Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Page 53

"Listen carefully. I'll get to the important point: all magic requires 'incantation' to activate. You should know that, right?"

I nodded in agreement regarding the question about deities.

All magic works by the spellcaster reciting their own fixed incantations.

The cannon is constructed using a magical process called "chanting," and only after this is complete will it be loaded with shells. Thinking about it this way, it's clear that the larger the cannon is, the longer the "chanting" takes, resulting in larger shells and increased power.

Conversely, the smaller the cannon, the lower its power, but this also means a shorter "chanting" time, making it convenient to fire immediately.

"Let's get down to business. I heard from a friend that when you learn magic, the incantation will appear in the magic section of your [Ability Values]. Only after you see it can you obtain the trigger factor for the magic."

"Huh... but this record sheet doesn't have a section on 'chanting'..."

"Yes, that's the problem. Wait, don't mistakenly think I forgot to write it, okay?"

The spell slot labeled "Fire and Lightning" lacked any incantation. This meant the key to casting the spell was missing. Just as I was feeling utterly perplexed, the deity spoke up, offering their opinion.

"What follows is entirely my own speculation. A piece of detailed information has been added to the column, and judging from this line of text, Bell's magic... may not require 'incantation'."

I stopped what I was doing and then stared intently at the record sheet again.

There is no record of any incantation; the only information is the brief description of "quick-attack magic."

...I'm starting to think the divine interpretation might be correct. Or rather, I can't think of any other possibilities.

"Although I don't know how powerful it is, it doesn't take long to cast... 'Quick Attack Magic'. I think that should be it."

"Then, so, this [Flame Flash - Ugh]."

The fairy's soft hands covered my mouth.

The deity, standing on tiptoe, looked up at me.

"...You'd better not casually mention the name of magic."

"Ugh?"

"I don't know what will be the trigger. The worst case scenario is that as long as you say 'Flame and Lightning,' the spell might be activated."

My face turned ashen. I didn't know what the effect would be, but if I activated magic in a place like this, our headquarters might be blown to smithereens.

"Do you understand?" the fairy asked me for confirmation, and I nodded vigorously. She then released my mouth.

"After all, it's just a theory, and I can't say for sure what the correct mechanism is. Anyway... go to the dungeon tomorrow and try it out. That should help you figure out the magic that's unique to you."

"Huh, tomorrow...?"

"Hey, are you planning to go to the dungeon right now? You've already taken a shower! No rush, your magic won't run away, will it?"

"Ah, yes...you're right."

Seeing the deity giving me a wry smile, I nodded stiffly.

It was late at night. The immortal, who was covering his yawn with his hand, seemed to have reached the peak of his work fatigue, so we immediately prepared to go to bed.

When I saw the fairy finish brushing her teeth and jump onto the bed with a thud, I turned off the light.

I lay down on the sofa and fell into a deep sleep...

(Sorry, gods.)

...Of course not.

I can't close my eyes at all. How could I possibly fall asleep in this state?

I jumped up from the sofa. After confirming that the fairy was making a soft call, I carefully tried not to wake her, then slung my backpack containing the entire set of equipment over my shoulder and left the room.

I quickly put on my protective gear outside and left my backpack on the church steps. I went outside.

(I want to try it out, right now!)

The street, overlooked by the moon and stars. Light leaking from the shop windows illuminated my burning face. The boisterous voices of the drunken demi-humans seemed to be keeping time for me, and my feet moved with light, dancing steps.

Orario is up all night. I can't sleep either.

The white skyscrapers ahead grew larger and larger. A smile spread across my face as I accelerated.

They rushed into the first floor of the Tower of Babel and went straight to the underground.

There was a large cave on the floor leading to the underground city. I tumbled and ran down the spiral staircase next to the cave, and halfway down I jumped over the handrail and leaped into the center of the cave.

It sliced through the air and landed with a thud. The vibrations beneath my feet were so soothing they almost brought tears to my eyes.

I set off for the first level of the dungeon.

"..."

Sand, I stopped in my tracks.

A wide, single road. A short, stout green figure swaying alone in the very center of the field of vision.

Goblin.

(Under this condition...)

The size and spacing of the targets are impeccable.

I swallowed hard. I wiped my sweaty hands on my shirt.

The goblin noticed me too. It roared and came running over.

I clenched my fist, opened it, and repeated the opening and closing of my hand several times, pointing my right arm straight at the goblin.

"..."

The sound of a heartbeat is stuck to your eardrums.

The tension, anxiety, and anticipation that had accumulated along the way all weighed on my shoulders.

He exhaled a shallow breath.

I raised my eyebrows to their limit and roared.

"[Flame Lightning]!"

The next instant, crimson light engulfed the entire field of vision.

"!"

A streak of crimson lightning flashed past.

No, that's not right, it's lightning-shaped flames.

The lines are drawn with sharp angles and irregular shapes, and the flames pierce through the goblin's body in one go.

My eyes can only follow this far.

The moment the fire and lightning struck the monster, a dazzling explosion erupted.

Orange sparks burst forth.

"……ah."

The goblin, its body charred and black smoke billowing from its parts, collapsed to the ground, its eyes rolling back. Its final, hoarse groan echoed through the dungeon's passageways.

“…No way.”

It's out. Really.

My magic.

Standing there dumbfounded, I withdrew my outstretched arm and examined my palm closely.

Delicate hands. A few calluses from farming work stand out starkly on them.

These are my hands, the ones I'm used to seeing. Nothing has changed.

But it was used.

Magic was cast from this hand.

"……Hahaha."

Once you acknowledge the situation, things become simple.

My whole body felt hot. I clenched my open hands into fists.

(good……!)

A clear response. Clear progress.

Unlike numerical values for [ability stats], the dramatic, visible changes gave me a clear sense that I was getting closer to that person.

Flame and lightning. A thunderbolt of fire.

It launches in an instant, reaches the speed of light, and possesses immense firepower.

Fire magic faster than anyone else's.

My magic is unique.

"——!"

Overwhelmed with joy.

I bit my lip and made the victory sign several times by myself. It was so embarrassing. But it didn't matter.

My face flushed red with excitement.

Like a fool, yes, just like the day I logged into the guild as an adventurer, my eyes sparkling. My joy reached its peak, making me lose myself in elation.

I rushed out on the spot, looking for my next prey.

"Fire and Lightning!"

"Gua ...

Extend your arm when you see a monster.

"Fire and Lightning!"

"Ugh!"

He kept shouting like a little kid.

"Fire and Lightning—!"

"Puga ...

It explodes as soon as you watch it.

"Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!" "Fire Lightning!"

"Chirp!"

I fired off fireworks haphazardly and boldly, again and again.

"Ah, we've reached the 5th floor..."

No, no, a satisfied smile appeared on my face as I turned to look around.

The maze walls, which change from light blue to light green, indicate that we have indeed passed the fourth level.

Having gone too far, I could only verbally repent and immediately prepare to turn back.

It's about time to go back. I hummed a song as I walked forward.

"—Ugh, huh?"

Soon, the first feeling that something was wrong came over me.

The field of vision immediately became skewed.

“Eh…?”

It happened quite suddenly.