HARMONY [LITRPG / ISEKAI / PROGRESSION / OP MC]

A few hours passed since entering the second floor, and thanks to the easy conquest due to his sword relays doing most of the work, the party found themselves at the top of the stone stairwell heading down to the third floor.

Things turned out well thanks to his Split Mind ability, making the entirety of the second floor a chore and a half rather than an arduous trek on the dangerous dungeon. Though after choosing his level 20 ability, a new notification hit him that changed some things according to his own Class.

After reaching level 20, from here onwards, abilities will now be chosen every ten levels instead of the usual 5 levels.

He can somewhat understand it, and at the same time, felt almost ripped off in a way. He was starting to appreciate having more abilities than he could count, but if the system made the Class Ability selection like this, it was possible that the higher the level, the more the gap widened between each ability selection. This meant that he needed to be extra careful on picking an ability that would be beneficial for him in the long run.

“Just a few hours, and we’re already here,” Van said in awe, looking down at the stairs into the darkness. “People at the guild would kill for this kind of fast exploration work.”

“Is it gonna get harder from here on?” Haley asked.

“That’s the plan,” Aidan said. “So this is where we discuss what we plan on doing now.”

Aidan looked back at the pair, Nina standing beside them with crossed arms as she waited.

“From here onwards, things could get pretty tough. I haven’t gone this far down myself, but I can tell that the monsters here will start getting stronger. What I want to know is if you guys are prepared to face that sort of thing. Or would you prefer to stay behind on this floor to catch up on levels?”

In the end, Aidan was planning on getting all the levels for himself throughout this venture, and really brought his party along as a lookout in case anything happened to him. Bringing Nina along was an unexpected development, but he was more than happy to comply.

Though he knew that they were their own people, and if they were serious about their leveling, he couldn’t always be out there stealing kills from them. The looks on Haley and Van’s faces changed appropriately from his words, standing silent for a while as their souls churned in their stead.

They sounded alarmed, as though in fright, so Aidan figured that they didn’t like the idea of separating from him and being left behind on the second floor. Even though he would promise to leave some of the sword relays behind for their safety, it was clear that without the main guy himself, they wouldn’t be as confident diving through the dungeon without him.

As though united in mind and spirit, the two looked back at Aidan with their answers.

“We’ll keep up with you,” Haley answered. “I don’t mind not getting any experience points. Besides, I’m not confident at all in my combat abilities.”

“Same here,” Van nodded. “Besides, we might find some interesting treasures, and you might need me to take the brunt of the traps that might come along.”

“I’m not planning on using you like that anymore, but I appreciate the sentiment,” Aidan added. While Van didn’t look all that different, his soul showed that he was relieved to hear that. “I just don’t wanna be that kind of guy that keeps stealing experience points for himself.”

“I never really saw you as that kind of guy,” Haley answered, tilting her head.

“It’s not like we ever really expected to level up that much in the first place, Aidan,” Van answered, following Haley’s words. “We’re more than happy to have you keep gaining levels and getting stronger. Just, you know, as long as you keep those dangerous swords of yours facing the monsters and not us.”

“I’m not gonna do that,” Aidan laughed from Van’s joke, though part of his soul revealed that he was honest about that. He waved it off. “But I’m surprised. I figured you guys would want some levels too.”

“Not everyone around here is focused on gaining levels,” Nina finally spoke up. “Despite the benefits, everyone is intent on making a living at their current stations rather than focusing on levels. Higher stats and stronger abilities are great to have, but the risk of fighting monsters to the death is too much for any normal person.”

While Nina wasn’t exactly as popular with the siblings, both Haley and Van nodded in approval, as if that was the most natural thing in the world.

Aidan was finally reminded then that this was an entirely different world. A whole new world that had the system for way longer than even anything their current history books could tell him. It made sense that common sense was established to focus on survival rather than constantly going for the levels as soon as you reached level 0, which he was sure was given when one was born into this world.

So far, he had seen children with some levels here and there. They were pitifully low compared to the adults, though not that far off. He also knew that children could also gain titles considering how some of the titles are easy to get, giving the children stat points to focus on.

Aidan would likely put both Haley and Van as under the category of people who are focused more on making a living using all of their learned skills from their lives and their current status. Just being able to level up once or twice would be a great boon for their ordinary lives who don't focus entirely on monster fighting. Van was one of the cases where he did fight monsters, but not with the intention of leveling up and getting stronger. It was all so that he could complete missions given by the guild and get paid like any other working man in the old world.

