors for a bit. If it’s an important story, I think it would be best to tell everyone, but the Gods might have their own ideas.

I’d like to think that they’ll believe them too, but I certainly don’t know how the warriors will take it……

“After humans were created by the Chief God, monsters were also born. I’ve told you about that, right?”

Solana’s words reminded me of the dream.

“Yes…… During the Ragnarok, they attacked alongside with the titans.”

“Then, Rion, what do you think of monsters?”

I think about it for a moment.

I’ve defeated them in dungeons, but I’ve never really thought about them. There were many different types and they all differed in size. I counted on my fingers the commonalities between them, like their hostility towards humans and their magic stones.

“They possess strong magical powers and…. they’re enemies of humans….. right?”

“Yes. The important point is that they possess magical powers.”

With her small arms, Solana pointed to a thick pillar.

Thanks to the faint glow of the goddess, only a portion of it was lit up. From where the faint light is, there was a carving from long ago that remained.

“Can you see it……?”

These traces of the mythical era are probably the reason why the Southern Dungeon is called the “Cathedral of Darkness”.

There is a large human figure on the left side of the carvings. Smaller animals and short-limbed human like figures are depicted on the right. All of the creatures on the right appear to be bowing their heads.

“They are….. they are bowing to the titans?”

“Many races have borrowed the power of titans to stand out from the other creatures. Goblins are dwarfs who have fallen into depravity, and the undead are monsters born from the wisdom of titans.”

I traced the mural. It’s cold as ice.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to use the dead in this way, or to distort a living being in exchange for power.”

I couldn’t speak for a while.

“……Even monsters like Skoll? That’s how they were born?”

“It’s a little different. They were made from titans, though.”

Solana cuts off her words and moves up.

Carved into the wall was a titan. The bones were pulled out of its limbs, and those bones transformed into monsters —I think that was the scene that’s being depicted.

“Skoll is a monster created by the primordial titan Ymir.”

It is the name of the world’s first born titan.

“They are said to have been created from Ymir’s own bones. That’s why their titles has the word ‘bone’ in it. A monster leader from the mythological era —I guess that’s how you would describe them.”

The dungeon went back to silence.

Looking up at the mural, the ribs of the giant Ymir turned into several wolves. The bones of both arms turned into large snakes. But since it’s a mural, I can’t really see the size or details.

Then I recalled the sound of a newborn’s cry echoing in the darkness that I heard in my dream that scared me to the core.

“……There’s still a lot of monsters like Skoll, isn’t it?”

“Yes, definitely.”

The enemies are targeting  me and Lu. They are definitely lurking somewhere after escaping.

“This guy…… Ymir in the mural is the main boss, right?”

“That’s…… I think we still need to look into it.”

I see.

The gods have only just awakened, and there’s still a lot we don’t know about the world. The Raven Warriors haven’t told me anything yet either. We also came to this dungeon to investigate the unexplored area.

『Rion, Solana』

Loki’s voice sounded.

I turned to face the others. It looks like it’s time to leave. Solana then turned into light and returns to the gold coin.

『……Rion. There is no need to show kindness or go easy on them in the battle.』

As I prepared to leave, I heard Sigris’ voice.

『Skeletons and Draugrs are monsters made of the magic of titans. Their techniques from when they were alive are merely recreated from their weapons and remains.』

Sigris’ tense voice made me feel her feelings. I kind of get it. They were warriors who fought to protect people from monsters, and they are now the source of the undead.

Yes, it’s kind ironic…..

This must have been an important place for Sigris. And she’s thinking about her comrades from back then.

“……Felix-san”

I stopped Felix-san.

“Is it true that the priests of the Temple of Odis come to this dungeon regularly to pray?”

The southern dungeon is unpopular, but the priests of the Temple of Odis come here often. Apparently the reason is to offer prayers to the undead monsters.

“That’s the kind of training we have.”

I decided to speak it out.

It might be a bit meddling, but……….

“If you could…… after we finish the dungeon exploration, could you say a prayer for the skeletons and draugr we’ve fought so far?”

