Earth Dungeon 58.1

Test

Chapter 58.1. Riverbank

Fuka and the others were taken aback by the scene spread out along the riverbank. The stench of death hung in the air, and blood lay in puddles on the ground. Strange fish lay in abundance, their bodies sprawled across the area. It was as if some disease had spread, causing the fish to die en masse.

"What is this? Who could have defeated all these?"

The infantry adopted defensive postures as they looked around. Amidst the scene, Teru approached the corpse of a Sahuagin with a sense of dread.

"...Everyone, these wounds are all stab wounds. The person who did this must have had a really powerful skill."

Fuuka also approached and saw these Sahuagin's corpses had been stabbed through the head. They were all defeated similarly.

"These Sahuagins... they should be quite formidable enemies. [Water Gun] can pierce bulletproof vests, and I've heard that their bodies are quite tough."

Kiyoshi tried to put on his usual gentle smile, but his mouth twisted involuntarily. 

Fuuka had been told the same. Especially Sahuagin Leader – if it used magic or combat skills, it wouldn't be easily defeated even by AP rounds. So, it was best to take them down with a surprise attack.

Tatsuko-san was trembling, discreetly positioning herself in the car's most easily escapable spot.

"How... how many skilled individuals do you think took these down, Fuuka?"

With a slightly trembling voice, Teru's words made Fuuka ponder with a refreshing smile. It was hard to believe, but...

"Perhaps just one... The method of defeat is almost the same for all of them. I find it hard to believe, but..."

"I share the same opinion. However, this battle... it probably wasn't a one-time thing. They likely lured and defeated them gradually. This opponent must know how to catch and defeat Sahuagin bit by bit."

"...That does make sense. Sahuagin corpses are piled up in various areas, so it's likely true. Probably."

Logically speaking, it made sense. They started with a few, then gradually took them down. There must be a knack for gradually catching and defeating them, like fishing. I think so, but something is bothering me. For now, all that's clear is that they're incredibly skilled. Let's hope this unknown skilled individual isn't hostile.

"Teru-sama, it might be dangerous to stay here. We don't know the purpose of this skilled individual, but I hope we can avoid surprise attacks and combat. Let's retreat for now."

"Encounter! Four Sahuagin and one Sahuagin leader!"

Fuuka's words, as she was about to suggest falling back, were interrupted by the soldier's voice echoing. Looking over, new Sahuagin had emerged from the river.

"They're still here. Good, I didn't want to return empty-handed. Everyone, step back! Leave this to us!"

Teru drew a sword embedded with five colorful gemstones and raised a shield engraved with Medusa's head. He intended to fight the Sahuagin.

"Everyone, follow the training plan!"

With a confident tone, Teru shouted, and Tatsuko-san, who was at the rear, extended her hands forward.

[Block]

As her hands shimmered, a 3-meter-tall, 25-meter-wide wall of light appeared in front of Fuuka and the others. It was translucent, allowing them to see the opponents. It was Tatsuko-san's skill, [Block]. She erected a protective wall for allies that could let attacks through from the inside and block them from the outside. It was a reliable skill for soldiers.

"All right, Fuuka. According to the manual, let's start by defeating the leader and causing confusion. [Warlord] activated! One of the Five-Star Swords, Flame Star!"

A ruby embedded in Teru's sword shone like blood, transforming the blade into a fiery sword that gleamed like magma.

Infusing power into her Spirit Tree Staff, Fuuka began preparing to use magic as well.

[Flame. Let the spear be the medium and turn into mana!]

Fuka is a skilled wielder of grand magic capable of using all kinds of spells. Her mana gathered within the Spirit Tree Staff, forming a blazing spear of lava-like flames a few seconds later.

[Water Gun]

[Flame Lance]

[Flame Blade]

The attacks were almost simultaneous. Water bullets capable of penetrating a human body with ease sped towards their target and were easily deflected and vanished upon hitting the castle wall.

As Fuuka's fiery spear heated the surrounding air, it advanced toward the Sahuagin Leader alongside the flaming blade launched by Teru.

Sahuagin Leader tried to block the attack by placing 2 of its kind in front, but it was in vain.

Magic and martial arts struck Sahuagins, momentarily incinerating them. The Spirit Tree Staff and the Five-Star Sword, both discovered during a past conquest of a dragon's dungeon, greatly enhanced their attack power through magical enhancement. Such strength couldn't be withstood by creatures like Sahagin.

With the intent to finish off the leader, they pressed forward, but an explosion sounded, and water gushed out of the river like a geyser.

"W-What's happening?"

Frowning at the water raining down on them, Fuuka and the others shifted their gazes towards the river. The Sahagin were also startled, looking at the river before taking to the skies like frogs and then leaping away, distancing themselves before jumping into the river and escaping.

Amidst their swift actions, they comprehended what had occurred.

"An encounter! It's a Water Serpent (Jiaolong)!"

A soldier shouted and aimed automatic rifles at the point where water had erupted. They pulled the triggers, and dry gunfire resounded in quick succession without hesitation.

Their quick response demonstrated their prowess. These weren't soldiers depicted as clueless in movies, easily fooled. In reality, they were well-trained and disciplined individuals.

"A Water Serpent (Jiaolong)? First time I've seen one!"

Teru spoke without concealing his excitement as he looked at the river. Fuuka also frowned as she stared at the water.

There was a massive serpent with shimmering scales. The bullets fired from the automatic rifles were seemingly obstructed by a large wall of water covering its front. The water wall was at least 5 meters wide, and though the serpent's body was submerged in the river, it must have easily reached 30 meters in length. On the other side of the water wall, the serpent exhibited the characteristic reptilian vertical and golden eyes, glaring irritably in their direction.

Observing its imposing presence and sensing its immense power, Fuuka broke into a cold sweat. It must have approached from the river unnoticed.