Aidan just couldn’t see himself living like that. Thanks to his skills and broken talent, he could easily make a living like that without issues. Perhaps he could even step up and make an entire empire based on his Craft alone with everything that he had built up so far. But recalling the vision he had, he realized that it can easily be taken away by forces who did focus on raising their levels, and that’s not putting aside the fact that this world is more cutthroat and brutal compared to the modern world he was raised in.

Aidan knew more than anyone that he had privileges that are unrivaled in this world. With everything that he could do, it only made sense to take advantage of that and make himself as strong as possible.

“Right… that makes sense,” Aidan answered after a short momentary pause. Nodding to himself, he gestured his head at the staircase. “Everyone, follow me. Make sure to not stray off and, like always, let me know if you spot anything.”

Bringing his swords back to himself, the group traveled down the path to the third floor, receiving the notification as the entire scene changed from the maze-like structure to something else.

You have entered the third floor of the Crystalfang Dungeon. Level Recommendation: 15-20.

The third floor was built more like being inside of a building rather than inside of a cave or a maze at this point. The walls were solid and flat, but they couldn’t see the ceiling above, just a small smattering of darkness, covered by glowing blue crystals–the same ones that they spotted in the deepest layer when they fell through from the second floor.

And to his surprise, there were creatures flying overhead just far enough that they wouldn’t be spotted by said creatures, but Aidan could easily sense their physical make up from the beat of their wings, giving off vibrations that might as well draw the entire picture in his mind. They were large avians, reaching the size of large dogs with wings bigger than their size. Sharp talons were one thing, but they had tails that coiled like whips with bladed edges at the end.

There were more flying creatures that were different than the one he sensed through Sense Vibrations, and plenty more monsters of different varieties all across the third floor as he let his sword relays spread out through the air.

He instantly noticed some of the flying creatures chasing after one of his swords, and they were already caught up in a struggle for dominance. Thankfully, his Split Mind made it easy for him to travel on the ground while his sword barely fought it off and won with a clean stab straight through its brain.

He even managed to scan the creature through his sword, revealing its name.

Carnivorous Parrot, Level 17.

“That thing was a fucking parrot?”

“Huh?” Haley asked, surprised at Aidan’s sudden outburst.

“Sorry, just got distracted,” Aidan said, looking back at his party. “Van, I know you don’t go to dungeons before, but have you heard of anyone going as far as the third floor?”

“There were rumors,” Van explained. “As you can see from the recommendation given by the dungeon, you don’t normally see anyone above level 20 around the guild unless they’re full time veterans. Most starting dungeon floors can be big enough for most parties from the guild to keep grinding on for a living. Any deeper floors are usually tailored for more serious adventurers with more money and backing than your run-of-the-mill jockey with a sword and a pack.”

“I heard that deeper floor monsters are top-notch when it comes to their materials, though,” Haley said. “But that’s not your intention, right?”

“Doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of that,”Aidan grinned. “I would really appreciate it if you guys can help me out with that. Here’s one now.”

That got the two to look at him funny before their eyes widened at one of the swords flying towards them. The reason for that is because the sword was currently carrying a large parrot by having it literally skewered on the blade for handling. It was definitely a morbid sight to see, but when the body landed on the ground, Van and Haley set upon it like starved predators on the hunt.

“Holy shit, the size is enormous,” Van said, looking at the giant bird with more weapons than actual feathers as the wings were also pretty sharp. “It’s kinda damaged, but the feathers and tail are still whole. They could easily sell for a lot back at the guild.”

“You can process them and take them for yourselves,” Aidan said. “It’s the least I can do for bringing you guys with me and not giving you a chance to level up.”

“Aidan, you’re already giving them more than what any hired mercenary would ever give them,” Nina said, shaking her head. “If you were to keep offering services like helping them gain levels, I might have to reconsider giving up on the Raining Treasures and just focus on you training high-class clients instead.”

“I don’t mind doing that,” Aidan answered Nina, which got her to show a rare frown at that.

“I prefer not to deal with any nobles if possible,” Nina answered. “Though, only when I’m more financially stable. That’s why I need this town to survive from the incoming threat.”

“You got it,” Aidan saluted lazily at her, turning to Haley and Van. “I’ll go and keep hunting monsters then.”

…..

Nicky was a cautious woman. She always had been since she was just a simple little girl living out her life in the slums of Forontia.

She always made sure to feel out the surroundings and take what she could get no matter how immoral or dangerous it could be for herself, because if she didn’t, then other predators and opportunists would take them instead. That was just how the world works.

