Chapter 489: Final Clearing (pt. I)

FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH

Bolts and arrows were fired, darting throughout the dark caverns and shining light across the eerie tunnels. Shrieks and bellows followed soon after, the arrows lodging upon the horde of monsters and exploding soon after.

Her golden hair fluttered as she shot the arrows, a beautiful elf peering through the clouds of smoke and dust before her. Her eyes remained sharp and unwavering, a heavy volley of arrows peppering the monsters as she let go of the bowstring.

KHIIIEEEEKKK KHIIIEEEEEK GUAAAAKKKKK

A number of goblins and satyrs rushed forth, undaunted by the hollering storm before them. The blood of their kin was already spilled yet they remained charging, their loud cries ringing throughout the corridors as they raised their tattered weapons.

First there were a couple dozen, then there was only half left, and soon after, only a couple individuals remained. The elf continued to fire arrows one after another, boring through their heads and leaving them for dead.

Some enemies tried to throw their weapons at her, but they couldn't even reach her. The distance between the two parties was too far, only the elf's arrows successfully bridging the gap and eliminating the repulsive monsters one by one.

KHIEEEKKKKK THUD THUD CRASHHH

Finally, all the monsters were subjugated and peace returned to the dimly lit caverns. The monsters' bodies started glowing soon after, fracturing into several fragments of light and soon scattering in the wind, leaving only a couple drops behind.

It was a fierce battle, or at least, such was the case for the goblins. The beautiful elf didn't even break a single sweat, her eyes still glimmering bright and she let down her bow and arrow. Of course, that elf was none other than Aria.

"Waah～! That's so cool, Miss Aria! You'vr finished them all off!" ［Yuna］

"This is nothing much. It's just kobolds and goblins, after all." ［Aria］

"Still! There were over a hundred of them. And it only took you 13 seconds!" ［Yuna］

"You counted?" ［Kris］

"Un! Grey and I always have these competitions so it's become a habit. Don't you also do these sorts of things with Miss Aria, Mister Kris?" ［Yuna］

"Don't compare me to you two weirー O-Ow! Oww!" ［Kris］

Kris couldn't even finish his words, when a sharp pain bit him from his flanks. It was none other than his beautiful wife who is now pinching his sides, a scary expression painted on her, her eyes telling him not to continue his words.

"Dear, that's their way of bonding, so let's stop our words there, okay?" ［Aria］

"Ow! He-Hey! Aria, that hurts! That really hurts!" ［Kris］

"If it hurts, then please learn your lesson. Do you know how many times we already got in trouble because you uselessly run that mouth of yours?" ［Aria］

"Hey, are you still angry about the last quest?" ［Kris］

"Not really. I've forgiven you already." ［Aria］

Or so she says but her eyes say otherwise, pinching even harder on her husband's side as she remembers the idiocy he did during the last quest, destroying a whole grove in order to "clear out all enemies in a single strike".

It was a grove which was one of the main sources of income for the villagers who asked for the quest, and seeing Kris destroy it willy-nilly just like that, the village chief passed out immediately, eyes turned eyes and his soul escaping his body.

Thankfully, their reliable familiars were of plant-attribute and so they were able to easily restore the whole grove with just a bit of magic. Had they not had familiars, the villagers would all have been in trouble and things would have gone out of hand.

Just thinking about it again makes Aria boil with anger and dismay. She knows she said yes during their wedding, but sometimes, she wonders why she even married such an idiot. She could only blame love as she continued to bicker with him.

"Miss Aria and Mister Kris sure have a good relationship." ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. They fit each other perfectly, after all," ［Grey］

Well, it's not like there was nothing they could do about it. No matter how much Aria refuses to admit it, she is also head over heels for her idiotic husband. No matter what offense he commits, as long as he asks for it, she'll probably forgive him.

Not that Grey and Yuna couldn't understand them anyway... If anything, the two could only wonder how they'll be like once they get married. They're already sweet as they are, so it's already certain they'll be even sweeter later on.

"Right, Grey, are there any more monsters around?" ［Yuna］

"There's a few more groups on this floor. Though, they're a little far away." ［Grey］

"I see... Then, let's ask Miss Aria what she wants to do." ［Yuna］

It has been a couple of days since Yuna had the memory loss incident, and now, Grey, Yuna, Kris, and Aria are undertaking a quest of clearing an A-rank dungeon in the Kingdom of Lindhart just south of Alfrione.

The said dungeon was one of the most popular dungeons in the country and was a good place to train and earn a sum of money. It was discovered over a century ago, and provided countless opportunities for adventurers and merchants alike.

However, it has finally reached the end of its lifespan after a long time of operation, and in order to prevent a Monster Flood from happening after a Dungeon Break, the city requested the Adventurers Guild for a clearing squad.

