Chapter 68 - Malice from the Same Kind!
Luke looked at the 'magic stone fragments' shining with a purple-blue light on the ground, sinking into contemplation.
Meanwhile, Riveria observed the pensive Luke and nodded with some satisfaction, saying, "This is the second lesson, the difference between monsters and humans."
"Before we set off, both Finn and Gareth mentioned to me the issue with your swordsmanship."
"In the realm of swordsmanship, you can be considered to have reached a kind of perfection; even Loki, in her countless years as a divine being, has not seen a more perfect swordsmanship than yours."
"However, that only applies to situations involving humans."
Riveria paused slightly at this point, taking a moment to observe the thoughtful Luke and the quietly listening Ais before continuing.
"Each type of monster in the dungeon has its unique habits, and their attack and movement methods are completely different from humans."
"Never judge a monster's actions based on so-called 'common sense.'"
Just now, the Goblin's evasion of Luke's attack through its bizarre movement was the best evidence.
Humans would never use a moving style that would cause self-harm.
Such a movement might even prevent you from evading the enemy's subsequent attacks.
Therefore, the swordsmanship Luke has learned doesn't include techniques to counter such non-human movements.
After a brief reflection and with Riveria's explanation, Luke understood the rationale behind it and why Riveria had him deal with those Goblins.
When you discover a problem, you should correct it.
Currently, on the 1st floor, these relatively weak monsters cannot pose a threat to Luke.
However, if they encounter more formidable monsters deeper into the dungeon, correcting these issues might come at a huge cost.
In the following time, Riveria, with Luke and Ais, officially began hunting monsters on the 1st floor.
Ais dealt with individual monsters, while Luke practiced against groups.
Killing monsters, killing more monsters, life in the dungeon was incredibly dull.
Besides battling monsters, the team members could only exchange a few words with each other.
As Luke and Ais continued to slay monsters, the number of 'magic stone fragments' they collected increased.
Among them were also some 'materials' dropped by monsters.
'Magic stones' are the cores inside the bodies of dungeon monsters.
Regardless of the type of monster, if their 'magic stone' is shattered or extracted, they will die.
These 'magic stones' contain magic power/mana that can be utilized by the people.
The current 'technology' in Orario is built upon these 'magic stones.'
Breaking the 'magic stone' can be considered the simplest and most direct method to defeat monsters.
However, once the 'magic stone' is shattered, the mana within it will also dissipate, resulting in adventurers defeating monsters but gaining nothing.
Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, regular adventurers will not choose to defeat monsters by shattering their 'magic stones.'
The more powerful the monster, the larger its 'magic stone' inside.
For example, kobolds and goblins on the 1st floor have 'magic stones' the size of a fingernail.
These extremely small 'magic stones,' which are difficult for people to utilize, are called 'magic stone fragments,' and their exchange prices are very low.
In addition to 'magic stones,' monsters also drop another type of item: 'drop items.'
Most of these 'drop items' are parts of the monster's body and can be used for forging weapons and equipment. They have a low drop rate and are rare commodities.
In Ais's pocket, there are currently two drop items called 'kobold nails.'
Riveria glanced at the bag hanging at Ais's waist and found it almost full.
If they continue, the weight of the carried items will affect Ais's speed.
After a brief calculation of the time and feeling that the day was almost over, Riveria decided to return with the two of them.
"Alright, organize your equipment; we're preparing to head back. Luke, you'll carry the magic stones and drop items on the way back."
Riveria clapped her hands, attracting Luke and Ais's attention, and then announced the decision to return.
Luke and Ais had no objections to Riveria's decision; after all, it was only the first day, and getting a bit familiar with the dungeon was sufficient.
On the way back, it was similar to the journey there, with Ais and Luke fighting their way back.
The only difference was that Riveria's chosen route this time had a slight variation.
It seems that it took a bit more detour than when they first arrived.
Although Luke was somewhat curious, he didn't intend to ask.
Riveria had her reasons for doing so, and she wouldn't let Luke and Ais remain puzzled for too long.
Indeed, as Riveria led Luke and Ais through a relatively narrow intersection, the sounds coming from inside the intersection made Luke understand Riveria's intention.
Three adventurers were besieging another adventurer.
The besieged adventurer, based on his worn armor with monster scratches and the bulging pouch at his waist, was evidently a returning adventurer who had gained a lot in the dungeon.
And those three attackers had no signs of damage on their equipment, and there were no pouches on their waists or backpacks used to carry magic stones/drop items.
Luke and even Ais, in the first moment, understood the reality of what was happening in front of them.
Tracking, intercepting, looting—this is another danger in the dungeon aside from monsters, the 'malice' from fellow adventurers.
Riveria, looking at Luke's somewhat unpleasant expression and Ais's face filled with shock, spoke in a very calm tone, "This is the last lesson for today, malice from the same kind."
With the radiance emanating from Riveria's wand, flames instantly engulfed the three adventurers who were attacking.
"In this dungeon, dangers from fellow adventurers are no less than those from monsters."
"Luring, trapping, intercepting, robbing, killing—compared to monsters, adventurers use more diverse and cunning means."
"Therefore, in this dungeon, never trust anyone blindly."
Riveria's voice at this moment was so cold and chilling.
Luke looked at the three adventurers turned to ashes and sighed quietly.
He shifted his gaze to Ais. Luke had mentally prepared himself for this kind of 'malice' from fellow adventurers, but Ais was different.
At just 7 years old, facing the cruelest reality in the dungeon unprepared, could this have any impact on Ais's future life?
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