Chapter 9: Trouble Arises
“Yah!!” Rin shouted.
A week had passed since I started mentoring Rin’s party.
In that time, Rin, Rina, and Anju had grown tremendously. Compared to me at their level, their movements are noticeably sharper and stronger. It’s a bit humbling, honestly…
Sure, they’re not yet at the level to safely take down a High Orc, but they’re still impressive for their rank.
“Buooo?!” the orc roared.
“We did it! We took it down!!” Rin cheered.
Right in front of me, Rin was celebrating after defeating an orc.
“You’ve really gotten strong,” I said. “Compared to when you started, it’s night and day. At this rate, you might be able to safely take down a High Orc in about a month.”
Honestly, their movements are better than their levels suggest. It feels like they’re surpassing what you’d expect from raw talent alone.
“…Aren’t you guys, like, really strong?” I asked, voicing my curiosity.
“Right? They’re way better than I was at their level!” Yua chimed in, nodding enthusiastically.
“Yeah, I think so too,” I agreed.
“Uh… what do we do, Rina-chan, Anju-chan? Should we tell them…?” Rin asked, glancing at her teammates.
“Hmm… I think it’s fine to tell them,” Rina said hesitantly.
“Yup, I’m okay with it. Amamii and Yua-yua are trustworthy,” Anju added calmly.
The three huddled together, whispering among themselves. I couldn’t hear a word, but they were probably deciding whether to share something with me. The fact that they’re even discussing it means there’s something to tell.
“Um… so, our dads were former explorers, and they taught us a lot growing up,” Rin explained.
That makes sense. It’s pretty common for ex- or current explorers to train their kids who want to become explorers. They teach them weapon handling with wooden weapons from a young age to ensure they don’t die in dungeons. It’s a standard practice, and it supposedly makes it easier to gain weapon-related skills when their stats awaken.
“I see. That explains it,” I said.
Their skill at such a young age makes sense if they’ve been training since childhood. Should’ve figured that out sooner.
“But that’s not all,” Anju muttered softly.
“…What do you mean, not all?” I asked, catching her quiet remark.
Yua tilted her head, clearly having heard it too. What’s she talking about?
“Uh… well, all three of us have unique skills,” Rin admitted.
“…Huh?” I blurted, letting out a weird noise.
All three have unique skills? That’s not just impressive—it’s insane!
“Mine’s called [Godspeed],” Rin said.
“U-Um… mine’s [Foresight],” Rina stammered.
“Mine’s [Analysis]. I can analyze anything,” Anju said matter-of-factly.
Rin hesitated slightly, Rina spoke with resolve, and Anju was as calm as ever as they revealed their unique skills.
…Holy crap, I’m floored.
Seriously.
Unique skills aren’t that rare, but the names alone tell me these are powerful. Rin’s [Godspeed], Rina’s [Foresight], and Anju’s [Analysis]? [Foresight] stands out as particularly wild. I don’t know how far into the future she can see or what the costs are, but even with limitations, seeing the future is huge. If word got out, countries would probably start a bidding war over her. I’d love to introduce them to a company that could protect them properly.
“Can I ask about the effects of your unique skills?” I asked, directing the question mainly at Rina.
I chose Rina because she seemed the most likely to explain accurately. Depending on their skills’ effects, our plans might need to change, so I wanted precise details.
“Yes, it’s fine,” Rina said. “Rin-chan’s [Godspeed] basically doubles her speed. Mine lets me see a tiny fragment of the future, but it uses a ton of MP, so I can’t use it properly yet.”
“‘Basically’? And it uses that much MP?” I asked, surprised.
Even conservatively, Rina’s level should be at least 40. And she still can’t use it properly? How much MP does it take?
“Uh… 2,000…” Rina mumbled.
“2,000?!” I exclaimed.
That’s a crazy skill. Even my MP would be cut by more than half at 2,000. But with her growth, she’ll probably hit that mark soon.
