"Good Evening, Fellow Adventurer Prana". Finn greeted Prana who was entering the tent.
"Un. Evening. May I know what is this?" Prana promptly asked while looking around the tent.
There were 8 peoples inside the tent, made it nine with Prana included. Three of them were male, while the other five were female.
"Ceh. Captain why should we invite a blind here?" One of the men spoke with an irritated voice. He clearly didn't welcome Prana's presence.
Before the others said anything, Prana directly chimed, "Yeah, what this gentleman also in my mind. Umm, this gentleman are you a dog or a wolf?"
The ladies giggled at his answer, while the man concerned was really ticked off.
"Standoff, Bete" Finn commanded the man sternly, "Actually, we were interested in hearing your story, Mr. Prana. Since we feel that your explanation before was a little off."
Hearing the reason, Prana put on a little guard. In case, something unpleasant came to him.
Finn who saw his subtle reaction directly added, "Of course, our main purpose is still entertaining our rare guest"
Prana sighed facing this situation. This Familia was strong, the three's strength who received him at first was clearly above him.
"Okay. I will accept the invitation then." Without any other choices, oblige to these people, for now, was the best course.
"Aiyaahh. That was a good feast. I'm full. Thanks, by the way," Prana was satisfied with the food. It had been a few days since he ate a proper meal. Before, he just ate dried ration or wild vegetables.
He was so full, that sometimes he forgot his manner to not burping in front of others.
After seeing Prana's behavior, everyone from the Loki Familia concluded that "Don't even think treating this guy again". A table full of course, enough for at least fifteen people was being cleared by this guy, almost by himself.
Actually, Prana's appetite could be contributed to his growths. His strength leaped so much, that the blood and nutrition were not able to accommodate the change in his body metabolism.
Prana who saw their expression was awkward.
"Hahaha," he laughed dryly. "As my thanks, please ask anything, I would answer it to my best ability."
He made compromised since this Familia really helped him at the moment. Also, he did not want to owe a favor.
"Okay, then let's start the discussion". Finn sighed. This man knew all along with their plan to interrogate him. However, he still played along.
"The first question, your name is Prana. I assume that you know Takemikazuki Familia. Where are you this 2 months and a half?" Finn asked
Prana looked at Finn and rolled his eyes. 'Did he couldn't see that I was in the dungeon?'
"Of course, in the dungeon".
However, the dwarf and the elf quickly rebutted his answer.
"That's not possible".
"You might not know. But, in the same interval as you, we also explored the dungeon. However, we did not encounter you from the First floor to the Thirty Sixth Floor." Riveria explained
"But I'm really in the dungeon you know".
The cool-headed Finn directly asked about the specific circumstances of him.
Prana decided to tell the story, from the start with some minor adjustments.
Starting from the fall from Minotaur Nest. Then, become estranged to a certain place or might be floor in the dungeon. Next, he also told about the Monster situation; where they did not disappear even after killed like how the dungeon would.
Also, he exaggerated the powerhouses in there.
Finn who heard the half-truth story began to contemplate it. If it's true, the material from the monsters, even the normal ones were so precious for Familia development. But, he also did not know whether it was 100% true or not. Moreover, what if the place itself changed after he exited it.
"Then what happens to your eyes? From the descriptions in the missing notice, it did not include the blindness in your eyes?"
Prana casually answered, "Oh, this. Y'know the monster there was really strong. My eyes were being sacrificed to exchange for my survival" He joked and grinned sheepishly
"But, don't worry. It will heal in about half an hour or so".
"Last question, what level are you? and do you want to join our guild?" Finn offered.
"Hahaha, my level of course it is secret. But, I an a vagrant adventurer. So I don't know myself".
"For joining a guild. Nah. I refuse. Do not have any interest right now. Hahaha." The booze effect really going to his head right now. Prana became more talkative.
"Ceh, we don't need weakling" an irritated voice rang out again.
"Bete, don't interrupt" The girl with an expressionless face scolded him.
"But, what I said was right. He just an Lv. 3 adventurer at most. With our scale of the expedition, if he isn't a mage. We don't need him"
No one rebuked Bete's statement. Since basically, he was right.
"Look down on me huh. Then, how about this Inu-chan, let's fight. If I lose you can do anything to me, if you don't like me you can even throw me to the monster maw. But, if you lose, hic, hmm what should I get, hic,?" If it was the usual Prana, then he would likely avoid any confrontation at this time.
"Deal" Bete grinned to ear. Then, walked out of the tent.
----
Half an hour before the fight.
Prana was quite somber right now. He did not regret it, since he was also quite pissed at the feral who always picked on him.
He remembered that Finn said that it was almost three months in the dungeon. Also, he mentioned a tournament that would be held shortly.
