Reynand-san, who had been facing the "Ruf Bringer" all day today without a break, declares its completion. Then, holding the renewed magic sword in his hand, he speaks to me, who was quietly working on it at the edge of the workshop.
''It's done, kid. The sword has been finished, which reduces the burden on the body when using wind magic, while providing resistance to wind magic. For a wind magic user dealing with the Elfenries, there should be nothing better than this. So, boy, you can check out .......
'--Yes, this one is perfect too. For the coloration of the armor, I chose a color that matches the liner's golden hair. Then, in order not to spoil his aristocratic grace, I elegantly crafted the armor, but in order not to harm his boyishness, the whole thing was unified with a clean look. Lastly, to match the image of him using wind magic, we sprinkled greenery here and there. Of course, that's not the only thing we did. We also paid attention to what you can't see, so that it looks great from any angle at any time.
It was the best I could do.
I was mesmerized by my own work.
Not only the breastplate and clasps, but also the shirt and jeans. I also prepared a scarf and an arm band to accentuate the look.
If the fashion-obsessed Sera were to see this, she wouldn't complain about it at all. To be honest, I wasn't sure about the design, but I was able to complement it by remembering Alibers' words.
When I thought of the heroic liner, an appropriate design came naturally from my mind. After all, the most important thing in design is to imagine the person wearing it.
'Hey, I was wondering what you were doing making these things,' he said. I guess that's what happens to monks when you leave them alone. ...... Well, okay. I'm sure the equipment is fixed. ...... a bit in poor taste, though.
'What? Bad taste: ......?
'No, it's just that it's not for the old man's taste. I suppose the younger ones are fine with it. ...... probably. Yeah, probably.
'Huh, it's a liner to wear, you know. I'm sure he'll wear it perfectly.
Leaving me clenching my fists with conviction, Reynand-san begins to check the restored equipment. While doing so, he also picked up a garment created by sewing.
'But you're versatile, kid. Can you even sew?
Yes, I can make a simple one. I think I'm more comfortable with this one.
Nice talent. Much better than being able to make armor and all that nonsense.
As he spoke, Reynand-san finished checking everything. Even in the eyes of the highest blacksmith, the equipment I finished was apparently satisfactory. He nodded broadly and tapped me on the shoulder.
I'm sure you'll be able to take them home with you as soon as you can. You can take them home right away and let them try them on.
'Yes, I will. Thank you very much for your time today. Mr. Reynand.
I put the completed armor into my 'belongings' and I bow and leave the workshop.
I'm a little later than yesterday in returning home. Perhaps Ryner has already returned to the castle and is preparing dinner.
He walks through the streets as he did yesterday, and is approached by the same people as he was yesterday. And while responding to it as usual, he runs back to the castle.
And in the castle's own room that I arrived at, Ryner and Lord, who had finished laying out the food, were waiting for me. I opened the door and asked for it while showing them the clothes I took out of my 'belongings' at the opening.
''Ryner! I made the clothes! Would you try it on for a minute!
...... Huh, clothes?
The sudden suggestion baffled Ryner, but he immediately agreed with it on his own and tried to pick up the clothes I made.
''Ah, I see. It's a special outfit for fighting the Elfenries, isn't it?
'What? My clothes are normal, though?
What?
Ryner's hand stops, along with a question.
As we both stiffen, Lord flies in from the side with a cool question.
'Huh? Kanamin, you've been teaching your blacksmithing skills at Ji-san's place, right? Why do you make clothes? And the one that doesn't seem to have much to do with the labyrinth.
What--?
Me, it has nothing to do with the labyrinth: ......?
I come to myself.
That's certainly true.
Maybe it's because making clothes was a hundred times more fun than blacksmithing, but before I knew it, I had forgotten my original purpose. The important thing now is to capture the labyrinth, not to worry about the appearance of your companions.
And yet, I spent most of my time making clothes.
''Bo, what the hell am I ......?''
''Not only do you have weapons and armor, but you're also dabbling in everyday clothes, do you think Kanamin is prepared to stay for a long period of time for whatever reason?''
'...... Oh, yeah, something like that. And the cost of clothes isn't ridiculous, either.
It was me making excuses for myself by taking advantage of Lord's story.
But Reiner's suspicions didn't go away.
