DanMachi: Heroic Epic of Emiya the Great Hero

Sometimes, physical proximity can also bring people closer socially. The vanguard warrior and the mid-guard spearman, who were cooperating with each other, were chatting happily, while the relationship between the rearguard mage and her protector also grew slightly closer.

At this moment, Emiya suddenly felt a stir in his heart.

"Watch out!"

Without hesitation, he grabbed Lefiya's shoulder with his left hand, pulling her into his embrace, while simultaneously standing up and projecting a dagger-shaped straight blade with his right hand, hurling it forward.

At the same time, a long sword appeared in his right hand, as if the small knife had transformed into a sword.

The small knife pierced through the body of a monster, pinning it to the wall, while the sword slashed down, cutting through the second one.

The motion after the slash was an upward swing, his entire body driving the force of his arm, the blade drawing a cold, moon-like arc in the air.

The third brown, four-legged lizard monster was slain mid-air, and Emiya, with a burst of strength from his legs, leaped backward with Lefiya in tow.

A lizard monster landed on the ground, right where Lefiya had been standing.

With a twist of the blade, switching from a forward grip to a reverse grip, the sword plunged straight down, pinning the four-legged lizard to the floor.

"Whew—" Emiya let out a soft breath.

"That was... amazing.",Niran whispered in admiration.

Raul spoke up,"That was a Dungeon Lizard. Don't think that just because you've destroyed the walls, you're completely safe. These monsters can climb walls and ceilings, and they're good at hiding in dark corners to ambush."

He had actually noticed the lizard monsters hiding in the shadows earlier, but as agreed at the beginning, unless the novice adventurers were in life-threatening danger, Raul wouldn't easily intervene.

Emiya's sharpness, however, had taken him by surprise. On the other hand, Lefiya, who was of a higher level, had performed somewhat disappointingly.

"Lefiya, are you okay?",Shirou instinctively asked the panicked girl in his arms.

"...Sorry, I was scared. My body... I couldn't move.",the elf girl's voice trembled with fear.

This wasn't Lefiya's first time entering the dungeon.

Previously, the girl had teamed up with her classmates from the [School District] for a "Dungeon Exploration Internship." They were the best team in the [School District] at the time, with more than one ascended Lv.2 member, and had completed many remarkable adventures during their travels around the world.

When they first entered the dungeon, relying on their exceptional stats, especially Lefiya's extraordinary magical firepower, they had no trouble navigating the upper levels of the dungeon.

The ease of the battles made them underestimate the dungeon, and they rashly decided to break the [School District]'s rules and venture into deeper levels.

Then, the merciless dungeon taught the young adventurers the difference between dungeon adventures and those in the outside world, as well as the price of overconfidence.

A sudden abnormal status effect, a despairingly strong Dungeon King (Boss), overwhelmed the overconfident youths with its sheer power, plunging them into despair.

Their companions were killed with a single strike, the reliable vanguard who was like an older brother lost an arm, and Lefiya, with her extraordinary firepower, was the only one who could have posed a threat to the Lv.4 Dungeon King under those circumstances.

But she couldn't do anything.

She was too scared to move, let alone cast spells.

There's a saying that mages are the ones who most need willpower and mental fortitude. Warriors, even if panicked, can at least swing their weapons wildly and cause some damage, while heavily armored shield bearers can withstand monsters with their strong bodies even if they turn and run.

But mages are different. Once they panic to the point of being unable to cast spells, their existence becomes completely meaningless.

Moreover, attempting to cast spells in a panicked state can only result in a "magic backlash" that harms themselves or even their companions.

At this moment, with monsters so close, the shadows of the past caught up to Lefiya once again.

Even though they were just weak Dungeon Lizards, monsters that were only good at hiding and ambushing, and even though the monsters were swiftly dealt with by the reliable archer before they could reach the elf girl, Lefiya still froze, entering a panicked state where she couldn't cast spells.

The images of her dead companions, the severed arm of her comrade, the terrifying Dungeon King, all flashed repeatedly in her mind.

"Lefiya...",Raul reached out his hand but then helplessly let it drop.

Lefiya was the most precious gem discovered by the Loki Familia in recent years. She possessed talent capable of creating miracles, and her [Fairy Ring], which allowed her to use all elven magic, could be considered the most overpowered spell. Not only that, but she also had a unique skill, [Fairy Chant], which greatly increased the power of attack spells, and a development ability, [Magic], that enhanced spell potency.

Additionally, the Loki Familia's Lv.6 mage, Riveria, possessed a skill, [Fairy King's Seal], that enhanced the power of spells cast by fellow elves.