“That’s insane…” I said, still processing.
“W-Well, besides the 2,000 MP, there are other restrictions, so I’ve never actually used it,” Rina said, then continued. “Anyway, Anju-chan’s [Analysis] can analyze anything. So, against monsters, she can instantly find their weaknesses, which is super helpful for fighting new ones.”
“That’s seriously useful,” I said.
Knowing an enemy’s strengths and weaknesses gives you a huge advantage, especially against unknown foes. These girls are going to be absolute powerhouses when they grow up.
“That’s about it, right?” Rin said.
“Yeah… maybe we didn’t have much to share,” Rina said shyly.
“But that’s everything. No problem,” Anju added.
“Thanks for telling me,” I said sincerely.
“No problem!” Rin said. “Our dads told us never to tell anyone except people we trust, but we trust you, Amamiya-san.”
“…Got it,” I said, understanding.
It all clicked. They hid their unique skills, and their dads probably wanted to keep creeps away from their daughters too.
“You should thank your dads. Seriously,” I said.
“…? Sure thing!!” Rin replied enthusiastically.
“Um… we always do…” Rina said softly.
“Of course,” Anju added.
Yeah, they’re really good kids. I’m honestly touched that they trust me this much.
“So, what now? Wanna try taking on the High Orc?” I asked.
They should be just strong enough to handle a High Orc, but I won’t push them. I’ll back them up fully during the fight and handle recovery with potions if things go south. Yua and I will make sure they’re safe.
“Huh?! Really?!” Rin exclaimed.
“Yeah, based on how you handled those orcs, you’re ready. Plus, I wanna see you three use your unique skills against a High Orc,” I said.
“Yay!! Let’s do it! Rina, Anju, come on!” Rin shouted.
“W-Wait, Rin-chan!” Rina called.
“Rin, don’t rush ahead. It’s dangerous,” Anju warned.
Rin took off with a yell, Rina and Anju chasing after her. Watching them, I couldn’t help but think how tight-knit they are.
“Alright, here I go!!” I said, sprinting after them.
“Amamiya-san’s fast!!” Rin shouted from behind.
I overtook them, hearing Rin’s surprised voice but ignoring it as I ran toward the boss room. Hold back? Nah, don’t know the meaning of that!
“Made it,” I said, arriving.
“Hah… hah… Amamiya-san, you’re way too fast…” Rin panted.
“Hah… seriously… so fast…” Rina gasped.
“…I’m done…” Anju muttered.
“Whoops, sorry. Got carried away,” I said, chuckling.
Running without thinking felt so good. But…
“Let’s take a break,” I suggested.
“Yeah…” Rin agreed.
“Totally… agree…” Rina said.
“…” Anju nodded silently.
The three collapsed onto the ground, clearly exhausted. Even with their boosted stats, trying to keep up with me must’ve worn them out. My fault, but no regrets—it was fun!
“Here, water,” I said, pulling three water bottles from my [Item Box] and handing them over.
“Thanks…” Rin said.
“Thank you,” Rina said.
“Grateful. Throat’s dry. Thanks,” Anju said.
They chugged the water like their lives depended on it, emptying the bottles in no time.
“Phew… I’m alive again…” Rin sighed.
“It was… really good,” Rina said.
“An oasis in the desert. Delicious,” Anju said poetically.
The three, now rehydrated, smiled as their energy returned.
“Alright, rest up, then we’ll take on the High Orc. If you’ve got questions, ask now,” I said.
“Hmm… Oh! Amamiya-san, what’s your level?!” Rin asked, jumping up.
Did I not mention it? It’s not relevant to the High Orc fight, but…
“Se-cret♪” I teased, dodging the question.
If I told them I was grinding in this dungeon not long ago and now I’m stupidly overleveled, they’d definitely think something’s up.
“Whaaat?!” Rin whined.
“Well, you shared your unique skills, so I’ll tell you about mine,” I offered.
