Earth Dungeon 36.1

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Chapter 36.1 Martial Arts

That's the end of Boss-kun, the boss of the outer town. Sakimori frowned at What-his-name-san getting scattered by the Shadow Magic [Multi-Shadow Edge]. Its power was too overwhelming, even beyond their expectations. 

[Multi-Shadow Edge] is a shadow blade that creates numerous small daggers to tear through enemies. 

However, despite sounding formidable, it doesn't possess speed, weight, or power. It doesn't even pierce the skin like a thrown knife. At best, it would leave only minor cuts. Unlike the [Flame Lance], it lacks the attacking power of intense heat, so that's only natural.

Nevertheless, the Boss-san from the outer town ended up in a slightly unfavorable state. Yes, it was a result beyond expectations. 

"Martial arts, huh? I see."

Ooki-kun and the others are beating up the two enemies. Ooki-kun wields his knife and uses his skill, taking down the enemies with certainty while avoiding getting injured. That Ooki-kun sure knows how to handle himself.

[Aura Sharp]

[Shadow Edge]

Once again, I employ the same arts and imbue them into shadow blades. Aura Sharp significantly enhances the sharpness of the weapons. 

It sharpens the blunt knives, transforming them into finely honed blades. [Aura] costs 10 mana. The mana cost for a single [Shadow Blade] is 5, depending on its size.

[Acceleration]

I applied a new technique to the knife, even though I usually used it on me. It shouldn't be a problem in this case.

[Dash]

This art momentarily accelerates my movements, usually used for my stepping, but it should work on my knife. Each magic costs 5 mana, making them low-cost.

Expending 25 mana, I launch an attack toward the thug we're fighting against. A slight gust of wind and a rush of air materialize, piercing through the thug's head.

"Hyoue! Brother, that's dangerous!"

As it passes right next to Ooki-kun like a gust of wind, his hair gets slightly cut, and he screams.

"Ooki-kun can regenerate through photosynthesis. You'll be fine."

Ooki-kun can regrow his hair quickly through photosynthesis.

"I'm not even human anymore!"

He shouts something, but there's no need to worry about it. [Aura] is incredible. It truly feels like a finishing move.

[By the way, how much mana conversion is normally required for this?]

I ask the question while watching the thug who surrendered by throwing away his weapon and prostrating himself. Even the people who were shooting crossbows from behind the building threw away their crossbows, surrendered, and raised their hands.

[The conversion ratio to [Aura] has decreased to 1/20.]

Shizuku floating nearby informs me with a cheerful expression. ...1/20?

Huh? If it costs 5 mana, then it would require 100 mana. Do I have to consume 100 mana to use [Acceleration]?

[Yes, that's correct. That's why martial arts were considered special finishing moves. You use it with the [Aura Maximum Efficiency Conversion]. So there is no conversion loss. So, those who possess this skill can use martial arts as much as they want. People who have this skill also have the [Mana Attack Power Maximum Conversion]. It's a powerful passive skill that continuously converts 90% of their maximum mana into attack power.]

That guy had a rare skill, that guy. It makes me cry.

[Damn... It's the worst combination with full resistance. What a waste.]

[Even so, I had 10% of my mana remaining, so I could use the martial arts. Therefore, it was quite strong. It's the best skill that would be incredibly useful if you had it alone. I'm glad you were able to acquire it. However, I didn't anticipate Sakimori-san using it in such a confusing way.]

While making a cute cat-like expression and muttering something under her breath, she stares at me with narrowed eyes. But it's better to use [Acceleration] and [Dash] on thrown weapons and magic rather than on myself.

[I can also apply [Hard Skin] to ice, so I'm no longer afraid of direct automatic rifles.]

Ignoring the scattered pieces, I approach and pick up the automatic rifle. I detach the magazine. There are four magazines in total. That's a good harvest. I also obtained a large number of handguns.

[I thought that [Hard Skin] could somewhat block ordinary bullets, but if I applied it to an ice wall instead of my skin, it could stop military rifle rounds. However, it might not be able to stop anti-materiel rifle bullets.]

[You've got absolute protection.]

I gaze at the assault rifle and think it's impressive, but Shizuku shakes her head with a serious expression.

[Just as magic can cancel out magic, martial arts can counter martial arts. High-level monsters always use martial arts. It would be better not to rely too much on defense.]

[Well, that's sucks. I see. There must be a way to overcome magic and martial arts. Thank you for the advice.]

While being healed by Shizuku's adorable smile, I understand and nod. If I apply martial arts to sharpness, acceleration, and defense, they can nullify it. They might not completely nullify it, but their power would significantly diminish. That's good to know. I remember the Goblin King was using martial arts too.

In this battle, I consumed about 180 mana. That's quite a lot. I need to increase my mana.

However, I can't let my composure slip because mana consumption is high. It would be bad if people realized that it was a tough fight. For a mage, the remaining amount of mana is everything. I don't want my weakness to be exposed. I need to bluff. I need to deceive my opponents like a fraudster.

So, when I decide to kill, I'll kill. I can't afford to hold back and end up in a dire situation. I don't want to run out of mana and die.

If I fight with a tough and composed attitude. My enemy will automatically overestimate my strength.