“Maybe using items and MP on a Rank 2 monster was a waste?”
I had 68 MP left. While the tank wasn’t empty, I didn’t know where it would leave me if I squandered the rest.
I doubled back and proceeded down a corridor I had yet to explore. As I walked, I rechecked the info I had about what had been occupying my attention before that little interruption: leveling up. I tried various things through trial and error, but I couldn’t manage it and remained at Level 1. It appeared I had to fulfill some kind of special condition first. Imagine my sheer irritation, considering experience points were the only thing I had an abundance of.
Then, I thought back on the battle I’d fought moments earlier. A surprise attack from a monster that was hard to visually keep track of. If it had been higher than just Rank 2, it could very well have been curtains for me.
It’s better to experiment with my menu-sight only after securing my safety, I thought. If I get taken by surprise because I stopped heeding my surroundings, it’ll do more harm than good.
That was what was running through my head when I heard noises from afar. A giant insect was lying in wait in the direction I was walking. It was the first monster I’d encountered since arriving here. The giant insect was characterized by its strange twin protuberances.
【MONSTER】 Mandibeetle：RANK 3
Judging by its name, I could guess what its method of attack might be, but it seemed better not to make any moves based on preconceived notions. I adopted a semi-crouching stance so as to be able to respond no matter what unfolded.
The Mandibeetle had spotted me too. Bit by bit, it cautiously closed the distance. I knew it was Rank 3, but I didn’t know how dangerous that made it. Upon drawing close enough, the Mandibeetle suddenly charged, but it was leagues slower than the giant wolf from before. I swung my sword when it flew by me.
“Hyah!”
The sound of metal against metal reverberated, and my sword was repelled. I had perhaps struck the wrong part of it, but I still wouldn’t have expected such a heavy blade to be deflected. I’d even tried being cool about it by going “Hyah!” but I was in over my head in more ways than one.
The monster’s movements, however, didn’t pose much of a problem. It was slower than the wolf, slower even than the Darkling Fly. In order to execute a plan I had thought about in the back of my mind, I pulled a tool out of my inventory.
All the Mandibeetle did was continue charging at me. I continued to dodge well in advance of it hitting me. The first time I’d moved out of its way, I had doused it in oil, and the second time, I’d used my lighter to set it on fire. I had thought it’d take a bunch of tries to ignite it, but I was lucky in that it only took one. The Mandibeetle promptly turned into a fireball, and it began writhing in agony.
“Damn...”
It was a gruesome spectacle. The blazing heat caused the monster’s joints to pop out, and its limbs disconnected. It was immobilized immediately, so I poked it with my sword in various places. After a few such stabbings, the Mandibeetle vanished in a burst of light, and a black gem plopped onto the floor. Through my menu-sight, I saw it was labeled a Blackbug Gem. It looked a tad different to me compared to the other magic gems up until that point. I put it in the palm of my hand and used Analyze to study it thoroughly.
【BLACKBUG GEM】
Unlike standard magic gems, it’s composed of magical energy of the bug element. All bug monsters can drop these.
It... It gave me the item description... It seemed almost too handy. Soon, I was examining all the things I didn’t know the details of. First, the items I could equip. It appeared as though items with longer names, on average, such as the Elven Cloak and Blade of Oria, sported special boons. The Elven Cloak warded off damage from the heat and cold, while it looked as though the Blade of Oria exhibited its real value when facing opponents of a higher rank than the wielder. They appeared to be magic items.
Even more conscientiously, the description went so far as to list their attack and defense power. I didn’t know how much impact those numbers would bring to bear, but reviewing those kinds of details seemed important.
I then took a look at the magic that I was wondering about the most.
【DIMENSION】
MP consumed: 1
The most basic dimensional spell, or spacespell. In accordance with the caster’s caliber, it allows the caster to ascertain the space surrounding them.
Evidently, it was a simple support spell. It would’ve been awesome if it had been a portal spell I could use to return to my homeworld, but it was nothing that convenient. At any rate, I elected to test it out and see what it entailed.
“Spacespell: Dimension,” I said.
The moment I spoke the name of the spell, my five senses grew keener, and what one might call a sixth sense expanded to encompass the vicinity. I was now able to clearly perceive everything in a ten-meter radius. Surprisingly, I was even able to pick up info about the blind spot around the corner.
“Wow...this is great.” My menu-sight had granted me an array of advantages, but even so, I instantly understood how incredible this dimensional magic was as well. The power to detect enemies was the most helpful of all. I felt it in my gut—the danger to my life had sunk considerably.
As I gauged the duration of Dimension’s effect, I made full use of this weirdly amazing detection field to proceed down the path while evading monster encounters. I walked while picking up the occasional found item and experimenting at times with fresh new systems. There were no surprises while I had Dimension active, since I couldn’t fail to notice any monsters within its range of effect. I made my way through the Dungeon at many times my previous speed. My expression grew cheerier, my stride lighter.
Dimension was a spell of immense power. But that very fact had the potential to make me let my guard down. I had allowed my obtaining an overwhelmingly expedient spell to buoy my spirits too much, and I was overly confident I was carrying out the best possible course of action, having thought this gamey dungeon through.
It took around thirty minutes of walking for my situation to sour.