'Christ ......'
He looked at me as if he blamed me for wasting his precious time.
Not wanting to be discouraged by Reiner, I hurriedly threw out my clothes and moved on to talking about my restored armor.
'No! This dress is incidental, incidental! I even made a bunch of labyrinthine items today! Look at this one too!
He takes the restored items from his 'belongings' and arranges them into the room.
Lord looks at it with interest.
You've got some good stuff going on. Was this made from scratch by Kanami?
'No, I'm just restoring something that was there to begin with. I can't build anything this good yet.
...... Hmmm. But it's all so weird. I don't know, it's just too cluttered or in bad taste.
What?
Holding the clothes and equipment I've designed, Lord says the same thing as Reynand-san. If it were just one person, it could be called a difference in sensitivity, but with two people, it's a different story.
However, those two people are a thousand years old. They are not just outdated, they are 1,000 years out of date. It is possible that they have not kept up with the current trends.
I've turned my attention to them, hoping for a bit of hope, and hoping that only Reiner will like them, but--
Hey, Christ. Is this all my equipment: ......?
'Yeah, yeah. That's what I'm going to do. ......
'Wouldn't you look like you'd be on stage if you wore all this ......? I think it's too obvious to use in a labyrinth exploration: ......
'Umm, yeah ....... Maybe so: ......
He wrapped it up in an oblique manner, but I could tell from his expression that he agreed with Lord.
I accepted the fact that the equipment I had made was in poor taste and nodded back honestly.
'The next one I make will be a more mature decoration: ......
It would be great if you did: ......
Well, not good: .......
I feel like the price of stepping forward as a producer is that Reiner's faith in me is being honed down. I have to do something about it .......
It's not as if he didn't like our gloomy atmosphere, but Lord raised his voice.
''Well, it's no use worrying about what's over! More importantly, let's have dinner now. Let's have a meal. Because I waited for Kanamin, I'm starving for the child!
'Yes. Let's eat quickly: ......
Following Lord's suggestion, we broke off the talk of new equipment and began to eat our dinner.
There was nothing special about this. After lightly chatting as we did last night, we trained in magic, and then the Lord went straight home.
While doing that training, he digested the experience accumulated from defeating the Elfenries to improve my level. If Ryner hadn't trained in sacred magic, I would have been tied up to level. Grateful for the environment that allows me to level up, I check the 'display'.
In the middle of it, I noticed the words 'bonus points'.
【Bonus Points】 You have earned 1 bonus point.
[Skill Points] You have earned 1 skill point.
I really like this kind of thing: .......
Thanks to the past memories I saw in The World Dedication Squad, I know that I was the one who created this system.
Perhaps it was an application of "Magic Power Conversion (Level Up)" that allowed you to add excess magic power to anywhere at your discretion. I can understand that idea, but it's definitely a system that shows my personal hobby is out of control.
Feeling like I'm reminiscing about my childhood failures, I pour my points into 'magic power' and 'dimensional magic'.
Now I just need to go over tomorrow's plans with Ryner and the day is over.
I firmly tell him the details of today's battle with the Elfenries and plan the battle strategy for tomorrow's battle.
Of course, we won't be training for late night magic. We're going to focus on getting ourselves in shape.
I'm already well prepared. More magic, more tools, more equipment, and more levels.
The sixty-sixth layer has been scouted out - not to mention, I defeated Elfenries once, and used that magic stone to strengthen Ryner's sword. It wouldn't be any more all-important.
When I told Ryner about that perfect situation, my trust seemed to be restored a little bit. We set a goal to go to the 60th layer tomorrow, and Ryner and I went to sleep.
And then the third day of underground life passes, and the morning of the fourth day arrives - the morning of the fourth day.
◆◆◆◆◆ ...
I leave the 《Connection》 in my room and leave.
Me and Ryner and Ryner walk through the streets of Viisia, not for work, but for the purpose of attacking the labyrinth.
Then, in front of the door that leads to the sixty-sixth layer of the labyrinth, we make a final confirmation.
''As soon as we enter the door, we'll decide on a strategy. Don't make a mistake in timing.
'I know. My wind magic is in good shape thanks to the sword Christ has prepared for me. Rest assured.
Saying that, Ryner pulled out his twin swords.
In his right hand, a newborn magic sword that strengthens wind magic.
[Sylph Luf Bringer]
In his left hand, a guardian's treasure sword that can control crystal magic (Guardian).
[The Treasure Sword of the House of Alais, Rowen]
And a light helmet and breastplate from a thousand years ago, reclaimed by the Divine Iron Forge.
[Callout]
[Alarcon face]
In addition, there are a number of magical tools that Ryner had with him from the beginning.
And the clothes I sewed for him.
It's exactly the strongest equipment of the present stage.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.
As a result of last night's discussion, it was decided that it was Ryner's role to go head-to-head with them, so that's how it was allocated.
My only means of attack is a "Distance Mute" from a surprise attack. Honestly, I don't need either offensive or defensive power.
The main part of the search is Ryner. As a sub, I'll be the support for magic.
If we were to talk about professions, the Knight Ryner would be the vanguard and the Scout I would be the rear guard. It's an unavoidable arrangement since they have lost their talent for the freezing attribute and their attack methods have decreased.
''Okay, let's go. Liner.
Yeah, any time.
After finishing my final check, I put my hand on the door.
At that moment, I feel a slight sense of discomfort and look up at the sky.
It's the same black sky as usual. But it's not the color of the sky, but something else that makes me feel different.
The sky appears to be shaking. The black sky was moving unnaturally, as if it were a turbulent cloud the day before a storm.
'What's the matter, Christ?'
Ryner looks at me, who hasn't moved with his hand on the door, and voices his question.
'No, I just thought the sky was a little weird: ......'
What's the matter with the sky in here?
'Yes, but ......'
Ryner looked up at the sky as well as me. However, unlike me, he doesn't seem to feel any different.
I thought I was paying too much attention to it, so I turned my face back to the door.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that. More importantly, it's a labyrinth now.
...... Christ. Are you nervous, by any chance?
Of course I do. One mistake and your life is over.
There are no do-overs (resets) in this challenge, although it continues to mimic the game due to the labyrinthine producers who have gone full steam ahead with their hobby, but there are no do-overs (resets). There are no saves and no loading.
It's a one time game with your life on the line. How could I not be nervous?
'Heh, even Christ can get nervous: ......'
'I know you said you were the founder or something, but I'm only human. And that's just cowardly and petty.
...... Right.
I end the futile conversation by telling him I'm a life-size person.
'Well then, let's go this time: ......!
Then, after counting down "three, two, one ......", the door is thrown open vigorously and we run out.
As soon as we entered the open 'sky' space of 66 layers, we immediately split into two groups.
I'm building dimensional magic while Ryner is running as fast as he can while building wind magic.
Naturally, the Elfenries in the sky above noticed our presence. But they still don't move.
The Elfenries' actions are simple. They just intercept anything that comes close to climbing to the 65th layer.
But we don't want to break the spiral staircase of the sixty-five layers. Without it, we'd be forced to waste MP.
So we've built a plan to win the game far from the spiral staircase.
If it works, it's a shot in the arm, just like yesterday.
''The path that leads from the sky, the path that leads to heaven--!
Ryner mouths the light chanting he learned from the Lord and takes control of the winds around him.
As the magic construction progresses, the sixty-six layers of wind become distorted.
The concentration of its magic power is so dense that it is incomparable to the Ryner of the past.
Until now, Ryner has been using wind magic as a supplement. The reason why the main attack has been a sword is simply because wind magic wasn't strong enough to attack.
But now he is different.
He inherited Hailey's soul, his level increased, his magic power jumped, he learned magic from the guardian (guardian) Aide and Lord, he learned the skill of chanting, and he had a magic sword to augment his wind magic.
All the elements are intertwined, and his wind magic has reached many levels of higher dimensions -.
"Roar and roar, great sword of a thousand!
Hence, the great magic of 1,000 years ago that does not exist today will come back to life.
Great swords of wind as big as towers were generated countless times and lined the sixty-six layers of the plains. The magic is so huge and majestic that it looks as if a single forest was born on the great plain where there should have been nothing.
''-- Wind Magic [Tauschus Wind]!
Then, the magic name is announced from Ryner's mouth.
Like missiles flying off from the launch pad, countless great swords of wind rushed up to the sky in turn.
