―― 6433 years after the start of the game.
Thunderbolts rained incessantly in the Thunderbolt zone.
Even a simple walk in there was enough to instantly lead anyone without
thunder resistance to death.
I finally acquired [Thunder Assimilation] after being exposed to
thunderbolts for so many years. This has allowed me to safely explore the
zone.
Currently, I'm pushing through my way forward since the zone is a literal
wasteland.
Amidst the thunderbolt rain, several thunderbirds that were swooping down
from behind me burst into flames with a slash from my flame sword. They
disappeared into black ashes.
「Uhm, another box again, huh!」
I heaved a deep sigh when I found two metal boxes hidden in the shadow of
a rock.
It seems as if this seemingly luxurious box was intentionally left in this
dungeon. The boxes usually contain various kinds of weapons with special
effects, convenient items, and healing items called potions. Some of these
items are cut above the rest.
I tried to open the metal box with the tip of my flame sword.
『GIGIGIGYAGYAAAA!!』
The metal box suddenly opened on its own, and its giant mouth pounced at
me.
「Troublesome!」
My flame sword bisected that mouth with one slash.
Yes! Sometimes, a metal box's lid could suddenly turn into a giant mouth,
like this. Although you can call it a trap, it's a useless piece of trash since it
doesn't even try to hide its monstrous presence.
Good grief! If it really wants to eat me, it should at least try to hide its
presence and aim for a surprise attack. Only an idiot would fall for such a
blatantly laid trap.
I opened the other treasure box, which apparently was the real treasure box,
while clicking my lips in annoyance at the stupid box I had killed a few
seconds ago. The other box contained a glove.
―――――――――――――――――――――
★Thunder Beast's Glove: Enables its user to control and create a thunder
beast by using mana in the atmosphere.
・Rank: Advanced
―――――――――――――――――――――
A glove that can create a thunder beast, huh! Literally a useless item for a
swordsman like me. Let's just keep this item in my item box.
「This huge zone is finally about to come to an end.」
I've been walking in this zone for the last hundred years, seeing the same
scenery every day. I would've been grateful if I could meet a strong enemy
here. However, this zone was filled with only small fries. Thus, the thought
that I'm about to reach the end of this boring zone brings me sheer delight.
Suddenly, I saw a huge waterfall far away. That seems to be the end.
When I arrived there, I saw a giant column surrounded by waterfalls. I
spotted shadows of numerous giant fishes or reptile-like creatures wriggling
under the column, at the bottom of the waterfall. Hou, how kind of them!
They even prepared a fairly powerful opponent at the bottom of the
waterfall.
Interesting! This arrangement of the enemy is really interesting!
Unable to hold back my excitement, I quickly crossed over the stone
bridge connecting the zone and the giant column. There, I met a giant tiger
clad in thunder, solemnly standing as if it were waiting for my arrival.
Does that mean I have to beat this guy first?
『Upper floor final trial! Defeat the [Thunder Tiger King]! Begin!』
The usual inorganic female voice resounded in my head. Well, let's see
whether this tiger is a worthy opponent or not… But well, I guess I asked
too much. This opponent is a small fry no matter how I look at it. These
fishes or reptiles below this column are far more powerful than this small
fry. It's decided.
The tiger clad in thunder rushed toward me. It tried to sink its sharp fangs
into my neck.
「[Kairyu Kenjutsu; One Sword Style],1st Form―Deadline」
The [Thunder Tiger King] turned into ashes as soon as I said those
words of power. Soon, I walked toward the edge of the giant column to
enjoy the main dishes of this trial.
『Confirming the subjugation of the [Thunder Tiger King]!』
The moment the inorganic female voice resounded in my head to confirm
the subjugation, I jumped down toward the bottom of the waterfall.
『Eh? H-HAAAAAAAAAAH!? W-Wait a minuteeeeeeeee!? Are you
insane!?』
I sensed that I had heard a woman scream during the fall. However, it was
instantly replaced with strong killing intent.
My soul, which sought a deadly battle, was burning. The creature squirming
in the basin under the waterfall had a strength overwhelming that small fry
called [Thunder Tiger King]. I recall that I had brushed against death so
many times during that battle. When I only had one last cup worth of elixir
left in my item box, I finally managed to kill the last monster inside the
basin under the waterfall.
After I drank the last cup of my elixir, I climbed up the giant column.
『Y-You've cleared the last trial of the upper floor. C-Confirming the
subjugation of the [Thunder Tiger King] along with the fulfilment of a
super rare condition. You have acquired special clear privilege.』
A long, narrow metal box appeared at the centre of the column along with
the announcement of the inorganic female voice in my head. Though, she
was stuttering for some reason.
Hou, it seems killing that weak tiger was enough for me to fulfil the special
clear condition. Well, it makes me wonder why I got this for killing such a
small fry.
Upon opening the metal box, I saw a weapon in a form I had never seen
before.
「Is this… a sword?」
It's a sword, maybe. When I tried to swing the weapon, I was really
surprised. It felt like this sword was far more suited for my sword style.
Therefore, I immediately used appraisal on it.
―――――――――――――――――――――
★Raikiri: A nihontou! A sword from another world that is said to be able
to cut the Thunder God or thunder.
・Rank: Legend
―――――――――――――――――――――
So it's a sword from another world, huh! This sword feels comfortable in my
hand. Well, that weak tiger turned out to be pretty useful!
I spoke to myself with a satisfied voice. I returned Raikiri into its sheath
and strapped it on my hips, then resumed the exploration.