Chapter 3: Tigerson

Chapter 3:
Tigerson

 

THE BLACK LION observed me with an unflinching severity. I was, as you might expect, appropriately terrified. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, but it didn’t seem like he wanted to kill me, like, right away, so…

“Do you…want something from me?” I asked.

The lion nodded slowly. Unfortunately for me, reliable old Discerning Eye did jack and squat whenever I tried to turn it on him. He had some kind of skill that nullified its effects.

<For you to have made it so deep into the dungeon, you must be rather powerful.>

“I think I’m lucky more than anything else.”

<You needn’t be so modest, human. If nothing else, you have come to the fifth level twice now. Do you intend to explore this entire dungeon?>

“Well, I’m hoping to get as far as I can, but I’m not about to push myself too hard.”

<Will you dare venture to the sixth floor?>

“Uh, yeah, I’m thinking about it.”

<In that case, come with me. You may climb onto my back.>

The lion knelt down. His body was massive, but I timidly obeyed. I lacked the courage to reject his offer.

“Whoa! It actually feels pretty great up here!” Even if there was a tulip blocking some of the view!

<What an innocent reaction.>

“Well excuse me, it’s my first time riding a lion, you know.”

<I am no lion. My name is Tigerson.>

“Huh? Tiger…son? So you’re a tiger?”

<It is a worthy name, given to me by a worthy friend.>

Color me confused. Why would anyone name a lion after a tiger? Sure, I guess they were both big cats, but not even a little kid could mistake one for the other. I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing some kind of joke, but the big guy seemed proud of his name.

“S-so, you had friends, huh?”

<……>

“Sorry, probably shouldn’t have used past tense there.”

<I do not mind.>

At that, the lion began to walk. I found myself swaying side to side with each step. …And I couldn’t take my eyes off that freaking tulip.

<Hmph… Do not fall off.>

“Um, you gonna do anything about that guy?”

A giant ant monster exactly like the one I’d fought before was straight ahead of us, rattling its immense mandibles.

<You may hold on to my mane.>

“Don’t mind if I do.”

I took a firm grip on Tigerson’s mane. It was distractingly fluffy—and so soft! Even though we were about to head into life-threatening battle, I had a dumb, slack-jawed look on my face.

Tigerson started running and my hair whipped back. Despite his size, he could manage some impressive speed. Things looked like they were going to get chaotic when the giant ant lunged toward us but, in an instant, the ant had lost its head. I gaped, wondering where it’d gone—then I saw it in Tigerson’s mouth.

<Hrm, the taste never improves.> Tigerson spat out the ant’s head and walked on as if nothing had happened.

“Y-you’re really strong, Mr. Tigerson.”

<There is no need for such formalities. You may simply call me Tigerson.>

“Huh. I guess I will, then! I’m Noir Stardia, but you can just call me Noir.”

<Noir, would you listen to my tale?>

Honestly, it sounded like the lead-in to some kind of quest. It seemed he wanted me to do something for him after all. I eagerly agreed to hear him out.

<Approximately three hundred and fifty years ago, I accompanied my dear friend into this very dungeon. We made our way to the fifth level, but my friend insisted on heading to the sixth floor alone.>

“What? Why?”

<From what we understood, there are a great number of traps on that level. My friend possessed a skill that could clear them, and insisted I stay here until the traps had been dealt with…even if it took him tens, no, hundreds of years.>

Something seemed a little off about that estimate.

“Was your friend human…?”

<Why, no. My friend, Vashelle, is an elf. At any rate, I have been waiting three hundred and fifty years for his return.>

That made more sense. Elves were known for their lengthy lifespans. The oldest were said to live about five hundred years. That had to be why Tigerson hadn’t given up hope.

“You’re pretty dang loyal, Tigerson. You never thought about going to the sixth floor yourself?”

<I…I made a promise to Vashelle that I would wait here.>

And here he was after all this time, still waiting. I couldn’t help but admire his fortitude.

“I’ll look for your friend when I go to the sixth floor.”

<I would be most grateful.>

Although, I was a little worried about the possibility that some monster had gotten the better of Vashelle… But who knew, maybe he was trapped in some limbo like my master, Olivia.

“Since we’re talking already, I’ve been dying to know: what’s with that tulip?”

<It is an indicator of my current health. If it were to be severed, I would be greatly weakened.>

“Do you have to water it or anything?”

<If you have water to spare, I would appreciate a portion. The only nourishment it has lately received is the occasional spurt of monster blood.>

As luck would have it, I had a variety of supplies in my Pocket Dimension, so I pulled out a water flask and poured it out onto Tigerson’s head.

<Ahhh… It has been so long since I last had water.>

“Does it feel that nice?”

<I would be very pleased if you would stroke my head as well.>

“Like this?”

<Oh yes, yeeesss…> He almost sounded aroused.

“Ha ha ha, you know, Tigerson, you might look scary but you’re a pretty funny guy.”

<H-how embarrassing… I have a tendency to part with reason when faced with such attacks.>

“Okay, then I guess I’ll have to give this spot lots of love if I ever get in a fight with you.”

<I would very much appreciate it if you did not.>

Somehow, I was getting the feeling that we could become fast friends. Not to mention, it sure was nice having a companion who could take out any monsters that might pass by.

When we got to the stairway to the sixth floor, Tigerson knelt down to let me off, then gave me a physical description of Vashelle. I would be on the lookout for a man in his thirties.

<That said, it is possible his appearance has changed since last I saw him. What will you do then?>

“Naw, it won’t be a problem with my Discerning Eye. Well, I’m off!”

<May the gods protect my new friend!>

I headed down to the sixth floor as Tigerson saw me off with a magnificent roar. But the second I came down the stairs, my situation took a dramatic turn.

“Yeesh, that’s dark.”

It wasn’t pitch black, but there wasn’t any light, which severely reduced my field of vision. I did have the skill Blinding Light, but that was designed to disorient opponents and wouldn’t do me much good in a search. I wracked my brain for other ideas and mulled some new skills.

 

Night Vision — 200 LP

 

Perfect. I Got Creative and produced the skill. Instantly, it was easier to see. I seemed to be in a corridor, so I progressed forward with care, looking out for any enemies.

“Ah, there. I think there’s something.”

I put up my guard. As I did, a groaning humanoid figure shambled aimlessly ahead of me.