Chapter 35 Wings Bear Witness
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
To be frank, even with my current Appraisal, dealing with a Mithril Golem is still a bit of a chore.
That’s because I can’t perform part destruction on a Mithril Golem.
Whether it’s due to lacking attack power or a special property of Mithril, after using Appraisal and striking it, I couldn’t break any parts.
I could tell I was bypassing its defense, but I couldn’t meet the conditions for destroying a limb or part. Since this ability only emerged after my reincarnation, my prior game knowledge doesn’t help, and the older veterans muttered that success is partly luck. Because the conditions are unknown, my only option is to chip away at the outer armor and deplete its HP.
Even so, compared to Torakuma and company, I’m overwhelmingly faster—but excessive damage reduces the drop rate. Ideally, I’d erase the glyph on its forehead in a single blow, but there’s no reachable way to do that.
A soft sigh escapes me. Tatia notices and comes over.
”Tatara-dono, do you think the Mithril Golem is too much for us?”
”No, I won’t struggle badly. It’s just… I’ve never succeeded in part destruction on it, even with Appraisal.”
Tatia ponders.
”Is it better to damage parts on Golems?”
”If you destroy a leg outright, the loot improves. But ideally, you’d erase the single glyph on its forehead.”
”Huh… then could we use a pitfall like we did with the Ogre?”
”…?!”
Tatia suggests something I hadn’t even considered.
”What if you lure it into the pitfall, bring its head close to our position, then we chip at the glyph? We might leave the body almost intact.”
”That’s it!”
I shout loudly. Unlike the Ogre, the Golem rarely dodges—so why didn’t I think of a pitfall before? Yes, we can do it even against a Golem.
”Tatia, I have a request.”
”Wh-what is it?”
”Just once, draw out that Mithril Golem’s attack.”
It’s a bold ask—unless we force a clear opening, it’s impossible to drop a huge hole under its feet mid-battle. But even Golems need a moment to act.
”…Should I just take the hit instead of dodging?”
”If you can survive it, that helps. If not, dodge if needed.”
”…Tatara-dono, do you remember the attack power of the Mithril Golem?”
”Eighty. You can assume the Golem’s offense and defense stats align with other Golems.”
”Then… very well. I’ll endure one blow.”
”That helps.”
Tatia’s physical defense exceeds fifty. Even so, facing that giant fist is sheer terror. It pains me to force this, but we have no choice.
”Well then, if you pull it off, promise me you’ll increase the Mithril for my armor a bit.”
”I’ll use most of it in the internal mechanisms, but the outer shell will get more. We can also mix Demonsteel to lighten weight.”
”Deal!”
Saying that, Tatia dashes toward the Mithril Golem. She hasn’t been told the full plan yet, but she maneuvers to keep me out of its view. She’s grown so much.
”I’ll make sure I don’t disappoint.”
I run the opposite direction, naturally circling behind the Golem and out of sight. From inventory, I pull out a Mana Stone. Size doesn’t matter—this time we don’t need pitfall depth like when fighting an Ogre.
The Golem raises its arm and slams toward Tatia. Though lighter, it hits faster with more force. Still, Tatia endures without issue.
In that moment, I alter the ground beneath it using Crafting. I liquify the floor; the Golem’s feet get stuck, and it topples. It falls with its smashed arm underneath; the Golem won’t recover quickly.
Kairai Tribe’s Mithril Golem
HP 400/400
Mana 0/0
Skill Power 0/0
Physical Attack 80
Physical Defense 80
Magic Attack 0
Magic Defense 80
Speed 30
Movement 3
Status: Prone
Special Ability: none
Equipment: none
I point Appraisal at the Golem’s forehead, identify the most vulnerable spot, and chisel the glyph off with my Warhammer.
Hit roll: 15 + 40 − 30 = 55 (Hit).
Attack 55 – Defense 80: critical check 55 × 2 = 110 → instant destruction.
The fallen Golem trembles spasmodically, then collapses. What remains is a haul of Mithril Ingots—roughly two kilograms.
