Chapter 100 - Translation

<h1>Chapter 100 25.2 - Joint Dungeon</h1><p>Chapter 100 Chapter 25.2 - Joint Dungeon</p><p>The terrain of this dungeon was a cave at the start. It had a similar type of construction to the labyrinth type we had explored last time.</p><p>However, different from the labyrinth, the terrain of this dungeon was going to change. Since this was an artificial dungeon, this practical session involved adapting different scenarios. It was not like a staged dungeon, but it also wasn't a normal one either.</p><p>However, if you asked the management why they put such a test, the answer you get would be simply, 'We can never know if such a dungeon might exist in the future. It is better to be prepared rather than not knowing anything.'</p><p>In any case, the eight of the party walked through the cave, with everyone being alert. The formation was a classic one, with warriors on the front as vanguards, the mages and supporters in the middle, and lastly, we rangers at the back.</p><p>The Leon guy threw me some gazes from time to time, clearly annoyed at my attitude at the start. His eyes contained a distinct sense of superiority and contempt.</p><p>'His muscles are not well developed, and he is showing symptoms of potion overuse. He is taking supplementary elements, mostly in order to stay in this academy and cope with the expectations. His clothes are clean and neat, but he lacks the sensitivity to keep them in such a manner, so it is safe to assume that he visits his home every week. From his gears alone, it seems he comes from a middle-grade family, probably a child of a low-mid-rank guild member.'</p><p>Finishing my analysis in a matter of seconds, I turned my attention to the front. Since he was not a named character and his rank wasn't that high, he probably wasn't an important figure in the game. Thus, there wasn't any need to waste more time.</p><p>We arrived at a fork in the path, and a brief pause settled among us as we assessed our options.</p><p>Four paths diverged, each hinting at a potentially different challenge or surprise. This was also quite expected, and each path had its own difficulties. Of course, there was a path that was quite a lot easier than others, and with my eyes, I could see which path it was quite easily.</p><p>Thanks to the [Shadowborne], my eyes were not affected by the darkness at all.</p><p>After analyzing the options, I turned to face Irina. While she didn't voice her thoughts, her eyes bore a clear sense of expectation. It seemed she wanted to see if I had the judgment and decisiveness to lead us in the right direction.</p><p>Of course, she had the expected eyes, but she didn't say anything. And, since she didn't say anything to me as the captain, I didn't say anything either.</p><p>"Leon, what do you think?" Byron came to our side and asked his ranger. Since we were supposed to have a good perception, it was a common thing to ask rangers to act as scouts.</p><p>"I don't know."</p><p>Though, most of the rangers can't see the way I am seeing in this place. The training I had been doing inside the Chrono Groove and my own skills make me pretty exceptional, differing me from others.</p><p>"I see," Byron replied, nodding his head, and then turned his attention to Irina. "Do you have any idea, Irina? We can follow your lead if you have one."</p><p>By saying that, he was innately implying that Irina was the leader and she would be the one bearing the responsibility.</p><p>Though the said person's eyes were still on me, she was still looking at me with an expectant gaze. But I still didn't say anything, refusing it until she asked me on her own.</p><p>The staring contest between Irina and me persisted for a few more moments, the atmosphere growing slightly tense. I could sense her irritation, but I held my ground, refusing to acquiesce to her unspoken expectation.</p><p>I knew she wanted me to take the lead, but the slight arrogance in her demeanor made me not want to do it.</p><p>Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, she spoke, her tone grumpier than I had anticipated. "What do you think? Can your eyes see in the dark, or do they only work on women?"</p><p>Her words had an undercurrent of sarcasm coloring them, referring to those rumors. Since there were some rumors about me going to brothels when I had free time, it seemed she heard one of those.