She lied, she stole, and she tricked and manipulated many in her life, and she would be more than glad to do it all over again if it meant improving her standing. That was the same for her comrades whom she picked up along the road, which were now traveling alongside her in this tumultuous dungeon.

In fact, she was in the very dungeon that would normally be extremely dangerous to risk diving into, but thanks to her recent intel regarding the Red Riot’s sudden disorganization and their efforts now focused on recouping their losses, there was never a better time than now to fully tackle the dungeon and take all the goodies for herself.

However, for the first time in her life, her instincts left her in a flummox. She couldn’t even believe her own eyes as she watched above her, just out of happenstance, while her party was currently taking a break in the third floor of the Crystalfang Dungeon.

“I hope I’m not losing my mind…” Nicky muttered to herself which caught the attention of her comrade and self-proclaimed life of the party.

“Nicky? What’s up? You on your monthly curse again?”

That easily got her to send a glare at Bill, who just kept tapping his shoulder with his short crossbow while staring at her.

“Look up before you lose your head, dumbfuck,” Nicky snarled before pointing her finger upwards. “Do you see what I see?”

“A sword.”

A nearly silent voice echoed from behind her, and she turned to find what was probably their most powerful combatant and fellow comrade looking up the same way.

“A sword is flying above us, and possibly around us,” Her friend Ander said, keeping a sharp eye and a heavy air of professionalism despite his short stature. Sometimes Nicky couldn’t help but want to pick him up and give him a little hug, but she knew that would easily get herself in trouble.

“A what?” Bill said dumbfoundedly. “A sword? You gotta be shitting me. Are you sure your eyes are fine?”

“The same goes for me, Bill,” Nicky said snarkily, getting him to look at the two with surprise this time.

“What…? Oh, what the hell is that?” Bill finally decided to look up, finally catching what the other two were saying. While he wore a mask that hid his face, Nicky can easily imagine a stupid look plastered on it.

Just as Nicky suspected, she wasn’t imagining it. She could indeed see a flying sword just up and about, going around its paces like one of the flying monsters they often came across. The thing was, their party had never seen such a creature before.

Forontia, as a city based far into the border of Ghalea, is known for its dungeon and its healthy commercial line brought from within. As a city with a dungeon that was rarely found near the border, it was a great source for many adventurers making a living.

It was unfortunate that the city was riddled with gangs, and one of them happened to have full control over it, so not many could actually go through it without paying some kind of heavy cost.

One day, however, Nicky would want to expand and head to other dungeons and other powerful areas for the sake of gathering power and prestige, just like any adventurer would. So their party made it a habit to always study up on all the monsters they would come across in this dungeon based on early research made by the first explorers who traversed it.

This sword, however, was nowhere near anything they learned about. Something was up.

“Want me to shoot it down, boss?” Bill, as usual, picked up the pace when something unexpected occurred, bringing up his dual crossbows to aim at the sword above.

“Hold on, Bill,” Nicky lifted up a hand, pulling Bill’s crossbows down. “It’s not worth it. We don’t know how strong it is, or even know if it’s a monster at all. Ander, what do you think?”

“...I’m not sure,” Ander said, his cool voice proving that the situation didn’t seem as dangerous as it looked. “I can’t tell from this far away, but I don’t think it’s hunting us.”

“In other words,” Nicky grinned. “Let’s follow it and see what it brings. Maybe it might lead us to some hidden treasure room or something!”

“That sounds like a stretch, boss,” Bill commented placidly. “Don’t you think it belongs to somebody?”

“I don’t know any adventurer around here that can control swords,” Nicky said, truly trying to remember and failing to find anyone in her memories that matched. “But aren’t you curious? I say let’s follow it!”

“I’m always up for whatever you need, Nicky,” Ander said, once again proving to Nicky that Ander would always be her favorite. Bill was a close second, but she would never admit that to the boorish man.

“I don’t mind either, but don’tcha think it’s kinda suspicious?” Bill asked.

“Of course it’s suspicious,” Nicky said, pointing at the sword. “That’s why we’re following it. Who knows? Maybe it’s something the guild might make a quest on, and getting first-hand information is bound to get us some rewards. Now stop your yappin and start moving your asses!”

With that, the party followed Nicky’s demand as they kept following the sword to wherever it was going. Even if it might be just some inanimate object on the surface, they made sure to keep their tracks hidden and their traces negligible in case it had some sort of conscious will guiding behind it.

