Riana’s Dungeon Mid-Layers

About a month ago, I defeated the boss monkey that ruled this floor.

…Considering that the dungeon itself has only been around for about three months, I wouldn’t call it a brief reign, but the time it had as the ruler was probably short.

I’m starting to feel a little sorry for it… If it’s going to come back as a ghost, please do it at Liesel’s bedside.

By the way, that night, after we had defeated the boss monkey, Seriana laughed hysterically when she heard the story of the battle in my bedroom.

Elena had seen me screaming while fighting centipedes in the dungeon in the royal capital, so she wasn’t as surprised, but she still laughed as well.

I had thought for a moment that I might be banned from solo exploring the mid-layers, but after laughing so hard she seemed in pain, Seriana tearily gave her permission while holding her stomach.

In the past, I wouldn’t have been allowed to do that… I wonder if I’ve grown?

I’ve hunted here a few times with Alec, Zighart, and the others, but the monsters that appear are large magical beasts and demon types, and that boss monkey hasn’t shown up since.

As expected, it seems that bosses in this dungeon appear only once.

Also, although the boss was of the Demon King species, with the enhancement gone, the other monsters’ strengths have returned to normal.

Their strength isn’t much different from that of typical individuals, and although the terrain is somewhat unfavorable for humans, it doesn’t seem to be a problem.

If I had to say, the lack of variety and difference in strength among the monsters that appear in the mid-layers might be dangerous for anyone who tries to take on this floor without preparing.

Well, that’s something the adventurers’ guild staff will make clear once it’s officially opened, so it’s not something to worry about right now…

The structure is a vast hall resembling a cave, like a limestone cave, and as with the upper layers, there is a passage leading downward when you head north.

It started at a shallow area and continues north, but how far does it extend?

At this point, the distance alone has already surpassed the size of the capital.

This entire dungeon may have become something like a separate space, like the 【Hideout】, a different world or something like that…

…Seriana’s blessing is still as unrestricted as it was in the 【Hideout】.

That ability is difficult to master, but it certainly has some baffling effects.

That aside, right now, I am hunting in the mid-layers.

“…No good. It can’t be helped.”

I deactivated 【Danrem’s Thread】.

Ahead of me, about several dozen meters away, I see a group of orcs and goblins, and beyond them, a group of wild boars lined up in a straight line.

If this were just an open area, I’d shoot arrows without hesitation, but… there are also earthen pillars ahead.

It doesn’t seem like destroying them would cause the dungeon or this layer to collapse, but there’s still a chance something might fall from above.

The inability to get a line of fire without hitting one of these pillars is a disadvantage of this layer!

“All right… Let’s go!”

I signaled to the snakes and activated 【Shadow Sword】 and 【Scarlet Bee Sting】.

I probably won’t need to use my tail or legs this time…

While being mindful of the ceiling, I quietly approach.

I’m almost within range, but neither group of monsters seems to notice me.

So far, I’ve only come here a few times with the others, including the boss monkey fight.

Maybe that’s why the monsters seem less alert.

They might be stronger than the ones in the shallow areas, or maybe they’re underestimating me.

Considering the difference in abilities, though, I can’t say they’re wrong…

“Ha!”

First, I target the nearest group.

I rushed at the orc leader in the center with a kick from 【Scarlet Bee Sting】.

◇

“Go!”

After landing the kick, I issued instructions to the snakes, but they were already attacking without waiting for my orders and taking the monsters down.

One kick doesn’t seem enough to defeat an orc, and the snakes can’t handle them alone yet, but once we get into a combo, taking down an orc is easy.

The goblins are thrown into confusion when their leader is suddenly defeated.

That’s the same everywhere.

“Ha!”

I rush in and start swinging my arms.

Rather than targeting the core, I simply aim to decapitate them.

It’s not the cleanest way to defeat them, but the snakes take care of the cleanup.

Outside, it wouldn’t be as simple as just crushing the core to finish them off…

“Ha! …Whoa… Is this the last one? The other group… still not moving?”

I swiftly decapitate the last monster and finish the job without needing to use my “flash” ability.

That technique undoubtedly works, but in this dim layer, it tends to stand out, and in some cases, it could even attract more monsters.

That would save me the trouble of tracking them down, but as in this case, if there’s another group nearby, it could cause a chaotic battle. So, I try to avoid relying on it whenever possible.

“Well then, let’s quickly deal with that group too…!”

I haven’t made much noise, but they’ve noticed me, unlike the previous group, and they’re watching us.

However, they don’t seem to be moving yet.

I can’t take them all down with a single shot, but it looks like there’s still some bonus time left.

◇

“Hmmm… No other groups. This is the last one… Phew.”

I briefly activated 【Fairy’s Eye】 and the snakes’ eyes to check the surroundings, confirming that there are no monsters nearby.

Finally, I can take a breather.

After the boss monkey incident, I made sure not to leave 【Fairy’s Eye】 and the snakes’ eyes on while exploring solo.

So far, no monsters have used that roar against me, but it’s better to be cautious.

It’s slowed my pace of exploration and hunting a bit, but I can see the goal coming up soon. I think I’m fine with this pace for now.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】・【Floating Orb】【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】 ・87 cards

Seriana ・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】・3 cards

Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・5 cards