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MillionNovel > AI: Artificial Isekai > Book 1, Chapter 10

Book 1, Chapter 10

    As we go forward, the tunnel changes. It widens significantly and the frequency of offshoots is reduced.


    Nexen decides to give Erysis some time to rest, and the active fighter position goes to him next. Erysis and I take up the rear, with him going forward.


    The first monsters we encounter after the swap are three Lesser Skeletons. Nexen waits for them patiently, as they start to lumber towards him. The first one reaches the armored fighter and swings a clumsy hand at his head. Nexen slips inside the skeleton’s strike with speed counterintuitive to the metal mass on his body. The adversary’s attack might as well have been in slow motion compared to the metal gauntlet that is flying towards its head. A resounding crash launches the pulverized bone away from the rest of the skeleton. Before its twice lifeless body even begins to fall, Nexen is dashing towards the next enemy. He simply uses his superior mass to plow through the spindly opponent. The skeletal figure turns into fragments that scatter in the wake of the charger. The final skeleton receives a simple but deadly jab to the skull. Seems like he has dialed in his strikes for the lesser variant.


    The next several kilometers of tunnel proceed in a similar manner, with Nexen being especially conscious of his stamina usage. As he feels his reserves lowering to a predetermined level, he signals the next swap. My turn.


    Now, what to do. Healers have the ability to gain insight into their patient’s body. I can fake numerous factors like temperature, heartbeat, blood circulation, perspiration, respiration, and weight, but if someone took a closer look inside me, they might be able to find a really big surprise. I would rather not get into a situation where I would need to be healed by Erysis. I could avoid getting any injuries. Beginner’s luck? Or make a small slip up and chug some of my potion in a panic. But judging by their performance so far, I think I will just dodge any hits.


    Let’s not overthink this too much and get to the fun part. Experiments.


    Test subject number one comes into view—another lesser variant. First strike to the neck, between C4 and C5, baseline human force output. I lunge towards the already engaging foe. A swift swipe separates its skull. It tumbles away from the collapsing body. Interesting.


    Feedback determined that the initial force behind the strike would have been ineffective. Thus, I had to increase my strength output to a sufficient baseline. So, this is the effect of Mana Tempering. A curious technique Nexen so helpfully demonstrated. It utilizes the latent mana inside the body to improve a person’s physical performance. It does not consume mana but still tires you out and needs training to become proficient. Any other mechanics behind it are an enigma. Not having mana senses is irritating. No matter.


    Test subject number two receives a slash to the skull, bisecting it. Analyzing the parameters and feedback of the strike reveals that a sword with this weight, density, material composition, and sharpness, would take significantly more force to produce that result.


    Test subject number three appears after defeating fifteen more skeletons, at the exact moment the test subject is dispatched, a jagged mana crystal begins to form inside the ribcage. It takes approximately one second. The crystal was suspended by some unknown force during formation, but when the process finished, it dropped free. I pick up the small gem. No known elements detected, hardness is inconclusive, density is in no way indicative to actual weight, no emissions. Infuriating, I will crack your secrets.


    After almost another kilometer of fighting, the, frankly, pitiable skeletons, we reach another cavern.


    I ask the team, “Want me to handle this one?”


    Erysis questions, “There might be a Lesser Skeleton Warrior mixed in there. Are you confident?”


    “I am confident in running away,” I throw in a little joke to lighten the mood, they have been concerned with our pace. Even if everyone is stronger and faster. Using those boons drains a proportional amount of stamina. They can’t fight forever.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Nexen has a hint of a smile. “Ery will light the whole cavern. If we evaluate that the monsters are too much for you, we fall back and use the tunnel to constrict the influx. If not, you attack, and we cover your escape.” I nod. “Be careful.”


    Erysis adds, “Good luck.”


