[He had cleared out the second floor once more. However, his level hadn't been moving from 15 for a long time now. It seemed that reaching that high was the limit for the first two floors.
He was looking at the stairs leading down to the third floor.
There was a reason why he continued to hunt in the first two floors even though there was a way to go even lower.
'It's giving me the creeps.'
With his Perception Stat so much higher, he could sense the aura of something ominous lurking down there far better than before. Without a doubt, something really strong was hiding somewhere down below.
He didn't have to see it to know.
Ritsuka recalled the message he saw back by the entrance of this instant dungeon.
"Boss"
He can't level up anymore here. And his sword is in bad shape.
Ritsuka gripped the sword tightly with both of his hands slowly descended the steps. Could he have been mistaken when the steps felt unusually longer than before?
He swallowed dried saliva down.
The lighting was worse than the first two floors, but there was no problem with seeing where he was going.
He cautiously climbed lower until eventually spotting the railway tunnel used by the subway trains.
No, he saw where the railway used to be.
The tunnel that should've been used by trains was now filled with jet-black liquid, instead.
'What is this?'
A long log-like object shot out from the surface of the black 'water'.
Swish!!
'It's fast!'
The thing that arrived in front of his nose in the blink of an eye was not a log, but a snake with the thickness rivalling one, actually.
"Heop!!"
His body crashed on the wall. And his trusty steel longsword ended up breaking apart from the impact.
He looked back in surprise.
"Even after leveling up all this time. It's name still in .."
A huge ass snake appeared from the blackwater.
"Orange"
"It's the boss"
'The ruler of the swamp, Poison-Fanged Blue Kasaka.']
Aoko leaned forward, watching the screen with sharp eyes.
"Now here's where things get real."
She pointed at the screen.
"Y'see, Master's been feelin' the boss' presence for a while now. At first, it was just a faint tingling."
Her grin widened.
"But the stronger his Perception got, the louder that alarm bell rang. It's not just Spidey-Sense—it's full-on danger detection."
Tam Lin Barghest
Barghest, arms crossed, nodded gravely.
"And yet, despite the lack of proper lighting, he can see just fine. His Perception must've enhanced his vision as well."
Her gaze flickered to Ritsuka's broken sword.
"…But none of that matters if he doesn't have a weapon to fight with."
Mandricardo
Mandricardo let out a whistle, arms resting behind his head.
"Damn, that was quick. Snake didn't waste any time."
He scratched his cheek.
"Kinda unfair, y'know? Breaking his sword before the fight even starts."
Charlotte Corday
Corday frowned, hands clasped together.
"It was a perfect ambush. The snake waited until he stepped into its territory, then struck instantly."
She bit her lip.
"Master's counterpart barely reacted in time."
Alter Ego (Tiamat)
Tiamat's eyes trembled as she stared at the screen.
"…My child…"
Her voice wavered.
"It still has an orange title."
A mother's worry filled her tone.
Draco
Draco crossed her arms, scowling.
"Tch. That means it's weaker than a Red title, but it's still damn strong."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Don't you dare die here, Master."
Ashiya Douman
Douman… laughed.
A slow, mocking laugh.
"Ohhh, what a tragic development~."
He tilted his head, his grin stretching unnaturally.
"No sword, no way to run~. Doesn't this seem like… game over?"
Koyanskaya
Koyanskaya smirked, resting her cheek on her palm.
"Hah! I love a good 'how-do-you-get-outta-this' scenario~."
She licked her lips.
"So, how will you escape, Fujimaru?~"
Assassin Emiya
Emiya exhaled sharply, arms folded.
"It's not over yet."
His eyes sharpened, locked onto Ritsuka's movements.
"The only thing he can rely on now… is his own body."
He pointed at the screen.
"He needs to hone his Agility, focus entirely on dodging—then wait for a perfect opportunity to strike."
---
[Ritsuka could clearly see the orange-coloured name of the monster.
It was a creature incomparably faster and hardier than those with their names written in white.
'Even then, for a sword reinforced with magic energy to break like that….'
Ritsuka swallowed nervously and cautiously studied the Boss monster called Kasaka.
Blue scales covering its entire body gleamed in an oily manner. As if it had draped itself with thick armour, those scales had no gaps to speak of.
Sword strikes wouldn't have worked in the first place. It'd be the same story for punches, too.
When Ritsuka thoughts arrived there, the Kasaka must've finished its own analysis on its prey, because it finally lunged at him once more.
Ritsuka used the broken sword and escaped from its aim then he attacked him as the snake moved with high speed.
"Between this speed and the way it throws it's weight into each attack... I have to find a way around its defence!"
He is getting struggle to hold Himself.
"But what I can do against its Armor as thick as this?"
The gaint snake turned it's head and opened its fang to eat Ritsuka. Seeing this, he started to run away.
"If it's lands a clean hit, I'm dead"
But he already took the hit like dumbass. And thrown aside like toy. And fell into the water. He got debuffs due to Black water. ]
Assassin Emiya
Emiya crossed his arms, eyes narrowing.
"The blue scales act as a natural armor."
He exhaled sharply.
"Even with magic reinforcement, his sword was useless. That should tell you how tough that thing is."
Caster Irisviel
Irisviel's expression softened, concern evident in her voice.
"So it's similar to Vritra?"
Tam Lin Mélusine
Mélusine, hovering slightly above the ground, flicked her tail in mild amusement.
"Yes, but nowhere near her level."
She glanced at the screen.
"Still, Master is at a huge disadvantage. His level isn't high enough to deal real damage."
King Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh sat lazily on his throne, golden eyes gleaming with mild disdain.
"Hmph. Even his fists won't make a dent in that wretched beast."
He chuckled.
"This mongrel is finished."
Nero Claudius
Nero frowned, one hand on her hip.
"Even worse! That brute doesn't just rely on strength—"
She pointed at the screen as the snake coiled, preparing another strike.
"It uses its weight as a weapon! Not to mention its venom is potent enough to be fatal."
