"A passage leading directly to an unknown floor."
If Mikoto remembered correctly, this kind of special situation would only appear on floors beyond the middle layers, and even then, it was an event with an extremely low probability.
However...
Thinking about Ron's special nature, she felt that it was perfectly reasonable!
"So what will you do next?"
"I'll most likely return to the shallow layers to explore. A floor like this is still relatively dangerous for me," Ron replied after a brief consideration.
Relying solely on the current shield-thrust combat style, it was indeed possible to ensure one's own safety when facing special monsters in the Dungeon. The problem, however, was that this kind of combat ultimately offered very limited improvement to one's ability values.
The goal of Dungeon exploration was, of course, to become stronger!
And over-reliance on a "wheelchair" would only restrain the pace of growth. Compared to that, he still preferred the exhilarating combat experience of the shallow layers.
After obtaining the information about the current floor, Ron had no intention of staying here. He had gradually figured out the Dungeon's temperament—so long as he remained here, monsters would continue to spawn endlessly.
If he were to encounter a simultaneous encirclement by multiple imitation War Shadows, even Mikoto and Chigusa might face threats to their safety. After thinking this through, he said, "I won't disturb your Familia's normal expedition objectives any further."
"Stay safe…"
The girl had almost blurted it out instinctively. Yet once Mikoto finished saying those words, her mood inexplicably grew restless. She observed the companions around her.
Only after realizing that no one was casting strange looks her way did she finally let out a sigh of relief.
Likewise, someone else who regarded the matter with curiosity was Kashima Ouka. As a captain chosen by a god, ensuring the safety of exploration also fell within the scope of his responsibilities.
The tactic Ron had just used—
On the surface, it seemed to involve no technique at all, yet its effectiveness in actual combat was undeniably formidable!
He felt no psychological burden about it and did not consider it embarrassing to ask a rookie adventurer for guidance. In matters of martial skill, one had always learned from those who were more accomplished.
"Um…"
"Ron, that way of fighting you just used—can I learn it?"
"'Shield thrust is the endgame.'"
Ron had originally thought that the technique-focused world of DanMachi would be indifferent to this kind of wheelchair-style approach. Yet now, he felt almost like a veteran instructor lecturing others.
Keep it to himself?
What a joke—could he not know better whether this tactic actually involved any technique!
"Of course you can learn it!"
"Thank you."
For a newcomer adventurer who had even earned the approval of Lord Takemikazuchi, he truly possessed a broad-minded outlook.
Kashima quickly expressed his gratitude. He took down the shield strapped to his back, then cast a look of appeal toward Ron. "What should I do?"
"Remember."
"The shield must be held in your hands."
Following Ron's explanation, Kashima not only gripped the shield's handle, but even locked it in place with his arm.
"The weapon needs to be long enough—long enough to pierce a monster's defenses." Seeing that Kashima had already completed the crucial step, Ron felt a surge of satisfaction.
He cleared his throat, his expression turning serious.
"The next technique is crucial. You must listen carefully."
"I will."
Kashima's expression was focused. On Ron, he even seemed to glimpse that same illusion of growth he had once felt when Lord Takemikazuchi had guided him in martial arts.
'A true master must always keep the heart of an apprentice.'
What was more, his current self was completely unqualified!
"When a monster attacks, you need to block it with your shield, and then use the offensive weapon in your hand to counterattack the monster."
"Alright."
"And then?"
"Congratulations. You have already successfully mastered this combat style. Go and challenge the powerful monsters in the Dungeon and integrate it as soon as possible!"
"???"
...
That was how the wheelchair tactic worked.
That Kashima had been able to become one of the very few Lv.2 adventurers in Orario meant his talent and comprehension were certainly not lacking. As for the combat method just taught, Ron believed that Kashima would definitely be able to smoothly master the "shield-thrust style." As for the other party's strange look, he chose to interpret it as shock at his own exquisite technique.