Felix-san narrowed his eyes and looks at me.

“…… It seems that Rion-san can really talk to the gods. Is it a wish from the gods?”

“No. This is my request, uhm, I  know it’s too late, but……”

I gestured my fingers as I spoke, trying to look nonchalant as possible.

“You’re asking me to wake up the dungeon, right?”

Felix-san looked surprised for a moment. Then he immediately laugh right after. He was shaking his shoulders as he laughed, trying not to make as much noise as possible.

“Fufu, is that the reward for the alarm? You’re a real wake-up caller! And your negotiating skills are top-notch too.”

The other raven warriors looked at me as well and nodded.

Felix-san then opens his mouth,

“The Temple of Odis pays tribute to its warriors. No matter what form they take, if our prayers can lead to their restful sleep…… we make time for them.”

There’s nothing we can do about a battle that’s already over. But I thought it was my duty as the person who inherited it to do something.

“Let’s go, Gods.”

I called out to the gold coin. My right pocket got a little hot and light leaked out from it.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

No matter how many times I check, the result is the same. The ability【Golden Flame】strengthens the detection power of 【Wild Heart】.

I could clearly perceive the sounds and scent around me. The red light, which indicates the presence of a monster, could be seen far beyond the wall.

『Hoh~, Did you finally notice?』

The voice had a hint of laughter in it.

This one really is…. He is the only one I can’t figure out well.

“Loki…… right?”

『Yes. Well, let me teach you about my skills.』

Even though I hadn’t thought about my status, the information just appeared in my head.

『You’re in a weird situation right now. I’m talking about the matter with the Gods.』

I nodded my head as Loki spoke.

『Even in our time, it was rare for multiple gods to lend their powers to one person. Bonds with the gods aren’t that easy after all.』

Indeed. I blew the horn and they appeared. I accepted their blessings without giving it much thought, but now that I think about it, it feels a little different from when I was with Solana.

The biggest difference is—

“You mean, I actually need to make a vow like when I was with Solana?”

『Normally, yes. Hmm…. she met you before she inherited her magic from the sun goddess, meaning, she’s in a weakened state. So it can’t be compared to when she was awakened by the Gjallarhorn. 』

Loki continues.

『You defeated Skoll. You defeated an enemy of the gods and achieved victory. That’s why you can say you’re a hero and that you have developed a bond with us through the battle. I think Thor, who is also the god of war, especially feels a strong connection with you. 』

Shouting the names of the gods while fighting monsters —such a story is also passed down among adventurers. Now hearing that I am one of those people, I’m a bit perplexed.

『It’s just…… I still feel like you are taking the gods’ blessings a little too smoothly. Rion, maybe you have a constitution that makes it easy for the gods to reside in you.』

“……T-there’s no way that’s true…..”

I subconsciously waved my hand in denial.

Seeing me doing that out of a blue, the group of Raven Warriors looked at me strangely.

『How did you know? Is there no one like that in your family?』

As I tried to deny it, Lu’s face crossed my mind. Lu can see Solana from the very beginning.

No, right? But……

『Fufu, it’s okay.』

Then I heard him clap his hands.

『Alright! The ability I bestowed on you, 【Duplicity】, is a set ability. It can combine the power of the gods like that, making it a great deal. For example….』

Loki continued.

I can envision Loki explaining with his fingers raised and his body flickering.

『The 【Golden Flame】 from Solana and the 【Wild Heart】 from Uru. They both strengthens the body, so there’s a synergistic effect.』

Synergy —I’ve heard of it. But because it’s a magical term, I don’t really get it well.

“You mean those two were compatible?”

『Mm, that’s right. The range of detection of 【Wild Heart 】 is expanding, right?』

When I looked around, I could still see a red light in the distance. The farthest one is super small. I know that it’s not because the monster is weak, it’s just that it’s in a remote place.

『It was said that a good magician can cast multiple spells at the same time. This is the skill version of that. Unfortunately, your magical aptitude seems to be quite low.』

“Really……?”

