“ROOOOOARR!” The monster cried out, sending out a wave that took my breath away.

We encountered the mid-tier boss on the way down to the next floor.

“Holy circle!” I threw out my protective barrier.

The spectral monster looked like it could barely fit in the small hallway. Under its name, it identified as a Raging Wither. However, this one seemed to have a spectral body like a giant troll. Well, who was I to try to classify this monster? Rather, I just wanted it dead.

It lifted an arm and hit my barrier. It shattered with ease. I let out a noise and stumbled back. It was uncomfortable having a magic barrier destroyed like that. Before the monster could move further, wind slashes flew over my head at the monster. It let out a roar of anger.

“I thought these guys stayed away from you!”  I shot at Celeste.

She let out a helpless cry. “I don’t know… they usually don’t bother me, even if they’re always cranky!”

Of course, I already expected I knew the reason. She was a slave of the Mater of this dungeon. As soon as she was taken as my slave, she lost her protection in this dungeon. Now, the monsters attacked her just as much as they attacked me. Unfortunately, even she wasn’t strong enough to one-shot a ghost boss. It didn’t feel quite as dangerous as fighting the eldritch, but the Raging Wither still could kill me if I wasn’t careful. Worse, I only had one life in this dungeon.

“Sanctify Land!” I declared, and then backed up a few steps. “I really need to learn some magic! You’re just not strong enough”

“Hmph!” Celeste snorted. “You’re looking down on me! In that case, I’ll show you real magic! Stall him for a second!”

“Gah! A second?” I drew Ghostbane and lunged at the monster, as soon as I struck, I used Create Cushion.

When he attacked back, his hand moved like it was moving through molasses. That gave me enough time to run away. That was enough time, as Celeste’s summoning seemed to finish. Suddenly a massive whirlwind shot through the hallway. I backed into a corner as it exploded past me. The force was enough that the hallway seemed to creak as if it was being stretched. I could feel the pressure hammering on my back.

I glanced up after it passed me and watched as a tornado-like whirlwind struck the Raging Wither. It immediately bellowed. It looked like it was being cut all over with hundreds of blades. It was like one her whirlwind slashes, but there were hundreds of them swirling around. It really was a terrifying spell. The monster couldn't face it for very long. It ended up being torn apart. As I realized it was dying, I swapped back to True Dungeon Diver for more experience.

{True Dungeon Diver has increased to level 5.}

{Basic Item Identify has been unlocked.}

The monster finally collapsed. Sitting in the spot where it disappeared was a pair of boots. I picked them up and looked at them. I immediately used Identify on them.

{Boots of Quickness – Increase Speed, Defense; Reduced Foot Fungus and improved smell.}

“What has ma- what have you found?” The fairy came over, landing on my shoulder.

“Ahem… some boots.” I said simply, casually slipping off my old boots and immediately getting into these.

They fit very well. I left my old boots behind. It was time to head to level 6. The day was just getting started.