Koyanskaya
Koyanskaya leaned closer, her ears twitching.
"Fufu~."
A mischievous smile curled on her lips.
"Poor little Master, stumbling into something way above his level."
Her eyes glowed.
"What's he gonna do now~?"
Ashiya Douman
Douman… grinned.
"Mmmmm, how delightful~."
His laughter echoed through the room.
"To think he'd fall into the water… ahhh, how beautifully tragic."
He clapped his hands together.
"Now then, Fujimaru-dono… will you drown in despair, or will you surprise us all?"
[In the water, The snake went after its prey.
But Ritsuka moved in time to jump towards surface
Then he got toyed again and again.
Before he could move. The snake throw a train on him.
"Fuck"
He moved in time to escape again.
"I thought I gotten a bit stronger... "
He grabs his broken sword again.
"Is it still not enough?"
He got up and his eyes filled with anger. Anger at himself
"How much should I do to get stronger before it makes me laughing stock?"
Snake roared at him.
He remembered a memory of Mr. Song.
"The weakest Hunter of All Mankind?"
"I heard that's what they call you. "
Song said to Ritsuka who sat on roadside.
"Yeah " he agreed
"It's unbelievable how childish some people can be." He said with serious face
"Work hard to prove them wrong, Ritsuka" he tabbed Ritsuka shoulders.
"Right, I understand." Ritsuka said with uncertain.
Right now he is fighting against something he could never imagined.
He was thrown away again but with his quick reflexes he moved his body but still got fumbled.
The snake pressed it's body weight to crush Ritsuka against the wall. The wall broken and he was thrown away again]
Barghest watched intently, arms folded.
"He's getting used to controlling his body in battle. That's impressive."
A small, approving nod.
"Still, it's not enough."
Tam Lin Mélusine
Mélusine crossed her legs, watching the fight unfold.
"Yes, it isn't."
Her tail flicked.
"That snake is still far stronger."
Artoria Caster
Artoria's expression softened at the mention of Mr. Song.
"Mr. Song seems like a good man."
Her hands clenched slightly.
"Losing his hand must have been painful."
Charlotte Corday nodded gently.
"I agree. He didn't let his kindness fade despite what happened to him."
Tenochtitlan's green eyes gleamed.
"No, look—he got caught again."
She tilted her head.
"But it's just throwing him away, not finishing him off."
Kukulkan
Kukulkan angry smiled knowingly.
"The snake is playing with him."
She turned toward the screen.
"Ritsuka, what will you do next?"
The screen shook as the snake coiled once more.
Ritsuka forced himself up.
And the fight continued.
["I got called that because I'm weak! I got mocked because I'm weak! "
The snake looking at his prey with glowing eyes. It's bare it's fangs.
"I'm ashamed of myself, okay?"
"If you're strong —
Ritsuka blue eyes are glowing.
'if you are overpowered against strong. Then you will go into every possible way to deal. But if can't do anything then you nothing infront of strong. Besides fear and stand helplessly.' he remembered what happened in double dungeon.
'you got looked down on when you're weak'
The betrays he faced
'you can be knowledgeable, you can be creative, you can be considerate. But when faced with the strongest. None of it will save you'
He started to move with his strength
"Kindness don't save me! So I'll become stronger! That's why I came This far"
He grabbed it's body. But he got smashed against the roof. And he fell down
But he still stood up.
"I've..."
His body is shaking but he channeled all mana in him to around his body.
"Gotta get stronger!"
His blue eyes started to glow again but this time his eyes gave unbelievable strong will in him.
The snake again rushed towards him
"Not yet"
Ritsuka attacked it again with broken sword.
"Compared to that thing.... Compared to the terror I felt back then... This is easy!"
He jumped on its back. And stabbed in its Armor while the snake moving.
The battle has begun between them]
Ishtar watched, her expression a mixture of admiration and understanding.
"Yes, Ritsuka. Sometimes in front of the strong, you can't do anything. Even with everything you've got, it still won't be enough."
Her voice was gentle, but there was a deep wisdom in it.
Lancer tilted her head, studying the screen carefully.
"Hasn't he become cold?"
Her voice softened, almost as if pitying him for the transformation he had undergone.
Jeanne Alter's gaze was sharp, piercing.
"Ritsuka made it clear there is no merit in being endlessly kind."
Her tone was stoic, but there was acceptance in her words. She had always known what kindness could cost, and she could understand Ritsuka's choice to harden his heart.
Dantès crossed his arms, watching Ritsuka's struggle. A sardonic smile curled his lips.
> "His last kindness was rewarded with betrayal, so he developed himself to become cold. I agree with his decision."
His voice lacked judgment, only the cold analysis of one who had suffered similar fates.
Koyanskaya leaned back, eyes twinkling with amusement as she watched Ritsuka's struggle unfold.
"Let's see how his actions will save him now, shall we?"
Her tone was taunting, but there was an edge to it that betrayed a curiosity in the outcome.
Tezcatlipoca nodded slowly, his eyes burning with respect as he observed Ritsuka's actions.
"I now acknowledge him. His warrior spirit is showing itself now."
There was a fiery gleam in his eyes, an expectation building within him.
"But I'm looking forward to his death battle. It will be... fascinating."
Tiamat watched with a motherly frown, her eyes filled with concern.
> "I hope my child wins without hurting himself too much."
Her voice was low and soft, a gentle wish carried through the air, though she understood the necessity of the battle.
[Ritsuka escaped from its mouth and lose his sword. But he grabbed the snake neck.
"I focused specifically on increasing my strength! "
He used his own body and crushed the strong armor scales around its neck.
The snake paniced and started to move its body while hitting the walls.
"I should be able to...
Ritsuka got hit nonstop. Blood coming from his head.
"I know that, here and now"
He put more strength to crush the snake neck.
"I can kill you"
The snake started to move on ground and desparate to save its life. But Ritsuka didn't stop and he looked like a demon instead with intense gaze.
"DIE..."