Following the direction indicated by Mikoto, the withdrawal process went exceptionally smoothly. Aside from encountering imitation War Shadows blocking the way, all of those monsters ended up kneeling before his refined skill.
After returning to the fifth floor, the surrounding environment gradually became familiar again.
It was still the same monster ecology composed of Corrupted Lizards, elite goblins, and mutated Kobolds. Toward these fellows that had caused newcomers endless hardship in their early stages, Ron chose to extend his highest respect.
Combat.
Exhilarating!
Abandoning the safety-maxed "shield-thrust style," Ron instead chose to rely on technique and stats to overwhelm monsters that ordinary adventurers would regard as powerful.
As for the many deaths he had previously suffered at the hands of all kinds of insidious monsters and methods, now they had become the sharpest blade with which Ron stabbed back at them. Even when facing goblin cavalry units, he could still carry out the subjugation without taking any damage.
As for time?
Deep within the Dungeon, where sunlight could never be seen, that concept had long since lost its meaning. All he could do was engage in nonstop, high-intensity combat.
When his physical stamina reached its limit, he would find a safe place to rest.
And the hunger brought on by excessive exertion was quickly and effectively addressed by the boxed meals he had purchased earlier on West Main Street, serving as temporary supplies.
However...
As he watched the dungeon lizards, goblins, and other monsters gradually return to an ordinary state, Ron developed serious doubts about the Dungeon's "professionalism." After reconfirming, the conclusion remained unchanged:
The monsters in the shallow layers were not infinitely respawning.
Once a sufficient number had been slain, the originally mutated special monsters would revert to their normal, roadside state. No matter how much one tried to provoke them through actions, the Dungeon would respond like a dead fish, offering not the slightest feedback.
"…"
"I mean, logically speaking, the monsters on the current floor aren't supposed to suddenly get stronger—that's what allows adventurers to carry out exploration smoothly in this area."
"So what's going on…"
"Why are they getting weaker the moment it's me?!"
Taking into account the dark gray ash left behind as monsters dissipated after death—all of which was reabsorbed by the Dungeon—Ron already had a simple answer in mind.
To put it in gaming terms, the Dungeon was like a wronged woman, while ordinary adventurers were like something unpleasant but tolerable—you resist at first, but eventually adapt.
But carrying "the Dungeon's hatred" was like switching on an extreme vibration mode.
It triggered fierce resistance from the Dungeon, which tried to expel him by deploying powerful monsters. Yet once its energy was exhausted, it would also slip into a state of giving up.
"Doesn't the Dungeon ever climax and instantly spawn countless monsters on me?!"
The physical fatigue brought on by high-intensity combat, along with the Dungeon's obscene display, had already begun to cause Ron's condition to decline. Of course, the most crucial reason was—
With the continuous killing of monsters, the dropped magic stones and materials were already close to filling his backpack.
So much so that before each fight, he had to set the pack he carried on his shoulder down at a distance. This was probably one of the downsides of not having a supporter in the Familia.
"Good."
"Then let's call today's Dungeon exploration here."
With no monsters blocking the way, Ron retraced his route very smoothly. Along the way, he even encountered members of the Soma Familia exploring the second floor.
There was no need to think.
It was definitely because of the deaths of "Bruno" and the others.
After encountering Corrupted Lizards, struggling with all their might, and ultimately falling in the Dungeon, and considering that having one less problem was better than having one more, he chose to change his route.
In the end...
After successfully passing through the starting floors and returning to Orario along the spiral staircase, Ron looked up at the sun overhead, already approaching the afternoon. Before he even had time to summarize—
As if she had been squatting here in advance, there was a girl of extremely petite stature, wearing a gray-brown cloak that obscured her face. However, the oversized backpack on her back already marked her identity as a supporter.
She took the initiative to come to Ron's side.
When she raised her head, short brown hair fell to her cheeks, revealing a youthful face. The corners of her mouth curved into a pleasant arc, her smile exceptionally sincere.
"Adventurer."
"I have some information about the Soma Familia searching for you. Would you be interested?"
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