Introverted Archer 44

Test

44. Rational Game Of Tag!

Now, what will happen...? For the strategy ahead, the initial reaction is crucial...

"Giiiiiiiiiiiiii!!"

From the lower level came a deafening cry, akin to that of a demon.

The attack seemed to have hit. However, whether due to the Floor Boss's considerable toughness or the ineffectiveness of <Penetration>, it only amounted to a scratch.

"Well, it seems it won't be that easy after all..."

Now, the problem starts here.

The Floor Boss, searching for where the attack came from, glanced around, confirming no enemies nearby—then dashed towards the stairs.

"Yeah, that makes sense!"

Seeing the Floor Boss coming this way, I hurriedly began to run.

When facing the Golem, its size prevented it from reaching higher levels, but for a human-sized one like this, coming here is entirely possible.

If caught, I have no means to fight back.

"I should have just stayed put... but let the game of tag begin!"

With a burst of speed, I instantly teleported to the position of the <Anchor Arrow>. Having reached the 18th floor, I focused my attention on the Floor Boss on the 19th floor.

"Giiiiiiiiyaaaaa!!"

The moment the stairs were ascended, the Floor Boss's leg got caught in the bear trap.

A skill I learned early on, <Trap Creation>. Now, as an Archer, being able to learn skills from various jobs proved useful.

"From here on, it's a battle of endurance!"

Saying so, I aimed arrows at the Floor Boss.

Arrows like a meteor shower struck the Floor Boss's body, bursting upon impact.

It got blocked! These are arrows that could instant-kill even a Golem! How come it's just leaving a scratch?!

"Gyagyagyagya!!"

A few seconds later, the Floor Boss, in a rage, flailed its legs and tore off the bear trap.

The intent to kill is too strong. It's definitely trying to kill me by any means necessary!

"Second trap!"

As the Floor Boss started running again, chains extended from the dungeon walls, binding its limbs.

<Trap Creation> works well with <Materialization>, making traps stronger than usual, even capable of withstanding attacks from ordinary monsters.

That buys time, allowing me to attack with arrows while it struggles!

"Gyagyagyagya!!"

The chains rattling sound, followed by them snapping a few seconds later. That's an incredible power. It's not buying much time as I thought!

With each time it's immobilized, I manage to land some attacks, but it doesn't seem to be taking much damage. Thanks to teleportation, the likelihood of it catching up is almost non-existent.

"Garrurururu...!!"

At that moment, monsters from the 19th floor surrounded the Floor Boss.

They seem to be a pack of wolf-type monsters, acting in groups. Five of them were intimidating the Floor Boss.

"Gyagyagya!!"

Just as the wolves were about to attack, the Floor Boss swung its arm, tearing one wolf's body in half.

Wow, amazing!! It's like watching a monster movie. It effortlessly takes down such powerful monsters like that!

This isn't the time to be mesmerized! I need to assist those wolves too!

"Go for it! Nameless monsters!"

As I release arrows, hitting the Floor Boss about twelve times, the arrows pierce its body.

"Alright, finally starting to do some decent damage!"

But at that moment.

"GiiiiiiiiGyaaaaaaa!!"

The Floor Boss, even more enraged, instantly kicks aside the remaining 4 wolves.

It seems angrier than before? Could it be that the angrier it gets, the stronger it becomes?

No way, am I in a manga as the protagonist? How bottomless can its strength be!

"Giiiiiiiiii!!"

The Floor Boss found the stairs leading to the 18th floor. I quickly teleport to the 17th floor.

Teleport, setting traps, attacking, teleporting again. This exchange got repeated many times.

The Floor Boss, bound by chains, pierced by spikes, burned by flames, blown by the wind, frozen, repeatedly overcame obstacles to traverse the dungeon to kill me.

Gradually, the Floor Boss's strength diminished, and if this continued, I might win eventually. But unfortunately, nothing lasts forever.

"Oh no! Are we already on the 3rd floor!?"

I can only use this tactic two more times. If I keep playing tag with such a monster until reaching the surface, casualties are inevitable.

No, how about those two times? Even if there were people on the 2nd floor, they would likely be killed by the Floor Boss, just like those wolves earlier.

".There's no other choice."

I turned around sharply, glaring towards the stairs.

A minute later, climbing up was a black demon with arrows sticking out all over its body.

"I made you run around a lot. Sorry about that. Shall we go for a direct confrontation?"