Chapter 37:　Shallie’s Special Training

Let’s test the new magic first before we start fighting again. Since I raised the level of No Chant, it seems that the time between my image and the magic released had been shortened. I only need half the normal time required to successfully shoot the magic.

My current type of flame magic the the one that shoots out,and creating flame ball. Now in addition to the ability of creating an explosion, I could also create multiple flame spears that could penetrate the target.

I could now shoots 3 fireball at once. The versatility increased too, as it seems that I could drop the power to increase the numbers instead. For the explosion magic, it seems that the area of effect increased by twofold, that when I tried it on the ground 100 meters away, I still got blown off by the shock wave. The power is too big that it can’t really be used in battle. But since I could reduce its power and shoot 2 or 3 of it, I could use this as my main attack.
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As I could defeat the same number of enemies with half the usual time, it can be said that my offensive ability had been doubled or more. That’s quite advantageous.

Before making the strategy, lets think about whether we should ignore the soldier ants and just advanced. Our final objective is defeating the floor master, so it is not necessary for us to fight the soldier ants.

“I’m a bit worn out fighting such a large amount of ants here, so should we raise our level at the lower floor?” (Lelena)

“Yeah. There’s too many enemies this time, we might not be able to handle it.” (Diabell)

“No, I think this is good to raise our power. It might even be 2 or 3 times faster than normal.” (Amyl)

Lelena and Diabell thinks we should just ignore them and advance, Amyl think we should defeat those ants to raise our abilities. Both of the opinions are not wrong.

“What do you think, Est?”

“I…I think we should stay here and fight. Even if we go down to the lower floor, the enemy won’t necessarily become easier for us. Not to mention if we can’t even defeat monsters of this degree, you really think it’s possible for us to defeat the Floor Master?” (Est)

Since I choose to fight, everyone else also decided to defeat those ants. The problem now is how to defeat them.

My 『Stealth』 skill become useful for the first time in a while. When I go back alone to the place we fought before, several of those ants are still in the surroundings. When I follow one of them returning back to base without being noticed thanks to my skill, I was able to confirm that it dove into a hole heading underground. I also observed as several other ants come and go from that hole. There’s no mistake that this is their nest.

“Their nest is probably there. When there’s a nest, that means the ant queen is there too.” (Est)

It doesn’t change our intention of annihilating those ants. The problem is how to do it. Blocking the entrance with explosion magic is out of question. Flooding it is also difficult. Then there’s nothing we can do except cut them all. That’s also impossible as long as we did not defeat the ant queen. Only then would it be possible to defeat them all.

“It would be bad to fight outside as we could get surrounded. We could only fight them in front of their nest. Although the danger of not being able to escape increased, I also think that the chance of success is higher.” (Est)

Since everyone agree with my plan, what’s left is to execute it. The problem is what to do with Shallie. There’s no way we could leave her alone, and taking her along would be more dangerous. Although I do think about taking her back to the simple village, but…

“No! I want to be together with everyone!” (Shallie)

She stubbornly refuse to go. She refused even when Diabell persuades her, and in the end she stats clinging on my leg and refuse to let go.

“Understood. Let’s go together then. But you need to listen to what I say.” (Est)

Her expression brightens up when I allows her to. This could be dangerous. That’s it! Since Shallie had become level 20, she should be able to fight a little. It should be trying.

“Shallie, can you have a sword practice with me?” (Est)

“Practice?” (Shallie)

“Master, do you want to let Shallie fight?” (Claire)

Although Claire says that anxiously, it’s probably alright. Her status is not just for show. When I hand her my spare dagger and teach her how to swing a sword, her movements became sharper when she repeats the move a number of times.

Next is practice on evasion. When I attack her using the stick that I pick up from a tree, after having her eyes get used to it first,  she managed to successfully avoid it after that. Lastly I do a mock battle with her using real dagger.

Shallie’s movement is considerably quick. At this level she is clearly faster than Amyl. I almost got hit when I let my guard down. Not to mention as it’s hard to hit her because of how small she is, she might have some talent. After having done a few mock battles with her, with this I could say that it’s safe for her to have those ants as her opponent.

“Master, will Shallie be useful?” (Shallie)

“Of course. It would be really helpful for us if Shallie joins.” (Est)

Her tail almost got torn off from her waving when I pat her head.

“My confidence…” (Amyl)

Don’t get depressed, Amyl. although there also the help from her level, but she’s a genius. I might not be able to win against her if we’re of the same level. When I confirmed her status again, Swordsmanship had been added to her skill.

Shallie：Level 20
HP　208/208
MP　56/56
Strength　87
Speed　155
Dexterity　143
Defense　77
Wisdom　31
Luck　141

Skills Possessed:
『Scent Classification：Level 2』
『Swordsmanship：Level 2』

She raised it to level 2 with just a simple practice? After Amyl left, she might become a valuable vanguard for our party. Anyway, with this the chance of success had increased. It’s finally time to head to the ant’s nest.