</p><p>It was clear she was annoyed by me and didn't appreciate being kept waiting, but this world didn't work according to people's feelings but rather worked differently.</p><p>"They won't work unless there is a woman worthy. I suggest you bring one if you want them to work ." I had no intention of backing down. Just because of a random rumor thing, we were back to square one now, and it was annoying.</p><p>Byron also seemed to sense the tension as he looked at me with a clear smirk.</p><p>"What can you even expect from a last ranker anyway? Trash is just trash."</p><p>Byron's attempt to undermine me and curry favor with Irina was as transparent as it was expected. He seized the opportunity to belittle my capabilities, using the last-ranker label as a means to assert his superiority.</p><p>"If you guys still don't know, I think it is better to choose the right path."</p><p>Irina, caught in this battle of egos, seemed to waver for a moment. She looked at me, then at Byron. I could see she was hesitating to follow his lead and wanted me to find the way, but her pride wouldn't allow that.</p><p>'This will be your last chance.'</p><p>I looked at her and waited for her decision. Is she going to put her pride, or will she choose an easy path?</p><p>It was a pivotal moment when I was going to adjust my opinion about her for the future.</p><p>"We will listen to you," she said, her tone tinged with frustration, evidently trying to end the brewing conflict. "Lead the way."</p><p>And in the end, she chose the wrong one.</p><p>Byron didn't waste a moment, puffing out his chest with pride and confidently choosing the path on the right. "Of course, Irina. Trust me; I have a good feeling about this route. Follow me, everyone."</p><p>'You wasted it. Don't beg me later.'</p><p>Just like that, we started the walk again, and I could see the victorious smirk on Byron's face as if he had achieved something.</p><p>'To think he chose the least optimal one, certainly, you can never leave the decision to an extra.'</p><p>I shook my head and started following the team without saying anything. After all, with the way I am right now, I certainly have the ability to deal with the monsters inside this place, even though it will be a little hard.</p><p>As we ventured down the right path, Byron continued his attempts to impress Irina. He'd share exaggerated stories of his exploits and victories, each tale aimed at capturing her attention and admiration.</p><p>Irina, however, seemed disinterested and unimpressed, her mind likely preoccupied with the task at hand.</p><p>Lizard-type monsters occupied this path; though slippery, they were not that hard to deal with. Since they were low-ranked mobs, the eight-person party didn't have a hard time. I didn't even move since everyone did my job for me.</p><p>Since Byron and his team were trying to impress Irina, they didn't leave much for me.</p><p>However, as we advanced down the path, the oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon seemed to thicken while encountering monsters every time.</p><p>PAT! PAT! PAT!</p><p>The walls appeared to close in on us, and a heavy silence enveloped the group. The occasional dripping of water echoed ominously, amplifying the tension that hung in the air.</p><p>In fact, it was not only psychologically. The consternation of the oxygen and the mana around us were different.</p><p>'A fire-type environment.'</p><p>Thanks to my increased mana sensitivity and my magical power, I could feel the different mana around us more clearly now, and it was easy to understand.</p><p>Byron, still attempting to maintain an air of confidence, was also growing uneasy.</p><p>His exaggerated tales had lost their luster, the bravado fading with each step deeper into the dungeon.</p><p>Irina remained silent as well, as she also probably felt the concentrated mana ahead.</p><p>With my eyes, I could see the color of red dancing around the front.</p><p>'The first challenging monster is here.'</p><p>Since the type of monsters we encountered were lizards, and the environment was a fire type, it wasn't hard to refer to what monster lay ahead even without directly seeing it.</p><p>'Lesser Magma Wyrm.'</p><p>It was a monster of a low-rank 4 level and quite a strong one at that. It was probably the trigger that would make the artificial dungeons change the atmosphere.</p><p>Triggers were random things appearing in the dungeon that would make the landscapes change. It was controlled by the dungeon administrators who controlled and monitored this space, and they were special only to the artificial dungeons.