'I'm sure it was only four days.' He sighed. Thinking of the state on the surface, Haruhime might be bawling her eyes out when he disappeared.
Tsk. Iyaahhh, one more trouble on my plate.
'For now, let's check the progress' He wanted to see the stone fragment from before.
[Power Stone Fragment (1/1000)
A Fragment of the Power Stone boasts about the power that "allows the user to access and manipulate all forms of energy; enhance their physical strength and durability; enhance any superhuman ability; and boost the effects of the other five Gems. At full potential, the Power Gem grants the user omnipotence"
This is the 1/1000 of the original. It contains the ability to improve the user's physical strength and durability.
The effect after being assimilated: +10001 Strength.
Requirement: 9999 Strength. ]
'Huh, really? A stone from Marvel'
Even though, Prana did not know anything about Anime or Marvel that much. He knew this stone since it was hyped popular before, and he also watched the movies.
'But the requirement was really insane. At least I should be at Advanced Lv. 6 before able to use it'
He put the fragment in the corner of his inventory.
'My new eyes were successfully transplanted. With this fight, I should be able to test it.'
He bought some cheap mirrors from the system and looked at his own eyes.
His pupils became red with three tomatoes decorated inside. It looked frightening if someone looks at it in the dark.
'So cool. So excited.'
Ten minutes till the fight.
See ya.
The time has come.
Prana walked to the empty area near the river. This place was the designated place for the duel. Looking ahead, Prana could see the eight people from before.
"Finally decided to come, huh? I thought you wouldn't dare to come at all" Bete's provocative words rang out.
Prana just stayed silent and did not respond to it, which just made Bete more irritated.
'Ahh, he is angry again, angry. What actually did I do to him to warrant such an unwelcomed attitude.' In the end, Prana just shrugs it off.
Finn being a middle man as always intercepted their squabble, "Let's the spar begin, since it already late"
Prana nodded, but he didn't actually care about it. He already slept in the afternoon.
Bete also nodded his head while preparing his equipment in his legs.
"It's a spar. So, I hope both sides will not deal with any fatal injuries to others. Admit defeat directly if you think you lose to the opponent right away. Then, move to your position. Ready... Begin"
Prana activated his eyes instantly. He wanted to know his eye's power. Also, he identifies Bete's parameters while the feral dashed toward him.
[Bete Loga. Early-stage Lv. 5 Adventurer. Ability: Fenrir Wolf. Ulfhedinn. Hati.]
'The same stage as me, and from his getup, he should be a fighter focused on agility. But, these eyes were really good. Even though, I just ascended to this level. My eyes able to see his speed clearly and predict his next movement'
Bete who saw his opponent standing still was grinning. He assumed that the opponent couldn't see his move.
Bete raised his right legs. He intended to kick Prana in his face.
Prana who already predicted the move moved his head to the right to avoid the leg. Then, he ducks in below the leg to avoid the following leg swipe.
Prana was marveling at what his eyes see. It felt like he could see his next action.
Actually, this happened because his lightning ability was combined with his eyes. When his eyes opened, he could see the electric current clearly in Bete's body, each nerve signal given from the right brain, their routes were predicted by his eyes in an instant they were given.
Thus, even after Bete was relentlessly attacking, he could avoid it with ease.
Low Kick. Straight Kick. Jump Left Kick. This was followed by a consecutive blow to the face.
Prana could see it all.
-----
Bete was bewildered. He clearly knew that he was faster than the opponent. But, it felt like his opponent knew what were his next actions which left him hit nothing.
Bete stopped his relentless attacks. His mind was simple, 'Faster. He needs to be faster than now, till he couldn't avoid it'
He howled and activate one of his abilities. Fenris Wolf, it was Bete, or you could say werewolf innate ability. It is an ability that able to increase the speed of its user.
'Ohh, his muscle was tightening. The blood inside his body flowing like a broken dam, in supplying his energy. It looks like a breathing technique I used.'
Bete ran at full speed again. This time his speed was several-fold from before. He appeared instantly in front of Prana and gave him an ax kick.
Prana was shocked. His speed shocked him. He directly put up his two hands to guard after the kick.
Boom.
The ground under Prana's feet cracked. He was directing the force behind the kick to the ground below.
----
At the side.
When Prana activating his eyes. The rest of Loki Familia was taken by surprise. For them, the eyes seemed so strange.
"Captain, do you know what eyes are that?" One of the amazoness asked.
"It's also my first time seeing those eyes, Tiona," Finn said. "Riveria, do you know anything?" But, Riveria was also clueless about it and only could shake her head. The ancient texts she knew did not mention any eyes that resemble those. Also, from what she knew, only Gods and Goddesses had the ocular ability as their divinity.
