Mother Goddess, lend me your healing hand.
Lesser Heal.
Thank you for that, Eto.
You're quite welcome.
That was a pretty close call.
It certainly doesn't bode well.
There shouldn't be goblin archers on the fifth layer.
I say we head back to the surface for today.
Even split three ways, we've earned more than usual.
We're leaving already?
I don't wanna push it.
My motto is "survival is our primary duty."
Get that motto from Abel, did you?
Isn't it obvious that our lives should be our priority?!
You've got a point there.
It would've been nice if Ryo had come with us.
The norm is to form a party of comparably skilled members, Amon.
Yeah, and we don't really compare to Ryo.
Leonore's magic yesterday was incredible.
But in terms of conjuring speed, I was on even footing.
I need to expand on my strengths
and shore up my weaknesses to turn them into strengths.
I can't think of any other way.
There's also the matter of movement speed.
That magic she used to close in on me in a flash...
It was probably wind magic. I'm kind of jealous.
Then again, no sense in envying what I can't have.
I'll think up a way to move swiftly with water magic.
As possibilities go, the first spell that comes to mind is Water Jet.
I've used it underwater to surface before, but as for using it on land...
Ice Bahn.
I'll have to picture it coming from points all along my back.
Water Jet 256!
She's got me beat!
Well, let's just call it a work in progress.
Maybe it could work with 1,024 jets of water.
Now, to the library!
I want to look up more about akumas and alchemy.
Nothing in the forbidden spellbooks either.
Well, of course there wouldn't be.
Magic capable of conjuring a thick Ice Wall midair
or spears of ice strong enough to pierce a wyvern's defenses...
Not even Master Hilarion could manage that.
If it exists at all, they'd have to be original spells.
Granted, it'd take someone like the empire's Inferno Magician to cast such a thing.
Why, Lyn. It's good to see you again.
Oh, Sera! Hello.
It's rare to find you here, much less looking through tomes like those.
I was trying to look something up.
But in the end, it wasn't in here.
I see. That's a shame.
Listen, Sera...
What's wrong?
Nothing.
You were away from Lune on a quest for the royal capital, right?
I was. I just got back.
Oh, and I'm sorry, but I'm already keeping an envoy waiting.
Another time, shall we?
M-M-M-Miss Nina! Y-You're as l-l-l-l-lovely—
Welcome back. That was a short excursion.
There's actually a reason for that.
Indeed, this is certainly magic stone from goblin archers.
But there's been no sign of them on the fifth layer for years.
That's what we thought, which is why we wanted to let you know.
I'll inform the guild master at once.
I'll post a notice on the board as well.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Aw, Nina...
Come on, Amon. We need to sell this magic stone.
Right!
Goblin archers on the fifth layer?
They're not supposed to show up until after the tenth.
That's right, sir.
This could be a warning sign.
How many B-rank parties are in town?
The Crimson Sword and White Brigade.
Is the Brigade's main force under Phelps present?
Yes. They just returned from an excursion two days ago, so they should still be around.
Okay, summon both the Crimson Sword and White Brigade.
I'll make the offer here in this office.
The Brigade's coming too, right?
I never know how to deal with them.
It's a little late for that.
Besides, haven't you two been acquaintances for a long time?
Honestly. You never stop whining, do you, Abel?
You could learn from Warren's example.
Come in.
Pardon us.
Hello there, Abel.
Good day to you, Phelps.
It's that same greeting every time with you, isn't it, Abel?
I want to thank both the Crimson Sword and White Brigade for coming.
I'm sure the clerk gave you the gist of things,
but goblin archers have been spotted on the fifth layer of the dungeon.
Master, how certain is this information?
One hundred percent.
The adventurers who encountered them came back with their magic stone.
Then the intel is good.
So, what exactly would you have us do?
The Crimson Sword and White Brigade are to enter the dungeon
and verify any signs of the Great Tidal Bore.
The Great Tidal Bore...
It refers to an explosive growth in monster populations.
It's been just about ten years since the last one...
Meaning we could be due for another at any moment.
Goblin archers appearing on the fifth layer may very well be an early sign.
You'll be paid 100 gold coins in advance
and another 200 upon completion.
Just to confirm, guild master,
we're only to verify whether it's coming?
Yeah. I need to know how likely that is.
And if it's already underway?
Should you confirm that, return to the surface posthaste.
We'll abandon the dungeon entrance and set up on the double walls
in a joint operation between the guild and regional knights.
I've already notified the lord of this quest and my plans for defensive action.
That's a lot of groundwork.
I'd almost think you believe the bore is already underway.
You can never be too prepared.
Because if this is the Great Tidal Bore, we'll need all the forces we can muster.
When should we depart?
First thing tomorrow morning.
We've already put a notice on the board saying the dungeon is closed in the meantime.
So, the Crimson Sword, White Brigade, will you accept this quest?
Yes. The Crimson Sword accepts.
White Brigade accepts this quest.
Huh? You headed out already, Ryo?
Yes. I was thinking of visiting the north side library today.
The north side one?
I hear it has a wider selection of advanced material.
I'm hoping to learn more about alchemy than what the south side library offers.
There's also the matter of akumas.
