Still, although it was a formidable opponent, we managed to defeat it rather easily. This must be the power of teamwork... Not bad at all. If I had to do this solo, I might have been running around for 10 or 20 minutes. Even with openings, the 'Magnetite' is still something my sword can't pierce.
Ayane's magic was incredibly powerful, and Aila's dagger had a terrifying piercing power. I didn't expect it to pierce through 'Magnetite' so effortlessly...
I know she's highly skilled, but just how exceptional is that dagger?
"Master! We did it!"
"Yeah, good work, Ayane. Thanks for the support, Aila."
"It was only natural."
First, let's pick up the fourth 'Super Strength II' of the day. I'll take it back for now.
Let's take a closer look at where it died.
The enhanced 'Hobgoblin' turned into smoke the moment it died. This means that once it becomes an enhanced form, it won't appear again. In other words, it might be impossible to spawn the enhanced form of the 'General Goblin.' Or perhaps, after being able to spawn the second form of a rare monster, if we defeat all four locations and then respawn the first form's enhanced version, the second form will also become an enhanced version...?
It's intriguing, but my stamina won't hold up. Even the enhanced 'Hobgoblin' is a tough opponent solo. I shouldn't rush into it.
First, it's time for the usual gacha.
'Jara, jara, jara, jara!'
The results were 2 purple, 5 red, and 3 blue.
'R Strength +12'
'R Dexterity +12'
'R Toughness +12'
'SR Dexterity +25'
'SR Magic +25'
'SR Magic +28'
'SR Strength +16, Dexterity +16'
'SR Magic +16, Intelligence +16'
'SSR Agility +80'
'SSR Skill: Swordsmanship Lv1'
****
Name: Shota Tenchi
Age: 21
Level: 6
Strength: 515 (+420) (+86)
Dexterity: 522 (+426) (+87)
Toughness: 521 (+425) (+87)
Agility: 604 (+494) (+101)
Magic: 528 (+433) (+88)
Intelligence: 500 (+409) (+84)
Luck: 1052
Skills: Level Gacha, Appraisal Lv6, Appraisal Interference Lv6, Automatic Mapping (2/3), Eagle Eye, Adamantine Exterior II, Super Body Enhancement Lv1, Super Strength III, Adamantine Strength II, Swift II, Adamantine Wall II, Leadership, Foresight (2/3), Dual Wield, Martial Arts Lv2, Swordsmanship Lv3, Assassination Lv1, Throwing Lv4, Elemental Magic Lv1, Magic Recovery Lv2, Magic Transfer, Skill Compression
Martial Skills: Crimson Blade
Trophies: Hobgoblin, Golden Bug
****
'Box remaining: 70/120'
I managed to level up 40 times today. 40 x 4 = 160 levels. Normally, that would make me as strong as Aila, but with my growth rate, it's just a drop in the bucket.
Thanks to 'Leadership,' all my stats are over 500, and my 'Luck' is over 1000. I guess I'm finally at an intermediate level.
The 'Magnetite' from the drop... as expected, it's a greave.
I'll try equipping it...
"This is practically useless in front of Aila, isn't it?"
My trust in its hardness is wavering.
"Please don't worry. I won't use it against you."
"Yeah, I know... but..."
"Master, Aila's weapon is an 'Artifact' from a high-level dungeon. 'Magnetite' is at best a mid-level dungeon material. So there's no need to worry."
'Artifact'... I remember, it's a term for weapons with special abilities that can't be replicated.
I want one someday, but I doubt I can get one for just a few million.
"...Right. Worrying too much isn't good."
I pet Ayane's head. It feels like petting a puppy...
Yeah, she's important to me now. Not just because fate has decided it, but I can't imagine her with anyone else. I'll keep protecting her.
"Alright, today's hunt is over. But I want to fill in the map a bit more, so please stay with me a little longer."
"Yes, sir!"
"I'll stay with you."
I checked the map for the remaining two types of monsters and filled in the central area that was blank.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
After completing the map of the second floor, I walked back to the guild from the first floor.
My mind was preoccupied with the remaining two spawn points.
The hill where the wolves are and the rocky area where the golems are.
Golems are very tough without magic, and there were no people or golems in sight. They must be camouflaged as rocks.
But the problem is the wolf-type monsters.
I avoided the hills until now, so I didn't know their true nature. Two out of the four locations had multiple teams, and the other two were far from the first floor, so no one was there. But how should I handle rare monster hunting there? I can't claim priority, and if they don't listen, it might end in death.
Even if I hunt the enhanced forms in empty areas, I need to clear all the spawn points to respawn them. Hmm, it's a tricky situation.
On the other hand, golems seem easy to spawn. ...But 100 golems? I haven't fought them before, but that sounds tough.
****
Name: Hills Wolf
Level: 11
Strength: 70
Dexterity: 100
Toughness: 50
Agility: 100
Magic: 50
Intelligence: 50
Luck: None
Equipment: None
Skills: Swift
Drops: Hills Wolf Fang, Hills Wolf Fur
Magic Stone: Small
****
The wolves' strength is about this level, but they seem to travel in packs. I'll probably have to fight multiple at once. For safety, should I teach Ayane 'Adamantine Exterior'?
"Master, we've arrived."
"Huh? Oh, we're here already?"
"Hehe, do you have plans for tomorrow?"
"I'm still thinking about it."
"I see. ...Can I come with you tomorrow?"
"Sure, I'd like that. Ayane, can you help me?"
"Yes, sir!"
I pet Ayane, who clung to me.
"Shota...?"
There, Makoto appeared with a dark smile.
"Ah, Makoto. I'm back."
"...Welcome back."
Makoto, who was a bit pouting, looked so cute that I wanted to hug her...
"Hey, isn't he a slime hunter?"
"There's a woman with him, Makoto-san!"
"I can't forgive this..."
"If you make her cry, I'll take care of you."
"..."
I'll hold off for now. There are too many spectators.
I held Makoto's hand and headed to the usual meeting room.
It seems I earned some jealousy, and I heard a scream from behind, but I ignored it.
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