Chapter 51: Ice Kobolds
"Dumbasses. They should’ve scouted before rushing into the dungeon," Dapper muttered, shaking his head at the cries for help echoing from deep within.
"You said there are Ice Kobolds here. Can you handle them?" Dapper asked Shinro.
"I should be able to take one down at a time, but Ice Kobolds usually attack in groups. They’re less intelligent than goblins, so we don’t have to worry about complex traps—just ambushes. Besides, this is a low-level dungeon," Shinro replied, adjusting the strap of his bag.
Dapper nodded. He already knew the ranking system for monsters in this world. Rank-1 creatures were about the same level as Murkpaws. Still, this would be his first time hunting a humanoid monster.
"You might run into a Rank-2, so be careful. Good luck," Dapper said, turning toward one of the tunnels.
"Hey! Why do you think I came to find you? You’re just going to leave me and go alone because you think you’re strong?" Shinro shouted, hurrying after him.
’Loud prick...’ Dapper gritted his teeth and turned around.
"Why do you even think I’m strong, idiot? That’s the same kind of thinking that got you scammed. I’m just putting on a tough front so other participants don’t mess with me. There are people here just looking to pick fights," Dapper said, rubbing his face with one palm.
"Let’s stick together. Just don’t slow me down," he added, and Shinro quickly nodded.
Dapper made his way toward the last tunnel on the far side and stepped inside. The interior was illuminated by Mana crystals lining the ceilings and upper walls. The tunnel was wide and riddled with crevices and hiding spots along the edges, making Dapper even more cautious.
Keeping close to the wall and moving silently, Dapper and Shinro spotted a scene unfolding a few meters ahead. Instinctively, Dapper yanked Shinro into one of the crevices to hide.