NOVEL WEB Chapter 66: Chapter 66
The Illustration of Ryuu trying out a new dress has been completed please check it out at https://www.patreon.com/Rayish
The 19th floor had become Shirou's stage for demonstrating his abilities. With calm yet precise movements, he projected weapon after weapon from thin air, each mimicking the quality of those forged by Level 3 smiths of the Hephaestus Familia. Swords, spears, and axes floated in the air before shooting forward at high speed, effortlessly annihilating monsters such as Bugbears, Lizardmen, Battle Boars, and Mad Beetles with a single strike.
Each time a monster fell, its body disintegrated into ash, leaving behind magic stones and the occasional drop item. Riveria, who hadn't needed to cast a single spell, took on the role of a Supporter for Shirou. She collected the magic stones and drop items, all the while observing Shirou with a gaze filled with curiosity and admiration.
Riveria eventually approached Shirou, holding several magic stones. "Shirou," she called, her voice tinged with curiosity, "I'd like to know… with everything you've done so far, how many weapons can you project before your magic energy runs out?"
Shirou paused his movements, surveying the now-empty battlefield. Turning to face Riveria, his expression remained relaxed. "If I rely solely on the Od within my own body," he replied, "I could project hundreds of weapons at this level of quality before exhausting my energy."
Riveria's eyes widened. "Hundreds?" she echoed in disbelief. Her hands trembled slightly as they held the magic stones. A normal mage would be drained after just a few spells… but Shirou can produce hundreds of weapons? She thought.
But her curiosity wasn't sated yet. "And," Riveria continued, holding her breath slightly, "if you were to use Mind—the magic energy granted by your Falna—with your capacity as a Level 4 adventurer, how many could you project?"
Shirou scratched the back of his head, appearing to think for a moment before replying in his usual casual tone. "Tens of thousands."
Riveria nearly lost her footing. "Tens of thousands?" she repeated as if needing confirmation that she hadn't misheard. "How is that even possible?"
Shirou gave a faint smile, amused by her astonishment. "It's because of my element," he explained. "My element is the sword. That alignment makes it so I don't need much energy to project them. This compatibility with my nature increases the efficiency of my Magecraft exponentially compared to other types."
Riveria regarded Shirou with a mixture of awe and confusion. The sword as an element? Even though the concept sounded foreign… yet Shirou made it seem completely natural. Not only was his ability unique, but his efficiency was also beyond anything she had imagined.
"I… I've never encountered anyone like you before," Riveria admitted, trying to process everything she'd learned. "Your Magecraft truly transcends the limits of what I know."
Shirou gave a small smile as he gazed at the empty field before them. "It's just a technique I learned from the world I came from," he said. "Back there, I was a nobody. Here, I'm just trying to make the most of it."
Riveria gripped her magic staff more tightly, feeling that with every moment she spent with Shirou, she was uncovering more layers of his potential. This man is not just my Magecraft tutor… he has the power to reshape many things in Orario.
With renewed determination, Riveria stepped forward, picking up the remaining magic stones scattered on the ground. "Alright," she said with a faint smile, "then show me more of this sword element of yours. We're not done with this floor yet, are we?"
Shirou chuckled softly, summoning another array of swords around him. "We've only just begun," he replied lightly, walking beside Riveria.
After some time, Shirou and Riveria reached the end of the stone path on the 19th floor. Riveria raised her hand, pointing ahead. "That's the last cave," she said calmly. "The route to the 20th floor."
Shirou nodded, observing the cave's gaping entrance, which resembled the maw of a giant beast. However, before they could proceed further, a rumbling sound echoed from within. Moments later, a flood of monsters began pouring out—Bugbears, Lizardmen, Battle Boars, and countless others surged forward in a tide of ferocity.
Riveria narrowed her eyes, assessing the situation. "It seems like a monster parade," she remarked. "This might be what injured those adventurers earlier."
Shirou swiftly projected more swords, the weapons materializing one after another in bursts of prismatic light. "That seems likely," he replied, positioning himself. "Alright, I'll take care of this."
Riveria stepped back to give him space. "I'll provide support if necessary," she said, readying her staff.
Shirou gave her a small smile. "I don't think this will take long."
The swords hovered in the air around him like a flock of hunting birds. With a single motion of his hand, they shot forward at blinding speed. The weapons rained down on the charging monsters, piercing the thick hides of Bugbears, felling Battle Boars, and slicing through Lizardmen before they could get close.
Shirou felt the flow of magical energy coursing through him. So this is what it feels like to be Gilgamesh… Raining weapons down like this feels so natural. Back then, I had to be cautious about using too much Od, but with Falna, I now have a near-limitless reserve.
