Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 143

 A few days have passed since I learned various things from the letter from Ruban.

Not much has changed in what I have to do.

I'm not in a position to move people...

If I were to say something, it would be to try not to push myself too hard during dungeon exploration.

From what I've heard, I seem to be treated like the last line of defense, and I think my role is to be by their side when there's an attack.

Well, even though I've come all this way to the dungeon, let's hold off on encountering any ogres today.

While newcomers are hunting in the shallows, fortunately, adventurers from elsewhere who were hunting on the upper levels as part of their training have started moving recently, so there's quite a bit of room in the hunting grounds.

I'll also aim for the orcs on the upper level.

Ah, what a shame.

With a sense of bravado in my heart, I swiftly passed through the shallows and advanced to the upper level.

"Hah!"

Activating various things, preparations complete!

Although the monsters that appear on the upper level are different, it's similar to the shallows of the capital city dungeon, with wide spaces separated by walls and becoming like a maze.

Furthermore, obstacles are scattered around, visibility is poor, and before you know it, you might be surrounded by several groups, but that's not a concern for me.

So, first up is the kobold behind that big rock!

◇

When I first ventured into the upper level, there were still many people, so I couldn't hunt much on this floor, and I didn't know how strong it was... Seems pretty relaxed now.

Of course, there are points to be careful about.

In terms of numbers, I experienced it during the demon's time, but they were all quadrupeds.

On the other hand, all the demon species walk on two legs.

I still can't afford to be careless when they come at me with their arms.

I can't afford to be careless, but... I should be fine around here.

As I approached the depths of the upper level, the monsters that appeared were mainly orcs, but I just finished off that group now.

There were four groups, and while the numbers were different, they were much weaker compared to ogres.

Should I look for another spot to take down a few more?

As I was pondering this, I faintly heard a scream.

It might have been the echo of a monster's roar, but...

I couldn't locate the source of the sound, but there were monsters in several places, but within sight, none seemed to be making such noises...

"Oh."

At the very edge of my field of vision, someone seemed to have uttered a cry...

I could see two adventurers who didn't seem very strong and a few orcs in terms of size.

This... seems like I should go check it out, right?

◇

"We're almost there!"

I turn around and relay to the party running right behind me.

"Yeah!"

On the way to the rescue, I found a five-person party hunting, so I called out to them and led the way.

Exploring dungeons, it's best not to have casualties, but sometimes it happens. To avoid an increase in demon spawns and maintenance costs, we organize retrieval teams for bodies, but if possible, we must retrieve the bodies on the spot. That's our top priority.

If it's orcs or kobolds, I can handle them alone, but unfortunately, I can't carry bodies. I apologize for interrupting your hunt, but I appreciate your cooperation.

"Whoa?!"

There was a dull sound, like something being struck. Combat noises.

"You heard that, right?"

It seems I'm not the only one. Even though it's through the walls, I can tell it's very close.

"I'll go ahead."

Without waiting for a response, I accelerated swiftly.

The distance between us widened, but at this point, they should be able to find their way without me.

I vaulted over one wall, then another, finally catching sight of them directly.

Five orcs had cornered their prey against the wall; one was still standing, but another lay on the ground, and the third leaned against the wall, wounded.

This looks impossible.

The orcs were focused on their prey in front of them and hadn't noticed my approach.

It might be wise to call out, but this was too good an opportunity for a surprise attack.

"Take this!"

I accelerated my Floating Orbs even more and delivered a kick to the head of the orc closest to me.

"What?!"

Ignoring the one thrown off balance, I sliced through the neck of the second one and circled around behind the group.

Since I wasn't alone this time, I prioritized speed over precision, bypassing the leader and going for the third orc's midsection.

I kicked again, aiming for its back.

Targeting the head would be ideal, but since they were already aware of my presence, I aimed for the larger target to minimize the risk of being dodged.

I hesitated for a moment about what to do with the fourth orc, but then noticed Akame was out from my sleeve. I extended my arm towards the orc I had thrown off balance and swiftly severed the neck of the one already stumbling in front of me.

The fifth orc, the one furthest back, had turned completely towards me, so I made sure to keep my distance just in case.

The first orc was also getting up and facing me, but it seemed the blow to the head had taken its toll; it was still unsteady on its feet.

Effectively, there was only one left.

Easy victory.