Makes sense you'd want to check out the north side location, then.
Only D-rank adventurers can enter it, but you're set for that, Ryo.
I've only heard rumors before...
Is it true they have forbidden texts?
Forbidden texts?!
Except you need to be B-rank to read them.
Aw, that's a shame.
Knowing you, Ryo, you'll be qualified soon enough.
Welp, we'd better get ready ourselves.
Hitting the dungeon again today, Nils?
Yeah! That's the plan.
Good luck, then.
I hope you find what you're looking for.
Have a safe trip, Ryo.
I'll be back.
Please take this.
The south side library is bigger...
But there's something about the atmosphere here.
I like it.
I'm probably going to need to ask
where to find the books I'm looking for, though.
I bet they'll look at me like I'm crazy if I mention wanting to learn about akumas.
Good day to you, Phelps.
Good morning, Abel.
You've got about twenty?
Yeah. Around half of the Brigade.
We're only taking C-rankers and above with us this time.
That's wise.
Everyone's here, then?
Better get underway.
Hold on, guild master.
Something wrong, Abel?
I've got a bad feeling about this.
Lyn, use the wind spell Probe to scan the first layer.
Okay.
Bring to me the pulse and existence of life.
Probe!
They're...
Multiple hits at the entrance! And I mean more than a few hundred!
I thought as much.
Then the Great Tidal Bore is nearly upon us.
Unbelievable.
Everyone, pull back! Get word to the knights and the guild!
Monsters will be here any minute!
It says no one's allowed in the dungeon.
I bet it has something to do with those goblin archers.
Maybe it's more serious than we—
The Great Tidal Bore is underway!
The monsters are surfacing!
This is an emergency quest of the highest priority!
Position yourselves above the dungeon's first wall and attack!
Please, hurry!
It's you again.
So you're a local adventurer.
My name is Sera. It's a pleasure.
Oh, yes. I'm Ryo, an adventurer.
I had a feeling we'd meet again.
What brings you to the library? Looking for something?
Oh, yes.
I'm looking for books on aku— I mean, alchemy.
Alchemy? How unusual.
Well, I'm in no rush, but ultimately, I'd like to create a golem.
A golem?! That's a grand ambition.
I don't think any of the books here specifically contain anything on golemcraft,
but there are a few that could help show you the way.
Follow me. I know where just about everything is in this place.
You don't mind?
Of course not.
So do you like books, Ryo?
Yes. I used to read all the time.
I haven't been around them in ages, though,
so a place like this feels nostalgic.
"Ages ago"? You make it sound like it's been decades.
W-Well... you're an elf, right, Sera?
I am indeed. And an adventurer, much like yourself.
I belong to a B-rank party called Wind.
Although I'm actually the sole member.
A friend of mine mentioned there was only one elf in town.
They're right. You don't find too many elves in human settlements.
I might be a bit of an oddball.
But thanks to that, I got to meet you.
That's a good thing.
I believe they're down this way.
Come, let's look for them.
Here they come.
Commence the attack!
Wear them down at range!
Keep those arrows and spells coming!
Get in position at once!
We'll keep the northern side secure!
Margrave Lune's knights!
I'm sure glad I had that meeting with Commander Neville yesterday now.
But even then...
Just look at all of them.
There were nowhere near this many last time!
This is going to be a long battle!
Don't forget to stay hydrated!
We're still only dealing with goblins and goblin archers!
Stay on your toes!
Lyn, we're nowhere close to done. Conserve your mana.
Got it.
That said... if you have any spells to clear them all out,
please, cast away!
Of course I don't!
Don't make me spell that out!
Abel, we're out of arrows.
Master! We've requisitioned arrows from every weapon store in town!
Good! Hurry and distribute them!
Abel! More arrows!
Nils? I appreciate it.
I've also got a message from the guild master.
"There should be a big one waiting behind the fodder."
"The Crimson Sword will be taking it on, so be prepared," he says.
Makes sense.
Tell him message received.
Okay. Good luck to you.
It should be time.
The Crimson Sword, White Brigade! Descend the wall!
We're going on the attack!
Wind, become the wings that let us land safely.
Wind Wings!
Earth, become our shield and protect us against evil.
Clay Wall!
A goblin general...
This will be over once he's down.
No, wait.
There are three goblin generals.
Which means...
Yeah. There's a king back there.
Phelps and I will each take one.
Rihya, Shenna, you two handle the last one.
We need to finish them before the king arrives!
Light Javelin!
Good!
Get down!
What was that?!
Air Slash.
But stronger and faster than I've ever seen before.
That was just a swing of his arm.
He was ready to kill his generals right along with us.
What a monster!
What?!
I'm counting on you.
Your magic sword and spear are the only weapons that can hold up against that thing.
Not good... Abel?!
Sword Skill: Perfect Shadow!
Combat Skill:
Total Impalement!
It didn't finish him!
I didn't expect it to! Lyn!
Bullet Rain!
Perfect Shadow.
It's finally over...
So she was invoking Bullet Rain that entire time, then?
It's a powerful spell, but the incantation is long.
You could call it a secret weapon.
I'm impressed, Crimson Sword.
However it ended,
I'm just glad we all made it out alive.