SWISH SWISH SLASH SLASH
A fury of strikes and slashes rained down from above, peppering the ground with craters of all sizes, cracks and gashes running throughout the packs. Rocks were blasted away and clouds of dust stormed the place, sparks flying everywhere.
A dark knight rushed forth, its sword screaming with darkness as it slashed. It had no head nor did it have a heart, mindlessly and mercilessly swinging its sword. Its only purpose was to destroy, chasing after the golden-haired elf before it.
However, the elf was nimble and quick on her feet, npt making a single sound as she got away, the winds guiding her and leading the way. And when she was far enough, she pulled her bowstrings, a flash of green glowing ever so brightly.
FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH
A rain of arrows bolted towards the Dark Knight, relentlessly striking its joints and its armors, some deflected by its sword and some stopped by its bare hand. Yet despite all that, holes were still pierced and its armor was still cracked.
The torrent of arrows continued and a raging storm bore its fangs to the Dark Knight. Its spaulders were blown off, its arm braces were shattered, and its chestplate was slowly broken, tattered heavily after a downpour of heavy strikes.
RUUMMMBBBBLLLLEEEEE BOOOOOMMMMM FWOOOSSHHH
However, a knight was still a knight. No matter how tattered the Dark Knight was, it still gripped its hands and poured its all with its strikes. It poured all the magic in its sword, a burst of darkness ringing all throughout the massive corridors.
It swung its blade and a blade of darkness soared towards the golden-haired elf, razing the ground and devouring everything within its path. It swung its sword once more, adding another blade and creating a spiraling cross.
Yet... The elf remained calm and composed. He didn't run away nor looked away, raising her bow towards the enemy and pulling its bowstrings with a storm of mana dwelling in her fingertips. The winds howled at her command.
⟨⟨Hunter's Judge: Sylphiette!⟩⟩ ［Aria］
Her voice rang out and the winds trembled at her wake. She released the bowstring and the arrow bolted like a hungry beast pouncing towards its prey, flying with the wings of the storm and roaring like a mighty tiger.
The arrows bolted pass the cross of darkness, destroying it inevitably and shattering it to fragments of black. It didn't just stop there either. The arrow continued to rush towards the Dark Knight, a loud shock reverberating as it made impact.
The Dark Knight managed to hold on, but not for long. Its whole body broke down slowly but surely, armor pieces shattering to fine dust and fragments until all that was left was its sword, a single arm, and a taTtered body.
"That Dullahan Captain sure is something. It managed to hold on despite facing Miss Aria's attack head on. It's not normal, is it?" ［Yuna］
"I guess you could say that... It's not a mutant or anything, but it's at the peak of B-rank. Any other Dullahan Captain would have already been decimated." ［Grey］
"Hahaha! That's my wife for you!" ［Kris］
"We're not praising you, Mister Kris...." ［Grey］
It's been over two hours since everyone went down the 7th floor, and after another round of rock-paper-scissors between Yuna and Aria, it was deemed that Aria will be clearing the 7th floor with a challenge of not getting hit.
The monsters on 7th floor all move alone, however, they are all B-rank monsters who are thirsty for death and destruction. Still, Aria was much stronger than them, and though she had been imposed a limitation, finishing them off was not too difficult.
⟨⟨Piercing Lightning!⟩⟩ ［Aria］
Yet another arrow flashed across the corridors and darted towards the Dark Knight without a hitch. However, this time, with no more strength left to muster, the Knight couldn't hope to block or parry it any longer.
It tried to swing its jaded sword in an attempt to stop the arrow's momentum, but it was futile. Rather than stopping it, all it did was have its sword and remaining arm be blown away, the arrow piercing its body soon after.
A large gaping hole was left in the center of the Dark Knight's chest, its body blown away to several dozen pieces. Smoke soon arose from its body and then there was light. It vanished without a sound, only leaving a sword and a crystal behind.
With that, the battle was now over and Aria could finally heave a lengthy sighー or so she thought. When suddenly, a familiar sensation grabbed her by the waist and she was raised to the ground. She was so surprised, she made a "Kyaa!" sound.
"K-Kris?! Wh-What are you doing?! Put me down!" ［Aria］
"I'm just celebrating! After all, my wife cleared the 7th floor all by herself!" ［Kris］
"Save that for later, you idiot! This is embarrassing!" ［Aria］
"Fufufu! Miss Aria's acring all shy～!" ［Yuna］
"Ahh! Grey, Yuna, look away, you two! And Kris, put me down already! I'm really going to hit you if you don't listen to me!" ［Aria］
Loudly yelled the elven lady, now red all the way to her ears from being flustered. Yet despite all that, Kris continued to raise her with a bright smile on his face, clearly happy to see that his wife made one of her greatest achievements yet.