He screamed while the snake blood coming from its neck.
The gaint snake moved it's body until it's last breath. And fell on ground with lifeless body.
[You have killed the ruler of the swamp, Poison-Fanged Blue Kasaka.]
[Level up!]
[Level up!]
Ritsuka finally took slowly and deep breaths.
But he started laughing
"Haha"
"I guess I really have gotten a bit stronger." ]
Tenochtitlan watched, his eyes wide with a mixture of admiration and disbelief.
> "He grabbed hold of the snake now…"
His voice was thick with awe, a hint of reverence in the air.
Tezcatlipoca leaned back, adjusting his sunglasses and flashing a cool, smug smile.
"Hah. He proved himself."
Tamamo-no-Mae, with her usual gentle demeanor, mused as she studied Ritsuka's next actions.
> "Mikko... He seems to be thinking something else. I wonder what it is."
Her voice had a soft curiosity, as if wondering about the emotional and mental weight Ritsuka was carrying.
Suzuka smiled slightly, intrigued by Ritsuka's intense focus.
> "Maybe he's thinking about whether he can penetrate its armor or not."
Her tone was speculative, but she understood Ritsuka's drive to overcome the impossible.
Moriarty tilted his head, analyzing Ritsuka's actions as the final blow was struck.
> "No, Ritsuka was thinking about a whole bunch of 'what ifs'—for the path he chose to take. I'm sure he wondered if things would have been different had he not power-leveled or focused everything on strength. I bet he wondered if he could have handled the boss if he hadn't grinded beforehand."
He paused, letting the thought settle.
> "Fortunately, that didn't matter anymore. The opportunities he saw were the ones he took. A series of cautious decisions led him here at level 17."
He smirked, his expression amused.
> "No one really hunts a boss just for experience points. What Ritsuka was looking forward to the most were the item drops. That's what's exciting to him now."
Kukulkan's voice was low and guttural, as he observed the final moments of the battle.
> "Yes, kill it… yes."
He was strangely satisfied by the gruesome end, though his approval was more focused on the victory than the method.
Koyanskaya's mouth hung open, stunned into silence as she watched the scene unfold. Her usual mocking grin had disappeared, replaced with a look of genuine surprise.
Her voice, when she finally spoke, was quiet, almost reverent.
> "I never expected him to—" She trailed off, still processing the sheer resolve Ritsuka had shown.
Before she could finish her thought, a voice broke the silence.
Goredolf, ever the gruff commentator, snapped his gaze toward Koyanskaya.
> "Hey, fox, keep your mouth shut or a mosquito will fly in."
He crossed his arms, his tone snarky but strangely defensive, as if protecting the moment of Ritsuka's triumph.
Aoko leaned forward, giving a critical look as she analyzed the fight.
> "This was just a matter of strength. With almost 50 points now amplifying his power, crushing the Kasaka's skull wasn't a matter of if."
Her voice was matter-of-fact, but there was something pragmatic in her analysis, as though she saw the numbers at work behind the fight.
[Tti-ring.
[You have discovered 'Item: Poison Fang of Kasaka'. Take it?]
[You have discovered 'Item: Poison Sac of Kasaka'. Take it?]
"Take them all."
As soon as he said those words, a dagger made out of a bone and a small pouch with liquid in it appeared on his palms.
[Item: Poison Fang of Kasaka]
Rarity: C
Type: Dagger
Attack +25
A dagger fashioned from the poison fang of the Kasaka. There are traces of the Kasaka's poison on it, so when attacking, it will cause Paralysis and Bleeding status effects. Can be stored in the Inventory, or can be sold at the Store.
Status effect 'Paralysis': the target will be unable to move. Success rate is fixed.
Status effect 'Bleeding': the target's stamina will be reduced by 1% per second.
"Got something nice out of it, too"
[Item: Poison Sac of Kasaka]
Rarity: A
Type: Medicine
A pouch containing the refined poison of the Kasaka. Can be found very rarely when hunting Kasakas. Drinking this poison will give you strong skin, but the toxicity will permanently damage your muscles.
Effect 'The Iron Scales of Kasaka': 20% reduction in physical damage.
Side effect 'Damaged Muscles': Strength -35
"But this poison is too scary to use, better to hold it later" ]
Morgan le Fay leaned forward, scrutinizing the screen with her usual sharp eye.
> "Venom wasn't a 35% decrease in strength. It was just a 35-point decrease," she corrected, crossing her arms. Her voice carried a subtle edge, as though she were challenging the others' understanding of the poison's true effects.
Charlotte Corday, ever the pragmatic observer, raised a brow at Morgan's clarification.
> "Isn't that a lot, though? He'll become weaker for sure."
Her tone was casual, but she couldn't help but wonder about the ramifications of using the poison, especially in the context of Ritsuka's current condition.
Moriarty, always calculating and strategic, steepled his fingers as he offered his analysis. "That may seem like a lot right now, but think of it this way. At later levels, when Ritsuka has over 100 strength, a 35-point decrease won't have the same devastating effect. In fact, it won't be much of a debuff at all. Using that potion now, however, would cripple him. It would deplete most of his strength and render him vulnerable. He'd be forced to leave the dungeon, which would end his nine-hour grind."
His voice was calm, almost clinical in its assessment of the consequences of using the poison. Moriarty understood that timing was everything when it came to power-ups and debuffs.
Nero, with her signature boisterous energy, couldn't help but smile as she watched the screen.
> "Umu! The dagger is the best loot, then!" she exclaimed, her voice full of enthusiasm. She clapped her hands together.
"I like it!"
She looked absolutely delighted by the idea of Ritsuka wielding the Poison Fang Dagger, her eyes shining with approval. The idea of a weapon that could inflict both Paralysis and Bleeding excited her, especially given its good status effects.
Morgan raised an eyebrow again, sensing Ritsuka's hesitation.
"He's smart to hold off on using this. That kind of poison would be too much right now, especially if he's trying to build his strength through leveling."
