I swiftly sidestepped across to my left as a Soldier Ant shot towards me, evading it before whipping my blade across, slicing through its neck, its head falling off as its body shot past me, hitting the ground and sliding forward.

Alright, that takes care of that.

"All that's left is the Boss Room now. What do you think are the chances we've got a Calamity Level up there?" Inquired Aria, as she walked over.

We'd just finished clearing the ninety-second-...and penultimate...-floor of the Dungeon, having encountered a swarm of twenty Soldier Ants.

So, now, all that's left is the Dungeon Boss.

And there's little doubt in my mind that it's going to be something at a much higher level than the Monsters we've encountered so far.

Normally, with this type of Monster in a Critical Level Dungeon, it'd be a Queen Ant. They're Critical Level Monsters, but in terms of power, they're not that much stronger than Soldier Ants.

What makes them dangerous is their ability to reproduce at an alarming rate, a Queen Ant Dungeon Boss often means multiple Monsters in the Boss Room; a swarm of freshly-hatched Giant Ants protecting the Queen.

Of course, Giant Ants are little more than fodder with how weak they are, and it's been confirmed that any offspring produced by Queen Ants all hatch after the Dungeon rises, so there's basically zero chance of them evolving into Giant Flying Ants, and subsequently Soldier Ants.

Monsters need time and experience to evolve, so newly born Monsters that haven't even fought anything yet stand next to no chance of evolving anytime soon.

But that's all beside the point...because I doubt we're simply dealing with a Queen Ant here, there's no way this Dungeon is ending so simply.

With how easy it's been upto this point, I'd be incredibly surprised if the Dungeon Boss is anything weaker than Calamity Level.

Which would most likely be a King Ant...I've never seen one myself, but based on what I've heard from Luxuria and Acedia, they're as strong and fast as Dragons and Archdemons, and while they aren't as intelligent, they're extremely vicious and aggressive.

Of course, it could be a Dragon or Archdemon too, it's not impossible. I should also consider the possibility that there'll be multiple powerful Monsters up there.

That's never happened before, we've never had a case of more than one Monster in a Boss Room, with the exception of the offspring of Queen Ants, that is.

But I know better than anyone that unprecedented isn't synonymous with impossible, a lot of precedents have gone out the window over the last year or so.

"We're finally within sight of the Boss Room, I can't wait to see what kind of Monster is up there," Remarked Brid eagerly.

"Sorry, but only Aria and I will be entering the Boss Room. If it's a Calamity Level Monster, we'll be better off with just the two of us," I stated bluntly.

"I mean, you don't know that for sure yet, it could be a Critical Level," He pointed out hopefully.

"I'd say that's unlikely, but it's possible...," I trailed off hesitantly, before adding as I glanced at the Detector, "Alright, then...we'll all head up the tunnel, and we'll stop as soon as you sense the Boss. If it's a Calamity Level Monster, the rest of you will hang back while Aria and I head in."

"And if it's a Critical Level, we can come too, right?!" Responded Brid eagerly.

"I-...we'll see. Honestly...probably not. Because if he does sense a Critical Level Monster instead of a Calamity Level, I'd feel pretty sure that it's some kind of trap," I replied after a brief pause.

"Aw, come on...then, either way, it's the same," He frowned in disappointment.

"He's got a point, Guildmaster, don't you think you're being a bit too cautious? I definitely appreciate that you're trying to make sure we're safe and all, but if you just hold our hands through all the dangerous stuff, that'd be counterproductive," Chimed in the Ice Mage.

"Well, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be this cautious, but there are two contributing factors here. The first, we've got two rookies with us...talented as they are, this is still a Critical Level Dungeon, so we can't be too careful.

And second, this is the first wave of Dungeons after the longest break in history, something has to have changed in that time...we may well be facing a whole new set of rules now, so the logical move is to proceed with caution, until we have more information," I pointed out objectively.

"Yeah, can't argue that," Nodded the Earth Mage in agreement.

"In that case, it's probably best if only I accompany you two through the tunnel," Spoke up the Detector.

"Mhm, having the others tag along if we aren't going to let them enter the Boss Room either way would be pointless," Nodded Aria in agreement.

"Okay, then, let's go. You guys hang back here and rest up. We've still got a long walk back, after all," I pointed out with a wry smile.

"Yeah, alright. Good luck up there," Called out Brid, as Aria and I headed forward, the Detector trailing close behind.

As the tunnel leading up to the Boss Room came into sight, we stepped into it, steadily heading up the steep, winding path.

I can't help but feel a bit tense...no, it'll be fine.

Aria and I are a lot stronger now, we can take down a Calamity Level Monster between us once we unleash our full power. Not to mention, there's also Acedia, I can always summon him if I need to.

"Okay, I can sense the Boss now...and I'm pretty sure it's Critical Level," The Detector informed us.

"For real?" Responded Aria in surprise, before grimacing slightly.

Looks like she's been thinking more or less along the same lines that I have.

"Alright, good work. Head back to the others...if this isn't a trap of some kind, we'll be back in no time. Retreat from the Dungeon if we aren't back in, say...twenty minutes," I instructed the Detector.

"Understood, I'll relay it to the others."

As the Detector hurried back, I glanced at Aria, the two of us exchanging a nod before continuing up the tunnel, the other end soon coming into sight.

We approached the opening, and the instant we stepped out of the tunnel and into the Boss Room...a loud crash rang out behind us as a thick, rocky block plummeted and slammed down over the entrance, puffs of dust rising up around it.

What the-...?

"Greetings, humans. Ah, you, the male human...I believe you are the one I've been looking for."

I slowly turned my gaze to the other end of the space, a lone Monster coming into sight. It looked just like a Soldier Ant, but it was taller.

Which means, it's a King Ant...but, then, why did it register as Critical Level to the Detector?

More importantly...ant Monsters are supposed to be low in intelligence, they aren't supposed to be able to speak.

So, then...what the hell are we dealing with here?

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