Danmachi: A Despicable Stranger

Chapter 74: Abnormalities in the Large Tree Labyrinth

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Although it belongs to the same "middle level" area, it is best to imagine the floors below the 19th as another world entirely.

Exploration here is significantly more intense compared to the upper levels encountered so far.

The bear-like beasts known as "Bug Bears" and the enormous "Mad Beetles" possess inherently high potential values, while the sniper-like "Dragonfly Monsters" and the fire-breathing "Firebirds" specialize in long-range attacks. From this level onward, these monsters appear regularly, presenting new challenges.

What makes these levels even more treacherous are the monsters that utilize "abnormal attacks," with poison being the most common and dangerous.

It goes without saying that carrying antidotes is a must when venturing into the "Large Tree Labyrinth." Developing the ability Abnormal Resistance is often considered essential to surviving here.

However, these challenges currently mean little to Izzy. With his spear in hand and remarkable agility, he remains untouchable.

After all, how can you worry about being injured if your enemies can't even hit you?

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On the 22nd floor, a pack of Bug Bears blocked Izzy and Raul's path, while countless dragonfly monsters hovered above, searching for openings to launch their attacks.

Yet Izzy and Raul paid no attention to the aerial threats, focusing entirely on the Bug Bears.

This confidence stemmed from the shield enveloping the two of them—a floating, dark-golden rock elemental creature providing unwavering protection.

Why fear a sneak attack when the shield effectively nullifies such threats?

In front, Izzy dismantled the Bug Bears one by one with swift, precise movements, his spear slicing through their hulking bodies effortlessly. A cold, silver web of destruction seemed to form around him as he fought.

Behind him, Raul carried a specialized crossbow designed for supporters, keeping watch over the battlefield and ensuring their rear was safe.

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Strictly speaking, Raul wasn't idle. With his current level, slaying monsters with a potential ability value of Lv.2 wouldn't offer him significant experience, so he allowed Izzy to handle the bulk of the combat.

Instead, Raul benefitted from the weight state granted by Izzy's magic, which allowed him to enhance his own abilities simply by accompanying Izzy through their fast-paced exploration. This ensured that Raul wouldn't leave the adventure empty-handed.

The duo first focused on eliminating the Bug Bears and only turned their attention to the dragonfly monsters overhead once the immediate threat was gone.

"The next wave is coming, Izzy. Stay sharp!" Raul called out.

In these mid-levels, adventurers rarely find opportunities to rest unless they actively search for safe zones.

Barely minutes after dispatching the last group of monsters, another wave emerged.

The number of enemies in each wave typically hovered around ten. However, it wasn't uncommon for two distinct groups to converge, effectively doubling the threat level.

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Weapons are a rarity among the monsters of the "Large Tree Labyrinth."

The creatures here rely entirely on their natural tools—imposing physiques, razor-sharp claws and teeth, or exceptional long-range capabilities.

These attributes make them the epitome of hunters, perfectly suited to their environment.

"Don't worry, bro. I've got this covered~," Izzy said casually.

He moved nimbly to avoid a Bug Bear's charging attack, deflecting its powerful claws with his spear before driving the weapon into a vital point with practiced ease.

"HOOO—!"

As Izzy spoke, several opportunistic Bug Bears lunged at him from multiple angles, hoping to overwhelm him.

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"Starfall!"

"——!"

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

With a resounding shout, an eight-pointed star, roughly half a meter in diameter, appeared in front of Izzy.

The powerful magic condensed swiftly, forming a faint blue sphere that flickered with energy before launching toward the Bug Bears.

The sheer velocity distorted the sphere into a horizontal teardrop shape, its blazing tail streaking through the air before it collided with the creatures.

In an instant, a series of violent explosions erupted. The Bug Bears' formidable bodies, sharp claws, and thick fur were all reduced to ash, scattered into the wind.

The blast's impact created a vacuum, bending the surrounding trees with the force of the shockwave.

Against most monsters in the "middle level," Izzy's magic was unmatched.

His confidence was evident—so much so that he had the audacity to respond casually to Raul mid-battle, treating the situation as if it were a leisurely team game.

It was almost like joking with a girlfriend while taking on a challenging raid.

Of course, it was just a metaphor. Raul was Izzy's close friend, not his girlfriend.

---

"Hmm? What's that direction?"

Keeping up their exploration pace, Izzy suddenly turned his head toward a specific spot deep in the dense forest.

"What's wrong, Izzy?" Raul, noticing his unusual behavior, raised an eyebrow.

"Hey, Raul, what's the strongest monster you think could naturally spawn in the 'Large Tree Labyrinth'? Factoring in any 'abnormal situations,' of course."

The seemingly random question only added to Raul's confusion. Still, he considered it carefully.

"Well… taking all the 'abnormal situations' into account, the strongest here would cap at around Lv.3, lower range. Anything above that seems impossible. The middle level is designed for Lv.2 adventurers, after all."

Lv.3?

No, it felt like something much more dangerous.

Something far beyond this level.

A faint signal resonated in Izzy's mind—a warning from his abilities. The presence in that direction radiated a danger so profound that it recommended immediate avoidance.

It wasn't something Izzy could handle right now.

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"Why do you ask?" Raul followed Izzy's gaze into the forest but found nothing.

The strange question only made Raul more confused. What was Izzy seeing that he wasn't?

"No reason, just curious," Izzy replied with a smile, finally tearing his gaze away from the ominous area. "Let's explore another path instead. We can come back here later."

"Huh? Why?!"

"I've got a bad feeling about that way. Trust me—change the route!"

"Wait, what?!"

Before Raul could process what was happening, Izzy grabbed his arm and began pulling him away in the opposite direction.

---

Elsewhere, in a horizontal cave.

"That human… it seems he noticed us," said a clear, mellow female voice that echoed softly in the chamber.

"Yes, I felt it too," replied a rougher, deeper voice. "But it's unlikely he actually saw us."

"Then why is he avoiding us?" The female voice sounded uncertain.

By normal logic, when an adventurer senses something unusual, they tend to investigate cautiously. Whether they're bold or overly cautious, they at least make an effort to assess the situation.

But to retreat so decisively without further probing…

It was as though they already knew the source of the anomaly.

"I don't know. Maybe he acted on a whim."

The two voices were surrounded by figures cloaked entirely in black robes. Their faces and bodies were obscured, and their silent presence added an eerie weight to the atmosphere.

The room fell quiet for a moment before the rough voice broke the silence again.

"No matter. Let's move. Fels said there aren't many adventurers in this area now. Aside from those two, we haven't encountered anyone else. It's the perfect time to migrate."

As the speaker's voice echoed, other robed figures murmured in agreement, their responses strange and unintelligible.

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