Chapter 9: Completing First Dungeon Quest & Saving The Elves

After leaving the village, Ray no longer fights against Larvae but the actual insects which are highly resistant toward physical attack due to their thick carapace. However, Layla's magic bow didn't have any issue as she easily dispatched those insects with well placed headshots that burn the insects because her mana arrow is imbued with fire element.

Seeing that a magic attack is absolutely necessary for this dungeon, I sighed and opened my Menu to obtain new skills.

I look for a skill similar to her own, [Elemental Arrows]. The skill at LV 3 imbues her bow to shoot selected elements imbued arrows for 5 minutes straight and increase the damage dealt. I found its equivalent, [Elemental Blade] on the Tier 2 skill tree which unlocked after reaching Level 20.

I was shy just one more skill point to get it at LV 3. So I used a Potion of Experience because I just recently level up and the next one will take a lot of kills to reach.

After that, we continued moving.

The stage is not even ground like all previous dungeons, having three layers connected by ladders and stairs. It's relatively small. At least when compared to Dwarven Metropolis.

We fight through dozens, almost a hundred Giant Worker Termite and even a few Giant Soldier Termites which is just the Worker variant but with stronger carapace and a big pincers jaw.

"We are almost there. Just a few more turns."

Layla stopped me and opened her map to verify the direction.

We had small talk, mostly me asking her and the Elves.

The Elves apparently didn't have a military force and instead had Huntress. Their kingdom wasn't even considered one as they have no royal family that governs them. Instead they will have a matriarch that fills in the administrative role of the first Elf Queen, the Elf otherworlder that founded their kingdom. The founder is still the Queen even after she has deceased without anyone taking over the title.

When we reached the Library, it was a locked room as I expected and normally would require a key hidden in this stage to unlock.

"Don't worry, let me take care of this."

[Lock Picking]

The spell magically unlocked the lock and made a thinkering sound before a click sounded and the door slowly swung open.

"A very useful skill you have."

Layla commented before we entered the Library which is filled with bookshelves with books and scrolls that had been collecting dust for quite awhile.

We actually found a lot of scrolls, most of them inside a wooden crate hidden in a corner of the room. After storing them away and double checking if we missed any scrolls. We returned back to the village.

Quite a few of the Termites had respawned and slowed us a little but we arrived back at the village in half an hour.

The leader was anxiously waiting for us near the exit of the village and instantly cheered up after seeing both of us return unharmed.

"Here are all the scrolls, I didn't know which one was the Scrolls of Teleportation. So, I brought it all."

The leader looked puzzled when I pulled out a crate half my size out of thin air. Layla pointed out at my Magic Pouch which the leader nodded understandingly but also gave me an envious look.

We went to the Witch to get the scrolls appraised. The scrolls are…

[Scroll of Teleportation x7]

[Scroll of Recharge x9]

[Scroll of Challenge x2]

[Scroll of Upgrade x1]

The Witch then start to perform spell casting using few catalyst, materials and the Teleportation scrolls to create magic portal into other villages while few Huntress went in to bring all the Elves and their defenders from villages in other levels of the Sacred Tree to this village which is safer with lesser Termites compared to village in upper levels.

After the evacuation was completed, around two hundred Elves and 50+ Huntress gathered in this village.

This is all that remains for the Elves kingdom's population. From tens of thousands to a few hundred.

The leader said there should be some left in the capital on the very top. But it was inaccessible because of the Giant Queen Termite's presence.

"Here, bring this scroll with you. When you are challenging the Giant Termite Queen, use the scroll and we will definitely come to your aid."

The leader passed me a black scroll that had the rune inscribed with gold instead of ink like a normal scroll. I nodded and stored away the scroll in my inventory.

When I am about to leave to continue clearing the stage. Layla stopped me.

"Wait. Please let me join you."

"Sure."

I shrugged. Wouldn't hurt to have extra helping hands in battle.

Then I continue to fully explore this stage and collect loot before moving to the mini boss.

[Mutated Termite Soldier]

It's the same as a normal one except bigger, bulkier and angrier too with fluids literally flowing out its mouth while growling like a rabid dog. How can it growl? I don't know but it did and it's intimidating.

