Chapter 59 In the deepest part
{TL: By Creed}
The deepest part of the dungeon was divided into three sections.
One was the living space for the thieves.
This was the largest, occupying seventy percent of the dungeon.
Twenty percent was the treasure vault.
And the remaining ten percent was the prison.
Unfortunately, someone was said to be captured in the prison.
They might be used as a hostage if things went badly.
There were about twenty thieves in the living space.
Among them, the boss of the thieves, who was probably a monster tamer, was eating a more luxurious meal than the other members.
In addition, there were ten Cerberuses.
Five Water Tigers.
A variant of Fenrir... a Sword Wolf.
Perhaps because it was the deepest part, the defense was indeed strong.
By the way, as for how such information was known...
"So, that's the information."
Thanks to Licorice.
It seems the fairy had some resistance to being tamed, and the brainwashing had been released a little while ago.
After showing a confident attitude, Licorice was apparently embarrassed when the brainwashing was easily done to her instead.
Taking the initiative to volunteer for reconnaissance, she secretly gathered information... and now here they were.
"See? See? I'm useful, right? I worked hard, didn't I? So, please stop punishing meeeee..."
Licorice cried and clung to Sofia.
After the brainwashing was released, Sofia whispered something to her, but what exactly she said was unclear.
"It's okay. There's no way we'd punish Licorice."
"R-really...?"
"Yes."
With a smile,
"...Unless she messes up again."
"Eep!?"
She could be terrifying and Spartan at times.
She's very kind to me most of the time, but she gets strict when we're practicing swordsmanship.
But I think that's Sofia's way of expressing affection.
If it were someone she didn't care about, she wouldn't say anything.
Opposite of love is indifference, they say.
"So, how should we attack?"
"We've managed to thin their numbers quite a bit on the way here... It's unexpected that there are still so many forces left. It'll be a bit troublesome if it turns into a melee."
"I think Sofia will be fine, but I might be in danger."
"I think Fate will be fine too, but... yes, I see your point. I'm starting to worry a bit."
"More importantly, I'm worried about the people who are captured. They might get involved or be used as hostages. We absolutely have to make sure to rescue them. Sofia, could you take care of the prison?"
"I don't mind... but if that's the case, Fate will have to face those enemies alone, won't he? I'll be able to assist to some extent, but maybe only about twenty percent."
"Is it really dangerous?"
"Of course. Normally, I'd prefer you not to do something like this..."
"Ugh... Sorry. I understand that you're worried, Sofia, and I appreciate it, but right now, we have to prioritize the people who are captured."
Sofia sighed in a troubled manner.
But it didn't seem like she was exasperated or anything like that.
If anything, she seemed happy.
As evidence of that, there was a small smile on her lips.
"If possible, I'd like Fate to prioritize himself... However, being able to do your best for someone else is also a virtue of Fate. Without that, you wouldn't be Fate. I've also been helped by that straightforwardness of Fate."
"Huh?"
Did I help Sofia?
Hmm?
Did something like that happen... I'm trying to remember, but I don't recall.
Am I just forgetting, or is it a misunderstanding on Sofia's part?
"Licorice, please support Fate."
"Leave it to me! I'll clear my name!"
"That's not quite the right way to say it, is it...?"
I become somewhat unsure whether I can rely on her support.
But then again, maybe that's just Licorice's way.
"Well then..."
I vocalized the impromptu plan I had in mind...
After Sofia and Licorice agreed, we began our preparations.
We finished our tasks in about five minutes and started the countdown.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
Zero!
Simultaneously screaming in my mind, Sofia and I leaped out from our hiding spots.
"W-who are these guys!?"
"Are they the intruders reported!?"
"Damn it, how did they get this far... Hey, you bastards! Crush them!"
As the enemies reacted, the thieves immediately took a defensive stance upon the boss's command.
With swift movements, they seemed largely undisturbed.
Their proficiency was so high that it felt like a waste for them to be mere thieves.
"Get out of the way!"
"Guah!?"
"Aaargh!?"
Sofia knocked down several people with a single swing of her sword.
It could be called impressive; even in this situation, she managed to temper her strikes, slamming the flat side of her blade instead of cutting.
I couldn't possibly pull off such a feat.
"I need to do my best too!"
"Fate, two from the right! Then one diagonally to your left and two monsters!"
"Got it!"
Thanks to Licorice's navigation, I could anticipate the enemies' movements.
The strategy I devised was incredibly simple.
By turning the narrow space into a battlefield, we could limit the number of opponents we faced at once.
Though I didn't quite feel it...
Sofia called me strong.
So, I want to believe in her words.
If surrounded by a large number of enemies, I doubt I'd be able to do much...
But if it's three or four people, I think I can manage somehow.
That's why I deliberately chose a confined space.
And as a result...
"Darn it, this guy's so sneaky... Take this!"
"You idiot!? You almost hit me!"
"Gyaaah...!? Watch where you're pushing!"
As chaos ensued, the enemies began attacking each other.
It's only natural when fighting in such a narrow space.
Those who couldn't anticipate this might be rather dim-witted.
Amidst the enemy's confusion, I steadily took down each one.
"You useless idiots!"
With a face twisted in anger, the boss approached.
He was accompanied by three Cerberuses and a Sword Wolf.
"I don't know who you are, but you've picked a fight with me. I'll make you regret it!"
"In that case, Before that I'll make you... regret for ever being a thief!"
TL Note: Now let the regret game begin.
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