Otoko Nara Ikkokuichijou no Aruji o Mezasa Nakya, ne? - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Next chapter 2 hours~
Year 7445, Month 7, Day 25
Koritto and Meiria are making somewhat difficult faces while talking about something and moving the pebbles over the circle I drew of the room. Che..Don't be thinking about unnecessary things. And, while I say that...
The last contact I received before we entered the dungeon, the {Slaughterers} were supposed to standby in the teleport room on the 7th floor until we came to the 7th floor and smoothly started to advance. Only after they gained confidence that I started moving through {Party-ization} were they supposed to move to the side of the monster room with a group of ogres they had investigated before-hand and only then were they supposed to standby there.
If you were to think of the monster room in front of me as a clock then we're at 6:00 and the {Slaughterers} are fortified at around the 1:00 direction. Since there's people vaguely moving around as well right now when I'm not in the room they might be relaxed and eating or something. Since I've always been tense the entire time I'd prefer they not casually be slacking off and eating. I guess that's a false accusation huh? They'll at least food right.
After we arrived at the monster room I was supposed to somehow negotiate a suggestion that lets met act alone and group up with the {Slaughterers} once, then if there's any discrepancies in the predicted circ.u.mstances I would have to report on them in a short period of time. In the worst case if I can't take action alone then while the {Slaughterers} are on standby at the entrance of the monster room they would recognize my approach and hide themselves as they confirm my situation.
In the case that I'm not alone I received contact from Toris that when I approach then even if there's a bit of discrepancy, unless there's a sign from me that a fatal problem has occurred they would just watch as we pa.s.s by like that. Of course no major problem has occurred that would influence Toris and the other's plans so far.
Come to think of it I wonder if they're fine with their remaining mana. This morning, we teleported into the 7th floor at around 5 am. The time we finally started moving was around 5:30 am. Since it's just past noon now over 7 hours have pa.s.sed. Along the way up to here, even if you were to run into ogres as long as you use the paralysis poison you don't need to make use of magic so if you were to use mana it's at most for looking out with {Detect.Life}.
"..do-kun"
Toris's void magic has reached level 4 but since he can't use fire magic in the first place he can't use {Detect.Life}. The only ones who can use it are Miduchi, Bel, and Ralpha the three of them but the spell absolutely consumes 10 MP. The amount of time it takes to recover that much is 50 minutes. It becomes 40 minutes if Miduchi holds on to the handle of her sword but holding on to the handle for 40 minutes straight is unreasonable right. Even if the three of them take s.h.i.+fts using it once every 10 minutes(I think there's not much meaning using it more often than that) then the total amount of mana consumed would be 60 per hour. Compared to that the amount recovered is 36, that's only 12 per person.
Since 7 hours have already pa.s.sed even if we deduct the portion that's been recovered doing simple calculation the total would be 170..No, that's if you were to count everyone's MP. Since the upper limit of Ralpha's MP isn't very high she should only be able to use it once an hour, Bel would be twice, and I guess Miduchi would be three times? Bel would be consuming 8 per hour and Miduchi would even be consuming 18 an hour. Thinking like that then wouldn't both Miduchi and Bel have almost no mana. But, even then I guess you could say they have a considerable amount remaining?
"Greed-kun"
"Ah..Yes. I'm sorry, I was s.p.a.cing out."
"Yeah, it's fine, don't mind it. However, it's quite something to be able to s.p.a.ce out on the 7th floor. Would you mind coming for a short while? Everyone else gather as well."
A~a. Toris, Bel, judging from their state then it seems that as expected it was unreasonable.
"We tried thinking about the strategy from just now a bit but we want to revise it a bit."
Just look. These two have been the leaders of a top team for over 10 years. There's no way they would so easily accept a strategy that dangerous. Since you all know quite a bit about my power, you didn't take into consideration the feelings of someone who doesn't know right? Certainly in order to show them plenty of my power, I followed Toris's instructions and flaunted my skills quite a bit in defeating ogres but there's no way something like that would be enough right. Well, this is experience as well. This is another deduction in points but I'll follow up this time.
"Everyone listen closely as well. Though I say revise it's nothing too big. We just want to increase the number of people who circle around behind the ogres. Ah, it's not like we don't trust you Greed-kun. I don't want you to misunderstand that."
Koritto said.
"We'll split our numbers up into six people and four people. Rokko, Kevin, Jeru. You all circle around behind the ogres together with Greed-kun."
Meiria continued to add on.
Ho? That's quite the firm decision. There's meaning in me taking action alone in order to get into contact with the {Slaughterers} as well but leaving combat forces for {Sun.Ray} was a bit part of it as well. Well, if you were to ask me then regardless if it's {Verdure.Brotherhood}, {Black.Topaz}, {Gehenna.Flare}, and of course {Sun.Ray} as well there's no difference that I'd prefer for them to quickly get wiped out if they intend to come to the same floor as us. Since they're in the way of us getting our hands on some treasure.
However, Rokko, Kevin, and Jeru huh? For them to magnificently take off the injured sucker members and push them on me even here. It's just what I think but this couple, they normally behave that way so no one will retort them on it but their true nature, it looks to me like they're ruthlessly trying to send their allies, or otherwise the suckers into their place of death. I'm sure they'll say it right. An appropriate sounding reason for it. Well, I am looking forward to what they'll actually say even.
"Greed-kun, please circle around behind the ogres together with them. And then, we'll have you finish off one ogre with the first attack spell. With that as the signal, Misu, Kamu, and I will use attack spells and bow to finish off two more ogres. Up until here it's the same."
Koritto said while moving the pebbles in the same way as I just did.
"The problem is the next part. Whether or not the eight ogres will really split into two groups, honestly speaking we thought that was doubtful. For example it can be thought that they could completely ignore one side and all end up going to the other but there's not much of a problem in this case. The side the ogres don't come to can just attack them from behind with spells all they please and the advantage will quickly return to our side I'm sure. The problem is in the case that only one or two of them end up going to one side and six or seven end up going to the other."
I know right~ Normally you would worry about something like this. Well, if it was just ogres then they're idiots so they would really split up jsut as I said in half but when there's ogre mages you really don't know how things will end up. Most likely I think they would just send one or two towards me since I was alone. After that the ogre mages would send the remaining normal ogres(probably 3-4 of them, depending on how things go five) towards the main group. In other words, I think they would split into three groups. The theory of ogre mages is for them to back up the side that has larger numbers with magic.
If ogre mages had better heads that could predict based on past experiences then they would send around two of them to {Sun.Ray} which has larger numbers to keep them in check and then use all of their forces to finish me off since I'm alone. Then after they finish me off they could hit the main group with all of their forces. Although, this is something would differ based on the terrain at the time, the positions of the ogres, and the situation so I can't say too much. But, since the Rindobel couple is obviously intelligent they're worried about this I'm sure. At the very least they've reasonably recognized my individual combat power. They're probably afraid that even with my high combat power I could end up being surrounded by ogres and end up useless.
