"Well Let's go Team.!"
Jayden imaginarily assumed position of Leader and we set off to Mock Dungeon Entrance & on the way both Jayden and Yenoha started their Flattery to each other.
Yoo Yeonha need individuals who work for her while Jayden need support for his career to start up and the result of this is well you see it.
"Yoo Yeonha-ssi, I heard you were number one among this year's supporters."
"Haha, really? I heard a lot about Jayden-ssi. I think the instructors balanced the teams wrong. We're too much at an advantage."
"No, that's just how teams are. When there's one exceptional person… I'm sure you know the rest. It's easy to see that Yoo Yeonha-ssi has a baggage to carry."
Meanwhile, Jayden chatted with occasional mockery towards me which Yoo Yeonha is not responding.
Even from my perspective, Jayden did a good job not going too far and keeping Yoo Yeonha pleased.
He was a good talker unbefitting of a high schooler,and it seems to work with Yeonha Maybe I should have approached Yeonha the same way who knows it may work out.
"Team 8, enter."
Kim Soohyuk signaled our team's turn.
**********
The eight of us walked through the cave. The formation was perfect.
Three warriors in the front, supporters in the second row, sharpshooters in the third, and a single warrior in the final row the vanguard and that happened to be me while Jayden has become eager to get all attraction he could get in the front row.
After walking for a while, we arrived at a fork. There were eight paths to choose from.
"Which path should we take?"
Yoo Yeonha spoke to me for the first time today.
"Jingyu, what do you think?"
Jayden also asked his sharpshooter. Once again, sharpshooters often acted as pathfinders.
"I don't know."
"Take the sixth path."
I walked up and stood in front of the sixth path ,the sixth path would likely be difficult as it would have more monsters.
In truth, the difficulty of the paths was in order.In other words, the sixth path had a level 6 difficulty.
So I had no other choice,If i need to level up this is path would give some fire berating lizards and bats along with a Fire golem with them I can level up and get my Job quest and If Sven contracts a Djinn here today, I want to see the process which could be analysed by Great Sage.
"Let's take the sixth path."
No matter what, and I have hunch that something big is going to happen Not only that for the future mess, it would great as many hunters there are that would be that much good,but then Jayden rebut Waked me from my train of thoughts.
"Huh? Who are you to tell us where to—"
"Just do as he says."
Yoo Yeonha interrupted Jayden. It was nice to know I was trusted as a pathfinder.
"He might look like that, but he is exceptional."
" Yeah..! lets go with what Meliodas-Ssi Says we will be Ranked One just keeping up with him "
" Yeah lets do it that way "
My remaining two lazy,non enthusiastic teammates who only knows how to leach on me Jin Hoseung / Hazuki both started to chip in.
Seeing that Half of them are supporting my decision Jayden has backed down a bit with annoyance he grumbled about low rank or something and agreed to it .
Then I looked at Yoo Yeonha who is taking breath in like crisis averted she may act tough but deep down she is just teenager who has experienced adult world before others approaching her to lighten her mood.
She Shot me a glare like if you mess around I will see you around.
" What..!"
" I am Exceptional huh..hum.."
"…I'm giving a complementing you."
"Even I don't know until you said it like that but still,Do you have to put it that way?"
" Don't make me regret Supporting you "
" You Wouldn't "
In any case, our team walked into the sixth path.
The path was completely silent with only dry wind from the entrance hitting our back. After ten minutes of walking in high tension…We finally discovered a target.
[ Ding - Murders Inition detected to Player ]
"In front, there are Monsters "
Flashing its terrifying eyes and flickering its tongue was a monster known as the Salamander.
By the size of its body, it seemed to be low-intermediate rank at best. But monsters that could wield the four elements (water, wind, earth, fire) were tricky to deal with, and Salamanders used the most destructive element, fire , and there are at least about 25 of them it's been long time system give me these message about potential harm.
But System didn't give me Quest that means I could handle them all I need to do is just be careful.
"You can see it?"
