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!"
It seems Paul has plenty of composure.
While warding off the Armored Warrior's sword strike with the sword in his right hand, the dagger in his left hand has already cut off one of the arms in a flash.
The armor seems quite solid, but it seems that has no effect.
Swordsmen of the Sword God style are monsters.
And, maybe that dagger's cutting edge is razor-sharp, I wonder.
It seems Elinalise is somewhat being suppressed.
By no means is she taking any large attacks, but with her attack power, she can't effectively damage them.
"Let's support them. Rudi, let's simultaneously fire off magic: on Elinalise-san's side."
"Understood,"
I prepare my staff.
What I'm using is [Rock Bullet].
If it's right now, when its legs are stopped, then it can't evade, as well.
Just, exactly how much speed it can ward off, I won't know unless I try it.
"Talhand-san!"
"Sure!"
Talhand prepared his shield and stood in front of us.
If a sword attack comes flying towards us, it seems Talhand intends to be the barrier.
As long as he doesn't die instantly, I'll use advanced healing magic.
It would be good, as long as he can avoid getting hit in a vital point.
"[Rock Bullet], [Stone Cannon]!"
"Gallant sword of ice, I seek conviction of this one! [Icicle Edge]!"
Timing it in sync with Roxy, we fired off at the same time.
A bullet-type shell and blade of ice like Ultra Slash went flying. [4]
The armor instantly moved to ward those attacks off.
Just as two of the swords moved, and were preparing to intercept the attack, Elinalise attacked using her shield with good timing, causing its stance to collapse.
The rock bullet blew off one of the armor’s arms and the ice blade deeply pierced the chest of the armor.
The armor stopped moving and soon after crumbled into scattering pieces.
Simultaneously Paul's fight ended, as well.
"As expected, after it reaches A rank then it won't so easily be defeated."
Though I said that, the actual amount of time we spent fighting was just about a minute.
Although we weren't able to defeat it in a single hit, it didn’t even enter the realm of a hard fight.
As expected of one who has reached Advanced with all three of the major swordsmanship styles.
In terms of talent, I'm sure it was enough that he could have made it to the level of Saint.
No, in reality, Paul might already be as strong as a Saint rank.
Something like the strengths of people can't be measured well in terms of rank after all.
"Tou-san, could it be, you've gotten a bit stronger since last time?"
Ah, no good,
I said something that might make him get full of himself.
A grand story of bragging might start up.
"Hn? No, that's not the case; almost to the point that I feel weaker than me in the past."
However, without even grinning, Paul only took one glance over here, and then faced ahead.
"Now, without being negligent, let's go."
With Paul's words, I came to my senses.
That's right.
Right now, we're in the middle of a labyrinth, we have no choice other than to stay on guard.
Nevertheless, Paul today sure is cool.
I'm sure if I were to tell Norn about these adventures with Paul, she would be delighted.
"Oh my?"