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 16: The True Nature of the Anomaly?

Chapter 16: The True Nature of the Anomaly?

Several days had passed since the incident where an orc, which was supposed to appear only in the B-rank stratum, was found ascending up to the C-rank stratum. 

Shinichi and I reported this matter to the guild, and by showing them materials that served as evidence of having defeated that creature, we managed to convince them. Consequently, the guild issued a warning to all students.

“What should we do? Would you like us to mention your names?”

To that suggestion, both Shinichi and I shook our heads.

We were greatly thanked by the guild for this incident, and though it wasn’t a reward per se, we were given gifts as a token of gratitude. 

It’s not unusual for a C-rank Explorer to defeat a B-rank monster, but there are always those who would feel jealous over such trivial matters.

“I’d rather avoid getting tangled in unnecessary trouble. If something happens in the dungeon, it could endanger everyone.”

Shinichi said, always considerate of his friends.

I agreed with his suggestion, so despite the accident, things concluded positively. 

“Still, it’s concerning to think about what actually happened.”

The accuracy of my bow and the level-up of my skills were both reasons to visit the C-rank stratum, which also served as my hunting ground. So, on this holiday, I found myself diving into the dungeon from the morning.

“There’s hardly anyone around…”

Usually, the area would be bustling with students on a holiday, but it seems like C-rank Explorers are staying away for a while due to the orc incident. Not that it was completely deserted, but the numbers were certainly fewer.

“Shall we get going then?”

As I fended off the wolves attacking me, I continued to advance.

Having found nothing of note at the location where I had encountered the orc, I decided to return to the teleportation circle and head towards the B-rank stratum.

“Let’s see, the forest area should be in that direction…”

I remembered Shinichi looking puzzled there before. I had traversed through the B-rank strata previously, solely focusing on mastering my swordsmanship, sword in hand.

While recalling these past memories, I reached the forest area known to be the dwelling place of orcs.

“There’s no one here either.”

Orcs usually move in groups, but this area is also inhabited by a wide variety of other monsters. This makes visibility poor and increases the risk of surprise attacks.

Besides, to be frank, the materials from monsters here, including orcs, aren’t very useful or in demand.

“Looks like I’m being welcomed.”

It wasn’t Orcs, but monsters resembling trees and mushrooms appeared in large numbers.

[Magic Bow]

While they might look fanciful, underestimating them is a mistake at the B-rank. 

With my Magic Bow skill, I exterminated the monsters as I ventured deeper… It’s comforting to know that I possess overwhelming power, not that I’m overconfident in my own strength.

“Nothing’s changed much. There doesn’t seem to be any anomaly in the ecosystem; if anything, it’s just a bit quieter?” 

The forest area around me was silent.

This quietude wasn’t because I had eradicated the monsters in the vicinity, but because it was truly silent, not even the sound of creatures could be heard.

“…?”

As I ventured deeper, I felt a strange wind brush against my skin. 

It wasn’t exactly a burning sensation, but there was something in the air that made me feel like something awaited ahead.

“Let’s check it out?”

Further and further I went until I finally spotted an orc. 

Several orcs were trudging along, making heavy noises, but they seemed to be frightened of something.

Moving even deeper, I found it.

“So, that’s the reason…”

On an open stretch of land stood a lone orc.

Unlike the typical green orcs, this one exuded a reddish-black aura and just sat there.

The exact cause of this transformation was unclear, but seeing the other orcs watching it from a distance made me think that it might be the cause.

“Well, no use in just thinking about it.”

Muttering softly, I shot arrows to encircle and immobilize it.

“Go.”

The arrows moved in unison, targeting the orc from all directions. 

The red orc was surprised by the sudden attack, but its movements were sluggish, hardly capable of evading.

“Did I get it?”

Thinking you’ve succeeded is often a flag, as the Legion Knight used to say.

Proving his point, not a single arrow wounded the red orc, all were deflected… except for one that managed to crush one of its eyes.

“GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

Transformed by the pain in its eye into rage, the red orc let out a tremendous roar that was strong enough to blow away the bushes I was hiding in with mere air pressure. Exposed, I was spotted by the orc, its remaining eye piercing straight through me.

“Hey there.”

I casually greeted, raising my hand as if to a friend. But the orc responded by hurling a huge rock in my direction. Dodging the rock, my phone pinged at the same moment.

[Eagle Eye]

It seemed a new skill had emerged. 

And, like some rare skills, this one didn’t have a level concept, a sign of its rarity. Quickly reading the description, it was clear that this skill greatly assisted in bow combat.

“Heh…”

Activating the skill, I could see red spots appear on the red orc’s body.

I reactivated my Magic Bow, raining down a barrage of arrows to destabilize the orc. Then, I focused intently on one of those red spots, drawing my bow with all my strength and releasing the arrow.

Boosted by the power of the Magic Bow, the arrow easily pierced through that spot, effectively creating a hole in the orc’s body.

“So, it’s a critical shot. Those red spots indicate not just its weaknesses but places where my arrows can surely penetrate.”

This was the power of the Eagle Eye. 

However, it seemed the skill couldn’t be used on an opponent in perfect condition; it only revealed weaknesses after the target had sustained some damage, which made me chuckle at its not-so-all-powerful nature.

“Still getting up, huh?”

The red orc, which had fallen once, tried to rise again but soon collapsed. 

The disappearance of the weak points from my Eagle Eye view signified the orc’s death, marking the end of the fight.

“…What’s this?”

Approaching the orc’s corpse, I noticed a red gemstone lying there. 

Unsure of its significance, I pocketed the gemstone and made my way back to the surface.