After all, even if you're an A-ranker, it would still be difficult to clear a whole floor full of B-rank monsters all by yourself, and with a challenge of not getting hit even once at that. It was only natural that Kris was happy for Aria's growth.
Even then, it was embarrassing for the lady. Since Kris didn't heed her warning, she then raised her hand and hit him just as she promised, and not just with her hand, but with the she was wielding. It was a successful strike, a loud "bang" drifting in the air.
"Arghh... Dammit, Aria... That really hurt..." ［Kris］
"I already told you to put me down, didn't I? It's embarrassing when people are watching us! You never learn your lesson!" ［Aria］
"Ugh... It's just Grey and Yuna anyway. What's the big deal?!" ［Kris］
"It doesn't matter who's watching! There's a time or place for everything, you idiot! Geez! Why did I even marry a blockhead like you?!" ［Aria］
And now, the married couple are once again arguing. It was amazing to see them look so happy and cute in one moment and bicker in the next. Grey and Yunc could not keep up with the two's moods, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Well, there was no need to worry too much about them. Just less than a minute after they started bickering, they immediately reconciled as if nothing happened, seeming closer than before. They really were hard to understand.
They then descended down the 8th floor, and since they had been running inside the dungeon for a few hours, by the time they arrived at the 8th floor, noon was also just around the corner. It was time for a nice and relaxing lunch break.
Luckily, much like the Labyrinths, the stairways in the dungeons are also safe zones where no monster can get into. Grey then whipped out a dining table for them to use, and of course, their ever so reliable portable kitchen.
"I know I've already seen this a lot of times... But this really is strange..." ［Kris］
"Which part? My storage ring or eating warm food in a dungeon?" ［Grey］
"Both. Both are strange... Well, at least your food is great. Homemade food is nice, but it's also good to eat other things from time to time." ［Kris］
"You say that, but haven't you been eating instant foods these past few days? At this rate, our house is going to be flooded with cups and packets." ［Aria］
"You worry too much, Aria. I clean them up, everyday." ［Kris］
"That's not the problem here." ［Aria］
Of course, to complete their break, they also engaged in a little bit of chitchat. They all talked about the mall, specifically the instant foods. It seems like Kris has been eating too much and Aria has been scolding him about his addiction to it.
Normally, instant foods are not really considered healthy on Earth, and eating too much could even lead to some issues. However, the same doesn't really hold true in Merusia where magic and magic tools are available.
Rather than artificial preservatives, what they are using are natural spices which helps lengthen shelf life, and magic tools are also more effective than modern tools. One could even argue they are just as healthy as homemade foods.
Still, too much comfort from eating instant foods was still bad. If one eats too much, it would of course lead to a noticeable increase in weight. Other than that, there really wasn't much to worry about... Not that Kris would have to worry about.
"Oh, right... I know this might sound bad, Grey, Yuna, but can I buy those magic tools you use in making the instant goods?" ［Aria］
"The magic tools? Not the instant food themselves?" ［Yuna］
"Yes... Dad asked if we could buy some for the village. They've been having a lot of excess meat lately with Zeke and Eldhart's training. Dad was thinking maybe we could preserve the meat with the process you're using," ［Aria］
"Hmm... They could just use it if they learn the magic, but I guess magic tools would be more convenient, huh..." ［Grey］
"A-Ah! Of course, we will pay the appropriate price and you also don't have to sell them if you can't. It's a business secret, after all." ［Aria］
So said Aria, politely asking for Grey and Yuna's help. While it would be great if they could fulfill her request, she isn't forcing them to do so, being reasonable the best way she can... One could only wonder how such a thoughtful lady ended up with Kris.
As for Grey and Yuna, they didn't really think much about it. They've already taught the basics to their employees and the concepts themselves are pretty easy and also straightforward. They were willing to help out the village.
It may be a so-called secret, but even if it's revealed to the world, it's not like anyone can do it as only high-ranking enchanters can create the tools. Moreover, Malus village is an isolated place. It was close to impossible to leak the tools.
"Hmm... Sure. How many do you need?" ［Grey］
"Eh? That easily? Aren't these really important to your business?" ［Aria］
"That's true... But it's not like anyone could just replicate these anyway. You'll need to be a Tier-7 enchanter at the very least, after all." ［Grey］
"I guess that's true... But you sure are calm about this..." ［Aria］
"Well, the people in Malus Village are trustworthy, after all. I don't think anyone would use them for bad purposes. Especially with Mister Falroe around." ［Grey］
Commended Grey nonchalantly as he continued to stir the pot and cook the stew, test tasting a little bit a couple seconds after. He was so calm and so was Yuna that Aria was at a loss, feeling like her previous nervousness was all for naught.
Of course, Grey and Aria would still need to discuss a good price with Cedric for selling those items. They would be selling them to their partner companies sooner rather than later, after all. It was killing two birds with one stone.
