Seeker 84

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Chapter. 84 Flame Skull

Kazane-san and I, two Seeker explorers, rush toward the enemy.

However, there is still some distance to initiate close combat, and the enemy's spellcasting is likely faster. 

But if they don't come closer, we have no choice but to go towards them. 

Our party isn't specialized in magic attacks to the extent that we would want a pure magical showdown. 

It was Yuzuki who took the lead in the magic battle.

"Even if they have resistance, it doesn't mean it won't work! [Explosion]!"

As I run toward the enemy, a crimson mass of magical power passes by my side at high speed. 

Immediately after, the mass of magical power explodes, engulfing three Flame Skulls. 

However, from within the explosion, three fireballs burst out with a roar.

Each one hits me, Kazane-san, and Yuzuki directly. 

The speed of the projectiles was too fast, and I couldn't defend or dodge in time.

"Guuh...!"

It's a burning pain. But not a serious injury. 

If it's only this level of damage, I should be able to endure a few more hits. 

Flame skulls engulfed in the explosion are naturally still alive. 

Well, I know that 

Flame skulls have fire resistance, halving the damage from fire attribute magic, making them a natural enemy for Yuzuki. 

But if we can't defeat them with magic. It's close combat. 

Wind Sound, who is swift on her feet, quickly slips in towards the enemy.

"It hurt, so here's some payback! Double stab!"

With dual-wielding short swords, Kazane-san delivers a two-hit combo to one of flame skulls. 

Flame skull, struck by two sword attacks instantly, turns into black mist and disappears, turning into a magic stone.

Alright. 

If we can defeat them with [Explosion] and a physical attack. We still have a chance in this battle. 

Now it's my turn, but I hesitate. 

Can I defeat it with a regular attack, or should I use [Three Strikes] to ensure a kill? 

No, I know I will use three healing spells after the battle. 

In that case...

"Hah!"

I attack one of flame skulls with a regular spear attack. The opponent shows an evasive maneuver. Quite fast. 

My body, affected by the skill [Accuracy Enhancement], immediately adjusts, and I successfully land the attack without any danger. 

Even after receiving my spear strike, Flame skull doesn't seem to disappear.

Damn, no good.

"Ugh, it only got 1 HP left. That's terrible! [Fire Bbolt]!"

A fireball flies from behind and directly hits the critically wounded Flame Skull.

That individual finally disappears, turning into a magic stone. 

But still, 1 HP remaining...? Is that possible? 

Isn't it too severe? Is it the doing of some mischievous joke?

And remaining Flame Skull, in its final moments, fires a fire spell targeting Yuzuki, but Kazane-san dispatched it.

The battle is over. 

I go to my two companions and start healing their damage.

"Great job, both of you. Are you okay in terms of damage?"

"Yeah. I only took one hit, so it's not that bad. But what about Hotaru-chan, who took two hits?"

"Ah, it hurts, but it's not that bad."

"Oh? Can you tell me your HP before healing?"

"Alright. Um, my HP is currently 93 out of 120. I took two hits and received 27 points of damage."

"Seriously...!? I took 24 points of damage from just one hit... How about you, Kazane-san?"

"I took 26 points... Hatsuhi-chan, isn't your magic defense a bit too high?"

"Oh, uh? Maybe I've started to like the Flame Skulls a little."

Yumitsuki unexpectedly excels in magic defense. 

Her ability to withstand magical attacks is quite remarkable. 

However, it doesn't change the fact that she has taken a considerable amount of damage. 

I use one [Earth Heal] on each of them, healing the burns and wounds they received. 

The amount of healing seems sufficient, as I completely healed everyone's injuries.

"Hmm... I consumed 12 MP in a single battle. It's a bit tough."

"Yeah, you're right. And if Daichi-kun or I become the target of concentrated firepower, it could be dangerous. We should think of something. Didn't the weapon shop have those Anti-Magic Rings? Rings that increase magic defense?"

"Yeah, they had them. But I remember they cost 250,000 yen each."

"That's not cheap... But we can't ignore our safety. It's worth considering. In the ruin floor, there shouldn't be any poison or paralysis attacks."

Anti-Magic Ring is an item that wasn't even on my list for consideration on the forest floor, where magic attacks don't come flying.

However, it seems that money rules the world after all.

The world can be harsh everywhere.

And besides, there won't be any more level increases.

The experience counter has already stopped.

It's a bit lonely not gaining experience even after defeating monsters.

Our party has been making steady progress, but it seems we may have reached our limit in this area. 

Perhaps we'll stop at the 9th floor or reach the 10th or 11th floor at best. 

Defeating the boss on the 12th floor of the ruins floor seems quite challenging.

I've heard that for a veteran party of three seekers. Their main hunting ground is usually around the 8th or 9th floor.

However, even though we're reaching our limits, we should be able to conquer this 9th floor and reach the southwestern edge, at the very least.

We don't know what awaits us at our destination, but.

"Alright, let's go. If possible, I'd like to touch Gargoyles today."

"Yeah, we'll probably start heading to the southwestern edge in earnest tomorrow."

"If it's gargoyles, my magic will ignite them!"

Together with my two companions, I continued exploring the 9th floor.