Honestly speaking, even I don't know if there's definitely ogre mages mixed in with the ones in the monster room. In the first place I don't even know if they're ogres. I haven't Identified them. The trees are in the way from approaching close enough to see them so I would have to get considerably close. Since the vision in the forest is bad I would almost definitely have to enter the detection range of the ogre mages and at that point there would be no more plan or anything about it. If we hadn't already gone over the process for attacking under the premise that we would be noticed then we would bring into close combat all at once I'm sure. Unfortunately the only one who can remain hidden while taking action without problem during that short period of time while scouting is just Miduchi. Though I say that, I'm sure this was already investigated by Toris and the others and since there's no contact, I'm sure it's probably ogres.
In the case there's no ogre mages, if I were to speak my true feelings then even if I don't rely on something like magic or paralysis poison, if it's just at the level of six or seven ogres then if I lure them into the forest I have confidence I can slowly cook them up alone without a single scratch. However, I'm sure the Rindobel couple doesn't know my abilities are that high. They probably think I would just spend 20 minutes running around from four of them but they probably think it would be difficult for me if six or seven of them surround me all at once.
I think it's only natural for them to think I alone could take on six of them based on what they saw of me taking on two at once from the front with no tricks up to here. Well, I made sure all of those situations took place in the plains or wastelands so everyone could see them. I intentionally didn't do any other fighting than ambus.h.i.+ng in the forest or thickets. When it comes to taking on multiple ogres as opponents the forest and thickets with trees all over the place is actually easier. As long as I'm alone that is.
The most important point of the strategy this time is "the decoy member who circled around needs to stay alive as they lure the ogres". At the very least they need to remain alive while moving around until the main group finishes defeating the ogres, if they can't continue to lead them around then there's no point to it.
"If it's only one or two that goes to Greed-kun then there's no problem. We already understand you can easily win at that level. But, as expected wouldn't things get hard if it's six or seven of them? We would be troubled if you were to die."
The statement of the Rindobel couple shows they properly understand something close to the fundamentals of the two Lanchester's Laws. As expected they have just what it takes to lead a top team. They're on a different level from the other adventurers of Baldukk who can't think of anything but fighting in the dungeon. Including Zulu and Angela, the majority of the adventurers only have the level of understanding of an elementary schooler. Though even they've showed a remarkable level of progress while being in contact with reincarnated people so I'm sure they'd understand something at this level right away now.
"I'll be fine."
I already know but just in case I need to properly say it.
In other words, what they want to say is that they would be troubled if I die before doing any damage to the ogres at all. It's not particularly like they're worried about my life. As proof of that look, just look at that expression. Both of the couple are completely blinded by their greed. Well even if we just defeat 21 ogres today then that's 17,000,000 Z or so. It's the same amount of sales as two cheap magic items. Of course their eyes would change colors. In order for them to think this way and make them think ogres are easy to deal with, I intentionally dragged them out into wide open areas and make use of paralysis poison in a way where it takes some time to take effect, it was quite difficult making sure they only ended up having to fight against just one at a time.
However, it's already a strategy they've decided on so it's not beneficial to get any pickier with it than this.
"No. It's fine to think of Rokko and the others as Greed-kun's escort. I'm sure that Greed-kun will primarily end up using attack spells but going from the timing at best you'll only be able to the first two attacks and even at best three hits right? You might end up missing other than the first one you use for the ambush and after that if you were to be injured it would be bad if you can't use healing spells anymore."
Including me the four of us on the detached force reply with consent.
"If six of them end up going in your direction then Rokko and the others you all somehow try to hold out with Greed-kun. In that case, we'll probably only have to deal with two of them though so we should be able to finish them off quickly. In the case that six of them come to us, if it's just two then you have Greed-kun as well so he should be able to defeat them quickly just the same. After that it's fine as long as you come to back us up."
"Yeah, we've already fixed out that ogres aren't a big deal at all. It's alright."
"Ah, if we have Greed-kun then we can even manage if seven of them come~"
"There's no problem even if we defeat all of them right?"
Rokko and the others are powerfully saying. Well, if they're coming to my side then I guess these guys are fine as well huh?
"Oh, Kevin, you've come out quite big that you'll defeat them all. I'll put my hopes on you."
Misu said as if teasing him but her face was quite worried.
"Oh~ unlike that idiot Rokko I still have my charm after all. Even if I were to get seriously injured I can rest easy."
"Ah, Kevin's came last month was it? I used mine up last year the same as Rokko after all..Koritto-san is my charm still not ready?"
"Sorry about that, Jeru. You've already had to wait for over a year but..it seems there's some trouble with the funds to work around it.."
"Eeeh..Even though added an additional 300,000 in the spring as well.."
Jeru bit his lip as if he was troubled.
"How about paying even more on top of that again? I've done it such as that as well."
Haruku said it as if giving Jeru advice. After all this guy as well, is he one of the collaborators with the Rindobel couple?
Come to think of it previously, this guy was the one who tried to join the {Slaughterers} as well.
"..An addition huh..I guess it can't be helped~ If I pay again can something be done about it?"
Jeru looked at Meiria with an expression as if begging her.
"That is..I can't say anything in that regard. But, it might be better than not doing anything at all."
"Is that so..Meiria-san, when we return I'll pay out of the compensation this time~ That's why I'm depending on you for one quickly. Please try making the request somehow."
"Don't say anything too unreasonable..But, if we have the additional funds then it's easier to ask. Since it seems we'll have earned a reasonable amount this time, I'll try putting in a good word for you as well."
"Ehe..I'm in you care. Koritto-san."
Somehow it's a conversation where I really start to pity Rokko and the other two.
.................
..Since we took a break, I guess it's about time to depart huh?
"Then, we'll head out. Since I intend to move carefully until we arrive in the position on the other side it might take over 30 minutes."
"Yeah, I understand. In a bit longer we'll approach carefully as well. Hiding behind the tree trunks and crawling below the foliage even. There's no need to hurry. It's fine for you to slowly take your time. In any case we'll remain on standby over here until your ambush."
With Koritto's response as the sign to depart we walked off with the wall on right side. Of course Rokko, Kevin, and Jeru are properly following behind me as well. In the case that the ogres are the room boss, they generally don't notice you as long as you're walking along the outer edge of the wall. Strangely enough, even if you walk in the forest with almost fallen leaves the sound doesn't reach even 50 meters ahead and since there's trees growing all over the place the field of sight is extremely bad. The ogre mages are sensitive enough to presence that they can notice from 100 meters away but from the outer wall to the center there's 250 meters. It's easy to even just walk through without fighting.