The hundreds of monsters flooding out of the cave were obliterated. Not a single one managed to approach. Within minutes, only ash and scattered magic stones remained.
Riveria, who had been watching intently, finally clapped her hands slowly. "You did an excellent job," she praised with a faint smile. "If Tiona saw this, I'm sure she'd agree even more with calling you the Sword Prince."
Shirou turned to her with a puzzled look. "Sword Prince? That sounds exaggerated," he said, scratching the back of his head. "I'm just a butler, not a prince."
Riveria suppressed a grin. Her thoughts briefly wandered to a title that had long made her uneasy: Sword Princess. Being close to Aiz, she couldn't ignore how the nickname seemed to pair Shirou and Aiz perfectly.
Shaking her head to dispel the thought, Riveria looked at Shirou again. "If you ask me," she said with a calm yet firm tone, "you're more than just a 'Sword Prince.' Perhaps something like Sword King… or even Sword Emperor suits you better."
Shirou chuckled. "Sword Emperor? That's too grand for someone like me."
Riveria merely smiled, but inwardly she thought, No, Shirou. You're far greater than you realize. You just haven't seen it yet.
They resumed their journey, their steps steady as they approached the 20th floor. Shirou dismissed his swords back into prana, leaving behind only the traces of his triumph.
After leaving the last cave, Shirou and Riveria continued their journey along a stone path that now felt eerily quiet. There were no sounds of monsters or signs of other adventurers nearby. The silence created an unusual atmosphere, especially in a Dungeon typically full of activity.
Riveria broke the silence. "It seems that monster parade really originated from the 20th floor," she said, glancing at Shirou beside her. "With all the monsters gathered into one large group like that, it's no wonder this floor feels empty after you wiped them out."
Shirou nodded, his stride steady. "That makes sense. Other adventurers might have already heard about the parade and decided to avoid this floor entirely. So, not only did we clear the monsters, but we also ensured no crowding."
Riveria gave a faint smile. "You're truly efficient, Shirou. It looks like we have this floor to ourselves now."
Shirou chuckled softly. "In that case, it's time for you to test your magic. Is there a specific spot in mind?"
Riveria nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I know just the place. Follow me," she said, pointing to a narrow path sloping downward.
Shirou followed her lead, noting how confidently she moved. His thoughts wandered briefly. Riveria truly is extraordinary. She knows the Dungeon like the back of her hand, is a brilliant strategist, and now she wants to enhance her Magecraft. It feels like I'm the one learning from her.
They eventually arrived at a modest cliff. From there, they could see the 20th floor's vast expanse, filled with massive trees and a river flowing in the distance.
"Here," Riveria said, gesturing to an open area. "This spot is spacious enough for me to try ice magic without damaging anything nearby."
Shirou nodded and set down his large supporter bag. "This place is perfect," he said, surveying the surroundings. "Ready?"
Riveria took a deep breath, gathering her focus. "Ready," she replied with a faint smile. Yet, inside, she felt a flicker of nervousness. Shirou always believes I can surpass my limits. Today, I must prove that belief is not misplaced.
Noticing her subtle change in expression, Shirou spoke gently, "No need to be too tense. We're here to learn, not to compete."
Riveria nodded again, feeling more at ease hearing Shirou's words. She stepped forward gracefully, positioning herself in the center of the area, preparing to cast her spell. "Alright," she said, gripping her magic staff firmly. "I'll begin now."
Shirou positioned himself slightly behind Riveria, ready to observe every detail of her magic. This will be interesting, he thought with a small smile. I'm curious how far Reinforcement can push the magic of a High Elf.
Riveria stood tall on the cliff, her staff gripped tightly in her hands. The air around her turned cold as she began chanting Wynn Fimbulvetr, her signature ice magic that created massive, sturdy ice formations. A jade-green magic circle appeared beneath her feet, glowing intensely as the chant concluded. A towering glacier rose before them, stretching high and glinting under the bluish light of the Dungeon's luminescent moss.
Riveria turned to Shirou, who stood behind her. "That's without Reinforcement," she said, her tone calm but proud, ensuring Shirou saw the baseline results of her magic.
Shirou nodded, smiling. "Alright, now it's time to try with Reinforcement. Do it just as you've learned."
Riveria took a deep breath. This time, she channeled prana into her staff first, visualizing it flowing like a powerful river toward the new magic circle forming beneath her. Her eyes focused as she chanted the same spell, now augmented with the Reinforcement Magecraft Shirou had taught her.
A rumble echoed as a new glacier formed, far larger and taller than the previous one. The ice was not only sturdier but also bore sharper, more intricate crystal patterns. The difference was unmistakable, and Riveria couldn't help but smile.
