We finally reached the deepest part of the dungeon, fending off the monsters that occasionally respawned along the way.
Before us stood the massive doors to the boss room. They were surprisingly ornate, looking entirely out of place against the rugged, cave-like surroundings.
Peering inside, I saw a wide hall paved with masonry and stone slabs. There was no sign of anything resembling a boss yet, but...
"So, this is the dungeon’s boss room."
"Dao. I made it this far during my preliminary investigation, dao. It’s likely the type where the boss spawns once you step inside, dao."
To think Alto delved this deep solo... though I suppose the current Tria-chan could manage it too, if it were just a matter of reaching the bottom.
Unlike Alto, Tria was a melee type, so it might be harder for her to wipe out monsters attempting to flee.
...Then again, if it was just about sneaking, Miti-chan could probably handle it as well. In fact, she’d likely stroll right through a Monster House by blending in with the crowd.
"……Uughh."
"Are you doing okay, Prince? Here, drink a potion, ssu. It’ll make you feel better, ssu."
"You have my gratitude……"
The palanquin had been shaking violently during our trek, so the Prince was naturally groggy and motion-sick.
"Since the Prince is in this state, let’s take a short break before we challenge the boss."
"You have my gratitude……"
"Don’t mention it, brother."
"I do not believe we are brothers, however……"
Don’t be like that. We’re comrades who’ve appreciated the same cleavage, aren’t we? Yeah! I saw you! I saw you staring through that little window at the back of the palanquin, eyeing her valley with everything you had!!
Nika-chan was bouncing like crazy, wasn't she?!
"By the way, Alto-shi. Are you not letting Nika-chan wear a bra, ssu? That’s going to damage her Cooper’s ligaments, ssu. They’re going to sag, ssu."
"Eh? If they take damage, I can just fix it with recovery magic or potions, so I can let them bounce as much as I want, dao. Besides, it’s a game, so there’s no point worrying about that kind of thing, dao."
"I suppose that’s true, ssu."
The theory that game girls' breasts don't sag because recovery magic heals the damage to the Cooper’s ligaments... I see. That’s a plausible explanation.
"Nika-chan, give us some little hops, dao!"
"Fueh?! Y-Yes, Alto-sama!"
"O-o-o! This is eroticism within the bounds of not triggering an Erotic Judgment, dao! You lot, feel free to worship, dao!"
"Nice! Woo-hoo! Much appreciated!"
"Yay! Little sister’s boobs are bouncing all they want!"
Alto, Miti-chan, and I gathered around Nika-chan and made a ruckus.
Don't worry, I'll keep the potions ready! Just in case! Large chests are precious assets, after all!
"Honestly, what are you making her do? Besides, a bra prevents shaking, which actually improves athletic performance, you know?"
"It’s true that from a physics calculations standpoint, it’s easier to move if they’re secured and don’t bounce, dao. ……But! We have to consider the romance, dao! Breasts that feel firm when touched through clothes are for the real world only, dao!"
"Eh? Are breasts firm when you touch them over clothes?! Is that the Ethics Filter!?"
"Eh?"
"O……"
Wait, why did you both go silent?!
"……"
"……"
What is with those pitying looks?! Don't look at me like I'm some poor soul who doesn't know anything about the world!
"……Lord Tria."
"Y-Yeah. What is it, Prince?"
"Well, how should I put this... If you would like, shall I introduce you to a clothing store? Or perhaps a high-class brothel that serves as the royal bedroom instructor? Ah, strictly as a guest, of course."
"Thanks for nothing! That’s it, you’re not my brother anymore! Waaaaah!"
Besides, it wouldn't even work! It would just get Erotic Skipped! Dammit!
Break time was over.
Nothing else happened. Got it?
"Well then, time to go challenge the boss, dao."
"What do we know about it?"
"It’s supposedly a magma giant of the fire element, ssu. I’ve prepared a massive stock of disposable weapons to deal with it, ssu."
"It is no mere fire element. It is an Elementalion…… a State Destroyer."
Heeh, a fire element...
"Elementalion…… Hmm, sounds like a tough one."
"Actually, I believe I provided that information during the preparation phase. That is precisely why I requested the aid of you Spirit-possessed. ……Can you defeat it?"
I won't know for sure until I see the thing.
"If it looks impossible, we'll just run for it, dao."
"Agreed. First, let's check if this is the type where we're locked in once the battle starts. Miti-chan, Clone!"
" "On it—!" "
Good girl, good girl. I patted her heads with both hands.
Just to clarify the difference between a Clone and a Split: a Clone doesn't consume physical volume even if it's destroyed. It only costs MP. However, they are weaker than a Split and have many restrictions—for instance, the Spirit cannot directly operate them.
Still, for this kind of suicide reconnaissance, a Clone is by far the better tool.
"Alright, go for it, Clone Miti-chan. Move out!"
"Roger! Miti, heading o—ff!"
"Ah, wait!"
Despite the Prince’s attempt to stop her, Miti-chan’s Clone was already inside the door—Bam!! The doors slammed shut.
I see, so they’re automatic...
"The doors to the boss room close of their own accord and will not open until the battle is concluded!"
"Eh, really? If it’s an unbeatable boss, that means zero survivors."
Then how did anyone bring the information back? It was one of those classic gaming tropes. Like a horror story where everyone dies, yet there’s a detailed record of the events left behind for some reason.
"……If you use this before entering, the doors will not close."
"Hmm? Prince, what’s that triangular thing? A model of cheese? Is it a ritual item?"
"It is just a door stopper?"
It was purely mechanical. I guess that actually works in this world...