Chapter 52: Moving Forward Again (1) (2)
The main door at the front of the square opened.
It was an expedition after a long time. The 1st party with Edis proceeded into the circular room.
The door closed, and an alert indicating the current floor level appeared.
[Main Dungeon, current challenge floor is the 8th floor.]
[The door will open in 10 seconds. Get ready!]
The 8th floor.
I recollected.
It was the stage with 27 Goblin Riders appearing.
The field was a plain, and thanks to Eolka, there had been quite a struggle at that time.
Dazzling light spewed from the mirror on the left side of the room.
When the light subsided, the familiar sight of the plain came into view.
Thud thud thud.
The sound of the ground shaking from behind was also familiar.
I drew my sword and shield and said, You recognize where this is, right?
The 8th floor.
Aaron aimed his spear at the rear.
Jenna readied an arrow for her bow. Eolka was calmly regulating her breathing.
Its time to show the results of our training.
Our time wasnt just spent idly during the strike.
We engaged in consistent training akin to real combat while balancing our condition adjustments. Although we hadnt leveled up, there hadnt been a single day wasted.
I know.
Eolka waved her clothing and extended her right hand.
There, Goblin Riders charging toward us were present.
Eolkas eyes glowed blue.
Invert!
Ki-yah?!
The ground shaker that was in front of the goblins flipped and then shot up.
Mud and stones swirled, sweeping the leading goblin riders. The formation scattered instantly. It was a technique utilizing telekinesis power.
Ping! Ping ping ping!
Jenna, in a lowered stance, shot arrows like a barrage. The process of taking an arrow from the quiver, nocking it, and pulling for the shot flowed as smoothly as water. It was the effect of a bow skill she had perfected through rigorous training.
The target was the goblins approaching Eolka with their crossbows.
The arrows pierced the vital points of the goblins without a single miss. Not one succeeded in releasing their bolts.
Eolka continued her casting without any hindrance.
The spells casting time was only around 10 seconds.
Ignite!
Whoosh!
Flames burst out in a wide fan shape from the end of Eolkas sleeve.
The flames engulfed the goblin riders head-on.
Goblins caught in the flames writhed alongside wolves.
Wolves that were charging from behind hesitated and retreated. Eolkas flames, which had incinerated several goblins and wolves, writhed and expanded like a living snake.
The linear formation collapsed in an instant.
The sharp spear-like charging force lost its direction. Now, what remained there were not goblin riders, but goblins and wolves wriggling in flames.
This is the finishing touch.
I flipped my sword and charged into the front line.
The range of flames spread beneath my feet. It didnt matter. I hadnt trained in flame resistance as a formality. Engulfed in fire, I systematically slew goblins and wolves one by one. Some resisted, but I effortlessly crushed them. Aaron also joined in the aftermath.
I thrust my sword into the back of a goblin fleeing on the ground.
This one was the last.
[Stage cleared!]
[Aaron(), Eolka() level up!]
[Reward 3,000G, Wolf Leather]
[MVP Eolka()]
Battle concluded.
I wiped the blood off my sword and sheathed it.
Why am I even here?
Edis muttered in a disheartened voice.
I smiled wordlessly and exited the Rift of Time and Space.
This time is clearly different from the last.
Back then, I had to allow the goblin riders to charge several times.
Jennas shooting speed wasnt fast enough to suppress the goblins crossbows, and Eolka, who stubbornly kept casting a one-minute fire spell, was prone to be targeted. But now, its different. The battle has become much more flexible. As a result, all 27 goblin riders were wiped out without successfully completing a single charge.
I need to level up.
Edis still hasnt fully adapted to our partys style, but she has a great instinct. So, as we go through battles, she will naturally find her role.
[Roderick, Asher, Dica!]
As soon as the 1st party returned to the waiting room, Iselle called the members of the 2nd party.
Roderick and two others came out to the square, led by Roderick. It seemed like the 2nd party was trying to level up as well.
Edis shook her head hesitantly and then approached the 2nd party.
I asked Edis,
Going for a double jump?
A double jump? I havent even managed a single one.
Edis smiled bitterly.
Then, looking at the sky, she whispered something.
[Edis() wants to join 2nd party.]
Soon, Edis affiliation changed to the 2nd party.
For a while, she will have a busy life alternating between the 1st party and the 2nd party.
The Rift of Time and Space closed behind the 2nd Party.
Were done for today, right? Using magic has drained me completely.
Eolka stretched and yawned.
Looking at Jenna and Aaron, she spoke,
What are you two going to do?
Well keep training. After all, were about to tackle the 15th floor.
You guys dont seem to get tired.
Eolka let out a sigh and walked towards the lodgings.
I grabbed Eolkas sleeve.
What now?
Its not over.
Youre planning to keep going? You think using magic is easy?
Dont worry. You wont be using your magic.
I dont believe you. Youve tricked me once or twice before.
I dragged the sulking Eolka to the training grounds.
There was something I had to do that should have been done the moment a magician joined the waiting room. It was way overdue.
Iselle.
[Whats up?]
I need to do some research.
[Ah, I see!]
Iselle nodded and disappeared.
Then, a tip appeared.
[Master, there are personnel available for research.]
[How about starting some research? The results of your research will be the foundation for smooth waiting room operations!]
Anytng brought up the control panel and touched the research tab.
I took Eolka with me and entered the training grounds.
The door leading to the Magic Hall was open.
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