The requirements for the clearing was that it be at least an A-rank party, and there was no limit to how many could apply. The reward was also good, however, the adventurers must let the client buy the Boss Drop from them.

Of course, with nothing else to do, Grey and Yuna took the quest. Coincidentally, Kris and Aria also picked it at the same time, and now, both "Aster" and "Black Silver" are clearing the whole dungeon with just the 4 of them.

"Miss Aria, there's a short path over here." ［Grey］

"Are there a lot of monsters there?" ［Aria］

"Not quite. About 20 or so goblins and over a hundred slimes and big slimes... Other than that, it leads directly to the staircase." ［Grey］

"Let's take that path then. The faster, the better." ［Aria］

With a quick flick of her finger, the winds howled and the dropped items were thrown into the air. With a quick swirling motion, they were then sucked into Aria's hands and into her storage ring, a dim glimmer vanishing soon after.

Everything now done and dusted, everyone then moved ahead towards the direction Grey was pointing at, the cries of goblins and the squishing of slimes echoing in their ears after running a couple kilometers, their despicable figures then after.

There was not much to talk about, the battle over before a minute had passed. Aria passed by like a raging storm, pulling her bowstring and launching a barrage of swift arrows raining down upon them. Death followed soon.

A couple more steps later and they finally arrived at the staircase, spiraling down the next floor as they rode on the whimsical wind. A few dozen meters down the ground, and they were down the next floor, lights flaring up one after another.

"Alright! Now that we're on the second floor... Shall we?" ［Kris］

"Hehehe! You're going down, Mister Kris!" ［Yuna］

"I guess I can't join this time?" ［Aria］

There was no time to waste, and it was finally time to decide the most important decision of the floor. With only weak monsters running around, one person was more than enough to clear the whole floor, and so, one person was all they needed.

Unfortunately for Grey, he was banned from it as he could literally use his eyes to see the future. It was decided that he will be clearing the 4th and 5th floors, the others sharing the remaining floors amongst themselves equally.

Aria backed out, and two figures stepped out. There was a bright smile on Yuna's face and a smug grin on Kris'. They looked one another in the eye, tension rising in the air as they drew their hands. Swift as can be, they then raised their hands...

""Rock! Paper! Scissors! Throw!" ［Kris and Yuna］

... And leaving it luck, threw their hands against one another with all their might. Kris threw a "rock" and Yuna threw a "scissor" in response, the winner decided almost immediately after. However, rather than celebrating her victory, Yuna...

"Nooooooo!! Why?! My hand betrayed me!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha! Suck it up, Yuna! I'll be taking the harder floor!" ［Kris］

... Was now wailing over her victory. It meant that she would be taking care of the 2nd floor, and at the same time, that Kris would wipe out the 3rd floor. There really isn't much of a difference for them, but it meant that Yuna's enemies are much weaker.

As for Kris, he is now dancing like a fool and celebrating with such obnoxious and boisterous laughter. A celebration which didn't last too long as Aria elbowed him by the flanks when he got a little too loud. They bickered once again.

KHIIIEEEEEKKKK ORRRUUUUKKKKK GRAAAARRRR

It wasn't long before the enemies started spawning around them, coming in a variety of forms from hobgoblins, kobolds, and orcs. One was fast and nifty, the other was tall and ferocious, and the last was quite a bit bulky.

However, no matter what they were, they were just G-rank monsters. They may be strong against normal people and weaker adventurers, but to Yuna, they were nothing but small fries who aren't even worth a percentage of her power.

KHIIIEEEEEKKKKK GUARRRRKKKKK

One of the hobgoblins tried throwing its spear towards Yuna, however, it was futile. Before it could even do as much as graze the young lady, the latter had already disappeared before its eyes and soon, its vision started to turn.

Its head had been cut off cleanly before it even noticed and there appeared the figure of a silver-haired elf beside it. The unsuspecting goblin's head rolled down the floor and its blood splattered all over the place. Blue eyes shone with terror.

"Now... Which one of you wants to go next?" ［Yuna］

The goddess of death has descended and a massacre ensued at her wake. All the monsters were sliced by a silver streak, their bodies falling apart soon after. A silver figure danced in the air, a pair of daggers in her hands as she extended death's invitation.

She was trying to stay quiet but it was obvious that she was upset by the results of her little game with Kris. It's not because she hates losing, but because Kris looked so obnoxious... Such a childish way of thinking.

"Haah... Really... What am I gonna do with you..." ［Grey］

Of course, Grey noticed his fiancée's shift in mood very easily. With no other choice left, he then took out a small metal cup and a couple small but wide wooden sticks, using a bit of magic to crave some words into them.

