A sizzling sound of earth rubbing echoed all around, and phosphorescent light shone down from the ceiling, illuminating the surrounding area enclosed by pale green walls.
This kind of place was called a chamber, a square open space within the Dungeon.
“Squeak, squeak, squeak—”
Within this space, making a scalp-numbing sound like fingernails scraping a blackboard, were the powerful monsters that began appearing from the seventh floor:
—killing ants.
The front ends of their arms had four well-developed Claws.
The curved, twisted protrusions glowed eerily, possessing an attack power incomparable to low-level monsters like Goblins.
The outer skin covering their bodies was as hard as armor, and half-hearted attacks would simply bounce off.
Not only that, but inflicting direct physical damage through that carapace was also extremely difficult.
Being dealt a fatal blow by their sharp Claws before even breaking through their defense was a common scenario for Adventurers defeated by killing ants.
Due to the distinct difference in these monsters’ abilities compared to previous opponents,
Adventurers accustomed to fighting the smaller monsters from the fifth floor and above often became their food, one after another.
Among Adventurers, they are known as “newbie killers.”
“This isn’t good…
this many…”
Saying there are a dozen feels like an understatement; there are probably twenty or more in this area.
It’s almost the scale of a small Monster Feast.
Raul’s eye twitched; he clearly hadn’t expected to encounter such a situation upon first arriving on the seventh floor.
A Monster Feast refers to a phenomenon, starting from the tenth floor, where a large number of monsters instantly appear in the same area.
Once this phenomenon occurs, in just a moment, a previously empty area will quickly be filled with monsters.
Although it’s only the seventh floor now, twenty killing ants on the seventh floor are still a force not to be underestimated.
What’s more, these monsters can call for companions.
While they don’t shout loudly, when in danger, they can emit a pheromone-like substance, undetectable by humans, to attract their kin.
For new Adventurers, this is undoubtedly a disaster.
Originally, Raul just wanted to bring Asta to experience the unique monster of the seventh floor—the killing ants.
This was to prevent Asta from accidentally suffering losses if he explored the seventh floor alone later.
But now…
“Should we retreat?
The stairs back to the sixth floor are right behind us, or…”
Observing Asta’s reaction from the corner of his eye, Raul had already placed his hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist.
Ultimately, why do new members of a Familia usually have seniors accompany them into the Dungeon?
It’s to prevent such situations from suddenly occurring, leading to new members unfortunately perishing in the Dungeon.
For Asta to turn around and run now is clearly the optimal choice in this situation.
However, directly trying to challenge his limits and choosing to fight is also not impossible.
Because Raul, an LV4, is right behind him to back him up.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the increase in Adventurer level brings absolute suppression.
Let alone twenty killing ants; even if the number doubled, they couldn’t stop an LV4 Raul.
“Just right…”
Beside Asta, Raul was momentarily stunned when he heard him murmur.
What’s “just right”?
Raul, feeling somewhat bewildered, subconsciously asked what was on his mind.
“I actually have another Magic Guidance, Big Brother Raul; it feels like now is a good time to try it out.”
Asta, explaining to him, simultaneously raised his silver-gray spear, lowering its tip and getting into position.
Hearing this, Raul couldn’t help but take a deep breath.
A human actually awakened two Magic Guidances for the first time???
Unaware of Raul’s subtle feelings at the moment, Asta took a shallow breath and felt the power within him—
Call forth!
Reveal it—!
Chant, unleash Magic Guidance!
“[Orionids]!!”
The next moment, the Magic Guidance residing within Asta broke its shackles.
—!!!
A radiance like a starry night sky suddenly bloomed at his feet, enveloping Asta entirely.
However, it only lasted for an instant; that starry radiance dissipated, turning into specks of starlight lingering around, and Asta experienced another sublimation.
A faint blue, shimmering aura danced around Asta.
More graceful than anything, deeper than the ancient night.
His golden, broken hair moved without wind, and along with his clear blue pupils, it took on a hint of silver-white.
(PS: Referencing the Ultra Instinct)
Power gushed forth at this moment, and even—far more than that!
Enchantment.
It is a rare and powerful Magic Guidance that imbues one’s body or even weapons with magical power, thereby aiding attacks, increasing speed, and improving physical abilities.
There are various ways to develop it and numerous ways to use it in combat.
Directly covering one’s body like this is one of the simplest and most crude methods.
“But it’s enough…”
Asta tightened his grip on the silver-gray spear in his hand; under the Magic Guidance’s enhancement, the spear also glowed with starlight, and the high temperature emanating from its tip even warped the air.
Witnessing the human in their sight summon such terrifying power, the killing ants clearly showed astonishment and dread.
Although their intelligence was low, they had no doubt that if such power befell them, it would be as devastating as a tornado destroying a parking lot.
The killing ants’ mandibles chewed incessantly, making squeaking noises.
The killing ants, accustomed to ambushing humans with their numbers and armor, dared not advance despite their absolute numerical advantage at this moment.
“Asta, they’re calling for companions!”
Extremely familiar with this squeaking sound, Raul directly exposed their behavior.
“Yes, I know.”
Asta nodded.
In short, it’s about finishing the fight quickly.
Even without Raul saying it, Asta would do so.
When an enchantment is applied to oneself, it quickly consumes stamina and mental energy.
The recovery effect brought by the Heart of the Earth is merely a drop in the bucket compared to the consumption.
“—I’m going in!”
Feeling somewhat exhilarated by the surging power, Asta rotated his spear, twirling the shaft, and aimed for the most densely concentrated point of the killing ants, choosing to thrust.
In an instant, the ground where Asta stood exploded, and the powerful force even stirred up a strong gust of wind.
It pierced through with the momentum of a meteor!
It broke through!
Facing the dense swarm of killing ants ahead, Asta sent out his silver-gray spear with full force.
“[Orionids]!!!”
The next moment, a tremendous roar echoed through the cavern, and a faint blue magical radiance raged through the passage, with a strong light bursting forth everywhere within sight.
Silver-white light, mixed with a faint blue aura, completely filled the space, and it even felt as if the passage walls were on the verge of collapsing.
Standing at the staircase entrance, Raul, shielding himself from the pervasive shockwave, could barely keep his eyes open due to the intense light.
After a while, when the light completely dissipated.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
“And If you’re enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!”