Yoo Yeonha asked me with skeptical
"It's a Salamander group which are about 25 in number.That should be all for now and,yes I can see them."
Once we defeat the group of Salamander, the scenery should change well that is suppose to happen but now they are all real monsters so we should need to further observe what is going to happen.
' Great Sage be a Good manas & analyze everything from now on as much as you could till we leave this Dungeon '
{Great Sage : I am already On it Boss }
A Dungeon was an extradimensional space created with magic power. It might look like a cave at first, but this all created in an isolated pocket space the interior could change completely and red gates like gate way to different world,More than that they are also pumping mana into world , a Dungeon for me it itself was a specific monster after all what happens to dead body's,their mana all equipment everything will be used for its own growth and if that thing which lures Hunters using mana stone,Rune stones,breeds monsters to kill them and this cycle endless if it is not an monster what is it any way let's focus on current situation.
"How…You can really see? I don't believe you."
Jayden muttered in doubt.
"I'm telling you about it because I can see it, and if you have doubts go on nobody is going to stop you and not only for him but also for others who don't believe my words you can go in."
He was starting to get on my nerves dude really need a reality check in my previous there is a saying " if it is good, even if spoken from a child, you have to listen to it"
emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing good ideas, regardless of the speaker's age or irrespective of anything.
"What did you say? you .."
"…Tsk. Quiet, both of you. Get ready for battle."
Yoo Yeonha sighed audibly as she held up her whip ready for battle as the salamanders would reach us because of this commotion.
"Salamander? Does anyone here have the water attribute?"
Jayden asked as he stretched, but there was no 17 year old cadet who had accepted the mana of water.
At the very least, one had to have undergone enlightenment to do so. It seemed Jayden didn't expect much, as he held up his sword without being disappointed.
"Well, I'm sure it'll be easy."
I just stood there observing surroundings as great sage had analyzed about poison traps and their respective position, and Jayden being a jackass has already started to move towards the trap.
" Sigh..."
Hearing audible sighing Yoo yeonha looked at me for answers.
"Don't move from your Current Position there are Poison traps and the monsters are not Mana Puppets they are real monsters "
" What kind of nonsense are you talking Meliodas even for you do you think anything you said make sense don't talk anymore and this is cube why would something like this,would they allow it to occur under their nose "
" Yeah why would they do that"
" Cadet Meliodas this too much "
" Your Hindering our Progress other would already reached the boss room by now..."
"Yeah he is really attention seeking"
Yoo Yeonha statement is normal,anybody would say is the same thing but this is not normal situation nor is this world normal, seeing her arguing with me remaining people also started to raise their voices in the team especially Jayden who is looking for a chance.
"Yeah why would they arrange real monsters and poison traps that's not logical or it maybe that you just want spout all nonsense so that you could be Hero or whatever that's why I didn't like you from start you better get the hell out here."
Jayden started to move towards me reaching out his hand trying to catch my shoulder to push me towards but then he stepped on,The mechanism that triggers the poison traps from the corner of the cave.
...SWOOOSH...
An arrow moved towards his neck with sound audible sound so that everybody could see it but no one could react to it.
Jayden eyes widened at horror of sharp arrow that is approaching him before he could even evade it the arrow is approaching him like a death that is destined to happen he regretting his decagon of not listening to others.
.....Whizzle....
...."Clang"...
My movements are not at all visible to others ,all it need is single swift hand motion with my sword in a second,I deflected the poison arrow which is now fallen in front of their eyes its poison soo... corrosive that the place it has fallen started with sizzling sound and occasional bubbles from ground.
All of their eyes on the Poison arrow and especially Jayden his legs gave out the movement he has seen the poison arrow in front of him backed away from it, must have leave a PTSD.
" So What where you guys saying I didn't hear it clearly as I am looking for traps around us..."
.....Silence....
" Sigh "
" I know guys, it would be quiet hard to ask you guys trusting me & blindly believing me that's hard I know but follow my orders so that you guys don't die upon me that's the only choice you have so any more question,doubts,No...right,great."
