章節 16: Mana Beast And Enigma Beast

[Enigma Dungeon]

As per the information I gathered from the game, the [Enigma Dungeons] were believed to be remnants left by the Gods from thousands of years ago. These dungeons were known to contain treasures such as gold, weapons, and artifacts. Just like typical dungeons, they were also home to monsters or [Mana Beasts], seemingly guarding these treasures. However, it's worth noting that [Mana Beasts] could also be found outside dungeons, often in forests or restricted areas.

There were two main types of [Mana Beasts]: [Natural Beasts] and [Hybrid Beasts]. [Natural Beasts] were similar to regular animals found on Earth but with mana-infused abilities. They would protect their territory and could become aggressive if they felt threatened. While some [Natural Beasts] were relatively easy to defeat, others posed significant danger due to their extraordinary capabilities.

[Hybrid Beasts], on the other hand, were a more dangerous category. They would attack humans without hesitation, regardless of the human's intentions. They were considered hybrids because they were essentially stronger versions of [Natural Beasts], with a few distinctive differences in appearance.

However, the classification doesn't stop there. Another, more fearsome category of beasts exists in this world: [Enigma Beasts]. These creatures are divided into two subcategories: [Natural Enigma Beasts] and [Hybrid Enigma Beasts]. Unlike the previous categories, the similarities between these two subcategories end there.

[Enigma Beasts] are known for being immensely destructive, capable of causing widespread devastation on their own. They have the power to decimate entire towns and regions. Unfortunately, they can be encountered both within [Enigma Dungeons] and in the wild.

Among these [Enigma Beasts], [Hybrid Enigma Beasts] are considered the most dangerous due to their violent nature. However, [Natural Enigma Beasts] are not to be underestimated either.

Thankfully, [Enigma Beasts] are relatively rare occurrences. However, my decision to intervene in the plot and follow the game's story might lead me to encounter one. But then again, the [Protagonist] was there to handle these situations, and I merely needed to follow his lead.

Returning to the classification system, [Mana Beasts] are ranked on the [Dorian Danger Scale] into three categories:

1☆ to 3☆: [Terror Beast]

4☆ to 6☆: [Disaster Beast]

7☆ to 9☆: [Chaos Beast]

When it comes to [Enigma Beasts], their level of danger surpasses this scale due to their destructive capabilities. Only [Monarchs] levels, the most strongest people, stand a chance against [Enigma Beasts] and Chaos-ranked [Mana Beasts].

The [Enigma Dungeon] within the Falkrona Dukedom comprises 88 floors, and there have been confirmed reports of Chaos-ranked beasts existing on the lower floors. However, the presence of these beasts does not seem to follow a specific pattern; they can be found on both higher and lower floors, though the probability is much lower on higher floors. Overall, [Terror Beasts] are the most common encounter among [Mana Beasts].

I let out an exasperated sigh as I racked my brain to recall all the seemingly trivial knowledge I'd acquired about this world. Back when I was just playing a game, all this information had felt like nothing more than useless trivia. But now, as I ventured into the unknown with my life hanging in the balance, that very knowledge had become vital.

My training over the past month had been somewhat helpful, but I couldn't deny that I was utterly inexperienced when it came to combat. In the world of adventurers, rookies usually hired experienced guides for their initial forays into dangerous territories. But not me. It wasn't because of pride or arrogance; it was simply because I had not a single coin to my name.

Speaking of currency, this world used the [Eden] as its standard. The very mention of it held a near-sacred significance across the entire realm. Exhausted as I was, I didn't want to delve into the intricacies of the monetary system at the moment. Perhaps that could wait for another time.

Suffice it to say, one [Eden] had a similar value to a US dollar. For instance, the nice aroma wafting from a nearby restaurant hinted at delicious fare, but the price tag slapped on those enticing dishes was far from agreeable. They were selling what seemed to be tacos, and care to guess the cost? A whopping 20 ED, or 20 dollars, for a single taco. It might be par for the course on the ground floor of a prestigious dungeon like this, but it was a harsh reminder of the economic disparity I had only started to grasp since leaving the mansion.

Cleenah had been my savior in this regard. Her otherworldly abilities ensured I didn't go hungry, saving me from having to spend a single coin on 'artificial' food. However, I had made the decision to stop draining her energy, both because she had advised against it and because I didn't want to see her growing tired on my account. I'd never admit it to her, of course.

