Chapter 47: Guardian
"Now then, let's see. I wonder if it'll go well this time."
Infusing magic into the staff, I raised my voice and confronted the approaching monsters.
I blocked the hammer swung down by the Orc with Ouroboros. There was a light impact, followed by a loud noise that seemed like something massive had exploded. It was the sound of the Orc's hammer shattering into pieces.
Dropping the handle of the hammer, I leaped at the dazed Orc, who was looking at his numb hand. Gripping the bluish-white shining dragon staff, Ouroboros, I struck with a blow – the struck Orc was blown away with his entire body, tumbling among the other Orcs.
"Hmm, it's tricky to find the right balance."
The quality of a magic staff depends on how much it minimizes the loss when converting magic into spells, how quickly it can deploy the spells, and how much it enhances the magic use of the wielder.
In my case, since I also use it for close combat, I have to consider factors like its length, weight, and durability.
As for Ouroboros – every aspect of it is at a high level. I can't go all out right away, but so far, there have been no signs of the staff breaking.
This time, while adjusting my strength adequately, I swung the staff at the remaining Orcs. Sending them flying, slashing them apart, and blowing them up towards the ceiling. It seemed that even without using spells explicitly, the staff could adapt to some extent to my intentions, altering the nature and shape of the magic.
Having dispatched all the attacking Orcs, the dragon figure engraved on the staff swayed its tail, looking satisfied.
As I gently stroked around its throat, it closed its eyes in apparent contentment.
...So, this staff incorporates a magical creature like a gargoyle. These characteristics became apparent after I put it into practical use.
The dragon staff Ouroboros is designed with circulation in mind. The integrated magical creature assists and amplifies the circulation of magic power.
"That new staff is amazing."
"...I'll have to be careful with its power, though."
Ashley expressed surprise, and I looked at the staff in response. Ouroboros seemed to have a somewhat proud expression. It was more dog-like than dragon-like, in a way.
The problem is that it's still too powerful. If I miscalculate its strength, it could lead to less loot or, well, other consequences.
The dragon staff can undoubtedly withstand my magic and produce results. No, it produces too much power. Whether it's magic or physical strikes, if I get the balance wrong, there might not even be anything left to loot.
While it's true that big things come in small packages, it might take some time to get used to handling it properly. I'll consider it good training for magical control.
"Shall I take the lead for today? I want to get used to it as soon as possible."
"Understood. I'll leave the enemies coming from behind to you."
That's Grace. I took the lead, followed by Sheila and Ashley, with Grace taking the rear, and we advanced further into the labyrinth.
Though, to be fair, our current location is only on the 19th underground floor. The difficulty of the labyrinth increases significantly starting from the branching point on the 20th floor, so there are quite a few adventurer groups exploring this area.
Being in the volume zone means resources are competitive. While both monsters and treasure chests here aren't very lucrative, having more people around makes it relatively safer. Even if we end up in a disadvantaged position against the monsters, we can count on reinforcements.
"Five people ahead, coming from the corner."
"Understood."
Sheila prompted me to be cautious. I planted my staff on the ground, trying not to arouse unnecessary vigilance, and waited for the approaching adventurer group.
"Oops..."
As the adventurers approached, they were surprised and wide-eyed.
"Hello there."
"Yeah. You guys are... the rumored monster slayers. Impressive."
"Yes, we wish you the best of luck."
"And the same to you."
The adventurer group gave a somewhat ambiguous smile and disappeared into the depths of the cave.
We occasionally run into other adventurer groups within the cave area, but there are usually no issues. Or rather, they seem more nervous than us. It seems like our faces have become quite well-known. If we can avoid trouble to some extent just because they're a bit scared, that's fine by me.
Now then. As the previous group was walking along the right wall, there's a high chance that we'll find the stairs by walking along the opposite side wall.
As expected, it didn't take long for us to find the stairs. When we descended to the 20th underground floor, it turned into a huge dome-shaped floor. The entire floor was constructed of stone and gave the impression of being near the central part of a border city.
"What's that building over there?"
"It's a shrine. Inside that building is a branching point and a stone monument... so they say."
