Introverted Archer 7

Test

7. Rational Pursuit!

Did you say you're going to the 2nd floor?

This practical training was supposed to be about exterminating monsters on the 1st floor. There's no need to go to the second floor.

Besides, going to the 2nd floor at level 4 seems dangerous. My memory of that day Kobold's problem resurfaces.

"Huh? But the second floor..."

"I found stairs leading down earlier. Why not check it out, just a little?"

"We also need to look for Eimu-kun... "

"Just a little should be fine. If we defeat some weak monsters and bring back drop items, we might get extra points."

Hina's earlier energy has disappeared as if it were a lie. Well, it's understandable; there's no merit in accepting such a dangerous invitation.

"Don't worry; I'll definitely protect you if anything happens! If you won't come, I'll go alone!"

With that, Tatsuo continues ahead.

"No, it's not okay! Let's calm down a bit, okay?"

In this situation, Hina has no choice but to follow.

What does Tatsuo want to do? You're not here for a haunted spot. Is he trying to experience excitement, or is he just crazy?

At any rate, leaving the two alone is frightening. It seems better to stick with them like this.

Tatsuo keeps moving forward, and Hina reluctantly follows.

After walking for a while, Tatsuo stops in a certain space.

"Look, here it is. The stairs."

In front of him is a staircase leading to the second floor.

Tatsuo steps on the stairs without stopping. Upon reaching the second floor, he starts looking around.

"Hey, let's go back... Going to the second floor is really dangerous."

"It's okay. I've been to the 2nd floor several times before. I'll just defeat a few monsters and come back."

The 2 of them continue turning corners, searching for monsters.

It's been about two minutes. Tatsuo stops his steps.

"Oh, a monster!"

In front of him is a small creature resembling a dog.

"It's cute... but is this also a monster?"

"I don't know, but it's probably just a weak one. Let me handle this!"

Tatsuo takes the large sword on his back and swings it down toward the trembling creature.

"ORA!!"

"KYAIIIIII!!"

Blood splatters and the monster is cut in half.

Hina lets out a small scream at the monster's dying cries.

"See, monsters on the second floor are no big deal! I wish they were a bit more challenging, though..."

Tatsuo begins to boast proudly.

At that moment, I noticed something strange.

Could it be... is that what's happening!?

"Hey, do you hear something?"

"Hahaha! Hoshikake-san is easily scared. There's no way something like that—"

No, I definitely hear it. Many footsteps and a rumbling growl.

"Look over there!"

Hina points. What appeared around the corner were—multiple kobolds.

"Why are there so many kobolds!?"

"Maybe the one we defeated earlier was a kobold's child!?"

Monsters spawn from the dungeon walls, so it's uncertain whether the one earlier was really a Kobold's child. However, the earlier monster certainly attracted the kobolds.

I've been in the dungeon for a long time, and such a phenomenon has never occurred.

Could it be that I did the same thing, but my <Stealth> kept me from being located?

"H-Hoshikake-san! Let's run!"

"It's impossible; they're coming from this way too..."

Kobolds are approaching from both the front and the back. It's a desperate situation. The kobolds are slowly closing in on the two.

"What do we do... We can't win against this number!"

"O-Oh, calm down! I'll, I'll do something—"

"How are you going to do something!?"

There's no answer from Tatsuo—no, his silence indicates that it's 'impossible'.

Everything that happens in the dungeon is one's responsibility.

When I first dived into the second floor, I was almost killed by Kobolds. Even if I had lost and died there, it wouldn't change. Insisting on being rational is about being satisfied with everything I do and doing everything I can before I die.

In that sense, Tatsuo and Hina brought this situation upon themselves.

You shouldn't go to a place that exceeds your ability, and if you do, you should consider the risks.

"H-Hoshikake-san! G-g-get behind me!"

"It's impossible; they're coming from behind too..."

Kobolds have appeared not only in front of them but also behind them.

Totally unreasonable. Both of them are not being rational—

"Really, you're such a bother!"

"Eimu-kun!?"

—It's also uncomfortable to abandon them like this!