Her voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of respect in her tone. She understood the necessity of caution in such a situation.
Charlotte observed Ritsuka's careful consideration with a faint smile.
> "Smart decision. It's best to save something like this for later, when it might not hurt him as much."
She leaned back, clearly satisfied with Ritsuka's choice.
Moriarty, ever the strategist, nodded in approval.
> "Exactly. The best time to use something like this would be when Ritsuka's base strength is far greater. At that point, a 35-point drop won't matter nearly as much. He would just need to ensure that he uses it at the right moment."
He adjusted his coat and smirked.
> "And I suspect that moment will come when he's facing tougher challenges."
Nero pouted slightly, clearly disappointed that Ritsuka wasn't using the Poison Sac.
> "Umu... I would have used it right now. But I suppose it's wise to save it. Still, I can't help but ."
Her voice was lively, but she understood that Ritsuka's decision was strategic, and she respected his judgment.
[Tti-ring.
[With the death of the Boss, the interior of the dungeon will revert back to its original state.]
Suddenly, his sights blurred for a bit, and then, they were restored back to normal, along with a slight bit of dizziness assaulting his senses. When he took a look around, he found himself inside a normal subway station.
The lights overhead shone brightly, and the black liquid filling up the tunnel was all gone, too.
"I guess I beat the dungeon"
"….But, where is everyone?"
Not just people, but even trains were strangely absent.
He even checked the time while thinking that the trains had stopped running for the day because it was so late already, but the clock was indicating 10 PM.
He entered the Hapjeong station around the lunch hour, so he had spent over 9 hours inside that dungeon.
'I was in there for a long time, wasn't I?'
He went outside as it was raining ]
Suzuka, lounging back comfortably in her seat, let out a soft sigh as she observed the scene unfold on the screen. She was keenly aware of the strange shift in the atmosphere.
> "The dungeon is gone." Her voice was low, filled with a bit of concern as she looked at the now normal subway station. "No more monsters, no more strange black liquid... Just an ordinary station. It's like nothing ever happened."
Her hands rested on her lap, and her eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the implications. Had Ritsuka truly escaped? Was the danger truly gone?
Tamamo-no-Mae, her delicate features reflecting a mixture of curiosity and amusement, tilted her head as she observed the scenario unfold.
> "Mikko, it's really like a video game," she mused with a soft, somewhat playful tone. "One moment, you're fighting for your life, and the next, it's like nothing ever happened. It's almost like Ritsuka was teleported out the moment the dungeon cleared…"
Tamamo's voice, rich with her usual warmth, hinted at her recognition of the oddity of it all. She enjoyed the absurdity, the mystery behind it all, and yet she couldn't ignore the fascination she felt about the mechanics at play.
Mandricardo, however, wasn't quite as contemplative. His mind was more focused on practicalities and the current situation. His gaze was fixed firmly on the screen, and his brow furrowed in confusion as he tried to make sense of the empty station.
> "Hey, where are the people in the train station?" His voice, filled with a bit of annoyance, was questioning the lack of life around him. There were no trains, no passengers, not even a conductor in sight. He couldn't help but feel a bit irritated by the emptiness.
He crossed his arms, clearly not liking the strange feeling of isolation.
Habetrot, standing to the side, her small frame nearly hidden behind the others, tilted her head to the side, pondering the mystery with her usual innocence.
> "I don't know…" Her voice was soft, confused. "Where did everyone go?" She turned her eyes towards the rest of the group, as if hoping someone would offer an answer. The silence in the station was eerie, and the absence of everyone seemed to make her uncomfortable.
She shuffled her feet slightly, as if wishing she could offer something more than just her curiosity.
Fou beside her too busy in eating all sweats he got from robot.
Artoria Caster, her eyes sharp and focused as always, glanced at Ritsuka's broken sword, which he was still carrying. There was something off about it, something that didn't quite sit right.
> "Why is he carrying the broken sword?" she asked, her voice genuine in its curiosity. She had seen it earlier in the dungeon, and the state of the weapon had been far from ideal. It wasn't just damaged—it was shattered, unrecognizable as the sword it once was. Yet Ritsuka still held it, even as the dungeon had ended.
Her tone wasn't accusing; it was more of a logical inquiry, as if trying to understand why such an item still held value for him.
Morgan le Fay, ever the wise and sharp-minded one, heard the question and immediately stepped in with her usual knowledgeable response. Her eyes, full of understanding, met Artoria Caster's gaze.
> "The reason he still carries the sword is because broken items like that can't be stored in inventory anymore." Morgan's voice was calm, informative. She leaned forward slightly, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile.
> "Once an item is destroyed beyond repair, it can no longer be placed in his inventory. He has to carry it until he finds a way to dispose of it properly. That's why he hasn't left it behind, even though it's practically useless."
Her knowledge of the mechanics at play in Ritsuka's world was vast, and she always enjoyed explaining these details to those who were still learning about the intricacies of this world.
["Who goes there?"
Who knew that the voice of another person would sound this welcoming?
Ritsuka quickly raised his head. He saw a soldier wielding a rifle.
"Who are you? Why are you coming out from there? Haven't you heard the broadcasts?"
The expression of the soldier was so serious that even Ritsuka's own expression hardened in an instant.
"Did something happen?"
"What the? How can you even say that?"
The crumpled expression of the soldier lightened up in an instant.
"Are you a Hunter by any chance?"
"Yes, I'm"
"My apologies z then! Let me show you to the battle. This way, please. Let me guide you there."
"Ah…. Sure."
Sensing that his troubles might get more complicated if he said "There's been a misunderstanding here", Ritsuka decided to quietly follow the soldier's guidance for now.
Ritsuka then swept his gaze around his vicinity.
'Now that I see, it's….'
The surrounding atmosphere felt rather suspicious.
The streets were totally deserted. The only people he could see were the soldiers and the members of the police.
Also, corpses belonging to monsters, destroyed cars, and buildings with cracks running up their walls….
Ritsuka realised what had happened here.