At the far end of the dome, there was a temple-like structure with large pillars. It seemed like there was a bonfire burning at the entrance. I could see several adventurer groups holding torches walking towards the shrine.
Inside the shrine, there were the stone monument for the 20th floor and gates leading to other sections. This level is fixed until the branching point. In other words, it means that there is no stone monument until you descend another floor after the branch.
Inside the shrine, some adventurer groups were stationed, looking serious.
And among them, for some reason, receptionist Heather was there.
"Ah! Theodore-san!"
As soon as Heather spotted me, she hurriedly approached. In her hand was a red dimension stone.
"... What's wrong? Why are you here?"
"Well, you see, it seems a guardian has appeared beyond the branching point."
"Even on such a shallow floor...?"
Heather nodded with a serious expression.
Guardian. A powerful monster that can appear anywhere beyond the 20th floor of the labyrinth. It's not that they appear frequently, but... when exploring beyond the 20th floor, we must take into account the possibility of encountering this Guardian.
Of all places, if it appears around here, there probably won't be an adventurer group equipped to deal with it. It's true that the difficulty increases as we descend beyond the 20th floor due to the diversification of the floors...
"There's a group of adventurers who managed to escape from the Guardian using a Red Transference Stone. According to their account, they saw another group of adventurers in the same area. We are currently summoning capable individuals to assist them on the surface. I thought you might show up here since Theodore and his group were near the cave."
"So, you're requesting our assistance?"
"Yes, that's right. The opponent is a Sword Boar, and the location of the appearance is Twilight Forest. We won't force you, but if you head there to subdue it and rescue the others, we promise a handsome reward."
The amount Heather presented for accepting the request was 1500 Kiligs just for going there. The success reward would be calculated separately.
The location is Twilight Forest, either way, we have to defeat it to proceed.
Other capable adventurer groups don't seem to have come as reinforcements. Are they staying in town or lurking somewhere inside the labyrinth? I don't know the reason, but if we could track them, they should have brought them here.
In other words, it seems like we're the only ones capable of countering the Guardian at this moment. In any case, unless the stranded adventurer groups have a means of escape, by the time a well-prepared subjugation team is formed, their survival will be grim.
"I'm in. Let's go."
There's not much need to think about whether to accept or not. I came to the labyrinth to train and earn money. However, the problem is...
"Grace and the others..."
"Please let us go too. I know that Theo is much stronger than me, but I don't want to be absent from his battles."
Grace naturally places her hand on her chest and says.
In that case, what about Ashley and Sheila?
"It's better to treat the injured as soon as possible. If Theodore-sama thinks I'd be a hindrance, then I can't help it."
Ashley speaks to me directly. It seems like she also wants to come along.
"I'm going. I won't let them catch us off guard, and I won't overlook anyone who needs help."
Sheila says without hesitation.
There's no time to persuade them. What the two of them are saying is certainly not wrong. Having Ashley and Sheila along would be helpful in many ways besides their combat abilities. Ashley herself wants to become stronger, and Sheila wants to maintain a good relationship with the Adventurer's Guild. I also want to understand their feelings.
The opponent is the Guardian, a Sword Boar. The location is Twilight Forest.
If we manage to defeat it, it will be a rewarding opponent. However, it's a rather tough monster for Ashley and Sheila to directly face. We have Red Transference Stones on our side, and considering Caduceus as well... Well then.
"...Alright. I will take the forefront to protect everyone. In return, Sheila, you must ensure everyone's escape using the Red Transference Stone without waiting for my instructions. Even if Sheila senses danger... at the very least, I want you and Ashley to escape safely together."
"Absolutely. I promise."
"Thank you, Theodore-sama!"
There's no need to worry about getting separated in Twilight Forest. I'll leave their safety to Caduceus.
"Understood. Then I will explain the precautions for Twilight Forest along the way."
"Yes, please."
"Heather-san, we're going. Please continue guiding everyone here."
"Take care!"
With serious expressions, we bid farewell to Heather and the other adventurers present, and then we head towards the gate leading to Twilight Forest without hesitation.