Chapter 12: Determination
"Let me express my gratitude once again. Thank you. I know this is sudden, but could you tell me your name?"
Count Beetle asked me as soon as we arrived at the Guild Master's room in the Adventurer's Guild. Standing next to the Count was a man who appeared to be the Guild Master.
"My name is Mars."
"And the young lady next to you?"
"I am Clarice."
"How old are you two?"
""We're seven.""
"How is it that you are so skilled with a sword, Mars-kun? People are calling you the Sword Saint, you know."
"I’ve been swinging a sword on my own for a long time. As for the title 'Sword Saint,' people just started calling me that on their own; I’ve never claimed it myself."
I tried to answer in a way that wouldn't prompt questions about my background. Clarice, realizing this, simply nodded beside me.
"Hmm. I would like to hear more details under normal circumstances, but... first, please hear my request. You may already be aware, but I would like you to cooperate in maintaining the public order of Granzam. Simply put, I want you to help subjugate goblins. Naturally, I will provide additional rewards. Will you do it?"
"Before that, I have a question. I asked this earlier as well, but how long will this Dungeon Saturation continue? Is there no way to stop it?"
I dared to ask the same question again.
"I don't know how long the saturation will last, but clearing the dungeon should stop it."
"When will the dungeon be cleared?"
"I cannot bring the C-Rank parties from my domain here. The other C-Rank and D-Rank parties who gained experience in the Granzam Dungeon have all headed west for the war with the Kingdom of Barcus. I absolutely cannot ask other nobles for help; they would take advantage of the situation. So, to be honest, there are currently no prospects for clearing the dungeon."
"I understand. In that case, may I receive my reward for the earlier incident first?"
"Mm. Name it."
"Please promise the safety of the Lampard family. They are being unfairly targeted by Baron Dameze due to a one-sided grudge. It’s my own fault that he attacked me, but please ensure that Clarice and her family here are not punished for lese-majesty."
Clarice and I briefly explained the trouble with Baron Dameze.
"I am truly sorry about that. I understand your actions now. I promise you the safety of the Lampard family. However, I can hardly call that a reward; it is only natural. Do you have any other desires?"
"Yes. It comes with a condition, however. Is that alright?"
"A condition?"
"Yes. For certain reasons, I cannot stay in this city for long. During my stay, I will clear the dungeon. I would like to request your cooperation in preparing for the conquest. And once it is cleared, I would like to receive my formal reward..."
Count Beetle looked at me in astonishment.
Well, it’s already unheard of for a seven-year-old to enter a dungeon, let alone claiming he’ll clear it. He probably thinks I’ve lost my mind.
Naturally, Clarice, standing next to me, objected with fierce intensity.
"Mars! That’s too dangerous, even for you! Don't throw your life away!"
Clarice tried desperately to stop me. When I answered, "I have a plan, so it'll be fine," Count Beetle interjected.
"Even a B-Rank party formed of four C-Rank adventurers couldn't return from the boss room, you know? No matter how much they call you a Sword Saint, it will be impossible for you alone."
If I say too much, he'll ask about my origins. But I have to return to Ilgusia as soon as possible... or rather, I want to go home, so I can't stay here long-term.
As I was struggling to find a way to persuade them, a voice spoke up.
"Then I'm going too!"
Clarice was likely trying to support me with Holy Magic as I dove into the dungeon.
Actually, that’s not a bad idea. If I leave this city, the ones protecting the Lampard family and this town will be the people of this town.
Fortunately, Clarice has talent. If I dive into the dungeon with her and spend a few months making her reasonably strong...
As I was lost in thought, the Count spoke.
"You won't be able to do anything even if you go. You'll only be a burden, so stop it."
"No, I can use Holy Magic. I can heal Mars if he gets hurt."
Now the Count groaned. Incidentally, I had already revealed that Clarice could use Holy Magic after much deliberation, as it was necessary when explaining the trouble with Baron Dameze.
"Can you not tell me the reason why you cannot stay long, Mars-kun?"