'A Gate must've opened up nearby.']
Aoko, sitting comfortably in her seat, leaned forward, her expression a mixture of disbelief and amusement. She tapped her fingers on the armrest, eyes narrowing as the soldier confronted Ritsuka.
> "Wait! Don't tell me that dungeon just broke out?!" Aoko's voice cut through the room sharply. She wasn't one to show concern easily, but this situation had all the hallmarks of chaos. The idea of a dungeon breaking free into the real world had the potential to spiral out of control.
Her expression was skeptical, trying to read the situation on the screen. Could this be another one of those strange instances Ritsuka kept getting tangled up in?
Goredolf, his arms crossed and his usual demeanor brimming with frustration, didn't miss a beat. His eyes flashed as the soldier's words echoed in his ears.
> "Damn it, Hunter Association! What have you been doing while this was happening?" His voice was thick with irritation, as if someone had dropped the ball on something that was clearly under their jurisdiction.
He rubbed his temples in annoyance. The fact that monsters had caused destruction and no one had stopped them was a glaring failure in his eyes.
Kadoc, ever the stoic one, had been quietly observing the scene unfold. When Goredolf spoke, his sharp eyes flicked to him before his voice echoed through the room.
> "Few people are dead already," Kadoc remarked coldly, his usual detachment hiding a subtle frustration beneath the surface. "If a Gate opened here, then it's already too late for those who got caught in it. This... whatever it is, is no small matter."
He leaned back, his hand gently tracing the edge of his chin as he evaluated the situation. His gaze shifted back to the screen. Was this the kind of chaos they were going to deal with today?
Tamamo-no-Mae tilted her head slightly, her expression filled with a mix of concern and a quiet understanding. There was a certain empathy that she couldn't deny when it came to people caught in dangerous situations, especially those who were caught off guard.
> "Poor Mikko…" Her voice was gentle, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Always in the wrong place at the wrong time. But there's a reason for that, isn't there? Mikko , my husband counterpart always seems to end up in these troublesome predicaments."
Her words weren't just a reflection of pity—they were a recognition of the fact that Ritsuka had a way of attracting such chaos. She could only hope this wouldn't lead to another death-defying situation.
Kukulkan, watching the scene with her typical intrigue, furrowed her brow as the soldiers moved in to assist Ritsuka.
> "Also, what are those soldiers doing here?" Kukulkan's tone was filled with genuine curiosity. She hadn't expected to see military forces involved in this situation. Her gaze lingered on the screen, scrutinizing the soldiers' movements. "Are they just here to clean up the mess, or are they more involved than it seems?"
Her sharp eyes took in every detail, and her instinct told her that there was more to the soldiers' presence than met the eye. Were they just a part of the larger game at play, or were they an unexpected factor in this unfolding chaos?
[Something like that almost never happened nowadays with the well-established Hunter system in place, but sometimes, a Gate would appear in a remote area, and it'd go unnoticed for a while. As a result, no one would come around to close it in time.
When such an event unfolded, soldiers from the nearby bases were dispatched in order to buy some time until Hunters could arrive on the scene.
"Thank you."
The soldier walking up ahead thanked Ritsuka out of the blue.
"Pardon me?"
"Well, because Hunters such as yourself fight hard, we are able to go home at the end of the day, you see."
"Oh, uh….."
He said 'thanks'.
That was something Ritsuka wanted to say to the soldier, instead.
Soldiers to the Hunters, and Hunters to soldiers.
As befitting those fighting to protect someone, or even something, they were expressing their gratitude against each other.]
Gilgamesh leaned back in his seat, his golden eyes gleaming with an almost mysterious amusement. His voice cut through the silence in the room.
> "The soldiers... true heroes of justice." His tone was deep, almost reverent. "They stand as protectors of their homeland, holding the line against whatever horrors spawn from these abominable gates. A noble sacrifice indeed."
He watched intently, his arms crossed, his gaze a mixture of contempt and admiration. While he would never deign to involve himself in such lowly matters, there was something unquestionable about the soldiers' dedication—something he could respect despite his often scornful nature.
Moriarty, who had been observing silently for a moment, leaned forward with an air of calm curiosity, his fingers steepled in front of him.
> "Ah, yes, the military's involvement with the gates. It's an unfortunate but understandable necessity. Rarely do these incidents occur, but when they do, the military must act swiftly." He spoke with a sharp, calculated tone. "Their weapons are ineffective against the monsters that appear, but they still take up arms, not for victory, but for a far nobler cause—to protect the civilians and buy time for the Hunters to arrive."
Moriarty's smile twisted slightly, the hint of admiration creeping in. "They know their fate, that they are mere shields standing between the monsters and the people. But they do so willingly, for the sake of their homeland."
Artoria Caster, ever thoughtful and humble, watched the soldier's words closely. Her voice, soft but filled with a quiet understanding, broke through the conversation.
> "Ritsuka…" She sighed, her tone gentle. "Honestly, I think Ritsuka counterpart feels it should have been the other way around. It's surprising to hear gratitude from someone whose life is at constant risk." Her gaze softened as she observed the soldier's expression. "They are putting everything on the line for those who can't fight back. It's only natural for him to show them his gratitude, but I know that Ritsuka, too, understands their sacrifice. After all, their shared goal is to protect the people."
Artoria's voice held a touch of sympathy as she reflected on the soldiers' struggle. The burden they bore wasn't so different from the struggles that Hunters faced in their pursuit of justice.
Gilgamesh glanced over at Artoria, his smirk slightly faltering as her words reached him.
> "Hmm... how predictable of you, holy sword." His voice was amused, yet there was a trace of genuine respect. "Of course, you would see the nobility in their sacrifice. But don't forget—heroes have their place, and they are not always the ones in the spotlight."
He tilted his head, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "I suppose we cannot all be kings, can we? But even so, these soldiers possess a certain grandeur in their purpose. Their valor may not lie in victory, but in the willingness to die for the greater good. That is something I can appreciate."