They followed the sword up in the air for about half an hour, eventually finding a large open space within the dungeon where various small stone towers lay about, arranged in a circular pattern across the field.

What laid there made the party hesitate as they spotted a creature they recognized well, and were always careful to tackle no matter how experienced they were.

Gatekeeper Oxbear, Level 27.

An irregular that sometimes surpassed the level recommendation of the dungeon. Normally creatures that would stay in their habitats, usually designed as guardians that protect hidden loot given by the dungeon. There would sometimes be irregulars that actually travel around the floor, but unlike them, monsters that keep to themselves in an area of the dungeon are often stronger as the magic is heavily suitable for their powers and abilities.

The large creature, easily sporting a massive 10 feet in height even while it was resting on its four paws, seemed to be at ease in its resting position. Its white fur was riddled with scars from old battles, black claws and large twin horns sporting the same color that could easily rip steel apart, and overall large limbs that could reach a far enough range that would be too much for their typical party. Let alone whatever sort of magic or ability it could have thanks to its high level.

“Thanks to that sword, we managed to find a pretty strong opponent,” Bill said, already prepping his crossbows with specialized arrows that Nicky knew were tipped with a particular poison for beasts like the Oxbear. “Following Nicky’s orders always gives us something to look forward to.”

“Mmh,” Ander let out, his hand resting on top of the hilt of his favored sword.

Nicky was also preparing her weapon, a large bow that was taller than even her own height. Unlike your typical bows, this one was more suited for extremely strong single-type attacks that could blast a hole through a monster’s stomach rather than peppering them with various small arrows like Bill. They didn’t have a Mage on hand, so they often relied on special ammo used for different situations.

They were just about ready to tackle the boss before the unthinkable happened. The sword that was just floating at the top suddenly plunged itself fast enough to nearly escape their vision, but Nicky saw clear as day that the sword directly stabbed straight into the Oxbear’s throat deliberately.

The bear roared, lifting itself up on its hind legs and ready to kill, but the sword wasn’t done. Not in any way possible.

It kept darting itself around, making it impossible for the oxbear to hit it with its large limbs. The sword kept up in its super close range, disabling the oxbear from making use of its full size as it peppered the bear’s torso with cuts from it continuously flying about.

The bear roared in defiance and outright launched itself to trap the sword underneath its massive weight, but the sword easily shot upwards and plunged itself back onto the neck of the bear. In a heartbeat, the sword retracted itself and kept stabbing the poor bear over and over again.

The party knew that the boss was slow to react from its large size, but they never expected it to be utterly outplayed by a single sword floating by itself. It wasn’t able to defend itself, mostly confused at how such a thing was attacking it in the first place before blood started coating the floor and turning it bright crimson, the body now laying lifelessly on the ground in a heap from the brutal stabbings.

“D-Did I just see it right?” Bill asked, getting the party’s attention. Nicky was just too stunned to even reply back. “Did that thing just take down an Oxbear by itself?”

“That sword’s not normal,” Ander said, stating the obvious for sure, but Nicky knew that when Ander said it, it proved to be more serious than the simple words let on. “I say we let it pass and ignore it from now on. We’re in its hunting ground.”

However, Nicky thought differently. She knew most of the monsters around here, and she knew for hella sure that this sword wasn’t part of the natural dungeon scheme. As the sword did its dirty job of annihilating the bear and was about to float off into the air again, Nicky let her instincts flare out and rushed after it.

“Nicky?!” Bill shouted, his hand outstretched. “What the fuck are you doing?!”

“I’m not gonna let this thing keep taking out our prey!” Nicky shouted back, and before she could even second-guess herself again, she lunged forward in a pounce straight at the flying sword.

Her hands managed to catch their grip on its hilt, holding tight as the sword kept floating upwards with her along with it. It dangled for a short while, but it kept going upwards without fault, bringing Nicky with it.

Now, if she was honest with herself, she wasn’t exactly thinking in the right mind. Somehow, her mind processed that if she managed to find the source where the sword came from, she might hit it big in riches and perhaps even catch herself an undiscovered treasure of sorts. Whenever money was involved, she tended to think with her wallet rather than with her brain.

Now she wondered if perhaps that sense of greed was finally catching up to her as the sword dragged her along the air, leaving her to scream all the while as her party, having no other choice, followed their leader back to where the sword was going.

She did manage to hear what Bill said before the wind drowned it out.

“See, I knew it was her monthly curse going on!”

She really wanted to slap him silly. How could he say that embarrassing thing out loud?

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