It was after Layla fired her first shot that we just realized how fucked we are. It's not only resistant to physical attack, but also magic attack too.

Fire damage still injures it more which means their inherent weakness is still present which is fire and bludgeon attack.

Unfortunately, we didn't have a blunt weapon in hand. Layla uses a bow and I use a blade.

It seems that I didn't have any choice but to use my Kagune then.

"Step aside Layla."

I said and sheathed my blade which made her puzzled but she still listened and retreated to the back to only provide support.

Then the skin behind my back starts bulging and twitching wildly before a red mist explodes out to form my Kagune.

Layla was visibly shocked and confused while looking at me with questions on her face. But I already initiated my assault.

[Elemental Blade]

I coat my Kagune which is considered a weapon, in fire and start pounding the mini boss into paste.

I drop behind its back and lock its head in a head choke while my kagune rips apart its limbs one by one until nothing remains.

My Kagune kept pounding on its carapace until it cracked under the pressure and I savagely stabbed my arm in before ripping out its internal, causing the Termite to wail and finally drop dead on the floor. A Ghoul always fought savagely like a wild animal. Rarely is there any elegance.

"What is… No. What are you?"

Layla looks terrified but also amazed by the sheer strength I am displaying when I am fighting like a Ghoul.

"I'm not really a Human."

I said and she accepted it rather easily. I am supposed to be a person not from this world. So, some oddities like this are not unusual but also not common either.

After that, I looted the chest and moved on to the peddler to buy his wares. Buying out all food, potion and scroll before continuing to the next stage.

———

Three hours later.

We cleared two more stages and arrived at the last stage. The Boss stage.

Upon entering, it's revealed to be the city of the Elf. Their capital which had been turned into a nest for the Termite Queen.

We didn't immediately aggro the Queen which didn't notice us yet. Layla brought me to search around for any survivors but only to be disappointed when finding none.

"The only other place left is the castle. There is a shelter inside the castle that other Elves could be hiding."

Layla said while pointing at the castle which had been turned into a nest for the Termite Queen. The only way to access the shelter under the castle is by defeating the Termite Queen. So, there is nothing else left to do but fight then.

Taking out the black scroll and using it, it created a portal similar to what the Witch did and almost all of the Huntress arrived, led by the leader. Every single one of them look determined to fight even if it cost their life, to liberate their home.

"Let's do this."

I said and the leader nodded.

The plan would be me making a sneak attack after everyone takes their position and then we fight.

Sneaking close is easy with an urban area that provide plenty of cover and the last few meters I use Cloak of Shadows to cast [Assassination] on the Termite Queen which wailed thunderously, making the Workers and Soldiers Termite swarm out the nest.

The Huntress on their position starts unleashing volleys of arrows, blotting the sky with rain of flame arrows. As for me, I engaged in battle with the Queen while supported by Layla.

———

*SCREECHHHH*

The Termite Queen screamed and dozens of male drones flanked it to deter my advance.

Honestly frontal battle like this isn't suitable for my kit which is more suited for sneak attacks which is near impossible in an open area like this.

I grab three Potions of Paralytic Gas and splash them on the drones and the Queen before doubling down with Liquid Flame.

During the explorations all the way up and buying from the peddler and the Alchemist, I did get dozens of potions to work with and also scrolls. What's impossible will become possible if I fight smart and utilizes those loots to the best of my advantage.

While the drones are squirming in pain and struggling to fight off the paralysis, I went behind the Queen and took out the Scroll of Duel. A modified Scroll of Challenge that is supposed to taunt all enemies in the stage towards me. The modified version instead causes the magic in the scroll to force a duel between me and the target and cannot be interfered. In the duration of the duel, I will receive 20% less incoming damage as a bonus.

The Queen turns to me and clicks its giant pincer angrily before charging at me. I created a smokescreen with [Smoke Bomb] around me and paired it with [Assassination]. My body dispersed in the smoke and reformed above the Queen's body with all my Kagune released and blade unsheathed.

"Haaah!"

