Simply from what I heard, the level is doubled, and all stats are 1.5 times higher. Moreover, there is an unknown skill called "Limit Break" added. Other than that, it seems the magic stone has just become larger again.
However, while it has grown, I have also become quite strong.
Aki also expressed concern, but I told her it would be fine.
Well, it is a level of strength that shouldn't appear in the first floor, so it's natural to be worried. Besides, when I told her my stats before, even with my skills, I wasn't strong enough to defeat such a monster. That's probably why she was worried.
I should tell them my current stats again.
According to Aki, in this incident, there is a record of five rare monsters being hunted in one day, which apparently also exists in other dungeons. However, it's not the case that they were all defeated at all spawn points or by the same person.
I thought there might be a hint about the appearance of the enhanced form in this.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
"Yes, Mr. Amachi. We've been waiting for you~"
"......You really do look the same, don't you?"
Despite the overwhelming presence...
"That's right~. That's why I didn't 'Appraise' it immediately when it appeared~. However, when I heard that everyone was gathering, I had a really bad feeling~"
"......I see. You had good 'Luck', didn't you?"
"......? Maybe so~?"
I secretly 'Appraised' her and realized that although her level is low, she has a 'Luck' of 30.
Perhaps, in her work as a receptionist and investigator, she allocated it with the hope that something good would happen. It's unclear if her 'intuition' this time was due to her 'Luck', but I want to believe it was.
Just to be safe, I decided to use 'Appraise' myself.
Is it because of 'Appraise Lv5', or the presence or absence of 'Luck', or because I'm the one who spawned it...?
Ah, really. We're still on the first floor. The dungeon really has a lot of mysteries and unknowns. It's really exciting...!
*****
Name: Shota Tenchi
Age: 21
Level: 19
Strength: 343 (+321)
Dexterity: 272 (+250)
Toughness: 349 (+327)
Agility: 333 (+311)
Magic: 284 (+264)
Intelligence: 249 (+229)
Luck: 678
Skills: Level Lottery, Appraise Lv5, Appraise Interference Lv5, Automatic Mapping (1/3), Hawk's Eye, Adamantine Exterior II, Body Ultra Enhancement Lv1, Herculean Strength II, Adamantine Force II, Swift II, Adamantine Wall II, Precognition (1/3), Dual Wielding, Swordsmanship Lv1, Throwing Lv3, Elemental Magic Lv1, Magic Recovery Lv2, Magic Transfer, Skill Compression
*****
As for the stats, my 'Strength' and 'Toughness' are similar to his. I have a significant advantage in other stats, and my skills are also superior, and I have multiple combat styles. While 'Limit Break' is unknown, I won't lose as long as I don't get careless.
"Preparations are complete. Class C, evacuate."
"......No, we'll stay. We want to see the strength of this enhanced rare monster firsthand. Besides, we want to help if something happens."
"......Do as you please. But since you have shotguns, at least keep your shields up."
"I'm scared, so I'll take pictures from a distance~"
While the investigators hurriedly moved away, I stepped forward to the "Golden Bug."
I tried to intimidate it, but even now that it's enhanced, it seems non-aggressive. It doesn't even look at me. It still seems to be using 'Adamantine Exterior.'
I don't feel like I'll lose. ...However, the ominous aura it emits is similar to that of a regular 'Golden Bug' using a skill.
Probably, the increased stats and level have enhanced its presence. It's unclear what will happen once it uses its skills.
"Phew..."
So far, I've only defeated 'Golden Bugs' that haven't used their enhancement skills or whose effects have worn off. I told Aki not to worry, but as I continue to face it, a sense of unease gradually creeps in. ...It's going to be a tough fight, but I can't lose my spirit.
I activate the transceiver.
"Aki"
"Hmm, what is it?"
"Cheer me on."
"Huh? Well, I guess I can't help it~. ...Ahem. Shota-kun, do your best!"
"......Alright, I'm motivated. Let's start."
"Good luck~"
I use the same strategy as with the second and subsequent ones, starting with a stone throw to strip the effect.
*Bang!*
*Swish? Swishh!!*
"Ugh!?"
Just as I was about to jump in after the stone throw, the pressure from it suddenly intensified.
This tingling sensation on my skin, it must have used a skill!
*Swishh!!*
I decided to hold off on attacking and continue to be cautious. The way this presence is swelling, it's not just a simple stat boost. Could this be 'Limit Break'?
The distance between it and me is five meters. Despite this, it swung its arm back widely.
"What are you planning?"
*Bang Bang Bang!!!*
"......!"
I saw the stats. I saw the skills. I wasn't careless. But I didn't expect this kind of development.
First, its attack hit the ground, causing an explosion.
This resulted in rocks of various sizes flying around, covering my vision like a rock storm. There was no gap to avoid the attack, so I raised my sword as a shield and activated 'Adamantine Exterior II'.
This skill, now at 'II', has been enhanced. Its effect has changed from 'First Hit Nullification' to 'Nullification for 2 seconds from the First Hit'.
The magic consumption is probably high, but intuitively, I can use it two more times. It was a good idea to test it on the fourth one from Class D just in case.
Fortunately, the rock barrage didn't last for 2 seconds, and my vision quickly cleared.
"It looks like a blast site."
The square, exposed to violence, was in a terrible state. This is the attack of a high-stat monster... For adventurers who delve deep, this might be a common sight. But for me, who has only reached the second floor, it's a new experience.
The excitement of a new experience won't stop.
It's a strong enemy, but it doesn't give off the same sense of impending death as the 'Murder Rabbit'.
I will win this fight!!
"First, the same attack method... Fireball!"
I fire one to gauge its reaction.
The burn mark is lighter than usual, but it's definitely there.
"Swish..."
"It's a bit weak, but it seems to be effective. I'll add ten more!"
*Boom*
"Swishh..."
"It's effective... But if I do too much, I might use up my magic for 'Adamantine Exterior'. "
The bad feeling doesn't go away, but since I lack a decisive move, I have no choice but to attack in close combat. If I keep my distance, the shotguns will come again.
"Swift II! Roar!!"
*Bang!*
*Swishh!*
"Try this!"
The normal attack is also weak, and it feels more like damage from a blunt hit rather than a slash.
Is this because the opponent's 'Toughness' is higher than my weapon and 'Strength'? However, I can avoid the opponent's attacks, and the large explosive attacks won't reach me if I hide behind it. I'll keep attacking while disrupting it with my speed until the skill effect wears off!
*Bang, Clang!*
*Swishh!*
"Over here, fool!"
*Swishh!*
"Too slow!"
*Clang, Swoosh!*
"Huh?"
After a few attacks, it seems one of my attacks managed to tear the golden skin.
The effects of 'Limit Break' and 'Adamantine Wall' are still ongoing, but I'll keep attacking to expand this wound.
"Roar, roar, roar!"
*Swish, Swishh...!*
With repeated attacks, the wound grew larger, becoming big enough for my sword to cut into.
"Using Herculean Strength II and Adamantine Force II. This is the finishing blow!!"
*Slash!!*
The sword was sucked into the wound, and a large amount of liquid spurted out from the Golden Bug's wound. For a moment, the Golden Bug remained frozen in place, then it collapsed with a thud.
Even with 'Adamantine Wall', it seems I can win with the right approach.
The Golden Bug turned into smoke, which immediately dissipated.
[You have obtained the Golden Bug Trophy]
To all readers,
If you found this work interesting and are curious about the next part,
registering a bookmark or rating it with â â â â â would be a great encouragement.