This hypothesis makes at least some sense.
It explains why my status abnormality skill has such broken performance.
However... under this theory, the low correction values still do not quite sit right with me.
The gap with A-class is just too extreme.
Well, A-class might have a different growth multiplier from me...
The correction value calculation on level up might not be the same multiplication formula.
But even at 100 levels, my stamina correction is still below Oyamada's initial value.
Right now, it is hard to say E-class is straightforwardly superior to A-class.
No—my unique skill alone is undeniably abnormal in performance.
It could also be interpreted as everything being poured into the skill.
"Well—there is no way to prove this hypothesis anyway, and proving it here would not change anything..."
I have a weapon I can fight with.
For now, that is enough.
I wait silently for the dragon zombie's death.
If it dies far away, would I still get experience?
I would like to test that eventually...
But I want this monster's experience.
It is my first encounter with this type.
Now is not the time to test uncertain factors.
A fairly long time passes.
"Gu, i, o!? E, e—..."
[Level up.]
[LV 501 → LV 549]
The dragon zombie finally runs out of strength.
It had quite a lot of HP...
It took a while to reach lethal.
By nature, [Poison] is not an instant-death skill.
It takes some time; that cannot be helped.
Above all, right now the existence of [Poison] is my lifeline.
Without this skill, I would have been completely checkmated.
But... I am a little troubled.
Another problem has arisen now.
"..."
The problems that have been resolved for the moment:
Monster countermeasures.
Hunger.
Thirst.
"Yes, that's right... there was one more major problem..."
My eyelids are growing heavy.
Yes—sleepiness.
The extreme tension state since being summoned.
The extreme tension state since being transferred to the ruins.
Multiple full sprints, deathmatches, traveling between layers, passage of time...
The immediate crisis has passed for now.
I managed to eat, though not perfectly.
But perhaps because the taut nerves temporarily relaxed as a result.
My brain is complaining that it needs rest.
A fatigue-induced sleepiness envelops my body.
Even with raised stats, it seems sleepiness is unavoidable.
The correction values seem likely to drop from sleep deprivation too.
But what do I do?
If I had companions, we could take turns keeping watch.
But right now I am undeniably solo.
This place is at least called ruins.
Is there no ruin-like room somewhere?
"However..."
I look up.
The flat, gentle spiral slope continues upward.
I will have to climb that next, right?
Can I make it in this sleepy state?
What if I collapse midway?
Would that not be dangerous?
I defeated what seemed to be the domain's lord, the rotting dragon...
But from experience, it is unlikely to be the only one.
What do I do?
Where do I sleep?
Is there a suitable spot somewhere in this vast limestone cave area?
I decide to explore the surrounding area while I am at it.
I also enter the hole where the dragon zombie emerged.
"Ugh."
A unique, strong irritant odor pierces my nose.
The hole narrows the further in it goes.
The back is completely filled with green liquid.
It vaguely reminds me of an underground waterway.
The liquid seems to be acid.
I pick up a pebble and dip half of it in.
Sizzle...
It seems weaker acid than the monsters' bodily fluids...
But the odor it emits is terrible.
There is no way I can sleep amid this irritant smell.
I exit the hole and take another full lap around the area.
However, I find no place where I can hide my body.
"This is troublesome..."
Sleeping completely exposed is something I strongly resist—
"Hm?"
Near the wall, the dragon zombie that ran out of strength...
Its bones are completely mangled.
Probably from the [Sleep] I applied earlier.
Sudden full weight caused bones all over its body to break or bend.
Putting it to sleep causes near-total loss of strength.
Then, one idea comes to mind.
But,
"...What do you think of this idea, me?"
I approach and touch the dragon bones.
Then I pull my arm back, clench my fist, and strike.
Gah!
Hard.
"Strength is okay... probably."
Now, is there a spot like what I am thinking of—
"Ah."
I climb over the stepped bones.
"How about here?"
A section where thick bones overlap.
I peer in.
I confirm a cavity deep in the gap.
Would it fit one human?
Also, this gap—
"Can I get through?"
I force my body into the gap between bones.
And... it fits?
"Guh."
Pop!
"...Tch, careful—"
I made it through.
While looking around, I illuminate with the leather pouch.
It is just barely wide enough for one person to lie down...
But standing up is impossible.
Crouching is the limit for height.
Still, it is sufficient.
"The smell is awful, but this will be today's lodging..."
The rotten flesh smell cannot be helped.
It cannot be helped for the sake of safety.
Above all, it is better than the irritant odor inside that hole earlier.
The strong acidic bodily fluids do not seem to seep in here either.
I step outside once.
Around here are scattered many relatively thin bone fragments.
Parts of bones that broke and shattered when the dragon zombie fell.
I pick up the thinnest fragments I can find.
I place one at my feet on the ground and step on it.
Crack!
The sound of bone breaking.
Good...
At this thinness, it is moderately flexible.
The sound is pleasantly sharp too.
"Here... and here too..."
Around the dragon zombie on the ground.
I scatter the thin bones like filling gaps.
If something like a bird head attacks while I sleep, at least one should get stepped on.
It is just a placebo, but a simple alarm device.
Now, time to go back...
I return to my bone lodging, sit down, and lean against the bone wall.
Lying flat feels dangerous.
Sleeping in a seated position would let me move immediately.
With this level of sleepiness, it should work.
I close my eyes.
As expected.
Sleep comes quickly.
▽
—Crack—
Consciousness awakens rapidly.
I slowly open my eyes.
"...So they came."
How long was I able to sleep?
My head—okay, clear.
If sleep is deep, even a short time provides sufficient recovery.
I read that online.
My body... feels a little heavy.
Well, probably just sleep inertia.
Now, what kind of monster—
—Crack—
Hm?
—Crack—Crunch—Crack—Crack—
Not just one...?
I peer out through the bone gap.
From this angle, I cannot confirm appearances.
But I understand clearly.
"I see."
The presence of a wriggling swarm.
"So the group has arrived."