”Tatia, you held up well!”
”Heh, my sturdiness comes naturally. But Tatara-dono, your execution was sharp.”
”Well then, Golem hunting is nearly my specialty.”
While collecting the ingots, Tatia and I high-five. Ethelena and Torakuma catch up, looking slightly miffed.
”…You two look happy together,” one says.
”Though suited for our roles, it feels a bit lonely,” the other adds.
Despite the victory, Tatia and I got ahead, which isn’t ideal tactically.
”Sorry—I got too excited.”
”I’m sorry too. I should’ve consulted you both.”
Seeing our sincere apologies, the two pause then sigh.
”If you apologize honestly, I’ll forgive you—but next time coordinate with us, okay?”
”Lacking a Tatara here would be bad; I’ll contribute support.”
They stop at that but eventually smile. We solidify our Golem strategy and resumed hunting efficiently. Efficiency was good… unless we get too many Mithril Golems.
I leveled up to 29, just one below Torakuma. Also, Crafting Ⅴ and Appraisal Ⅴ are nearly master level.
We reach floor 28, standing before the stairs, spent.
”…We’ve collected twenty kilograms of Mithril. What do you think?”
”…This is getting out of hand.”
”…If this much Mithril hits the market, prices will crash, and the economy could falter.”
”…Is the City Mayor going to have her stomach wrecked by Tatara-dono for another reason this time?”
”That’s true.”
”I don’t ruin the City Mayor’s stomach that often…”
Calmys-san once claimed I drive the mayor mad with my inventions. Still… what should I do with all this Mithril? Use it for sublimation experiments with Magic Metal? Or forge armor for Torakuma to use within the city? As for Tatia’s gear, it’ll have to wait until we finish testing the Floating Stone.
Well, we can decide together after we return.
”If we don’t run into a Steel Golem on this floor, we’ll have to come back another day.”
I mutter the complaint, and the party members all chuckle wryly.
”Personally, I enjoyed myself—and I’m thankful for the level up—but… this is exhausting.”
”I can’t come here so often either. I may not be able to help next time.”
”Haha… sorry I haven’t had much work to do these past few floors.”
Tatia looks like she enjoyed her first true expedition.
Torakuma clearly wants to help again, but in her position she can’t often leave the City Mayor’s residence.
Ethelena seems troubled that she hasn’t been useful since the 26th floor.
It isn’t that she has no role—rather, Tatia and I topple and finish the Mithril Golems too quickly for her to use Steal.
”If only an Iron Golem would appear…”
With more iron ingots, I could smelt steel, and from steel even shape memory alloy. Thanks to Tatia, our new tactics now guarantee at least twenty ingots. If we run into Steel or Iron, we’ll secure a good haul.
”Ah, the next Golem. Looks kind of silvery again.”
Ethelena’s voice carries forward. Torakuma is already casting Appraisal beside her, grinding for experience.
”Ta-Tatara! I-It’s Steel!”
”What!?”
Torakuma’s shout jolts me. I peek around the wall.
There it is—not bright silver, but a dull metallic gray: a Steel Golem. I immediately trigger Appraisal.
Kairai Tribe’s Steel Golem
HP 300/300
Mana 0/0
Skill Power 0/0
Physical Attack 70
Physical Defense 70
Magic Attack 0
Magic Defense 20
Speed 15
Movement 3
Status: none
Special Ability: none
Equipment: none
Appraisal confirms it beyond doubt: a Steel Golem. My lips curl upward. Finally—prey worth the chase.
”…Tatia, its attack is seventy. Can you handle it?”
”Lower than Mithril. Leave it to me.”
”…Tatara, can I go first and try Steal?”
Ethelena’s timid request makes me glance at Tatia. She thinks for a moment, then nods once. I turn back to Ethelena.
”Alright. Do it.”
”Good. If I don’t use it sometimes, my fingers get rusty.”
