Volume 2 Chapter 29
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”I knew she was the [Samurai of Solitude¹]… but man, Sakurako-san is just on another level…”
I think it’s only natural that I ended up saying something like that.
We were currently on the third floor of a Phase Five Dungeon².
As you’d expect from a Phase Five, the Monsters were incredibly tough starting right from the first floor, but by the time you hit the third, their strength really started reaching absurd levels.
The thing standing in front of us right then was a ‘Tyrant Minotaur’—a massive, lightning-fast, and frankly monstrously powerful creature.
Yet, even a beast like that was being one-sidedly shredded by Sakurako-san.
”True. Even moving at that speed, she’s likely not even close to showing her true power,” said Mana.
”Yeah, yeah! Minami and the rest of us could probably keep up with her current pace, but it feels like she’s still got several more gears she hasn’t even shifted into yet!” exclaimed Minami.
”Hmph. Well, she didn’t solo her way up to the 19th floor for nothing,” remarked Haruka.
”I totally get it… even we might be able to give a Tyrant Minotaur a run for its money now, but there’s no way we could leave one a total wreck that easily,” Maria added.
As we stood there exchanging idle chatter, Sakurako-san—having effortlessly reduced the Tyrant Minotaur to a cloud of smoke—walked back toward us.
”Great work, Sakurako-san,” I said.
”Ah, I’m not even that tired! The Tyrant Minotaur’s attacks pack a punch if they actually land, so I handled it this time,” Sakurako replied.
”But once you guys get a bit more adjusted to Phase Five, these are Monsters you should be able to take down without much trouble!” Sakurako continued.
”Is that so… well, I wouldn’t call it ‘easy,’ but it didn’t feel like an unbeatable enemy, at least…” I mused.
Trading words like that, we continued deeper into the dungeon, which felt like the interior of some ancient, sacred temple.
”Oh, a ‘Double-Head Centaur’ up next! Its attacks aren’t that heavy, so it’s perfect for you guys to get some leveling in!” Sakurako noted.
Following the recommendation of Sakurako, we decided to handle the combat this time.
This was our first real challenge in a Phase Five Dungeon.
A huge part of our confidence came from the fact that Sakurako was watching our backs and hand-picking Monsters that were manageable for us.
However, our party, ‘Resonant Melody,’ had actually been holding our own quite well since the first floor.
Since we had all started picking up Phase Five skills, we were at that stage where combat was just pure, addictive fun.
If this two-headed centaur was as manageable as she says, I definitely wanted to give it a go.
By the way, here’s a quick breakdown of the skills we had acquired so far.
Regarding Mana:
Phase Zero: Dungeon Energy Mastery³
Phase One: (Dungeon Energy Cloak)
Phase Two: (Dungeon Energy Bombardment)
Phase Three: (Dungeon Energy Granting)
Phase Four: (Dungeon Energy Explosion)
Phase Five: (Dungeon Energy Barrier)
That was the gist of it.
Her skills mostly revolved around mastering Dungeon Energy—either wearing it or firing it to buff herself or attack.
It might look a bit plain on paper, but the output of every single skill was top-tier.
Her Job and skills were the definition of a “cheat among cheats.”
Without a doubt, Mana was the heavy hitter of our group.
As for Minami-chan:
Phase Zero: (Dual-Wielding Arts) (Sky-Ripping Slash)
Phase One: (Wind-Step) (Cross Slash)
Phase Two: (Wall Run) (Flurry Thrust)
Phase Three: (Sky Run)
Phase Four: (Thousand Slashes)
Phase Five: Ground Shrink⁴
Her build was all about incredible mobility paired with well-balanced offensive skills.
It might sound unbelievable, but the current Minami-chan could literally run through the air.
When she got serious with her movement skills, nobody could catch her.
For Haruka-san:
Phase Zero: (Divine Imbuement)
Phase One: (Divine Magic Shot)
Phase Two: (Sacred Armor Armament) (War Mace Power Strike)
Phase Three: (Holy Hymn)
Phase Four: (Holy Healing)
Phase Five: God Descent⁵
A very balanced kit, fitting for a Priest.
Haruka had learned healing skills as expected, but unfortunately, the potency was only about on par with a standard potion.
Still, being able to heal at will during a fight was a massive advantage.
My own Healing-Type Pressure Point was powerful enough to regrow a limb, but it was so taxing that it was hard to use even inside a dungeon, let alone mid-combat.
We had the Breast Milk Potion⁶ too, but pulling those out and drinking them in the heat of battle was a pretty tall order.
Plus, her newly acquired Phase Five skill had a pretty intense-sounding name.
I hadn’t seen her try it yet, but I was guessing it was a high-output offensive skill.
Finally, regarding Maria-san:
Phase Zero: (Greatsword Arts) (Intimidating Pressure)
Phase One: (Whirlwind Slash) (Flying Slash)
Phase Two: (Iron Body) (Earthquake Stomp)
Phase Three: (Immovable)
Phase Four: (Full-Power Strike)
Phase Five: War God Roar⁷
Her kit positioned her as a “combat tank.”
