Chapter 159 Exploring the depths of the Vanryr Cave?
(POV: Akashic Records)
After a grueling journey through the dense forest, the group consisting of Genevieve, Fanatio, Garret, Ress, and Merlin finally reached the clearing where the rank B dungeon loomed. Their footsteps crunched against the fallen leaves as they approached the entrance.
"Hey, you there!"
A voice was directed at Genevieve.
She turned her gaze towards the source and found a seasoned adventurer standing amongst the group.
"Hm?" said Genevieve.
"Are you guys also here to explore the dungeon?" the man asked with a friendly grin.
Fanatio stepped forward a bit. "Indeed, we are."
"Oh, you've come at an interesting time," the adventurer chuckled. "Since the appearance of a rank S monster, everyone's been going wild over this dungeon."
Fanatio sighed. "It's disheartening to see people treat something so perilous as a mere spectacle."
He nodded in agreement. "You're right, miss. But let's move past that. I'm sure you're all itching to know what we're up against."
Garret, his bald head glinting in the sunlight, was the first to speak up. "So, what exactly is lurking within those foreboding walls?"
Eyes shifting towards the entrance, the adventurer gestured towards a magical dome erected by a group of skilled mages surrounding it. "As you can see, these mages have created a barrier around the entrance. They're keeping a close watch for any sudden changes."
Ress, his broad figure towering over the group, leaned forward with a furrowed brow. "So, what's our current plan?"
The adventurer's serious gaze met Ress' in a moment of solemn understanding. "Our plan is to storm the Vanryr Cave with the small handful of mages, swordsmen, and spearmen we have. It's a desperate attempt, but we can't sit idly by."
Merlin smirked wryly. "A futile effort against a rank S monster, I'd say."
All eyes turned towards him, surprise and curiosity mirrored on their faces. Merlin nonchalantly shrugged. "But what do I know?"
The evening sun cast a warm glow on the group as they gathered at the entrance of the foreboding Vanryr Cave. Only now being blocked by the protective barrier. Genevieve stretched and let out a soft yawn, her brown eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Alright, let's get things over with," Fanatio said.
The seasoned adventurer, intrigued by her nonchalant demeanor, approached her. "What do you mean, let's get things over with?" he asked.
Fanatio stepped forward, her voice calm but resolute.
"It should be obvious," she replied. "We're here to slay the monster lurking within this dungeon."
Garret chimed in, his tone a mix of concern and caution. "No offense, sir, but at your level, all you can do is watch from the sidelines."
A flicker of annoyance flashed across the adventurer's face, quickly replaced by a determined smile. "I understand your doubts, young sir. But sometimes, the unexpected happens. Let's not dismiss the possibility of more things going wrong."
"Hm?" Merlin said.
"I mean, incase you guys are in any trouble we'll use have mages keep track of your mana." The adventurer insisted.
"Sounds good," Ress grinned.
The group stepped forward. The barrier erected by the skilled mages shimmered with a bluish hue. However, it was designed to protect against venturing out, not to keep those outside from going in. The group easily passed through the magical dome, their resolve burning bright.
They stood at the entrance of the dungeon, a dark and gloomy abyss beckoning them forward.
Genevieve raised her hand.
「Radiate」 (Rank E)
A radiant orb of light materialized, casting its gentle glow into the darkness. With the orb safely cradled in her palm, Genevieve took her first step down into the unknown.
Garret spoke up. "I'll take the rear, covering our tracks."
Ress stepped forward, his deep voice ringing. "I'll accompany Genevieve at the front."
Fanatio, her black hair reflecting the soft glow of the orb, positioned herself in the middle, beside her was Merlin.
As they delved deeper into the murky depths of the dungeon, the group's footsteps echoed ominously off the cold stone walls. The flickering torches along the corridor provided little comfort, casting eerie shadows that danced in the darkness.
"I guess my light spell was kinda useless," Genevieve sighed.
Garret, unable to contain his restlessness any longer, unsheathed his sword <<Darkfire's Edge>> and twirled it deftly in his hand. "This is getting boring," he muttered under his breath. "My sword's itching for a real battle."
Fanatio's silver armor glinted in the faint torchlight.
She turned her attention to Genevieve. "Are you sure there are no monsters in this dungeon?" she asked. "I can't sense a single one within our radius."
Genevieve's brow furrowed as she concentrated, her own senses attuned to the mana around her. "Yeah, there are really none. But that doesn't mean we should let our guard down. Something feels off."
Merlin, who had been walking silently alongside them, finally spoke up. "Perhaps this is a magic-jamming trap of some sort," he suggested.
Fanatio turned to him, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Maybe," she conceded, her tone skeptical. "But for now, we must remain vigilant."
Merlin moved closer to Fanatio, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her uncomfortable. "By the way, you smell nice," he whispered.
Fanatio sighed. "Merlin!" she snapped, her voice sharp. "Focus on the task at hand!"
Merlin nodded, his grin fading. Together, they continued their trek through the oppressive darkness, the tension thick in the air.
After what felt like an eternity, the group finally arrived at the imposing final door that stood before them. Carved into the door were intricate engravings of a monstrous creature, its menacing visage only adding to the group's trepidation.
"This is it," Fanatio declared.
As if on cue, both Merlin and Genevieve simultaneously gasped, their auras pulsating with a sudden surge of power. "Monstrous mana... it's behind this door."
Naturally, Magic Knights and Mages could passively detect one?s mana, but in the case of other classes they had to constantly keep their senses sharp or use a required skill for detecting mana.
"Let's go in then," Garret?s grip on his sword tightened.
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