They stayed silent and watched the fight. The longer they watched the more surprised they became. Bete's attack did not hit anything. At first, they thought the attack would be connected, but his opponent just avoided his attack in the middle of execution, or at the last second, it would be landed.
Then, they saw Bete was getting impatient. He howled to the sky.
"Ohh, he upped it a notch," Gareth said while hugging the wine in his hand.
"Bete is fast," Ais said while still being expressionless.
---
The moment his kick being successfully parried. Bete jumped back to put a distance.
"Ohh, you managed to hit me. You're fast. Worthy for being feral." Prana said provocatively. "Then, I am getting serious too"
This was the first time Prana initiated an attack on Bete. Even though he said he was going serious, in actuality he just using his basic strength only for now.
He put on an orthodox boxing stance where his left shoulder was facing the opponent. His legs were shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, left foot turned to point toward his opponent.
"First Strike" *Swish*
The moment it was fully uttered, the punch was already connected to Bete's stomach.
"Ugh.." The punch was really packed. Bete's body was bent just from one hit. Bete kicked Prana in the hope of getting a hit since he was face to face with him right now.
However, once again Prana avoided the kick and went over to his back.
"Second Strike"
Bete heard a voice from behind him. He swings his right hand to the voice, and it hit nothing. He wanted to turn around to find Prana, but suddenly his legs lost balance.
"Huh??"
"Third Strike"
'Above' Bete's thought. However, he was too late. The moment he raises his hands to put a guard. The punch already right in front of his face.
BANG
---
Bete's was laying on the ground. He was still confused, but he knew that he was underestimated him. He thought he was just an Lv. 3 adventurer. Since from the notice in the guild, his strength was estimated only this much. Thus, when he knew his captain invited an Lv.3 adventurer to a feast, entertain him, and going as far as invited him to the guild, he was incensed.
'Our guild already have enough fighter in Lv. 3 to Lv. 4 adventurers'
But right now, he knew that this man was stronger than him just by a bit.
Bete was struggling to stand up, his sense of balance was disrupted from the attack to his temple before.
He howled once again and roared, "SOLMANI"
Solmani, the second abilities that he had. It considerably increased his strength and speed acceleration.
Awooo!!!
"The feral was enraged" Prana was still grinning, he was jovially watching his opponent power up his strength.
Bete directly dashed to Prana in one leap. His strength improved, his acceleration increased.
He clashed hand in hand with Prana's fist.
BOOM. The impact gave a shockwave that devastated the ground below.
Clashes after Clashes were delivered. These two people's strengths were in a stalemate.
In actuality, if we talked about strength and speed right now, Prana was surely on the losing end. However, he used a little trick to coat his hands and feet with mana to give a burst power. Also, he made some protection to disperse the shockwave between each clash.
Legs met Legs. Hands met Hands. Sometimes they were crisscrossed each other. Sometimes their legs or hands met with their opponent's body.
Bete was nearing his limit. On the outside, his four limbs looked fine, but if he rolled his jacket and jeans; he was sure to find many black bruises inside the skin.
'My last resort'
"Chained Fros. The first wound, Gelgja. The second wound, Gjöll. The third wound, Þviti."
Without any choices in overturning the situation, he began chanting in between the clashes.
Prana felt the disturbance in Mana, and he could also see in each clash after the chanting; the wounds he inflicted to Bete were disappearing.
"The ravenous slaver your only hope. May it form a river, mixing in the tide of blood, to wash away your tears. Never forget those irreparable wounds."
BOOM... BANGG... Both of them clashed again.
A flicker of flame appeared in Bete's legs. It did not go unnoticed by Prana's Sharingan.
'The damage was converted to this, huh? Looks like a counterattack?'
'This guy is strong. The guild's information was wrong' Finn mused while seeing their fight.
"Gareth, Riveria, can you guess what his level is?" He asked his comrade's opinion.
"Hmm, It must be Lv. 5, same as Bete. His agility should be above Bete's since Bete's attacks are being easily avoided by him." Gareth answered seriously
"Yeah. For his strength, it should be the same as Bete's. But, if that's the case, why even after Bete's powering up, this guy could still match him?" Finn agreed to Gareth's opinion, but he was still confused about something.
"Finn. He is an expert at Energy manipulation" Riveria added.
"What do you mean?"
"You know that if an adventurer used too much energy in casting magics, it resulted in mind zero right?"
Finn nodded.
"Then, I refer to the energy used as 'Mana', it is the magic energy inside the body. This guy, Prana, is so adept at manipulating this energy. He coated his body with this energy; his hands, his legs, and his upper body with different ratios each. It is a terrific feat for someone under 20 able to do it. Even me, an elf could only draw it out only a little without chanting, but he could do it as he wishes completely". Riveria said as she pointed at Prana.
"If you put it that way. It is really amazing" Even Gareth was able to understand the explanation.
