Sparring Partners

HAHAHAHA, I just realized that I forgot to add the chapter yesterday.

What can I say but, I forgor 💀

I did quite a lot yesterday, I rewrote 4 chapters, and I finished making Zero Fate's next chapter as well.

I'll even go cook some rice now, I'm hungry.

So yeah, quite a lot of things to do, at least I'm more relaxed, without the need to study and all.

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I hope you enjoy this chapter, peace.

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"You said something about a dream, can we hear more about it?" Ray asked Silver curiously

'Silver smiled. He raised his right hand and pointed down.'

"It's pretty simple. So much so that it makes me a bit embarrassed to share."

"You guys want to go up, I want to go down."

'Lyd's eyes opened wide.'

"Why?"

"Hum... There isn't really a grand reason or a life lesson to tell here, simply a desire."

"I want to explore the Dungeon and just that...Or better put, to have an adventure."

"And I plan to achieve that by going further down, not because I wish to beat someone else's record, but because I feel like doing so."

"That's why I've been training. And why I became an adventurer."

"To go further down… That wasn't something I ever thought about." Lyd said as he scratched his chin

"Oh? So you never explored further?" Silver said with a bit of surprise

"Not really… I just always thought the surface to be a much more appealing goal than going deeper into the dungeon, although it's not like I never went deep."

"Sometimes we do need to visit the Deep floors, although only on rare occasions, that isn't a place I would like to visit often, too dangerous and chaotic."

'Fels then opened her mouth and said:'

"That is because the Xenos are tasked with keeping the Middle and Lower floors stable, and sometimes, they venture deeper to eliminate ."

'Lyd nodded and said:'

"We take care of Irregularities such as enhanced and Irregular monsters, and sometimes, we even help adventurers escape danger…"

"We also keep track of groups and expeditions, reporting them to the Guild as often not they may require reinforcements or help."

'Silver nodded.'

The best way to describe the Xenos would be… That they are Ouranos' personal Army.

Ouranos is trying within certain limits to bring the Xenos and the other races together, but he aims for stability, even if that means keeping the Xenos below.

That is why his actions were always overly passive, and overly protective of the Xenos's secrecy.

"With that out of the way… In what way can I help?" Silver asked Fels

It doesn't look like I have any use, and on the contrary, they have a lot more to offer me than I have to offer them.

They can be sparring partners, they can give me information, such as pointing to me the location of interesting monsters to fight, like a green dragon or an Irregular.

And just by themselves, they can give me a lot just by letting me observe them.

'Fels thought for a moment, perhaps she didn't expect this to be possible as she too was without words...'

"I thank you for the initiative, but right now there isn't much you can do to help us…"

"What about the poachers?"

"... They…"

'But Fels was cut by none other than Gros who was watching their exchange from the dark.'

"Don't put your nose in our business, I'll take them out myself."

"Besides, there isn't much you can do with your measly strength."

"Gros!" Lyd said with sharp eyes

'But he simply closed his eyes and ignored Lyd.'

"No, he is right, I'm a weak adventurer."

"But that doesn't mean I can't help."

I would like to see for myself who is hunting the Xenos, and take an active stance instead of waiting until a victor comes out.

'He looked at Fels and asked:'

"My abilities are very versatile, and as long as you tell me what is happening, I can tell you how much I can help."

The moment I saw them, it was the moment I got involved with them.

If I had chosen to ignore them or to refuse to help, my path with them would be over, at least in the short term.

And since I'm here, I see no reason to not do my best and make them indebted to me.

As for what I can gain from this...

They can become a strong ally within and in the future, out of the Dungeon as well.

Even if I don't need it, perhaps others will.

'Fels raised her left index finger to her chin, thinking…'

"Right now, we are in the middle of a large-scale investigation, and it may take a while for results to bear fruit."

"Previously, due to a coincidental encounter, the Xenos ended up making contact with them in the middle of an Irregular monster subjugation, similar to your case, albeit, more violent in nature."

"This ended up attracting their attention as at the time they were also after this Irregular monster."

"After the initial contact, the Xenos in charge of the operation were fooled and captured, being brought to the surface to be sold."