They all nodded even Jayden who has recovered from his initial shock but Yoo Yeonha looked at me with eyes asking an explanation, to which I didn't bother approaching the arrow taking it into my hand I used my Inspection skill.
===[Poison Arrow]「Killing Power – 7/10」
「Additional Effect – Silent Ambush」—An arrow tipped with Corrosive Corpse Melting poison.===
Well what do you expect one tiny scratch and then instant death in novel it is not explained clearly but there is a Djinn's the one who caused this but never mentioned who are they not they were caught earlier reminder from system and my luck it is likely I would catch him hmm..
" ROAR...ROARRR!!! "
"ROOOAAAAARRRR!!!"
The earth trembled under the Monster's guttural cry's and it seems there is variant or Unique monster in this group of salamander's.
" wha...what is that "
Hazuki is the first one to break the silence others didn't answer her they all now what are those sounds are ,so they looked at my direction.
" Well after that much commotion we caused It would be pretty stupid that they didn't find our location, I am thinking why didn't they started to attack till now."
" Thud....Thud..."
Footfall's echoed with an unsettling, guttural rhythm of Salamander Horde Heading towards us they are not even visible to my team but their slow, deliberate advance was to create an Psychological stress for Prey so when it attacks the Prey would make mistake on fear.
' Hmm..Must have been waiting for the orders from the guy who messed this Dungeon.'
" So Yeonha and Jayden as a group how many Salamanders could you stall or kill them tell me the number "
Yoo Yeonha didn't waste any time she give me answer based on the remaining members ability and considering weapons provided by cube and experience of others that's all they could do just like Future Queen of Seoul what can you expect from her.
" Minimum 6 & Max 8 without causality but with injuries that may be serious but not life threatening "
"Hmm.... ok I will be frontal assault and attract the agro of all monsters you guys try to kill salamanders which are out of my agro or injured by me make sure they are dead and also don't divide into groups,all of 7 you are in one group "
"You are saying you would go alone and fight with all salamanders on your own that's practically suicide "
Yeonha shouted at me I don't know it is because out of guilt not trusting me earlier or because of concern of losing a potential ally or something but rather than her words it's next words came from Jayden really impressed me I thought this guy may be some kind of protagonist or Illegitimate son of Hajin.
" Hey Meliodas I know I don't have right to say this nor we have time for this but I am sorry for what I have done & thanks for saving my life but if it is attracting Agro of monsters I can do it and give you guys enough time to escape and can bring help from professor.."
" Pfft...Ha...Ha..Ha... you guys wait "
I couldn't help but laugh at the situation this guy Jayden is an interesting guy he is at least have guts to say it & he isn't Lying about it and I am impressed if I have to say damn dude what a character development.
" Sorry..sorry..Ok..Ok.. don't look at me like that." Phew.. "Okay,I am serious now,Hmm.. change of plans you guys just watch how I will fight them & Jayden after this I have offer for you if you're interested in it tell me your answer"
....FOOSH.!!!..
" Wait..Meliodas..Come...Back...."
Every One
Yoo Yeonha shouted at the reckless fool she herself don't know why she is acting like this for a guy who she only knows barely to be even called acquaintance.
Without saying anything Meliodas Sprinted towards the Horde of Salamanders that are started to visible but they are still far away to everyone,Yoo Yeonha tried to catch his hand to stop him but he is Fast all she could catch was air.
Jayden and remaining Team members when looking at the Horde they are visible shaken the hands that are holding their weapons are shaking & because of united foot steps of the monsters the ground itself is shaking like a Miniature Earthquake,their courage to attack or to defend is lost but there is one guy with wild grin on his face running towards them to fight head on with that many monster's.
A Salamander of that size should be low-intermediate rank grade 6.
Eight people were more than enough to kill it. But what worried them was how many of them there are ,The team members couldn't help but recall what they were thinking when they entered into the Dungeon everybody practically wanted to be in first place but now reality hitted them harder than they could imagine.
Yoo Yeonha biting her lower lip out sheer frustration of not being helpful,not being resourceful and thinking about she couldn't even muster courage when she saw a real monster's,she is angry.
