Chapter 152
"So we've learned the commotion near the market was caused by Jakaran and Ares running wild."
As I ate the stew Ingrid had prepared for us at home, I shared the information I'd gathered.
"The church has received similar reports. Given his violent tendencies, many within the church oppose recognizing him as a hero."
Since this incident occurred within the royal capital, it wasn't surprising the church had heard about it too.
"Even at the market, though few are talking about it, similar rumors are circulating. Many are concerned about the capital's safety to the point where women are being advised not to go out alone. Merchants mentioned that traveling traders are starting to leave."
The information had apparently reached commoners too, with the most alert merchants already making moves. While Ingrid's information was hard to accept, the idea of Jakaran roaming the capital was an unthinkable situation for the FBO.
"...The gist of this incident is that Jakaran tried to kidnap a woman he found on the street, adventurers intervened, leading to combat—no matter how you look at it, Jakaran is clearly the villain. But with the ducal house involved, the matter will likely be swept under the rug."
Pausing my meal to consider our next steps, I realized this incident could easily affect us too if we weren't careful.
"For the time being, I'll handle the shopping. Everyone else should avoid going out alone and stick to crowded streets when you do."
Our group has a high ratio of women. Running into Jakaran would bring nothing but trouble.
"Understood.""If it comes to it, I can fly away!""Overconfidence invites danger. You'd do well to heed Liberta's advice.""Okaaay~""But leaving all the shopping to Liberta-sama...""I'm confident in my judgment. Don't worry, I can handle securing fresh ingredients."
I hadn't expected we'd need to restrict our movements like this. Ingrid looked apologetic about burdening me with shopping, but if she went alone and encountered Jakaran... No, this was the right call.
"Still, we went through the trouble of getting the Matango dungeon key and mixing in the Weakling's Proof... Forget class advancement, how are we supposed to get jobs now?"
While the decision was sound, not being able to fully utilize the dungeon key we worked so hard to obtain was frustrating.
"Matango? You've acquired quite a troublesome monster's key this time.""Really? They're pretty easy if you know how to handle them."
The dungeon key we obtained in exchange for the Haniwa Sword features Matangos—mushroom-type monsters—as the main enemies.
In appearance, they're mushrooms with limbs and crude faces, creatures that could be described as either cute or creepy depending on perspective.
Their magic-oriented stats suggest they rely on skills rather than brute strength. With low HP, they're not particularly hard to defeat if you can land hits.
The real challenge is the dungeon environment. The air is constantly filled with spores, and absorbing the Matangos' weak paralytic poison can occasionally stun you. Get hit by their skill attacks in that state, and you're done for.
Claudia tilted her head, concerned. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"All their attacks can be countered with Ingrid's skills. The floating spores are handled by Air Clean. Their skill attacks are mostly spore-based too—poison or confusion—all nullified by a single Air Clean."
True, dungeons specializing in status effects can be deadly without proper preparation. But conversely, if you can counter those effects, the threat diminishes significantly.
Their magic-oriented stats make them vulnerable to physical damage. Since Matangos use spore-based skills aligned with their fungal nature, countermeasures are straightforward.
"The main thing to watch for is their Hiding skill. They'll bury themselves underground and ambush you from behind as you pass, hitting you with spores—their signature surprise tactic."
Their skill set consists of Poison Spores, Paralytic Spores, and Hiding. Rare variants add Wind Magic to propel spores farther.
The difference between common and rare Matangos is like armed versus unarmed Orcs—you can tell by the vine and wood accessories around their necks.
"Though even that's pretty obvious. Some even have obvious lumps sticking out of the ground."
The Hiding skill lets them bury themselves and conceal their presence—higher proficiency makes them harder to detect. But in lower-level dungeons like this, even without specialized skills, you can spot the disturbed earth where they hide.
"Plus, they come out if you make loud noises, right?"
Their intelligence isn't particularly high. Normally, the spores would require masks, making loud noises difficult. But thanks to Ingrid's Air Clean, we don't need masks.
So a loud shout is enough to startle them out of hiding.
"But don't let your guard down. Especially you, Amina—no reckless flying this time.""And if you sing, stay close to Ingrid. Singing outside Air Clean's range means inhaling a mouthful of spores.""Okaaay~"
Despite their seemingly foolish behavior, Matangos are actually a perfect match for Amina's build. Their spore-based attacks directly target the respiratory system—a nightmare for flying species.