In order to circle around the ogres we need to walk in a semicircle around this circular monster room. The diameter of the room is roughly 500 meters so we end up needing to walk close to 800 meters. Adding to that if we were to walk half of it, 700 meters or so we should pa.s.s right in front of where the {Slaughterers} are waiting.
Though there's almost no need to stand on end, even then we continue walking while being careful to not make as much sound as possible. I think we've already walked close to 500 meters. In another 200 meters or so we should arrive at the waiting point for the {Slaughterers}. If there's some thicket or rocks then they should be waiting behind those without standing out. It could be possible that Miduchi or so would find us and tell everyone else that it's not just me as they all remain hidden looking over here. Soon after I stepped foot into the room everyone I could detect with {Party-ization} gathered into one group and I could tell they weren't moving at all.
It was when the four us were carefully moving forward. I felt an abnormality in {Party-ization}. But, what is it? These movements. Even though they were moving at all up until now it's as if they all started moving attentively in a panic.
This, is it combat!?
The same moment I thought that the order "Format it" appeared in my head.
This order means that some kind of large trouble has occurred.
I instantly used the spell {Detect.Life} but the only reaction I got was that of us {Sun.Ray}. It's only obvious. Both the boss of the monster room and the {Slaughterers} are too far away they're beyond the detection range of {Detect.Life}.
"Giooo~tsu!" "Father!!"
They're too far away so it's just a mumble but I can hear the roars from a monster. It's probably an ogre. After that, it was just vaguely and furthermore difficult to hear, but that was, Ralpha's voice! Did something happen to Zenom!? Zenom's presence still remains on {Party-ization}. However he's not moving. Ralpha is close by his side it seems.
"Is it the voice of a monster.."
"Since we can hear I guess it's close by?"
"Since ogres are idiots they might be fighting over a goblin."
"No, it's possible it's the {Slaughterers} as well."
"Che..It would be good if they don't get in the way though.."
Everyone is saying whatever they please. They're standing still looking towards the center of the monster room. If we can hear it from here then that menas the bosses of the monster room should be able to hear it as well. The {Slaughterers} were gathered together at an entrance of the monster room just the same as the main group of {Sun.Ray}. They aren't 20 meters away from the entrance of the room. Also, they shouldn't have smeared paralysis poison on their weapons yet as well.
Since they couldn't know when I was would move, if they smeared the poison on their weapons too early then it would just dry and be more difficult to absorb into the wounds reducing the effect significantly. During the time I came up to here the paralysis poison I put on my throwing needles has dropped in effect considerably as well. It was quite troublesome reapplying it without being seen by everyone else.
The orders "Abort it." "Make it possible." and "Fainted." continue to enter my head.
There's a high chance that the plan is suspended, the details mean that someone was seriously injured to the point of being unable to continue fighting.
In a matter of moments I organize the situation in my head.
It's pretty much settled that the {Slaughterers} were ambushed by some monsters while on standby. Since they have people who can use {Detect.Life} it's unlikely they overlooked an ogre approaching from somewhere. This is, that. The revival or replenishment of monsters. The whirlpool of fog-like stuff occurred and some monsters were born there. I don't know the terrain is like over there but since there's a lot of vegetation in the monster room in front of me the field of sight should be pretty bad. If they were in one of the wasteland like areas with rocks all over the place then there's plenty of light so if they even just a bit of distance away it would be difficult to notice the fog and light.
Most likely, several ogres revived at the same time nearby and they were ambushed. Working under that a.s.sumption someone suffered a serious injury as well. Whether it's just Zenom or there's even more is unknown. They should be reasonably low on MP as well, this is bad...
Adding to that, it's possible the bosses of the room could have noticed. Though I can't be sure of that much. Toris and Bel's idea is already suspended from the point this order came from Miduchi. It doesn't matter whether {Sun.Ray} ends up getting wiped out or whatever happens but the moment the {Slaughterers} ended up suffering any damage it's already a huge failure. It's hard to proceed in this situation but there's already no choice but to abandon Toris and the others plan and proceed with my own method. However, that was really the worst possible timing I can think of. How should I go about turning this situation around...I was able to organize up to here within one second and made my decision.
"Everyone, I'm very sorry. I'm going ahead. Everyone you should run back as fast you can and get away from the room! You should still plenty be able to make it in time."
Without waiting for a reply I switched over to das.h.i.+ng at my full speed. Those fools, they were told to not separate from me.
Make sure you properly...come along late!
Rokko and the others followed after me in a panic but I steadily pull apart from them.
I quickly accelerated to my top speed.
Toris has stopped moving. Probably Gwine as well.
I felt something snap in my head. Remain calm. It's fine for the heart to burn hot but cool down the consciousness.
The trees flow behind me as if they're flying.
Right now even with my sword in hand and my rubber protectors equipped I'm sure I'm faster than the recent {Usain.Bolt}. Zulu from once upon a time is no longer a match.
"Miduchi!!" Who's voice was that? Ralpha huh?
I can't see anything outside of my field of sight other than straight ahead.
s.h.i.+t..Just now {Party-ization} stopped working! Miduchi was either knocked unconscious or suffered a serious injury to the point where she couldn't even maintain her Unique Ability or..I don't even want to think about it but she died.
I bit into the end of the glove on my left hand and pulled it off. It's not good, stop getting too hot. Aim to remain calm.
I won't be able to use magic anymore.
If I turn around that corner then it should be right in front of my eyes.
Make it in time!
I turn around the corner and jump over the rocks lined up in front of me while firing off consecutive {Stone Javelins} from around two meters high. The MP efficiency will drop a bit but in order to maintain the balance of my body I need to omit pointless movements. From around the brow of my forehead stone spears are launched off one after another. It's fine even if they don't hit.
The {Slaughterers} were fighting with ogres. There's a lot of ogres. One, two, anymore than that is fine as a lot.
There's no time to even being using Identify, I jump over Miduchi who's laying on the ground and after going to the side of Toris who I felt the reaction from last and I quickly stuck my hand into the gaps of his banded-mail while using {Cure All}. I guess he was done in by an ogre but it was good luck the metal ring was crushed. Since he's looking over here and trying to say something it seems he's conscious. When I whispered in a small voice, "leave the rest to me" he relaxed and closed his eyes.
Following that I forcibly stuck my hand below Zenom's armor as he was laying face down and used {Cure All}.
I think that Zenom had just lost consciousness. Since Ralpha was in the way taking off about half of Zenom's armor so I kicked her in the a.s.s to move her out of the way.
""Al-san!""
"A begyu!!"
"Mas-reed-sama!"
