Earth Dungeon 111.1

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Chapter 111.1. Training

Watching the group engage in a noisy battle, Minamoto Fuuka sighed quietly, unimpressed by their commotion. They seemed like amateurs, struggling to fight against wolves.

"If that's all, even first-year cadets at the military academy can handle it."

He remarked to her subordinate, who was guarding her without hiding his disappointment. 

He sneered and nodded, mocking the inexperienced group.

"They're just a bunch from the abandoned. I understand the lord's concern, but it's better to replenish lost skills from the school. There are plenty of skilled individuals in the military at that level. That man is undoubtedly skilled, but there are many like him in the army."

I observed a man supporting the group in battle with shadow magic, keeping wolves at bay. If asked to do the same, I could easily summon multiple sylphs to protect the group. Elemental magic was convenient and straightforward.

However, a slight unease lingered.

"Hey, is it really possible with shadow magic?"

I questioned, watching Amano Sakimori-san manipulate multiple threads of shadow in the air, tossing enemies aside. Is magic really that useful?

"Well... I don't know much about shadow magic, but it seems to be a support-type magic. I think it's possible for that kind of thing."

My aide replied, rubbing his chin. I accepted the explanation.

"The Jester Knights... I'm skeptical, about 80%. I believe only that girl is strong. Even during the Snow Flower event, Amano-san focused on support magic."

"That doesn't explain the Goblin King's thinning. Two or three more skilled individuals are hidden there. It's not convincing enough to bring in the people from the abandoned town."

"Yes, she did defeat the monsters that wiped out the teams from the 3 houses. We should narrow it down to that girl. If we could find a way to contact her..."

The Jester Knight, soldiers secretly held by the Taira family, were not united. To appeal to the surroundings, she decided to participate in this training and tried to establish contact for her with the Gen family. Thinking it might be an opportunity for headhunting, she was disappointed.

"Oh no, I've been bitten!"

"Honda Tadakatsu Two is down!"

"No, it's just a scratch. Here, use a potion!"

"Hey, stop fooling around! Shingen!"

While a group played with wolves, they were not talented enough for headhunting. A man had his arm bitten by a wolf, and a girl swung a spear to knock away the attacking wolves. Nearby friends applied basic potions.

"How long are you guys going to mess around? Shingen!"

Tiredly shouting with his face in his hands, Amano activated his skill.

"Can't be helped. [Cavalry Unit] summon! Crush those wolves!"

Thanks to the old man's skills, 5 warhorses emerged from a magic circle drawn on the ground, neighing and charging towards the wolves, trampling and tossing them aside.

"Sorry, Shingen-sama."

"Here we go!"

A man and a girl, talking in an old-fashioned way that seemed out of place, mounted 2 of the horses and began wielding their spears.

Their movements were quite impressive, scattering the wolves and running around like ancient Sengoku warlords.

"It looks good, but it's not practical."

"I'd prefer automatic rifles. This was a waste of time."

"Also, it was an appeal to the other families in the inner town. Should we retreat now?"

If the battle was this clumsy, it would probably be a withdrawal after the first round. Glancing at Amano-san, who was yawning and cracking his shoulders, Minamoto finally defeated the wolves an hour later. As the enemies called for reinforcements when their numbers dwindled, it took time to finish them off. Everyone looked exhausted, breathing heavily.

"Well, summarizing, beasts are tough."

Amano-san clapped his hands, spoke to the tired people, and rubbed his chin.

"Goblins are definitely easier to deal with."

"We could fight outside, but..."

"Damn, even Honda Tadakatsu struggled with the improved version."

"Shall we take a break?"

"Without the support of Shadow Tiger, group battles won't change. Beast dungeons are tough."

"The cavalry was effective. Normally, even skill-made warhorses would hesitate, but these fearless cavalry fought without flinching even when bitten by wolves. Shall we establish a unit that can fight while riding horses?"

The group began discussing proposals. Watching, I thought. "Do your best," expecting them to suggest a retreat.

However, Amano-san unexpectedly uttered words.

"I've understood the map here. Follow me later today."

Saying that, he began to walk leisurely. Nodding in understanding, the tired individuals picked up their spears and shields and followed. Serika and Karin also followed leisurely.

"U-um, are you going ahead?"

I was hurrying over and calling out to Amano-san. He looked at me sharply and answered.

"Yeah, it took a while to get here. Well, we should be able to wrap it up in about an hour. Soloing the 5th floor? Oh, are you relying on our strength?"

If he was relying on our strength, it made sense, but Amano-san shook his head and snapped his fingers.