Seeker 158

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Chapter 158. Griffin

When we finished our mining work and attempted to leave the abandoned mine, something happened

"Wait, Daichi-kun. Something big is approaching."

At the entrance of the abandoned mine, Kazane-san signaled us to stop.

Accustomed to the darkness, when I looked at the dazzling outside scenery, I saw two flying objects where Kazane-san was pointing. 

They flapped their wings and flew towards us through the air.

"No way—"

"Yeah, I think so. Could those be Griffins?"

"But there are2 of them. Wasn't the number of Griffins in this mountain just one?"

"That's right. If there are no irregularities."

I recalled the words from the receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild. 

Lately, there have been irregularities in the appearance of monsters.

"Wait, seriously...? Why would something like this..."

"Oh, wait! Be calm!"

Eslyn-san collapsed on the spot, and her attendants shook her shoulders.

Well, if the boss of that field were to appear with twice the usual number, it would certainly be daunting.

I stepped forward to protect Eslyn-san and the others, readying my spear.

"Eslyn-san and the others, please step back and take cover."

"That's true, but what about you guys?"

"Dealing with 2 Griffins is manageable. Have you forgotten that you raised the request rank and hired capable adventurers?"

"R-Really!? Thank goodness! It was worth paying a hefty sum! "

Eslyn-san said that and, along with her attendants, retreated into the depths of the abandoned mine.

Now, all that's left is to deal with those griffins. 

We waited for the griffins to approach while using our usual set of support magic: [Protection], [Quickness], and [Fire Weapon]. 

The two monsters approaching in the sky were ready to be faced.

A little time remained until they were in combat range.

"Yuzuki, report Griffins' HP."

"Are you planning to try [Tame]?"

"Yeah. This is a chance for both 5000 and 10000 experience points."

"Understood. The maximum HP of Griffin is 350."

"At worst, we should bring them down to at least 30% before attempting [Tame]."

[Tame] wasn't exactly magic, but it functioned much like magic.

It consumed MP, just like casting a spell, and required a substantial 20 points of MP. 

I didn't want to waste it unnecessarily.

"The 2 are coming closer together. Yuzuki and Kazane-san, use area magic."

"Got it!"

Eventually, 2 Griffins reached the range of our attack magic. 

Yuzuki and Kazane-san simultaneously cast their spells.

"[Explosion]!"

"[Wind Storm]!"

Those are our party's basic ranged attack combo. 

A storm of explosive flames and wind blades engulfed 2 Griffins.

But of course, it didn't end there.

The 2 monsters broke through the magic, flying out of it. 

Griffins' bodies were injured, emitting dark mist. 

We were dealing damage, but the important thing was how much we had managed to weaken them.

"Yuzuki!"

"Left one has 219, right one has 227!"

"They still have quite a bit left... [Rock Bazooka]!"

After hearing Yuzuki's report on their remaining HP, I also unleashed my attack magic. 

A massive rock was shot at tremendous speed, hitting the left griffin directly.

Although left Friffin staggered slightly, it continued straight ahead.

"Left one, 171 remaining!"

After hearing Yuzuki's report, I did some mental calculations. 

My [Rock Bazooka] dealt 48 points of damage. 

While it was a higher-tier magic than [Rock Bullet], my attack magic didn't pack much power. 

It was better than nothing, but only by a small margin.

"Daichi-kun, they're closing in for melee!"

"Understood! Yuzuki, fall back!"

"I don't need to be told!"

Yuzuki retreated into the mine, and Kazane-san and I confronted the two griffins.

Left Griffin leaped at me, while the right one aimed for Kazane-san.

"Kazane-san, just focus on dealing damage! I'll take care of the left one first—[Three Strikes]!"

"Ye-ye-ye-yeah, this is difficult! Wh-what should I do... For now, just one hit!"

The three consecutive strikes from my spear, wreathed in flames, hit the approaching griffin directly, turning the target into black mist, and causing it to vanish. 

A magic stone fell to the ground. 

Alright, one down.

Even though they were considered somewhat boss-level monsters, they weren't much different from ordinary enemies for us now.

On the other hand, Kazane-san swiftly evaded attacks from Griffin's beak and talons, managing to slash at it with just one of her short swords. 

The fiery blade of her dagger tore through the griffin's body, cutting it sharply.

"Yuzuki, how much HP is left?"

"143!"

"Alright! Kazane-san, just one more strike, please!"

"Ugh, Daichi-kun, you're placing quite the order~!"

"S-Sorry. I'll make it up to you later."

While giving instructions to Kazane-san, I prepared to activate [Tame] myself and waited while closely observing the ongoing battle between the remaining Griffin and Kazane-san.

"Whew... This is the 2nd round!"

Kazane-san deftly evaded the griffin's attacks, narrowly avoiding its swinging claws, and swiftly maneuvered to its side, slashing its belly with her flaming dagger.

"Remaining HP, 63!"

"Just under a 5th of its maximum... I'll give it a shot now—[TamE]!"

I extended my left hand towards the griffin and activated the skill. 

A released sphere of light hit the griffin. 

I squeezed my open hand with all my might. 

There was a strong invisible resistance, but my power could overcome and crush it. 

There was a crunching sensation as if something had shattered. 

The griffin's massive body jerked once and then stopped moving.

"Phew..."

I let out a relieved breath. 

Griffin who launched fierce attacks just moments ago had now become incredibly docile. 

Afterward, Griffin came over to me with light steps and rubbed its face against me. 

The incredibly soft and fluffy fur brushed against my cheek.

"D-Did it work...?"

"Griffin seems to be getting close to Senpai..."

Both Kazane-san and Yuzuki stared in astonishment at the scene.

And so, I successfully used [Tame] on Griffin. 

Of course, the mission was also completed twice over.

───────────────────────

Mission completed: Defeat One Griffin!

All party members receive 5000 experience points!

Mission completed: Successfully [Tame] Mission Monster!

All party members receive 10,000 experience points!

New Mission Unlocked: Defeat One Roaming Bird (Experience Points: 50000)!

Musou Daichi levels up to Level 33!

Kodachi Kazane levels up to Level 34!

Yuzuki Hotaru levels up to Level 34!

Current Experience Points:

Musou Daichi... 222444 / 235435 (Next level: 12991)

Kodachi Kazane... 238056 / 267563 (Next level: 29507)

Yuzuki Hotaru... 245441 / 267563 (Next level: 22122)

───────────────────────

Everyone leveled up by one level. 

I also gained experience points from defeating Griffin, which somewhat narrowed the experience gap between the three of us. 

As I announced the end of the battle, Esayn-san and her group, who had retreated to the back of the abandoned mine, cautiously approached.

"Why... is the griffin getting so close to you? It won't attack us anymore?"

"Yes. It's the effect of the [Tame] skill. This griffin will listen to me and won't attack humans."

"Is... is that even possible? Taming a Griffin? Are you joking...?"

Esrin-san seemed utterly flabbergasted.

Well, it was understandable. Something Eslyn and others considered a fearsome threat had been tamed by one of the adventurers they hired. 

It's no wonder she was surprised.

Anyway, our objectives were all fulfilled now. 

All that was left was to return to town and receive the mission experience points for completing the quest.