Chapter 95

People often refer to the jungle as “green hell.” That expression couldn’t be more fitting. It’s just that terrible here.

As we stepped into the dense forest at the entrance, we were greeted by thick trees and tangled vines. Along with bugs, humidity, and heat!

In this naturally formed maze, we could barely see a step ahead. Every meter we advanced, all sorts of vines and plant stems blocked our path. True to plants living in a dungeon, they were so tough they wouldn’t cut easily. Because of this, our group was channeling magical power into our weapons to clear paths.

“Ouch, it’s so cramped! Irene, is this direction right?”

“It should be. Look at this.”

Irene, who was diligently clearing a path in front, showed us an electronic map linked to an inertial navigation sensor. Even considering the sensor’s margin of error, we could confirm our position was moving straight ahead.

“If we go a little off course, we can take a more comfortable path. The forest density there is lower, and there’s a road. Should we turn back now?”

“I’m fine with anywhere. What about Violet?”

“Time is precious! Let’s just keep going like this!”

We weren’t here just for fun. We came to grow.

“Still, wouldn’t it be better if we took a more comfortable route? I’ll break the path.”

“Breaking the path? What do you mean?”

“Unit 1, assemble!”

Leaving my confused friends behind, I gathered some Violets who were advancing nearby. Since we could sense each other’s positions, we managed to gather without getting lost in the chaotic jungle.

“Assembly complete!”

As all the Violets in black masks came together, Unit 1 immediately gave orders.

“From now on, let’s create a path. Clear anything that blocks our way.”

“Understood.”

The Violet Squad unanimously drew their swords and axes. Our task now was that of an engineering corps. A fiery sword energy engulfed our blades, coated with red magical power.

-Crunch!

“Cut through everything!”

Dozens of Violets began to swiftly carve a path for the party to pass through. These tough shrubs, which seemed like they wouldn’t even be affected by a chainsaw, quickly fell. Soon, a passage wide enough for an adult man was created. My friends’ expressions were filled with awe.

“We can move like this. Let’s go!”

“Ah… I didn’t know we could do this. Not a bad idea.”

As Irene’s golden eyes sparkled with interest, the Violet Squad turned into a giant lawnmower, creating a comfortable path for us to tread.

Walking on the cleared path made things much easier. Yet, it was quite hot. Extremely muggy. Daphne, who was following behind, paused for a moment to wipe my sweat.

“Ah, thanks for that. It was uncomfortable getting in my eyes.”

“It’s definitely hot in the jungle. But how is everyone holding up? Unit 1?”

She pointed to the Violet squad working ahead and the other squad scouting around.

“Even Unit 1 Violets here are sweating profusely. The other Violets are wearing such cumbersome outfits and masks. They look extremely uncomfortable.”

Her reaction wasn’t mere worry. The air inside this dungeon was as stifling as a sauna, and my skin was starting to feel sticky. This wasn’t an exaggeration; it really felt like a sauna. The display on Daphne’s staff showed the temperature was about 40 degrees Celsius.

I’m curious how plants could grow so well in this heat. Could it be the power of Ether?

“Don’t worry, we won’t collapse from exhaustion.”

Unit 1 Violet pointed at the Twelfth Clone who was nearby us.

“That’s the Twelfth Clone. Can you see the steam rising around them?”

“Really? Did they put ice inside their body or something?”

“Exactly, it’s similar! They stuffed ice packs inside their clothes.”

With transport ability and an inventory, our supplies were limitless; we could receive items from outside the dungeon anytime we needed.

To prepare for the heat, we had made various arrangements beforehand. Our fridge was stocked with plenty of ice packs. We just needed to stuff ice packs inside the Violet’s clothes whenever needed. Even sending ice into the mask would cool things down a bit.

“Ah, I almost forgot to give this to you guys. If it gets hot, use this.”

Unit 1 and the Twelfth Clone handed out the cold ice packs and ice cream they just pulled out to our friends. Irene happily rubbed an ice pack against her cheek. Daphne also took out a cold water bottle from her inventory and handed it to me. The taste of the water was refreshing.

An hour went by like this.

“This feels like a picnic at this rate. We hardly see any monsters.”

“The academy has said they intentionally control the numbers for safety. The only weak monster in this blocking area is Scrags.”

Listening to their conversation, we leisurely walked through the jungle that the Violet Squad had cleared. Though there were vines and shrubs stacked on the ground, it wasn’t too tough to walk.

