Kays Translations

Chapter 16: Promotion exam 2

After that, the party continued to progress smoothly through the dungeon.

The pace was quite good.

However, in my opinion, the reason for the smooth progress was not because the party was excellent. 

It was because Crabbe and Cyrus, disregarding the risks that should have been considered, proceeded while taking risks.

Up to this point, they have advanced without encountering any painful experiences, but that is only because they were fortunate.

If this weren’t a promotion test, I would have wanted to leave the party right now, but unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. The only thing I could do was to continue fighting, avoiding risks within my capabilities.

However, I wonder how long that will last…

*Growl!*

Passing through a narrow pathway and entering a slightly wider space, a massive monster awaited.

In appearance, it can be described in one word: a black deer with wings.

“<<Status Analysis>>”

I used <<Data Analysis>> to reveal the abilities of this monster.”

——————————

Fluffluff

◇Status

Level: 2

BP (Barrier Points): 100

MP (Magic Points): 78/78″

——————————

　　

Fluffluff.

Contrary to its foolish-sounding name, it’s a monster with powerful stats. It’s likely the mid-boss of this dungeon.

At that moment, facing such an opponent, the examiner, Crabbe, gives me an order.

“Haruto. Today, you haven’t had a chance to shine yet. So, take this opportunity for redemption. Face that one alone.”

Though explicitly told I haven’t shone yet, I resist the urge to snap.

The ‘evaluation’ from this muscle-headed guy is quite low. If things continue like this, I might end up failing. Considering that, I have to somehow demonstrate my true abilities here.

In that sense, the monster in front of me is the perfect opponent. Even among monsters in this level range, it’s considered quite powerful. Defeating it alone should be more than enough to prove my strength.

“I understand.”

I step forward, facing Fluffluff.

“Gwaaah!”

The demonic eyes acknowledge me, and it lets out a menacing roar.

However, I remain calm and proceed to gather more data with <<Data Analysis>>.

“<<Skill Analysis>>”

——————————

Fluffluff

Skill List

Life Barrier Lv3

   Effect: Creates a barrier across the entire body to defend against attacks.

Fireball Lv4

   MP Cost: 3

   Effect: Releases a ball of fire.

Stamping Crush Lv4

   MP Cost: 3

   Effect: Empowers the foot with magic and strikes downward.

Lightning Vortex Lv3

   MP Cost: 45

   Effect: Emits a shockwave of lightning around oneself, dealing damage and paralyzing the opponent.

——————————

It has three techniques.

Among them, the most outstanding is undoubtedly the ≪Lightning Vortex≫.

Even just looking at the description, you can tell it’s troublesome. There is no specific antidote for paralysis, and if you get hit, you’ll be defenseless for a while.

Therefore, it’s an absolute must to avoid this technique.

However, fortunately, it can only be used once in this battle, consuming more than half of the maximum MP in a single activation. Therefore, Fluffluff can only use this move once. So, as long as you make sure to avoid this one blow, there should be no problem in the fight.

“Guwah!”

The next moment, Fluffluff barked shortly, and three flames appeared in front of him, turning into bullets and shot forward.

First is the ≪Fireball≫ used for intimidation.

I saw this as an opportunity. Basically, while using a certain attack skill, another attack skill cannot be used. In other words, right now, ≪Lightning Vortex≫ won’t activate!

“I forcefully kicked the ground, leaping over the three approaching bullets.

Then, I swung down with dual swords from above Fulful’s head.

≪Double Slash≫!!”

A downward strike from above. The attack steadily chipped away at the magical barrier life barrier.

I kicked Fluffluff’s face and soared backward.

I think I dealt considerable damage, but I won’t pursue further. If I linger too close, I’ll become prey to ≪Lightning Vortex≫.

Basically, I’ll hit and run, steadily reducing the life points. That’s my strategy.

I sheath my sword, took out a bow from my back, and initiated a long-range counterattack.

“≪Ice Arrow≫!”

Although Hunter-type skills have lower power, the biggest advantage is that I don’t have to get close to the opponent. I’ll patiently deal damage from a distance.

I focused on long-range attacks, only using ≪Double Slash≫ for close-range damage when the opponent used an attack skill. Afterward, I would quickly retreat and return to long-range attacks, repeating the process.

After repeating this several times, I had managed to reduce the opponent’s life by about half.

“Hey, quit being so cautious! What are you so afraid of!”

The voice of irritation echoed within the dungeon.

Without needing to confirm, I knew it was Crabbe’s voice.

The words were undoubtedly directed at me.

It seemed, as usual, he had complaints about my playing style.

My caution appeared as timidity to him.

But I had confidence that I was undoubtedly playing at my best against a formidable opponent.

――If you’re going to complain so much, then you give it a try.

I couldn’t help but mutter these words in my mind.

However, I never expected that he might have heard those words.

The next moment, something unbelievable happened.

“I’ll defeat him in an instant!”

After saying that, Crabbe drew his sword and recklessly charged at Fluffluff.

A reckless charge born out of impatience.

“Wait, stop!”

I hurriedly tried to intervene.

But it was too late.

“Guaaah!”

The demon boar let out a deep, guttural sound, different from before.

And in the next moment, a flash emanated from around its body.

≪Lightning Vortex≫.

Crabbe was helplessly intercepted by the sudden area attack, thrown backward, and slammed onto the ground. He lay there motionless.

No, upon closer inspection, his body was twitching slightly.

This is probably…

I hurriedly confirmed with ≪Status Analysis≫.

——————————

Crabbe Greenwood

◇ Status

Level: 22

BP (Barrier Points): 0/100

MP (Magic Points): 90/100

Other: Paralyzed State

——————————

As expected, he was hit by Lightning Vortex and has fallen into a paralyzed state.

All of the barrier points have been removed, so if he gets attacked next time, he won’t be able to survive.

Even if he died, it could only be said to be his own fault, but I couldn’t just abandon him.

“…You idiot!”

I jumped towards Fluffluff while spitting out angry words.

“≪Double Slash≫!!”

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