The sprawling dungeon floor seemed endless as I walked its winding paths. My hope of acquiring armor was dashed, given my lack of funds. I did possess some items that could potentially fetch a good price, but I was hesitant to part with them. For now, I opted to hold onto what little I had.

Eventually, I stumbled upon my destination—a large, tent-like structure surrounded by a throng of people. This was where the Enigma Dungeon staff distributed ES, also known as Enigma-Scanners. These small, phone-like devices allowed adventurers to scan the strength of the beasts they encountered, with data collected over centuries from previous delvers. While you could purchase a scanner in a store, the price was exorbitant. Truth be told, I could have easily afforded one in my previous life as Edward Falkrona, but I had willingly abandoned that status a month ago.

Thankfully, the staff here were kind enough to lend us scanners for our journeys. At least they considered the commoners who couldn't afford such an expensive device. After all, if commoners disappeared, their business would suffer, just as it did on Earth. In the end, everything revolved around profit, whether here or in my previous world.

I extended my gratitude to the staff and pocketed the scanner, which was surprisingly lightweight and even had a hook to secure it. Now equipped with this crucial tool, I was as ready as I could be for the dungeon's challenges.

Among the dozens of available paths, I chose one at random and went through. Yet despite the bustling atmosphere, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider. Most adventurers around me were in groups, while I stood alone, a solitary figure that drew curious gazes.

"Jarvis, do you think I can find a more discreet mask?" I asked.

[No, I don't think so.]

Would I be condemned to wear this mask for the rest of my life, concealing my true identity? I knew that there would be instances where I needed to act incognito, not as Edward Falkrona, but as an anonymous traveler. In those situations, I needed a mask that was less pitiable and more comfortable.

…

Gripping the obsidian hilt of my short sword tightly, I fixed my gaze upon the creature that stood before me.

[Wild Rabbit]

Rank: ☆

Type: Natural Mana Beast

Weak Points: Dewlap, Feet

A sense of relief washed over me as the scanner provided me with information about the rabbit. It was a mere one-star creature, categorizing it as one of the weakest [Terror Beasts]. Though this was to be expected on the first floor, there was always a lingering uncertainty when it came to the dangers within the [Enigma Dungeon].

I pondered my strategy for dealing with it. My eyes fell to the short sword in my hand. The blade, gleaming silver, measured around fifty centimeters in length. Its edge was razor-sharp, capable of slicing through my arm as effortlessly as it could the wild rabbit before me.

This very weapon had been granted to me as part of the title I earned during my agonizing ordeal. The same ordeal that had left me crawling and gasping for life, only to be rewarded with this blade instead of a much-needed healing potion. I pushed away the memories, focusing on the present.

The intensity of my gaze caused sweat to form on my brow as I locked onto the rabbit. The creature, a warm brown hue, squeaked and regarded me curiously. A strange sensation tugged at my chest as I watched it, something akin to guilt.

"..."

I cursed silently. How had I come to feel bad about facing off against an innocent creature? It was almost comical, given the world I now found myself in.

[If you hesitate about this, you won't fare well in the game's story.]

I knew that already. I knew it damn well.

It wasn't about the rabbit. It was about me, about the fact that I had never taken another life in my previous existence. Human or animal, it didn't matter.

Images from the game flashed vividly through my thoughts— scenes of war, rivers of blood, and a staggering count of lifeless bodies. Such brutal realities had been commonplace in that fictional world, yet they remained jarring in the reality I now inhabited.

Drawing a deep breath, I steeled myself. I moved forward slowly. My heart pounded in my chest.

The rabbit continued its oblivious activities, seemingly unbothered by my presence. It licked its fur with an innocent air that, despite my disposition, I couldn't help but find endearing.

I continued my advance. Yes, this was the path. The path that would lead me to survival and success. Gradually, almost imperceptibly, I closed the distance.

The snap of a twig underfoot shattered the tense silence, and the rabbit's ears twitched. Its head turned sharply, and its gaze met mine, revealing a sudden awareness of the danger that now loomed before it.

"...!"

Before it could react, I drew my sword with a swift motion. The blade gleamed in the light. The rabbit's instincts kicked in, and it bolted in a desperate bid for escape.

But I wasn't going to let it get away.

My feet moved almost automatically, chasing after the fleeing creature. With a surge of adrenaline, I lunged forward, the blade slicing through the air. A triumphant shout escaped me as the blade made contact, and a spurt of fresh blood painted my mask and clothes in a gruesome display.

"Ahahahaha! Look at him! Frozen in fear!"