"So, it means he doesn't need any reinforcement magic, huh."
An adventurer reinforcement skills or magics usually only lean toward one specific parameter. For example, in Bete's case, it reinforced his legs to increase power, speed, and acceleration. In another case, Gareth's skill managed to increase his endurance and defensive ability. However, in Prana's case, his reinforcement could be adjusted at an instant according to the need.
'What a terrifying observational ability and reaction he had to instantly decide what he needs to do less than a second'
---
The battle between the two was still ongoing.
"Free yourself of the chains that bind you, and release your mad howl"
Bete's concurrent chanting was reduced to one sentence each time. Since Prana decided to aggressively attack him with no time to breathe.
'Two verses more. Hold on' Bete's gritted his teeth, He didn't want to admit defeat. He was the one who challenged him. If he loses, his Familia would be in a debt of favor to this guy.
His body was riddled with blunt wounds. His clothes were in tatter. The dust pilled up to his face. One of his eyes was swollen, blood dripped from his mouth.
He heard his friends telling him to give up the match. But, he wanted to finish it with this last move.
"Finish your chant" Prana decided to give him a chance to complete his chant with ease. He approved his bravery, but his irritating attitude to him must be punished. Thus, he retreated to give Bete's breathing and able to execute his last move beautifully.
Bete leaped up to the sky,
"O lineage of enmity, pray to use this vessel and devour the moon, drink greedily from its overflowing cup. Bare your fangs—and devour all. HATI"
Hati means the ones who hate. One of the son's of Fenrir. Fitted to be counterattack magic. The more the user receives the attack (hatred), the stronger its counterforce is.
Bete's legs became dark red coated flame. An illusory moon and wolf came to being which howled at Prana's direction. Then, Bete dived toward Prana in the ground with a greater force.
'Good' Prana silently thought when looking at Bete's power.
"Total Concentration" The lightning came to being outside Prana's body. It danced wildly and gathered toward his right fist.
"Third stance. Bakuhatsu Kaminari no Ken (Explosive Lightning Fist)"
BOOM
The right leg met with a right hand.
The collision force between the two elements devastated the ground below, and the shockwaves released became a wind blade that tore the surrounding.
Prana was grinning, his lip was curved. He enjoyed the feeling of the strong. He could take an opponent at this caliber head-on in just a short while. He thought that a different world was fun if he was stronger.
Creak. Creak.
BANG
The stalemate between the two elements force was broken. The illusory moon Hati's created shattered, the pained wolf was whimpering facing the Lightning Fist alone.
BOOM. The Lightning Fist managed to broke through the leg power.
Bete was stupefied. He did not see this coming.
When he came to his sense, the Fist already right in front of his face. Then, he knew that he lost.
BANG. The sound of Bete being blasted resounding the area. He was thrown into the forest and managed to land after collided with a big aged tree.
'I win. I managed to defeat a First-Class Adventurer. Especially, one of the Familia overlord in the city.' He was happy in his heart.
Prana chased after an unconscious Bete. He needed to give him a first aid healing to preserve his life. Since Prana's Lightning attribute was too violent. He was sure that right now it should be wreaking havoc at Bete's internal organ.
After he arrived at Bete's location, he directly crouched down to absorb the Lightning inside Bete's body. Then, he conjured Dr. Blythe to give casual treatment.
Ten seconds after Prana conjured the phantom. The rest of Loki Familia caught up to the place.
Seeing Bete's situation and a phantom opening his torso and put some sharp object in it, they became aggressive.
Without any further explanation, four of them directly attacked him. Gareth, Ais, Tiona, and Tione, wanted to spread out and casting a net to prevent Prana to escape. Finn as the captain was directing the battlefield while protecting the Mage, Riveria, and Lefiya, who began chanting.
'Unreasonable. But, Protective' This what came to Prana's mind.
"Sharingan" He faced them, and look into their eyes.
The vanguards instantly came to stop. They did not know what happened, but their legs were being nailed to the ground with big nails, and the tree vines also held their hands.
From, Finn and others' view, the vanguards were stopping suddenly without any indication.
'The back does not get affected because too far, huh'
Prana stands up. He called back Dr. Blythe and decided to leave. However, before it was done, several magic arrows made their way to his body.
Zrrttt. Zrrttt. Brett.
Prana's body became full of holes with Lightning cracking up.
"Bye. Loki Familia. You still owe me a favor" Prana said this, then his body became an electric current and vanished from the spot.
The Loki Familia members were surprised to see this. They were sure that their magician attacks managed to find the target. But, there was no blood spilled, and Prana was able to get away.
"Don't mind it. Treat Bete first" Even after witnessing that, Finn was still the calmest. He directly issued an order to heal Bete.
Lefiya, who knows the healing magic went up and inspecting Bete's body.
