CH 21

Chapter 21 – Cave Dungeon?

I entrusted Alfred with the ‘torch’. It seemed like a proper item, and I could see its details.

[Torch]

[Effect]

Requires “fire” to light up.

Illuminates the surrounding area.

Duration: 1 hour

Alright, we can proceed now.

I let Alfred take the lead, and I let Skor walk behind me. Just walking in an unknown area creates a sense of tension. Perhaps because of that, Skor grabbed onto my sleeve.

“What’s wrong, Skor?”

“I-I’m scared…”

She was trembling like an abandoned puppy, and her expression was full of anxiety. Seeing her like that made me want to protect her.

“If you’re scared, you could just hug me.”

“Wha…?!”

Skor’s face turns bright red. I meant it as a joke, but it got a good reaction. Perhaps she’s a bit innocent. It’s kind of cute, and I’m a little embarrassed myself… Then Alfred, who was walking in front of us, stopped.

“What’s wrong, Alfred?”

“Rasty-sama, I sense an unusual presence ahead. There is no doubt that it is a monster type. But…”

“But?”

“This one seems particularly fierce.”

I asked how he could tell and found out that Alfred has a high-level adventurer-like ability skill that allowed him to sense monsters’ presence. That’s pretty amazing.

[Presence Detection]

[Support Skill]

[Effect]

Able to sense monsters’ presence. The types of monsters that can be detected depend on the skill level. The detection range also expands. Effective against boss monsters.

I see, this is convenient.

As expected of a Holy Knight.

I also want more skills.

Anyway, I made Alfred fall back. He was to protect Skor. I stand at the front and confront the monsters that will appear.

As we slowly make our way through the darkness…

“――Guruuuuu…………!!!”

I heard a growl that sounded dangerous.

Seriously!!

There really are monsters here.

And it looks pretty big.

In other words, this ‘cave’ is not a dungeon, but rather a monster’s nest! As I was surprised, footsteps sounded from deep inside.

Oh no… something’s coming out.

“Alfred, Skor, step back!!”

“Understood, Rasty-sama. Let’s go, Skor-sama.”

“Oh, okay…”

The two of them retreat. I face the monster alone. Or rather, this must be the boss monster. Even I can tell. Soon, a sharp gaze appears. Its eyes shine red and glare at me.

Scary… My legs tremble. I can’t believe something this huge is living on this uninhabited island. It’s a good thing we’re in this large cave. I might be able to fight it somehow. But can I win…?

I still can’t see the whole thing.

An unidentified monster.

What in the world is it?!”