"Once we tracked them down and arrived at their headquarters, they made a run for it while destroying everything they left behind…" Fels said in a deep tone

'All of the Xenos closed their eyes in grief, while some growled in anger…'

"We know who is the one behind this, or rather, who are the people."

"The Ikelos Familia, an exploration type Familia and also an extremely powerful Familia that is known to do Black market dealings frequently."

"Previously, they were always tolerated due to their 'in line' behavior, in a similar way as to how I'm turning a blind eye to you carrying around luring powder, and other potentially illegal items."

"Oops…" Silver said awkwardly

"And it's also due to the fact that cleaning these shady Familias wouldn't help at all in making Orario safer."

"However, recently, they stepped out of bounds and became greedy, dealing with shadier subjects beyond the Guild's tolerance limit."

"Especially their actions towards the Xenos, that was already beyond what we could take."

"The problem is… We don't know where they are… And I've been conducting extensive research into this subject…"

"The details for this are very extensive and rather unimportant so pardon me if we leave it here for now."

"Some time ago, after their escape, we cornered them in the Dungeon, but they seemingly disappeared somewhere in the Deep floors, since then there have been no clues."

"... I see." Silver replied pensively

The Ikelos Familia, and their disappearance in the Deep floors…

It must mean only one thing, Knossos.

'Knossos or also called the man-made Dungeon was a massive project envisioned by Daedalus, the genius architect behind the current Babel and a considerable portion of Orario.'

'This was 1000 years ago.'

'During his life, Daedalus grew to have a great fascination with the Dungeon, so he dreamt of making one himself.'

'Then, Knossos was born, unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to live long enough to see its completion, even if he was an Elf.'

'Instead, he left behind a curse in his own bloodline, one that made all of his descendants, architects geniuses, but also made them almost like puppets to his will.'

'And 99% of the time, they'll go insane or become morally gray, most often seen as evil, all towards further progressing Knossos.'

'A descendant of Daedalus wouldn't hesitate to rape a woman in order to create offspring to keep the work going.'

'Every day until they die they'll keep hammering away in the underground, making the 'perfect' Dungeon…'

'And this has been going on since then… And now, an intrinsic and complex labyrinth has been born.'

"Sigh..."

Albeit I find Knossos and its ability to connect with the Dungeon fascinating.

Especially how Daedalus unraveled the mystery of connecting with the Dungeon through other physical means outside of its known entrances, there is no time to dwell on that.

"If you ever find them, be sure to contact me." Silver said to Fels

At least, I'll keep an eye out for the Ikelos Familia.

"I will, but I'll tell you, this isn't…"

'Silver shook his head and interrupted Fels.'

"Stop, before I start reconsidering."

Deeming her reaction, she may have yet to find out about Knossos, and that would fit with the storyline… Or what remains of it.

It's been a long time since I actually thought about it, I had thrown it away unconsciously quite a while ago.

Only certain parts of it were now relevant to me.

Knossos… I didn't really want to deal with this mess. Especially since dealing with them would eventually lead to dealing with Evilus, who now use it as a base.

A bunch of nonsense.

'Silver turned his face to the Xenos and smiled.'

"It seems I can't help much for now, but I can still do something else, I hope it's enough for the hospitality you all gave me… Even you Gros." He said with a small smile

"GRRR..."

/SNAP!/

'Silver snapped his finger very loudly, and a flash of light took over the entire cave…'

"Wh… What is this?!" Lyd said loudly as he looked around

'Everyone was confused as they gazed around…'

'The entire cavern had changed, and now, they were on top of what seemed to be a ruined building, under the scorching sun.'

'The Xenos looked around, some staring at the massive tower in the distance, others staring at the green mountains far away...'

"This is the surface." Silver said on the side

"What?!" Exclaimed Fels as she gazed around

"It's an illusion." Silver said

'Many of the Xenons, including Gros, were extremely fascinated by this…'

'The blue sky, the clouds, and most importantly, the glowing orb in the sky.'

"I can't imitate the real deal, and if you ever go up there, be sure to not stare at the sun." Silver said with a smile

"I'm being serious, it isn't good for your vision."