"Yes. I apologize, but..."
Then, the Guild Master standing beside Count Beetle spoke for the first time.
"I cannot grant permission to enter the dungeon unless one is an E-Rank adventurer or higher, or a member of the Knight Order. Furthermore, one cannot become an adventurer until the age of twelve..."
"I am already..."
I almost said I was an E-Rank adventurer.
If I said that, and there are no seven-year-olds who have become E-Rank adventurers in the Kingdom of Zarcam, they might suspect I'm from another country.
"Already?"
The Guild Master pressed.
"I will not lose, no matter how many Hobgoblins or Goblin Mages are there. I believe Count Beetle understands that as well. If a title is absolutely necessary, please make me a member of the Knight Order only for the duration of the dungeon conquest."
"Mm. Victo, it is as Mars-kun says."
The Guild Master, Victo, bowed his head and said, "I apologize for overstepping." As expected, the Guild and the Nobility aren't on equal footing.
"It's no use just sitting around... Mars-kun, Lady Clarice, I will accept your proposal. Specifically, what preparation and cooperation do you require?"
"First, I want armor that Clarice can equip. Also, two swords, and if possible, I would like a bow."
"I cannot provide armor that a child can equip. Armor of that size simply doesn't exist. I will have a bow ready by tomorrow. As for a sword, I shall grant you this as your reward."
Saying so, the Count handed over the sword he was wearing at his waist.
It had beautiful decorations, and I could tell at a glance it was expensive.
"This is a sword that increases Endurance while equipped."
I appraised the sword.
【Name】 Defender
【Attack】 20
【Special】 Endurance +4
【Value】 B
【Details】 Slight HP Recovery promotion
He gave us something really good. This will definitely be Clarice's equipment.
"Also, I shall grant you Baron Dameze's sword from earlier. I will inform him myself."
Actually, that was a good sword too.
【Name】 Mithril Silver Sword
【Attack】 25
【Value】 C
【Details】 A sword that easily conducts the wielder's magic.
"Thank you very much. We will begin the dungeon conquest starting tomorrow."
"I'm counting on you. If you have any trouble, tell me."
Count Beetle tossed me a gold coin.
"Use this to restore your energy properly."
Come to think of it, I didn't even have money for an inn, so this might have been the most grateful thing of all.
"Thank you again and again. Now, if you'll excuse us."
We left the Adventurer's Guild.
Now we have to go persuade Grey and Elna. After all, they probably never dreamed that Clarice would dive into a dungeon.
"...I see... I understand. Clarice, do your best for the sake of this city."
When I told Grey what we discussed with Count Beetle at the Adventurer's Guild, that was his reply. Honestly, I thought he would fiercely oppose it.
I didn't think he would understand letting his own child... a seven-year-old girl, such a cute girl, dive into a dungeon. No matter how strong her companion was, she was still a child.
"Mars-kun, please take care of Clarice."
"Yes. I will protect her without fail. Now then, I will go secure an inn, so please excuse me for today. I will visit tomorrow, so thank you in advance."
"What are you saying, Mars? Stay at our place. Right? Dad?"
"M-Mm... That's right. We haven't been able to thank you properly, Mars-kun. You are the benefactor who saved the Lampard family. It's a small place, but please stay."
I politely declined, but I was overruled.
However, I was told I couldn't stay in Clarice's room. Naturally.
But before bedtime, we talked in Clarice's room. About her abilities and mine.
We spoke in low voices, in Japanese.
『I have something I want to tell you. Will you listen?』
Clarice was surprised that I started speaking in Japanese. However, she must have realized there were special circumstances.
『Yes. What is it?』
『First, I possess an ability called Appraisal. When I appraised you, Clarice, I found you have aptitude for Swordsmanship, Archery, Water Magic, and Holy Magic. You also have a Unique Ability called Barrier Magic.』
『I'm going to use a bow? When I used the Appraisal Crystal, I knew I had talent for Archery... but it never said anything about Barrier Magic talent... How do I use Barrier Magic?』
Did Clarice use an Appraisal Crystal instead of the Appraisal Ceremony? Grey or Elna might have sensed somewhere that Clarice was a Holy Magic user. Perhaps because she is tall compared to children her age, or maybe because her atmosphere is too mature for her years.
『I'll have you use a bow. Apparently, you have more talent for Archery than Swordsmanship. And your talent for Holy Magic is even higher than Archery. Also, sorry, but I don't know how to use the Unique Ability. let's raise your level in the dungeon so you can use it.』
『So there are high and low levels of talent. I understand. Is there anything else?』
I see. She doesn't know about Talent Values. Even so, she follows my words without doubt.
『You should deplete your MP every day. It raises your maximum MP. Likely, those with magic talent won't fall unconscious or die. You'll just fall asleep from MP Deficiency.』
『Yes. I kind of figured that out. That's why I used Heal almost every day. But how do you know about magic, Mars?』
『...Actually, I'm not a swordsman.』
『You mean you're a Sword Saint?』
『No, a Mage. I'm a Mage who specializes in Wind Magic.』
『Wh—!!?!?!?!?』
Clarice covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her surprised voice.
『You're lying, right? Your swordsmanship is that amazing, but you're a Mage? But I heard Wind Magic was the most unfortunate one...』
『I've heard that Earth and Water Magic are considered the best in this world, but I think Wind Magic is pretty strong too. I'll show you next time we dive into the dungeon. Also, I can use Holy Magic too. So if you get hurt, Clarice, I can fix you up with Heal.』
Clarice showed a surprised expression again, but then seemed to recall something and spoke to me, looking up slightly into my face.
『Didn't your parents get surprised? Wasn't it that Holy Magic users couldn't use other magic? I still can't forget the expressions on Mom and Dad's faces when they found out I could use Water Magic and Holy Magic.』
It seems it's the same everywhere. When I told her about the Bryant family back then, Clarice said "I knew it" and showed a cute smile.
『I'm so surprised I got tired. I'm sleepy today, so tell me more tomorrow?』
『Yeah. Understood. Goodnight then.』
『Goodnight.』
Saying that, I slowly left Clarice's room.
I have to give Grey time to hide from in front of the door.
Well, we were speaking in Japanese the whole time, and in low voices so as not to be overheard, so there's no way he could understand the content of the conversation.
The next morning, we decided to go to the dungeon after receiving the bow from Count Beetle.
I thought about buying potions, but they were already sold out. When I asked the shopkeeper, he said the price of potions, which were already expensive, had skyrocketed.
Having heard about the dungeon beforehand, we decided our goal for today was to reach the Safety Zone and return.
Ideally, I wanted to stay overnight in the Safety Zone to level up... but I have no ulterior motives, okay?
Sent off by Count Beetle, the knights, and the town residents, we entered the dungeon.
The first floor of the Granzam Dungeon had a similar structure to the Ilgusia Dungeon.
The structure was the same, but one thing was different: the number of goblins was higher in the Granzam Dungeon.
Depending on the location, there was a goblin traffic jam so dense there was no gap in the passage.
I battered the goblins with the flat of my sword. This was to knock them out or incapacitate them. When the goblins were packed tight with no gaps, I used 《Wind》 to blow them away and knock them out. Once they were unconscious, Clarice would deliver the finishing blow.
It was so-called Power Leveling.
"I feel kind of bad. Other adventurers struggle to raise their levels, yet I'm having it so easy..."
Clarice said as she delivered the finishing blow with her sword.
It seemed she couldn't draw the bow yet, so she would use the sword until her level rose and her Strength increased.
"It's an emergency, so it can't be helped."
Since the structure was the same as the Ilgusia Dungeon, we proceeded along the route to the second floor.
Then, we arrived at a large room.
In the Ilgusia Dungeon, the stairs to the second floor would be just ahead, but here, there was another difference. It was the size of the room and the number of monsters.
There were twenty Hobgoblins and ten Goblin Mages, and the room was huge.
