Chapter 11: Exploring the Ruins
Afterward, Hachiman and Asuna spent their days helping gather intel and distributing updated strategy guides.
Sometimes, they'd also bring Lisbeth along to hunt and cook together, living fulfilling and productive days.
Lisbeth often stayed overnight in Asuna's room, and Asuna frequently brought her up in conversation.
Hachiman enjoyed watching Asuna talk so excitedly.
Although Hachiman and Asuna were already at a level and equipped well enough to challenge the Floor Boss comfortably, based on intel from Argo, while some Field Bosses had already been defeated with ease by certain players, the number of players capable of facing the Floor Boss was still slightly insufficient.
Argo said that if the three of them plus Lisbeth joined forces, there was a good chance of locating the Boss room. However, since there might be players trying to push themselves too hard at this stage, Hachiman and Asuna agreed that it was still too early.
They decided to wait for other players to find the Boss room on their own before taking action.
"It always takes time at the start. The lower floors should go faster."
"True. But more importantly, Hachi—there's a bigger problem."
"Huh? What is it?"
"There's too little information about the Bosses in-game."
Normally, Boss intel should be obtained through quests, but it was far from sufficient.
While there was data from the beta test, relying on outdated and possibly altered information was tantamount to suicide.
"So, yesterday I finally got some decent info from an NPC."
"I see, and you want our help investigating?"
"Exactly. There'll be a commission fee too. I hope Asuna joins as well—we'll infiltrate the ruins together."
"Can Lisbeth come too? Asuna would love that."
"If Lis agrees, sure."
"Then I'll go ask them."
The four of them decided to explore the ruins located not far east of Tolbana.
"So, what kind of intel is it exactly?"
"Apparently, some exiled Goblin King's subordinates are hiding there."
"That's kind of vague… We'll have to check it out ourselves."
They decided to proceed with caution.
"I'll take point. Asuna and Lisbeth in the middle, Argo watches the rear."
"Shouldn't I lead?"
"Leave it to me. Stop—trap ahead."
"Where? I can't sense anything."
Hachiman picked up a nearby stone and threw it forward, triggering a pitfall trap.
The other three stared at him in shock.
"I've always been good at noticing details and sensing people's gazes since I was a kid."
"Just now, it was like you could see the differences in data flow around us."
Argo examined the trap.
"From this distance, even I could've seen it."
"It's easier if you spot it early."
"Hachi, you're a monster…"
"Hachiman, you're amazing…"
"That's not something a human can do…"
"Stop praising me—I'll get embarrassed."
Hachiman didn't look embarrassed at all as he said this.
"That wasn't praise!"
"Fair, it wasn't."
"I-I was praising you!"
"Alright, alright. Asuna's the only one on my side. Let's go, everyone."
Thanks to Hachiman, all traps and ambushes were detected and avoided.
The party advanced smoothly without incident.
On the fourth day, they reached a grand gate.
"Looks like this is the last one. Let's scout ahead."
"Be careful, Hachiman."
"Yeah, I'll peek through the crack."
Looking inside, Hachiman saw a massive black kobold-like figure.
"The enemy is a black kobold with two HP bars.
Doesn't look as big as the other Field Bosses I've heard about. There's a chance of reinforcements—stay alert."
"What's the formation?"
"I'll draw aggro. Argo and I will switch roles. Asuna and Lis will alternate attacking. Whoever pulls back keeps watch for more enemies and don't forget the potions."
With the formation decided, the four entered the room.
"Black Ruins Kobold Sentinel, huh? Sounds like a stronger version of a Floor Boss minion."
"Perfect for gauging the Floor Boss's strength."
"I'm a little nervous…"
"It's okay, Lis. We've got each other's backs."
As they charged in, the enemy immediately took a combat stance and raised its longsword.
Hachiman suddenly accelerated, sliding between its legs and striking its right leg with a sword skill. Off balance, the enemy fell.
"Asuna, now!"
At Hachiman's call, Asuna used a dash attack—Linear—multiple times.