She stretches her hands as she jokes. Of course, I’m also calculating that with her luck, she’ll swipe an ingot—but mostly I don’t want her dwelling on being sidelined.
”Then, I’m going in.”
”After the skill, fall back behind me at once. Even Ethelena-dono can be struck by misfortune.”
Tatia moves to cover her. I follow a bit later, circling opposite.
Ethelena opens with Steal. Something gleams in her grasp—likely an ingot.
Then, the unexpected: she steps in front, blocking the Steel Golem’s sightline. Tatia hesitates for a beat, but I point to the flank, urging her to reposition. Ethelena turns the Golem’s body toward Tatia’s side.
She’s exploiting the Golem’s poor vision, buying us setup time after her Steal. A clever way to contribute despite lacking scouting duties here. My wife really is endearing.
Once Tatia and I are in position, I give the signal. Ethelena beats her wings and soars upward. That’s why a creature without ranged attacks can’t touch a flier. Even with a long weapon, you can’t reach someone overhead.
The Steel Golem swings and misses wildly. Tatia calmly guides its fist aside with her hands—the arrow-deflecting method she inherited. I liquefy the floor beneath it with Crafting. The Golem loses balance and crashes onto its back.
I reach for its forehead.
Hit check: 43 – 15 = 43 (success).
Attack: 43 – 70 → critical check 43 × 2 = 86 → instant death.
With my thumb, I scrape away the glyph. The Steel Golem convulses, then vanishes. What remains: ten kilograms of steel ingots.
”Yessssss!!”
The roar escapes before I can stop it. But from my reaction alone, the others realize the prize. Cheers erupt.
We high-five all around, congratulating one another. Tatia’s armor materials are finally secured.
”Good work, everyone. At last, we have it!”
”It was tough with no iron or steel spawning… even though Mithril was everywhere!”
”Kufufufu, I never thought I’d gain a level here! And new discoveries besides!”
Laughter and relief bubble from me, Ethelena, and Torakuma.
Amidst it, Tatia wears a quieter expression.
”I’ve grown a lot too. Only because you never abandoned me… thank you.”
”And thank you, Tatia—for always standing in the most dangerous spot.”
Tatia’s words of gratitude are answered with our own. We’ve all been helped by her courage. Ethelena and Torakuma also offer their thanks, each with sincerity.
”Well, we achieved the goal… shall we head back?”
Ethelena and Torakuma agree without hesitation. But Tatia raises her hand, her voice steady.
”Forgive me, everyone… but could we press on to defeat the boss?”
All eyes turn to her. She doesn’t look reckless or glory-seeking; there’s purpose behind her request.
”Hm. I don’t mind—but why?” Torakuma voices the question we’re all thinking.
I don’t object if her reasoning is sound. Ethelena seems to be waiting for my call.
”Up to now, the boss drops have always been useful to one of us.”
That’s true—Tatia’s estoc, the Floating Stone I’m holding.
”Then it’s reasonable to believe the next boss may yield something just as valuable.”
”I see… so you think it’s worth the attempt.”
”Yes. Though it’s partly hopeful speculation.”
It’s speculation, sure, but given the strange run of fortune we’ve had, it isn’t unreasonable. No severe downside, no fatal risk. A gamble worth taking.
”I’m in.”
”Mm. If Tatara agrees, I’ll go too.”
”Majority says yes—then we adopt Tatia’s proposal.”
Tatia smiles, genuinely pleased. If the old man saw her now, he’d be proud. I hope he is.
”Alright then. Let’s clear out any Golems along the way.”
Descending to the 30th floor, we fought one Rock, one Iron, two Steel, and five Mithril Golems. By now I’ve lost count of how many “rare spawns” we’ve supposedly faced.
With the extra materials, we discuss forging something shared for the party. They ask for matching accessories. Maybe Mithril earrings for everyone. That thought lingers as we arrive at the boss room’s door—its surface cluttered with handles, springs, and cranks.
”Tatara-dono, may I ask about the boss ahead?” Tatia speaks.