After we ventured out from the sea of tightly grown trees, we entered an area with sparse vegetation.

“This is where strange phenomena start. Everyone, be careful.”

A warning sign appeared right in front of us. It was similar to what we saw in the forest of Alchesia last time.

“Violet, remember what we learned last time? If there’s anything suspicious, throw a small object to check…”

-Boom!

“Yikes!”

“Wahhh!”

Before Irene could finish her sentence, a small explosion erupted ahead. Two Violet squad search team members who had advanced before us were engulfed in flames and flew back toward the party.

“I’m riding!”

“Stay still. I’ll put out the fire right now!”

Daphne, who hurriedly rushed over, pointed her staff and cast a spell. As water draped over them, the flames finally extinguished. When they tried to stand, she stopped them. Only after she treated them did the Violets manage to rise.

“They said there could be strange phenomena or traps. Did you just walk straight in?”

“Of course, I threw a marble. But it exploded massively.”

“What? That can’t be.”

Irene, puzzled, walked over to the spot. Seeing a strange haze rising from the ground, she carefully took out a marble and threw it. Just like earlier, flames erupted noisily, and she quickly ducked her head. It had much more power than expected.

“It’s true. It wasn’t your fault. I wouldn’t have imagined the strange phenomenon would be this strong…”

The party and the Violet Squad paused to examine the strange phenomenon area. While checking each one would be the proper procedure, it would take too much time.

“Everyone, assemble!”

I gathered all the Violets.

“I have a favor to ask of you. First, Irene, could you use your unique ability for us?”

“Why all of a sudden?… Fine.”

The sunlight radiating from Irene enveloped our bodies. With this, the Violets’ basic abilities were temporarily enhanced.

Now, let’s add something else.

“A barrier? For everyone?”

“Yeah, we need it. Please.”

“Alright. Everyone, gather closer.”

As Daphne struck the ground with the tip of her staff, the blessing of the blue eye surrounded us.

Now, all the bodies of the Violet Squad were wrapped in golden magical power, each sporting a pale green shield. They became several times sturdier than usual.

“I did what you asked, so now tell me why you asked for the unique ability.”

“This is why. Everyone, prepare!”

“Ah, you can’t be serious…”

“Hey, Violet. Where are you going? Ah, ah…”

Realizing the situation, Irene let out a small sigh, and bewildered Daphne stammered.

The Violet Squad stepped forward.

It is said that during World War II, there were countries that used prisoners for mine detection. I decided to base an interesting experiment on that idea.

How could we confirm where the traps and strange phenomena are? The quickest way is to check with our bodies.

So we charged forward.

“Charge!”

The Violet squad, bolstered and strengthened by buffs, ran ahead. Before long, our surroundings were filled with the sounds of various natural disasters.

“Follow me!”

“Wow, I never thought you’d actually do that. You really…”

“Uh… um, Violet, what’s going on? Wait?! What are you doing!”

As Unit 1 led the team further, the other Violets became their own mine detection devices, reporting in real-time where the strange phenomena were located.

“3 o’clock direction, 25 meters ahead, whirlpool phenomenon! You could get swept away, so move left.”

“12 o’clock direction, gravitational anomaly, walk 10 meters and then turn right with the party!”

“Step back for a moment. Lightning is coming! Get down!”

Using the information from the Violets, I managed to quickly navigate through the strange phenomenon area with my friends.

“I seriously didn’t think you could do that. No matter how much it’s your style…”

“But we got through quickly, didn’t we? There’s no need to spend time there.”

Shaking her head, Irene briefly turned her gaze to the side. Daphne looked at me, stunned.

“Wait a minute, Violet. What was that, um…”

“Hehehe…”

While I had nothing to say and scratched my head, the Violets began to appear one by one after passing through the strange phenomenon area.

“We’re here!”

Fortunately, most of the Violet squad emerged from the strange phenomena unscathed, thanks to the double buff that had strengthened them. Although some Violets met an unfortunate end, we summoned more to fill their spot, so it didn’t matter.

“That was too reckless. Next time, please explain what you’re going to do. Okay?”

“Got it…”

Though I got scolded by Daphne, our schedule managed to proceed at lightning speed.

A few hours later, we reached a hidden passage that led to the ruins.

It was soon time to get stronger.