With Hal and the knife, I visited a dungeon in southwest Crocus, also known as the Root of the Steel Tree.

"Here we are. Arrived, it's been a long time since I've been running."

"You ran quite a distance. But it didn't weigh, it just ran, so I think it was great for my master's rehab!

"I feel moderately warm and ready!

A hal and knife that wipes sweat gently with the towel you bring with you and mouths it refreshingly like that. At a distance, they should have run about as far across Hokkaido as they could, but they're only feeling about as tired as they warm up. It's impossible to let Oda do the training menu for two people who have grown up to that point.

"So, Master, what is your goal this time? Is it monster annihilation in the dungeon, or is it collecting items?

"Come on, Yoona, that guy's a little fast, huh? First of all, you don't know about this dungeon, and you don't know where they shrug your legs. Yoona knows where we are?

"Yeah, yeah... where is it?

"Damn, I think I understand a little bit how worried Chinatsu feels. Listen to me when I say" Cover your ear hole. "

Well, does the knife know about this place? Lily's guy, he's a great coach around here. Inspirational.

"Tell me all about it, sir!

... I'm begging you. No, well, yeah. I had some anticipation. Here, by the way, in a deep deep forest spread around giant trees called steel trees, this place itself can be quite a danger zone. The reason we have been talking about this for a long time is that the level 4 equivalent of dangerous monsters that have been attacked are already dotted around as carcasses. This place, which boasts the highest degree of difficulty in Crocus territory, can't be a workout just because a monster strikes. I'm glad my apprentice gets stronger with tremendous speed, but it's hard to think of a workout method every time he gets stronger, at all.

"Best wishes, Master!

"Yes, nice to meet you. Okay, I'll explain it gently. The dungeon called the root of the steel tree we're about to enter is directly beneath the giant tree. It is also known as a vast nest of ants because of its ironing, ant-type monsters following holes that have dug into the ground. This Iron Ant itself is a Level 4 monster, so it won't be a threat."

"Hmm."

"Yeah, yeah."

Hal retrieving notes, a knife snorting hard.

"The problem is more of a giant tree root. Actually, under this giant tree, there's another giant demonic stone buried in the ground. The root part is partially monstered because it sucked nutrient magic from it."

"When it comes to demon stones, are they the ingredients for my doggan wand or my master's wand, that fellow black demon stone?

"No, black demon stones are sturdy and play magic like fools, whereas normal demon stones are brittle and have the properties to store magic. The name is similar, but the opposite is true."

"Hehe, that's interesting"

"So, why is the root more of a problem? It's monstered. I mean, it's a few steps better than that vampire group, right?

"Compared to Maria's subordination with simple strength, the only thing stronger than that is Vaccarat's army in the world... the roots of the monstered giant trees and the irons that make the nest are in symbiotic relationship. Iront carries his prey to the nest and eats its meat. And the remnants of the debris and magic left on the spot become the nourishment of the soil and are consequently absorbed by giant trees. So the roots don't attack the iron ant, nor does the iron ant try to eliminate the roots"

"Heh, heh, that's funny. I understand, I can manage to understand......!

"Yona, isn't your voice trembling?

Sure, but it's okay, because there's nothing like black smoke rising from your head to this extent on boulders.

"Unlike the big ants in the figure, the roots attack while simulating into normal roots. Be careful not to get hit by surprises. And just a steel tree, more sturdy than an iron ant. If you collect it, you'll make a good dime, so don't forget to dismantle it if you knock it down."

"Yes!"

"Chiseled to the right size, should I put it in Yuna's pouch and her husband's bag? Got it!

With the power of the two now, it is naturally possible that the subject would be steel. He's crossing the line with his bare hands and the earliest of all.

"The dungeon is structured to go through a hole in the roots of a giant tree and down the interior that spreads into the nest of ants. The further down you go, the darker the concentration of magic emanating from the Demon Stone, the tougher the roots, and the more superior species of Iron Ant appear. The purpose of this one is the crusade of Queen Ants, who would be in the deepest part of the dungeon, and the excavation of the biggest and most quality demonic stones. The adventurer in Crocus won't be able to accomplish a favor, and the bowl came around Nell from the Adventurer Alliance, but he's busy right now. Instead, let's try to accomplish our request."

"Oh, it was supposed to be Mr. Nell's job, wasn't it? It's kind of emotional to be asked to replace Mr. Nell."

"Hehe, that's how we grew up, right? I level up one foot ahead of Yona and Chinatsu, and I want to show this knife strength to Derris' husband as soon as possible!

"That's good, but if you level up, don't forget to remember your skills. Okay? I do a lot of Hal stuff, you know?

"Wow, I haven't leveled up yet, so this time I'm fine! I'm sure!"

"Oh, I already set it up? You're here in time for the production?

"Heh?"

I don't know, this critical feeling. Perhaps I noticed recently, and I left it until then.

"No, not now, but Chinatsu wasn't with you today, was he? You weren't even in the castle courtyard, were you?

"Ah, yes. Chinatsu, as deputy head of the Magic Knights, is attending talks with Mr. Nell. He said that in the morning he was reassigned as a record keeper and a security guard from a neutral position!

"His face seemed to be laughing, but he felt a little tired, didn't he? With the title of deputy captain, I have to attend that meeting, and it's going to be tough. Is that right? Talking is like having a big study group, right?

Ugh, um, something similar, what is it? Well, maybe it means I'm tired. But I see. Were Oda, the knight of Crocus, in the courtyard because Nell decided it was not necessary for the talks? I guess that thought worked, like there's no point in security even if you were there. And as security against Maria, he put Chinatsu on the critical line. Um, this is pitiful.

"Oh, that's tiring! I'm also sure you're convinced that Chinatsu was looking depressed in the morning... I, I thought from the bottom of my heart that I was happy to be in the dungeon! Long live the workout!

"Well, if you think it leads to a level increase with a lot of stress, that's also a form of workout for Chinatsu. You're gonna have to cut it off and try your best. Let's just say we do our job."

We switched our minds and stepped into the roots of the steel tree.