She looked at his torso which being cut open before; but, she became astonished seeing there were no scars at all at the place.
"Captain, you should come here," Lefiya asked Finn politely to see Bete's state. And, the strange state of Bete's torso came to his eyes.
In the morning (Dungeon Time)
Loki Familia already began cleaning their camp. It was time for them to go back to the surface.
Meanwhile, some people were seen flocking around Bete. They were marveling about the circumstances around Bete's body.
These people saw it by their own eyes that Bete's was beaten down. Consequently, the result of the duel should be quite grim for his body. However, the reality proved it otherwise. Aside from the bruises, swollen eyes, and fracture in his right leg, there was not any internal damage to his body.
The lightning was clearly seen drilled at his body that night, and Bete also spurted a large amount of blood when he was sent flying by Prana.
The only conclusion they came to was, "It seemed at that time, he's just giving Bete a treatment."
Bete's was in a foul mood from the morning, he was constantly teased by the girls.
"Nee Ais, do you think you could win?" Tiona asked with a cheerful voice
Ais and Bete were at the same level. But, between the two, Ais was better.
"I don't know," Ais said uncertainly.
"Ehh, even Ais?" Tiona was shocked hearing it. But, she also understood the reason. That guy was strong, without a weapon in hand he could beat Bete who was fully equipped at that.
"Ahh, I want to fight him" Amazoness blood ran through her veins. She wanted to fight strong opponents, especially men. Then, if he could subdue her, she would be happy to make herself his bride.
"Don't make trouble, Tiona" Finn interjected while walking to them.
"Captaainn~" As usual, Tione said and came to Finn's side to pester him.
Finn just nodded at Tione's greeting.
Tiona and Tione were amazoness that reside in Loki Familia. Both of them were at Peak Level. 4 before the expedition. Thus, it could be assured that when they back to the surface and got their status updated, they would come stronger possibly ascend at Lv. 5.
"Let's move out, we still have an agenda at the base" Finn commanded.
"Yes".
...
Seventeenth Floor. Monster Rex Floor.
"Captain, adventurers are coming from below" one of the scouts relays a piece of information.
The captain nodded, and shouted to the group, "PREPARE FOR THE FIGHT!"
If the opposition wanted to steal their Monster Rex, they would be risked to fight back.
'This monster Rex was crucial to our Familia development' He solemnly swore.
Their god was able to secure the right to fight this Monster Rex. They were purposely going for it since if they were able to take down this monster, their Familia would be recognized as a strong Familia by masse.
The Familia managed to recruit several non-affiliated accomplished adventurers to help this time. 'There is 14 helper at Lv. 3, and with me, it should be 15'.
"Captain, it the Loki Familia"
....
"Haah, finally able to round it up" Right now Prana was on the Twentieth Floor. He wanted to round up his mission, so he could draw two lotteries.
After that duel, he came across a stair which led to the floor below. Initially, he did not want to dive any longer, but after remembering his mission's content he went ahead and dive again.
"With this last wave, the monsters on this floor should already be wipe out." He sat down and chugged water from the container.
"Even though the monsters weren't much, the quantity was too much. How could waves after waves of monster come to me after the fight ended."
His hands and feet were quite sore.
"Status"
+ NAME : Prana Takada
+ AGE : 17 years old
+ BLOODLINE : Pure Human
+ STR : 1376
+ AGI : 1598
+ HP : 76%
+ MANA : 35%
+ SKILLS :
-Passive: Lightning Manipulation (S+ Support/passive), Camouflage (C-Support/passive)
Active: Instant Strike (A-active), Backstab (C-Active), Dr. Blythe (SS-Support/Active), Defensive Blade (B-Active), Identify (D-Active),
Occular Power: Ongoing
Thunder Core: R
+ EQUIP : Poisonous Flying Dagger (SSR), Guardian Necklace (SR), Hassan's Cloak (SR)
+ POINT : 5212 points.
+Free Stats : 100
+ INVENTORY: Stamina Potion x 1, 20.000 valis. ]
'What's with these free stats?' He was shocked seeing the free statuses. He clearly knew that he did not finish any mission. How could free stats points deliver to him?
[Please check the notification log]
Prana dived into his mind, and search for the notification log alert icon. He could see an icon with a yellow megaphone, he clicked it.
[Bugbear is killed +1 free stat
Bugbear is killed +1 free stat
Firebird is killed +1 free stat
Venenthes is killed +2 free stats
Bugbear is killed +1 free stat....]
"Oh WOW! something like this could happen" He was shocked when seeing the notification right in front of his eyes.
He didn't think that the system was really generous this time in helping him.