She was a beast in a one-on-one, but she was also incredible at holding the vanguard for the team.
Between the skills and Maria’s own natural combat sense, her joining the party had massively stabilized our overall battle balance.
As for what my remaining skills looked like:
Phase Zero: (Pressure Point)
Phase One: (Pressure Point Eye) (Adversarial Pressure Point⁸)
Phase Two: (Rod-Type Pressure Point) (Gun Pressure Point)
Phase Three: (Healing-Type Pressure Point)
Phase Four: (Remote Adversarial Pressure Point)
Phase Five: [Locked]
(Remote Adversarial Pressure Point) took a moment to prep, but it let me trigger pressure points from a distance.
I could do something similar with (Gun Pressure Point), but that was limited to five shots a day.
The remote version had basically no usage limit, which is a huge help.
Maybe because my direct combat contribution was lower, I’m the only one who hasn’t unlocked a Phase Five skill yet, but I have a feeling it’s coming soon.
In that sense, I’m actually looking forward to this centaur fight.
”Alright, one two-headed centaur—let’s see what we can do!” I shouted.
Armed with our array of skills, we charged forward to face the formidable foes of the Phase Five Dungeon.
—
Summary:
Sakurako effortlessly destroys a Tyrant Minotaur while the rest of Resonant Melody observes from the sidelines. The group reflects on their rapid growth and the specific mechanics of their ‘Phase’ leveling system. Kanade meticulously audits the party’s current skill lists as they prepare for a fight with a Double-Head Centaur. An impending combat encounter looms as the party targets the centaur for experience gain
—
Trivia:
- Sakurako’s title ‘Samurai of Solitude’ suggests she usually works alone
- The floor they are on is styled like a sacred temple
- Mana is technically the strongest member in raw damage
- Minami can physically walk on air using Phase Three skills
- Kanade’s Pressure Point healing is powerful enough to regenerate limb
—
Character Insight:
Kanade shows a moment of self-consciousness about being the only one without a Phase Five skill, yet remains focused on party balance.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Sakurako – Sharp‑eyed, stunning explorer in a loosely draped, sexily disheveled kimono that shows her physique, long blade at her waist. Japan’s top S‑Rank adventurer, clears Phase‑Five dungeons solo, Unique Job Solitary Samurai, mentor to Kanade’s party, close friend of Ichigaya Rin. Radiates overwhelming presence yet flashes a friendly, beaming smile when impressed.
• Mana – Kanade, bespectacled A‑Rank explorer and sub‑leader of Resonant Melody, wears a black ponytail and immaculate armor, composed and pragmatic. She mentors the protagonist, watches him with a half‑closed, judgmental gaze, sharing a former class‑president bond. Beside her stands the party’s strongest heavy‑hitter, a young woman in a glossy black bodysuit who masters Dungeon Energy, previously met Sakurako, and serves as an insurance policy against party‑wipe attacks, though her low efficiency keeps her in reserve.
• Minami – Blue‑haired twintail loli with a cheerful aura, frontline fighter in Kanade’s party and Light Warrior of ‘Resonant Melody’. She wields a two‑handed sword (and later dual‑wields) with rapid, rhythmic thrusts, using Wind‑Step and Sky‑Run for 3‑D movement. Energetic, supportive, calls friend Maria ‘Maria‑chi’, and her bright aura catches S‑Rank eyes.
• Haruka – The Prince — an androgynous, busty Holy Priest with short hair and composed grace — wields a massive mace in Resonant Melody. She blends holy magic shots with heavy strikes, supporting allies despite potion‑level healing. Close to Mana, stalked by Kosaka, she hides burn scars, masochism, and an obsession with Hirosawa’s scent.
• Maria – Sun‑kissed dark‑skinned gyaru with a voluptuous, heavy‑breasted figure and large eyes, once a B‑rank adventurer and Four Heavenly King “Boob Gal” in a tiger‑print bikini. She lost an arm to a Black Anaconda in a Phase 3 dungeon, was rescued, and now serves as Resonant Melody’s tank, wielding a greatsword and Ironclad/Immovable defenses. Devoted to healer Kanade, she plans to give him her virginity on their first meeting.
• Kanade – Young leader of the A-Rank team Resonant Melody and primary narrator, he wears a black anaconda suit and wields the Lizard Fang Sword, a pressure-point gun, and a Black Ball storage item. Possessing the rare Unique Job “Vital Point Master,” he manipulates pressure points to heal, buff, debuff, and trigger Instant Death, reading opponents’ intent with uncanny precision—yet remains composed despite inner fear. The only team member without a Phase Five ability, he secretly fuels his powers through intimate bonds with his crew, especially Maria, his savior, romantic partner, and emotional anchor, whose presence activates his skills. His polite, professional demeanor masks a strategic core that elevates his teammates far beyond their Phase levels, making him the indispensable heart of Resonant Melody.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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