Moriarty's lips curled into a knowing smile.
> "It's a fascinating paradox, isn't it?" He mused, his voice low and contemplative. "The soldiers know they are mere fodder in the face of the monsters, yet they do not hesitate. They fight because they must, not because they can win. There's a poignant beauty in their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. Noble meat shields, indeed."
He paused for a moment, as though considering something deeper. "But then again, the world is full of such unsung heroes. Those who fight not for glory, but for a cause greater than themselves."
Kadoc hearing this can't say do James praising them or not.
Artoria nodded quietly, her eyes lingering on the soldier's figure, his expression earnest, and his resolve unwavering. Her thoughts mirrored what had already been said, but her next words held a personal touch.
> "In the end, it's the purpose behind their actions that makes them worthy of admiration. They fight not for recognition, but because they believe it is the right thing to do. Isn't that what Ritsuka has always done?"
She turned her gaze back to Ritsuka on the screen, her heart swelling with pride as she watched him handle the soldier's gratitude with such humility.
> "Perhaps that's what makes Ritsuka and the soldiers alike. Both willing to carry the burden of the world, even when it seems too heavy to bear."
Gilgamesh let out a soft chuckle, the gold in his eyes flickering with amusement.
> "So, Ritsuka is one of these 'noble meat shields' in your eyes, Artoria?" He asked with a hint of mockery, though his tone wasn't cruel.
"Wh-what? I didn't me-mean th-that Rit-Ritsuka?" She said with red face.
"Stop teasing her, my king." Ritsuka said
"haha, How quaint. But if we're to continue with this analogy, I must say... such meat shields deserve their due rewards. It's not often we find such unwavering loyalty to a cause."
Moriarty, ever the strategist, offered a more calculated perspective.
> "It's an interesting dynamic between the soldier and the Hunter, isn't it? The soldier's role, though unseen by most, is vital. They defend, they delay, they die, but they ensure others have a chance. It's a selfless act, one that many fail to appreciate."
His eyes glinted with sharp intellect, analyzing the nuances of the relationship between the soldier and Ritsuka. "In a way, it's a testament to the very nature of sacrifice. They don't fight for themselves. They fight for others. And that, I believe, is what makes them heroes—not their weapons, but their willingness to give everything for the greater good."
---
[Beep.
The soldier's expression brightened after he received the radio transmission.
"I've received a word that the monsters in the vicinity have been dealt with, and only the biggest one remains."
Ritsuka nodded his head.
He didn't need to hear the soldier's explanation to know.
He could actually sense the presence of a powerful 'lifeform' nearby. And he could even sense several auras of Hunters surrounding it, too. The enhanced Perception Stat was transmitting crucial information in the form of sensations and feelings.
And that's how Ritsuka got to figure it out almost immediately.
'That thing is the boss.'
Soon enough, the creature could be seen in the distance. In the empty, open space not too far from him, a dozen or so Hunters were surrounding a giant made out of rock. It was as tall as a telephone pole.
It was a Golem-type monster.
"Heok…."
The soldier spat out a gasp of fear as he took a step backwards.
Perhaps it was his first time seeing one, since the moment he saw it, his entire body had stiffened noticeably. But then again, most people would react in a similar fashion. The difference between seeing a monster for real and seeing it on a TV or a computer monitor was like heaven and earth, after all.
Unlike him, Ritsuka remained calm and observed the unfolding situation.]
Cnoc na Riabh watched intently. Her sharp, intelligent eyes seemed to cut through the screen as she analyzed the situation.
> "Master's ability to sense power levels... It's become so precise." Her tone was quiet but admiring. "Even in the midst of chaos, he can immediately tell the difference between a mere monster and the true threat."
Habetrot twirled a lock of her silvery hair as she squinted at the screen. Her usual cheery demeanor was absent, replaced by a more serious expression as she watched the scene unfold.
> "This... isn't good, is it?" Her voice was laced with concern. "I mean, you saw that thing, right? The situation is a lot more dire than we were led to believe. It's not just a random monster—it's got strategy, and the Hunters are struggling to get through its defenses."
She clasped her hands together in worry. "Even with their combined efforts, it's hard to imagine they'll pull through without more support."
Her gaze flicked back to Ritsuka on the screen, a hint of worry deep in her eyes. "I hope he knows what he's walking into."
"Goouu fuuouu"
Fou beside her eat everything and watching the screen now.
Boabhan Sith sat up straighter in her chair, her eyes narrowing as the Golem's massive figure dominated the screen. She could feel the tension in the air shift, the atmosphere growing more oppressive.
> "A Golem... and it's the boss, no less." Her voice was cold and sharp, matching her usual demeanor. "They are often much tougher than they appear. Those rock-hard bodies, their size—it makes them hard to break down. This is no simple challenge. The Hunters will have to find a weakness, or it could end badly for them."
Her lips curled into a thin smirk. "But I suppose Master wouldn't be fool enough to not see that coming."
Illya folded her arms with a mix of exasperation and admiration. She hadn't yet formed a bond with the soldiers or the Hunters in the way Ritsuka had, but her experience with powerful opponents made her quick to assess the situation. She leaned in slightly, eyes scanning the screen as she observed the Golem.
> "No wonder they're struggling. That thing's got defenses like a wall of stone. No wonder the Hunters are having a hard time cracking through it. They're going to need something special to break that defense. And let's not even get started on the durability. If they can't find a weak spot... this battle's not going to end well."
["Healers! Concentrate your healing on the Tanker!"
"We're also doing our best!!"
"Why isn't it dying already?!"
"What are the damage dealers doing!! It's not even remotely close enough to dying, is it?!"
"The monster's defences are too strong! And we just don't have enough magic-type Hunters in our group!"
Because they had been summoned out here in haste, none of them seemed to be high ranked Hunters. Both their defences and attacks didn't look that effective at all.
Because of that, Hunters couldn't avoid being embroiled in the protracted battle of attrition.
BOOM!!