"Bugbears, Firebirds, and Lizardmans were commons monsters that I faced before. It gives me 1 extra point, while Venenthes was a special monster that protects a certain area; it gives me 2 extra points"
"I wonder how about the unique monster and the Monster Rex?" He really excited about the prospect, 'kill to get stronger now'.
"But, let's keep it for now. I am already stronger than the theme before. Wait until I need it more" He decided to allocate the stats later on. Since for now, he could keep his safety with these stats.
Prana sat up and walked away. Right no his destination was to the surface, buy a delicious meal, take a nice bath, and sleep on a soft bed.
On the seventeenth floor.
Loki Familia met with a Familia who wanted to raid a Monster Rex. Seeing their line up, Loki Familia knew that the Familia was likely succeeded.
"Isn't this Loki Familia? Want to back to the surface?" One of the adventurers with purple hair went to greet Loki Familia with a smile.
"Un" Finn nodded at him. He didn't remember any Familia with sun and bow as their insignia. "And you are from?"
"We are from Apollo Familia. Our God already reserved and took the mission to exterminate the Monster Rex today. Therefore, umm, could you please, y'know, my familia members are uneasy with your Familia presences". He wanted to ask to leave, but he knew that might be impolite of him. Thus, he tried to speak as amiably as possible in chasing them out.
"Okay, I understand" Finn agreed, and convey the words to the Familia.
After they leave the seventeenth floor.
Riveria asked her captain, " Is it okay for them?"
Finn was uncertain about the question. "It is okay. Their strengths are enough. Unless they meet with some trouble"
....
Hyakinthos, the captain in Apollo Familia, released a relieved sigh seeing the back of Loki Familia members.
"Everyone, get ready. 5 minutes before it awakens" He reminded and commanded his troops.
"Oohhh".
....
Prana who decided to go back to the surface already arrived at the stair leading to the seventeenth floor.
He wanted to ascend the stair, but not even halfway, he heard the sound of fighting commencing.
From the sound, there should be many fighters and magicians from the explosion sound.
Prana camouflage himself in the darkness. He walked step by step to reduce his walking sound.
When he arrived on the seventeenth floor, he saw adventurers fighting against a giant.
He tried to inspect the giant.
[Goliath. Lv. 4. Ability: Regeneration(low), Smash, Wind Pressure. Intimidation.]
"Lv. 4? wow, this must be the monster rex that the Loki Familia mentioned"
Goliath is Monster Rex on the middle floor. It had a large body that reaches seven meters and had gray skin.
Meanwhile, Prana also tried to inspect the battlefield. At least twenty people were fighting the giant.
However, from the fight, there were only a handful of people that had an astounding capability at glance.
Prana decided to inspect them.
[Hyakinthos Clio. Lv. 3. Ability: Aro Zephyros]
[Bors Elder. Lv. 3. Ability: None]
[Daphne Lauros. Peak Lv. 2. Ability: Ellios Passion, Raumure]
[Chandra Ihit. Mid Lv. 2. Ability: None]
[Cassandra Ilion. Mid Lv. 2. Ability: Soullight, Cure Ephialtes]
These five peoples were the outstanding ones when attacking and defending the giant. Especially, the woman with long dark hair. Her healing magic was timely and it was AoE healing.
Prana continued to observe them, he didn't want to help them in finishing the Boss. Since he could see the Boss health was rapidly declining.
....
Five minutes later.
In the periphery of Prana's eyes, he could see a suspicious insignia. Why suspicious? Because Prana didn't remember where he saw it, but it felt as if he knew this insignia. Also, after living in this world he didn't even care about Familia matter. Moreover, the Insignia that he recognized only Takemikazuki's, Ishtar's, and Loki's. Since it was only the three of them, he did contact with.
"Strange" He kept mumbling about it.
'Is it related to the missions? I remember that there was some hint in the missions'
He went to the mission panel, and search it one by one. Then, he found that in the main mission, there was some hint regarding the objective.
In one of the objective, "Apollo Familia, Apollo, a god which represent the hunter and the sun"
'Oh. That's why I found it familiar. Hunter is depicted as the bow in the insignia with the addition of sun behind' Prana found the light.
'It means this familia is one of my targets. Hmmm... Should I kill them? Or just beat and cripple them?'
Prana was confused. It was his first time when he was above others. Right now, his strength above them. If he wanted to kill them, it would be easy, especially when they were occupied by fighting with the giant.
However, he also kinda pitied them. He always thought that the objectives that the system delegated to him were strong opponents. But, facing with them, it proved that he was wrong.
'Should I just let them scot-free, and take down the boss myself? But, I don't think that will complete the objective'
'How about only kill their captain? Without a captain, the Familia's growth should be stagnated, right?'
'Okay, that's it. If needed, I just need to assassinate them or their god'
He began to formulate a plan to kill the captain. From what he knew in the game when fighting a Boss, the player usually had a vanguard, magician/archer, and healer to keep them safe.
