We cautiously made our way through the dimly lit cave, there were no monsters present at the moment. After walking more, we exited the narrow cave walls. The location changed to a more open area.

The ground was uneven, rocks of all sizes being all over the place as if it grew from the ground. We had to be careful not to trip or anything, but there was another problem.

An increase of monsters could very well appear at this very moment. I didn’t want an ambush to occur to us so I scanned the area. A group of five green humanoid monsters roamed around, seemingly unaware of their surroundings.

I pointed at their location, the five nodded as everyone here had the same thoughts. Cynthia rushed at the monsters, dagger in her hand. She slashed the goblin on their throat, blood spurting as the goblin hovered over his neck.

Leon threw his spear, impaling the goblin rushing towards Cynthia. The goblin fell backwards as he temporarily blocked another goblin before he turned into a puff of mana.

Rick charged a fireball, and aimed it at the target. The target burned similarly to the spider, but faster as his body wasn’t as durable.

The last goblin was shot by an arrow. For good measure Arakawa shot another, sure enough the goblin dropped a tiny piece of an unrefined mana stone.

Goblins are considered the weakest monsters in the whole world. They don’t pose much of a threat to people. Even villagers can deal with them. I haven’t heard of a case of goblins overwhelming a village ever. There’s a big power difference between us and goblins.

This is why they’re rarely seen outside dungeons as they can’t survive in the wild. I’m not exaggerating when I say this, but a goblin can be killed by a child. I mean, we are able to use mana the moment we are born, it isn’t surprising we can deal with them.

I collected the unrefined mana stones on the ground. It wasn’t much since they are weak, but it’s better than nothing. I spotted a herd of twelve monsters heading our way.

The red ant monsters had four legs and two arms. The red ants didn’t even look like it’s normal counterpart, for some reason all dungeon monsters are way bigger, making for some unpleasant situations.

Still, from what I know, this won’t be an easy battle. This type of monster tends to be difficult for inexperienced people who have never been in a dungeon or haven’t encountered this red ant.

I found a place which would suffice on keeping our belongings face. Normally, someone else should carry the bag, but it isn’t possible by the assessment of the academy.

Stolen novel; please report.

I quickly dropped my bag onto a rock to give my mobility back, I couldn’t afford to risk any causality. I unsheath my weapon, and sprinted at the monsters, ready for combat.

Cynthia attacked one of the ants, her dagger barely piercing the hard shell of the monster. Her eyes widened as she took a step backwards. The red ant leaped at Cynthia, seemingly gliding as they quickly closed the distance.

Luckily this was enough time for me to intercept the attack, as my shield made contact with the monster's mandible. I was pushed back by the impact as I didn’t have the best position.

I swung my sword, plunging the red ants eye. A sudden rush of speed appeared on my body. I took full advantage, I kicked the ant, sending it in the air as I took my sword out. I had no intention of attacking further because I was waiting for someone.

True to my expectations, a weapon stabbed the ant with such strength it pierced its whole body. Leon yanked his weapon out of the ant, finalizing the kill.

We paid no attention to each other, not acknowledging our existence as we had to scan the area for the rest of the red ants.

Arakawa’s barrage of arrows made significant damage to the ants, slowing them enough for Rona and Rick to attack comfortably. Leon and Cynthia went to support the other three.

I was planning to do the same when from the corner of my eye I saw something moving. I immediately moved, blocking the attack. A screeching sound indicated my shield being damaged.

A dark humanoid monster with very long arms, each having three claws sharp as knives. No wonder it made a slight dent on my shield, no it must’ve scratched it.

To have the ability to damage my shield to this extent, this must mean it’s the strongest monster in this area. Although I find it strange that they suddenly appear, there’s no time to worry about such things.

I went on the defensive, blocking the incoming attacks until I saw an opening. I slashed the monster and retreated instantly, a hit and run. I did significant damage to the monster, if this continued I would surely win in a matter of minutes.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to waste so much time due to this, I sped the attack, leaving myself more vulnerable. I continued this for a couple of times before the monster charged a mana filled attack.

I placed my shield on the ground, and a mana barrier appeared, protecting me. The same type of barrier I used during my second day of the academy.

This barrier should guard me from any attack from this monster. It isn’t strong enough for it to pierce the barrier. We aren’t deep enough in the dungeon to encounter monsters of such capabilities.

As such, although the barrier wasn’t bad per say, it wasn’t well enough for more dangerous spells. But as I explained earlier, I had everything in control. The attack was launched, the attack seemingly did no damage as the barrier didn’t react.

That’s strange it should’ve reacted, if not then—

I clicked my tongue as I misjudged the attack.

It wasn’t an attack, it was a call for backup.