</p><p>Even though they were supposed to be random, considering the amount of time we had walked and traveled, it was easy to assume that after facing the monster, the dungeon would change since this is the pattern the exams worked.</p><p>"This pressure….." Irina mumbled, looking slightly irritated. For her, a fire mage, she must have understood being in an environment filled with fire mana.</p><p>Most might think when an environment has the same attributes as the Hunter mastered, it would be good, but that is not necessarily the case.</p><p>The monsters in that place would also be evolved according to that mana, which meant they would be actually resilient.</p><p>For instance, Time Guardian wouldn't be affected by the Time-related skills that much since it itself evolved from that mana.</p><p>This rule is one of the most common ones in dungeons; it applies to monsters with strong defenses. Of course, if the monster is rather an offense type, this won't be too negative, but it is very hard to find monsters with low defenses.</p><p>Of course, right now, I can easily inform the party, but why should I?</p><p>I gave this girl quite a lot of chances, but she refused to take it. I won't do it once again. I hate it when I feel like all the effort I had put in suddenly became in vain. I really should just find that bastard who spread rumors about me and teach him/her a lesson.</p><p>The air grew hotter and thicker as we pressed forward, the fiery aura signaling our proximity to the Lesser Magma Wyrm. I continued to keep my observations to myself, allowing the tension in the party to mount. Irina's irritation was palpable, but I remained steadfast in my resolve not to engage. Since she was a fire-specialized mage, she was also resilient to the fire, making her not sweat as much.</p><p>"This is so fucking hot!"</p><p>But that wasn't the case for the other cadets. The members of Byron's team were also sweating and losing a lot of water from their bodies.</p><p>'They even started showing the signs of dehydration.'</p><p>You may think it should not be that easy for a Hunter who has superhuman strength to dehydrate this easily, but the faster or stronger you are, the more calories and water you will burn.</p><p>"Fuck this, why is this so hot?"</p><p>Same with the people using mana to fight. Thus, Hunters actually need to take care of their meals and water quite frequently, just like any other people.</p><p>"Guys, calm down."</p><p>Seeing the state of the team, Byron tried to take the lead, attempting to mask his own growing unease.</p><p>He constantly looked at Irina, looking for her reaction. Since he was the one to lead us to that place, he naturally knew he was going to be responsible for whatever was going to happen. And I could see his face getting paler when he saw Irina's irritated expression.</p><p>"What is this place?"</p><p>And finally, we were able to reach the place where the Lesser Magma Wyrm resided.</p><p>The corridor opened up into a large chamber, and the intense heat hit us like a wave.</p><p>"Get ready for the battle."</p><p>It was the time to fight.</p><p>------------------------------------</p><p>You can check my discord if you want. You can see the illustrations of characters there.</p><p>The link to the discord server is in the description of the book.</p>

<h1>Chapitre 100 - 25.2 : L'Épreuve du Donjon Commun</h1> <p>Chapitre 100 - Section 25.2 : L'Expédition Collective dans les Profondeurs</p> <p>Le décor initial de ce donjon se présentait sous forme de grottes labyrinthiques, une configuration qui rappelait étrangement celle de notre précédente expédition. Pourtant, une différence majeure se manifestait : contrairement au labyrinthe statique, cet environnement artificiel était conçu pour muter progressivement. L'exercice consistait précisément à s'adapter à ces mutations imprévisibles - ni tout à fait scénarisé, ni tout à fait conventionnel.</p> <p>Si l'on interrogeait l'administration sur la pertinence d'un tel test, la réponse tomberait, pragmatique : « L'imprévisible fait partie de notre métier. Mieux vaut s'y préparer que d'être pris au dépourvu. » Une philosophie que je ne pouvais qu'approuver, même si elle compliquait notre tâche présente.