Torakuma reacts before I can.
”Come to think of it, you said you’d only gone as far as floor 28, didn’t you?”
”…Right, I did say that the day we met.”
Impressive memory; I’d forgotten until she reminded me.
”Truth is, I’ve been as deep as the 50th floor.”
”…Whatever you were doing, I don’t want to know.”
That was with Archangel. I was still testing prototypes, planning to consult the old man and Calmys when we crossed paths.
Watching her slice down the infamous floor-50 nightmare boss—a fight that normally dragged on with gimmicks—she ended it in a few swings. It was terrifying, until I praised her skill and she wagged like a giant dog. Then the fear melted away.
”The boss here is an Orichalcum Golem. Physical Attack, Physical Defense, and Magic Defense all at 100. Nine meters tall. Hard as hell.”
Back in the game, this one could wipe entire parties without preparation. It doubled as a heroine’s story boss, so it was tuned nastier than usual.
The meta then was to equip the protagonist and the priestess heroine with Core Breaker, while the rest supported. With luck, two-thirds of its HP could vanish in a single turn.
”…Is this your specialty, Tatara?”
”Not exactly. The first time I fought it, I couldn’t use Appraisal in combat. So I tested an item instead.”
”You’re the only one mad enough to experiment on a boss…”
Can’t blame me. Too dangerous to test above ground.
”How did you fight it then?”
”Threw bottles of liquefied Mana Stone fuel. Set it ablaze.”
”…That burns?”
”Barely—it melted the outer shell and exposed the internals. One bottle could maybe finish a Mithril Golem. Orichalcum was too much.”
”If one bottle disables an Orichalcum Golem, that’s already ridiculous.”
Torakuma mutters in exasperation. When I mentioned this to the City Mayor, she banned further research—too high a chance of killing myself or burning down everything with the notes.
Fair. I did once incinerate a plaza along with the Baral couple’s corpses. I’ve been trying to repurpose the fuel—maybe for flight machines.
”Should we use it again this time?”
”Denied.”
”Let’s fight properly.”
Both Tatia and Torakuma refuse instantly. Ethelena gives me a wry smile—clearly against it too.
”Alright, then Tatia remains our vanguard.”
”Physical Attack 100 will hurt, but I’ll endure.”
”Torakuma, stick to Appraisal practice?”
”No, I’ll attack. Damage may be small, but it’s damage nonetheless.”
”…It’s absurd you can hurt it at all.”
”And you, king of absurdity, say that?”
She glares at me. True enough—I’m guilty of the same. She sighs, motioning for me to continue.
”Ethelena has no reliable offense. Focus on Steal, and if Tatia falters, distract the boss.”
”Understood.”
Lonisera’s strikes won’t pierce its shell. High-tier attack magic could, but she hasn’t mastered anything past 100 yet. She’ll shine later—but here, she has to hold back. Or… maybe the boss room is just wide enough.
”I want to adjust the plan.”
All eyes turn to me. I face Ethelena.
”Ethelena. Use Elingium as your opening move.”
”Eh… that one?”
The Arcane Accelerator—still an early prototype without proper downsizing—was pure firepower, capable of piercing even the Orichalcum Golem’s defenses as long as its armor didn’t block.
With Ethelena’s growing Gun Aptitude and the newly acquired Sniping skill, her hit rate had risen sharply. The weapon’s natural speed penalty would be offset by her improved agility, and if needed, she could invoke Precise Shot to ensure accuracy.
”If you can, aim for the head. If not, strike the chest.”
”…Wasn’t it supposed to be dangerous to use in tight quarters?”
”The boss chamber is wide. Behind the shield, the blast shouldn’t be too much.”
Ethelena hesitated, then nodded.
”…Alright. I’ll do it.”
”I’m counting on you.”
Her eyes locked onto mine, serious. I gave her my full trust in return.