'Assassination commencing' as he grinned.
He walked slowly to their formation. He intended to get rid of the healer and the turret magicians first.
Unfortunately, the astounding healer had a strong awareness. When he neared their location, she often glared at her surrounding. With no other choice, he could only walk slowly as a turtle.
After walking step by step, finally he was able to get in range for his instant movement.
Prana began preparing lightning in his hands and shape them to become needles, and made them hover around his hands.
'Instant move' He directly positioned himself behind Cassandra the Healer.
Cassandra was shocked feeling someone directly travel behind her. Why feeling? She couldn't see the person, she only felt the fluctuation of mana.
Prana did not make any chance for her to shout. He directly hit her nape to knock her out.
In theory, this kind of action was possible. However, in reality, it was dangerous. Since with one mistake, the worst possibility was the life might be forfeited.
Thus, he lightly hit the neck and transfer his needle to interrupt the brain signal, and press the 'switch' to make her sleep.
Before, she hit the ground. Prana was already leaping through the formation and incapacitated the magicians.
Then, he went to camouflage again.
"Where is the magic?" Hyakinthos was panicked. They, the vanguard, were already being hit a few times and managed to defend the giant attack. However, after a while, they didn't receive any backup attacks or any healings.
He looked back and found that the magicians and Cassandra slumped in the ground.
Hyakinthos was puzzled then he was enraged. "WHO DID THIS!!!" He roared at the raid members.
After Prana succeeded in incapacitating the rear, he went to camouflage and watched the fight in the side.
When the vanguard managed to realize the situation. Prana leaped up high to the giant head, unnoticed.
Goliath, still busy attacking, and smashing the adventurer.
Then, Hyakinthos roared and asked the one who did the deed.
"Ya, Apollo Familia's Captain. Do you like my first present?"
Prana decided to undo his camouflage and showed himself by admitting it was done by him.
Seeing the culprit relaxed expression while 'sat' on the Goliath's head, Hyakinthos was shocked. He did not pick any presence before when facing the Goliath. How could he suddenly be there? and How could the Goliath didn't notice him?
"Who the hell are you? EXPLAIN YOURSELF!!" Hyakinthos interrogated him while still busy repelling the Goliath's attack. Right now, The vanguards are only left with the four of them. Him, Hyakinthos himself, Daphne, Bors, And Irit.
"Iyaahh, I am just your admirer. Don't need to be nervous" Prana smiled.
"Then, can you help us?" Daphne shouted at Prana for help. She knew that it wouldn't be long till they couldn't hold against this Monster Rex.
"I could!" Prana answered. "But, what's my reward?"
"Damn, your action brought a loss to us, and now you wanted a commission!!" They shouted while rolling their eyes at Prana.
"State your requirement" Bors couldn't tank the Goliath any longer. He didn't care who he was, right now he wanted another hand to help him block the Goliath.
Prana hearing this sentence smiled widely. He pretended as if he was seriously musing about it while holding his chin. "Hmmm... How about you are helping my mission?"
"What... Ugh... kind of mission?" The healer in the back was slowly climbing up tried to stand up.
"Illion, are you okay!!" Daphne shouted to her friend, concerned for her being.
"Illion, Heal us" While Hyakinthos commanded her.
Prana was amazed, he was sure he knocked her out of the cold. Even though he did it as gently as possible, 2 to 3 hours of sleep was almost guaranteed.
Then, he saw that light was coming out from the healer's body.
"HoHo, You managed to wake up in just 5 minutes. Amazing" He was genuinely amazed by her. This effect might be her ability or her equipment effects.
"What mission?" She already stands up, even though she was clutching her staff to support herself.
"Destroying Apollo Familia" Prana spoke while laughing as if what he spoke was a joke.
"WHAT?" all of them were stupefied, they looked as if they didn't hear it clearly.
The two members of Apollo Familia were shocked to hear the content of his mission. How could someone say to destroy their Familia so easily? At least, it needed a WAR GAME intervention to destroy the Familia based on the Orario Adventurer Guild decree.
The war game was solutions to God and Goddesses dispute which couldn't be solved amicably. The game was basically a war between the two Familia to decide the strongest. The game also had many forms, for example, it could be in the form of siege war, where one defending the fort and the other attacking the fort.
However, Bors and Ihit thought differently. Based on his ability to come and go unnoticed, they were sure he could. Who knows, maybe in one night the Familia members even the God might be vanished without any trace be found. Since it was also possible that this guy to not followed the rules.
Also, Illion knew that he might be able to do it. While she was being knocked out she was having a dream. She could see "The sun was covered by a gloomy cloud where the sound of flashes of lightning rumbling thunderously". She predicted that their Familia would have to face a tribulation this time, and it might be related to him.