But not on Jayden or on her Teammates,But on herself For not trusting him,for not thinking a better plan,for not being desesive enough,for not being honest,she looked at remaining team members except for Jayden remaining all are scared and Jayden is like her frustrated he clenched his hand to the point his nails dig into his palm blood started to drip from his Hand.
"Ah....I can't take it anymore I am going there & whether I am being helpful or not I am not going to stand here like this."
Jayden about to rush towards salamanders that are some how halted not moving towards them but they could hear the roars of the Salamander,But Yoo yeonha stopped him.
" Wait Jayden I am also coming you cant go to battlefield like that reckless fool..!,we are going in as a team and you guys wake up from that state thinking we would be safe if we are here that's a pipe dream,At least as team we would have chance to Survive so are you going to sit here or are you going to Come with us."
" Wait...Yeonha-Ssi we will also join in to we may not be as helpful as you guys but we don't want to be cowards who only how to leach on others "
Remaining team members Jin-Hoseung,Hazuki also recovered from their shock and overcome their fear wanted to join in,Seeing this remaining also joined in the team.
" Good Let's go in Formation we don't have much time Meliodas has only gone for a minute we could catch up with him and help him down. "
Yoo Yeonha couldn't help but look at the direction hearing those Roars of the Monsters and rumbling ground it is evident that battle had already started all her thoughts now is on Meliodas a guy who always somehow knows how to flip her Nerves.
Make her Fluster,Anger,Irritate,Jealousy & through all this he somehow become someone she started to pay attention, Interested or Attracted to him,she herself can't understand what she is thinking.
Because of the environment she had grown she has to become Mature earlier than other kids of her age thinking all of this is because of a single guy she couldn't help but Gritt..her teeth and start to follow her teammates towards the battle area all she wanted do is speak some sense into Meliodas and make him write an assay of apologies or even beat him down and tie him down.
" You..!! Better be alright Meliodas for all the stress you caused me,otherwise I swear....."
She couldn't help but murmur under her breadth but her Teammates who unconsciously looked at her expression, which is quiet menacing and it give them shivers all of them tactically nodded their heads to each other to never get on Bad side of Yoo Yeonha.
Every One
Meliodas Pov < Pov >
Leaving others on my back speeding through Dungeon which caused air to crackle rising dust that made him like a beast rather than human as it humanly impossible to do it,he arrived at the Horde of Salamanders standing in front of the monsters which stopped as sudden rise of dust.
When the dust settled down they saw a silhouette standing in front of them is a lone human,they roared at him looking at meal that has roll over to their mouth but Meliodas focus was never on the Monsters in front of him but he is looking around his surroundings.
' Great Sage did you pick up anything different, is there a guy controlling this monsters '
{Great Sage : well there is one he is behind that bolder back of the Horde he is using some artifact and he seems to not be student but some one much older and you should start to use magic sense why are you relaying me on this.}
' I just don't want overly real on Magic sense if they have artifacts that could hide or a skilled magician could even mask themselves and cover other objects with Mana to confuse,so I would rather hone my natural instinct's and sense's in battle which is way better and more than that you're there for me to watch my back isn't it.'
{Great Sage : Well Mr. Host before we continue to argue about your training,you should dodge the fire ball coming towards you }
' Nah.. I am too lazy to dodge lets use this '
" Jade Shield "
..BOOM.....
Before the fire balls of the monsters swallowed him he used his Rock God Powers.
The monster's and mastermind behind this,all they saw was a bright golden light and Meliodas Engulfed in the fire, the surrounding debris flyed up Dungeon itself Rumbled under the combined attack of Salamander's the guy couldnt help have smile,he walked from hiding place to front were meliodas was supposed to be there but now it is with raging flames he wanted to watch the student of Cube reduced to ashes.
" He...He...Ha..HA...Ha...HA...Poor kid must have been freezed out fear died without knowing anything but why did he died so easily without even screaming next time I must torture this Cadets so they would become broken and beg for death until then I wouldn't kill them"
But he didnt expect was a voice broke out at time when which sounded like both Amused and Mocking.
