Ten minutes later, the smoke had completely dissipated.
It seemed that luck was on our side, as the next one did not appear.
"Master, it seems that after defeating the 'Boss Wolf,' regular monsters do not appear for a while."
While I was on guard against the smoke, Aila, who had been observing the surroundings, informed me.
"Yeah, I thought it was unusually quiet."
"Here are the drops from the 'Boss Wolf.' What would you like to do with them?"
Aila quickly collected them and showed them all to me.
"Hmm... The effect of 'Command II' is concerning, but if we're going to use it, it should be on those who can maximize its effect, which would be me and Aila. So, I think I'll let Ayane learn it. If the number increases, selling them might not be a bad idea either."
"Then I'll store them for now."
"Thanks. Let's head to the second location, then."
ββββββββ
At the second location, we hunted in the same manner and defeated the 'Boss Wolf.' Incidentally, we were able to defeat exactly 100 regular monsters. It seems that rare monsters are treated as a different category.
γLevel Upγ
γYour level has increased from 30 to 36γ
And indeed, it seems that there is a 'low-level correction,' as the level increase was not significant, and the next rare monster did not appear. Perhaps the probability of the next rare monster appearing depends on the strength of the current rare monster.
The 'Hobgoblin' is level 15.
The 'Golden Bug' is level 18.
The 'Murder Rabbit' is level 20.
The 'Boss Wolf' is level 23.
Even the 'Hobgoblin' has a less than 50% chance of appearing. The 'Boss Wolf' might have an even lower chance. Speaking of which, since the gacha update, no items have appeared. Even URs have only appeared four times, so it seems to be quite rare. Perhaps this will change as 'Luck' increases?
We then moved on to the third location, a hilly area. This place is close to the third layer, where there are usually no people, but today was different. Fortunately, the crater area has a high density of monsters, so adventurers tend to stay away, which is a relief.
"Aila, there seem to be about six people near the entrance to the third layer. Will it affect us?"
"Master, your concern is whether the 'Command' effect from the 'Boss Wolf's' roar will reach outside the crater? Unfortunately, I don't have that information. It could be that only the summoned Hill Wolves are affected, or it could be that everything within earshot is affected. As a precaution, let's observe the skill levels of those adventurers. Even a 10% boost could be critical in a close battle."
"Indeed, that makes sense."
The boundary between the hilly area and the plain is where we decided to go to observe the group. We were able to see all six of them. They seemed to be a single team.
They had just started engaging three Hill Wolves.
"Tank, take the two in front!"
"Got it!"
"Sub-tank, take the one in the back with the attackers!"
The team consisted of two heavy warriors with large steel shields, two swordsmen, one commander with a staff, and a woman with a bow. A ranged weapon... It's a weapon that is difficult to handle unless you specialize in 'Dexterity,' but it can be adapted from competitive skills, and it's popular among women because they don't have to fight on the front lines.
Still...
"Do teams always communicate like that?"
"No, that's probably a hastily formed team. Experienced teams minimize communication and call out by name, not role. They're likely doing it this way to ensure everyone understands."
"I see. How do you think they are, Aila?"
"They seem to be quite skilled. They're probably here to get 'Swift Foot' or to practice for battles in the third layer and beyond."
Come to think of it, there were six indicators when we descended to the second layer. They might have been hunting here all along.
"I see."
Teams can be fixed or formed on the fly, so such processes are necessary. Thinking about it, Ayane and Aila hardly needed such things. They read my intentions and acted accordingly, even when we first formed our team. The fact that I, a team novice, can do well without struggling is a testament to their excellence.
"Well, if there's no problem, let's go, Aila."
"Understood."
We turned our backs on them and resumed hunting Hill Wolves, unaware that they were watching us with a glare.
ββββββββ
It happened during the battle with the 'Boss Wolf.'
"Take this!"
"Roar!"
I dodged the 'Boss Wolf's' attack and countered by slashing its throat. Without 'Super Strength II,' it seems difficult to instantly kill it, and the 'Boss Wolf' rolled away to put some distance between us. However, its 'Toughness' alone is enough to bring it to near death. From here, it should be easy to finish it off.
Just as I was about to step forward to end this routine hunt, something passed by my side.
"Roar!"
"...What?"
I saw that a single arrow had pierced the 'Boss Wolf's' forehead. The 'Boss Wolf' collapsed, and smoke billowed from its body.
γLevel Upγ
γYour level has increased from 36 to 39γ
I leveled up. So, it died from that attack? I was still in shock when a loud voice came from behind.
"Hehe, my level went up a lot. Lucky!"
"Hey, that's not fair! I should have attacked too!"
"...What?"
Turning around, I saw four people from the earlier team standing at the edge of the crater. Among them, the woman with the bow was looking down at us with a triumphant smile.
To all readers,
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