Preparations began. I laid down a special prone mat I’d crafted—back when she complained that firing prone crushed her chest uncomfortably. I had shaped it with room to accommodate her, using firm sponge instead of slime material after early prototypes proved unpleasant. One test piece had… deviated into something more personal, but that was a separate story.
Ethelena went prone and drew Elingium from inventory. It looked much as before, except the support frame had grown to match the mat’s width. She also produced ammunition: a 16×118mm round, brass replaced with Demonsteel for the core—a specialized enchanted bullet.
She chambered the round, channeled Mana. Six glowing magic circles flared along the barrel, and a barrier field shimmered outward from the shield assembly. Behind her crouched Tatia, then Torakuma, each taking cover in sequence.
Once all was set, I swung open the double doors.
There it stood: a nine-meter iron giant, gleaming with a light like pale gold. The Orichalcum Golem.
As the doors parted, I sprinted past Ethelena’s rear line. The moment I breached the chamber, she pulled the trigger.
A flash—then thunder. The shockwave of a supersonic round, inside enclosed stone, ruptured the air. Our eardrums screamed under the force, our own shouts drowned out.
The bullet tore not the head but the chest. Armor ruptured, an internal air explosion blasting plates outward from within. The giant staggered.
I forced my eyes open and Appraised the result:
Kairai Tribe’s Orichalcum Golem
HP: 200/700
Mana: 0/0
Skill Power: 50/50
Physical Attack: 100
Physical Defense: 100 (−80)
Magic Attack: 0
Magic Defense: 100 (−80)
Speed: 25
Movement: 2
Status: Armor Loss (Defense Down), Stun
Special Ability: Rocket Fist
Equipment: None
The strike had triggered Pierce III, a critical, and Sneak Attack. Five hundred damage dealt in a single hit, plus eighty percent defense cut and stun.
Now was the moment.
”Sorry—going in first!”
I shouted, unsure if anyone could hear through the ringing. Mental note: next accessories need soundproofing and telepathy functions.
I ignited the Black Iron boosters, closing sixty meters in an instant. Ridiculous to use an anti-materiel sniper rifle at such close range, I admitted inwardly. Twenty meters out, I invoked Appraisal mid-stride, targeting the prone monster.
Physical Attack 58 − 20 → critical ×2 = 116, defense ignored.
My blow tore open its flank, but its HP still lingered. As I withdrew, the Golem snapped free of stun and raised its fist toward Ethelena. Steam vented, a jet erupted, and the arm launched like a rocket.
The legendary Rocket Fist—some Golems can wield it, and even tamed ones retain the move. Range: five units.
”Tatia! Finish it!”
”!?”
Hesitant, but she thrust her estoc into the cavity Ethelena’s shot had opened. She poured Mana through the blade.
It was the knightly technique shared across eras, once used even by past protagonists—Burst Edge, a mana-discharge sword strike. Tatia unleashed everything.
Her energy flooded the hollowed armor, detonating inside. Magic Attack equivalent of at least 150. The Golem could not endure.
”Tatara-dono!? What about Ethelena!?”
”She’s fine. Look back toward the entrance.”
”…Eh?”
Tatia glanced back. There was Ethelena, waving, untouched. The severed arm of the Golem lay embedded in the floor well short of her position.
”…Safe?”
”Rocket Fist only flies fifty meters. Ethelena’s at sixty.”
”…You scared me.”
Tatia sighed, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It wasn’t the knight’s mask speaking, but her real self—a thoughtful, caring girl. She glared at me for laughing, then relented and smiled.
Ethelena and Torakuma came over.
”A splendid strike, Tatia!”
”Good work. You looked incredible.”
Tatia’s swordsmanship drew Torakuma’s first praise, while Ethelena lauded her for the finishing blow. Embarrassed, Tatia flushed red and looked away, unable to meet our eyes.
”The fight ended so quickly because you were right there with me, Tatia. Thank you.”
I added my own gratitude. That only made her more flustered, and when we all laughed at her reaction, she eventually pouted, forcing the three of us to apologize in turn.
Amidst that warm exchange, a treasure chest appeared—the boss drop.