While not quite natural enemies, they're certainly unwelcome opponents.
Amina continued eating her stew cheerfully, as if unaware of the danger.
"Amina, do you understand?""I get it! Basically, don't fly and stick close to Ingrid, right?""But Ingrid will be fighting on the front lines too, no?""Oh.""Indeed. Otherwise, I won't gain any experience."
Air Clean alone won't give Ingrid experience—she'll need to fight Matangos directly.
"Hey, Nel, can I ride with you?""I'll be on the front lines, so no."
Meaning Amina can't just stay in one place and sing like before. While Ingrid's role is managing the hazardous environment, she'll be moving around, so Amina will need to adjust her positioning accordingly.
No singing while flying either.
With Nel—her usual transport—occupied on the front lines, Amina looked ready to cry.
"Libertaaa..."
"Don't worry. I'll take the rear guard this time, so stick with me. I'll give instructions as needed.""! Okay! Thank you!"
Party coordination is surprisingly tricky. Tactics shift depending on the monster, party composition, and situation. Against weak monsters like Orcs, you can follow set routines, but stronger foes require more adaptability.
Even with thorough preparation, multiple response patterns emerge. "If they do this, counter with that. If they use that attack, prepare for these two follow-ups..." On-the-spot decisions become crucial.
"This time, we'll move with Ingrid as our center. Consider it practice for party coordination.""Okay!"
At least this time, we can control the pace around Ingrid rather than reacting to the enemy. Adapting to allies' movements is just as important in party combat.
Though our opponents are just fungal monsters, in some ways, Orcs are stronger. The real challenge is the status-effect-riddled environment.
"You're sure you don't need to plan beforehand? When I partied with others, most groups did that sort of thing.""True. Once you open a dungeon, it's customary to clear it fully. Leaving midway—even just for class advancement—is frowned upon."
With that in mind, we should be fine. But Claudia's right.
"Since this dungeon's a bit deeper, let's discuss strategy after eating—consider it part of the explanation."
The others chuckled and resumed eating, not wanting the food to go cold.
Ingrid's cooking is delicious. With higher Cooking skill, it could be even better.
The thought made me consider acquiring more Skill Advancement Orbs.
Once we reach Class 3 and finish leveling, we can tackle that Class 4 dungeon. Stat-wise, skill-wise, and equipment-wise—the bog dragon gear is nearly complete.
After the locust incident, maybe we should aim for that dungeon's key. With upgraded weapons for better firepower, we could farm efficiently.
The Skill Advancement Orb drop rates are better there too.
Once everyone has their jobs, we'll head there.
Between tomorrow's plans and long-term goals, I had plenty to think about—so much so that I didn't realize I'd finished Ingrid's stew.
"There's seconds if you'd like.""...I'll have some.""Of course. I'll give you a little extra."
Ingrid noticed my slight dissatisfaction, and though embarrassed, I quietly held out my bowl.
"Here you go.""Thanks."
This body really must be in its growth spurt—I eat so much now.
In my past life, my stomach couldn't handle this much food. Greasy, fried things? Forget it. Even a single piece of fried chicken could fill me up depending on its size.
Now, I can finish a second helping of stew as quickly as the first.
"...? What? Do I have stew on my face?""No, I'm simply pleased to see you enjoying my cooking so much."
Noticing Ingrid had stopped eating to watch me, I worried I'd made a mess of myself. But she shook her head, her expressionless face somehow conveying genuine happiness.
Even without visible emotion, I could tell she wasn't lying—her demeanor radiated joy.
"R-really?""Yes.""It's true—Liberta really does eat delightfully.""Indeed. It's quite heartening to see."
Well, when you live alone, you cook to save money. You can tailor flavors to your liking, but eventually, you tire of your own cooking.
Maybe that's why I craved home-cooked meals made by someone else. Convenience store food or takeout can't compare—knowing it was made just for you is the best seasoning, making you eat more than usual.
With Nel and Claudia watching too, it's a bit embarrassing.
"Seconds for me too!!"
Amina, completely oblivious to my self-consciousness, cheerfully held out her bowl to Ingrid.
"Of course.""Honestly, Amina might be the one who eats most enthusiastically, no?"
Seeing her innocent smile, I couldn't help but think—I'm probably not the only one who finds her the most entertaining to watch at mealtime.