Ugh…….  I just felt a sharp pain in my chest. Then my vision blurred.

“I-, so I’m not good at magic after all huh.”

『Oops, sorry for that. Well, you have a decent amount of magical power, but maybe you’re a little too naive. You don’t have enough ambition to manipulate reality with magic.』

“……I see”

Well, it seems that a big bell has fallen on my head. I know that I wasn’t as good at it as the nobles, but when a god himself says it, it carries a lot of weight.

『You have enough magic to use Solana’s protection, but you could only use life magic…… That was the case, right?』

“Y-yeah……”

『Anyways —H-hey! Don’t glare at me Solana. We’ll  have to let him realize that anyway.』

Loki cleared his throat.

『I’m a genie, a god of magic. I’ve given you the ability to use a combination of two skills, a technique that uses magical power.』

The 【Golden Flame】 improves physical abilities and the 【Wild Heart】 improves perception. These two abilities can certainly expand the detection range.

『However, even I have never combined the divine protection of another god. So, to be honest, I don’t know what kind of skills would make this combination successful.』

As I listened, I tried to extend the detection range here and there. It seems that covering the floors of the Southern Dungeon is the limit of the current search.

“Then….…”

The safety of this floor has been ensured. Now that things have come to this, I want to try out this ability until Golden Flame goes out.

“What’s the matter, Rion-san? It’s time to leave……”

I smiled at Felix.

“I’ll try to detect the floor below as well.”

“……Huh? From this position?”

“Yes. I think it’s safer to go down the stairs and be far away from the monster swarm.”

Since it can be spread left and right, it could also be spread up and down. Little by little, I poured magical power into the power of the gods.

The light on the same floor gradually faded away, and the vague red shapes of the monsters on the floor below came into view instead. Most were skeletons, but I could also see stronger monsters such as draugr and wraiths..

“As expected, there are a lot of undead types……”

There are so many creepy monsters, which is why it has an ironic name like “Cathedral of Darkness”. It is also unpopular with adventurers, and not many people want to live near the Southern Dungeon.

It’s said that the priests of the Temple of Oudis are the ones who delve into the Southern Dungeon most often. Sometimes they can find medical items and magic books for the hospital, and since there are so many undead here, it’s often used for training.

The gold coin trembled weakly.

『……As a Valkyria, it’s a little hard to look at.』

Sigris, the Medicine God, murmured.

I wanted to ask what she’s talking about, but my head started shaking like when I was anemic.

“E-eh?”

The palms of my hands touched the cold floor.

I just realized that I was slumped on the floor. Felix-san and the others approached me in a hurry.

“W-what’s wrong?”

My head was fuzzy and my body was a little hot.

『Mm, it’s definitely putting a lot of strain on your body. Don’t worry, you were saved, so you’ll be back to normal after a 5 minute rest.』

Uhm, what……!?

“Y-you should have told me that earlier, right?”

『Ahaha, I’m sorry♪ 』

I really can’t let my guard down with this god after all……!

With my state, we decided to take a break just down the stairs.

『Fufu, but you were actually tired, right? Besides, you wouldn’t rest unless something like this happened, right?』

I don’t know if Loki’s words is an excuse or he is being serious. I heard Solana’s angry voice. I’m very grateful for her protests, but now my head is pounding more.

『.….This is fine, right? It’s about time we prepare ourselves to face the monsters. You and us, the gods.』

After saying that, Loki went silent.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

Southern Dungeon of the Royal Capital.

The southern dungeon, to put it briefly, is an underground cathedral. It is a stone structure with many halls. In addition, there are ancient carvings on the walls. My mother told me that it used to be a real cathedral where many people were healed.

But now it’s called the Cathedral of Darkness.

The light from the ceiling is the same as before dawn. Unless you are an adventurer with accustomed eyes, you will not be able to see 2 meters ahead.

『This was the dungeon where I was sealed in.』

The words of the medicine god, Sigris, echoed in my head.

『So this is what it has become like now….』

She muttered.

We are now on the fourth floor. This dungeon has a total of eight floors.