”Tatia or Ethelena should open it this time,” I said.
Torakuma nodded, while Ethelena’s face tightened with nervousness. Tatia raised her hand.
”Then I nominate Ethelena-dono. Landing that devastating first strike was no small achievement.”
Ethelena panicked, fumbling for excuses, but with the one who dealt the finishing blow insisting, the choice was settled. Torakuma and I exchanged a glance, then pushed her forward toward the chest. She hesitated, then gave in and lifted the lid.
”…Rings?”
Inside lay a pair of rings—a matched set. Unlike anything I remembered from the game. I leaned in and cast Appraisal.
Accessory: Eternal Oath
Special Ability: Linkage
—Those who share these rings also share their lives. Until death parts them… or beyond.
—Cannot be unequipped.
A cursed item, perhaps.
”The effect’s decent, but it’s cursed.”
”Eh? Really?”
”It says the wearers share their life force. Once equipped, it can’t be removed.”
The rings didn’t occupy an accessory slot, though. That detail eased some concern.
”…Tatara, I have a request.”
”What is it?”
Ethelena’s voice was quiet.
”I want us to wear these rings together.”
Her expression carried a trace of fear. A ring binding two lives, unremovable—just like her earlier words, ‘If you die, I’ll follow.’ For her, this was the perfect vessel for that vow.
”…If it’s rings, I’d rather give you one I made myself.”
It was my selfishness speaking. For something this meaningful, I wanted my own craft.
”I want that too. But I believe fate put these in our hands now.”
I hesitated. The ability would likely let me shoulder her damage, raising her survival. Only my pride was in the way. Pride was nothing before the wish of the woman I loved.
”…Alright. Lend me one.”
I extended my right hand. Ethelena’s face lit up as she placed a ring in my palm. I gripped her shoulder, decision firm.
”Etheline Nelara Baral—”
”H-Here!”
”Please marry me.”
I spoke directly, meeting her eyes. My voice was hoarse, tight with nerves.
Her eyes widened, then filled with tears. Smiling through them, she answered:
”Yes. I’ll be in your care, though I’m clumsy.”
Relief washed over me, blurring my vision too. I was crying.
”Your left hand, may I?”
”Yes.”
I slid the Eternal Oath onto her ring finger. At first, it didn’t fit, but then it gleamed and adjusted perfectly. She lifted her hand to her chest, smiling through fresh tears. I regretted not giving her a ring sooner.
When I reached for the other ring, she snatched it first.
”Tatara Julon—”
”…Yes.”
”I love you. Always, stay with me.”
Her eyes met mine, unwavering. I returned her honesty.
”Yes. Grant me the right to walk beside you.”
”Yes!”
She slipped the ring onto my left hand. At once, something deep linked us. Shared HP, Mana, Skill Power, yes—but more than that, a profound sense of being one.
”Forevermore, Tatara.”
”Until death parts us… no, beyond that, I’ll be with you.”
The words echoed an old marriage vow. I pulled her close and kissed her, not with lust but with love. Ten seconds passed before we parted, smiling.
A sudden burst of applause startled us. Torakuma was clapping wildly, eyes shining with excitement. Beside her, Tatia covered her mouth, cheeks crimson, unwilling to interrupt but too overwhelmed to stay calm.
”I, Torakuma Shihata, bear witness to this engagement! Their eternal love shall be safeguarded by me. Any who oppose them are my enemies!”
”M-Me too! As a knight, I, Tatia, swear to guard the bond of Tatara Julon and Etheline Nelara Baral!”
Their declarations stunned me—and filled me with joy. I laughed, overwhelmed at having companions who so fiercely supported our happiness.
”Well, now that we’ve seen something wonderful… shall we return to the surface?” Torakuma suggested once the mood had softened. We had gathered the materials, claimed the boss drop. There was no reason to linger.
”Yeah. Let’s go home.”
I answered, and Ethelena and Tatia nodded in agreement.
Notes:
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply