The Chronicles of a Man Who Aspired to Be an Unparalleled Character with Hidden Weapons - The Explorer Who Conceals His Power Becomes the Strongest When He Wields a Sword - Chapter 09: Do Angels Come with This and That, Too?

Chapter 09: Do Angels Come with This and That, Too?

“…Alright, that was quite fast.”

I checked the time on my smartphone and realized that it hadn’t even been twenty minutes since I entered a dungeon. 

There were signs here and there of battles fought today, indicating that this area could be breached by a group of A-rank Explorers.

“The Unparalleled Blade… It feels strange to say it myself, but it truly is a skill that’s been perfected.”

The absolute ability of the sword is one thing, but the swordsmanship skills required to wield it, and the Sword Saint skill that further boosts those swordsmanship skills, are preposterous. 

They make it possible for me to solo clear S-rank dungeons.

“The Unparalleled Blade is essentially a passive skill with no drawbacks, and its multitude of effects is reassuring… There’s this absolute feeling during the skill’s activation, like nothing in the world can stop me.”

However, I never let my guard down, never relaxing until the enemy is defeated. That’s why I constantly remind myself that I cannot afford to lose when using this skill. 

This is also a creed of the Legion Knight.

“That’s enough, let’s head back quickly—huh?”

As I was about to stash the spiritual herb in my pocket, something slippery moved at the corner of my eye. 

I wasn’t sure how long it had been there, but some monsters in dungeons, similar to humans, do use skills. However, such instances are only confirmed in high-rank dungeons.

“Well, this is an S-rank dungeon, so it makes sense.”

What emerged with a noise was a gigantic serpent.

Using my knowledge from various manga, I’ve learned that when facing a serpent-like monster, it’s essential not to look it in the eyes. 

There might be creatures, unknown to me, like the mythical Basilisk, which can paralyze with a mere glance.

“Tyrant Snake… huh, the name doesn’t matter, but I’m in a hurry right now.”

So sorry, but please disappear quickly.

To the serpent, it might have seemed like I vanished instantly. Indeed, I had already moved from its line of sight to its tail.

“Die.”

Swiftly, a line ran from the serpent’s head to its tail, blood flowed, turning into particles of light and vanishing.

Then I immediately headed for the teleportation circle. In the brief moment my figure disappeared, I saw Sumeragi appear, as if swapping places with me.

“You—”

To her wide-eyed surprise, I said nothing and promptly exited the dungeon.

My destination was, of course, the apartment where the young boy who had requested help was waiting. 

Entering, I found him tightly holding his mother’s hand.

“Ah, big brother!”

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

I hadn’t anticipated the worst, but thankfully, his mother was still alive.

I immediately dissolved the spiritual herb in hot water, making it drinkable, and gently made the mother drink it.

“Mom?”

“It’s okay. Her breathing has stabilized, and her complexion is improving.”

While she hadn’t recovered enough to speak yet, her color was indeed getting better, and she would likely wake up soon.

The boy, clinging to his mother, started crying, but this was a relief cry. As for me, I sighed in relief too.

“Then I’ll be heading back. Tell your mom when she opens her eyes that everything will be okay.”

“Um… that…”

“Just say ‘thank you’ in such moments, okay?”

“Th…thank you, big brother!”

“You’re welcome.”

It’s a bit cliché, but seeing him smile like that really is the best part.

After leaving the apartment, I went back to the guild to check the request board.

“…Nothing catches my eye today. Maybe that’s enough for today.”

I wasn’t tired, but nothing else really stood out to me. 

There were some things that made me wonder, but nothing compelling enough to take action.

“Right, I made eye contact with Sumeragi.”

It happened just before I left the dungeon. 

Every rank of Explorer is not recommended but is allowed to go to any dungeon, so I hope it doesn’t seem too strange or suspicious… probably it’s fine.

“Tokioka-san! Your item exchange is complete!”

“Got it.”

Having exchanged the items I found while collecting spiritual herbs, I stopped by the bank to send some money home before returning to the dorm.

In the entrance, frequented by many students, there’s a mural depicting a legend. It grandly narrates how beings called angels once bestowed wisdom upon people, a subject that doesn’t particularly interest me.

“Angels, huh… I wonder if there are demons too.”

I’ve heard rumors about high-rank dunegons where monsters speak human languages, but I’ve yet to encounter such creatures. That does pique my curiosity a bit.

“Oh, it’s Sena. Are you interested in that?”

“Ah, not particularly, just a bit.”

It was Shinichi who called out to me.

He seemed to be on his way back from the dungeon, and I saw other party members heading to their rooms.

Instead of following them, Shinichi stood still, gazing at the mural and said,

“Do you think angels are like cute girls or something?”

“Who knows? According to one theory, angels are androgynous, so maybe they have both breasts and… the other parts?”

“…I see. That would definitely please certain crowds.”

“Indeed.”

And that was how I ended the day with a conversation typical of teenage boys.

The next day at school, I was approached by Sumeragi.