I immediately returned back to where Miduchi was and put all my power into it to tear off her leather armor. Her left side was largely and unnaturally dented along with her leather armor. I quickly used {Cure All} two times, three times. Incidentally her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were safe. Her heart wasn't damaged. When I used Identify her condition was Reflex Seizure. Thank goodness.
I quickly stood up and gave orders one after another, "Angela to the left! Basutoral you back her up! Gwine you fall back just like that, Bel back her up! The idiot, get to work already!" while charging at the ogre that Gwine was taking on as she covered for Zulu.
There's already no time to hesitate with using magic. I cut the side of the ogre that was swinging it's club at Gwine as she retreated as I pa.s.sed by it and after circling around I put my left hand to it's wide back while using {Air Blade} consecutively. Since it fell to it's knees I made use of the fact that it could reach and stabbed my long sword in where it's heart should be.
I pull my sword out while ordering Bel once more, "Bel, take care of Zulu!", and charged at the two Angela was taking on.
"Nu~ryaaaa~!!"
With a flash of fighting spirit I cut the back of the knee on the left leg of the ogre on the left and making further use of that momentum went to cut the back of the knee of the right leg of the next ogre as well. However, it's reaction was better than I thought and it avoided it. I suddenly stopped while lowering my upper body and above the top of my helmet I heard the sound of wind being cut as a club pa.s.sed over.
"Ah, Sla..{Slaughterers}!"
"Why are there ogres here!?"
"Is that, Greed-kun?"
It seems the three suckers finally circled around the rocks and arrived.
After raising my upper body I lightly cut the side of the ogre that was swinging it's club and this time it started to swing at my feet so I jumped to evade it. I quickly used the end of my long sword to cut it's throat. Blood spurted out of it's neck like a fountain. The ogre let go of it's club in a panic to try and hold down it's throat when I cut it's stomach in a straight line this time causing it's intestines to spill out.
I quickly looked towards the other ogre who's left leg tendon I had cut and Angela was parrying it's club with her buckler and I watched as Basutoral thrust in with his spear aiming for the gap that created. Gwine followed up by trusting her spear into it's heart with a powerful step in as well. At the same time the {tomahawk} Ralpha thew stabbed into the ogre's face.
It should already be fine. When I looked around there was the corpses of five ogres rolling around. I guess they defeated one? No, two before I came along huh? One of them had it's arms and legs completely cut off. Miduchi probably did it. Gwine is going around finis.h.i.+ng off the ogres that still haven't completely died. Bel raised her face after she finished using heal spells on Zulu and after confirming Toris was alright she walked towards me.
Angela quickly came and knelt in front of me with her head down while saying, "Greed-sama, thank you for the a.s.sistance in such an emergency." Just now, didn't you mistake master and Greed-sama. Don't be making such a satisfied face.
Ralpha who was still in the posture of throwing her axe ran over to Miduchi in a hurry and covered her body with the remnants of the leather armor I tore off. It seems she's checking her pulse at the same time. Well, it's fine. She's properly looking at Miduch after all.
Basutoral looked over the surroundings for just a bit before kneeling beside Angela and lowering his head while saying, "Thank you very much." This guy, has he still not escaped from his slave disposition?
Gwine came to my side at almost the same time as Angela and lowered her head while saying "Al-san, we were saved. Thank you very much."
Soon after Bel arrived as well and offered me her grat.i.tude just the same and after that said, "If we can be useful in some way please order us." She was making an apologetic, pathetic, and slightly afraid expression.
"Hey, you, Koloil-san was it? For you to not have realized an attack from ogres, the {Slaughterers} have fallen to the ground I see."
Kevin put his battle axe back over his shoulder again while saying.
"Stop it. It's not strange for these things to happen. And I don't hate the {Slaughterers}. I even think with this I was able to repay some of my debt to them...And while I say that it was Greed-kun who repaid it though, huh? I didn't do anything at all.."
Jeru said to Kevin.
"Right now isn't the time to be saying something like that right? Greed-kun, what should we do?"
Rokko warned the with a composed voice and put the attention on me. Right, we need to hurry.
"It's possible the boss ogres could have noticed. It wouldn't be strange for Rindobel-san and the others to have come out as well. Though I say that I'm sure they haven't advanced very far. We should take over the ogres from here. The ones who will take over the role as decoy will be me and the members of the {Slaughterers} here that can still move. Everyone else follow a bit behind me. That's fine with everyone from the {Slaughterers} as well right? I won't let you disagree. It's necessary for you to work at least that much."
"Eh? But, is it fine? Things like the cut will be troublesome.."It's fine. I won't recognize them making claim on that. It's even possible they could have ruined our plan after all."
I interrupted Rokko as he started talking and said. It's a considerably forceful reasoning. In the first place, no matter what sort of plan {Sun.Ray} was going to take it's unrelated to the {Slaughterers}. It's not like they tried interfere after combat had already started or steal the prey from the side. It's not strange for there to end up being combat anywhere in the dungeon other than the teleport room in the center of the floor.
However, that shouldn't be amusing for {Sun.Ray}.
"You could say the original cause is that I reflexively ran in and saved them. We'll have them return that debt to us here. Let's have them pay it back to us by working for free. All of the magic stones within the room belong to {Sun.Ray}."
I forcibly declared that and looked at the {Slaughterers}. Even if we were to follow the original plan, the chances of accomplis.h.i.+ng aren't completely zero but they've certainly decreased. Forcing the {Slaughterers} to work for free and increasing the number of people who take on the danger shouldn't be a minus for {Sun.Ray}.
"Bel remain here and look after the injured people. Ralpha, Gwine, Basutoral, Angela, come with us. I'll work you hard."
Bel was looking at me with an expression like an abandoned puppy but quickly seemed to understand.
I'm sure you're not composed right now and above all else it's necessary for you to heal the people who are fallen. Endure it.
"Since we don't have any time let's hurry. I'll advance at the front leading them. Everyone else please follow about 20 meters behind. I'm depending on your backup once the combat starts but there's no need to overdo things. Well then let's go."
After I said that to the three suckers, I turned around and we started following the arc towards the center of the room. From here on out things are improvised. I need to try and do things well. Even if I don't say anything the members of the {Slaughterers} followed with me at the head in the formation {Wedge One}.
Author's Note: TL: note on the time for monsters to resp.a.w.n being longer the higher level the monster. It roughly doubles in seconds, at around level 10 monster it takes 512 seconds, and for {The Gazer} at level 25 it takes 16770000 seconds, or over six months. (Though in the settings {The Gazer} sp.a.w.ns at level 21) <-- that's="" just="" for="" after="" the="" sp.a.w.n="" fog="" starts="" until="" it="" appears.="" the="" time="" between="" when="" the="" fog="" starts="" to="" appear="" is="" 10="" hours="" +="" the="" floor="" level.="" 1st="" floor="10" hours,="" 6="" floor="15" hours,="" etc...="">
Year 7445, Month 7, Day 25
Koritto and Meiria are making somewhat difficult faces while talking about something and moving the pebbles over the circle I drew of the room. Che..Don't be thinking about unnecessary things. And, while I say that...
