Above the boss’s chamber, I scattered poison relentlessly, eliminating threats from the walls above. Meanwhile, Alec and the others coordinated magic to efficiently dispatch the monsters near the main camp. Zighart took care of the rest, driving off even the powerful monsters coming from the north under the influence of the Demon King species. Yet, a new horde of monsters appeared.

A mix of demon species and beast species—nothing unusual so far, but…

“More reinforcements! This time there are two apes!”

“Are they Demon King species?”

“No! Just regular monsters, but they’re strong!”

Among the horde was a boss ape similar to the one we defeated in the middle layer. Monsters of the same type were also present.

After defeating the boss ape previously, I learned it goes by different names depending on the region, such as Four-Legged Ape or Giant Ape. They are relatively powerful beasts, akin to Ogre-class among demon species. These creatures inhabit deep forests and sometimes appear beyond the first mountain in magical regions. I hadn’t encountered them before since I hadn’t ventured that far, but I’d heard they were formidable. Not only are they individually strong, but they also have the intelligence to form and manage mixed-species groups, which makes them a serious threat.

Recalling this, I hurriedly relayed the information to Zighart below.

Though he had noticed the new presence, he hadn’t identified them yet. Upon hearing about the Giant Apes, he glared toward the north, deep in thought, before quickly issuing orders.

“I’ll take them down. Tell two people to provide cover for me. Fiora will handle my duties. Hey, Fiora!”

He then called Fiora over to relay instructions. Fiora had been using magic intermittently to slow the advancing horde, so she still had some leeway. Entrusting her with Zighart’s role as the main attacker wouldn’t likely change the situation significantly.

Alright, time for me to inform the four people on the frontlines.

◇

Combat continued outside the main camp. However, the number of enemies had significantly decreased. Recognizing the danger of approaching, the monsters kept their distance, observing us cautiously.

Can’t blame them, right?

The monsters Zighart had skewered were entirely obliterated, their cores crushed, leaving no trace of their corpses. The others, however, were dispatched less meticulously, with heads severed or crushed, but their cores intact. Thus, numerous carcasses littered the area. Even dungeon monsters, not being entirely brainless, wouldn’t want to venture into such a gruesome site willingly.

“Miss, is something the matter?”

The four at the frontlines were busy clearing out the remaining corpses but noticed my approach. Teresa called out, her expression puzzled, likely due to my anxious demeanor.

“Yes. While they aren’t Demon King species, there are two Giant Apes approaching from that direction. Zighart intends to handle them, but he’s requested two people to stall them.”

“Buy time, huh? I’ll go. August, you too.”

Though my explanation was brief, Alec immediately agreed and called for August.

“Understood. Miss Sera, what about you? Could you hold things down here?”

August nodded but seemed concerned about leaving the area undermanned, asking if I could stay behind.

These two are heavy warriors, adept at holding their ground and drawing monster attention. On the other hand, Luban and Teresa, though versatile in both sword and magic, excel in proactive combat rather than defense.

While I’m lighter, I can still manage stalling tactics decently enough…

“Got it!”

After a moment’s thought, I agreed. The usual strategy of thinning the horde while staying within range should suffice.

“Alright, let’s move, Alexio. Miss Sera, could you launch us?”

“Alright! Whenever you’re ready!”

I renewed my 【Prayer】 and responded. Both men took a few steps, leaped lightly, and—
were propelled into the air.

Using the 【Wind Cloak】’s effect, they could leap several dozen meters forward. Although the technique required timing and coordination, the team had mastered it after a few tries—excluding me.

They landed gracefully and immediately accelerated toward the northern horde, reaching their maximum speed in seconds. Watching them sprint across the uneven terrain was impressive.

“Interesting technique. Could I try it later?”

Luban, intrigued by their flight, approached me with a smile. Though I’d explained the effect of 【Purple Wings】, I hadn’t shown this specific use.

“Once we’re done with the boss, sure.”

He’s a quick learner—probably wouldn’t take him long to master.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Veil】・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee’s Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・3 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・28 cards
Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・3 cards
Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・5 cards