    I give a cheeky smile and get into position near the entrance. Erysis’ spell flies from behind me and lights up the battleground. My opponents are revealed, five Lesser Skeletons and two Lesser Skeleton Warriors. The warriors are a bigger variant of the normal skeleton, just like the fighter, but where they differ is in their loadout. One of the warriors is equipped with a rusty sword, while the other sports a similarly rusty spear, accented by a gnarly wooden shaft. It’s fascinating how the dungeon has also created weaponry. I remember what the guide called dungeons, ‘a reflection’. Material composition reveals a reflection like from those twisty circus mirrors. I can probably shatter their weapons if I look at them funny. At least in G-grade, higher grades are a different story.


    With my enemy illuminated, I throw a thumbs up without even looking back and sprint towards my prey. Time to show off.


    Normal skeletons in front, warriors in the back, the quintessential mid-boss encounter.


    The first skeleton falls before it can even react to my presence, riven in two. Next two throw themselves at me simultaneously and get decapitated with a single, precise strike. As the last two fall, the warriors have finally engaged. Reaction speed and senses are quite limited.


    I reposition, putting one of the warriors behind the other and take the initiative in striking. The rough spear is jabbed towards me, but I simply sidestep it and cut the shaft. The warrior tries to skewer me with the piece of wood that remains in its hands but is too slow and receives my thrust first. My blade penetrates the skull and is rapidly pulled downward, destroying the integrity of the skeleton. The second warrior tries to slash at me through the falling body of its compatriot, but I am already to its side, my movement somewhat obscured. A decisive swipe ends the fight.


    I scan the cavern, turn to the others, and wave at them happily. They look flabbergasted. This is fun.


    Erysis runs up to me and gives me a once over. “That was incredible. It was like you were dancing!” Satisfied that I have no life-threatening injuries that might have materialized out of thin air, she turns to Nexen. “See, I told you.”


    “I can admit when I am wrong.” He smiles at her.


    “What’s that?”


    “Nex here was apprehensive about letting a non-trainee join us, but I told him that if the hall master recommended you, chances were, you’d be really strong.”


    “Hey, I get it. I am just happy to be of help.” My true feelings.


    Erysis laughs. “Help? We need to work harder, or you’ll outshine us both.” She shoves Nexen playfully.


    He chastises lightly, “Alright, focus up. We are not done yet.”


    We both nod and secure the cavern. Time to rest.


    Erysis asks after a little bit, “What do you think the boss will be?”


    Nexen answers, “If we are going by what we’ve currently seen, either something like a knight or a mage.” Sounds impressive, but they will still be the lesser variants.


    I ask, “Which one do you think is better for us?”


    “Hmm. Ery can counter a mage while we take advantage of its weaker defenses.” Erysis flexes proudly. “And I am especially suited against opponents with stronger defenses, like a knight,” Nexen finishes with a smile her way.


    “So, I guess I’ll be acting as support either way.” I shrug and start making small talk, “You two know each other a while?”


    Erysis answers, “You could say that. We grew up together.”


    Nexen continues, “We went to school together too, and when Ery started aiming to be an adventurer I followed after her.”


    “My hero.” She leans on him. “Where would I be without you.”


    Nexen reciprocates, “What about you Lucius. Where are you from?”


    “Village Bumfuck Nowhere.” I laugh. “Came to the big city ‘cuz there was nothing to do there, and someone needs to take care of these monsters anyways,” I say, full of confidence.


    Erysis addresses me, trying to hide the concern in her voice, “Must have been hard moving so far all on your own.” Such good kids.


    I shrug. “Had its ups and downs, but the Guild dorms are sweet, and the food in the city is way better than the slop they passed as cuisine back home.” I twist my face into pretend disgust.


    They both laugh, and Nexen offers, “After we are done with the exam, you should come to my dad’s restaurant. We’ll celebrate.”


    “Sounds great, I am already starving.”


    “Don’t get ahead of yourselves, you two.”


    I shrug again. “We pass and celebrate, or fail and drown our sorrows, there’s food either way.”


    Erysis shakes her head at me, but her mood has improved. Nexen gives me a nod of approval.


    We fill some more time with idle chatter. As we decide we’ve rested enough, we get up and proceed deeper into the dungeon.
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