The last contact I received before we entered the dungeon, the {Slaughterers} were supposed to standby in the teleport room on the 7th floor until we came to the 7th floor and smoothly started to advance. Only after they gained confidence that I started moving through {Party-ization} were they supposed to move to the side of the monster room with a group of ogres they had investigated before-hand and only then were they supposed to standby there.
If you were to think of the monster room in front of me as a clock then we're at 6:00 and the {Slaughterers} are fortified at around the 1:00 direction. Since there's people vaguely moving around as well right now when I'm not in the room they might be relaxed and eating or something. Since I've always been tense the entire time I'd prefer they not casually be slacking off and eating. I guess that's a false accusation huh? They'll at least food right.
After we arrived at the monster room I was supposed to somehow negotiate a suggestion that lets met act alone and group up with the {Slaughterers} once, then if there's any discrepancies in the predicted circ.u.mstances I would have to report on them in a short period of time. In the worst case if I can't take action alone then while the {Slaughterers} are on standby at the entrance of the monster room they would recognize my approach and hide themselves as they confirm my situation.
In the case that I'm not alone I received contact from Toris that when I approach then even if there's a bit of discrepancy, unless there's a sign from me that a fatal problem has occurred they would just watch as we pa.s.s by like that. Of course no major problem has occurred that would influence Toris and the other's plans so far.
Come to think of it I wonder if they're fine with their remaining mana. This morning, we teleported into the 7th floor at around 5 am. The time we finally started moving was around 5:30 am. Since it's just past noon now over 7 hours have pa.s.sed. Along the way up to here, even if you were to run into ogres as long as you use the paralysis poison you don't need to make use of magic so if you were to use mana it's at most for looking out with {Detect.Life}.
"..do-kun"
Toris's void magic has reached level 4 but since he can't use fire magic in the first place he can't use {Detect.Life}. The only ones who can use it are Miduchi, Bel, and Ralpha the three of them but the spell absolutely consumes 10 MP. The amount of time it takes to recover that much is 50 minutes. It becomes 40 minutes if Miduchi holds on to the handle of her sword but holding on to the handle for 40 minutes straight is unreasonable right. Even if the three of them take s.h.i.+fts using it once every 10 minutes(I think there's not much meaning using it more often than that) then the total amount of mana consumed would be 60 per hour. Compared to that the amount recovered is 36, that's only 12 per person.
Since 7 hours have already pa.s.sed even if we deduct the portion that's been recovered doing simple calculation the total would be 170..No, that's if you were to count everyone's MP. Since the upper limit of Ralpha's MP isn't very high she should only be able to use it once an hour, Bel would be twice, and I guess Miduchi would be three times? Bel would be consuming 8 per hour and Miduchi would even be consuming 18 an hour. Thinking like that then wouldn't both Miduchi and Bel have almost no mana. But, even then I guess you could say they have a considerable amount remaining?
"Greed-kun"
"Ah..Yes. I'm sorry, I was s.p.a.cing out."
"Yeah, it's fine, don't mind it. However, it's quite something to be able to s.p.a.ce out on the 7th floor. Would you mind coming for a short while? Everyone else gather as well."
A~a. Toris, Bel, judging from their state then it seems that as expected it was unreasonable.
"We tried thinking about the strategy from just now a bit but we want to revise it a bit."
Just look. These two have been the leaders of a top team for over 10 years. There's no way they would so easily accept a strategy that dangerous. Since you all know quite a bit about my power, you didn't take into consideration the feelings of someone who doesn't know right? Certainly in order to show them plenty of my power, I followed Toris's instructions and flaunted my skills quite a bit in defeating ogres but there's no way something like that would be enough right. Well, this is experience as well. This is another deduction in points but I'll follow up this time.
"Everyone listen closely as well. Though I say revise it's nothing too big. We just want to increase the number of people who circle around behind the ogres. Ah, it's not like we don't trust you Greed-kun. I don't want you to misunderstand that."
Koritto said.
"We'll split our numbers up into six people and four people. Rokko, Kevin, Jeru. You all circle around behind the ogres together with Greed-kun."
Meiria continued to add on.
Ho? That's quite the firm decision. There's meaning in me taking action alone in order to get into contact with the {Slaughterers} as well but leaving combat forces for {Sun.Ray} was a bit part of it as well. Well, if you were to ask me then regardless if it's {Verdure.Brotherhood}, {Black.Topaz}, {Gehenna.Flare}, and of course {Sun.Ray} as well there's no difference that I'd prefer for them to quickly get wiped out if they intend to come to the same floor as us. Since they're in the way of us getting our hands on some treasure.
However, Rokko, Kevin, and Jeru huh? For them to magnificently take off the injured sucker members and push them on me even here. It's just what I think but this couple, they normally behave that way so no one will retort them on it but their true nature, it looks to me like they're ruthlessly trying to send their allies, or otherwise the suckers into their place of death. I'm sure they'll say it right. An appropriate sounding reason for it. Well, I am looking forward to what they'll actually say even.
"Greed-kun, please circle around behind the ogres together with them. And then, we'll have you finish off one ogre with the first attack spell. With that as the signal, Misu, Kamu, and I will use attack spells and bow to finish off two more ogres. Up until here it's the same."
Koritto said while moving the pebbles in the same way as I just did.
"The problem is the next part. Whether or not the eight ogres will really split into two groups, honestly speaking we thought that was doubtful. For example it can be thought that they could completely ignore one side and all end up going to the other but there's not much of a problem in this case. The side the ogres don't come to can just attack them from behind with spells all they please and the advantage will quickly return to our side I'm sure. The problem is in the case that only one or two of them end up going to one side and six or seven end up going to the other."
I know right~ Normally you would worry about something like this. Well, if it was just ogres then they're idiots so they would really split up jsut as I said in half but when there's ogre mages you really don't know how things will end up. Most likely I think they would just send one or two towards me since I was alone. After that the ogre mages would send the remaining normal ogres(probably 3-4 of them, depending on how things go five) towards the main group. In other words, I think they would split into three groups. The theory of ogre mages is for them to back up the side that has larger numbers with magic.
If ogre mages had better heads that could predict based on past experiences then they would send around two of them to {Sun.Ray} which has larger numbers to keep them in check and then use all of their forces to finish me off since I'm alone. Then after they finish me off they could hit the main group with all of their forces. Although, this is something would differ based on the terrain at the time, the positions of the ogres, and the situation so I can't say too much. But, since the Rindobel couple is obviously intelligent they're worried about this I'm sure. At the very least they've reasonably recognized my individual combat power. They're probably afraid that even with my high combat power I could end up being surrounded by ogres and end up useless.
