Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 73: Depths of the Mine

Episode 73: Depths of the Mine

“(Alright, I understand. I can’t make useful weapons from these minerals.)”

After completely mining out a mountain, I reached this conclusion. 

It had been a few days since I arrived at the Goronomea Mountain Range. During this time, I had experimented with various weapons: hammers that explode when struck, shields that absorb impacts, spears that ignite at room temperature, and explosive arrows coated with highly flexible metal. 

I also tried arrows that drain |Mana|, armor resistant to temperature changes, and chains that inject mineral toxins into bound targets, among other things. 

However, none of these had high enough base specs. Their special effects were weak, and their strength was insufficient, breaking under a full swing. 

Well, given that the materials are from the Lesser Beast Region, it’s understandable. To create usable weapons, I would need to reach at least the Grand Beast Region. 

“(Hmm, should I head further in…?)”

Although I had been cautious since arriving, I had become quite accustomed to mining. My efficiency had improved significantly, and I had also acquired and upgraded some [Skills].

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~Skill Details~

[Digging] → [Perforation] (NEW)

• • • • Can ignore a certain percentage of the ground’s hardness. Provides a strength boost when perforating.

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The mining speed was increased, and the strength boost from [Perforation] also activated when making holes in living creatures, improving my combat ability as well. 

It seemed like it was time to move to the next step. 

“([Replicant Form]!)”

With eight forest chains as legs, I sped through the mountain terrain. The constantly active [Concealment] made my movements eerily silent.

I encountered steep valleys and cliffs, but my speed hardly changed thanks to the spikes attached to the tips of the forest chains.

“(Hahaha, it’s fun to go all out every now and then)!”

I leaped dynamically from cliff to cliff, shouting. Since I had been careful not to overexert myself while mining and getting buried alive, I felt an unparalleled sense of liberation from this full-force exercise.

“([Lightning Strike]!)”

“Gegyo!?”

I cast my [Unique Skill] at a Golem near my path. 

The lightning strike hit the Golem’s chest and exploded its rocky body.

Lately, I had been using lightning strikes to deal with weaker magical beasts. I had stopped needing to replenish the fruit trees, and |Mana| had been accumulating.

“(For now, I’ll leave it at this.)”

After running for a while, I arrived in the Grand Beast Region. Judging from the |Mana|, it seemed that I might reach the Sovereign Beast Region if I continued. But I decided to mine here first just in case.

It seems there is a human settlement to the north of this mining area. The reason I hadn’t encountered any humans so far was that no one would venture into the Sovereign Beast Region just to reach the Lesser Beast Region. 

However, it’s possible that Hero-rank adventurers or daredevils might come into the Sovereign Beast Region. Although encounters with humans were extremely rare, as it was back in my hometown’s forest, I wanted to be thoroughly prepared.

First, I would gather enough materials in the Grand Beast Region and make sure I could leave the mining area without regret if I encountered unexpectedly strong opponents in the Sovereign Beast Region.

“(Let’s start with this mountain.)”

I chose the initial mining site somewhat randomly and landed at the base of a cliff. Then I switched the imitation weapon from forest chains to a chain shovel.

Just as I was about to start digging with the chain shovel, I sensed a rise in |Mana| from above.

“What’s that?”

When I looked up, a large object was being dropped.

It was a Golem. Unlike the [Lesser Beast] or the [Greater Beast] version, this giant Golem was around three meters tall. It was falling from above.

“Gogo…”

“““Gegyakgyakgyak!”””

Next, I heard three laughter-like voices.

The sources of the unpleasant, metal-scraping voices soon appeared. They were also on the cliff. Judging by their size, one was a [Grand Beast] and the others were [Greater Beasts].

Their bodies were made of gray stone, with horns and wings, but they looked like Golems at first glance.

However, it was clear they were not allies. 

The dropped Golem was being mocked, and the winged golems slowly descended, flapping their wings.

“Gegyak!”

One of the winged golems aimed its arms at the dropped Golem. 

|Mana| gathered there, forming a stone spear, which was shot out at high speed.

The Golem was pierced through the head by the stone spear and ceased moving. 

Golems die when their heads or chest are destroyed.

The three winged golems landed on the ground and began to trample the Golem’s corpse. Their sharp claws scraped away at the Golem’s body.

“(Don’t damage my materials too much. [Challenge], [Bewitching Gleam])”

“““Gegyakgyak!?”””

I dispelled [Concealment] and drew the attention of the winged golems.  

Despite the obvious difference in strength, I used my [Skill] to prevent the winged golems from escaping. They had no choice but to fight me.

“““Giiirururu!”””

The three winged golems unleashed a barrage of [Skill] attacks.  

They mainly used [Skills] that manipulated stone and iron, and I could feel the presence of |Mana| from each attack. It kind of gave the impression of magic similar to what humans use.

Maybe instead of winged golems, they’re more like magic golems…? 

No, but they seem to be a different species from golems. With those devilish horns, should I call them Gargoyles instead?

“(…Alright, enough of this.)”

I endured their attacks for a while, observing their characteristics. Although they relied mainly on [Skill] attacks, they were also proficient in close combat, using the claws on their hands and feet.  

Having seen what I needed to, it was time to finish them off.

“([Lightning Strike], Triple.)”

Three bolts of lightning shot toward each of the Gargoyles.  

The stone shields they hastily raised were pierced through, and the lightning roasted their bodies beyond.

However, as expected of a [Grand Beast], one of them barely survived the lightning attack. 

I prepared to fire another shot with my [Unique Skill], but something unexpected made my eyes widen.

“(What? It’s getting stronger!?)”

The ‘Grand Beast’ Gargoyle, despite being wounded, dashed forward with incredible speed. 

Its [Skill] attacks grew fiercer, and a barrage of stone and iron rained down on me.

“(What the hell just happened…?)”

Though puzzled, I swung the chain shovel and managed to bring the Gargoyle down.