The group arranged themselves and entered. 00B and the other monsters took the lead this time, with Ateia and Taog right behind them. Estrith and NSLICE-00P brought up the rear.

Inside, the walls and roof were made out of bronze, lit by occasional metal torches. Ateia and Taog nodded at each other, and then proceeded inside.

They knew NSLICE-00P could identify the correct path somehow, but decided that for as long as they could still fight effectively, they should also try to lead the exploration. Just in case one day they had to explore a dungeon without her.

“Trap.”

B halted as Ateia pointed out the pressure plate ahead of him. He stepped to the side…but Ateia was used to dirt or stone, and so didn’t notice the small gap in the floor.

Suddenly two doors swung open right underneath 00B, revealing the pit trap underneath. He let out a cry but NSLICE-00P caught him with a barrier.

“Recommendation: NSLICE-00B should conduct individual sensor scans as well.”

B growled and rolled over in embarrassment.

And accidentally rolled on top of the pressure plate Ateia had pointed out, causing arrows to shoot from the walls.

B refused to look at anyone for the next few minutes.

It was not long until the team encountered their first monster.

It had metal armor that covered it from head to toe that…didn’t reflect the light due to the amount of dirt and scratches on it.

It carried a wicked blade…that was chipped and rusting.

It stood tall…at about three feet.

It was a goblin, armed with scrap metal armor and a rusting dagger. It let out a shout and rushed the group.

B swatted it.

The goblin slammed into the ground, and then faded away, leaving behind its core. 00B then turned to NSLICE-00P and cried.

“Acknowledgement: This unit has logged NSLICE-00B’s successful termination of a hostile.”

B grunted and turned back to the front.

Only to see a full squad of armored goblins now approaching them.

B charged right into the center of them. The goblins slashed at him, but couldn’t penetrate his metal armor. 00C then jumped forward and grabbed the ankle of one of the goblins, pulling it to the ground and away from the group where 01C and 02C were waiting. They jumped the fallen goblin with their hot and icy fangs. 01F stayed on the edge of the room, adjusting his stance. He then pounced upon the back of one of the goblins, biting at its neck.

Ateia frowned at seeing the little monsters fight.

“Um, should we help them?”

“Negative Response: These units require upgrades and combat experience to reach minimum acceptable combat efficiency. This unit calculates assistance is not required or desirable for this engagement.”

“Right…”

Once the fight was over, 00B and the Canus monsters all rushed over to NSLICE-00P. 00F followed them, trying not to look too excited.

“Acknowledgement: This unit has logged a successful engagement.”

B turned and glanced at Ateia. Her face cramped but she managed to form a smile as the bear cub covered in goblin blood kept glancing at her.

“G-Good job. You did a great job…murdering those monsters.”

She stroked 00B’s fur. He tried to look away but couldn’t help his body relaxing. He cried softly.

Ateia tried not to grimace as she wiped the goblin blood off her hand.

The first four floors were mostly armored goblins. NSLICE-00P couldn’t get much useful data from these, unfortunately, so she focused on combat support and upgrading her newest subordinates. But on the fifth floor, the situation changed.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Bronze Living Armor (Level 19)