Honestly speaking, even I don't know if there's definitely ogre mages mixed in with the ones in the monster room. In the first place I don't even know if they're ogres. I haven't Identified them. The trees are in the way from approaching close enough to see them so I would have to get considerably close. Since the vision in the forest is bad I would almost definitely have to enter the detection range of the ogre mages and at that point there would be no more plan or anything about it. If we hadn't already gone over the process for attacking under the premise that we would be noticed then we would bring into close combat all at once I'm sure. Unfortunately the only one who can remain hidden while taking action without problem during that short period of time while scouting is just Miduchi. Though I say that, I'm sure this was already investigated by Toris and the others and since there's no contact, I'm sure it's probably ogres.
In the case there's no ogre mages, if I were to speak my true feelings then even if I don't rely on something like magic or paralysis poison, if it's just at the level of six or seven ogres then if I lure them into the forest I have confidence I can slowly cook them up alone without a single scratch. However, I'm sure the Rindobel couple doesn't know my abilities are that high. They probably think I would just spend 20 minutes running around from four of them but they probably think it would be difficult for me if six or seven of them surround me all at once.
I think it's only natural for them to think I alone could take on six of them based on what they saw of me taking on two at once from the front with no tricks up to here. Well, I made sure all of those situations took place in the plains or wastelands so everyone could see them. I intentionally didn't do any other fighting than ambus.h.i.+ng in the forest or thickets. When it comes to taking on multiple ogres as opponents the forest and thickets with trees all over the place is actually easier. As long as I'm alone that is.
The most important point of the strategy this time is "the decoy member who circled around needs to stay alive as they lure the ogres". At the very least they need to remain alive while moving around until the main group finishes defeating the ogres, if they can't continue to lead them around then there's no point to it.
"If it's only one or two that goes to Greed-kun then there's no problem. We already understand you can easily win at that level. But, as expected wouldn't things get hard if it's six or seven of them? We would be troubled if you were to die."
The statement of the Rindobel couple shows they properly understand something close to the fundamentals of the two Lanchester's Laws. As expected they have just what it takes to lead a top team. They're on a different level from the other adventurers of Baldukk who can't think of anything but fighting in the dungeon. Including Zulu and Angela, the majority of the adventurers only have the level of understanding of an elementary schooler. Though even they've showed a remarkable level of progress while being in contact with reincarnated people so I'm sure they'd understand something at this level right away now.
"I'll be fine."
I already know but just in case I need to properly say it.
In other words, what they want to say is that they would be troubled if I die before doing any damage to the ogres at all. It's not particularly like they're worried about my life. As proof of that look, just look at that expression. Both of the couple are completely blinded by their greed. Well even if we just defeat 21 ogres today then that's 17,000,000 Z or so. It's the same amount of sales as two cheap magic items. Of course their eyes would change colors. In order for them to think this way and make them think ogres are easy to deal with, I intentionally dragged them out into wide open areas and make use of paralysis poison in a way where it takes some time to take effect, it was quite difficult making sure they only ended up having to fight against just one at a time.
However, it's already a strategy they've decided on so it's not beneficial to get any pickier with it than this.
"No. It's fine to think of Rokko and the others as Greed-kun's escort. I'm sure that Greed-kun will primarily end up using attack spells but going from the timing at best you'll only be able to the first two attacks and even at best three hits right? You might end up missing other than the first one you use for the ambush and after that if you were to be injured it would be bad if you can't use healing spells anymore."
Including me the four of us on the detached force reply with consent.
"If six of them end up going in your direction then Rokko and the others you all somehow try to hold out with Greed-kun. In that case, we'll probably only have to deal with two of them though so we should be able to finish them off quickly. In the case that six of them come to us, if it's just two then you have Greed-kun as well so he should be able to defeat them quickly just the same. After that it's fine as long as you come to back us up."
"Yeah, we've already fixed out that ogres aren't a big deal at all. It's alright."
"Ah, if we have Greed-kun then we can even manage if seven of them come~"
"There's no problem even if we defeat all of them right?"
Rokko and the others are powerfully saying. Well, if they're coming to my side then I guess these guys are fine as well huh?
"Oh, Kevin, you've come out quite big that you'll defeat them all. I'll put my hopes on you."
Misu said as if teasing him but her face was quite worried.
"Oh~ unlike that idiot Rokko I still have my charm after all. Even if I were to get seriously injured I can rest easy."
"Ah, Kevin's came last month was it? I used mine up last year the same as Rokko after all..Koritto-san is my charm still not ready?"
"Sorry about that, Jeru. You've already had to wait for over a year but..it seems there's some trouble with the funds to work around it.."
"Eeeh..Even though added an additional 300,000 in the spring as well.."
Jeru bit his lip as if he was troubled.
"How about paying even more on top of that again? I've done it such as that as well."
Haruku said it as if giving Jeru advice. After all this guy as well, is he one of the collaborators with the Rindobel couple?
Come to think of it previously, this guy was the one who tried to join the {Slaughterers} as well.
"..An addition huh..I guess it can't be helped~ If I pay again can something be done about it?"
Jeru looked at Meiria with an expression as if begging her.
"That is..I can't say anything in that regard. But, it might be better than not doing anything at all."
"Is that so..Meiria-san, when we return I'll pay out of the compensation this time~ That's why I'm depending on you for one quickly. Please try making the request somehow."
"Don't say anything too unreasonable..But, if we have the additional funds then it's easier to ask. Since it seems we'll have earned a reasonable amount this time, I'll try putting in a good word for you as well."
"Ehe..I'm in you care. Koritto-san."
Somehow it's a conversation where I really start to pity Rokko and the other two.
.................
..Since we took a break, I guess it's about time to depart huh?
"Then, we'll head out. Since I intend to move carefully until we arrive in the position on the other side it might take over 30 minutes."
"Yeah, I understand. In a bit longer we'll approach carefully as well. Hiding behind the tree trunks and crawling below the foliage even. There's no need to hurry. It's fine for you to slowly take your time. In any case we'll remain on standby over here until your ambush."
With Koritto's response as the sign to depart we walked off with the wall on right side. Of course Rokko, Kevin, and Jeru are properly following behind me as well. In the case that the ogres are the room boss, they generally don't notice you as long as you're walking along the outer edge of the wall. Strangely enough, even if you walk in the forest with almost fallen leaves the sound doesn't reach even 50 meters ahead and since there's trees growing all over the place the field of sight is extremely bad. The ogre mages are sensitive enough to presence that they can notice from 100 meters away but from the outer wall to the center there's 250 meters. It's easy to even just walk through without fighting.