At this moment, my ability, 【Wild Heart】, picks up the sound of many footsteps. They are moving around as if to surround us, but there is no sound of them getting closer. They are just going back and forth in the same place. Like lifeless puppets.

I swallowed. I’ve fought those monsters several times in the Eastern Dungeon, but after I can detect the sound, I can now understand how strange they were. I can hear their footsteps, but I don’t hear their breathing at all.

“There are skeletons in the direction we are heading to. They’re in a large room far ahead, and there are about fifteen of them.”

I pointed ahead as I said so.

In the Southern Dungeon, low-level undead emerge from the shallow layers. That’s why it was called the “Cathedral of Darkness”.

Felix-san smiled.

“Thank you.”

The Raven Warriors exchanged glances. I think they were deciding whether we should take a detour or go straight ahead. Our goal is to “unseal” the wall in the boss floor and investigate the unexplored area, so there is not much point in actively fighting here.

“……We’ll go straight. Avoiding it will mean taking a long detour.”

Felix-san’s decision determined where we go.

“15 skeletons huh.”

It felt like the darkness was thickening, wrapping around us. Before we start walking forward, I pulled Felix-san’s cloak.

“In case of emergency, I can unseal the gods and ask them to help us. Uhm but, their appearance time in the dungeon is limited though.”

In the Eastern Dungeon, I fought a monster called the Werewolf Zombie. At that time, Solana was the one who killed the monster in the end.

Felix-san stops in his tracks.

“What do you mean by limited time?”

“The Gods are also affected by the seal.”

Felix-san thought for a moment and then he shook his head.

“…Rion-san, please take that as your trump card. It is a trump card to protect you. The Raven Warriors can be replaced, but there is no replacement for your Alarm skill.”

Felix-san looked at my pouch.

“How about the horn?”

“Oh that-, it hasn’t changed……”

I took out the horn, but it had lost its former luster. There is no sign of it reacting to my【Unseal】skill as well. I can’t just try to blow it in the dungeon too, but even if I try, I have a feeling that it won’t work.

Felix shook his head regretfully.

“I see… Since the horn has the power to free the gods from their seal, I thought it would be most effective inside the dungeon.”

That may be right too.

The power that defeated Skoll can be wielded at will by the gods after all.

The gold coin in my pocket vibrated, and then I heard Solana’s voice.

『I don’t think it’s possible now. I don’t feel any special power from the horn itself.』

Then…. that means that it’s not something that can be used all the time I guess.

『It may take a few days to store up magical power in it, or perhaps, the horn itself only reacts to a strong seal.』

It’s a pity, but I guess I have no choice but to put it away for now.

After walking for a while, we arrived at a large room where the monsters are waiting. I took a breath at the entrance. Taking deep belly breaths helped me calm down before a battle.

“Let’s go.”

At Felix-san’s signal, we rushed inside the large room.

What was waiting for us were a group of skeletons. About 10 of them quickly run towards us at once. Then loud footsteps came from further back of that group. Having a bad feeling, I poured magical power into 【 Wild Heart】.

Four large red auras appeared in my view.

『Rion, there’s a big being in the mix!』

It was just as Solana had warned. In the darkness, a skull with blue flames burning in its eyes appeared.

The group of warriors exclaimed,

“A draugr!!”

It’s not just a skeleton, it’s a higher form of it.

This is…… It’s a mistake on my part!

Draugr is not just a skeleton. It is a decayed human corpse that is faintly wrapped with a spirit body. You can see the bones inside their bodies, which is even creepier than just a skeleton.

“It’s fast!”

The four Draugrs circled around us in a big way. Their target is the last in line, that is, me.

Two of them were intercepted by Felix-san in an instant. However, the remaining two shifted their bodies and was able to pass him.

“Rion-san! Stay calm and keep your distance. We’ll take care of it!”

I shook my head.

“N-no!”

I decided to fight them with my skills.

A warm light enveloped my entire body, eventually regulating my breathing.

The two draugrs crouched down. Their hands were positioned low, with the tips of their greatswords behind their backs. They were using their own bodies to hide the length of their swords. The darkness made it even harder to gauge their distance.

