Solo Dungeon Streamer-I Am Overpowered

Chapter 28: Training for the Lower Floors

"Maybe it's time to try streaming for real?"

As I sat down after a fight with a lower-level monster, adjusting the camera, Asakawa-san suggested this. Honestly, even if she said that, the only thing I could stream would be her training sessions, and I don't have much to talk about or do on a stream.

"Wouldn't it be better if you streamed, Asakawa-san? Fighting lower-level monsters should get you plenty of views."

"...It feels weird to stream with you helping me out so much."

"Does that bother you?"

"A little bit," she said with a smile, cradling her spear with care. Even though she asked me for help with her streaming, it seems like she doesn't want to rely on me too much.

So far, I haven't actually stepped in to assist her directly. I've only been giving her tips about monsters and strategies for each floor.

She's steadily getting stronger. Although the training to increase her magical power doesn't show rapid results, it's probably the most effective method she's ever tried. After all, she's been working hard without complaining.

"Another one's coming," I pointed out.

"...I've been fighting so many lower-level monsters lately that my sense of money is starting to get warped."

"Don't worry, it won't get that warped," I said with a chuckle. The truth is, no matter how much you earn, if you're just average, money will always feel the same.

From the depths of the tunnel, a hulking ogre with reddish-brown skin lumbered into view. The monster, simply named "Ogre," was all about high durability and strong attacks. It moved slowly, but its attacks were deadly enough to put your life at risk with one hit.

"This one might be a tough match for you, Asakawa-san."

"I'll overcome it!" she said with determination.

She's got guts... As expected of someone who almost died in a dungeon one day, only to return the next. That kind of mental fortitude is something ordinary people can't even fathom, but I guess it's par for the course for those who venture deep into dungeons. I used to be like that too, fighting my way into the deep layers, on the brink of death more times than I could count.

I checked that the stream was running and focused on recording Asakawa-san's battle with the ogre. Since it's a high-durability monster she struggles with, this footage could be useful later for reviewing and improving her tactics.

"Is this even working?" she asked as her magic attack seemed to bounce off the ogre's thick skin.

"Well, in games, an attack that doesn't cause visible damage isn't effective. You can think of it that way in real life too."

"Then it's not working!"

"UGHHHHHH!"

Reacting to the ogre's roar and the sound of its club slamming down, several other monsters began converging on us. I was planning to stay out of it unless things got dangerous, but it would be better if Asakawa-san could focus solely on the ogre. I guess I'll take care of the other monsters.

"'Gyuuki'."

I summoned Gyuuki, which immediately bolted in the opposite direction, away from where Asakawa-san was fighting the ogre. One of the weaknesses of Shikigami is that they have some autonomy in how they move, but they have limitations. Specifically, if they get too far—like an entire dungeon floor away—they'll automatically disappear.

As long as I stay on this floor, Gyuuki should be fine handling the other monsters.

Watching Asakawa-san's fight, I could see how much effort she's put into her training. Her ability to simultaneously cast multiple spells is a talent, but she's also closely observing the ogre's movements, predicting its actions based on subtle cues, and avoiding fatal hits. It looks easy, but you need to have survived numerous close calls to develop that kind of skill.

"Take this!" she cried out, unleashing a fire spell aimed at the ogre's exposed eye.

The ogre roared in pain, collapsing as Asakawa-san drove her spear into its neck, putting her full weight behind it. At that point, the fight was essentially over. However, she didn't stop there. She pulled out her spear and repeatedly shot fire bullets into the wound. Ruthless, but that's what you need to do. You can't afford to relax until the monster disappears; that's basic dungeon survival.

"Phew... I did it!"

"Good job. With that, I think you can handle the monsters in this area."

"...I thought I'd almost die a lot more."

"If you want that..."

"No thanks."

Well, if there's no rush, this pace is fine. Constantly fighting opponents just a little stronger than you is the best way to grow.

Gyuuki returned with several magic stones clutched in its hands, having dealt with the other monsters. Among them was one that looked like the ogre's, but I decided not to mention it to Asakawa-san.

"Let's head back for today."

"What? I can keep going!"

"You're running low on magic, aren't you?"

Despite the initial protest, she fell silent, which confirmed my suspicion. Since she's already fought several monsters besides the ogre, I figured she was close to her limit.

"Listen, it's important to get close to the edge and fight with your magic nearly depleted to push your limits."

"Then let's keep going!"

"But if you die, it's all over."

Sure, I'm here to make sure Asakawa-san doesn't die in the lower layers, but that's to handle unexpected situations. I can't help if she knowingly walks into a fight she can't win.

"There's no need to rush. As an explorer, you've still got a long way ahead of you."

In reality, she's only been an explorer for two years, and she's already a C-rank, which is extraordinary. But I doubt my words will get through to her. Being the same age as me, yet seeing me as an EX, probably makes her feel more pressured. There aren't many high schoolers who are as powerful as her. In fact, being C-rank at her age is already incredible, but I know she's comparing herself to me.

I wish I could reassure her more if only I were at her level so that we could have had friendly competition.