"It's so… Spacious." Ray said as she unconsciously opened her wings

'But Silver interrupted her before she jumped.'

"Be careful, we are still in the previous room, so don't bang your head in the ceiling…"

/Snap!/

'Silver once again snapped his fingers, this time, they were on top of Babel overlooking Orario below.'

"I can't really simulate the city very well, so this isn't really how it looks." Silver said apologetically

Nor have I ever climbed to the top of Babel, so this isn't really accurate... I'll do it one day.

"No… Don't be ashamed… This is simply…" Lyd said with deep emotion

"..."

'Even Gros and some of the reluctant Xenos were stunned by the sight… Especially Fels.'

/Buzz!/

'The entire mirage was suddenly broken, and a pale Silver was now seen sitting in the room with a potion in his mouth.'

"Haa… Sorry, I can't keep that up for very long."

I lasted less than I wanted, how embarrassing...

(Can you relate?)

"But I told you, my abilities are very versatile…"

'Fels looked at Silver and said:'

"I've heard about it, and it has made me think for a while, how does it work? If you don't mind me asking."

"It's complicated, and I don't mind saying if it's just this much."

"A good way of saying it is that my magic is similar to the magic used by a monster."

'Silver's hand started to change and scales grew in it, becoming very similar to Lyd's hand.'

"I can alter myself and produce results out of it, and that is why I'm not limited by the 3 Magic rule."

"It is... Fascinating." Fels said loudly

A new form of Magic not seen before.

"!"

'But once she realized her blunder, she recovered her composure.'

"Silver-Chi… Thank you for this, it was as magnificent as I've dreamed of." Lyd said with a nod

"This is the most I can do right now."

It would be too much to expose some other things, but for now, it will be enough.

Once our relationship improves, I wouldn't mind bringing them out of the Dungeon and into Orario.

'Everyone seemed to trust Silver more, and some even started to have a bit of hope… A desire to see that sky once more.'

'While they were talking with each other about what just happened, Silver checked the time.'

"Are you late? We did hold onto you for quite some time…" Ray said gently

"Hm? No, it's not that, it's just that I like to keep track of time…"

'While he talked with her, Gros approached Silver and said:'

"I was wrong."

"Huh?"

'Silver was surprised this stubborn Gargoyle was apologizing. But even so, he didn't mock him and instead he said:'

"As I said before, I can somewhat understand your position…"

"But that doesn't mean I'll take what you did lying down…"

'Silver got up from the ground with a small smile, grabbing his Halberd and saying:'

"Spar with me."

"?!"

'The Xenos who were paying attention to them were shocked.'

'Gros was one of them.'

"You… Why?"

'Silver smiled slightly.'

"I told you about my dream, and it's not something I can easily achieve."

"Every day I risk my life, fighting in the Dungeon, all with the intent of improving."

"It's not every day I can find a willing opponent to clash against, at least one stronger than me."

To be honest, that is easy, but there is a clear difference between fighting a higher-level monster in the Dungeon and asking an adventurer for a spar.

And the number of people I can ask for a spar is rather small, at least those stronger than me.

"So, treat it as payment for my help and also because I am still a bit pissed."

"..."

'Gros looked at Silver with his gray eyes and a rare grin formed on his lips.'

"I doubt a Level 2 adventurer can even injure me though."

'Silver also grinned in reply.'

"We'll see about that."

'Ray had a conflicted expression as she looked at the two, but she ended up letting out a short sigh.'

"Are you sure about this Silver-Chi, Gros is just weaker than me and Gryuu." Said Lyd in a low tone

"Even better."

"Arrogant kid." Gros said with a sharp expression

'Silver looked at Lyd and then said:'

"After I fight with him it's your turn."

"What?!"

"In exchange for my help, allow me to grow stronger by fighting you all!"

Although I have yet to do anything...

"Ah…"

'It was then that Fels remembered the War game…'

'This boy in front of him… He was a battle junkie…'

'She face-palmed due to her oversight as Silver and Gros moved to a more appropriate place to fight.'

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Notes