The kobold flailed its massive sword wildly after getting up, grazing Hachiman a few times, but he perfectly read the enemy's attack patterns, parrying at the right moments to create openings for Asuna to land solid blows.
Then Argo and Lisbeth took over the attack. Argo used hit-and-run tactics for consistent output, while Lisbeth attacked from a safe rear position.
Their coordination was flawless, and their damage output was steady.
"First HP bar's almost gone. Reinforcements might appear now or when it goes red. Argo, switch in! Asuna and Lisbeth, fall back until it's safe."
Hachiman moved forward while the others became more alert. Thankfully, nothing unusual happened, and they resumed the fight. When the enemy's HP hit the red zone, two more enemies appeared.
"Hachi, two enemies just showed up—each with one HP bar. They're much smaller than this one."
The main enemy entered a berserk state, increasing its aggression. While the others hesitated, Hachiman gave orders:
"I'll hold this one off solo for a bit. You three handle the reinforcements."
"No way! Can you manage alone, Hachiman?"
"Don't worry. It'll be tough, but I won't overdo it. I promise."
"Got it! We'll be back soon—hang in there!"
Fortunately, the reinforcements weren't strong, and the three managed to defeat them with only minor injuries before rushing back.
They saw Hachiman not only blocking attacks, but also perfectly timing counters by reading the enemy's body language, giving it no chance to fight back.
After switching with Argo, Hachiman backed off and collapsed to the ground.
Asuna tried to rush over but was stopped.
"I'm fine. Finish it off first."
A few minutes later, the Kobold Sentinel finally fell. The three ran to Hachiman.
"Are you alright, Hachiman?"
"Didn't take much damage, so I'm okay."
"That was incredible—I didn't think anyone could fight like that."
"How did you do that?"
"Same as spotting traps—just intuition."
The three looked puzzled.
"Remember what I said about sensing traps? It's just a feeling.
Watch the enemy's body closely.
When you feel the moment an attack is coming, strike to interrupt it."
Normally this would be the moment for a follow-up attack, but the situation didn't allow it.
Even if he could push through with some injuries, that would violate his promise with Asuna: safety first.
Hachiman's calm explanation made it hard for the others to grasp just how advanced his technique really was.
"You really kept your promise."
"Of course. If my HP dropped too much, you'd worry. That could distract you and put everyone at risk."
"Still, Hachiman—you may not be hurt, but you look exhausted."
"Yeah… extreme focus wears you out mentally. I was fine during the fight, but now I'm wiped."
"Then Lis and I will go scout the area. Asuna, stay with Hachiman a bit longer."
"Right. Asuna, take care of him."
"Okay. Let me know if you need anything."
Asuna watched over Hachiman with concern.
"Are you okay? Want something to drink?"
"Nah, I've got something special saved for this."
He took out a drink and began sipping it.
"What's that?"
"A soul drink from Chiba. Want to try?"
"Sure, I'll give it a shot."
Hachiman handed her a drink from his item inventory.
"Here goes—Whoa, it's so sweet!!"
"Too sweet for you?"
"Hmm… I think I like it."
"You can appreciate this drink? Everyone I recommended it to before just complained it was too sweet. I'm really happy right now."
"It's definitely sweet, but I like it. Feels like it refreshes you too."
"Sweet things are the best for mental fatigue."
After a short break, the two of them joined the others in exploring.
In the depths, they found a treasure chest full of potions. Argo would later distribute them anonymously to players preparing for the Boss battle.
"A mural?"
"That confirms it."
On the wall was a mural of the kobold lord Ilfan and twelve "Destruction Kobold Sentinels." Beside him was a chest filled with multiple weapons.
"So the Boss comes with twelve minions? And it changes weapons mid-fight?"
"Looks like it."
With the exploration complete, the group returned to town, where Argo treated them to a meal.
A few days later, Argo announced the discovery of the Boss room.
Two days after that, a Boss strategy meeting would be held at the Tolbana Plaza.