Grey didn't just make one or two, but a couple dozen sticks, each unique in their own way and some even made with doodles. It only took him less than a minute to do so, and when he was finished, so was Yuna.

All the monsters were already exterminated from sight and all that was left was a glowing cloud of broken light fragments. They all fluttered in the wind and left behind some items for e picking, all for Yuna to keep in her storage ring.

"Yuna, do you want to play a little game?" ［Grey］

"A game...? Did you bring some boards and cards with us?" ［Yuna］

"No, not that, silly. Here, look at what's in my hand." ［Grey］

Said Grey, but the young lady wasn't any less confused. All she saw was a metal cup with a handful of sticks inside them. There were all sorts of things written in them and also a handful of doodles. They looked like toys in her eyes.

It wasn't until Grey explained the premise that Yuna's attention was caught. And it may be because they were bored that Kris and Aria listened in as well, both a bit amazed that Grey could think of such an idea.

What Grey made was a simple random picker game where one picks a stick and the condition written on the little sticks. They were conditions that will make their dungeon clearing much harder but also more fun at the same time. A challenge, so to say

It wasn't really much of a genius idea either. It was that Grey was the only one crazy enough to impose restrictions on themselves when they are inside a dangerous and deadly dungeon. It's the den of death and nightmares, after all.

"Waah～! That sounds interesting～! I'm in!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha! You really know how to make things more fun, Grey!" ［Kris］

"Then, I'll be joining in as well." ［Aria］

There was no need for debate, everyone unanimously agreeing to accept the challenges they picked. They also agreed to have a punishment for those who fail to do their challenge, the classic finger flick to the forehead.

With all decisions done deciding, and a bright smile on her face, Yuna then closed her eyes and picked a random stick from the selection. It didn't take long for her to pick one, reading it out loud soon after.

"Right without the senses of sight, hearing, and mana detection..." ［Yuna］

"Agh... That sucks... It's like putting a curse on yourself..." ［Kris］

"Are you sure you want to do this, Yuna?" ［Aria］

It was a difficult one, but it wasn't one Yuna would back down on, a bright smile soon painted on her face. After all, the harder the challenge was, the more rewarding it will be once you accomplish it. It's also quite fun and interesting.

"Grey! Let's do this!" ［Yuna］

Grey didn't dilly-dally any longer. With Yuna's consent in his hands, he then casted a curse spell to the young lady which obstructs her sight and hearing, making it seem like she was in a dark and empty room, only herself to rely on.

Yet despite all that, the young lady seemed relatively fine, walking in a straight line and even balancing herself without a problem. She even tested her sense of balance by jumping up and down, getting the hang of it in only a matter of seconds.

"Are you sure she's under a curse, Grey? She looks fine to me." ［Kris］

"No doubt about it. Though, if you still wanna check yourself, I could always cast the same spell on you. Just say the word, Mister Kris." ［Grey］

"Yeah... No thanks." ［Kris］

She leaped, she performed a somersault, did backflips, ran through walls, and even ran at breakneck speeds without a problem. No matter how you look at it, Yuna was fine and dandy without a trace of fear and panic in her face.

KHIIEEEEKKKKKK GUUUAAARRRKKKK CLOP CLOP CLOP

Soon enough, when things were just getting boring, more enemies spawned in before the young lady, this time, rather than kobolds, there were centaurs and fire wisps in the mix, coming in various numbers and eyes all gazing towards Yuna.

FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH

It didn't take long before the battle started, the fire wisps firing the first shots whilst the centaurs retreated to the back. Meanwhile, the hobgoblins and orcs rushed towards the young lady, bolts and arrows rushing along them as the centaurs fired.

A rain of fireballs up front, a volley of bolts and arrows following soon after, and finally, a mob of angry hobgoblins and orcs with their clubs and spears ready to destroy their enemy, yet, their loud roars couldn't reach the young lady.

But fret not, she may not be able to see, hear, or sense their mana, but Yuna could clearly feel the vibrations in the air and the scent drifting along it. The scorching heat of the fireballs, the vibrations of the arrows, and the repulsive scent of monsters.

All information rushed into Yuna's brain and though she couldn't tell what was exactly heading towards her, she could all tell where they were. A smile bloomed on her face as she unsheathed her daggers, a silver flash gleaming soon after.

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM CLACK THWACK CLACK THWACK

Yuna's daggers intercepted the fireballs and they exploded soon after. She then leaped into the air to dodge the upcoming arrows, and with a swish of her trusty blades, she cut them all in halt, all broken cleanly.