In order to circle around the ogres we need to walk in a semicircle around this circular monster room. The diameter of the room is roughly 500 meters so we end up needing to walk close to 800 meters. Adding to that if we were to walk half of it, 700 meters or so we should pa.s.s right in front of where the {Slaughterers} are waiting.
Though there's almost no need to stand on end, even then we continue walking while being careful to not make as much sound as possible. I think we've already walked close to 500 meters. In another 200 meters or so we should arrive at the waiting point for the {Slaughterers}. If there's some thicket or rocks then they should be waiting behind those without standing out. It could be possible that Miduchi or so would find us and tell everyone else that it's not just me as they all remain hidden looking over here. Soon after I stepped foot into the room everyone I could detect with {Party-ization} gathered into one group and I could tell they weren't moving at all.
It was when the four us were carefully moving forward. I felt an abnormality in {Party-ization}. But, what is it? These movements. Even though they were moving at all up until now it's as if they all started moving attentively in a panic.
This, is it combat!?
The same moment I thought that the order "Format it" appeared in my head.
This order means that some kind of large trouble has occurred.
I instantly used the spell {Detect.Life} but the only reaction I got was that of us {Sun.Ray}. It's only obvious. Both the boss of the monster room and the {Slaughterers} are too far away they're beyond the detection range of {Detect.Life}.
"Giooo~tsu!" "Father!!"
They're too far away so it's just a mumble but I can hear the roars from a monster. It's probably an ogre. After that, it was just vaguely and furthermore difficult to hear, but that was, Ralpha's voice! Did something happen to Zenom!? Zenom's presence still remains on {Party-ization}. However he's not moving. Ralpha is close by his side it seems.
"Is it the voice of a monster.."
"Since we can hear I guess it's close by?"
"Since ogres are idiots they might be fighting over a goblin."
"No, it's possible it's the {Slaughterers} as well."
"Che..It would be good if they don't get in the way though.."
Everyone is saying whatever they please. They're standing still looking towards the center of the monster room. If we can hear it from here then that menas the bosses of the monster room should be able to hear it as well. The {Slaughterers} were gathered together at an entrance of the monster room just the same as the main group of {Sun.Ray}. They aren't 20 meters away from the entrance of the room. Also, they shouldn't have smeared paralysis poison on their weapons yet as well.
Since they couldn't know when I was would move, if they smeared the poison on their weapons too early then it would just dry and be more difficult to absorb into the wounds reducing the effect significantly. During the time I came up to here the paralysis poison I put on my throwing needles has dropped in effect considerably as well. It was quite troublesome reapplying it without being seen by everyone else.
The orders "Abort it." "Make it possible." and "Fainted." continue to enter my head.
There's a high chance that the plan is suspended, the details mean that someone was seriously injured to the point of being unable to continue fighting.
In a matter of moments I organize the situation in my head.
It's pretty much settled that the {Slaughterers} were ambushed by some monsters while on standby. Since they have people who can use {Detect.Life} it's unlikely they overlooked an ogre approaching from somewhere. This is, that. The revival or replenishment of monsters. The whirlpool of fog-like stuff occurred and some monsters were born there. I don't know the terrain is like over there but since there's a lot of vegetation in the monster room in front of me the field of sight should be pretty bad. If they were in one of the wasteland like areas with rocks all over the place then there's plenty of light so if they even just a bit of distance away it would be difficult to notice the fog and light.
Most likely, several ogres revived at the same time nearby and they were ambushed. Working under that a.s.sumption someone suffered a serious injury as well. Whether it's just Zenom or there's even more is unknown. They should be reasonably low on MP as well, this is bad...
Adding to that, it's possible the bosses of the room could have noticed. Though I can't be sure of that much. Toris and Bel's idea is already suspended from the point this order came from Miduchi. It doesn't matter whether {Sun.Ray} ends up getting wiped out or whatever happens but the moment the {Slaughterers} ended up suffering any damage it's already a huge failure. It's hard to proceed in this situation but there's already no choice but to abandon Toris and the others plan and proceed with my own method. However, that was really the worst possible timing I can think of. How should I go about turning this situation around...I was able to organize up to here within one second and made my decision.
"Everyone, I'm very sorry. I'm going ahead. Everyone you should run back as fast you can and get away from the room! You should still plenty be able to make it in time."
Without waiting for a reply I switched over to das.h.i.+ng at my full speed. Those fools, they were told to not separate from me.
Make sure you properly...come along late!
Rokko and the others followed after me in a panic but I steadily pull apart from them.
I quickly accelerated to my top speed.
Toris has stopped moving. Probably Gwine as well.
I felt something snap in my head. Remain calm. It's fine for the heart to burn hot but cool down the consciousness.
The trees flow behind me as if they're flying.
Right now even with my sword in hand and my rubber protectors equipped I'm sure I'm faster than the recent {Usain.Bolt}. Zulu from once upon a time is no longer a match.
"Miduchi!!" Who's voice was that? Ralpha huh?
I can't see anything outside of my field of sight other than straight ahead.
s.h.i.+t..Just now {Party-ization} stopped working! Miduchi was either knocked unconscious or suffered a serious injury to the point where she couldn't even maintain her Unique Ability or..I don't even want to think about it but she died.
I bit into the end of the glove on my left hand and pulled it off. It's not good, stop getting too hot. Aim to remain calm.
I won't be able to use magic anymore.
If I turn around that corner then it should be right in front of my eyes.
Make it in time!
I turn around the corner and jump over the rocks lined up in front of me while firing off consecutive {Stone Javelins} from around two meters high. The MP efficiency will drop a bit but in order to maintain the balance of my body I need to omit pointless movements. From around the brow of my forehead stone spears are launched off one after another. It's fine even if they don't hit.
The {Slaughterers} were fighting with ogres. There's a lot of ogres. One, two, anymore than that is fine as a lot.
There's no time to even being using Identify, I jump over Miduchi who's laying on the ground and after going to the side of Toris who I felt the reaction from last and I quickly stuck my hand into the gaps of his banded-mail while using {Cure All}. I guess he was done in by an ogre but it was good luck the metal ring was crushed. Since he's looking over here and trying to say something it seems he's conscious. When I whispered in a small voice, "leave the rest to me" he relaxed and closed his eyes.
Following that I forcibly stuck my hand below Zenom's armor as he was laying face down and used {Cure All}.
I think that Zenom had just lost consciousness. Since Ralpha was in the way taking off about half of Zenom's armor so I kicked her in the a.s.s to move her out of the way.
""Al-san!""
"A begyu!!"
"Mas-reed-sama!"
I immediately returned back to where Miduchi was and put all my power into it to tear off her leather armor. Her left side was largely and unnaturally dented along with her leather armor. I quickly used {Cure All} two times, three times. Incidentally her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were safe. Her heart wasn't damaged. When I used Identify her condition was Reflex Seizure. Thank goodness.
