Chapter 32
With Vlad's Echolocation skill, he can map all the areas in the dungeon, including the hidden ones that were supposed to be untrackable without the use of proper items. This skill also allows him to see through everything when he focuses all his senses. This was the very first skill Vlad had mastered using in this world.
The only time when this skill had failed him was when he tried to track this dungeon. It seems like the dungeon has been s.h.i.+elded with a spell that blocks tracking magic such as his own Echolocation. He was only able to use it when he was actually inside the dungeon itself.
Realizing this, and seeing how big, detailed, and how well the boss or bosses can control the dungeon they're currently in, Vlad was in the conclusion that the dungeon must be a mid-level dungeon, if not, high-level.
He thinks that if that is so, then there can be some unexpected scenarios that he will be put on to.
[So, Vlad-san... This ancient ruins... is actually a dungeon, huh?]
[That's right. Since there was not a single adventurer ever came back from observing this place, I guess the guild was not able to know of its existence.]
[Un...] Alicia nodded.
She then turns her still worried eyes to Vlad and asks:
[Vlad-san... Can you tell me what's Caiden's current situation...?]
[Hmm... He's... He's currently fighting against five Antlions.]
[Five Antlions...!?]
[Un. Don't worry, it seems he's doing well dealing with them.]
(It's just as expected. Now that Caiden's level had improved a little since that time when I challenged him, dealing with five Antlions wouldn't be much of a problem for him... That's if they won't suddenly multiple that is.)
Antlions also exist in the game Vlad had played. They're common monsters found in mid and high leveled dungeons. Vlad knows the basics of how they act and how they work as a colony type monsters, and so he knows that Caiden's situation might suddenly become dangerous. If Caiden lets one of them wails and calls the others, he's finished.
But of course, Vlad did not tell that to Alicia to not make her any more worried.
[Vlad-san... I've been wanting to ask since earlier... But what kind of magic do you use... You told us that you're a mage, but I have never seen a mage that uses some kind of magic that lets them see through walls...]
[Is that so...? I'm just an ordinary mage... Don't think of me any further than that. About the magic I used... It's a secret.]
(Calling Echolocation 'magic' had really helped me a lot.)
The difference between 'skill' and 'magic'. Reading the books of this world, particularly ones that focus on magic, he realized that 'skills' does not exist in this world. Even power-ups are considered as magic in this world when in the game, it was not.
In the game, there's a clear and obvious difference between the
Echolocation is one of Vlad's race skills, which his race was already provided with. He told Alicia that it was his 'magic' as to not confuse her what was 'skills' if he says so otherwise.
[Still... I have never seen such magic... Even the magic you've used earlier, 'Flash' was it? I have never seen such magic that can light up an entire floor of a dungeon...]
[Is that so...?]
[That was why... Can you tell me how did you learn those magic? What kind of mage are you?]
[Hmm... I don't have any obligation to answer that...]
[...] Alicia turned silent after Vlad's answer.
Of course, Vlad was only avoiding answering her question because he can't answer them.
[Vlad-san... If I say I want to be your student, will you accept...?] she said, stopping her feet from walking and stood only straight beside Vlad.
(...) Vlad was stunned.
[Huh...?] escaped Vlad's mouth slowly, mixed with annoyance and confusion.
With this reaction from Vlad, Alicia turned serious, her face frowned and she bit her lip hard.
[I... I want to be the strongest and greatest mage there is... I actually thought that I will be able to achieve that dream only a few years from now... but seeing and meeting you, I realized that there's no way for me to achieve that dream... that is if I won't be able to surpa.s.s you.]
[...]
[I was the top student when I graduated from the academy. I didn't even fight a single battle for the kingdom yet when I was recruited as one of the hero's companions. I recognize my self as a prodigy, and so as everybody else. I thought I was easily going to be the best.]
After those words, she turned her head to Vlad's face and said:
[I don't think any experienced mage will be able to help me surpa.s.s you, other than you teaching me yourself.]
[That... I'm sorry, but I already have some troublesome students of my own.]
[Huh...? You mean those slaves...? Just what are you planning to do teaching them? If you're already this powerful, why do you still have to teach your combat slaves...?] she annoyingly asked.
[I've still yet to teach them magic and techniques, but I'm confident they're more skillful than you are.]
[Hu-Huh!?]
[Unlike you, they already have much experience with all kinds of situations. With me as their guide, they've already fought with monsters much much stronger than any you have ever fought.]
In the past week, Vlad had trained them to their limits. Fighting foes that are much higher in level, only defeating them with skills, strategy, and teamwork. Vlad had also put them into situations where they could lose their lives, and he taught them ways that will allow them to survive.
Right now...
[Those slaves... Unlike you, they will never make any mistakes that will trouble me.]
[Are... Are you mocking me...!?]
[Of course not... All that I'm saying is they're no ordinary slaves, they're my students. It's better not looking down on them.] looking back at Alicia's eyes with seriousness, he replied.
[Hmm... And about why I decided to train them... That's a secret too.]
[Tsk! Enough of those slaves! Answer me! Will you teach me or not!?]
Pus.h.i.+ng her question to him further with her whole face turning red in anger, Vlad was not able to immediately think of a reply.
(Well... It looks like she's more trouble than those trios... I don't think I will be able to handle this girl. Additionally... I have no reason to train her too at all...)
[Come on! Which is it! I'll pay you, just tell me how much you want!]
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(Hmm...)
Name: Alicia Silverstone
Level: 62
Job Cla.s.s: Mage/ Summoner
Health: 1239/1239
(Well... She definitely grew from when the first time I've met her... She's the most compatible person I could teach, but... I don't like her att.i.tude....)
[Alicisan... Why exactly do you want to become the strongest...? Why do you want me to teach you?] Vlad asked the most trivial question.
[That's... I just want to become a help to someone... To the person who said he'll be the strongest...] she replied hesitantly.
(It's Arthur, isn't it...? Should I call it lucky...? Or Unlucky? That b.a.s.t.a.r.d of a guy... I wonder what did he do to have this girl's affection?) Vlad muttered to himself, scratching the top of his head.
[Haah... I'm sorry, but I don't think I will be able to teach you...]
(Not with that shabby reason...)
[Wh-why!? You accepted teaching slaves but you won't teach a n.o.ble like me!?]
[You are, huh? Well, it's not surprising.]
[You didn't know...? Aren't you a n.o.ble yourself!? My family's name are known to all n.o.ble families even outside of this country! If you know that, then you should accept my request!]
[Stop kidding around. I'm not a n.o.ble of some kind. I'm just an ordinary person.]
[No-Not n.o.ble... An ordinary person...] as if she was not able to believe what she just heard, she stared blankly stared at the face of Vlad.
[I can't believe it... But then... That's the more reason you should accept my request! If you're a commoner, then you can't disobey a n.o.ble!]
[Is that how it works...?]
(I guess it is, huh? And now she's threatening me with it. She looks really desperate about it...)