CH 31.2

The group continued on their way to intercept the approaching Scarbs. With several Scarb Soldiers crawling up and down the passageway and attacking from all sides, it was surely a traumatic experience for adventurers, especially for those of Rank 4 and below.

“DIE!” (Branch Manager)

The branch manager became a wall and defended against the Scarb Soldiers’ rush. He skewered the head of Scarb Soldier on the ground with his large spear and then, without taking the spear back, he forcibly stabbed it into the Scarb Soldier crawling above.

Wasting no time, the branch manager retrieved his spear from the dead Scarbs Soldier’s body after it dropped dead on the ground and then launched an attack on the new approaching Scarb Soldier.

“Spiral Thrust!” (Branch Manager)

From head to torso, the approaching Scarb Soldier vanished, only leaving its hind legs behind.

Litty was the most emotionally moved by the branch manager’s skill in defeating the Rank 4 demons with a single blow.

He had tremendous power to overcome obstacles one would not expect to come from a very defense focused Heavy Warrior class, and it also showed the difference in skills between himself and the others.

Even after earning the same Heavy Warrior class as the Branch Manager after a mock battle with her, Litty could not believe that an outstanding person like him had acknowledged her.

“The branch manager is so strong! But looking at your moves, it doesn’t seem like you were only focusing on defense, you know?” (Litty)

“Hmm? I fight based on the principle that if I have time to protect, I should attack. That’s why I often got into trouble when I formed parties. After all, I was supposed to be the one doing the defending. Hahaha!” (Branch Manager)

“Even though you’re a Heavy Warrior?” (Litty)

“What we teach in the guild is the standard way to do things. You, too, should find a style that suits you.” (Branch Manager)

Looking at their situation, the other adventurers wondered if this was the right time to discuss such a topic with Litty. Many of the adventurers could not understand them.

The branch manager was certainly strong. But when they saw the excitement on Litty’s face, they wondered if the girl really understood the seriousness of the situation at hand.

To be fair, their interactions did reduce the anxiety of other team members.

“I want to do a Spiral Thrust too!” (Litty)

“If you can do it just by watching, then feel free to try. I’m uncertain if you can execute it as precisely as me, though. Wait, pincer attack!” (Branch Manager)

From the front and back, Scarbs and Scarb Soldiers were approaching. In front were the branch manager and Dimos, and behind them Instructor Gonza and Toito held the line. Despite their appearances, Toito’s ability to cut down several Scarbs at once and Gonza’s strong defense left no room for error.

Furthermore, the rear-guard magician’s assistance kept the Scarb horde at bay.

So far, there didn’t seem to be any problem, or so they thought. The group’s mentality became lax and underestimated the complexity of the labyrinth.

***

“Where the heck is this all leading to?” (Dimos)

“Let’s settle down for some time. It must be late at night by now already.” (Branch Manager)

No wonder why Dimos wanted to flip. No matter how far they went, they never seemed to be able to find the Queen. And yet, the enemy continued to attack with no mercy.

The branch manager decided to camp in a small cave and rest. It was covered with dead insects, but no one was concerned about it.

“I and other senior members will take turns keeping the watch, one hour at a time.” (Branch Manager)

“Branch manager, this is really not the time to be slowing down, is it? We may be able to save others if we find them.” (Dimos)

“We have a limited amount of energy. I’d really like to not take any break, but we also need to be prepared for a fight with the Queen.” (Branch Manager)

“But…” (Dimos)

The remaining adventurers were grateful for the rest. The branch manager, who was putting on a calm expression on the surface, was inwardly breaking out in a cold sweat.

Even though Scarbs were certainly known for their high fertility, he had never heard of anything on this scale. If left unchecked, the nest would eventually spread to the underground of the town.

He was inclined to conclude that it was a bit naive of them to go on the offensive.

The Branch manager wanted the younger ones to rest and leave the guarding to him and other senior members because in the event things went really bad, the young ones would at least have a chance to run away.