</p> <p>Notre groupe de huit avançait en formation classique : les guerriers en avant-garde, protégeant les mages et soutiens au centre, tandis que nous, rangers, couvrions les arrières. Une disposition tactique élémentaire, mais efficace.</p> <p>Je sentais le regard insistante de Leon peser sur moi, chargé d'une irritation mal dissimulée. Son expression trahissait un complexe de supériorité aussi palpable que déplacé.</p> <p>« Physique déséquilibré, traces d'abus de potions de renforcement... Visiblement, il compense ses lacunes par des artifices chimiques pour satisfaire aux exigences académiques. Sa tenue, bien que soignée, montre des plis réguliers qui trahissent des retours hebdomadaires au domicile familial. L'équipement standardisé mais sans fioritures suggère une origine bourgeoise, probablement fils d'un officier subalterne de guilde... »</p> <p>Mon analyse instantanée conclue, je reportai mon attention vers l'avant. Ce personnage secondaire ne méritait pas plus de considération - son rôle dans le grand jeu semblait des plus limités.</p> <p>La grotte s'ouvrit soudain sur une quadruple bifurcation, provoquant un arrêt concerté du groupe. Quatre boyaux obscurs s'offraient à nous, chacun promettant ses propres défis. Évidemment, un œil exercé comme le mien discernait immédiatement le chemin optimal - un avantage certain de ma compétence [Shadowborne] qui neutralisait totalement les effets de l'obscurité.</p> <p>Mon regard croisa celui d'Irina. Sans un mot, ses yeux exprimaient une attente claire, presque exigeante. Elle semblait tester ma capacité à prendre l'initiative, à assumer un leadership qu'elle refusait pourtant de me concéder ouvertement.</p> <p>Le silence s'éternisa entre nous, devenant presque tangible. Je refusais de céder à ce chantage implicite - si elle voulait mon expertise, qu'elle la demande explicitement.</p> <p>« Leon, ton avis ? » Byron s'interposa soudain, s'adressant à son ranger attitré selon la procédure habituelle. Les éclaireurs étaient traditionnellement consultés en pareille circonstance.</p> <p>« Aucune idée », répondit l'intéressé, aussi sec.</p> <p>La plupart des rangers ordinaires ne pouvaient rivaliser avec ma perception nocturne exceptionnelle, fruit de mon entraînement intensif dans le Chrono Groove. Une supériorité que je n'éprouvais nul besoin d'étaler.</p> <p>« Je vois », fit Byron avant de se tourner vers Irina avec une déférence calculée. « Et toi, Irina ? Nous suivrons ta décision. » Une manœuvre habile pour lui transférer la responsabilité tout en flattant son ego.</p> <p>Irina persistait à me fixer, son regard chargé d'une attente croissante. Le bras de fer muet se prolongeait, l'atmosphère se chargeant d'une tension électrique. Je percevais distinctement son irritation grandissante, mais restais inflexible - sa suffisance m'inspirait une résistance obstinée.</p> <p>Finalement, excédée, elle rompit le silence d'une voix nettement plus acerbe que prévu : « Alors, tes yeux perçant les ténèbres ? Ou bien ne fonctionnent-ils que pour déshabiller les femmes du regard ? »</p> <p>La pointe visait clairement ces rumeurs idiotes sur mes prétendues frasques nocturnes. Son sarcasme trahissait une agacement personnel qui dépassait la simple tension tactique.</p> <p>« Ils nécessitent un stimulus féminin de qualité. Apporte-en un et nous verrons », rétorquai-je sans broncher. Ces ragots insipides nous ramenaient à des querelles puériles que je croyais dépassées.</p> <p>Byron sourit en spectateur complice, visiblement ravi de cette escalade verbale. « Que peut-on attendre d'un cancre de ton acabit ? La médiocrité appelle la médiocrité. » Sa tentative transparente de me rabaisser tout courtisant Irina était aussi prévisible que pathétique.</p> <p>« Si l'indécision persiste, je suggère de choisir rapidement », lançai-je froidement.</p> <p>Irina, tiraillée entre son orgueil et le pragmatisme, hésitait visiblement. Son regard oscillait entre Byron et moi, son expression trahissant un conflit intérieur. Elle voulait manifestement que je prenne les rênes, mais son amour-propre lui interdisait de l'admettre.</p> <p>« Dernière chance », lui signifiai-je silencieusement. Son prochain choix déterminerait définitivement mon opinion sur ses qualités de leader.</p> <p>« Nous t'écouterons », finit-elle par céder, le visage crispé de frustration. « Indique-nous la voie. »</p> <p>Et contre toute attente, elle commit l'erreur fatale.</p> <p>Byron, prompt à saisir l'opportunité, se rengorgea avec une assurance théâtrale en désignant le boyau de droite. « Confiance, Irina ! Mon instinct ne trompe jamais. En avant, tous derrière moi ! »</p> <p>« Tu viens de sceller ton échec. N'attends aucune aide par la suite », murmurai-je assez fort pour qu'elle seule entende.</p> <p>La colonne se remit en marche, Byron arborant un sourire de vainqueur prématuré. « Choisir l'option la moins optimale... Laisser des figurants prendre des décisions stratégiques reste une erreur fondamentale », songeai-je en secouant la tête.</p> <p>Je me résignai à suivre le groupe sans autre protestation. Après tout, dans ma condition actuelle, même les pires surprises de ce donjon ne constitueraient qu'un défi relatif.</p> <p>Le chemin de droite nous confronta rapidement à des lézards géants - ennemis glissants mais trivialement faibles pour un groupe de notre niveau. Je restai en retrait, laissant les autres s'activer, particulièrement Byron et sa clique qui rivalisaient d'ardeur pour impressionner Irina par des exploits surjoués.</p> <p>Cependant, l'atmosphère se densifiait progressivement à mesure que nous progressions. Les parois semblaient se resserrer, l'air devenir plus rare. Le clapotis intermittent des suintements prenait des résonances inquiétantes dans ce silence oppressant.</p> <p>La perturbation n'était pas que psychologique - je percevais distinctement les fluctuations anormales du flux manaïque ambiant.</p> <p>« Zone d'affinité ignée », diagnostiquai-je intérieurement. Ma sensibilité manaïque accrue me permettait de discerner clairement ces variations - une compétence qui faisait cruellement défaut à mes compagnons.</p> <p>Byron, malgré ses tentatives pour maintenir une façade assurée, laissait transparaître un inconfort croissant. Ses vantardises s'essoufflaient au rythme de notre progression périlleuse.</p> <p>Irina aussi gardait un silence éloquent. En tant que mage pyrotechnicienne, elle devait percevoir aussi clairement que moi la concentration croissante d'énergie calorifique devant nous.</p> <p>À travers mes prunelles améliorées, les lueurs rougeoyantes dans l'obscurité trahissaient la présence imminente d'une menace sérieuse.</p> <p>« Premier vrai défi en approche. »</p> <p>La combinaison lézards/environnement enflammé ne laissait guère de doute sur la nature de l'adversaire à venir.</p> <p>« Un Ver de Magma Mineur. »</p> <p>Cette créature de niveau 4 constituait probablement le déclencheur programmé pour provoquer la mutation environnementale du donjon - un mécanisme typique des installations d'entraînement comme celle-ci.</p> <p>Pour Irina, spécialiste du feu, cette surabondance d'énergie pyrique aurait dû être un avantage. Mais la réalité s'avérait plus complexe : les monstres natifs partageant cette affinité développeraient naturellement des résistances correspondantes. Une loi fondamentale de la dynamique donjonnière que tout chasseur expérimenté connaissait.</p> <p>Bien sûr, j'aurais pu partager ces informations avec le groupe. Mais après les occasions gaspillées par Irina, je n'éprouvais aucune inclination à l'altruisme. Ses choix répétés d'ignorer mon expertise méritaient une leçon par l'expérience.</p> <p>La chaleur devenait insupportable à mesure que nous approchions du repaire du Ver. Je gardais délibérément mes observations pour moi, laissant la tension monter parmi nos compagnons. Irina, bien que naturellement résistante aux hautes températures, affichait une irritation manifeste.</p> <p>« Putain, cette fournaise ! » jura l'un des hommes de Byron, le visage ruisselant.</p> <p>Les signes de déshydratation commençaient à apparaître parmi les membres moins endurants. Paradoxe méconnu : plus un chasseur est performant, plus son métabolisme accéléré consomme rapidement ses réserves hydriques.</p> <p>« Du calme, les gars », tenta Byron, visiblement mal à l'aise lui aussi. Ses regards furtifs vers Irina trahissaient son inquiétude croissante - c'était son leadership qui était désormais en jeu.</p> <p>« C'est quoi cet enfer ? » gémit un autre.</p> <p>Enfin, le corridor déboucha sur une vaste caverne où régnait une chaleur torride. La présence du Ver de Magma se révélait à nous dans toute sa menace.</p> <p>« Positions de combat ! » ordonna quelqu'un.</p> <p>L'affrontement décisif commençait.</p> <p>------------------------------------</p> <p>Note de l'auteur : Les illustrations des personnages sont disponibles sur le serveur Discord dont le lien figure dans la description de ce livre.</p>