I roared and stabbed my blade in the gap of its carapace, sinking and twisting it in as anchor. While the Queen angrily tussles its body to dismount me from its back after realizing where I am. My Kagune stabs into the wound created by my blade, further aggravating the wound and ripping off a piece of the carapace to reveal the soft flesh underneath.

Suddenly, it stopped moving and suddenly made a distinct low pitched screech which made all the termite to aggro at me.

Didn't even realize I already reduced a fourth of its HP that caused this sudden change in behavior.

Calmly I took a few throwing knives from its pouch and plunge it into the Termite Queen's soft flesh, paralyzing it. Then I took out a Scroll of Terror, a scroll that inflicts fear on all non boss enemies. Stricken by fear, they stay in a circle around me and their Queen, hesitate to advance out of fear but also hesitate to leave after hearing the cries of their Queen.

The other Elf Huntress doubled their effort and quickly brought down the mobs before the Termite Queen's damage immunity wears off. Neither did I stay idle as I target the Queen's eyes, throat, carapace gaps and any place that my blade can pass through, to deal any damage no matter how miniscule.

Oddly enough, this boss is quite easy to kill. It drops in HP, gets damage immunity, summons more Termite Soldier, after killing the soldiers, loses damage immunity. It's just a repeating process unlike the Necromancer.

We all beat after half an hour because the number of mobs double in number each time it is summoned.

The reward was equally underwhelming as the boss fight because most don't suit me after appraising them at the peddler that appeared after the fight.

-Reward-

[Armored Carapace Gauntlet (UC)]

A very durable, more durable than most metal gauntlet and also incredibly light because it was made from Giant Termite Queen carapace.

-Blocked damage limit +30%

-Strength requirement for equipping -50%

[Giant Pincer Dual Blade (UC)]

Giant Termite Queen's pincer which has been repurposed into a dual blade due to its unnaturally sharpness and durability.

-May cause bleeding.

-Small chance to trigger [Laceration].

[Giant Termite Eggs]

A great source of protein for those that didn't mind its origin. May be tainted with evil energy and a thorough rinse with Potion of Purification is recommended.

[Small Bag of Gold Coins]

A bag randomly contains 2k up to 10k Gold Coins.

———

After the victory, the Elf Huntresses quickly rush to the castle and save their trapped kins while I am busy checking out the store.

[Elven Floral Wine (UC)]

-Price: 500G

"I wonder how it would taste…"

Mumbling and rationalizing a reason to buy such an expensive vanity item. Welp, I did buy it in the end because my hand was itchy.

Later, the Huntress Leader, the Elven Matriarch, Layla and many more gathered around me.

"Thank you, benevolent hero for helping us in our dire time."

The Elven Matriarch who looked tired, covered in soot and ragged clothes, suddenly dropped half her body and bowed down deeply which I quickly lifted her up because I instinctively felt uncomfortable.

"Thank you hero. Thank you very much. Without your assistance, the Elven race would have been exterminated."

"We are incredibly indebted to you. So, if there's anything we can provide or help. Please tell me and I will try my best to satisfy your request."

The Elven Matriarch said with a sad and grieving tone but somehow, I can feel something is not right.

But, they said they will grant any wishes of mine. This is a kingdom right, they should have a vault or something that contains the national treasures.

"Then, can I take a look at your treasury? As I constantly fight more monsters, I need better equipment and I wonder if there is something that suits me."

I tried to make my request sound polite and not forceful. But the Matriarch's face instantly scrunched.

"*Cough* I am afraid you will be left disappointed, hero. During the early invasion. Most of the gears in the treasury had been taken out to equip the Elves which unfortunately mostly died in the frontline along with their gears…"

The Matriarch said apologetically.

"Oh… Sorry for your losses."

"No, you do not need to apologize, Hero."

"Anyway, how about we celebrate our victory?"

The Matriarch looks more desperate somehow while maintaining her smile when talking. But it wouldn't hurt because I still have to permanently recruit Layla and before that happens, I will not leave the dungeon.

Most other elves nodded and excitedly dispersed to prepare the celebration feast with what few materials they had left. I contributed foods I foraged to them like berries and honey. They don't prefer not eating meat like the stereotypical Elf.

