Solo Leveling

(S2) Chapter 16: Desplay of Power

Third Person POV

Issei wasn't sure how to feel about the current situation.

It was already bad enough that a dungeon had opened up and dragged him back into it. He couldn't comprehend how or why it happened this time, considering he hadn't even received a key. The last time he was dragged into a dungeon, apart from the Red Gate incident, was when he faced off against that Fallen Angel with the fedora.

Lately, that event had been weighing heavily on Issei's mind. The fact that he hadn't seen or heard anything from the other Fallen Angels, particularly Yuuma, troubled him. It didn't matter to him if they were dead or alive; they had tried to kill him. However, he couldn't help but wonder if they were still around or if some higher power had influenced their disappearance.

Uncertainty plagued him, and although he couldn't recall if he had mentioned it before, he had recently developed the sensation of being watched from afar. Issei knew he should be worried, but strangely, he wasn't. This lack of fear confused him. How could he not be panicking about someone stalking him?

If it turned out to be Yuuma, things would undoubtedly become unpleasant. However, Issei had not sensed any hostile intentions or malevolent aura—aside from the ones emanating from the High Orcs, who were currently his enemies. Of course, the High Orcs were monsters, and their inherent hatred for humans was well-known.

Now, Issei couldn't help but muse about what an alternate universe would be like if monsters were not the hostile ones and could coexist peacefully with humans. In such a world, Rias and her people, along with angels, fallen angels, and other supernatural beings, could emerge from hiding.

But such thoughts would have to wait for another time. For now, Issei needed to focus on the immediate situation before him. The High Orcs were proving to be formidable opponents for the lesser shadows in his army. While individuals like Tank, Greed, Iron, Igris, and Ddraig had no trouble dealing with the Orcs, the others struggled.

Several of his shadows were only at the level of a B-Rank dungeon, and yet they were facing the challenges of what was supposedly an A-Rank Dungeon. Consequently, the Orcs were mercilessly slaughtering his lesser shadows, armed with their weapons.

Gritting his teeth, Issei watched in frustration as more of his weakened shadows were utterly demolished by the High Orc warriors.

Issei: 'Damn it, this isnt good. They've already been restored a few times just trying to kill one!'

Issei could send Ddraig, the dragon can easily destroy all of these enemies with no difficulty. However, so far the high Orc Shaman or whatever his name is hasn't moved from his chair and that is what concerns him. Maybe it was due to how far he wad from him, but he couldn't get a read on his emotions...

Does he not feel concerned about this? he could lose all of his warriors or does he have something planned, something that could wipe out all of Issei's shadows in one fell swoop.

He can't risk it, he'll keep Ddraig in the back defending for now. If things comes to shove, than he'll order the shadow dragon to destroy everything in this room. It will be a shame if he had too, Issei wondered what a shadow high Orc would look like? it could be a worthy soldier for his ever growing army.

Issei: 'If I keep this up, I'll run out of Mana before getting to the biss monster. Since they out number my soldiers by three times, I just I gotta cut those numbers dow-'

Kargalan: "Hymn of the fire dragon!"

Issei perked up as a massive explosion appeared not to far from him, causing the boy to get knocked back by the shockwave from the resulting explosion. Luckily, those like Kiba and Koneko managed to catch him as Asia quickly rushed over to see if he was alright.