After discovering the magic circle to the fourth floor, we thoroughly searched around the third floor.
However, we never saw the shadow or shape of Zenith.
---
We've arrived at the fourth floor.
The instant we came out of the teleport magic circle, at a glance, the surroundings had undergone a complete change from previous floors.
I have a recollection of those stone constructed walls.
As I thought, it's similar to the ruins where the teleport magic circle was.
I wonder if the same type of ruin ended up becoming a labyrinth.
"Gisu, what should we do?" Paul asked.
"Hn? We still have a bit more time."
"All right, then after we check the atmosphere of the fourth floor, we'll return once."
Paul said that with a sharp face, while I was looking around the surroundings restlessly.
No matter how you look at the times when he's down, Paul is a failure as a human, but, during the times he's properly doing his job, Paul sure is cool.
I don't think it's strange at all that Zenith would fall for Paul after seeing his figure, as well.
If I have his blood flowing through me as well, then that compliment Sylphy often says to me might be her true feelings.
"Sensei, when I'm putting on a serious face, am I cool?"
Suddenly, I asked Roxy something like that.
It might have been a bit narcissistic.
Roxy glanced over towards me from under her hat’s brim and stuttered,
"Eh? Ah, uh... umm. We… Well, cool? I guess?"
And then quickly turned her face away,
Okay.
Just that reaction is plenty.
Roxy conveyed the feeling.
I asked something that was hard to respond to, didn't I?
Excuse me. It seems I was getting a bit too full of myself.
But, if Roxy were to suddenly girlishly ask, "Am I cute?" with both hands carrying light sticks, I would affirm that with an elevated cheer from the front seat. [3]
Men aren't cool by their face alone.
It's their heart.
Heaving a heart of steel that burns red with fever is essential.
Every one hit by such a heart will be knocked out in a single hit.
"Rudi, it's the enemy."
After looking ahead, there were two armored monsters, each with four arms, walking towards us.
The Armored Warriors,
For the time being, it seems these types of armors are of the undead attribute.
And then, I’ve learned what works well on the undead is Rock or Holy attacks.
If you fire a somewhat large [Rock Bullet] with a good amount of mass, then generally everything will be blown to pieces in a single hit.
"I'll preemptively attack it with a [Rock Bullet]."
"Ah, Rudi, that's no good."
Just as I was preparing my staff, Roxy stopped me.
"I've heard that Armored Warriors use the techniques of the Water God style. If you carelessly fire off magic, then a counter will come flying back."
Water God style,
I haven't encountered it very often, but it's a style of swordsmanship that focuses on warding off and countering.
Warding off and countering Water God style, for some reason, works effectively even against magic, as well.
I don't really know specifically how to become like that, but others say they have a sword technique that allows them to counter attack magic and send it flying back.
Even if it's the usual situation, then I would still feel it's fine, but the opponent is holding four swords.
Since it's not a human, it might take on four opponents simultaneously and match up counters for all them.
"I see- then what should I do?"
"Stop its feet and provide backup. Since it's the first monsters, for starters, proceed with caution."
"Understood, Tou-san, I'm going to use [Quagmire], please be careful of your step!"
"Sure!"
The armor type monsters have power and they are absurdly skilled with the sword as well, but their legs are slow.
Also, the armor is heavy and it should sink easily into the mud.
Even though I say that, if I don't release a deep-set [Quagmire] then there's the possibility it might escape, as well.
I don't think it will lead to a cave-in so easily, but it's still better to minimize magic that changes the terrain.
About to the knees, I guess.
"[Quagmire]!"
Just as the Armored Warrior was about to take a step forward, the quagmire was created.
Both of those fellows sank up to their thighs into the mud.
From there our formation’s two advance guards sprang into action.
"Paul. I'll go in from the left."
"Understood, you always take the left, don't you?"
"If my sword is on the side with the wall, then it's difficult to move."
"Just being selfish now... and whoa, how dangerous!"