Seeker 145

Test

Chapter 145. Cave (Part 1)

Having reached the cave entrance, we lit the lamp and stepped into the pitch-dark cavern.

"If we go through this cave, we'll reach the depths of the valley, our destination. But be cautious, as this is a Vampire Bat spawning zone. Watch out for their fang-based bloodsucking attacks."

With a lamp in hand, Aria-san proceeded, illuminating the surroundings.

We're navigating through the cave with only unreliable light. There was an eerie atmosphere lingering.

"But compared to something like a Wyvern, they're not much of a threat, right?"

Yuzuki expressed an optimistic view.

True, their stats are considerably lower when compared to creatures like that, but still.

"However, their numbers can become overwhelming. Don't let your guard down, Yuzuki."

"Got it, being vigilant is key, senpai. I've heard it countless times, so I understand. You sure haven't stopped nagging as always, senpai."

"And your incessant chatter remains as ever."

"Well, that's because of our dynamic, senpai. It just wouldn't be the same without it."

"I agree."

I replied and affectionately patted Yuzuki's head.

She responded with a happy "Kyuu" sound.

"You two do have a good relationship... But make sure to pay attention to me too, Daichi-kun. Otherwise, I might be consumed by darkness."

"Huh... Oh, yes. Of course."

"Ugh, I don't envy this... I'll find a good person for myself too someday."

A soft, tearful voice slipped from Aria-san's lips, expressing her inner feelings.

I feel genuinely apologetic.

Afterward, for a while, we continued to advance through the cave.

Though the path was gently sloping upward, it was a straightforward route with few diverging paths, making progress relatively easy.

Suddenly, Yuzuki murmured, breaking the silence.

"But since we're here, can't we test the [Bow Attack Power Up] effect?"

"True. Vampire Bats should be a reasonable challenge in terms of strength."

What we wanted to investigate how much the damage output of Yuzuki's Fenrir Bow would increase when she activated [Bow Attack Power Up].

However, testing it against foes that she could defeat in a single blow wouldn't yield useful observations.

"The issue is that we're about to level up soon, aren't we?"

"When your level goes up, your base magic power increases, so you can't observe a pure difference in effect. Well, we'll just have to investigate within the possible range."

"Yeah, that's right. We'll adapt as we go."

"─Stop. There's something up ahead."

At that moment, Kazane-san signaled us to halt.

Ahead of us was a section of the cave that widened, forming what seemed like a chamber. 

From here, the lamp's light could only reach so far into the depths of the chamber.

"Vampire Bats, perhaps?"

"Most likely. I sense three presences towards the back of this chamber, near the ceiling. They're spread out to the left and right, so it might be challenging to hit them all with area magic."

"So, we'll have to take them down one by one with individual attacks?"

"I think so."

After a brief strategy discussion, we ventured into the chamber.

As we entered, Aria-san illuminated the surroundings with the lamp, revealing the waiting creatures that promptly lunged at us.

They were giant bats with deep crimson bodies, their outstretched wings spanning over 4 meters. 

There are three of them in total.

Baring their sharp fangs, they flew straight at us.

"They're here! [Rock Bullet]!"

"[Wind Slash]!"

"[Icicle Lance]!"

"You all are my test subjects! Fenrir Arrow!"

We were equally prepared for their arrival.

The four of us launched ranged attacks first and engaged in close combat for countermeasures.

Vampire Bats were by no means weak monsters. 

They were quite formidable.

Even compared to decent monsters like gargoyles and Saber Tigers, they had considerably higher stats, surpassing them by at least a tier.

However, the three of us weren't struggling excessively against the trio.

We steadily defeated them one by one, concluding the battle without significant difficulty.

During this fight, Yuzuki leveled up.

After healing the damage she took with recovery magic, we resumed our exploration.