I didn’t want to seem like a jerk who pries into their secrets without sharing. Plus, if I only mention [Magic Arrow], they’ll assume I’ve only got one unique skill, hiding the fact that I have two. Heh, perfect plan.
“Huh?! You’ve got a unique skill too?!” Rin exclaimed.
“Yup, believe it or not, I do,” I said with a grin.
“I-I’m curious!” Rina said.
“Tell us,” Anju urged.
Their eyes sparkled as they leaned in. Okay, this much excitement is a bit embarrassing, and I’m starting to feel guilty for using this to hide [Lock-On].
“Alright, alright. My unique skill is [Magic Arrow]. It uses MP to summon magic arrows. The arrows’ power depends on my Mental Strength stat,” I explained.
The three froze, looking shocked.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“W-Wait! Arrows?! But you use a dagger, right?!” Rin blurted.
“Y-Yeah, so you use a bow too?” Rina asked.
“Broken,” Anju said bluntly.
Questions and comments about [Magic Arrow] came flying at me.
“Well, yeah. I use a bow—actually, it’s my main weapon. The dagger’s just for backup, for when enemies get close,” I clarified.
Though lately, nothing gets close enough to need it, so it’s mostly for close combat practice.
“Wow, so higher levels let you do all sorts of stuff!” Rin said, amazed.
“Pretty much. But you three will get there soon enough,” I said sincerely.
With their skill level, they’ll catch up fast. Their technique is already top-notch; once their skills and levels match, they’ll be monsters.
“Ugh! Alright, break’s over! Rina! Anju! Amamiya-san! Let’s go!!” Rin shouted, jumping up.
“Okay!!” Rina replied.
“Got it,” Anju said.
“Sure thing,” I added.
After the break, the four of us entered the boss room to face the High Orc. The girls had fully recovered, brimming with energy. …That was a quick bounce-back.
As I, the last one, stepped in, the boss room door slammed shut as usual. In the center appeared a plain High Orc—no white variant, just the standard one.
“Guooo!” it roared, glaring at us.
“Let’s do this!!” Rin shouted.
“Yes!!” Rina replied.
“Okay,” Anju said.
The High Orc targeted Rin, who attacked first, charging at her with its club raised.
“Haaah!!” Rin yelled.
She crouched low, swinging her sword sideways. The High Orc blocked with its club, leaping diagonally back to absorb the force. It barely took damage, stepping back slightly.
“Right here,” Anju said.
Seizing the moment, Anju darted behind the High Orc, gripping her dagger reversely and aiming for its heart. But the High Orc noticed, sidestepping to dodge.
“Gruaa?!” it roared.
Using centrifugal force, it swung a backfist at Anju.
“Ugh…!” Anju grunted.
She leaped in the direction of the blow, spinning midair to reduce the impact and landing safely.
“Anju-chan!!” Rina called.
A light shot from Rina to Anju, enveloping her in a faint glow.
“Thanks, Rina,” Anju said.
“Don’t worry! I’m focusing on healing this time, so leave the attacking to you!” Rina said.
“Got it,” Anju replied.
As they spoke, the High Orc swung its club down at Rin.
“Hah!” Rin shouted.
She dodged and slashed its arm, but the cut was shallow, barely scratching it.
“Ugh, too tough!!” Rin complained.
Meanwhile, Anju had moved behind the High Orc, stabbing its back repeatedly with her dagger.
“Ei,” Anju said.
Blood poured from the wounds as she pulled out her dagger.
“Gu… guaa…” the High Orc groaned, finally feeling pain.
But my [Appraisal] showed it had only lost 60 of its 2,000 HP.
“…It’s not working,” Anju said.
“But it’s doing something, right? Then we just keep hitting it!!” Rin shouted.
Rin shifted to a thrust-focused stance. Is she finally using it? Her unique skill?
“Here goes! [Godspeed]!!” Rin declared.
Her body glowed faintly, and in an instant, she was behind the High Orc.
So fast.
“Hah?!” she shouted.
She swung her sword, moving and striking far faster than before. The High Orc couldn’t react, taking cuts to its back and side.
“Gu… gah…” it groaned.
“Still going!!” Rin yelled.
She darted around, slashing relentlessly, carving more wounds into the High Orc. It tried to counter with its club, but Rin dodged effortlessly.
“Don’t forget me,” Anju said.
Anju struck again, slicing the High Orc’s Achilles tendon. It lost balance and dropped to one knee.
“With Rin throwing it off like that, even I can hit your weak points easily,” Anju said.
True to her word, the High Orc was completely overwhelmed, with Rin and Anju alternating attacks. Finally, it collapsed to all fours.
“This is it!!” Rin shouted.
In a flash, she moved behind it, gripped her sword with both hands, and plunged it into its back.
“Gu…” the High Orc whimpered, collapsing forward, motionless.
“Yes!! We won! We did it, Rina, Anju!!” Rin cheered, pulling her sword free and bouncing with joy.
“We did it, Anju-chan!!” Rina exclaimed.
“Good work,” Anju said.
They high-fived, celebrating. Man, they really pulled it off.
To dominate a High Orc like that… Unique skills, including mine, are just broken.
This proves they can handle E-rank dungeons. I’ll head back to my level-grinding routine. It’s a bit lonely, but I’ve been through this before. I’ll manage.
Now, we’ll head back to the surface and celebrate their E-rank dungeon conquest.
“So… what’s up?” I asked, glancing back as I sensed a presence.
My movement made Rin’s group freeze with “Huh?” expressions, and they followed my gaze, tensing up.
“They just beat the boss and are exhausted, so make it quick. What do you want?” I said, turning toward the open door where three men had entered after Rin’s group defeated the High Orc.
Two of them were the suspicious black-clad duo I saw in this dungeon a week ago. They’re just rude—entering without waiting for the party to leave is a minor breach of etiquette, sometimes accidental.
But the third guy? That’s the problem. It was Tagaya, the Hellhound Dungeon Overseer who’s supposed to be on suspension.
“You three, especially Tagaya-san. Why are you here?” I asked.
The other two could’ve mistakenly thought the boss room was empty when the door opened after Rin’s victory. But Tagaya? He shouldn’t be here, not while suspended for the Hellhound Dungeon incident.
“Amamiya-san, who are they?” Rin asked, inching closer.
“It’s complicated… but one of them shouldn’t be here. At all,” I said, glaring at Tagaya.
“Ku ku ku. Well, that’s how it is. Sorry for dragging you girls into this…” Tagaya said, his tone and attitude completely different from his apology back then. He sounded like a thug, with hollow eyes and a creepy smirk.
This is bad. He’s clearly not sane.
“Dragging them in means I’m your target, huh? What’s your game?” I asked.
“No game. Just here for revenge,” Tagaya said.
“Revenge?” I repeated.
Is he holding a grudge from that incident, biding his time for this?
“Then these two are your accomplices,” I said, eyeing the others.
“Exactly. But that’s not all. I haven’t forgotten how you framed me with that mutant monster lie. I’m gonna make you suffer for it!!” Tagaya spat.
“What?! That’s just a grudge!!” Rin shouted, glaring at him.
Anju and Rina didn’t speak, but their eyes burned with anger too.
“Hah! So what? My life’s ruined!! If I can’t take it back, I’ll at least kill him to feel better!!” Tagaya yelled.
He’s unhinged. His eyes are unfocused, and he’s far from rational.
“Sorry, but I’m not planning to die. I’ll fight back,” I said.
From what I can tell, Tagaya’s level isn’t high, and the other two are maybe D-rank dungeon level—strong enough for D-rank monsters, but not a match for me, who can solo D-rank bosses head-on.
“Fine, kill him! Show him resistance is pointless! But don’t kill the girls!!” Tagaya ordered.
