Chapter-04 · EP-062

Episode 62: Iori, Unmatched

We had already defeated the first-floor boss, the Huge Slime, twice as a group of four. It was no longer a challenge for us.

This time, Iori defeated it single-handedly. There wasn't even a chance for me to act.

Actually, the weapon Iori brought was incredible.

"This? It's from my brother, just in case. They told me in class not to use it because it's dangerous, but I thought if I was going to use it, today was the day."

Saying that, Iori held up a katana in front of us.

Yes, a katana.

She said it wasn't that expensive, but what kind of brother gives his sister a katana for self-defense? Isn't he crazy?

Anyway, what was amazing was that with a single swing of that katana, Iori sliced the Huge Slime in half, including its core. Does that mean the cutting force travels even where the blade doesn't touch?

After witnessing that shocking sight, we descended the stairs to the second floor.

"Now, we're on the second floor. From here, the variety of monsters increases dramatically."

I began explaining to Yuno and the others.

The three listened intently to me.

"The monsters on this floor are reptile types. Some girls might find them unpleasant."

"I might not like them."

Maika said, sounding scared.

Yuno called out to her.

"Huh? But aren't they kind of cute?"

"You think so?"

"Look, it's a problem if you think they're cute. We have to defeat them. Anyway, just explaining won't help. Various monsters will appear, so we'll deal with them as they come."

And so, we started walking.

The formation naturally placed me and Iori in the front line, with Yuno and Maika in the rear.

Come to think of it, Iori was still level 1. But since she could one-shot the Huge Slime, the second floor should be no problem. Besides, she should level up to 2 soon.

The first monster we encountered on the second floor was a Big Lizard. It was probably about two sizes smaller than the Floor Boss, the Giant Lizard. Still, it was quite intimidating.

"Mind if I take this one?"

Iori stepped forward, slightly ahead of me. I agreed, and she intercepted the Big Lizard charging at us.

Iori swung her katana in a flash. The blade traced a path along the ground, slicing under the Big Lizard's neck.

With its vital point cut, the Big Lizard died instantly, transforming into a gem.

The strike was so dazzling that I was speechless.

"Hmm? Something feels…"

Iori seemed to feel something was different. She lightly swung the katana, as if checking something.

"I might have reached level 2."

"Huh? Can you even tell that?"

Yuno was surprised that Iori noticed she had leveled up.

"Yeah. It felt like strength welling up, like my senses sharpened."

Iori explained the sensation of reaching level 2. But Yuno was puzzled.

"I couldn't tell the difference at all when I leveled up. What about you, Maika?"

"Honestly, I couldn't really tell either."

"Is that so? I felt a big difference. What about you, Shirou?"

Iori asked me, so I answered.

"When I reached level 2, I was injured, so I wasn't really paying attention. But when I reached level 3, I could defeat goblins in one hit, so I knew it was different."

"Ohh."

Yuno was impressed. Yes, leveling up definitely increases the damage you deal to monsters. When I first fought a Giant Toad at level 2, I had to hit it many, many times to finally defeat it. When your level is low, defeating monsters is tough.

…Hmm?

"What's wrong, Shirou?"

"No, I was just thinking… Didn't Iori just defeat a Big Lizard in one hit while still at level 1?"

"That's right, but…"

In other words, Iori at level 1 had higher attack power than me at level 2.

I was now level 4, and Iori was level 2. Was it possible that even now, Iori was stronger than me?

"Next time a monster appears, let me handle it."

"Yeah, show us how it's done!"

Show us how it's done… Actually, I just wanted to check something.

The next monster we encountered was a Large Slug. I managed to defeat it in one hit as well.

Well, it meant there wasn't much difference between my attack power and Iori's. …Let's just go with that.

"Th-then, next, Yuno and Maika should try. As you can see, they're gross, but they're not monsters that attack dangerously. Just do your best and hit them until they go down."

We walked a bit further and finally found a Giant Toad. Maika and Yuno, working together, hit it with their wooden swords. They hit it. And hit it.

How many tens of times did they strike? I got tired of counting and stopped. A short while later, the Giant Toad transformed into a gem.

"Phew, I'm tired."

"Unlike slimes, this was tough."

Both Yuno and Maika looked quite exhausted.

"Well, now that you understand how tough the monsters on the second floor are, let's decide on our party roles. Iori and I will be close-quarters combat. Maika will provide long-range support with magic. Yuno will be the healer in case of emergencies."

I suggested this strategy, but when another Giant Toad appeared afterward, Iori effortlessly defeated it in one hit, and the battle ended without any need for role division.

"That was unsatisfying…"

"Even if you say that, this floor's monsters are only this strong…"

Iori looked at me as if she wanted to say something.

I had a hunch what she meant.

"The recommended level for fighting the second-floor boss is level 3, though…"

"Shirou, did you challenge the second-floor boss after reaching level 3?"

"No, I did it at level 2…"

"Then we should be fine, right? Especially with you here, Shirou."

"But…"

I thought about it. Iori at her current level was probably stronger than the Giant Lizard… Yeah, it should be fine.

"Ah… Probably, you'd be fine even without me."

And so, we decided to challenge the second-floor boss room.

After waiting in line, we finally entered the second-floor boss room. But even the Floor Boss, the Giant Lizard, was defeated in one hit by Iori.

She had far exceeded my expectations. I admit it. Iori was clearly stronger than me.