For the current me, it was no problem, but it would be tough for adventurers who had just graduated from paper status. Just as before, I knocked them out, and Clarice delivered the coup de grâce.
Once we finished off the enemies in the blink of an eye, there was a treasure chest in the corner of the room.
Thinking this was a good omen, I appraised it. No traps, Value 3.
When I opened the chest:
【Name】 Mysterious Anklet
【Special】 Magic +2
【Value】 B-
【Details】 Recovers HP while walking equipped.
Jackpot!
I explained the effect to Clarice and had her equip it.
The beautifully decorated accessory shone on Clarice's lovely leg.
With Defender and the Mysterious Anklet, we could feel a little more secure.
And Clarice's level was rising smoothly.
【Name】 Clarice Lampard
【Title】 —
【Status】 Human / Commoner
【Condition】 Good
【Age】 7
【Level】 3 (+2)
【HP】 19 / 19
【MP】 409 / 431
【Strength】 9 (+2)
【Agility】 8 (+1)
【Magic】 16 (+2)
【Dexterity】 10 (+2)
【Endurance】 6 (+1)
【Luck】 20
【Unique Ability】 Barrier Magic G (Lv 0/5)
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship C (Lv 2/15)
【Special Ability】 Archery B (Lv 0/17)
【Special Ability】 Water Magic C (Lv 1/15)
【Special Ability】 Holy Magic A (Lv 5/19)
【Equipment】 Defender
【Equipment】 Mysterious Anklet
I felt the stat growth was poor, probably because we were power leveling. I think growth rates vary by person, but considering she is this blessed with talent, I think they should be higher... Is it better not to power level?
Proceeding past the large room, there were stairs leading down.
Unlike the Ilgusia Dungeon, this was a descending dungeon.
I wanted to go to the Safety Zone, but we decided to return once without heading to the second floor.
The number of goblins was unexpectedly high, and although her HP hadn't decreased, Clarice looked tired.
It was a little past noon when we exited the dungeon.
Before returning to Clarice's house, we headed to the clinic where people injured by the Dungeon Saturation were staying.
To use Clarice's MP efficiently, we would heal the injured adventurers, knights, and residents.
Naturally, we healed those with deep wounds first. Well, I had already healed the people with fatal wounds somewhat yesterday.
When her MP dropped to single digits, we said, "We'll come again," and went home.
Seeing this, the people living in Granzam started calling her a Saintess.
Arriving at Clarice's house, we cleaned ourselves up, had a late lunch, depleted our MP, and went to sleep.
Of course, I had been deploying 《 Sylphid》 since returning from the dungeon. Have to be diligent about MP depletion.
I woke up around evening and took a walk around the city of Granzam. Residents called out to me, and we engaged in some small talk.
They said Baron Dameze might be stripped of his peerage. Well, you can't commit such atrocities in front of the residents.
I also checked the weapon shop.
Because of the Dungeon Saturation, weapons were completely sold out—a happy scream for the merchant. He said if I had ingots, he would buy them at a high price, so I thought about it for when we could reach the respawn room.
The item shop also said they would buy potions at a high price since they had none.
Considering the travel expenses to get back to Ilgusia from Granzam, you can never have enough money.
However, if I supply ingots or potions, it would be disadvantageous for the Kingdom of Barcus. It's something to think about.
Since the sun had completely set, I returned to the Lampard house. While I was practicing magic, Clarice woke up.
I hadn't eaten anything since waking up in the evening, so I had dinner with Clarice.
"Mom, could you make another meal for me and Mars? We're going to dive into the dungeon again."
"Eh? It's already late, you know? Do it tomorrow."
"Morning and night don't matter in a dungeon. We have to do something while Mars is here, so please."
"Understood. Be careful out there. Mars-kun, please take care of Clarice."
I nodded, got ready, and headed to the dungeon.
Entering the dungeon, I felt the number of goblins had decreased slightly. Well, it was still more than the Ilgusia Dungeon.
"Clarice, can we stop power leveling and have you try fighting the goblins yourself?"
"Yes. But why?"
"I feel like stat growth is poor with power leveling. I want you to fight just the goblins; I'll handle the Hobgoblins and Goblin Mages."
Clarice accepted my words and fought hard against the goblins, holding Defender with both hands.
Normally, it might be difficult for a seven-year-old girl to hold a sword, but Clarice was different.
With a stance reminiscent of her dignified figure at the convenience store, she wielded Defender with both hands and fought on equal footing or better against the goblins. I think the fact that her body grows quickly because she is a Holy Magic user is also a plus factor.
If she learns 《Ice Arrow》, which can be acquired at Water Magic Level 3, she can fight more safely, so I thought about focusing on Water Magic training. However, the hardworking Ike had Talent C in Fire Magic and it took a considerable amount of time to reach Level 3, so I decided to have her polish her Swordsmanship instead. But I don't intend to give up on Water Magic either. We'll work on that firmly too, though not as much as Swordsmanship.
Clarice fights goblins, and if she takes even a little damage, I heal her with 《Heal》 repeatedly.
Suppressing the urge to hurry to the Safety Zone likely on the second floor, I wait for Clarice's level to rise.
From the fact that her level hadn't risen when we reunited, Clarice, who likely had never fought monsters or even trained for it, looked physically and mentally exhausted. Yet, she fought desperately without complaining.
Even when I said, "Let's go back," she said, "Let me do a little more," and continued to fight until she lost the strength to grip her sword.
When she couldn't hold the sword anymore, we left the dungeon, went to the clinic, and healed the injured. Repeating this, Clarice's level finally rose to 5.
【Name】 Clarice Lampard
【Level】 5 (+2)
【HP】 23 / 27
【MP】 438 / 440
【Strength】 13 (+4)
【Agility】 13 (+5)
【Magic】 20 (+4)
【Dexterity】 15 (+5)
【Endurance】 11 (+5)
【Luck】 20
【Unique Ability】 Barrier Magic G (Lv 0/5)
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship C (Lv 3/15) (2→3)
【Special Ability】 Archery B (Lv 0/17)
【Special Ability】 Water Magic C (Lv 1/15)
【Special Ability】 Holy Magic A (Lv 5/19)
【Equipment】 Defender
【Equipment】 Mysterious Anklet
It's a world of difference compared to when we were power leveling.
Considering that her Strength increased not just from swinging the sword down but from swinging it with power, and her Endurance increased from taking goblin attacks repeatedly, the difference is obvious.
"Clarice, it might be tough, but let's do our best steadily like this instead of power leveling."
When I told Clarice her level had risen and her stats had gone up significantly, tears welled up in her beautiful blue eyes, and she muttered a single phrase: "Thank goodness."
Perhaps she was worried about what to do if her stats didn't rise without power leveling.
The next target was the Goblin Mage. For the Goblin Mage, I acted as a decoy to make it use Earth Bullet, and when it ran out of MP, Clarice attacked.
I was a little worried if this would count as a type of power leveling, but when Clarice's level rose, her stats went up normally, so it seemed okay.
After fighting on the first floor for days, Clarice's level reached 10. It was about when a month had passed since I came to Granzam.
"We're diving to the second floor starting today, but don't change how you fight. For Hobgoblins, shoot an arrow first, then attack with the sword. Focus on not getting hit rather than defeating them."
Nodding at my words, Clarice and I finally dove to the second floor.
Since Clarice's level had risen and her Strength increased, she became able to draw the bow. As I instructed, she shot arrows at the Hobgoblins before finishing them with the sword.
We advanced cautiously through the second floor with Clarice. If it were the Ilgusia Dungeon, I'd feel at ease, but this is the Granzam Dungeon, so we can't let our guard down. Even more so since Clarice is with me.
The structure of the second floor seemed to be the same as the Ilgusia Dungeon, and the route to the Safety Zone was identical.
The enemies appearing were also only Hobgoblins and Goblin Mages, and the second floor was also sickeningly congested.