『Rion-san, they’re dangerous.』

I heard Sigris muttering.

『……They have the Swordsman skill.”

But I didn’t want to run away. I’m still a long way from being a strong adventurer.

The two enemies moved at the same time. From a low position, the blade of their greatsword comes slashing upwards.

The two greatswords were like giant scissors.

“Wake up”

There came a wind. Woken up, Sylph, the wind spirit, leapt out from the crystal of the short sword.

“Wan-”

As I fled, I swept the enemies off their feet with a gust of wind. The two greatswords came into contact with each other, causing sparks to fly.

A big opening!

I jumped into the bosom of the first draugr closer to me. With unsteady legs, it forcibly swings its greatsword towards me.

“Fuu.”

I know that if I dodge it, our distance will only widen.

I did not give it time for a second strike. With my short sword, I stabbed its sternum, which was its weak point. As if unable to bear the weight of the weapon, its arm gave way first. Then its whole body collapsed. The draugr turned to mere ash.

One left.

The draugr readjusted its greatsword to a vertical position.

“Wake up”

The spirit made a second attack. The enemy dodged it and stepped forward. It’s not a downward slash, it’s more like a linear—

“Thrust!?”

When I received it with my short sword, the impact was so strong that my shoulder felt like it would break and I fell to my knees.

The draugr quickly removed one of its hand from the hilt. It seemed to have gripped the middle of the blade.

With a half sword stance and using the strength of both arms, it tried to pry open my defense. The strong pressure made my heart feel so hot that it felt like it might explode.

『Rion will not lose!』

Solana supported me with the blessing of the sun. I felt energized, it’s like I had been given a push from behind.

“Yaa!”

I deflected the greatsword with my short sword. The draugr throws its hands up due to the force. If it had a face, it might have looked stunned.

I quickly crushed its weak spot, the sternum, and it turned back into ashes.

“W-what the….…”

Some of raven warriors had their mouths agape. The normal skeletons have already been wiped out.

“Phew……”

T-that was close……

『Rion, you’re being too reckless.』

Solana was right.

I managed to do it with the power of god, but it was a failed offense and defense. A greatsword isn’t normally something you should block with a short sword after all.

“I got anxious you know.”

Felix-san seemed worried, too.

“…… I’m sorry.”

“We’re party members now, and I say this as your comrade. Adventurers don’t make risky attempts. They should be experts who takes on opponents they can surely defeat.”

It’s like him saying, me facing two monsters by myself is not something I should do.

He leans on his staff and gives a wry smile.

“……To be honest, I was surprised at how you won.”

“It was my mistake in the first place, so I ….…”

It felt like I had made one failure after another, and my shoulders felt heavy.

“I-, I counted the number of enemies, and then I said they were all skeletons…… You see, I had the ability to see the enemy’s appearance and strength even from a distance.”

“……uh!? T-thats…… I see.”

Felix-san rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Sigh. Reconnaissance isn’t about 100% accuracy in the first place. I’ve already taken some variation into account. So it would have been nice if you could leave it to us.”

Then the voices of Gods came one after another.

『Mm, mm. Just now, it wasn’t like you who is always cautious.』

『Hn? He won by his strength, so it’s fine, right? What’s wrong with that?』

『Ehm. Thor, that’s…….』

『Loki was taken a back too.』

『……Sigris was worried as well.』

Having everyone say that made me reflect on my actions. But it also made me feel a little warm inside.

“I’m sorry, I’ll be more careful.”

Learning from my mistakes, I scanned my surroundings again. I poured magical power into Uru’s skill, and found the monsters on the other side of the wall as red lights.

“……Huh?”

I noticed something unusual.

There is no red light around us anymore. However, at the far end, I could see several red lights. When I searched in the Northern Dungeon, I couldn’t see that far.

“Did the range expand?”

I looked at the Golden Flame that was still wrapped around my arm.

“Could it be that…… the Golden Flame has enhanced my other skills as well?”

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next