บท 25: [25] Too Many Fucking References!
"This... Is this the thrill of using techniques?"
Every time he tried to imitate the move from a certain game he remembered, every muscle in his hands, feet, and body exerted its utmost potential. An inexhaustible force surged within him, spreading an indescribable sense of satisfaction throughout his body.
Surveying the slowly healing dungeon scarred by his final strike, Aiden felt a rush of satisfaction welling up inside him.
But the dungeon wasn't about to be outdone. Once again, the walls on both sides split open, and monsters descended once more.
Watching the monsters charge towards him again, Aiden, with his blood burning, raised a slightly ferocious smile. "Let's have some fun!"
Amidst the swarm of monsters, a blood-red figure streaked through like a flash of light. Accompanied by the dull sound of breaking air and the constant wails of the monsters, the blood-red sword light seemed never to cease, flashing incessantly amidst the monster horde. With each stroke of the sword, several monsters met their demise, while blood spattered everywhere.
As the sword lights intertwined, the last remaining kobold found release, and Aiden seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.
Several hours later, the vast third floor of the dungeon had been pierced through by Aiden. It seemed as if the dungeon had conceded defeat, ceasing its struggle and no longer producing monsters. In the empty third floor, only the crisp collision of magic stones into his pouch and Aiden's footsteps could be heard.
After the frenzy of monster slaying, Aiden took a brief rest before starting to collect the magic stones. Besides the exhilaration from the battles, there was also a feeling of nocturnal elegance... if this prowess wasn't for showing off, it would be meaningless.
"Wasn't it said that lower-level adventurers in Orario make up the vast majority? Why is it so coincidental that I haven't encountered a single adventurer for two consecutive floors? According to the typical novel plot, shouldn't there have been a bystander witnessing my unparalleled mowing or the dazzling sword lights of Starburst Stream Slash, then trembling in shock? I guess I'm not the protagonist after all."
Aiden was puzzled by the absence of anyone for two consecutive floors.
However, at this moment, crouching on the ground and picking up magic stones, Aiden had no idea how disheveled he appeared to onlookers. The smell of blood mixed perfectly with goblin slime, emitting an unbearable stench. His entire body was stained red, resembling a walking tomato.
Though you look handsome during battles, turning into a walking tomato is quite disheveled.
"But what's going on? Why is the dungeon targeting me like this? Only I can handle this. Otherwise, even Bell, who came to the dungeon for the first time, probably couldn't handle it. Looks like I need a supporter."
Aiden sighed helplessly, casually picking up a tooth-like fang and weighing it in his hand.
If the dungeon were likened to a game, then the magic stones dropped after monster slaying would be the equivalent of gold coins. However, unlike in typical games, the monsters in this game didn't directly drop equipment or other items. Besides gold coins, the only thing dropped by monsters was materials.
To obtain equipment, one would need to slay monsters for materials and then find a blacksmith for forging. For example, the fang in Aiden's hand was one such material.
Of course, the materials dropped on the third floor probably wouldn't yield anything good, but rarity commanded value. At least, they could fetch a good price. With less than ten thousand valis left, Aiden took out another bag specifically for storing these materials.
"And... this strong sense of hunting monsters for materials to forge equipment, like in Azure Star hunting, what's up with that?" Aiden suddenly found the dungeon's game mode somewhat reminiscent of Monster Hunter World and couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
"Hmm, feeling a bit hungry. I should head back." Packing away two full bags of magic stones and a small bag of materials, Aiden raised his left hand to check the time.
"Thank goodness for waterproof watches." As expected, the watch was covered in blood stains. Glancing at his current disheveled state, Aiden sighed in resignation. "Now I understand how Bell feels becoming a walking tomato. And that's not even considering the smell. How long will it take to get rid of it?"
He then took out the heaviest item from his backpack: bottled water, and began cleaning himself and his watch.
"Time flies, it's already this late." Though the text wasn't universal, miraculously, the numerical symbols in this world were the same as those on Earth.
The mainstream language for daily communication was Japanese, but English also existed, albeit less widely used. In the original, Bell's title was Little Rookie.
After finishing the last sip of water, Aiden began packing up his things, glancing at the map and briskly making his way toward the surface. Though the blood had dried, his body still felt uncomfortably sticky.
Entering the arena of filth, one becomes accustomed to the stench. As for the odor, it had been lingering around Aiden for so long that he had grown used to it, no longer finding it repulsive.
Following the principle that even small flies are meat, Aiden made his way back, leaving a trail of carnage in his wake. Although the third floor had been thoroughly cleared, the monsters on the second floor had barely respawned before falling victim to his onslaught once more.
It was past noon, now three in the afternoon. The entrance to the dungeon had also quietened down considerably. At this time, most adventurers who intended to enter the dungeon were already inside. Even the most leisurely of adventurers wouldn't delay until this hour.
At the entrance of the dungeon, only a few adventurers lingered, either due to injury or early departure from their escapades. Although some engaged in conversation, most hurried past.
At this moment, a blood-red figure carrying two bags and two swords hurried towards the entrance. As most of the blood had dried, there was no splattering, but an indescribable stench emanated from him, causing passing adventurers to hold their noses.
Aiden endured the glances of some curious adventurers from afar until he overheard some quietly discussing his situation.
"Hey, is that guy okay?" Concern was evident in the voice.
"What's up with the walking tomato... Hahaha... Oh..." This was followed by a failed attempt to stifle laughter, ending with someone retching from the foul stench emanating from Aiden.
"I guess it's just a newbie trying to show off and failing miserably." This came from someone with ample experience.
"Just a reckless one, I suppose." Another adventurer remarked sincerely, devoid of mockery.
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