Just like that, Grey continued to cook, and with his hands fast as lightning and magic by his side, in just less than 20 minutes, he was able to prepare a full-course meal for everyone to enjoy, sparkling brightly in the depths of the dungeon.
"Ohh! These are good, Grey! Are you gonna make these instant too?" ［Kris］
"Mind your manners, Kris! And stop bothering Grey and Yuna!" ［Aria］
"Miss Aria, try these ones too! These are super delicious!" ［Yuna］
"You too, Yuna. Calm down a little, alright?" ［Grey］
Their lunch was lively and full of colors, everyone greatly enjoying the warm and steamy meal Grey prepared. Some were crunchy, some were creamy, some were spicy, and some were sweet and sour. Nevertheless, they were all delicious.
Time passed just like that, and after resting themselves a little bit after a hearty lunch, everyone then stretched their bodies a little bit before proceeding to the 8th floor, the final floor of the dungeon. The deepest and widest of them all.
Now that they are on the final floor, it was also time for Yuna to get her challengeー or rather, challenges sorted. She doesn't want to lose out to Grey's challenge and decided to have multiple limitations imposed as well.
However, rather than herself, it was Kris, Grey, and Aria who picked the challenges for her, one after another with open eyes. Grey picked at random, Aria picked a relatively easy one, and Kris picked the most interesting one he could find.
"You can only use basic-level skills and arts." ［Grey］
"Here you go, Yuna. I only picked weighted bracelets." ［Aria］
"Yuna, you know how to use other weapons, right? I think this is perfect." ［Kris］
The first challenge was the limitation of the use of any magi about "Basic" level mastery. The next was to fight with weighted bracelets weighing over a hundred tons each, and lastly, the use of another weapon besides your main equipment.
Thankfully enough, for the case of using a different weapon, Yuna can pick anything of her choosing. Though, there really wasn't too much to debate on. She already has a wonderful secondary weapon by her side, a bracelet with a golden sheen.
"Fufufu! Mister Kris, Miss Aria, keep your eyes peeled! I'l, show you a new trick I've been learning recently." ［Yuna］
A smile blooming on her face, the young lady ran whimsically despite the weights dragging her down. She ran a couple minutes along the wide and massive corridors, her eyes swimming left and right as she searched for an enemy... And before long...
TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP KHIIIIEEEEEKKKKKK
The enemy has appeared. It was a large A-rank, plant-attribute monster, Empress Arachne, which looked half Salferine and half spider of. It was pale white in color and had spots of black all over its body, sharp spikes and needles growing from its legs.
It was a vicious monster known for luring unsuspecting travelers with its beautiful appearance, only to trap them in their tough webs and ensnaring them with their sharp and deadly fangs, devouring them soon after.
Of course, as one would expect from a spider-like monster, it has already created a nest full of webs throughout the corridors, a handful of webs connecting various parts of the dungeon and making it her home. It was a dangerous monster.
"Ohhh! I found a nice prey!" ［Yuna］
However, to the young lady, it was nothing more than a prey to be hunted, her eyes sparkling brighter than the torchstones embedded on the walls. And along with that smile of hers was the roar of a raging dragon, lightning crackling by her side.
CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE
The spider made the first move and shot a torrent of webs towards the young lady and in response, Yuna sent forth a storm of chains towards the enemy. At the same time, she moved from her spot, leaping towards the walls
The chains shone bright gold, the sound of thunder booming at their wake. It wasn't long before they made impact, and the result was to be expected. The webs were charred black and burnt by the chains, passing right through them.
They didn't just stop there either. As soon as they were done with the webs, the chains continued to streak towards the Empress Arachne, a series of thundering booms ringing in the air as they made impact.
However, not a single scratch could be seen on the enemy's body. It was able to block the wave of attacks with a series of tough, wooden walls erected at the last minute, only cracks forming on them... It was its biggest mistake...
"Hello～! I'm Yuna, nice to to meet you～!" ［Yuna］
it may have been able to defend itself, but by doing so, it has obstructed its own vision. Yuna appeared before it could even notice, and without any time to defend itself, Yuna's closed fist zoomed towards its pretty face.
BOOOOOOMMMM SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP
Yuna's punch connected, blasting the Empress Arachne several dozen meters away. It also managed to snap a handful of its webs, destroying the labyrinth of white and making it more accessible for the young lady.
It has only been a few seconds and the battle has already turned serious. The Empress Arachne screeched with its lungs out, clearly enraged at Yuna's surprise attack and setting its eyes on her, a deadly glint glimmering as she spun her webs.
Now, a flood of webs rush forth towards Yuna, sweeping every nook and cranny and making sure she would be caught like a helpless fly. At the same time, it also planted its legs on the walls, cracks turning up soon after.
