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chapter-255

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“<<Dragon Union>>”

Amira’s face dominated the screen of Monitor #3 within the Guild’s hall. Her grip on Hannah’s neck was firm as she initiated the <<Dragon Union>>. Amy, her wide, cat-like eyes locked on the screen, found herself utterly captivated by the unfolding scene.

[Amira’s becoming more like the Guild Master. Maybe she’s even surpassed her…]

Amira had ascended beyond level 70, her collective progress not only enhancing her status ratings but also catapulting her attack power to impressive heights. Even Tsutomu had been visibly impressed after witnessing the sheer force behind the swing of her greatsword. Where she once struggled, Amira now wielded her <<Dragon Form>> with such ease that it seemed natural, no longer losing consciousness upon its disengagement.

“Salamander, I’m counting on you.”

“Byah!”

Leleia, the ever-steadfast Spiritualist, had sharpened her skill with the contracted Spirits, making her a potent Attacker — deadly in both close-quarters and ranged combat. Her debut on the horrifying side of the eighty-first layer had been stunning. She now experimented with Tsutomu, forging a <<Contract>> between him and the Sylph, using it to coordinate devastating combo attacks, while keeping an eye out for opportunities to assist Hannah and Xeno with new contracts as needed.

The recent research conducted by Ealdred Crow had shed light on elemental weaknesses that might dictate the trends going forward: fire and water magical skills were particularly effective on dark-elemental monsters, while earth skills proved deadly against those of the light element. For Leleia, a Spiritualist who thrived on elemental coverage, this revelation made her an irreplaceable asset in the current set of layers.

Amy’s thoughts drifted to her best friend, Diniel, who was likely still curled up asleep back at the Clan House. Despite Diniel’s current lethargy, Amy knew what she actually was — Diniel had dedicated nearly eighty years to perfecting her archery, honing it into a deadly art. On top of that, she was a veteran Explorer of God’s Dungeon whose experience and wisdom far outstripped herself.

The battle with the Winter General had illuminated an undeniable truth: both Amira and Leleia were exceptional, their base status ratings towering above the rest. Amy knew in her heart that it was only a matter of time before they surpassed her completely, and that knowledge left her torn, uncertain of her next step. [So Ealdred Crow got a Dualblader as a new member of their Team 1, but… Hmm, I dunno…]

Her gaze shifted to Monitor #1, where Ealdred Crow’s Team 1 was on full display. Showcased particularly prominently was the Dualblader who had recently replaced Sova after the assessment program. Though the man’s level had already surpassed 80, his movements, while certainly instructive, offered Amy little insight. His new skill, unlocked at level 80, seemed to lack practical value.

With her own level now sitting at 71, Amy faced an unsettling reality: the days of unlocking new skills would likely be behind her soon. After a certain point, only her status would rise, leaving her to refine the weapons she already had and the techniques she had already learned. If she wanted to keep pace, perhaps she would need to commission a new set of weapons.

[And that Team 1 Healer… it looks like she’s got some sort of problem with Tsutomu… though at least it doesn’t seem like a big deal yet. Still, it’s uncanny how similarly they do things.]

Stephanie, the Healer who had caused such a stir within the Guild, continued to hold her position in Team 1. Amy, having closely observed Tsutomu’s strategies, recognized the eerie precision with which Stephanie had replicated his techniques. It was not just mimicry; Stephanie had fine-tuned his style to complement her teammates.

These days, Stephanie was hailed as one of the most skilled Healers in town, surpassing even Tsutomu in the eyes of many. An article ranking the top three Healers had placed Tsutomu at the bottom, and while it had irked Amy, Tsutomu did not seem particularly bothered.

However, the debacle resulting from the nickname of ‘Lucky Boy’ had revealed a side of Tsutomu that few understood: he never forgot a slight, and he never left a favor unrepaid.

[The news is speculating that Korinna might take the main team spot on the ninetieth layer… but there’s no way that’s happening… right?]