''--!
Feeling the thousand magic released, Elfenries moved to intercept.
First, he generated a dragon wind with a bullhorn and created a defensive wall.
Magic and magic - the wall of wind and the sword of wind collided and fought each other, and the blue sky distorted.
But no matter how long it takes, Ryner's magic can't pull through the wall. It was true that his magic was many levels stronger, but even so, the rank 67 Elfenries was even more so.
Me and Ryner laughed at the fact that we were right on schedule as we hit the wall of wind and the wind swords disappeared one by one.
The wall of wind created by the Elfenries had only been created downward. There was no doubt that my consciousness was directed at Ryner on the ground.
The liner would not be able to break through the wall. However, it had become an existence that Elfenries could not ignore. That moment was the aim--.
DEFAULT DISTANCE MUTE!
After confirming the magic collision, he chants a spell in the distance of the liner and leaps, moving to the empty back.
Then, without a pause, he thrusts his right arm, which glows purple, into the Elfenries.
All that's left to do is follow the same steps as before.
This time it's a blow from completely out of consideration. Furthermore, because it is the second time, my understanding of the existence of the Elfenries has deepened.
Without giving them time to fight, I succeed in pulling out the "magic stone" from the Elfenries.
''--Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
As I hear the second decapitation roar, the Elfenries fade into light. My body is thrown out into the sky, but I don't have a single concern.
''-- 《Wind》''
The liner waiting below magically creates a cushion of wind. It's the same principle as the spoon floater one day.
Thanks to that clever magical manipulation, I get my feet on the ground unharmed.
'Thank you, Rainer.'
Wind ....... That was a successful operation. We were prepared for all sorts of shortage situations, but it worked out easily.
''It's because of the affinity of the magic. Well, both the Distance Mute and the Tauschus Wand are magics learned for the Elfenries, so it's only natural that they work well against the Elfenries.
With that "Distance Mute" magic, I guess we won't have much trouble dealing with big guys.
We pick up the 'High Sky Beryl', checking our results, and start climbing the intact central spiral staircase through the meadow.
We also check the MP we've consumed exactly.
The magic I used this time was 《Tauschus Wand》, 《Default》 and 《Distance Mute》 once each. My MP consumption is about 200, and Liner's is about 50. It was great to find out that I could break through the 66th layer of the layer with stability with just this much consumption.
I proceeded to talk with Ryner while writing that number down on the plan table in my head.
Then, I climbed up the spiral staircase and stopped before the sixty-five layers.
''-- 《Dimension》''
First of all, I'm going to unfurl my dimensional magic before I enter.
The moment I entered the 65th layer, it was to prevent me from being attacked by an Elfenries-like bullfinch.
However, I didn't seem to have to worry about that.
This was because the construction of the sixty-fifth layer was completely different from the sixty-sixth layer.
The sixty-sixth layer was so gritty that it could be mistaken for the sky.
On the other hand, the sixty-five layers were packed tightly together.
The underlying layer was the same as the sixty-sixth layer of the sky. However, the same staircase that I have on my feet now is stretching out to the sky in every direction. Of course, it is not only a spiral staircase.
Some of the stairs are straight in every direction, and some of them are curved.
These intricate staircases create a three-dimensional maze.
If I walked through that three-dimensional maze of stairs properly, I was sure I would lose track of the day. The stairs are that intricate and complicated. However, I have the ability to search for enemies without questioning with the 《Dimension》, so I won't get lost. All I have to do is jump from one staircase to the next and repeat the shortcuts, and I should be able to reach the next level in no time.
As long as you can ignore the monsters that are flying all over the place--
Next, it looks like a three-dimensional maze made entirely of stairs: ....... The path itself is fine, but the monsters flying around are scary .......
What kind of monsters are out there?
Confirm the name by 'gazing' first.
[Monster] Lizardflyer: Rank 61
It is a lizard that roams freely in the sky, moving its fly-like wings at invisible speed.
It is about one meter long. Compared to the size of the Elfenries, it's quite small.
However, you can't be too careful. At any rate, their ranks are still in the sixty range. Moreover, there are more of them than the magic of the previous liner. From a quick feeling, there were ten of them flying within a kilometer in diameter.
