Chapter 138: Monster Parade

Among the monsters that appeared after that, although the number was small, there were some that could resurrect. Then, by conducting an investigation each time it happened, we finally found the cause.

“I see. So, they could resurrect if their magic stones are still left in their corpse, huh”

Yagami solemnly stated the result of our investigation. And in response, Shinonome-san said.

“And also, it seems the higher their levels are, the more likely it happens. Even the Goblin Generals that we had defeated didn’t resurrect even though they still have their magic stones inside their body.”

“That seems to be the case. However, this has become quite troublesome. The only way to kill the monsters is just by destroying the magic stones or beheading them just like what Amane did. It will definitely increase the effort we have to give during the battle and above all, it is quite painful to not be able to collect the magic stones that could be a source of income.”

After thinking about something for a few seconds, Yagami said with a determined expression.

“If having a high level is the condition for the monsters to resurrect, then, the frequency it occurs might be increased as we go to the lowest floor. Thus, I think we should return to the safe upper floor and take a long rest before resuming our capture. Is everyone okay with that?”

“Yes”

All members of the party nodded at Yagami’s instruction.

Of course, I also agreed with Yagami’s idea. Although I was sure it is easy for the level of this party to defeat the monsters here, it will be mentally exhausting if they had to fight while worrying about whether the monster will resurrect or not. That’s why, it would be a good idea to take a rest once.

Well, I would normally have advanced if I was alone, but that’s not the case here.

And then, when we tried to reorganize our formation before returning to the upper floor, suddenly the entire floor began to tremble.

“–, What happen!?”

“Kyaa!”

Everyone here is naturally confused by the sudden course of events. Of course, I was also the same.

What? What on earth just happened? The first thing that came to my mind when the trembling occurred was the dungeon collapse, but the situation was a little different from that. If I had to guess from the way the dungeon trembled and the sound that echoed inside the dungeon, this is more like–.

“Oi, look over there!”

One member of the party pointed his finger in a certain direction and shouted in a restless manner.

“That is!”

Although delayed, we also directed our gaze in that direction– and opened our eyes in shock, as a group of more than 50 monsters emerged from the passage we had passed before. They didn’t look elsewhere and headed straight towards us.

While looking at that, I bit my lips, then mentioned the name that refers to this phenomenon.

“–Monster Parade!”

Monster parade. As the name implies, it is a phenomenon where numerous monsters appeared at the same time.

There are various reasons that could result in someone encountering this phenomenon, such as stepping the monsters’ appearance spot by mistake or incidentally colliding against the group of monsters when they’re in the middle of moving. But, it seems it was the latter this time.

Although a monster parade is a phenomenon that occurs in any dungeon regardless of its rank, I didn’t actually consider it a problem, as in the worst case, I could just escape by using [Transfer Within Dungeon].

However, for normal adventurers, this phenomenon was something that could kill them. It was naturally the same even if they were an A-rank party that a high-ranking guild was proud of.

“Tank, go front!”

“”Yes!””

Following Yagami’s instruction, the two tanks went forward to stop the monsters. Although we barely succeeded in slowing down the advance of the monster parade due to the narrow passage, conversely, there was also no space for us to attack them. In conclusion, it’s only a matter of time before the monster parade breaks through.

“Leader, the monsters are coming from that direction too!”

“From another direction too!?”

On top of that, the same number of monsters attacked from another passage, as if to bring us who were desperately thinking about a countermeasure to get out of this situation to the depths of despair.

If it was just a normal monster parade, this kind of thing absolutely won’t happen. I gritted my teeth, thinking that there is clearly something wrong here.

Then, while everyone was falling into fright and confusion, Yagami shouted with a resolute attitude.

“Evacuate! At this rate, the situation will gradually get worse! We have to go to an open space and destroy the enemies by using magic with a wide range! Hurry up!”

Following that voice, we went to evacuate from the one remaining passage, led by the vanguard, with me and Shinonome-san behind them and followed by Yanagi and the tanks at the end of the line.

However,

“–! There’s also a group of monsters over there!”

“None on this road! Let’s go!”

When we arrived at the forked ways, there is a high possibility that a group of monsters would await us there too. Thus, we inevitably had to choose the remaining passage and advanced. But, on the way to the end of passage, an uncomfortable feeling assaulted me.

“…. Strange. It’s too convenient”

Although it is unclear why so many monsters appeared before us, if the purpose of the group was to kill us, they should have blocked all passages too. However, in reality, we found an escape route as if it had been prepared.

Inducement. Such a disturbing word came to my mind all of a sudden.

There are indeed such suspicions in my mind, but that doesn’t mean we can just stop here. And this wasn’t a situation that could be handled just because I revealed the power I was hiding and began to fight back too. I think it’s best to follow the instruction of Yagami, who was a veteran warrior.

But, even if I should have understood that in my head, the throbbing in my heart still showed no signs of stopping. And then, as we continue to move forward without me being able to arrive at an answer, we finally arrived in the target location.

“Look, there is a big room over there! We could intercept the monsters there!”

Shinonome shouted with joy as she found a huge space that we can use. Naturally, we passed through the hole leading to that area without hesitation. But at that moment, the dungeon once again trembled.

“—-What on earth?”

While feeling confused by the indescribable feeling that I felt, I looked back and saw the figure of Yagami and the others who arrived at this room while casting their magic on the pursuing monsters–

And there were also opened doors on their left and right.

“Tsu, please go outside!”

I reflexively shouted. And Yagami who heard that widened his eyes.

“What are you saying, Amane! There are numerous monsters outside. There is no other way for us to survive other than annihilating them here–”

However, Yagami couldn’t finish his words, as the door closed grandly with a booming sound as if drowning his voice.

“What? The door is closed?”

“Did we succeed in escaping from the monster parade?”

Everyone who saw this scene was, although confused, relieved. On the other hand, my heartbeat kept accelerating, as if telling me it’s not the time to feel relieved. And if my guess was correct, I’m sure this place is–

“… Everyone, look behind”

Yagami, who lifted his face to look at something above, said with a trembling voice. And while exhaling deeply, I looked back— and saw it.

“… As I expected”

What emerged from the back of the wall was a huge monster that closely resembled the Orc General, boasting a height that easily exceeded 4 meters.

Having a horn extending from its forehead, a pair of sharp golden eyes, and two huge fangs that are popping out of its mouth. Its rock-like bulging body seems to be painted in a muddy red color, creating an abnormal presence. And its log-like hand was holding a large sword spanning over 2 meters.

“You must be kidding, why is there something like that here, even though we weren’t on the bottom floor…”

“Don’t tell me this is a trap!?”

“…tsu!”

Without a doubt, everyone here was afraid of this monster. And in the midst of that, I silently used the [Appraisal].

—————–

【High Ogre】

・Recommended level to subjugate: 40,000

・Extra boss: Onizuka Dungeon

—————–

Its level was strangely the same as the Cyclops that I didn’t have an opportunity to fight against the other day. And here, we were suddenly forced into a deadly battle against such a powerful enemy.