Unless the ninetieth layer’s boss proved to be especially susceptible to a Channeler’s powers, Amy could not imagine Tsutomu being outdone by Korinna on sheer skill alone. The thought sparked a determination within her, — she resolved to push herself harder, to claim her place in the main team of Absolute Helix.

[Also, I never expected Silver Beast to rise this far…]

Her gaze fell on Monitor #2, where the Silver Beast Clan was being shown. They had gradually risen to prominence, with their Healer now considered the best among the top three. Their party composition was as unorthodox as it was effective.

The two Birdkin, who had transitioned to an evasion-based Tanking style, formed the vanguard, supporting their Attackers — Clan Leader Misil and a Sorcerer. The team was rounded out by Lorena, the renowned Conykin Mobile Healer. In essence, their lineup consisted of two evasive Tanks, two Attackers, and one exceptionally agile Healer.

The role of evasion-based Tanks had solidified within the dungeoneering scene, thanks in large part to early adopters like Silver Beast. Though the role was fraught with peril — one mistake could mean instant death — the potential for increased damage output made it an attractive option, allowing for quicker conclusions to battles.

Lorena, with her incredible speed, embodied the very spirit of Silver Beast. She avoided using <<Area Heals>>, opting instead to touch each ally directly, which allowed her to extend the duration of her support effects.

Ordinarily, evasion-based Tanks would be grouped with a Channeler to ensure seamless support. But Lorena, with her extraordinary mobility, managed to cover the entire battlefield on her own. Despite the inherent dangers of being a front-line White Mage, her heightened senses, particularly her long, sensitive ears, allowed her to navigate the chaos of battle without falling victim to a fatal strike.

The absence of a standard Tank was a double-edged sword, one that required careful balance. Misil, the Clan’s leader, shouldered this responsibility, acting as both Attacker and Tank to stabilize the team’s precarious dynamics. His ability to maintain this balance was what allowed Silver Beast’s main team to function as a cohesive and effective unit.

Silver Beast had now reached the same layer as Ealdred Crow, elevating them to one of the most talked-about Clans in the Guild. Their unconventional approach, the very instability that set them apart from the popular Ealdred Crow, also drew crowds of spectators, who cheered them on with fervent excitement.

[Hmm…]

Amy watched as other Clans surged ahead, leaving her with a growing sense of unease. Frustration gnawed at her as she stared up at the Monitors.

Her brooding was interrupted as a woman with striking red hair settled into the seat across from her.

“Kept you waiting, huh?”

“You sure did!”

“The meeting dragged on longer than I expected. My bad.” The woman — Camille, the Guild Master — offered a playful wink, clasping her hands in a gesture of apology.

Amy, feeling cornered and unsure of her next move, had opted to skip exploring God’s Dungeon today, choosing instead to seek Camille’s counsel.

Camille, dressed in her crisp navy-blue Guild uniform, glanced up at Monitor #3, where the image of her daughter, Amira, dominated the screen.

“Hey, that’s my little girl! Looks like she’s really giving it her all today, too.”

“……”

“Hehehe… You’re looking pretty down. But, well, you wouldn’t have come all the way here unless something was really bothering you, right?”

It had been some time since Amy had sought out Camille at the Guild, so Camille, clearly in high spirits, straightened up in her chair, ready to listen. After a deep, exasperated sigh at Camille’s almost childlike behavior, Amy finally spoke,

“…So here’s the thing — I don’t have a unique skill, and my Job isn’t really suited for long-ranged combat. I’d like to know if there’s any way someone like me can make it into Absolute Helix’s main team.”

“Hmm…” Hearing Amy’s earnest plea, Camille smiled knowingly. “In that case, I think it might be a good idea to bring in one more person for this conversation.”

“One more? Who?”

“That guy right there,” Camille responded, nodding toward someone behind Amy.

Startled, Amy turned to see Garm standing there, his towering frame casting a long shadow. His indigo-furred dog ears twitched with barely concealed irritation, making it clear that he was quite far from thrilled to be here.

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