By the time the arrows were cut, she had reversed her orientation and her feet were already stepping on the ceiling. With just a little bit of force, she pounced towards the enemies, brandishing her daggers like a butterfly dancing in the wind.

KHIIEEK HIIIEEEK KUAAAKK ARKKKK KUWAAAKKKKK

A single slash, a single kill. As Yuna slashes her daggers, the heads of her enemies are sent flying and blood sprayed all over the ground. She danced gracefully amidst the blood and gore, the queen of massacre taking the spotlight.

Of course, some fools also tried to raise their weapons against her, but before they could even do so much as to swing their blades, Yuna already went first and cut off their limbs neatly, her daggers soon reaching their necks.

Fireballs and arrows were also fired towards her, but she easily deflected them with a single swing, even grabbing some of the arrows and throwing them back to the ones who fired them, piercing their hearts and eliminating them from the game.

"Oi, Grey, are you sure the spell is working?" ［Kris］

"It is. Yuna is just good at adapting to situations." ［Grey］

"This couldn't just be called 'good', you know?" ［Kris］

"I already knew Yuna was amazing, but this is beyond my expectations." ［Aria］

Four figures continued to watch as they witnessed a completely one-sided massacre. It was as if the monsters were dancing in the palm of Yuna's hands, her fluid strikes flowing gracefully like a water stream, yet as powerful as a flood.

In less than a minute, the whole mob of hobgoblins and orcs were finished off by the young lady, and all that was left were the centaurs and the fire wisps. They continued to launch their attacks at her, all to no avail.

FWOOSH FWOOSH FOOSH THWACK CLACK CRACK

The centaurs fired their bolts as quickly as they could, but they weren't quick enough. Their arrows were immediately cut down by the young lady, and before they could even reload the bolts, her daggers already slit their throats.

With little effort whatsoever, Yuna offed them with their necks and they fell down with large thuds echoing in the stagnant air. Some tried switching to close quarters, but it was still futile. Their heads were also decapitated before long.

Now all that was left were the fire wisps. They always hover above the ground, so there was no way to tell their location. They also have no scents, and no physical body. However, there was one thing about them which Yuna could use.

FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH

It was their own fireballs.

Yuna may not be able to see, but she can feel the heat coming from them. With just a little bit of analysis, she could easily pinpoint which direction the fireballs came from, rushing towards them after cutting down the fireballs.

Once she was in close proximity, she could then use her senses to tell where the fire wisps were. They may look like they're made of fire, but their flames are much cooler than their fireballs. All Yuna had to do was pinpoint the location, and...

"There you are!" ［Yuna］

... With a quick stab of her daggers, she immediately crushed the core of the fire wisp, killing it off effectively. She brandished her daggers a couple more times, and the other fire wisps had their cores broken as well.

She performed her final dance of the act, and with a silver gleam glimmering in the air, Yuna finished off the final wisp. Silence finally returned to the caverns, and with not a single vibration or difference in heat to be felt... Yuna reached a conclusion...

"The battle's already over, huh..." ［Yuna］

The young lady said so calmly, heaving a quick sigh. It was a fun time, but at the same time, it finished all too quickly. Yuna has yet to be satisfied, her expressions looking a bit down now that excitement was all over.

However, there was no need to fret. After all, they were in a dungeon. If there aren't any more monsters in front of you, then all you need to do is wait for more to spawn or head deeper to fight some more. Yuna chose the latter.

"Then, Grey, Mister Kris, Miss Aria, I'll be going on ahead～!" ［Yuna］

She was all too fast. Before Grey could even reach out to her, she already made her run and zoomed throughout the dungeon in search of more enemies. She doesn't exactly know where she was going, but she still continued to run.

As for the ones who remained, they were all speechless at the young lady's curious and unstoppable momentum. They get that it was fun doing something new, but sometimes, they just couldn't help but wonder.. They sighed soon after...

"You sure have an energetic fiancée, huh... She's likeー" ［Kris］

"A big ball of energy. Yeah, I know." ［Grey］

"Are you sure you'll be okay when you marry her?" ［Kris］

"Don't worry, Grey, you can always ask me for consultation. And if there's one thing you need to know right now, it's that you should never listen to Kris." ［Aria］

"Yeah. I'll keep that in mind." ［Grey］

"Oi, are you two making fun of me right now?" ［Kris］

Ignoring Kris and just talking amongst themselves, everyone then chased after Yuna, only to be greeted by a path of dropped items laid bare on the ground. They all pointed to where Yuna was, shrieks and bellows ringing from a distance.

That day, hundreds of monsters were mercilessly massacred, not a single one spared. All was done by a single lady who can neither see nor hear, only smiling gleefully as she cut down her enemies. A scene of terror was what it was.

CHAPTER 489 END