"So?"
Prana's questioning voice woke them up from their thinking. Then, a wind pressure bullet was launched by the Goliath to the vanguard below.
BOOM
Fortunately, Prana's voice woke them up. If not, the vanguard was sure that they were going to be blasted.
"OF COURSE NOT" Hyakinthos the captain of the Familia answered resolutely. 'Right now, I hold the second highest power in the Familia. And with the Familia resources, I could do anything, even though I am just a Second-class Adventurer.'
"Illion, Wake the rest of them. QUICK!!" he commanded Cassandra Illion once again.
"Heh.." Prana smirked. He did not do anything to them for now. He only channeled some of his mana to the giant to fasten his Regeneration. Then, watching the show unfolded.
One by one, the raid members awoke. The assault on the Goliath resumed once again. Also, some of the magic often went in Prana's direction to knock him from the Goliath's head.
The stalemate still lasted even after 10 minutes of bombardments by the magicians. However, the Goliath did not show any sign of damage. When the damages appeared, Its Regeneration kicked in. Also, the rate was faster than in the beginning.
Prana was bored, He said loud enough for the people ahead to heard "Hey, can you really kill this guy?"
Hearing his sentences, the raid members couldn't help to curse this fellow. They were hoping to kill the Goliath ASAP, but wasn't it you're doing that keep us long enough!!
ROAARRRR
ROAAARRRR
The Giant roared once again, and it picked up his pace to rush at the raid team rear.
Prana decided to fasten the progress of annihilation, he swooped down to him to cut his body in half, while Hyakinthos was still commanding the rear.
"Careful" Bors landed in front of Hyakinthos, and take over Prana's attack.
An Lv. 3 Tanker was overstimulating himself wanted to defend a strike from Lv. 5 Fighter. Bors ricocheted to the wall. Even though he already perfected his shield position, He was still being knocked hard to the wall.
"DAMN!"
Hyakinthos turned his head and he could see Bors was lying on the ground unconscious. If he was the one who takes the attack, he couldn't imagine the result.
"It's not a time to be dazed y'know" Prana was still 2 meters away from Hyakinthos. He could cover this distance with just a second. But, instead, he waited for his target to regain his bearing.
Inside, Prana was marveling at his feeling holding an Odachi 'Having a sword is better than the spear, if I focused on Speed department'
Daphne who was seeing the situation ran toward his captain to help him.
"Illion, run from this place! Leave" Daphne was scared to think about the consequences if they stayed behind. Two enemies, with one of their strengths being an enigma.
"But, Daphne-chan..." Illion tried to protest her.
"No buts, I am behind you"
.....
Hyakinthos also thought the same thing as Daphne. He tried to run for this god damned place. He was unlucky today to meet someone who bore the grudge to his Familia.
While Prana, he was seeing Hyakinthos running with his might with a smile.
"Umu Umu, Run, Run from this place. If you don't, you might not have the chance again" He was seriously encouraging the adventurers. However, with Goliath at their back, some of them were bound to die.
"And you!!" Prana was pointing at the running Hyakinthos. "First Stance: Thunderclap and Flash"
"Eh?" Hyakinthos felt off about his sense of balance.
Crackle. Crackle.
The sound of the lightning crackling still lingered. Then,
THUD.
The sound of something dropped ensued.
Silence.
The members of Apollo Familia were silenced by this. 'How could this possible?' This train of thought raced in every adventurer here.
ROAAARRRR
If not for Goliath who kept roaring and chasing after them, they were sure they would be rooted on the ground, with disbelief clearly written on their face when facing the current moment.
When the Goliath saw his targets almost near the tunnel, he jumped and swing his arm to punch them.
The Apollo Familia members were scared. They didn't have people here who could defend the Goliath punch.
Prana who saw this move directly teleported behind them with 'Instant Strike' and faced the incoming punch. He made 2 Lightning Kodachis appeared in both hands, and crossed the two of them in front. His feet were planted firmly on the ground while being coated with mana and lighting.
BANG
The sound of impact ensued.
Prana was kind of baffled by the outcome. He predicted that the impact would surely raze the ground into a crater, but he still standing without any injuries, it just his clothes that might be torn in many places.
He was confident in his strength since even Level 3 adventurers could tank this monster.
However, after the punch met with his Kodachi's. The impact pushed him back 3 meters behind.
His feet were sliding off the ground and left the trail behind.
'How?' He didn't know-how. Goliath should be equal to early Lv. 4 adventurers in strength with his huge body.
However, with this displayed strength, his strength leaped one tier above the estimated power.
"Identify" Prana decided to scan Goliath once more.
[Goliath. Peak Lv. 4. Ability: Regeneration(temporary-mid), Smash, Wind Pressure, Intimidation, Strength Augmentation]