Carefully defeating the goblins one by one, we saw a room where the entrance was glowing white.
We arrived at the Safety Zone, sat next to each other, and talked.
"Can you keep going a little longer, Clarice?"
"Yes. I'll do my best a little longer."
"Then let's rest a bit and go to the next room. There are probably Goblin Generals in the next room, so let's clear that room and then go back."
"Understood. I'll rest for a bit."
Saying that, Clarice leaned her head on my shoulder and fell asleep immediately without any guard. Clarice's nice scent tickled my nostrils.
Clarice woke up in about thirty minutes, so we headed to the next room immediately.
As expected, there were Goblin Generals. Three of them.
It's definitely harder than the Ilgusia Dungeon. Besides the Goblin Generals, there were ten Hobgoblins. Goblin Generals are still too early for Clarice, so I defeated the Goblin Generals, then had Clarice defeat the Hobgoblins one by one.
When dealing with multiple enemies, I acted as a decoy, and Clarice drew her bow from a distance. It was almost the same fighting style as with the Goblin Mages. Thinking about it, since this is how parties everywhere fight, this didn't count as power leveling either.
After defeating all enemies, I looked around the room and saw a treasure chest in the corner, so I immediately appraised it.
【Name】 Treasure Chest
【Special】 Trap (Arrow)
【Value】 3
【Details】 Appearance rate and contents depend on [Luck].
I told Clarice about the trap and opened the chest from behind, just as Zeke had taught me long ago.
【Name】 Magic Arrow
【Attack】 —
【Special】 Magic +2, Agility +1
【Value】 B+
【Details】 A bow that can fire arrows created from magic power. Depending on the user's magic aptitude, arrows of various attributes can be fired. The bow itself is enchanted with Wind Magic, so it is extremely light.
A bow that doesn't require carrying arrows—this is definitely equipment suited for Clarice!
It's sad that my luck never seems to work for myself, as usual...
Clarice looked conflicted, perhaps feeling guilty that only her equipment was becoming luxurious.
"Only I get equipment... Is it telling me to become an adventurer or something?"
Ah, that's what she's worried about. We only need the equipment now; normally speaking, she wouldn't need it.
We got what we came for, so we returned from the dungeon.
When we exited the dungeon, it had become so dark I couldn't tell the time.
It might have been closed already, but we headed to the clinic as usual. The lights were still on. When we showed our faces at the clinic, the injured rejoiced greatly. It was a huge uproar that the Saintess had come.
She probably understood a little of how I felt being called Sword Saint.
With a bitter smile, her MP reached the verge of depletion again, and we told them we'd come again next time and went home.
There were no longer any injured from the Dungeon Saturation, but since many monsters were appearing outside Granzam as well, injured people were being transported here almost every day.
And today, Clarice's level had risen again. Clarice's leveling speed is quite fast.
【Name】 Clarice Lampard
【Level】 11 (+6)
【HP】 55 / 55
【MP】 2 / 472
【Strength】 23 (+10)
【Agility】 24 (+11)
【Magic】 36 (+16)
【Dexterity】 32 (+17)
【Endurance】 22 (+11)
【Luck】 20
【Unique Ability】 Barrier Magic G (Lv 0/5)
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship C (Lv 3/15)
【Special Ability】 Archery B (Lv 1/17) (0→1)
【Special Ability】 Water Magic C (Lv 2/15) (1→2)
【Special Ability】 Holy Magic A (Lv 6/19) (5→6)
【Equipment】 Defender
【Equipment】 Magic Arrow
【Equipment】 Mysterious Anklet
Stopping power leveling was definitely the right choice. If we had continued power leveling, she wouldn't have become this strong.
I also learned that when the Archery level rises, Dexterity increases by 2.
If she's not going to become an adventurer with these stats, I wonder what Clarice wants to be in the future?
Thinking about such things, I returned to the Lampard house, cleaned myself up, ate dinner, depleted my MP, and went to sleep.
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