“…Understood,” the burly man replied.
“....”
Tagaya gave orders to his two companions behind him.
I immediately readied the Swiftstrike Dagger, expecting an attack.
But, contrary to my expectations, the two men didn’t charge. They simply raised their guns, aiming the barrels at me.
Now what?
Taking them down would be easy. But if I’m not careful, my attacks could kill them. With Rin’s group here, I’d rather avoid that.
[Magic Arrow] would probably make them go splat.
As I pondered how to deal with the two, Rin stepped forward, standing in front of me as if to shield me.
“Rin?! What are you doing?!” I shouted, my voice rising.
“What? I thought two against one would be tough for you, Amamiya-san…” Rin said, glancing back.
“I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got this. Just get out of here while I handle them,” I urged.
“No way! We’re already involved!” Rin declared. “Here I go! [Godspeed]!!”
“Idiot, wait!” I yelled.
Before I could stop her, Rin activated her unique skill [Godspeed], zipping instantly in front of the man with the sawed-off shotgun. She swung her sheathed sword down.
“Yah!!” she cried.
The man caught the sword with one hand, stopping it cold.
“Hmph!” he grunted.
In a fluid motion, he kicked Rin in the stomach.
“Ugh… kah…” Rin gasped.
The attack landed cleanly. Her armor prevented a fatal injury, but it clearly hurt. She flew back toward us.
“Rin! Are you okay?!” I shouted.
“Rin-chan!!” Rina cried.
Rina cast a healing spell, sending light toward Rin. Her HP visibly recovered, and she got to one knee, clutching her stomach.
“Rin’s enemy…!” Anju muttered, gripping her dagger.
The moment Anju raised her dagger, a bullet from the sniper rifle knocked it from her hand.
“…Next one hits you,” the lanky man warned.
“Hah! These guys are D-rank dungeon divers! No way E-rank scrubs like you can beat them!!” Tagaya sneered.
He’s right—their gear and aura suggest they’re seasoned D-rank explorers. But they’re still no match for me.
“…” The sniper aimed at me now.
“Do it!!” Tagaya ordered.
“…” The man stayed silent.
I stared down the barrel, unflinching. After a moment, it fired.
“Hah!!” I shouted.
The bullet didn’t hit me—I sliced it in half with the Swiftstrike Dagger.
“What?!” Tagaya exclaimed, stunned.
No surprise there. A non-magic-enhanced gun is child’s play at my level. With over 600 levels and BP stacked into Agility and Mental Strength, plus the Hellhound Bracelet boosting my agility, a mere bullet is too slow.
“What was that?!” Tagaya demanded.
“What just happened?” Rin gasped.
Taking advantage of their shock, I pulled the Dragonwood Bow from my [Item Box], conjured two transparent arrows with [Magic Arrow], and nocked them.
“[Multi Lock-On]… Hah!!” I shouted.
Using [Multi Lock-On], I targeted the sniper rifle and shotgun, then fired the arrows upward with intent. The arrows curved midair, piercing and shattering both weapons.
“…!!” the lanky man gasped.
“What?!” the burly man shouted.
“What the hell did you do?!” Tagaya yelled.
Ignoring their confusion, I stowed the Dragonwood Bow in my [Item Box] and drew the Swiftstrike Dagger again.
“This ends now,” I said.
“Tch!!” the burly man spat.
“…!!” the lanky man grunted.
I aimed at the two, now wielding a knife and fists, and swung the dagger like a fan. A massive gust of wind erupted from the swing, blasting them back.
Who knew I could do this? Thank you, stats.
“Gwah!!” the burly man cried.
“Guh…!” the lanky man groaned.
They slammed into the wall and collapsed, motionless. Their HP should still be above zero—they won’t die. But don’t test me, guys. Involving Rin’s group means I’m not in a forgiving mood.