LASH LASH LASH LASH LASH
The webs rushed forth like a storm, devouring everything in sight and painting the corridors white. Yet despite that, Yuna still remained calm. She simply danced in the air, dodging them with grace... The attacks were so simpleー she previously thought.
CRACK CRACK BOOOOMMM LASH LASH LASH LASH
It seems like the Empress Arachne actually has a little bit of brains, attacking not just from the front, but from the sides as well. It didn't simply plant its legs firmly on the walls to anchor itself, but rather to spread roots on the walls.
Now, after swimming in a sea of stone and crystals, the roots broke through from Yuna's sides and catching her by surprise. The young lady's eyes became wide open, her body caught by the strangling roots.
"Hehehe! You didn't think it'd be that easy, right?" ［Yuna］
Well, at least that's what the big spider thought. However, what the spider caught was nothing more than an illusion made with magic. She may be limited to using just basic level spells and arts, but the same doesn't apply to illusion magic.
Moreover, Yuna already noticed the Empress Arachne's roots running along the walls and chasing after her. Even the webs were useless, turning into charcoal as Yuna's lightning chains burned them without a shred of mercy.
CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE
"Now, it's my turn, right?" ［Yuna］
She flicked her fingers and dozens of holden chains appeared at her behest. After the previous wave that destroyed the webs, other webs followed and darted towards the Empress Arachne, burning everything they touched.
The Empress Adachne is now more prepared and erected not just one but several walls of wood and web, making sure there wasn't any gap where Yuna could pass through where she wouldn't notice... Yet another foolish mistake.
It was all too sudden, golden stars glimmering before its eyes. The chains of lightning didn't crash on the walls, but rather, phased through them like fleeting ghosts. The Empress Arachne tried to leap away, but it was already too late.
CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
The lightning chains peppered its body without any rest, striking its limbs, abdomen, fangs, and upper body without any mercy, burning some of its legs to a crisp, cutting off one of its arms, and mutilating a couple of its eyes.
It didn't just stop there either. Much like the chains before her, Yuna also passed through the wooden walls, a golden chain on her hand and a bright smile on her face.
The young lady swung the chain and captured the Empress Arachne with, coiling along its body and binding it whole. She then slammed it with all her might towards the very wall it made, landing on the ceiling, and following up with a kick to its face.
Yuna's raw power was already amazing, but using the weighted bracelets to her advantage, her strikes became even heavier. She plunged the Empress Arachne towards the wall, sending it flying to the other side.
"I'm not finished yet!" ［Yuna］
And just before the Empress Arachne could land on the ground, Yuna once again conjured a hail of chains behind her. With a flick of her finger, she sent them flying towards her target, a deafening roar making the air tremble.
The Empress Arachne was able to use its webs to land itself on the ground, and just in time, it saw the torrent of lightning chains rushing towards her. It then poured all its remaining strength towards its legs leaped towards the air.
CRACK CRACK CRACK BOOOOOMMM SWISH SWISH SWISH
It attempted to dodge, however, it was already far too late. The ground before it suddenly collapsed and dozens of golden and thundering chains emerged from it, reaching out to Empress Arachne like starving like starving wolves.
It was the same strategy that it used, however, unlike what it did, Yuna's attempt was very successful. It managed to grab the Empress Arachne by the legs and dragged it back down to the ground, a flash of gold shimmering in its eyes.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
The storm of chains poured down mercilessly upon the Empress Arachne, piercing its body and electrocuting it soon after. The more it resisted the more it felt pain. it could only screech as it bore the brunt of Yuna's merciless attacks.
Meanwhile, everyone who was spectating could only watch in silence. Kris and Aria already knew Grey and Yuna are proficient with different weapons and attributes, but what's happening before them was beyond anything they ever imagined.
"And you're telling me she's not using any advanced spells?" ［Kris］
"It's the weapon's enchantment so it isn't technically a spell. That means Yuna is still abiding by her challenge. It's safe." ［Grey］
"That's not the issue here, youー Haah... Forget it..." ［Kris］
The Empress Arachne was barely moving, and all it could was twitch its legs. With it in such a pitiful state, there was no need to prolong its suffering. She mustered yet another horde of chains, finishing things off with a bang.
Just like that, Yuna defeated her first opponent in the 8th floor, and she did so while keeping her challenge in mind. With everything done and dusted, she then waved her hands to the other with a smile on her face, letting them know she's finished.
"Mister Kris, Miss Aria, were you watching～?! What do you think～?!" ［Yuna］
The young lady asked, but seriously, they have no words for what they just saw. All they knew was that what Yuna did was amazing and they praised her for it, much to the young lady's delight. She was smiling from ear to ear.
"Okay～! Let's continue～!" ［Yuna］
The massacre continues to unfold...
CHAPTER 491 END