When the Golem slammed its massive stone fist downward, the Hunter acting as the Tanker had no choice but to kneel down just for a brief second.
"Keo-heok!!"
The Tanker vomited out a mouthful of blood.
"N-no!!"
"The Tanker might die at this rate!!"
"What do you want me to do?! My magic energy reserve is completely empty, you know!!"
"Hasn't the support from high-ranked Hunters arrive yet?!"
These Hunters looked like they had reached their limit.]
Artoria Lancer silently, watching with narrowed eyes. She had faced many trials in her life, but seeing a group of seemingly unprepared Hunters facing such a formidable foe stirred something in her—a deep sense of responsibility.
> "If they're not able to hold it off... then I will. I can't just sit back and watch." Her voice, calm but filled with resolve, echoed in the room. She clenched her fists, feeling the weight of her Lancer's spirit within her. "The shield's cracking... just like their resolve. It will break soon."
Her eyes flickered to the screen again, the image of the tank struggling under the Golem's weight. A soft sigh escaped her lips.
> "In the end, it will be someone who takes the initiative—someone who sacrifices themselves for the greater good. It's the nature of battle." She looked at Ritsuka on the screen, already anticipating his next move. "But I hope master counterpart will save them."
Jeanne Alter glared at the screen, her expression darkened by frustration and anger. The sheer power of the Golem's defense seemed to be stalling the entire group. She crossed her arms over her chest, a look of disgust on her face.
> "No wonder they're struggling... That thing's defense is nearly impenetrable." Her voice was sharp, filled with disdain for the Golem. "It's a monster that requires far more than just strength to bring down. Its armor is almost like... the world itself."
She bit her lip, eyes flickering to the Tanker struggling to rise.
> "They need something more... something powerful enough to pierce through that stone. Otherwise, they'll all fall before it."
Irisviel, sitting next to assissan Emiya, watched with a deepening sense of concern. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she watched the Tanker fight to stand, his strength fading with each passing moment.
> "When will the other Hunters get here to help them?" she muttered, her voice soft but heavy with the weight of helplessness. "If they don't arrive soon, these Hunters won't survive. I don't know how long they can keep this up without proper reinforcements."
She glanced at Ritsuka counterpart, as though searching for any sign that he might have a plan in mind. Her tone softened slightly. "But I have faith. He's never failed to make the right call, even in the toughest situations."
Goredolf, who had been pacing in the back, clutched his fists in frustration. He could barely contain his anxiety as the situation on the screen grew more dire by the second. The Hunters were running out of time, and reinforcements were nowhere in sight.
> "Damn it! They'll die if those reinforcements don't get here in time!" He shouted, his voice laced with panic. "Why is no one here yet?! This isn't just some random monster, this is the boss! It's way beyond the regular stuff!"
[Ritsuka's gaze, as he took all of these in, gleamed quite sharply.
'i can see eight E-ranks and two d-ranks, only One d-rank tank. Which is why they haven't been able to finish this, the healers ... Two D-Ranks and a B-Rank.'
'huh'
He saw a familiar face. Ophelia.
She was standing their in fear. She still didn't recover from her trauma.
She got scolded for not focusing. But she still helping them. But her performance is worst. She can't even focus properly.
'one week later , she's still shaken up, Not that I can blame her, I'm the same.' Ritsuka thought
He closed his eyes.
'No,'
Ritsuka slowly took several steps back. This Golem-type boss might possess the high defence, but its rank was probably lower than its scary outer appearance might suggest.
'This is a D-rank boss. Weaker than the one I just fought!'
Just from the aura it emitted, it was definitely weaker than the boss of the instant dungeon, the Poison-Fanged Blue whatever.
'If they can get through his defences,….they can win this.'
What's needed right now was a powerful strike that could penetrate past that dumb rock giant's defences.
Ritsuka got to enough distance away and took a position of throwing something.
'An attack forceful enough to pierce stone...'
The muscles in the arm holding the broken sword began swelling up quite violently out of the blue. Thick, pulsing veins even popped up on the back of his hand, too.
All of his physical strength was concentrated in his right arm.
'Take this!'
A short while after that, the arm pulled back taut like the string of a bow was shot forward at the speed of sound.]
Koyanskaya's eyes glinted with disdain as she observed Ophelia on the screen. Her usual elegant demeanor had taken a darker turn.
> "This is pathetic," she muttered, her voice dripping with disdain. "That foolish Ophelia… She's nothing like the version of her in our world. All that potential, all that power, yet here she is, unable to even focus."
She crossed her arms, frustration building as she continued watching the unfolding disaster.
> "I can't even say I'm surprised. She's weak, emotionally shaken. It's disappointing. The healing's not even coming through anymore. Why do they keep depending on her?" She sneered. "How useless..."
"I can't really blame her," Habetrot remarked softly, watching as Ophelia fumbled with the magic, her hands trembling with anxiety. "Fear isn't easy to shake off. She's been through too much... It's hard to recover from such trauma."
Tezcatlipoca, eyes narrowed, analyzed the unfolding situation with his usual sharp insight. He spoke with a sense of grim understanding, his voice low but resonating.
> "If any of them are going to make it out alive, there's only one option left. Tanker will have to be the one to decide..." He paused, watching nameless Tanker's stance as he took a few steps back, clearly preparing for something.
> "He'll stay behind. He'll let everyone else flee, and he alone will buy time. That's the only way they'll survive." His voice took on a deeper tone. "He's already made up his mind."
"Or Master counterpart will do something."
Oberon said, almost wistfully. "He hopes that in the time it takes for the Golem to defeat him, another higher-ranked Hunter will arrive to save the others. He would fight, knowing that it would cost him, but it would give the others a chance. What a great NPC!"
Finally, Nero Claudius, her expression one of barely contained excitement, stood up from her seat. The determination on screen Ritsuka's face was clear, and the way he held his ground, even when everything seemed to be falling apart, sparked something within her.
> "My praetor counterpart!" Nero's voice rang out, filled with enthusiasm. "What are you waiting for?! Do something! Don't just stand there!"