I tried to catch Tagaya in the blast, but his instincts—or dumb luck—kept him just out of range.
“What was that?!” Rin exclaimed, wide-eyed.
“Amazing…” Rina said, awestruck.
“…” Anju nodded silently, as if understanding.
That should neutralize Tagaya’s hired muscle.
“Now, your goons are down. Surrender quietly,” I said, pointing the dagger at Tagaya.
“Damn it, damn it, damn it! Why does nothing go my way?!” Tagaya shouted, stomping in frustration.
“It’s all your fault! Everything went wrong when you showed up!!” he screamed.
Seems he really hates me, but…
“I don’t care about your excuses. Surrender,” I said coldly.
“Screw you! Like I’d let you take me!!” Tagaya spat, rejecting my demand.
…No choice, then.
“Fine, I’ll have to use force—huh?” I started.
Something was off. I was about to drag him out, but…
“…what… why…?” Tagaya mumbled, his voice fading.
His speech slurred, turning into incoherent muttering.
“Uh… is he okay?” Rin asked, looking worried.
Reacting to her voice, Tagaya’s head snapped up with an almost audible creak, his bloodshot eyes staring into the void.
“Gimme it! My life’s over anyway! If I’m done, I’ll take you all with me!!” he screamed.
What the—? That’s creepy…
As I thought that, Tagaya’s body began glowing.
“What?!” I exclaimed.
“So bright!!” Rin shouted.
“Eek!” Rina yelped.
“Hm?” Anju muttered.
The light blinded us, forcing us to look away. When it faded, Tagaya stood there, cloaked in a strange red aura.
“No way…” I muttered, stunned.
He wasn’t using that power when cornered earlier, but now, after that outburst?
What the hell?
“What’s that…?” Rin asked, shaken.
“Amamiya-san, what is it?” Rina said, trembling.
“What’s going on…?” Anju murmured.
The girls were visibly confused by Tagaya’s transformation. I don’t blame them—I’m lost too.
“Hah… Hahaha!! This is it! With this, I’ll be unstoppable! No one can beat me!!” Tagaya roared, grinning wickedly.
He opened his status screen, checked something, and smirked.
…This feels bad.
“I’ll show you scum my power! [Wrath]!!!” Tagaya bellowed.
As he shouted what must be a skill, the boss room—no, the entire dungeon—began to shake.
“What’s happening?!” Rin cried.
“An earthquake?!” Rina panicked.
“Dangerous…!” Anju warned.
“The dungeon’s shaking…!” I shouted.
Rin was freaking out, Rina was rattled, and Anju stayed calm, shielding the others. A shaking dungeon is a bad sign…
There’s only one thing it could be!
“Monster Surge!!” I yelled.
A Monster Surge is when the dungeon shakes, and monsters spawn endlessly. Why now?!
“Gahaha! How’s that for my wrath?! I caused this Monster Surge! This dungeon… is mine!!” Tagaya cackled.
So he triggered it…!
First things first—
“You three, we’re getting out of here!!” I shouted.
If Tagaya’s telling the truth, this is an abnormal Monster Surge he caused. It’s different from a natural one, and acting recklessly could make things worse. I might survive by mowing down monsters, but Rin’s group can’t handle an endless wave of E-rank monsters—especially not with a powered-up Tagaya around. It’s impossible.
Retreating is our best option. Luckily, Tagaya’s too drunk on his power, just laughing like a maniac.
…Thank god he’s an idiot. If he attacked, we wouldn’t have a chance to escape.
“Amamiya-san?! We’re not fighting?!” Rin asked.
“Not now! Getting to the surface is priority! I can’t fight and protect you three at the same time!!” I explained.
“Ugh… fine, got it. Let’s go, Rina, Anju!” Rin said, her face briefly showing frustration before she rallied the others.
Keeping an eye on Tagaya, we bolted out of the boss room, sprinting for the dungeon exit.
…While dragging Tagaya’s unconscious goons along.
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