Chapter 284

Dungeon Fifth Floor: Defeating the Catacombs Boss
After resting overnight, we headed to the depths of the prison the next day.
There, part of the wall had collapsed, revealing an entrance.
So, this was the way to the catacombs.
The last time we came here, we left after defeating the knights, so we didn’t explore further.

We ventured deeper, eventually merging onto a path, which we followed.
After walking for a while, we came upon an open area with a sizable structure—about the size of the castle courtyard.
This seemed to be the catacombs.
The entrance was on this side, so getting in shouldn’t be an issue.
However, there was no key.

"What do we do, Lily? Should we go back and search for a key?"

"I don’t think there’s a key lying around anywhere. Besides, there’s no keyhole."

"True. So, what now?"

"How about we wedge the Rune Sword between the doors and try cutting through?"

"… That’s brute force, but it might work."

I think Plum was a bit exasperated, but my hunch was correct.
When I slid the Rune Sword between the doors, they opened even before activating the blade.
So, the Rune Sword was the key!
Alright, let’s move forward.

The path through the catacombs was a long, winding tunnel.
Although it was straightforward with no branches, the journey was lengthy.
Eventually, we reached what appeared to be a central chamber.
From inside, a sinister noise echoed ominously.

"Hmm, inside there are skeletons and other undead monsters.”

"Seems like it. Can you handle it, Plum?"

"Wouldn’t it be faster if you just purified them?"

"Oh, purification can be used that way?"

"That’s its intended use, actually."

Thanks to Plum’s guidance, I cast a full-powered purification spell the moment we opened the door.
The unsettling sounds within vanished instantly, leaving the room littered with loot.
I might have overdone it.

However, one monster remained.
A towering skeleton, about three meters tall, with writhing darkness filling its form.
That must be our target.

"Plum, I guess purification doesn’t work on that one?"

"It managed to endure. Let’s see if regular magic works."

Plum conjured an enormous fireball, larger than the monster, and launched it.
The fireball engulfed the monster, roaring with flames, but when the flames dissipated, the monster remained unscathed.
Hmm, how do we defeat this thing?

"It withstood that? What kind of creature is it?" Plum murmured, clearly surprised—or perhaps annoyed.
How can we bring it down?

(Lily, I’ll immobilize it. Try cutting it with the Rune Sword.)

"Can’t you defeat it by freezing it, Talat?"

(Probably not. Its core is hidden in another dimension for protection. The Rune Sword should be able to cut through that kind of magic. Give it a try!)

Ah, so it’s a type of barrier. What a troublesome defense.

"Plum, Talat says it’s protected by a sort of barrier and suggests immobilizing it so we can cut through with the Rune Sword."

"I see. That explains why my magic had no effect. Lily, may I take the task of cutting it with the Rune Sword?"

"I don’t mind, but are you sure?"

“There would be a problem if the person I'm supposed to be protecting was stepping up to fight.”

Ah, that’s true. I’m the one being protected, after all.

With our roles set, Talat ensnared the monster in threads, freezing its movements.
However, immobilizing it wasn’t enough to bring it down.
The Rune Sword was clearly needed.

"No need for extra effort to cut a motionless target. Now, vanish!"

Plum stepped forward and slashed the monster cleanly in two.
The monster began to crumble from the cut, disintegrating completely.
Talat’s theory was spot on.

When the monster disappeared, a single rainbow-colored chest was left behind.
Mission accomplished!

What do you think about this chapter?