Only Layla stayed and had been dragged behind a house by the Matriarch to talk about something. Layla returned with a flushed expression while the Matriarch gave her a big thumbs up before scurrying away to help relocate the people in the village to the now boss room turn safe zone, Elven capital.

Three hours later, the glowing leaves dimmed by half which means it's night time right now as normal means to identify time is unusable with perpetual twilight sky.

"Cheers! Let's celebrate the liberation of our kingdom from the monster and our Hero that slayed the monster!"

The Elven Matriarch lifted her cup to the air and gulped the content in one go, which everyone followed. I did too as I got to taste the Floral Wine that they brought over from the village for the celebration.

After that, we eat what little food we have with joyous expression and talk with each other.

For me, I sat in the male group that consists only of old mens. As all able body men had died valiantly to defend their kingdom.

"So, young Hero. Are there any women that strike your fancy?"

The old Baker from the village struck the first conversation with me. Somehow my instinct is triggering for no reason. I mean, this kind of talk is common among mens right?

I played along and made a deep analysis on the Elves I knew.

The Matriarch, although already two hundred years old, still has a great look like a hot young milf. Elf typically have a lifespan around 500 years. She is kinda the equivalent of women in their thirties. Personally wise, I'm not sure because we didn't interact much.

Next is the Huntress Leader, she looks like the type of very professional person. Dedicated to her job. Personally aside, her body is perfect. Perfect size boobs and ass. Not too big or small. Also, she is quite muscular too with her well toned abs visible on her Huntress uniform that is almost skin tight.

Last is Layla. Personality wise, she is very passionate when she is determined like aiding me through this dungeon. Fiercely loyal too as she will stay behind to fight no matter the odds. She does lacks femininity and acts more brashly especially in combat when under pressure.

Appearance though… She is taller than me, around 180 cm while mine is 170+ cm. But unlike the more muscular Huntress Leader, Layla has slender body build and perfect proportion of the on both parts. Her hair is blond and green eyes as all Elves I encountered. Her hair is tied into a bun to not get into her way in combat.

To explain in brief for each of them in respective order is Milf, Onee-san and Tomboy

"I would say it's Layla."

I replied after long and deep contemplation.

"Ho… I heard she helped you along the way to the capital. Did you two bonded along the way here?"

I nodded in admittance while four other old men joined in the conversation. Pitching in their experience on hooking up on girls, advising me how to get a girlfriend or two.

"Sigh, because of the war. There are no longer young men in the capital or all the other villages. All that was left was the women who weren't even original soldiers but mere forest hunters. These women were forced to take arms to defend their home."

I heard the old man talking with each other while drinking the Floral wine that they keep on filling my cup. It's odd. We had been drinking at least two jugs per person and yet these old mens didn't look drunk in the slightest…

"For what use, old fart. Even if we can get the next generation popping. What use is it if we are still surrounded by the Evil God's forces."

"We already defeated the Giant Termite Queen but there are numerous others out there that can threaten us again. Without a strong 'Hero' to defend against these enemies, our life is still numbered."

The old shopkeeper said and subtly sent me glances while I was not aware. The other old men look at each other awkwardly and send signals.

'What the heck is this man made of? We gave him enough dose to knock ten lions unconscious.'

(3rd P PoV)

The old shopkeeper sweated and looked at the old Baker for help but he just shrugged. Then he slipped folded leaves which stored fine powders inside which he looked very guilty when he spiked Ray's drink.

'For the future of the Elves.'

The old Baker chanted in his mind as he spiked the wine before giving it Ray.

*Cough*

"Put more. I doubt just one is enough when he can resist that much sleeping medicine. He must have some kind of resistance."

The old shopkeeper whispered to the old Baker. The old Baker then pulled out three more sachets of aphrodisiac that the Matriarch entrusted to him.

'I'm sorry young Hero…'

The old Baker looked in silent guilt as his friend encouraged Ray to take another gulp of the wine. Which in his drunken state, he did.

But what happened next is not what they expected.

The aphrodisiac caused Ray's heartbeat to become higher, his blood flow faster and his brain suddenly gained a burst of excitement that caused not just his dick to stand erect but his appendages also sprouted out in response to his sudden influx of excitement.

