Introverted Archer 71

Test

71. Rational Challenge!

Saturday. As usual, I arrived in front of the dungeon at Hoshikageoka, but my feelings were significantly different today.

"Today, I'll go as far as I can...!"

Since acquiring Twisteria before, I hadn't delved deep into the dungeon. It's the first time I've taken Twisteria into actual combat.

"Let's start with the usual, monster extermination time."

Dungeon conquest involves many tasks, but initially, it's simple.

When I draw my bow, five arrows appear with the effects of <Materialization> and <Quintuple>. Then, all I have to do is release my hand—

The arrows automatically head towards the monsters inside. Plus, with the <Pierce> effect, they continue to attack even after piercing through the monsters.

Just five arrows defeat all the enemies like a butler. It's incredibly convenient for me.

"Well then, shall we go?"

With this method, I can only defeat monsters up to the 9th floor. Beyond that lies the next hurdle.

"Goooooo!"

What greeted me was a golem. Still as huge as ever. Its massive, stone-like appearance always exudes immense pressure.

However, compared to the first time, its threat has significantly diminished.

"Sorry, but I'll be passing through."

The moment the golem raised its arm, its face got crushed by the arrow I released, and it immediately fell to its knees.

It's easier to defeat. But because of its size, it's noisy when it falls. Somehow or other,

I need to find a solution...

Since I've surpassed the 10th floor, let's consider it a success.

"Should I release it now? Twisteria!"

From here on out, simply shooting arrows as before will take time. So, let's use Twystaria that I stored in my bag!

Although I couldn't control it the last time I used it. Today, I want to handle it better than before. It'll be fine. I managed to create such a wind during the sports festival.

Aiming towards the ground, I draw the bow tightly. Gradually, the wind starts to circulate around my body.

"Darn it, the difference in power between materialization and actual power is too much...!"

Just standing and drawing the bow makes me feel like I'm in a washing machine. The ground, the space, it feels like everything is rapidly changing—!

"Ugh, is this my limit...!"

Just before my body gets blown away, I release my hand and shoot the arrow.

Then, with a rumbling sound, the arrow creates a blast and pierces through the floor, continuing ahead.

Although it's already out of sight, thanks to the power of <Observer>, I know what happened to the arrow. The arrow released from Twystaria defeats all the monsters on the floor with its blast and is already trying to reach the 12th floor.

"It seems like just this one shot could take us to the 19th floor... I still don't feel like I'm fully in control as always."

But if I can learn to use this, I'll undoubtedly become much stronger than I am now.

With such anticipation, I follow Twystaria down to the lower floors.

As expected, the arrow is stuck on the 19th floor, defeating all the monsters along the way...

Now, it's time for the next hurdle.

"It's Baphomet next, huh... I'm not looking forward to it."

The last time I fought, I had a hard time dealing with that persistence. I'd rather not play that cat-and-mouse game again.

There's no choice but to fight... If that's the case, it might be reckless. But I have to try.

"Let's do this... with <Rational One> using Twisteria!"

I don't know if it's possible. But to definitely defeat it, I have to do at least that much.

I take a deep breath and draw the bow again.

<Rational One> must manifest the maximum power I can muster, so it takes time to activate. Conversely, the key to success lies in the time needed to charge it.

However, a problem arises here. When I charge it up, Twystaria's power becomes stronger.

In other words, to succeed in this attack, I have to balance both. I haven't tried it before, but in the worst-case scenario, I might not deal significant damage to Baphomet and end up taking damage myself.

"Calm down... If I can find the rational timing, I can do it...!"

The wind is already blowing me away with force. But I can't release my hand yet. To shoot <Rational One> at full power, I still need time...!

Is this really okay!? My arm feels like it's about to tear off already!?

This is bad. My body is starting to float! Even though it still needs time, if this continues, my body will—

—be torn apart!

"Darn it!"

I reluctantly release my hand. Then, the most powerful strike so far is released, and due to the tremendous impact, I find myself stuck to the dungeon ceiling for several seconds.

"Failure, huh..."

If my body had been a little tougher, maybe it would have worked— but this is a complete failure. It's far from the power I hoped for.

No, this is no time to be regretting! Baphomet is—

——

You have reached level 27.

——

"Huh...? My level increased...?"

I hurriedly sense the situation on the 20th floor. Then, the presence of Baphomet, which was there just a moment ago, has completely disappeared.

"Could it be... I defeated it!? With just one strike, and even though it failed!?"

Seriously, how absurd is this... Twisteria.

Feeling relieved beyond measure, I slump down where I stand.

But it's not over yet. Today's challenge is how far I can go from here.