Dungeon And Slave: The Lustful and Violent Slave Harem of the Guard and Students Chosen as Testers for the Succubus Dungeon - Chapter 87: Poison and Magic

Chapter 87: Poison and Magic

Tester Life – Day 35 – Evening – 8th Floor – Guardian Room – Yagumo Sanada

Opening the Copper Treasure Chest in front of the gate, I find a single book inside.

“Whoa, a magic book.”

This is a good haul.

“Is it… water-based?”

Sayaka tilts her head as I pick up the book.

“It’s too pale for that.”

The cover’s a light blue, almost white, unlike the Waterball or Water Wall magic books.

It has geometric patterns and a thick arrow drawn on it.

Probably an arrow-type spell, but…

“Ice Arrow.”

“Hm? You knew, Sheena? Got it, an ice arrow.”

Ice-based spells aren’t sold in the shop, so like Fire Bullet, this must be a rare magic book.

“Then it’s for Sayaka.”

“For me?”

“It’s definitely water-based, and it should have more killing power than Waterball.”

Waterball tracks targets but only staggers goblins. Against tougher monsters, it won’t even be good for crowd control.

An ice arrow, with speed and penetration, should pack a punch.

Unlike Wind Cutter, it can likely hit distant targets from above.

Feels like a true mage’s spell.

“Right. I’ll learn it then.”

Sayaka, with a serious expression, takes the book, breathes deeply, and opens it.

Like other magic books, it bursts into flames and vanishes.

“…I see. It also freezes the area it touches.”

“That’s handy.”

Even if it doesn’t pierce armor, it could hinder movement. Hitting near joints might be enough.

Testing Ice Arrow, an icy arrow appears above Sayaka’s head.

Activation speed’s about the same as ball spells—not too fast.

Firing at the chest, its speed matches a Goblin Archer’s arrow.

But its mass gives it more power than my Fire Bullet, and it instantly freezes the surrounding area on impact.

Mana cost is half that of Physical Enhancement, same as Fireball or Waterball. As an E-rank, Sayaka can fire 20 shots.

Doubling mana produces two arrows; tripling, three.

Unlike Waterball, it doesn’t track, but you can fire one arrow at a time while keeping them on standby above, making it versatile.

Compared to my Fire Bullet, it uses double the mana, activates slower, and fires slower.

But it can hit distant enemies from above, has high power, and freezes a small area on impact.

Its biggest strength: pre-activating three arrows on standby allows firing them consecutively.

It lacks instant response, but with prep time, it’s a powerful spell.

After testing, Sayaka’s thrilled to have a lethal spell, eager to be more useful.

Sheena claps silently.

With a new attack spell, we pass through the black gate to the 9th Floor.

※

The 9th Floor is, as expected, a labyrinth with the same wide paths. The Transfer Magic Circle is in its usual spot.

The difference? The wall torches are spaced farther apart, making it darker than the 8th Floor.

Good thing we bought the Light spell.

The 10th Floor is probably just the Domain Guardian Room. This might be the last labyrinth.

It can’t be just darker, right?

“Let’s scout first.”

“Yes, ‘Light’!”

At my call to scout, Sayaka casts Light, brightly illuminating the area.

“This is near the entrance?”

Looking ahead in the lit passage, I see a differently colored floor and black threads stretched at shin height.

The thread color’s changed to black on this floor. In the dark, I might’ve missed it.

“Saizou.”

“Gyai.”

At my call, Saizou nods and dashes to the trap.

He throws a knife at the stepping stone and cuts the black thread.

A “byu” sound, then a “bashun” as an arrow and spear shoot from each side of the wall.

Saizou notices something, picks up the fallen arrow, and returns.

“Poisoned, huh.”

Taking the arrow, I see purple liquid on it.

Checking the protruding spear, its tip is coated with the same poison-like substance.

So, two arrows and two spears from both sides, all poisoned.

That explains why Status Ailment Recovery Potions kept appearing in chests. I have about 25, but with competing parties, I’d probably have only seven or so.

Hitting a trap would require both a potion and a status ailment recovery potion.

“Goshujinsama.”

While examining the poisoned arrow, Sheena’s voice comes from behind. I turn.

She points forward, then holds up five fingers.

“Rock! Saizou! Company! Sayaka, prep two Ice Arrows and hold! Observe first.”

“Von!”

“Gyai.”

“Yes! ‘Ice Arrow’!”

At Sheena’s warning, I issue orders. Rock raises his greatshield, Saizou hides behind him, gripping poisoned daggers.

Sayaka activates her new Ice Arrow, summoning two icy arrows above her head.