His eyes black and red which look demonic for the nearby Elves.

The Matriarch stepped out to check on the commotions and what to do with the old mens too long to get Ray ready to help pollinate the 'flowers' she had prepared.

"Help! The Hero was possessed by a demon!"

Someone shouted from the plaza which caused a panic. Layla, who was distracted by another elf instructed by the Matriarch, quickly rushed to the scene to see Ray, went out of control as his extra 'limbs' gained their own sentience to wreak havoc as other Elves had been evacuated.

"What have you done!"

Layla questioned accusingly at the Matriarch that has been acting suspicious since she met Ray.

Then she looks back at Ray. She remembered the small chatter she had with him about his Ghoul body and Kagune. The only way for his Kagune to be released without his consent is when he experiences heightened emotions, especially strong emotions like excitement.

"Find the Witch and the Apothecary quick!"

Layla shouted to the nearby Huntresses that nodded and ran to find those mentioned people.

The other Huntresses with their Leader who rushed to the scene with quite the transparent looking ang revealing clothes, quickly help contain the chaos until the Witch and the Apothecary arrive to administer spells that pacify his condition and sedate him into sleep.

"I can't believe you would do something like this, Matriarch. You too, Leader."

She looks at the two that she previously looked highly to with disappointment.

"Layla, this is for the future of the Elves. We no longer have able men to continue our generation. If we do nothing, the Elves will go extinct."

The Matriarch tried to reason with Layla but she wasn't having any of those as she stormed off the plaza to follow Ray, the Witch and the Apothecary.

———

Next morning, Ray woke up feeling extra well rested. But, waking up in a medical room is quite shocking and when looking to the side of the bed, he saw Layla sleeping by the bed, resting her head on her arms.

"Layla?"

"What happened last night?"

Layla, being a light sleeper, stirred awake quickly and felt relieved that nothing happened to him. Then she recounts what happened last night and the Matriarch's plot of using him.

Ray was confused if he should be glad or sad about his situation. As a Ghoul, impregnation is incredibly difficult for Ghoul due to RC cells. Though he didn't know if that is the same toward Elf too.

As any red blooded male, hell nah he gonna say no to that if the Matriarch just asked. In fact, he would volunteer himself if he knew this was the case.

Layla got angry and stormed off the medical room immediately after Ray shared his opinion on the matter.

Ray was too busy in his imagination, thinking about being the savior of a race. Saving them from the brink of extinction while worshiped as a Hero just by having orgies every single day. Definitely his wettest dream that remained just a dream in his previous life as an unattractive single bachelor dog.

Ray eagerly jumps off the bed and gets in contact with the Matriarch to finally lose his V-card that he had been carrying for two lifetimes. Unaware that Layla didn't storm off elsewhere but was hiding and stalking him in hiding.

—————

Name Ray (Rei Sasaki)

Level: 35

Class: Rogue

Ability: - [Dagger Mastery LV 3], [Ambush LV 2], [Ghostly Step LV2]

Skill; 0 SP

-Combat: [Assassination LV 2 > 3],

-Arcane: [Ensnare LV 1], [Illusion LV 1 > 2], [Shadow Clone LV 2], [Wind Blades LV 1]

-Support: [Lock Picking Lv 3], [Detect Trap Lv 2], [Smoke Bomb LV 1], [Elemental Blade LV 3]

Inventory:

-Item-

[Ankh x4], [Orichalcum Armor set], [Armored Carapace Gauntlet (UC)], [Giant Pincer Dual Blade (UC)]

-Food-

[Ration x30], [Pastry x5], [Mystery Meat x49], [Dwarven Brew x69], [Berries x10], [Elven Tart x8], [Honeycomb x29], [Royal Jelly Honey(UC) x5], [Apple x14], [Elven Floral Wine (UC) x2], [Giant Termite Egg x50]

Equipment: [Assassin's Blade (R) +5], [Ring of Shadow +3], [Cloak of Shadows +3 (UC)], [Paralytic Throwing Knives x4], [Magic Pouch]

Point: 4k DP

G Coin: 7.8k