Seeker 85

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Chapter 85. Gargoyle And Treasure Chest

The next group of monsters we encountered was a bit troublesome. Four monsters appeared at the end of the corridor. 

Among them was a Flame Skull. 

The other three were unfamiliar monsters—although we had been discussing them for a while.

"They're here, Gargoyles! Let me turn them into rust with my magic!"

Yumizuki's body is covered in red magic shine.

Yuzuki enveloped herself in a red phosphorescent glow. 

Both Kazane-san and I also similarly prepared our magic. 

On the enemy side, flame skull remained still, preparing its magic.

The remaining three Gargoyles flapped their wings and flew toward us at a low altitude.

Gargoyles are demon-like stone statue-type monsters with two horns and wings. 

Their stone-like skin is resistant to physical attacks, and their sharp fangs and claws make them formidable. 

However, if fire attribute magic works on them, we have a reliable damage dealer. 

Moreover, we also have another user of ranged magic.

"Roaring flames, incinerate everything! [Explosion]!"

"Whirlwind of wind blades, [Windstorm]!"

Intense explosions and a storm filled with numerous wind blades engulfed the three gargoyles together. 

Unfortunately, the enemy's backline Flame Skull was out of range. But there was nothing we could do about it. 

The question was, what would happen to gargoyles now?

Only one gargoyle emerged from the blast. 

The other two disappeared and turned into magic stones.

"Oops! It still has around 3 HP left!"

"I expected that... [Rock Bullet]!"

The combined damage of [Explosion] and [Windstorm] was on the verge of defeating or not defeating gargoyles. The remaining gargoyle vanished and turned into a magic stone after being hit by my [Rock Bullet].

Now, there was only one Flame Skull left.

After we faced flame skull., it fired two fire magic spells at us until we tried to engage in close combat and defeated it. 

It aimed these spells at Kazane-san, but she managed to evade one of them with her remarkable evasion ability. 

As a result, she was only get hit once. 

It seems that even magic, despite its high accuracy, can be evaded. 

I think I can't do the same. 

Kazane-san's evasive ability seems to have finally reached god-like, after acquiring [Evasion Enhancement].

By the way...

"Oh no. Looks like a treasure chest has appeared..."

After defeating the Flame Skull, a treasure chest appeared. Kazane-san showed a slightly uneasy expression.

"Hmm... What's wrong, Kazane-san? You have that look on your face despite the treasure chest appearing."

"Well... It's because Mimics will come out from this floor."

"Ah, it was mentioned too."

"[Trap Detection II] is a skill I can acquire, but I didn't take it."

Kazane-san seemed to be in a dilemma. 

I see, so that's the case. By opening the treasure chest on this floor, there is a possibility that it may turn into a new type of trap called a Mimic. 

When we're attempting to open the chest, it transforms into a monster and attacks. 

By the way, attacking the chest before opening it is futile. 

Not only the regular chests but also the mysterious power prevents any damage. 

Once it reveals its true form, we can defeat it. But until then, it seems that attacking it with weapons or casting spells is pointless.

Furthermore, we can detect this mimic trap with the usual [Trap Detection] skill.

It can only be revealed by acquiring the higher-level skill [Trap Detection II], and upon meeting that condition, we can disarm it with the regular [Trap Release]. 

After successfully disarming it, it becomes an ordinary treasure chest.

As usual, the dungeon has many mechanisms that are difficult to understand.

Kazane-san had [Trap Detection II] listed in the updated available skills at level 21.

However, because she had too many desired skills to acquire. She reluctantly gave up on obtaining this particular skill.

Well, considering the skills she did acquire after level 21 were [Dual Wield Enhanchement], [Evasion Enhanchement], [HP Up (Endurance x 6)], as well as two ranks of [Dagger Attack Power Up], it's understandable.

At that stage, the biggest challenge seemed to be defeating the forest floor boss, so it wouldn't be fair to call it a skill acquisition mistake.

Ultimately, the choice of skills to acquire is about one's abilities, so I believe individual judgments should be respected as much as possible, even among party members. 

Unless it's a serious matter, it's not our place to interfere or criticize others' decisions—that's my perspective.

That also applies to being partners in a deeper sense. 

If Kazane-san seeks advice, if it's a decision she made herself, I don't want to undermine her judgment.

Of course, there may be different degrees to consider.

Considering the threat level of Mimics, it's not necessarily a terrible decision to forgo [Trap Detection II].

I use [Earth Heal] to heal Kazane-san's injuries. 

Then, Kazane-san approaches the treasure chest.

"There's no response to the regular [Trap Detection]. So, I'll open it, and you two prepare to attack and step back immediately. Especially Hotaru-chan, keep your distance. They said that if it hits, it might extend its tongue to catch you."

"No, Kazane-san. I'll do the opening. I have a higher HP."

I say that, but Kazane-san shows her palm and firmly declines.

"Nope. I'll open it. I have better evasion, and I'm wearing Dark Clothes. It'll be fine. But thanks, Daichi-kun."

With her words, there's nothing for me to do but to back down. 

If we were asked who has higher overall defense, it would indeed be Kazane-san. 

And when she's ready, Kazane-san swallows nervously and gently reaches her hand toward the treasure chest.