We began our conquest of the tower and entered the second day.
Originally, we expected it would take more than three days to clear…
But thanks to Horn-san joining us, we progressed smoothly and reached the top floor.
The top floor was quite difficult...
Lots of monsters, lots of traps.
Although we struggled with the challenges, we still managed to reach the deepest part.
“…That must be the boss of this tower.”
Peeking around the corner of the hallway, Sofia observed the scene.
In her line of sight was a monster made of human bones — a giant skeleton.
About three meters tall, I think?
It had four arms, each gripping a blood-soaked sword.
It must have defeated many adventurers with those weapons.
“That’s a Greater Skeleton. Like a grim reaper, it’s a high-level undead monster.”
“A troublesome opponent, indeed.”
I didn’t know what kind of monster it was…
But just from the tense expressions on their faces, I could tell it was a formidable enemy.
Sofia is a first-class swordswoman, and Horn-san is a top-tier adventurer.
If those two are this wary, it must be incredibly strong.
“Pfft, what’s with that pile of bones? I’ll smash it to bits and turn it into a chew toy for the puppy!”
“You know what happens when you act on your own… fufufu.”
“Eek!?”
As Licorice tried to charge ahead on her own, Sofia gave her a gentle smile.
Licorice flinched and turned pale.
I think this every time…
Does the word “learning” not exist in Licorice’s vocabulary?
“Sofia, what kind of monster is that thing?”
“Let’s see… Although it’s a monster, it’s a master swordsman. Its physical abilities far exceed those of an A-rank adventurer. It might even reach S-rank.”
“That strong…?”
“On top of that, its size. And it has four swords. It’s like fighting four sword masters in the form of a giant — all at once.”
“That’s… pretty overwhelming.”
Just imagining it was enough to weigh me down.
Even so, the mithril we’re after is probably past the passage it’s guarding.
Turning back isn’t an option.
“Well then, what should we do…”
“Hmm…”
Sofia and Horn-san looked troubled as they pondered their strategy.
But…
Is it really something to hesitate over that much?
“I have an idea.”
――――――――――
“Licorice, please.”
“Okay! Licorice-chan’s Miracle Magical Lucky Power — Physical Boost!”
I asked Licorice to use a spell that temporarily enhances physical abilities.
My body felt light as a feather, and a burning strength surged within me.
“Haaah!!!”
I charged straight at the Greater Skeleton.
I gained considerable speed, but even then, I couldn’t land a hit before it noticed me.
The Greater Skeleton detected me and raised two of its four swords.
It wasn’t just me it was wary of — it must have sensed the presence of other enemies too.
For a monster, it had unusually high intelligence. A smart one.
“Guh!”
Two massive swords came down in slightly staggered timing, one after the other.
I dodged the first strike.
The second, I deflected by angling my own sword diagonally.
I thought I pulled it off well — but even so, my hands went numb.
What ridiculous strength.
“Well done!”
Horn-san leapt out from the shadows.
Moving with the speed of the wind, he slashed at the Greater Skeleton.
But it was shallow.
He dealt some damage, but it wasn’t a decisive blow.
“Hmph!”
With a spirited shout, Horn-san blocked the Greater Skeleton’s counterattack.
Incredibly, he caught two of the monster’s massive swords with just one of his own.
Amazing.
To go head-to-head with such a creature and not get overwhelmed — to endure it —
That’s not something an average fighter could manage. His skills and physique must be exceptional.
“Tch.”
Both Horn-san and I shifted to defense, halting our attacks…
But the same was true for the Greater Skeleton.
It was fully engaged with its four swords, leaving its body wide open.
That meant this was the end.
“Divine Dragon Sword Art — Third Form…”
Sofia stepped forward.
“Crimson!!”
With explosive speed, she closed the distance in an instant.
She launched a piercing thrust with all that momentum, driving her blade straight through the Greater Skeleton’s skull.
“GyaaaaAAAAHHHH!?”
The Greater Skeleton let out a scream, dropped its swords, staggered…
And then turned to ash and vanished.
Yes.
This was our victory.
Horn-san and I held it off, and Sofia — with the most firepower — finished it off in one strike.
It was a simple strategy, but it worked perfectly.
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