Epic of Caterpillar
chapter-1774

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These monsters were humanoid Fish-like monsters the locals called Fishmen. These monsters looked more fish than person, but had two arms and two legs, and a long tail to propel themselves across water. Their heads were those of fish of random appearances and held a very simplistic level of intelligence similar to monkeys, they were not compassionate nor had emotions either, so they were barbaric and monstrous by nature.

These types of monsters were in very few quantities in this dungeon and the fishermen rarely spotted them before, but since "something" awakened within the Dungeon by the wave of Miasma they reported to have reached this place before, the Fishmen have multiplied in numbers to ridiculous digits, and were now hundreds, and of all sorts of types, from small, medium sized, and giants.

They had also become organized and more cruel than before, hunting down the fishermen and even the subjugation groups that came here with traps and by manipulating the water for their advantage. They had already taken the lives of many and have completely left this place as their territory, and of course, to their King.

"GAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

As over a hundred Fishmen approached us through swimming rapidly while holding sharp tridents and conjuring magic to move the water to their advantage, we heard the laugher of a monstrous being from the depths of this dungeon's floors.

"To think there would be someone daring and bold enough to come all the way to my domain! After I've taken the lives of your kin, do you still dare set foot in MY dungeon? Master will be pleased once I serve your heads on a plate to him, especially you, summoned hero!"

The voice was probably the culprit behind everything, a monster created by the Genie's Miasmic Manipulation Powers and his ability to brainwash and evolve monsters to stronger variants. He had already sent us the Swarm Queen and her swarm of monsters, and then the dragons and wyverns, and before that we had to fight armies of walking cactuses, then the Slugs and the damn Fiery Ants.

"This voice is… Is he the Fishman King?" Wondered Sol. "So this bastard can speak and he's intelligent! I suppose this is the reason why they had become so organized!"

"I can sense a powerful Cosmic Aura, these Fishmen all are boosted by it as well." Frank said while thinking.

"He knows who Kireina is?!" Wondered Fiere in surprise.

"I could guess he does. This confirms he's brought here by the Genie." I nodded while analyzing the situation calmly.

In mere seconds, we were surrounded by over a hundred Fishmen of all shapes and sizes. Some resembled flatfish, others resembled eels, a few resembled small sharks, others white sharks, some resembled hammerhead sharks, some of them were as big as whales, and more.

"Kehehehe! We've got you surrounded!"

"Master has given us brand new powers, we are not as weak as before!"

"We won't be hunted anymore!"

"We'll feast on your blood!"

"Tear them apart! I want to eat that little girl already!"

"The one with wings looks so tastyyyyyyy~!"

As the Fishmen began to intimidate us, we continued talking without caring about their threats.

"This Dungeon is composed of around four or five floor so I am guessing the Boss is at the last floor." Frank analyzed. "The dungeon is like an underground tower, there's "floors" which are just parts where one can stand, but we can go all the way down… as long as we are not bothered by flies."

"That seems rather impossible." Brunhild sighed. "Ah, can I use magic underwater?"

"At your level you can even bring fire underwater, but try to use water magic for now, imitate Aquamarine's attacks." I told Brunhild. "Try to use the water in your surroundings to fight. You too, Ariant, Eriant. You guys can feel the spirits of water, right?"

"We can!" Ariant said.

"They're here with us!" Eriant agreed.

"Good! Bring them out, ask them for aid!" I told them.

"Ah…" Sighed Sol. "Another environment where my flames are not completely useful… But even then, I shall improvise. Sunlight can pass through water after all…" Sol's sword began shining like a bright sunlight ray.

"O-Oi! Why are you so relaxed?!"

"You damn bastards, do you think you stand a chance against over a hundred of us?!"

"Big bro! They're looking down on us!"

A comically large whale fishmen called the "big bro" of the group, a small white shark-type fishmen with a stupid smile.

"Let's crush them, everyone!" The leader of the band said. "Once we tear their limbs apart they won't be as confident!"

"YEEAAAAAH!"

The Fishmen began to unleash powerful Auras loaded with Cosmic and Miasmic Essence melded together, the same fashion as the slugs and the damn ants we fought just some hours ago. Even their weapons began to overflow with such power.

Their smiles continued to widen as they laughed, completely drowning in their power, unaware that their true strength wouldn't be as much if it wasn't because of these boosts. Fishmen were particularly weaker than the Fiery Ants we fought, so big and strong that a single soldier could destroy the whole town if we let them get in.

"RAAAAH! DIE!"

The hundreds of Fishmen swam towards us rapidly, unleashing rays of Cosmic power and Miasmic Essence melding them with the water, laughing evilly as they attempted to crush us by charging all at the same time.

"Aquamarine, [Weapon Embodiment]!"

FLASH!

I called upon my Ego Accessory, as he quickly took his Knife-shaped appearance, a beautiful blue and clear, blue-colored knife with gills-like decorations on its handle. Powerful essence flowed from within as I loaded it with Mana, while also holding Shadrach with my other hand.

"Watch and try to mimic this, Brunhild, Ariant, Eriant." I said, unifying the power of my two blades as I recalled some old sword techniques and converged them together with Katana Arts and Magic Knife Arts put together.

"[Dual Blade Arts]: [Water & Fire Dance]!"

FLUOOOOSH!

Water and Flames converged together, spiraling around as I swung both blades horizontally! An enormous wave of flames and water spiraling together in perfect harmony!

SLAAAAAAASSSSHHH!

The enormous attack swept through the waters, the Fishmen screamed in agony as they were sliced into pieces, dying the water red with their blood and guts!

And from within the depths of the Dungeon, I heard the surprised voice of a little fish.

"W-What?! How can you use fire underwater?!"

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