" Well..Well It seems no matter what some are destined to do their role...Huh, Kang Taeshik "
"Who are you kid and How do you know my name and How the hell did you survived that attack but it doesn't matter I will make you regret ever second..Why you are still alive..!!..What the.. "
..CRACK...
..BOOM.....
Before Kang Taeshik finish whatever he is going to say all he saw was a Fist near his face parted by merely hair length which didn't give him a chance to dodge,When the fist connected to his face it resounded through out the cave and Kang Taeshik was knocked down to ground with visible cracks on ground.
He is losing his consciousness all he seen before he close his eyes was Meliodas lips parting if he now lip reading he would know that Meliodas is saying thanks for Experincine points just like that Kang Taeshik who wanted to become Great had been Humbled down to ground.
" ROAR...ROARRR!!! "
"ROOOAAAAARRRR!!!"
Seeing that their master is attacked by the prey they were hunting and that supposedly prey should be dead is alive.
The monster's roared with anger opening their mouth gathering mana they're going to launch another Fire ball attack from their mouth in row like a trained soldiers but what they didn't know was magic attacks are big mistake in front of Meliodas.
.....SWISH....
"Full Counter"
If anybody has this move everybody would be shocked because when Meliodas Swinged his Raksha's fang the Fireball that is combined effect of Horde of Salamanders which is looks like a Miniature sun seem to be vanished with a swift sword line visible to eye but if it is mage they would Knows the horror of this.
What is happening here the mana used by Salamanders combined Fireball is not vanished instead it become double the original amount of mana and it's about to appear at that place like a ball bounces back but faster stronger than previous one.
Within next moment when Meliodas finished his movement of swinging the dagger another Fireball appeared with double the size of previous one with more mana and more speed it moved towards the Salamanders horde.
Which made the Salamanders a simple minded monster don't know, How to react this situation before they knew they were bombarded with their own attacks.
Every Salamander is dead under their own attack except for one salamander which is unique with fins that resemble like crown and with gwels on it's body but it is seriously injured if not for its higher fire resistance it would have been dead too.
" Rrr..grr..Grr.."
" Hmm.. this guy he must be unique monster..Quite resilient,hey what's with look well can't help it,you will be my solider in future but for now bye..bye"
" Swish "
" Thud "
With swift motion,From Meliodas Blade the Head of Salamander rolled down as usually he is going to collect the monster's body then he heard the notifications he has been waiting.
"Ding"
[ Level Up! ]
" Ding "
[Player has reached the required level.]
[Class Change Quest is now available.]
[Will you take on the Class Change Quest now?] (Y/N)
"Great..! Yes...! Finally Lvl.40 Ha..HA...Ha. Job Quest is here no more carrying dead body's in system storage"
* Status *
Name: Meliodas.
Level: 40
Job : None *[QUEST]*
Fatigue : 10
Title : Wolf Slayer, Harbinger of Death
HP : 5800/5800
MP : 770/ 860
Strength: 86
Vitality: 78
Agility: 80
Intelligence: 76
Sense : 79
Luck: Error ( Golden Rule luck can not be measured)
Charm: 9.6/10 (Golden rule charm can not be compared)
Remaining points : 90
' Hmm.. it seems even though I can't level up further untill Job Quest is completed I can still gain experience points it's good.'
" MELIODAS..!!! "
Then I heard my name someone called me no correction it wasn't calling my name, if I have to say it.
It is like an Arch enemy someone that is wanting to kill me for centuries looking for right time and when I turned back to see who it was well I have to say I would rather face a 100 Salamander or even dragons then facing her.
It is Yoo Yenoha with bloodshot eyes looking at me and started to walk towards me which is sending shivers down to my spine.
" I..ca..I..can..Expl.. Explain Yenoha wait let's talk it in peacefully "
' Sigh ...I am Dead, I could never understand Women in my Two life times '
MELIODAS