No matter where in the sixty-five layers they walked, they would definitely be found by one of the Lizard Flyers.
''It's full of flying lizards. They don't have any characteristics, but their ranks are very high.''
You can't measure strength by appearances. Then why don't we go head-to-head with just one of them first?
Hmmm, I guess that's all I can do: ......
Honestly, I feel like I can win if you just think about it based on looks.
With Elfenries, I couldn't imagine winning a head-to-head fight. But with this guy, I think we can win with just a sword.
Ryner and I stepped into the sixty-fifth layer in a war-ready state.
There are no enemies in sight. Although the structure is filled with gaps in the hierarchy, the stairs are too intricate to see what's going on in the distance.
I supplement the lizard flyers that are flying alone with 《Dimension》, and we both attack them.
''Align, Ryner!
I know!
He swung his sword at Lizardfrya, who was flying in a fluffy manner, in between.
That sword flash is sharp. After all, me and Ryner are both skilled enough to rival the Sword Saints on earth. And although the number of swords we handle is different, our schools are the same. We've got to be able to get the best out of them.
Approximately, there are three taijutsu swords that are unavoidable for living creatures - and yet Lizardflyer lightly dodged them with a wobble.
''Eh--?''
What--?
The enemy's movements were not particularly fast.
However, the movement was as natural as falling leaves on a tree, sewing between the three blades.
It looked as if the light feathers had been pushed by the too fast sword pressure.
But that was impossible.
Me and Ryner are both experts in terms of skill value.
If it's only a leaf or feather from a falling tree, it's easy to cut. In other words, Lizardflyer didn't use sword pressure to avoid it - he saw it with his eyes and then moved his body to avoid it.
''This, this guy!
When I notice this, I have a gut feeling that the enemy is far superior.
Perhaps there is a desperate difference in the speed of their status.
However, Lizardfleet didn't give us time to think, and went out to counterattack. It was me in the front who was aiming at it. That movement, too, was a wavering motion, similar to a leaf falling from a tree.
I tried to pay off my sword and drive it back, but Lizardfleet avoided it with the minimum amount of movement necessary.
Wobbling.
''Yah, yah--!
Before I could finish swearing, Lizardflyer dived into my bosom, his thin, sharp wings touching my shoulder.
Even if the other party is a guardian (Guardian), my body, which I would not let them touch so easily, is ripped open.
There was no pain.
The flesh was torn open without resistance, as if my finger had been cut with the edge of a piece of paper.
The wound was about two inches deep.
If it had been aimed at my hand, it was deep enough to cut off two fingers.
Fresh blood gushed out of the wound that had reached the arteries.
A chill runs down my spine and at the same time, I scream in fear.
''Reinaaaaaah! Blow this thing up right now!
-- if he reacted a little slower, he would have dropped his arm.
And that too, just like that.
In just one breath.
Ryner must have noticed that fact.
He released a wind magic that consumed a large amount of magic power.
''--Zeer Wound!
A gust of wind strikes. It's a rush of wind that can never be ignored by anything that uses its wings to fly in the sky.
Therefore, Ryner and I were relieved. For the time being, we thought we could keep our distance.
But that expectation was betrayed.
Buh-uh.
Lizardflyer moved his wings and made a sound.
It wasn't in words, but it was a 'chant' and a 'magic declaration'. Since the 《Dimension》 had sensed Lizardfriar's magic construction, he could understand it.
Then, Ryner's 《Zeer Wand》 was 'Magic Offset (Counter Magic)'. The soft wind generated from Lizardfrya's wings easily drowned out the wind magic with its full strength.
Seeing that, I instructed without hesitation.
''Ka, you can't win! Let's move out!
I get it.
The two of them fall back significantly, trying to get some distance from Lizardfleet.
But the enemy won't let us do that.
Our faster-than-beast backstep makes it easy for Lizardflea to follow us. Only its movement was an acceleration that reminded me of a fly, not a falling leaf.
I was surprised by its slow and fast movement, and reflexively I swung my sword.
But it doesn't hit.
As if in mockery, the Lizardfleet attacked again, passing by the sword flash and trying to split my body again.
It's frightening because I can see it like it is due to the 《Dimension Decisive Operation (Gradiate)》. After a few more moments, my torso is cut in half. I can see it--
Zeer-wind!
