Earth Dungeon 59.2

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Chapter 59.2. Azure Dragon

"Azure Dragon is a Rare C-rank solo type. Its stats are high, and it's powerful. It excels in water magic, and aura, and is intelligent. Interestingly, while appearing engrossed in devouring Sahuagins, it cunningly deploys aura detection to find enemies who might try to ambush it."

Visually, it seems like it's lost in devouring Sahuagins. However, faint ripples, like an active sonar, spread from its presence—subtle waves of fighting spirit sweeping the surroundings. It's checking for lurking enemies. While the slight ripple-like detection might go unnoticed by most, it's beyond my sensory ability.

Since it dove underwater right after releasing an aura shot, Azure Dragon didn't notice Shizuku. There's about a 30-meter riverbank between Shizuku, hiding in the forest, and Azure Dragon. Behind the riverbank, there's a 100-meter plain, and beyond that lies the forest. Perched on a branch, Shizuku observed the situation.

[Are we going to defeat it?]

"Well... honestly, I'm unsure this time. Let's distribute the points we've gained for now."

[Okay. We have 170 points. You defeated 53 leaders... hmm? Does defeating a C-rank enemy increase it by 10?]

I remember D-rank enemies giving 5 points. Has the rank increase boosted the points gained as well?

"It seems so. With this, it might be feasible if we play our cards right. Let's allocate the points."

Amano Sakimori

Mana 700

Stamina 30

Strength 30

Dexterity 40

Magic 250 → 420

Amano Shizuku

Mana 200

Stamina 150

Strength 150

Dexterity 500 → 670

Magic 50

Both of them have specialized heavily in specific stats—magic, and dexterity. This allocation might lead to challenges down the line.

"It's impressive how Sakimori-san doesn't hesitate at all despite the potential challenges."

[Well, thanks. Can you estimate what a C-rank's stats might be?]

"C-ranks have significantly different capabilities from D-ranks. Based on the previous stat values, I'd estimate a cap of 2000 for C-ranks. Since Azure Dragon acts solo, I assume it's at the cap. Generally, magical creatures have substantial mana, around 800 to 1000. Stamina and strength might be around 300 to 500, dexterity nearly nonexistent, and magic around 200 to 300. It has water magic, like high-pressure water wall, water breath, biting, and tough scales are its characteristics."

With a focused expression, Shizuku-san estimated Azure Dragon's abilities. Most likely, her conjecture is accurate. After all, this girl is likely making educated guesses from experience, having certainly defeated it multiple times.

[Alright, we're prepared. So, what's the plan?]

"Azure Dragon is exceptionally powerful in aquatic environments. However... didn't Sakimori-san mention it's like a game, this kind of setup? That's the opponent's weakness."

Chuckling lightly, Shizuku uncrossed her arms, bent her body, and shifted into a combat stance. 

She took a quick breath to steady herself, her eyes gleaming with intensity, and circulated fighting spirit through her body.

"Here I come."

[Strength Up]

[Physical Ability Up]

[Motion Vision Up]

[Reaction Speed Up]

[Readiness Up]

[Aura Eye]

[Aura Sharp]

[Attack Power Up]

[Attack Speed Up]

[Piercing Power Up]

Planning to use her usual set of techniques, Shizuku suddenly had an idea. Previously, she had to be cautious due to mana limitations, but now things were different. With the ability to convert with maximum efficiency, she could freely use these techniques.

If that's the case, she should be able to do this.

[Multi-Body Up]

She layered all her techniques and controlled them to be used simultaneously. A new art came to mind, and she inwardly chuckled at the thought. There must have been hidden arts that she didn't know about.

Feeling her power had significantly increased, Shizuku sensed a feeling of omnipotence. She narrowed her eyes, and her small, delicate lips formed a faint smile.

As she started using her techniques, Azure Dragon, which had been devouring a Sahagin, quickly lifted its head and turned its gaze toward the forest where Shizuku was.

It's a razor-thin breath consisting of high-pressure water akin to a spear and laser precisely approached. Shizuku pushed her body off the branch and evaded the breath by backflipping. However, Azure Dragon followed her with its breath, attempting to sweep it towards her.

It's just like slicing through cheese with a heated knife, the trees fell neatly, revealing clean cross-sections. The surrounding trees, which had towered in the forest, fell without resistance, and with that, the obstruction between Azure Dragon and Shizuku was removed, opening up a clear path.

As the breath closed in, Shizuku pressed Sahuagin's spear against it. The recoil from the clash against the high-pressure breath caused her body to lift slightly. Leveraging that momentum, Shizuku evaded the breath.

"My dexterity greatly surpasses yours. Don't expect your breath to hit me."

The breath came at Shizuku multiple times, but its attacks danced like feathers, never connecting with her as she gracefully moved and jumped. Seeing the girl laugh lightly at the attacks, the Kouryuu closed its mouth.

"Grrr..."

It must have felt frustrating. Springing out of the river like a coil, it launched towards Shizuku, resembling a missile.

For Shizuku, its actions were as expected.

"Now, this isn't your boss room. Enjoy battling outside the dungeon."

Landing on the ground, she dashed through the fallen logs, preparing to counter the approaching Kouryuu.

Her adorable expression transformed mischievously.