Chapter 91 Exploring the 9th Floor and the Growth Limit
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Day 37, Morning – 9th Floor, Sanada Yakumo
”Master, six hostiles closing in from the front,” Sheena said.
”Understood. Saizou, check the path ahead. Are we clear of traps?” I asked.
Saizou gave a short, sharp trill in response. He turned back toward us, pressed a hand to his chest in a quick salute, and bowed his head.
”Sayaka, Rock, watch our six. Prepare for a pincer attack,” I commanded.
Seeing the path was clear, I glanced back to give my orders to Sayaka and her guard, Rock.
”On it!” Sayaka replied.
”Woof!” Rock barked.
I felt a brief flash of irritation. Rock was still trying way too hard to be “cute” by forcing that high-pitched yelp. I ignored the dog’s antics and charged toward the approaching goblin pack with Sheena at my side.
There were six in total – five grunts with swords and one wizard bringing up the rear. Sheena didn’t hesitate. She moved toward the pack with a calm, predatory grace, her rapier held steady. As the goblins swung their rusted blades at her, she danced through the steel, dodging every strike before driving her rapier through their throats and hearts.
I stayed on her flank, hacking my machete into any goblin that tried to slip past her or those too fixated on her lethal movements to notice me.
Suddenly, a sphere of flame flickered to life above the goblin wizard’s head. But just as the spell was about to fly, a spray of hot crimson erupted from the wizard’s neck. Saizou had struck. The fireball lost its guidance and sailed toward us, but we stepped aside with ease and finished off the remaining grunts.
”Sayaka-sama! Six more coming from the rear!” Sheena shouted, mid-thrust.
”Got it! ¹Ice Arrow!” Sayaka yelled.
Rock, who had been bracing for the fireball, pivoted his heavy shield toward the new threat. Sayaka conjured a shard of frozen ice above her head and loosed it. The bolt hissed through the air, punching straight through the lead goblin archer’s chest.
Rock stood firm in front of her, acting as a living fortress. Sheena and I didn’t give the rest a chance to recover; we doubled back and tore through the stragglers until the corridor was silent.
”This formation definitely saves on ²Mana Capacity,” I said, watching Saizou pick through the corpses for Magic Stones.
”It does,” Sheena replied. “With you and me in the vanguard, our clear rate is much higher. Saizou is proving his worth as well.”
”True. Rock is a solid tank, but he has no offensive pressure. Having you step up has opened up our tactical options,” I said.
As soon as we’d reached the 9th floor, Sheena had insisted on taking the lead. We tried a dual-vanguard setup, and it clicked perfectly. Now that she’d regained her sense of self, her movements were terrifyingly fluid.
She’d explained it as ³Beast Qi – a racial ability that allows Beastmen to channel Mana into raw physical power. It’s essentially their version of Physical Reinforcement magic. She told me that while she was mindless, she used it inefficiently, but now she could channel it with conscious, deadly precision.
We’d sparred briefly earlier, and even with my own magic active, I could barely keep track of her. If I were still D-rank, I wouldn’t have stood a chance. Beastmen can’t cast spells, but they make up for it by being natural engines of destruction.
The result was an offensive “Evasion Tank.” She draws the ⁴aggro, dodges, and counters, while I hit the flanks. The enemy rearguard tries to target us, but Saizou – who has already slipped into their shadows – slits their throats before they can fire.
It’s efficient. Even if they target Sayaka, Rock’s shield is a wall. We’ve moved past the days of burning Mana on Water Walls just to buy time. Now, we strike first.
”I didn’t realize how much easier this would be once you regained your personality, Sheena,” I muttered.
”It is all thanks to your love, Master,” she said, her voice dropping to a sultry tone. “I will protect you and Sayaka-sama. You have nothing to fear.”
”That’s a bit of a blow to my pride. Just wait – I’m going to get strong enough that you won’t feel the need to say that,” I replied.
”Fufu… I look forward to it. That is the man I love, after all,” she said.
