"Solo Expedition" The day after the enigmatic Monster Festival, many were surprised to find the Loki Familia's Sword Princess at the Hephaes
"Solo Expedition"
The day after the enigmatic Monster Festival, many were surprised to find the Loki Familia's Sword Princess at the Hephaestus Familia's mansion.
Ais had encountered Bell, who had collapsed from exhaustion and was being cared for at the Hostess of Fertility.
Bell hadn't managed to escape and was confronted by Ais, who wanted to know how he'd become so strong so quickly.
She learned it was due to Drake's training.
So she came to the Hephaestus Familia headquarters, hoping to participate in Drake's training as well.
However, she waited a long time without seeing Drake.
Eventually, even Hephaestus appeared.
"Loki Familia's Sword Princess, you're looking for Drake, aren't you? You're out of luck; he went to the Dungeon early this morning."
Ais showed disappointment but quickly realized something.
Why would Drake go to the Dungeon? To earn money?
That didn't seem right; the Loki Familia had given Drake 40% of their expedition's spoils as compensation. He shouldn't need money or materials.
Then Drake's Dungeon trip was either for self-improvement or to achieve his adventurer's Great Feat.
Either way, it meant the already powerful Drake would become even stronger.
Ais's anxiety deepened.
Drake's purpose in entering the Dungeon was indeed as Ais suspected—both reasons.
Drake understood that after each level-up, his stats increased more easily, but this effect eventually disappeared.
Drake planned to delve deep into the Dungeon, pushing his stats to the point where the effect vanished, then immediately achieve his Great Feat.
This time, Drake wouldn't use weakening potions; he'd gain the Great Feat through intense battle.
His target was the Fallen Sprite fragment on the fifty-ninth floor.
With his potions prepared, Drake entered the Dungeon early in the morning.
Even the lower levels were easy for him; Drake quickly reached the deep levels.
His goal was experience and the Great Feat, so he only took precious materials; he left the rest behind.
Drake was beset by the Thunder Dragon and bipedal wyverns, honing his agility and reflexes. He also grappled with the strong dragon, Cadmus, improving his strength and endurance.
Reaching the fifty-eighth floor, Drake even exchanged blows with the Cannon Dragon, strengthening his magic.
A solo expedition differed greatly from a team expedition; the risks and supplies were entirely different.
Even Drake had to remain cautious in the deep levels. Supplies weren't a major issue; safe floors had water and food.
But Drake had spent an unknown amount of time in the dangerous deep levels; even he felt fatigued, thankfully, his target was near.
Drake entered the fifty-ninth floor. According to the Zeus Familia's expedition report, the fifty-ninth floor was a glacial environment.
But Drake felt no cold; it was warm and humid.
Drake understood; the Zeus Familia's report was accurate. But the fifty-ninth floor had an uninvited guest who had altered the environment.
Entering the fifty-ninth floor, Drake saw the situation.
Numerous carnivorous plants grew here, including many giant plants.
Drake clearly saw enormous eggs constantly forming at the giant plants' roots; worm monsters emerged from them.
It's common knowledge among adventurers that only the Dungeon can breed monsters; seeing this would shock anyone.
Drake's gaze moved to the center of the monsters; a creature larger than the giant plants stood there.
It seemed to be formed from intertwined vines, forming a giant humanoid shape. The new species of carnivorous plants were merely its tentacles.
This was Drake's target: the matured female form of the Fallen Sprite fragment.
Perhaps sensing Drake's intrusion, all the monsters turned towards him.
Drake ignored them, focusing on the Fallen Sprite fragment.
The giant humanoid's head twisted, as if numerous alien tumors were proliferating within. The grotesque top opened, revealing its inner being.
Unlike the monstrous body, a beautiful girl with green skin and hair appeared inside.
Aside from her unusual skin and hair color, her expression was that of a pretty girl.
But Fal, within Drake's grimoire, was radiating intense anger; Drake could sense the chaotic malice beneath its beautiful exterior.
No matter how beautiful, it was still a monster.
The Fallen Sprite sniffed the air, intoxicated. "I smell it, a nostalgic scent! An unknown sprite, have you come to merge with me?"
Seeing the monster's infatuated expression, Drake felt a chill.
"Let me… devour you!"
The girl revealed her true, foul nature; her beautiful face became grotesque.
Drake exhaled; he was here to defeat it and gain his Great Feat; he wasn't interested in talking. Only battle remained; this was what Drake wanted.
Drake released his inherent magic armor, wielding [Martial Saint] with both hands, stepping onto the battlefield.
The monsters charged; countless carnivorous plants formed a sturdy wall, blocking Drake's path.
The worms spat corrosive venom.
Flames erupted from Martial Saint's blade, forming a firestorm that incinerated the venom.
Drake approached the wall of plants. He stepped forward, twisting his body and swung his blade with all his might.
The blade cleaved through the plants; amidst the exploding light particles, Drake saw the Fallen Sprite fragment and heard its chant.
"Fire, obey my command! Burn! Burn! Burn! Flame Vortex, Crimson Barrier, Inferno's Roar…!"
If sprites are magic's darlings, then sprites are magic's masters. Even a Fallen Sprite could use unimaginable magic.
An extremely long incantation; in other worlds, it could be called a forbidden spell.
The surging magical power made Drake gasp.
This Fallen Sprite learned a long incantation from someone, perhaps as a sign of respect, but it miscalculated in using fire magic against Drake.
As the monsters entangled Drake, the Fallen Sprite completed its incantation.
The Fallen Sprite held a flame, blowing on it. The flame instantly spread into a sea of fire, engulfing Drake.
A smile appeared on the Fallen Sprite's face, then turned to confusion. A swallowing sound echoed from the fire.
"Thank you for the meal!"
Drake, having consumed the last of the flames, walked forward, dragging his blade.
The real battle had just begun!
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