The liner next to me, who couldn't see it, released a magic on the spur of the moment.
It was too messy a magic construction, but by consuming one of the magic items, a ring, it managed to form as a gusty wind attack magic.
In response to that magic, Lizardfryer again ruffled his feathers and kneaded his magic.
However, the important thing here was that during this time, Lizardfrya remained still.
It's probably because he's vibrating his wings to build 'Magic Offsetting (Counter Magic)'.
Perhaps this guy can't move and 'Magic Offset (Counter Magic)' at the same time.
''Ryner! Keep it up, constant magic! You don't have to be strong!
"Oh--oh! 《WIND》, 《WIND》, 《WIND》!
The wind that tries to bind Lizardfrya's movements blows in layers. Lizardfrya ruffled her wings as she dutifully tried to 'cancel out the magic' of it all (counter magic).
The enemy has completely stopped moving.
Taking advantage of the gap, we flee as fast as we can.
Of course, with that momentum, we ran back to the 66th layer.
After confirming that we had shaken off Lizardfleet at the top of the 66th layer's spiral staircase, we slumped down.
''Hah, hah ......! I almost died: ......!
"Hey, what's that guy ....... It's as if the attacks don't work ......
Even though the fight lasted only a few seconds, it's as if I'm out of breath.
My heart made an earth-shattering sound and cold sweat spilled out.
We complained to each other endlessly until our bodies calmed down.
'Ryner saved my life. If it wasn't for him, I'd be dead.
'No, I wish I could have responded sooner: ....... I was fooled by the look of it: ......
And a few minutes later.
It may have been worth it to complain to each other, but my thoughts were coming together.
''-- Is that guy a monster that specializes in evasion? Maybe the sword is simply seen and then avoided. The movement of the body is more than fast, but the dynamic vision is extraordinary. Our sword defenses seem to have slipped through after looking at them too.
"And it cancels out easy magic-- Maybe if you try to use big magic, it will interfere with you, that thing. Besides, it's that fast. Even if you do succeed with big magic, it seems likely that you'll usually be able to avoid it.
'You're ironclad: ....... Also, you can't underestimate the aggression that lightly ripped into my shoulder.
Let's get you well soon. --It's time to heal your wounds.
Thanks, Reiner: ......
Yeah, .......
Once the analysis of Lizardflyer's strength and the treatment of his arm was complete, we fell silent.
It had to be.
It's as if we are no match for them.
We are simply outclassed by the specs.
And now, it hurts that the [Distance Mute] subterfuge doesn't work. After all, I can't even touch it.
In the face of this overwhelming enemy's strength, my face naturally grew stronger.
Reiner has the same face as me.
A few minutes pass in silence.
It was Ryner who broke the silence first.
'Christ, it's about time. As I recall, the boss monster should reappear in the labyrinth in an hour or so. We have to move before the sixty-sixth layer of dragons revive.
...... It can't be helped. Let's proceed with the sixty-five layers, focusing on the escape. If this doesn't look like it's going to be possible, we'll have to get ready again.
Okay.
The plan is simple - use the Dimension to figure out the shortest route from here to the 64th layer. The only thing left to do is to charge forward. We're going to have to use wind magic to stop the approaching Lizardflea. If an unforeseen situation arises, he will retreat immediately. Even if it comes in contact with an unidentified monster, it will retreat immediately. Let's do this.
Ryner nodded and agreed to that plan with zero intention of fighting.
Then, he immediately casts a spell.
''--Dimension Multiple Expansion (Multiple)!
With the intention of filling the entire labyrinth, the dimensional attribute magic power is deployed towards the upper levels.
In response to that rude invasion of magic power, the Lizardfriars of the sixty-five layers attempt to perform 'Magic Offsetting (Counter Magic)'. Apparently, they also react to the dense 《Dimension》.
This is good information, even though it has impaired my spatial grasp. There is one more way to stop them.
Due to 'Magic Offsetting (Counter Magic)', I can't grasp the area around the lizard flyers scattered across the sixty-five layers. However, by avoiding the enemies and extending the Dimension Multiple Deployment (Multiple) further in, I managed to find the stairs leading to the sixty-fourth layer - no, the big hole.
In addition, I could see the entirety of the sixty-five layers.