Sheena leaned in, her cheeks flushed as she wrapped her arm around mine and rested her head on my shoulder. The change in her was staggering. She wasn’t just a loyal soldier anymore; she was expressive and bold.
She’d been glued to my arm since we left the room this morning. Back at the teleportation hub, the other male testers looked like they were ready to weep tears of blood from pure envy. I didn’t mind – honestly, it was hilarious.
”We need to push to the next floor,” I said. “Stronger prey means faster growth.”
”Yes. Your growth rate is anomalous, Master. You’ll likely shatter the human ⁵Growth Limit. Normally, you could slaughter a thousand E-rank goblins and never see C-rank,” Sheena explained.
She’d told me about the “Limit” over breakfast. In her world, every race has a cap. Beastmen usually peak at C. Humans at C+. Only “Heroes” or “Mutants” – those who can absorb soul essence more efficiently – ever break into A-rank.
Apparently, I’m one of those mutants. Remia mentioned that Earthlings grow fast, but I’m on another level entirely. Even Freya hinted at it in those “dreams” – which I’m starting to realize are anything but dreams.
If I have the potential for A-rank, or even just a solid B+, then Lilith and Freya are finally within reach. The thought of finally bedding them was all the motivation I needed.
I took the Magic Stones from Saizou and signaled the party to resume the search.
—
Summary:
Yakumo’s party begins exploring the 9th floor with a new offensive formation centered on Sheena’s ‘Evasion Tank’ role. Sheena explains the concept of ‘Growth Limits,’ revealing that Yakumo has the rare potential of an A-rank Hero. The chapter ends with Yakumo motivated to rank up quickly to satisfy his desires for Lilith and Freya.
—
Trivia:
- Sheena is now using ‘Beast Qi’ consciously, which is different from standard magic.
- Rock is the shield-user but currently lacks offensive power.
- Saizou is a stealth/assassin unit that moves independently.
- Normally, killing lower-ranked enemies like E-rank Goblins wouldn’t help a C-rank person rank up, but Yakumo’s ‘mutant’ trait bypasses this.
- The other testers at the hub are extremely jealous of Yakumo’s intimacy with Sheena
—
Character Insight:
Sheena has transitioned from a passive slave to an affectionate, proactive partner. Yakumo’s drive is shifted toward raw rank-up speed fueled by the realization of his elite potential.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The concept of ‘Growth Limits’ is a common light novel mechanic used here to highlight Yakumo’s status as an ‘Irregular’ or ‘Hero-tier’ protagonist.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Yakumo – A 25-year-old human male. He has facial scars, stab wounds, and gunshot scars from his time in a war zone. He works as a school guard.
• Sana – Black ponytail, hooded/sharp eyes, kyudo practitioner, average height.
• Sheena – Beastman Soul-less Doll with rabbit ears and a large chest. Flawless face, approx 165cm height, F or G cup, narrow waist, large hips, and a fluffy tail longer than a rabbit’s. Now, her ego is back.
• Saizou – A newly summoned Goblin. Intelligent with a small horn on his forehead and jagged teeth. Wears ninja-style clothing (shinobifuku) and uses poison daggers/knives.
• Sayaka – The academy’s premier beauty and a member of the swimming club. Currently classified as a Rank 1 Slave. She is seventeen years old and a virgin. E-cup. She has blue, short, boyish hair. Her best friend is Sanae.
• Rock – A male Kobold summoned from a Magic Sealing Crystal. He has grey fur, round eyes, and a face resembling a Shiba Inu. He wears a leather jacket and a pilot’s cap
• Freya – A new ‘Wall-Butt’ succubus with long white hair, a high-class appearance resembling a high school student, and large breasts. She is currently trapped in a wall-style display for slave purchase.
• Remia – A cheerful and mischievous succubus with long purple hair and a massive breasts reaching ‘explosive’ levels. Acts as a guide and explains slave systems. Knows Sanada by reputation. Rank B Mana Capacity. Intelligent and persuasive.
• Lilith – The pink haired maso succubus.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply