Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 277: On the Way Through the 202nd Floor
The party continued across the dungeon’s 202nd floor.
They had been traveling for half a day, avoiding most monsters with the aid of Tauro’s [True Eye], [Anti-Inhibition], and [Presence Detection].
When avoiding a monster would require a lengthy detour, the escort team eliminated it instead.
Tauro had initially intended to contribute to those battles, even if only in a minor role.
The Behemoth Leather Armor he had modified greatly increased his basic attributes, so he believed he could provide some assistance.
His escorts, however, were astonishingly fast, powerful, and efficient. They identified each monster’s weaknesses almost immediately.
Whenever Tauro prepared to join a fight, the monster was defeated before he found an opening.
“All of you’re incredibly fast. I intended to help with the fighting, but there was never any need.”
Tauro openly praised the escort team’s coordination.
“Ha ha. Apart from ordinary daily duties, we’ve spent our lives training for combat. We also study monsters thoroughly. When facing a species we know, every member understands their role and can act almost instantly.”
As Tsugumu said, the two five-person teams protecting Tauro moved with nearly perfect coordination and required very few spoken commands.
Tauro had gained some confidence in his own combat ability, yet there was no space for him to intervene. That alone demonstrated how formidable they were.
“Tauro-dono’s abilities are extraordinary as well. Even our detection methods can’t completely overcome powerful inhibition skills, so in the end we must sometimes rely on instinct. You can perceive monsters concealed by such abilities. That’s already an immense help.”
Tsugumu sincerely praised Tauro in return.
“I still don’t fully understand [Anti-Inhibition]. Sometimes [True Eye] reacts even when I look at an ordinary rock. I can’t tell whether the ability is overly sensitive or whether some rocks contain minerals with inhibition properties. Look—that rock over there’s producing a reaction as well.”
Tauro pointed toward a nearby boulder.
“That rock?”
Tsugumu examined the object Tauro had indicated.
The other escorts turned toward it as well.
For the briefest instant, the boulder appeared to move.
“A Rock Hedgehog!”
Tsugumu shouted a warning.
Countless needles immediately erupted from the disguised monster at tremendous speed.
Tauro was too close to react in time.
Pella, his Slime Emperor variant familiar, wasn’t.
In an instant, Pella abandoned its imitation of Tauro’s leather armor and spread into a thin wall before him.
The broad membrane shielded Tauro and several dragonfolk standing in the same line of fire.
A rapid series of metallic impacts rang out as Pella repelled every needle aimed at them.
Once the volley ended, Pella contracted, settled over Tauro’s leather armor, and resumed its imitation as though its work were complete.
The Rock Hedgehog emerged from its stone disguise, revealing a large rodent-like monster covered in long needles.
Most of its attack had failed, and the creature fled with remarkable speed as soon as it judged itself disadvantaged.
Tauro calmly retrieved the Bow of Artemis from [Magic Storage] and nocked an arrow.
He immediately wrapped the projectile in [Light Arrow].
Instead of the spell’s usual hazy glow, light formed a smooth, concentrated coating around the arrow.
Tauro had refined the magic with [Magic Manipulation] (Extreme), increasing its penetrating power.
He aimed and released the arrow at the fleeing Rock Hedgehog.
The projectile curved through the air, pursued the monster, and struck it cleanly.
Nevertheless, the Rock Hedgehog barely faltered and continued fleeing into the distance.
“That’s astonishing. Even with its power concentrated, the arrow failed to kill it.”
Tauro watched the monster disappear.
“Tauro-dono, are you unharmed? Good. Treat the wounded immediately! Those needles can inflict poison, paralysis, and other abnormal conditions, so remain vigilant!”
After confirming that Tauro was safe, Tsugumu ordered treatment for the dragonfolk struck outside the area Pella had protected.
“I can use [Abnormal Status Recovery]. I’ll help.”
Tauro approached one of the wounded, removed a needle, and cast the recovery spell.
The projectile was barbed, and pulling it free looked extremely painful, but the injured dragonfolk didn’t so much as flinch.
Instead, cries of “Kill me…” escaped not only the wounded but also their uninjured companions, all of whom were ashamed that they had failed to notice a monster so close to Tauro.
“The report said Pella was a Slime Emperor variant, but seeing it react instantly to a deep-floor monster is still astonishing. It protected Tauro-dono and everyone caught in the same line of fire. I was too slow to defend you. I apologize.”
Tsugumu expressed genuine remorse.
“You still reacted far faster than I did. I was unable to do anything at all. Thank you, Pella.”
Tauro smiled and stroked the leather armor Pella was imitating.
Its surface rippled gently, apparently pleased by his gratitude.
“It truly is a Slime Emperor variant. Ordinary Slime Emperors are vulnerable to physical attacks and can’t imitate other forms. After what we have witnessed, there’s no doubt that Pella represents a new variant. Thank you for protecting Tauro-dono.”
Tsugumu remained amazed by Tauro’s familiar and bowed in gratitude to the creature that had performed the escort team’s duty in their place.