To put it in gamer terms, Lefiya was not only a [Magic Kaleidoscope] with ever-changing spells, capable of attack, defense, healing, and support, but also a [Buff God of War] whose magical attacks could stack multiple enhancements.

This also explains the high expectations the Loki Familia had for her.

However, the magnitude of one's talent, the power of spells, and the strength of one's heart are two different things.

The elf girl still hadn't overcome the shadow of her previous failure. She had no problem casting spells from a distance, but if monsters got too close, she would panic. This was the biggest headache for the higher-ups in the familia recently.

They had finally obtained a treasure, only to risk losing her to psychological issues. It would be heartbreaking.

Raul was also at a loss. As a Lv.4, he had the power to wipe out all the monsters in the lower levels, but when it came to matters of the heart, he was completely helpless.

If he understood such things, he wouldn't have ended up in the pleasure street despite being a high-level adventurer in the female-dominated Loki Familia.

"I'm sorry.",Lefiya's clenched hands trembled slightly,"I think... I can't continue adventuring. Let's stop here..."

"Lefiya, are you afraid of monsters?",Emiya Shirou suddenly spoke up.

"Yes, I'm really sorry, I..."

"In that case, let's switch positions.",Emiya Shirou said,"From now on, I won't use a bow, but a sword."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"From now on, Lefiya and I will take the front, while you two will take the rear.",Emiya said, looking at the warrior and spearman in the team.

"Wait, that's too strange..."

An archer and a mage at the front, with warriors and spearmen at the rear? Such a formation was completely nonsensical.

"Lefiya, you're not weak. You're just not used to 'battle' yet.",Shirou said calmly,"And I'll prove something to you—monsters aren't scary. As long as I'm by your side, no monster can harm you. At least in this lower level, I have that confidence."

"If I can make you believe that, then you won't be afraid anymore, right?"

Lefiya: "But, I..."

"I said from the beginning that I'm more skilled with a sword.",Emiya Shirou said, glancing at the silent supporter,"Besides, isn't Senior Raul here too?"

Raul: 'What should I do? I feel like I shouldn't agree, but... this incredibly strong and cool newbie just called me 'senior'...'

———

"Emiya Shirou, more skilled with a sword, and knows a bit about archery."

That's how he had introduced himself at the beginning. However, after witnessing his god-like archery skills, everyone had subconsciously forgotten about it.

For Emiya Shirou, he was a genius in archery, but only a "genius." His archery skills were the result of talent, years of training, and learning from the heroic spirit [Archer]. But the sword was his "origin" and "essence."

Emiya Shirou, in the realm of the sword, was a transcendent being, to the point where it could be said—this body was made of swords.

Starting from the sixth and seventh levels, high-threat enemies began to appear frequently in the dungeon.

The [Novice Killer], with long arms and three claws, its sharp claws like blades—War Shadows.

Another [Novice Killer], with four legs and two arms, a hard shell, extremely high attack power, and the ability to summon companions using pheromones in critical moments—Killer Ants.

Monsters that could cause great trouble for adventurers, capable of spreading poisonous powder—Purple Moths.

Monsters with attack power only slightly inferior to Killer Ants but possessing incredible speed—Needle Rabbits.

From the sixth to the tenth level, in this "Wall of Novices" that many adventurers couldn't overcome, the young man wielding twin swords stepped forward, showcasing his brilliance to the world for the first time.

War Shadows were cut in half by sword light, Killer Ants had their heads smashed by heavy blows, Purple Moths were pinned down by flying daggers, and Needle Rabbits were pierced by faster thrusts.

Emiya stood at the forefront of the team, the arcs of his twin swords forming a domain that no monster could breach.

For Emiya Shirou, this was only natural. The monsters at this level were too weak, incomparable to the top Lv.4 adventurers he usually sparred with, let alone the [Heroic Spirits] he had faced in his previous life.

Of course, he wouldn't let this lead him to underestimate the dungeon's monsters and recklessly take risks. There were differences among monsters, just as there were differences among [Heroic Spirits], like Cursed Arm and Gilgamesh.

"Just what is the deal with Hephaestus Familia's newbie..." The image of Emiya swinging his sword and cutting through hordes of monsters was etched in Raul's mind, reminding him of someone else—the Loki Familia's Lv.5 first-class adventurer, the [Sword Princess].

That "Princess of Swords" also seemed to be able to cut down any monster with a swing of her sword.

No, it was different. The Sword Princess relied not only on her swordsmanship but also on her formidable stats and additional magic, while the young man before him displayed pure sword skills.

"How about it? Not so scary anymore, right?",Shirou slightly turned his head to ask the elf girl behind him.

Lefiya was momentarily stunned. She watched as those terrifying monsters charged to within arm's reach, only to be cut down by the young man.

