CH.10 - Orcus Great Dungeon (3)

With this thought in his head Kouki got up and went at the front with his Party, with this time a fake smile...

After Meld's order, everyone got ready they descended to the 20th floor. Despite the tense atmosphere because of Meld's warning of the so-called "Rockmount", Enkai, Hajime and the soldiers behind were casually chatting like they were taking a stroll in town. They were aware of the possible danger but Enkai had confidence in him, Hajime in his weapon and the soldier were strong enough for the 20th floor in case something happened.

They came across different kind of monsters but nothing really tough for them. Eventually the party saw a monster different from the rest, it was a gorilla-like monster, it was a "Rockmount". Alas contrary to everyone expectation the Rockmount never came head-on but used his ability, the Rockmount could camouflage itself making it difficult to hunt, as for his strength it was stronger than the other one on the same floor. At the end with Commander Meld advice, it was rather easily to take care of them for Kouki's group and Enkai, so they let a few of them pass to let the other also train but the other had much more issue to take care of one so they went to help them.

Unfortunately an incident happened, while Enkai was away helping where trouble could come he let Hajime fight another Rockmount, since he already killed one of them with only light support from him so Enkai thought that nothing could really happened to Hajime but he forgot that he was used four arrows of the six he had to kill the Rockmount.

The other arrows were with the soldier, since Hajime couldn't carry a large amount of them he ran out of them after using the two other one on the Rockmount, and due to the panic Hajime dropped his weapon to the ground, closing his eyes getting ready for the hit but it never came. Kouki was not too far from Hajime and saved him with a[Soaring Flash] also hitting the wall in the way revealing a blue crystal behind it.

"Thank you Amanogawa-kun, I ran out of arrows." Hajime thanked Kouki, also explaining his predicament.

"...Hmm ? Arrows ? Well anyway it doesn't matter, be careful next time we can't always be there to save you at the last moment. You were behind all time today you slowed down the group. You should train harder Hajime, I didn't see you a lot at the training ground." Kouki was a little bit lost at first when Hajime talking about arrow but quickly changed the subject and rebuked Hajime for his "weakness".

"Kouki you are wrong, Hajime was behind but he never slowed us down he also took care of the beast with his weapon" Kaori quickly came at Hajime rescue.

"Huh...? Are you sure Kaori ? I didn't see him do something today" Kouki quickly hide his surprised face, which Enkai saw but didn't comment on, and was replaced by a doubtful expression.

"She is right Kouki, Hajime predicament was only his miscalculation since like he said he ran out of arrows, well Hajime next time be careful" Meld explained in Kaori's place.

"And also Kouki ! Even if it was to get revenge you should not use a skill like that here ! What if the wall come down on us ?" Meld didn't finished and rebuked Kouki this time.

"Bu-but the girls before were afraid and--" Yes, Kouki was here since he wanted to avenge three girls from the class who were disgusted by the Rockmount but misunderstood it as fear

"No ! This was dangerous you--"

"...Eh? What is that? It's sparkling...?" Kaori suddenly interrupted Meld and gathered the attention of everyone ?

"Hoh~ That's Grantz Crystal. One this big in size is rare, maybe you reckless decision led to it" Meld replied with a smile.

"Beautiful..." Kaori said dazed, sending a place to Hajime which was noticed by her friend and Enkai.

'This girl has fallen too deep...' Thought Enkai with a sigh and decided to help her a bit by sending Hajime get it but he was beaten by Hiyama.

"I'll get it for you Shirasaki-san !" Hiyama exclaimed, wanting to please his crush.

"Wait, it's not safe we didn't confirmed--"

"It's a trap !" One of the soldier exclaimed

However their warnings came a little too late. The moment Hiyama touched the Grantz Crystal, magic circle started to spread from the crystal.

"Withdraw! Get out of the room this instant!" Meld ordered.

Everyone started to run toward the exit at Commander Meld's order, but they were too slow and they suddenly drop on the ground and felt their butt sore. After opening their eyes they explored their surrounding with caution.

They were all transferred onto a huge bridge made of stone. It was about hundred meter in length. The ceiling looked to be about twenty meter tall. There was no river underneath the bridge, there was only a bottomless abyss. If they fell, it would probably feel like falling into hell.

The width of the bridge was about ten meter, but let's not say the handrails, even the edge was rounded. If you slipped there would be nothing to grab on to, and you would fall head-first. The group was right in the middle of the bridge. On both sides of the bridge, they could see a stairway that led to the upper level. After confirming it, Commander Meld issued the orders with a grim expression.

"Everyone, go toward the exit right now ! The stairs are close."

Everyone got up and started to run toward the stairs but at this moment summoning circle emerged and from both ways monster spawned. On way a large amount of monster, skeleton with a sword while on the other way a huge Magic Beast appeared on one side of the passage with a shaped similar to a triceratops, with a head like that of a bull with two huge horns sprouting on its head, and has glowing red eyes.

At this time, Commander Meld stared at the huge Magic Beast with blank expression, his mumbles was transmitted loud and clear.

"This couldn't be... a Behemoth...?"