SUMMONING SOUNDS COOL, BUT…

So there’s a skill called Summoning.

As the name implies, it can bring something in from another place.

Specifically, that “something” is any living being that has formed a contract with the skill user.

Summoned beasts, you might say.

The Summoning skill itself is actually an evolution of a skill called Creature Training, which allows the user to command monsters and animals and the like.

So I guess it’s like a Monster Tamer changing classes to become a Summoner.

Either way, it’s a skill that lets you command monsters and make them fight.

So here’s what I’m thinking.

Aren’t there, like, tons of monsters ripe for the taming here in the Great Elroe Labyrinth?

Since it’s the biggest labyrinth in the world and all, it’s chock-full of monsters.

Now, I’ve never been outside of the labyrinth, so I’m just guessing here, but I’d be willing to bet that the population density of monsters is way higher in here than most places.

And if you could tame a bunch of those monsters, wouldn’t that be enough to make a whole monster army?

If there’s one thing I learned when I fought the fire wyrm, it’s that strength in numbers is pretty damn terrifying.

Take it from me ’cause I sure as hell learned the hard way.

In other words, quantity over quality.

When you get as strong as a dragon or something, those numbers might not mean as much. I think it’d still be more than enough to threaten anyone else, though.

Since I’ve been soloing my way through everything this whole time, I’d like to think I understand the limitations of fighting alone pretty darn well.

And as everyone knows, two heads are better than one.

If you have a partner to watch your back, you’re that much more likely to survive.

Plus, if they’re bound to you with a skill, you know they’re not gonna betray you.

Most of all, I’ve always liked those monster-raising sims.

I like any game that you can sink a ton of hours into, really.

But taming monsters and training them to fight sounds super-fun, doesn’t it?

If their level gets high enough, they’d probably evolve like me, so even if they start out weak, they could end up really strong if you raise them right.

Doesn’t that sound awesome?

Oh, but getting stronger than me isn’t allowed.

Eventually, I would wanna build a whole big monster army, but maybe I’d start out by focusing on raising a single monster.

Since I’m more of a magic user, it’d be good to get a monster that can tank damage on the front lines.

Yes, I once entertained such a delusion myself.

But when I looked at Professor Wisdom’s skill list, my grand aspirations crumbled into dust.

Because acquiring the Creature Training skill costs no less than ten thousand skill points!

Same for the Leadership skill that the fire wyrm had.

I guess that means I’m not a natural-born leader.

Fair enough. I’ve dedicated both my old life and my current one to the path of the loner.

Meaning I’ve barely even tried to interact with anyone else, let alone lead them.

So it’s no wonder I can’t get those skills.

Ah-ha-ha…

Ughhh.

So much for my plans to make frogs run errands for me and all that good stuff.

THE MENACE OF THE MIDDLE STRATUM

What’s the worst monster in the Middle Stratum?

The seahorses? Those small fry are all over the place.

Even though there are lots of them, they’re not too hard to beat as long as you take the right countermeasures.

No, they’re far from the worst.

The catfish, the evolution of the seahorse?

Being an evolved form and all, it certainly is a lot stronger.

But still, its basic strategies aren’t much different from the seahorse. Honestly, they’re basically the comic relief character of the Middle Stratum, so it’s hard to see ’em as a threat.

Nope, they’re still nowhere near the worst.

The eel, which I’m pretty sure is the next evolution after the catfish?

They’re pretty strong.

Again, their basic strategy is shooting fireballs from the magma, just like the seahorse. But in this case, since their stats are so damn high, they’re a serious threat.

They’re like a totally different beast from the seahorses or catfish, even though they’re doing the same thing.

It’s definitely a big step up in terms of strength in the Middle Stratum.

But still, if we’re talking strength alone, I’ve seen way scarier stuff in the Lower Stratum.

Like earth dragons, earth dragons, and more earth dragons!

When you think of things that way, it’s not quite intimidating enough to qualify as the worst.

The “worst” I’m talking about means something I just can’t beat.

And there’s definitely a monster that fits that description.

The monster I thought was the worst in the Middle Stratum is called the Elroe Piekhu.

It looks like a red dog, specifically an Akita.

Its big round eyes are actually pretty cute.

But its powers are nothing to sneeze at.

First of all, being a dog and all, it’s got a sharp sense of smell.

These things can sniff me out when I get too close, so I can’t get the jump on them.

And since I can’t use my threads in the Middle Stratum, an ambush is out of the question, too.

That makes them a really bad match for me.

But those are not the only reasons.

When these mutts spot an enemy, they self-immolate.

That’s right—these puppies are literally on fire.

Since I’m weak to fire, fighting a dog that’s basically a walking inferno is a big ask, to say the least.

In fact, it leaves Poison Synthesis as pretty much my only attack option.

My only shot at winning is to somehow douse them in spider venom.

I mean, I can’t touch them. Unless I wanna burn up and die.

If I were a dog lover, I might die of cuteness as well as acute burns.

And on top of all that, these things tend to travel in packs, I guess because they’re dogs or whatever.

The power of numbers is scary.

Can you imagine what a nightmare it’d be if multiple dogs charged at me when my only means of winning was poison?

I’d be dead meat, for real.

The only saving grace, if any, is that their stats aren’t particularly high.

Individually, they’re a lot weaker than a catfish.

So, usually, I can still manage somehow.

Hmm? If I can manage it, then how are they the worst?

Well, hold your horses. The “worst” monster that I’m talking about refers to a very specific individual among these dogs.

When it comes to this specimen, concepts like strength and weakness lose all meaning.

Whether you’re weak or strong, you’d never be able to beat this thing.

That’s the terrifying trap that awaits you.

“Awooo!”

Now do you understand?

Listen to this mournful, pitiful whine.

Look at the way those eyes are gazing at me.

It looks like it’d die if I gave it the tiniest push, yet I find myself hesitating.

That’s right. It’s a puppy.

What’s up with this ridiculous pet-like cuteness?!

Sure, the grown ones can be cute at times, but a puppy is obviously crossing the line!

You’re a monster, dammit!

And look at me—I’m a spooky, scary spider!

This is discrimination!

If I had to be reborn as a monster, I would’ve preferred to be this one!

Cuteness conquers all!

Get outta my face, stupid!

I mean…if I have to kill a cute little creature like this… Just the thought alone fills me with feelings of… Oh, nothing. Hmm.

Come to think of it, I guess I do have the “Merciless” title.

With the very weird effect of preventing me from feeling guilt.

I thought that sounded strange at the time. Who knew it would come in handy at a time like this?

See, it’s important to have countermeasures.

So would you be able to defeat the menace of the Middle Stratum?

“Awooo!”