Her eyes blazed with the same fervor she would show on the battlefield. "If you want to save them, then DO it!"
Even Ritsuka in front row got embarassed hearing it. Nero totally put her focus on screen.
[KWAHANG!!
That 'something' slammed into the Golem's head and it grandly exploded.
"W-what the hell?!"
The headless Golem began tottering dangerously. The Hunters began roaring out in elation only then. They focused their attacks once more.
"It's working!! Our attacks are working!!"
"It's falling!!"
"A little bit more!! Just a bit more and we'll win!!"
In the end, the Golem toppled over.
Thud!
The heavy body fell down to the ground and kicked up a mighty dust storm.
Waaahhh!!
Hunters all cried out in elation and celebrated their victory.
"We did it!!"
"We killed it!"
'No, our attacks didn't even work on this guy.'
Nameless Tanker hurriedly searched around the vicinity of the fallen Golem.
"Just what did destroy the head of this rock giant?"
Nameless Tanker thought out aloud and searched around. Eventually, he discovered the remnants of a broken sword. Although there were some traces of magic energy within it, it was basically a cheap, plain steel sword.
'What? Someone threw something this worthless and destroyed a boss level Golem capable of brushing off the combined attacks of ten plus Hunters?']
Nero, ever the dramatic figure, watched the victory unfold with an exuberant smile. She raised a hand as if to wave a banner of triumph, her voice laced with undeniable pride.
> "UMU! I knew it!" she cried out with a radiant grin. "I knew my praetor counterpart would save them!"
She threw herself back in her chair, her eyes sparkling with delight. Her gaze fixed on Ritsuka's silhouette, proud as ever of the way he had handled the situation. "Only someone like him could turn the tide like that.!"
James Moriarty, ever the strategist, leaned forward, his steely eyes analyzing the situation with his usual calculating demeanor. He crossed his arms, a sharp smile on his lips as he spoke.
> "Fascinating," Moriarty murmured, almost to himself, as he watched the scene unfold on the screen. "Just as this Tanker was about to give the order, Ritsuka's broken sword didn't just shatter the Golem's defenses—it one-shotted it, causing its head to explode in a glorious display of destruction."
He chuckled softly, as if amused by the turn of events.
> "And yet, the Hunters, in their blissful ignorance, failed to notice the true cause of their victory. A sword, discarded and seemingly worthless, became the instrument of their success. Oh, how easily they were fooled into believing their own efforts won the day."
Aoko Aozaki, who had been quietly observing, allowed a slight chuckle to escape her lips. She shook her head, clearly amused by the spectacle before her.
> "Well, it's typical, isn't it?" Aoko said, her voice carrying a dry amusement. "Only the Tanker was close enough to actually see the sword's impact. The rest of them, thinking it was their attacks that defeated the Golem? Absolutely ridiculous."
Tim Lin Mélusine, watching with crossed arms and a smirk on her face, couldn't help but shake her head. She spoke with the same tone of amusement but with a sharper edge.
> "Idiots," she said with a quiet chuckle. "They really think they're the ones who brought it down. All that damage they were doing? Nothing more than a scratch."
[Suddenly, he forgot what he wanted to say. Nameless Tanker silently alternated his gaze between the corpse of the Golem and the broken sword, before he ran past the cheering Hunters and in the direction the sword flew in from.
"Excuse me!!"
He found a dazed soldier standing there.
"Pardon? You talking to me?"
"That's right, you!"
"Who threw this broken sword?"
"Oh! It was the hunter who..."
"Huh? Uh? But, there was a Hunter standing right behind me, though?"
Of course, there was no one there now.
While the flustered soldier was looking around the vicinity, Nameless Tanker scratched the back of his neck and stared at the broken sword.
'That power, that destructive power…. Could it have been a high rank Hunter?'
He'd never know, since the protagonist had disappeared already.
Ritsuka already went ahead and give one last look at that direction. His strong muscles are showed
"I don't think a single attack would do it in. That Golem must have been seriously weakend already." He said and left
Unknown to him , Ophelia saw him and said
"Ritsuka...?" ]
Ishtar, watching with an amused glint in her eyes, leaned forward, her hands resting lightly on her chin. Her voice rang out with a sense of self-assuredness, her tone clearly revealing her belief that the situation was obvious.
> "Now, surely the Golem essence Stones should belong to Ritsuka, right?" she asked with a raised brow, her expression almost too proud. "I mean, he defeated it, didn't he?"
Kadoc, lounging in his seat with arms crossed, scowled slightly, his voice laced with a hint of frustration.
> "That's not an argument Ritsuka would want to get into right now," he muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose in mild annoyance. "The last thing he needs is a discussion about who gets the spoils of war when there are bigger things at play."
From his throne-like chair, Gilgamesh let out a disdainful scoff. He crossed his arms as he watched the screen, clearly irritated by Ishtar's enthusiasm.
> "Stupid goddess," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ritsuka didn't even prove he was the one who slew that Golem. And even if he did... well, it's not like he'd want to reveal how a lowly E-rank like him became so powerful, would he?"
He chuckled darkly, his eyes glimmering with mischief as he glanced at Ishtar.
> "The cost of revealing that truth would far outweigh the worth of some D-rank essence Stone. The boy's unique ability... that is far more valuable to him than any of that. Let's focus on the bigger picture, shall we?"
Tenochtitlan, having spent some time silently observing the scene, suddenly spoke, her tone full of curiosity.
> "Wait... isn't it true that Master's muscles have grown stronger?" Her eyes narrowed as she studied the screen, noticing the subtle yet undeniable change in Ritsuka's physicality. "He seems far more... powerful than before. Even the way he carries himself has changed."
Meltryllis, ever the observer of beauty and strength, couldn't help but smirk as she leaned back in her chair. She looked at the screen, clearly impressed with what she saw.
> "Yeah, he looks stronger than before." She laughed lightly, her fingers tapping against her arm as she casually remarked.