As Sayaka’s spell readies, a goblin group appears in the light’s range.

Four are regular goblins, but they wield proper swords, not rusty ones.

The last one appears late.

Not an archer—this goblin wears a hooded robe, hiding its face.

Spotting us, it stops, muttering something.

No way!

“It’s a Wizard! Sayaka, take it out first!”

It screams mage, so I order Sayaka to kill it immediately.

I’d fire a Fire Bullet, but the goblins are spread across the path, blocking a clear shot.

“Yes!”

Sayaka instantly fires the two standby Ice Arrows at the wizard-like goblin.

Simultaneously, a fireball appears above the Goblin Wizard and launches.

Sayaka’s already fired her arrows.

The Ice Arrows pass the fireball midair, both sinking into the Goblin Wizard’s chest.

But the wizard’s fireball doesn’t vanish, arcing toward the gap between Rock and me.

Tch!

“Fire Bullet!”

Dodging would let the goblins close in for a melee, so I shoot a Fire Bullet at the fireball.

My flame bullet hits, exploding midair. Sparks rain on the goblins below.

That was close!

I figured goblins might have mages, but casting from farther than archers? Troublesome.

“Voooon!”

Rock roars and charges at the goblins fleeing the sparks.

They’re knocked flying, pierced by his short spear.

Some strike Rock’s armor, but the Black Iron Full-Body Armor takes only minor scratches.

As a goblin reels, Saizou leaps from behind Rock, beheading it.

Saizou finishes off the scattered goblins.

Each time, I feel something enter and leave me.

Barely fighting since the Guardian Room, I’m a summon experience converter.

Some experience trickles to me, so it’s fine.

After a few battles, Goblin Wizard groups appear about half the time. The rest are 8th Floor-style archer groups.

The wizard groups are the problem.

Their Fireballs are area attacks, making them nasty.

Frontal attacks are manageable, but a back attack would force us to hunker behind a Water Wall.

Arrows are one thing, but I’m not sure how many magic hits a Water Wall can take. Water’s strong against fire, so probably fine.

Still, preventing their casts is safest. Attack is the best defense, after all.

Relying on Sheena’s early detection, we’ll have Sayaka prep Ice Arrows to kill wizards before they cast.

I tell Sayaka to cancel Ice Arrows if she can’t make it in time and switch to a triple-mana Water Wall.

This floor, right before the Domain Guardian, sure ramps up the difficulty.

Poisoned traps and magic-using goblins—talk about a spike.

※

Tester Life – Day 35 – Same Time – Training Facility

“Ah, watch out, Sayaka!”

A goblin’s fireball flies toward Sayaka.

Luckily, the guard’s small flame bullet intercepts it midair.

I sigh in relief as Sayaka’s safe.

That damn sadistic guard, putting Sayaka in danger! I won’t forgive him!

“S-Sanae.”

“Sanae, you idiot?”

“W-What are you…”

Karen and Leticia, shaking their hips beside me, call out, snapping me back.

Did I say that out loud?

I nervously glance at the instructor, who’s sporting a wide grin.

“Ah, ah, ah!”

“Perverted Exhibitionist♪ You did it again today♪”

“N-No, it’s not that! My best friend was in danger, so… p-please forgive me!”

“No way♪ Hehe, I bought a trendy toy from the capital this morning just for you. It’s called a Pink Rotor. It’s from your world, so you know it, right?”

“J-Just the name.”

I think it’s that buzzing naughty toy.

“When I stick this on your aroused nipples and clit, what happens?♪”

“Eek?! Please, forgive me! That’d drive me insane!”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. You always end up enjoying it, don’t you? Look, you’re soaking wet down there from anticipation, and I haven’t even done anything.”

“N-No!”

What?! No way?! Why am I wet?!

“Hehehe, ‘Order:’ Strip naked and spread your legs.”

“N-No! Ahh, my body’s moving on its own! Ah, the Lust Tattoo’s mana… aaah! N-No! Don’t stick it there!”

“All done♪ Here we go! Switch ON!”

“Eh? Ahi, aaaa! W-What’s this?! I don’t know this! I’m coming! I’m coooming!”

“So fast! No wonder Lanaoa-sama ordered mass production. Hehe, I’m excited to try it tonight♪ Come on, everyone, stop staring and keep training! We’re wrapping up early today, so just a bit more!”

“Ah, I’m coming again! S-Someone stop it! Karen! Leticia!”

“Ugh, Sanae never learns.”

“Doing it on purpose?”

“N-No way… nnh, aaah! S-Stop sighing and help! T-This feels too good! S-Someone… ah, no! I’m coooming!”