I continued my efforts the next day. The extreme improvements to my stats made defeating the high ogre easier each time.
“Gained XP: Level increased by 423!”
“Dungeon takedown reward: Level increased by 100!”
“Extra boss takedown reward: Level increased by 200!”
As I entered battle with the high ogre yet again, Claire’s words from the other day surfaced in the back of my mind. Two things she said stuck out to me. The first was what she said after I gave my reason for becoming an adventurer.
“Yui-san and Rei-san have told me quite a bit about you. They say they’re grateful for the help you’ve provided them, and the same goes for Yagami-san’s party. Your goal is well on its way to being realized,” she’d said.
“…You think so?” I’d replied.
“No, I know it. And once you do realize it, I hope you’ll be…”
That’s where she cut herself off. What was she about to say? What did she hope would happen once I became strong enough to protect the people I loved?
“Gained XP: Level increased by 253!”
“Dungeon takedown reward: Level increased by 100!”
“Extra boss takedown reward: Level increased by 200!”
The second thing she said made me even more curious. When I asked her what her reason was, her response was peculiar.
“I’m here to protect everything. That is my duty.”
She didn’t call it her goal or her dream: Claire called it her duty. I didn’t know why. My only theory was that she might feel an obligation to protect people who didn’t have that power, something conventional like that. I felt that way.
“Gained XP: Level increased by 87!”
“Dungeon takedown reward: Level increased by 100!”
“Extra boss takedown reward: Level increased by 200!”
I still had no idea why she sought power or why she possessed the power she did. Could I find out if I reached S-rank?
Until I met Claire, all I strived for was power. I couldn’t say why I was suddenly thinking so deeply about someone else, but she occupied so many of my thoughts, nonetheless. I had a hunch about one thing: I wouldn’t figure out why she lived rent free in my head unless I caught up to her.
So, I leveled up.
“Gained XP: Level increased by 13!”
“Dungeon takedown reward: Level increased by 100!”
“Extra boss takedown reward: Level increased by 200!”
Six days of solo takedowns. Fourteen total runs ending in battles with the extra boss. Once more, the high ogre stood before me and raised its greatsword high.
Nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. I raised Nameless in the same way as my opponent, prepared to take its hit head-on.
We both roared like beasts and swung our swords with flashes of metallic light. The match was decided instantaneously—the sharpened blades clanged together and the greatsword snapped, unable to endure the pressure from my own. The broken blade helicoptered across the room. With so much force behind it, Nameless plunged forward and slashed into the high ogre’s torso, splitting its magic stone.
“Gained XP: Level increased by 8!”
“Dungeon takedown reward: Level increased by 100!”
“Extra boss takedown reward: Level increased by 200!”
The system didn’t stop its dry speech.
“You have reached this dungeon’s maximum number of allotted victories.”
“Bonus Reward: Level increased by 500!”
“You will no longer receive rewards for defeating this dungeon.”
“That’s the end of my time here, then,” I said slowly.
Onizuka Dungeon…was finished.
Amane Rin
Level: 39,830 SP: 34,710
Titles: Dungeon Traveler (10/10), Nameless Swordsman, Endbringer (ERROR), Wiser Wise Man
HP: 312,660/312,660 MP: 85,640/85,640
Attack: 73,770 Defense: 62,450 Speed: 77,720
Intelligence: 61,520 Resistance: 61,810 Luck: 61,030
Skills: Dungeon Teleportation LV 29, Enhanced Strength LV MAX, Herculean Strength LV MAX, Superhuman Strength LV MAX, Endurance LV MAX, Adamantine LV MAX, High-speed Movement LV MAX, Gale Wind LV MAX, Enhanced Spirit LV MAX, Tenacity LV MAX, Revitalize LV 1, Purification Magic LV 1, Mana Boost LV MAX, Mana Recovery LV 2, Enemy Detection LV 4, Evasion LV 4, Status Condition Resistance LV 4, Appraisal, Item Box LV 8, Conceal LV 1, Battle Barrier LV 5, Plunderer LV 1
Dungeon Teleportation LV 29
Required MP: 1 MP × Distance (meters)
Conditions: Teleportation can occur in all dungeons.
Teleportation Distance: Maximum 1,000 meters.
Activation Time: 0.2 seconds × distance (meters)
Scope: User and user’s belongings.
Sub-skill: Time Zero
Paying 100 MP allows the user to teleport instantly within a 20-meter radius.
Dungeon Teleportation LV 29 → LV 30 (SP needed: 50,000)