It's only the central area that consists only of inorganic stone stairs. If you go to the right, you'll enter an area where many waterfalls were flowing from the sky, and if you go to the left, you'll enter an area where large trees were growing towards the sky.
The waterfalls were filled with creepy blue birds, and the big trees were filled with creepy insects. Neither of them are opponents I would prefer to fight.
The shortest route seems to be the one that climbs upwards while staying close to the big tree area.
If we continued on that route, we would encounter a few lizard fliers, but we would have to use magic to stall them. It's a hundred times better than fighting unidentified birds and insects.
'Alright, I can see the way. Ryner, run as fast as you can, okay?
'This is still a knight of the wind. I'm very fast.
Let's go then: ......
We prepared for each other and then ran again at the same time.
No, it's a little different from running. We proceeded through sixty-five layers of three-dimensional stairs as if we were climbing a jungle gym.
By not using the stairs as stairs, but instead as a scaffolding for the jump, we shorten the distance to the goal. Naturally, that forceful sprint caused several monsters around us to notice us.
After all, compared to the monsters at lower levels, the range of reaction is wider. We can only assume that they can sense the movement of the wind.
''Two of them are coming from the rear!
Okay!
One wrong move at the wrong time and you could be severed from any part of your body. Even though there are still some deep moves, not all of them will work.
Me and Ryner build up our magic as the tension builds to the point where it's hard to believe that we're dealing with a mere monster.
Then, from behind, a lizard flyer, several times faster than us, approaches rapidly from behind, weaving its way between the stairs that are obstacles. While surprised by its free and three-dimensional movement, I manage to match the timing.
''--[Dimension]!
WIND!
I focus my search magic on a single point, and Rainer condenses and releases wind magic.
Both spells are thin in effect. But its magic is so dense that it cannot be ignored.
The movement of the lizard flyer stops just before it reaches us.
I'm not sure if it's because they sensed the dense magical power. I changed the movement of the wings from tracking to chanting and moved to intercept the magic.
''Alright! We're going to run away while keeping the magic going!
I know!
If it's two against one, I was thinking of cutting the unmoving part while Ryner cast a spell. But I don't have that kind of time against two animals. And I don't feel like I can defeat this guy with that level of tactics.
Safety is the first priority, and escape is the only option.
In order to escape from the enemy, I'm going to run up the maze in the air as fast as I can.
Although I was able to leave the two animals ahead of me behind, there are still many Lizardfliers in my path. The heartbreaking attack by Lizardfleet is not over yet.
''--Dimension Multiple Expansion (Multiple)!
Acht ein Wiedersehen!
The number of enemy attacks will only increase. Our magic is also running out of room.
Although we can sense the timing of the approaching Lizardflyer with Dimension, we are still afraid of enemies approaching us from all directions.
It's like running through a rain of bullets.
With the cold sweat that never stops flowing, I stopped all the enemies in turn.
A few minutes later, the number of lizard fliers chasing us had reached double digits. No matter how much I stilled them, if I stopped binding them with magic in the middle, they would chase after me again, so it was only natural that the numbers would swell. It's a kind of train (train) state.
However, the reward for that all-out escape is that we are almost at the point where we can reach the sixty-fourth layer.
After checking the 64th layer with Dimension, there were no monsters waiting for us. We continued to run as fast as we could, intending to continue our escape.
It reminds me of the short-distance run at a sports day. Only, if they catch us, we'll be running to our death.
"Konoonoa ooohhhh--!
"--Christ, let's see if you can get it together! Ix-wind!
The wind burst behind me.
I know the effects of that magic. And I know how to operate that magic absurdly. We gain propulsion in response to that explosion. Further back, the Lizardflyer was poised against the explosion.
It was the best magic to use when we were just a breath away.
With Reiner's good magic selection, we entered the hole in the ceiling that led to the sixty-four layers.
And the straddling of layers and layers stopped all the Lizard Friars who were chasing us. Apparently, the rules in the lower levels also apply in the deeper layers.
We breathed at the sixty-fourth layer, thanking ourselves for making the rule that monsters can't act across layers.
'Hah, hah, hah ......'
Hah, hah, hah. ......
It was me and Ryner, out of breath, silently dodging a weak high-five.