"Impressive!" Shirou exclaimed, marveling at the stark contrast brought about by Reinforcement. "Now, let's measure the difference using Structural Analysis."
Riveria sighed playfully, feigning exhaustion. "How about I rest for a bit? It feels like I just destroyed an entire Dungeon floor," she teased.
Shirou chuckled and shook his head. "Riveria, I know that didn't tire you in the slightest. You can rest after you've measured your ice," he replied with gentle sarcasm.
Riveria shrugged with mock reluctance but eventually leapt gracefully off the cliff, landing near the massive glacier she had conjured. She looked up at it, then turned and called out to Shirou. "Aren't you coming? Measuring this together would be faster."
Shirou raised a hand, smiling. "I have something I want to try first. You'll have to manage on your own again, alright?"
Riveria huffed lightly but her eyes remained warm. "Fine, Shirou-sensei," she replied in a teasing tone, directing her staff toward the glacier. No matter what he says, I always feel compelled to follow him. Is this what it means to be inspired? Or... Riveria pondered while beginning her Structural Analysis to study her creation.
From above, Shirou watched her with a small smile. She's growing rapidly, yet she remains the same Riveria—graceful, powerful, and endlessly captivating. If I can keep supporting her, that's more than enough for me.
Below, Riveria was fully immersed, her hands pressed against the surface of the massive glacier. With intense focus, she channeled prana gently into the ice, sensing its internal structure. She measured every crystalline pattern, its strength, and its volume using Structural Analysis, striving to understand just how much of a difference the Reinforcement had made.
Meanwhile, atop the cliff, Shirou stood calmly. His eyes narrowed as he observed her work from afar. With his expertise in Structural Analysis, he quickly estimated that the glacier enhanced by Riveria was approximately 30% larger than the unreinforced one. However, he kept silent, letting Riveria discover the results herself.
Taking a deep breath, Shirou murmured, "Trace on."
A faint light shimmered in his hands as Frostbite Arrows began manifesting one by one in the air. The arrows glowed with a frosty blue hue, their sharp tips radiating cold energy. Shirou continued projecting them until there were thirty, orbiting around him like satellites. With precise finger movements, he focused his mind, channeling Reinforcement into each Frostbite Arrow.
When all the arrows had reached their Broken Arrow state, Shirou smiled faintly. "Now, let's see how effective this is."
With a simple hand gesture, Shirou directed the Frostbite Arrows toward an empty patch of ground near Riveria's ice mound. In seconds, all the arrows launched simultaneously.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!" Each Frostbite Arrow exploded upon impact, creating small ice mounds that rose from the ground. Though smaller than Riveria's towering ice formation, their sheer number quickly transformed the area into a network of interconnected ice hills.
Below, Riveria paused momentarily, turning toward the sound of the successive explosions. She lifted her gaze, spotting Shirou standing atop the cliff, slightly winded. "Shirou, what did you just do?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Wiping a small bead of sweat from his forehead, Shirou smiled. "I was just experimenting. A single Frostbite Arrow isn't particularly strong, but combining them... well, the results speak for themselves," he said, gesturing toward the thirty ice mounds he had created.
Riveria gazed in admiration at the results of Shirou's experiment. While her ice mound was still sturdier and larger, she couldn't deny the remarkable impact of Shirou's quantity-driven approach. "You never fail to surprise me, Shirou," she said sincerely.
Shirou chuckled softly. "Just a little test. Though, it looks like I used up about a quarter of my magical energy for this."
Riveria smiled faintly and leaped back up to the cliff with effortless grace. "You know, if you keep honing this skill, you might revolutionize how adventurers fight in the Dungeon."
Shrugging nonchalantly, Shirou replied, "Maybe. But I still prefer watching you refine your Magecraft. You're far more impressive with your magic."
That compliment made Riveria's ears tinge slightly red, but she maintained a calm tone. "You're quite the smooth talker," she replied, though inside, she felt a flicker of happiness.
Riveria walked lightly toward Shirou, who was still gazing at the icy creations below. "Shirou," she said softly, her tone filled with curiosity. "On our next major expedition, if you can really do all this—raining swords and magic arrows, or even using a Noble Phantasm like Phoebus Catastrophe against a Corrupted Spirit—wouldn't we only need to protect you?"
Shirou turned to her with a serious expression and shook his head slightly. "It wouldn't work that way, Riveria. If everyone relies on me too much, it'll backfire. The other members won't gain enough Excelia to grow. Besides, I don't gain much Excelia from weaker enemies because of my skill, Underdog." He paused, letting Riveria absorb his explanation. "That skill drastically reduces the Excelia I get from weaker enemies, but it massively increases what I gain from stronger foes."
Riveria let out a long sigh, her smile carrying a mix of weariness and humor. "So, I can't just retire and leave all the heavy lifting to you, huh?"
Shirou laughed softly at her playful tone. "Nope, Riveria. You're not allowed to retire. You're still young, and I'm certain your potential in Magecraft is far from its peak."
His words left Riveria momentarily speechless. Shirou's statement struck straight to her heart, though in a way that filled her with warmth. Young? she thought to herself. She knew Shirou was simply speaking honestly without any particular intention, but it was something she hadn't heard in a long time. Before Shirou joined the Loki Familia, she was often seen as a motherly figure—or even teased as an "old hag"—because of her 99 years of age. Yet, in High Elf terms, she was still considered young. Standing before Shirou, who patiently guided her in Magecraft, she felt like a young girl receiving attention from a kind and mature mentor.
"Riveria?" Shirou's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
She snapped out of her reverie and quickly turned her reddened face toward the ice mound below. "Let's just enjoy the view of all this ice," she said, attempting to change the subject with a neutral tone. "You've worked hard, so at least we can sit for a while at the edge of this cliff."
Shirou smiled warmly. "Good idea," he said. He walked closer and sat beside Riveria, letting the serene atmosphere settle around them.
Riveria glanced at Shirou out of the corner of her eye, observing his figure as he seemed completely engrossed in the view below. Shirou, thank you... for making me feel young again.
As they sat enjoying the scenery, Shirou watched the slowly fading ice mounds. He glanced over at Riveria, who was seated beside him, her green hair shimmering under the soft blue light cast by the glowing moss on the ground. "So," Shirou broke the silence, "what do you think the size difference is between the ice mound before and after using Reinforcement?"
Riveria raised her hand and pointed toward the larger ice mound. "I'd say it's about 25% bigger than the first one," she answered calmly.
Shirou gave a small smile. "Close. After analyzing it, the increase is actually 30%."
Hearing his correction, Riveria let out a light huff and gave Shirou a gentle punch on the arm. "You could've just told me instead of making me go down and measure it myself."
Shirou chuckled, meeting Riveria's gaze with an understanding look. "That's part of the training. If I just gave you all the answers, you wouldn't learn anything, would you?"
Riveria pretended to pout, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Hmph, you're too annoying to be a teacher," she said teasingly, though deep down, she enjoyed the attention Shirou gave her.
For a moment, they sat in peaceful silence, letting the tranquil atmosphere wash over them. The ice mounds in front of them gradually dissolved into fragments of prana, vanishing into the air like falling snowflakes. Shirou gazed at the scene with a sense of contentment. "This view... it's so calm. It's hard to believe we're still in the Dungeon."
Riveria nodded gently, watching the remnants of her magic dissipate into energy. "The Dungeon is full of surprises. On one hand, it's deadly, but on the other, it can give us moments like this." She paused briefly before continuing in a soft voice, "And moments like this feel far more valuable when you're not alone."
As the last traces of ice faded into prana, Shirou rose from where he was seated. He turned to Riveria, who was still enjoying the cool breeze at the cliff's edge. Extending a hand toward her, he offered, "Training's over for today. Let's move on."
Riveria looked at Shirou's hand for a moment before taking it. With his help, she stood and gave him a faint smile. "Training? What happened today felt more like a grand showcase of your abilities than a session to improve my Magecraft," she said playfully, though with a subtle hint of teasing.
Shirou chuckled and walked alongside Riveria as they made their way off the cliff. "A showcase? I'm not sure what you're talking about."
Riveria let out a small huff and began counting on her fingers. "First, you showed off your Alteration Magecraft by perfectly transforming your ears into Elf ears."
Shirou turned with a mock-confused expression. "That was just for disguise…"
Riveria ignored his protest and continued, "Then you beat my archery score effortlessly, even using my own technique through Tracing."
Shirou scratched the back of his head, looking slightly sheepish. "I just wanted to make the competition more interesting."
Riveria didn't let him defend himself. "And don't forget, you rained swords and arrows down on monsters like it was no big deal. Not to mention the food you cooked earlier—honestly, I've never tasted anything better."
Shirou stopped walking for a moment, staring at Riveria with a half-surprised expression. "Even the food counts as showing off? You already know I enjoy cooking."
Riveria gave him a meaningful look, crossing her arms. "Anything that amazed me today, I'm calling 'showing off.'"
Shirou let out a long sigh and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, I'm sorry if I was too... 'impressive' today," he said, grinning at his own joke.
Riveria smiled widely, feeling triumphant in their lighthearted argument. Yet, deep down, she didn't truly mind. Every moment spent with Shirou, even those filled with his unintentional "showboating," made her feel closer to him.