Just as he had said, as long as he was by her side, no monster could harm her.

'It seems... not so scary anymore...'

Emiya Shirou was also somewhat surprised. He felt that his condition was unusually good. Even though he was still protecting Lefiya, he seemed much stronger than before.

Without him realizing it—

Skill [Oath under the Snow] activated.

[When acting to protect others, attack power and endurance increase, and the effects of magic and skills are enhanced.]

.

.

.

"Let's stop here."

Emiya Shirou swiftly killed a Needle Rabbit, and at this moment, supporter Raul made a judgment.

There were two reasons. The secondary reason was that they were already on the ninth level. Going further down to the tenth level would bring them into a new area, where more dangerous monsters would appear, even possibly juvenile dragons classified as Lv.2 and considered the floor bosses of that region.

Additionally, there were monsters like orcs, which, although classified as Lv.1 in overall ability, had strength equivalent to Lv.2, capable of rendering some Lv.2 adventurers unable to continue fighting after a direct hit.

Although, based on the team's configuration and abilities, conquering levels 10-12 was possible, they had already gained a lot from this expedition, and there was no need to take unnecessary risks.

The main reason was—Raul's backpack was full.

Emiya's efficiency in killing low-level monsters was simply too high, and monsters like War Shadows and Killer Ants weren't pushovers like goblins. Their magic stones were valuable, and with the dropped items, the backpack was already full. Continuing the adventure would mean having to leave behind some of their previous gains.

They had also been lucky enough to hunt some Blue Papilio, butterfly-like monsters with four blue, translucent wings. These monsters had no combat abilities, but the powder secreted by their wings had healing properties and could be used to make potions, making them quite valuable.

Raul was already regretting his decision. As the supporter for this adventure, he was nominally hired by the team's mage, Lefiya, under a fixed-payment contract rather than a profit-sharing one.

This meant that no matter how valuable the dropped items were, he wouldn't get a share. Of course, even if the adventure yielded nothing or resulted in a loss, he would still get his payment.

'I never expected these newbies to be so strong, especially that swordsman from the Hephaestus Familia. He's as strong as a monster!'

Of course, Raul didn't have the face to ask the newbies for a share of the profits. Although he was short on money, he still cared about his dignity.

"No problem, that's about it.",everyone agreed, and Emiya also nodded. He could sense that Lefiya's condition had improved significantly compared to before.

Moreover, he was also feeling tired.

Habit is a terrifying force. After seeing monsters charge at her countless times, only to be intercepted and killed, she began to realize that it wasn't so scary after all.

"Wait, there are monsters—three orcs?"

Huge pig-headed monsters reaching up to three meters tall. They wore old animal hides like skirts around their waists and wielded large wooden clubs as weapons.

"Why are there orcs on the ninth level? Did they break through from a passage? Well, these things happen sometimes.",Raul said,"Forget it, I'll handle them, and then we'll head back."

The dungeon wasn't static. Monsters from deeper levels could sometimes wander into shallower areas, creating dangerous "abnormal situations" for new adventurers.

Raul casually drew his sword. Orcs, which were dangerous for Lv.1 adventurers, were no match for a Lv.4 like him.

"Wait, Senior Raul.",at this moment, the minotaur warrior Niran spoke up.

"I want to take them on... by myself."

"What?",Raul frowned,"Three orcs are not something a Lv.1 adventurer can handle alone."

Orcs were classified as Lv.1 monsters, but due to their high endurance, defense, and overwhelming attack power, they usually required a team of Lv.1 adventurers to hunt.

Thus, they were sometimes referred to as Lv.1.5 monsters.

"Exactly because it's difficult, it can be called a 'feat'.",Niran said seriously.

"Before graduating from the [School District], my stats had already reached the requirements for leveling up, but I never accumulated enough feats."

"I'm actually a bit of a coward. Even though I'm big, I'm scared of dying. I've always used my shield to block monsters and waited for my teammates to finish them off.",Niran said. "But today, Mr. Emiya's actions inspired me."

"He looked so cool, standing in front of his companions, cutting down all the enemies... I want to be like that too."

"So, I want to take on this challenge."

"Although my abilities increase after I'm injured, my judgment deteriorates. Conny, I hope you can keep an eye on their movements and try to remind me, though it might not be useful."

"Mr. Emiya, I hope you can support me with your bow, but please leave the main attack to me."

"Lefiya, I'm really sorry, but your magic is too powerful. This time, I want to kill the monsters with my own hands."

"Senior Raul, if I'm about to be killed by the orcs, please save me."

"...Ah, you newbies.",Raul sighed, but then straightened his gaze,"Alright, go for it. Doing the impossible is what being an adventurer is all about!"

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