I quickly stood up and gave orders one after another, "Angela to the left! Basutoral you back her up! Gwine you fall back just like that, Bel back her up! The idiot, get to work already!" while charging at the ogre that Gwine was taking on as she covered for Zulu.
There's already no time to hesitate with using magic. I cut the side of the ogre that was swinging it's club at Gwine as she retreated as I pa.s.sed by it and after circling around I put my left hand to it's wide back while using {Air Blade} consecutively. Since it fell to it's knees I made use of the fact that it could reach and stabbed my long sword in where it's heart should be.
I pull my sword out while ordering Bel once more, "Bel, take care of Zulu!", and charged at the two Angela was taking on.
"Nu~ryaaaa~!!"
With a flash of fighting spirit I cut the back of the knee on the left leg of the ogre on the left and making further use of that momentum went to cut the back of the knee of the right leg of the next ogre as well. However, it's reaction was better than I thought and it avoided it. I suddenly stopped while lowering my upper body and above the top of my helmet I heard the sound of wind being cut as a club pa.s.sed over.
"Ah, Sla..{Slaughterers}!"
"Why are there ogres here!?"
"Is that, Greed-kun?"
It seems the three suckers finally circled around the rocks and arrived.
After raising my upper body I lightly cut the side of the ogre that was swinging it's club and this time it started to swing at my feet so I jumped to evade it. I quickly used the end of my long sword to cut it's throat. Blood spurted out of it's neck like a fountain. The ogre let go of it's club in a panic to try and hold down it's throat when I cut it's stomach in a straight line this time causing it's intestines to spill out.
I quickly looked towards the other ogre who's left leg tendon I had cut and Angela was parrying it's club with her buckler and I watched as Basutoral thrust in with his spear aiming for the gap that created. Gwine followed up by trusting her spear into it's heart with a powerful step in as well. At the same time the {tomahawk} Ralpha thew stabbed into the ogre's face.
It should already be fine. When I looked around there was the corpses of five ogres rolling around. I guess they defeated one? No, two before I came along huh? One of them had it's arms and legs completely cut off. Miduchi probably did it. Gwine is going around finis.h.i.+ng off the ogres that still haven't completely died. Bel raised her face after she finished using heal spells on Zulu and after confirming Toris was alright she walked towards me.
Angela quickly came and knelt in front of me with her head down while saying, "Greed-sama, thank you for the a.s.sistance in such an emergency." Just now, didn't you mistake master and Greed-sama. Don't be making such a satisfied face.
Ralpha who was still in the posture of throwing her axe ran over to Miduchi in a hurry and covered her body with the remnants of the leather armor I tore off. It seems she's checking her pulse at the same time. Well, it's fine. She's properly looking at Miduch after all.
Basutoral looked over the surroundings for just a bit before kneeling beside Angela and lowering his head while saying, "Thank you very much." This guy, has he still not escaped from his slave disposition?
Gwine came to my side at almost the same time as Angela and lowered her head while saying "Al-san, we were saved. Thank you very much."
Soon after Bel arrived as well and offered me her grat.i.tude just the same and after that said, "If we can be useful in some way please order us." She was making an apologetic, pathetic, and slightly afraid expression.
"Hey, you, Koloil-san was it? For you to not have realized an attack from ogres, the {Slaughterers} have fallen to the ground I see."
Kevin put his battle axe back over his shoulder again while saying.
"Stop it. It's not strange for these things to happen. And I don't hate the {Slaughterers}. I even think with this I was able to repay some of my debt to them...And while I say that it was Greed-kun who repaid it though, huh? I didn't do anything at all.."
Jeru said to Kevin.
"Right now isn't the time to be saying something like that right? Greed-kun, what should we do?"
Rokko warned the with a composed voice and put the attention on me. Right, we need to hurry.
"It's possible the boss ogres could have noticed. It wouldn't be strange for Rindobel-san and the others to have come out as well. Though I say that I'm sure they haven't advanced very far. We should take over the ogres from here. The ones who will take over the role as decoy will be me and the members of the {Slaughterers} here that can still move. Everyone else follow a bit behind me. That's fine with everyone from the {Slaughterers} as well right? I won't let you disagree. It's necessary for you to work at least that much."
"Eh? But, is it fine? Things like the cut will be troublesome.."It's fine. I won't recognize them making claim on that. It's even possible they could have ruined our plan after all."
I interrupted Rokko as he started talking and said. It's a considerably forceful reasoning. In the first place, no matter what sort of plan {Sun.Ray} was going to take it's unrelated to the {Slaughterers}. It's not like they tried interfere after combat had already started or steal the prey from the side. It's not strange for there to end up being combat anywhere in the dungeon other than the teleport room in the center of the floor.
However, that shouldn't be amusing for {Sun.Ray}.
"You could say the original cause is that I reflexively ran in and saved them. We'll have them return that debt to us here. Let's have them pay it back to us by working for free. All of the magic stones within the room belong to {Sun.Ray}."
I forcibly declared that and looked at the {Slaughterers}. Even if we were to follow the original plan, the chances of accomplis.h.i.+ng aren't completely zero but they've certainly decreased. Forcing the {Slaughterers} to work for free and increasing the number of people who take on the danger shouldn't be a minus for {Sun.Ray}.
"Bel remain here and look after the injured people. Ralpha, Gwine, Basutoral, Angela, come with us. I'll work you hard."
Bel was looking at me with an expression like an abandoned puppy but quickly seemed to understand.
I'm sure you're not composed right now and above all else it's necessary for you to heal the people who are fallen. Endure it.
"Since we don't have any time let's hurry. I'll advance at the front leading them. Everyone else please follow about 20 meters behind. I'm depending on your backup once the combat starts but there's no need to overdo things. Well then let's go."
After I said that to the three suckers, I turned around and we started following the arc towards the center of the room. From here on out things are improvised. I need to try and do things well. Even if I don't say anything the members of the {Slaughterers} followed with me at the head in the formation {Wedge One}.
Author's Note: TL: note on the time for monsters to resp.a.w.n being longer the higher level the monster. It roughly doubles in seconds, at around level 10 monster it takes 512 seconds, and for {The Gazer} at level 25 it takes 16770000 seconds, or over six months. (Though in the settings {The Gazer} sp.a.w.ns at level 21) <-- that's="" just="" for="" after="" the="" sp.a.w.n="" fog="" starts="" until="" it="" appears.="" the="" time="" between="" when="" the="" fog="" starts="" to="" appear="" is="" 10="" hours="" +="" the="" floor="" level.="" 1st="" floor="10" hours,="" 6="" floor="15" hours,="" etc...="">
