Volume 2 Chapter 11 The Beginning of Dungeon Exploration
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”So, this is the Dungeon City?”
We rode in the carriage for 3 days.
We left every morning and slept in towns or villages at night.
After doing this again and again, we finally arrived at Dungeon City, the City of the Dungeon.
Thanks to my “Love Hotel” skill, I could rest well at night, so it should have been much more comfortable than for other travelers.
But still, my body was tired.
This carriage travel is not for me.
I want an airship quickly.
The town in front of me, the Dungeon City, seemed very developed.
It might be as lively as the royal capital, or even more so.
What caught my eye the most was the number of people who looked like adventurers.
I thought that half of the people on the road were adventurers.
Well, maybe half is an exaggeration, but they still stood out.
”This city, Dungeon City, was built by adventurers who explore the Dungeon and people who do business with them.”
Tifi explained beside me.
”The magic stones and items found in the Dungeon are now the foundation of this country’s industry.”
Certainly, such an economic base would be needed to maintain a city of this size.
”Why are there more adventurers here than in the royal capital?”
”The powerful monsters around the royal capital are regularly exterminated by the military and high-ranking adventurers. Only weak monsters like goblins and wolves remain. Therefore, there isn’t much demand for adventurers around the royal capital.”
I see.
I understand a little why the adventurers are concentrated here.
When we arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild, I was overwhelmed by its size.
”…Amazing.”
The building in front of me was larger than the guild headquarters in the royal capital.
It was a majestic building that symbolized the adventurer’s city.
When we entered the guild, everyone looked at us.
We were attracting attention from the adventurers and the staff.
Lifia, the blonde, blue-eyed, mini-skirted maid.
And Tifi, who looked like an elegant office lady.
The two beauties, and me with them, were enough to make us stand out.
Our clothes are high quality.
It seems we stand out in a good way.
”Now, I will receive my greeting and job explanation,” I say.
Tifi says one last thing before leaving.
”Ah, see you later!”
”What will you do, Mr. Taro?”
”I’ll head into the Dungeon right away. I won’t go too deep. I plan to return by evening.”
”Understood. Be careful.”
We part ways with Tifi and head toward the dungeon.
As we walk through the town, I notice many specialized shops for adventurers, like weapon stores and potion shops.
Some shops catch my interest, but sightseeing can wait.
Right now, the dungeon is the priority.
When we reach the town center, there is a huge stone temple-like building.
Adventurers are coming and going in droves.
That must be the entrance to the Dungeon.
The faces of the adventurers entering are full of hope and confidence.
On the other hand, those coming out are divided into 2 types.
The satisfied ones and the regretful ones.
The first group carries what looks like loot, brimming with a sense of achievement.
It’s proof they returned safely.
But the second group is battered and exhausted.
Some even collapse in tears as soon as they step outside.
Maybe they gained nothing, or perhaps they lost a comrade.
The people around them seem indifferent.
Is this just everyday life here?
They simply avoid them and walk past.
Soldiers are keeping a watchful eye around the temple.
We show our adventurer tags to get through.
It seems only adventurers of iron rank or higher can enter the Dungeon.
”Entering the Dungeon? Excuse me, but with that gear?”
The soldier’s gaze scans our outfits.
I’m in a jacket with a spear.
Lifia is in a maid outfit, holding a bow and arrow, but it clearly isn’t suited for Dungeon exploration.
”Today, we’re just checking things out. No need to worry.”
”I see. I recommend not going too deep.”
”Understood.”
The soldier is unfriendly to other adventurers, but oddly polite to us.
It seems first impressions matter.
And while he is polite, he doesn’t stop us.
Adventurers are responsible for their own actions, no matter what happens.
Stepping into the temple, the space inside was vast and open.
It was made only of pillars and a roof, with no walls, giving it a clear view.
The ceiling was high, and it had a unique atmosphere where silence seemed to echo.
Advancing further in, a large staircase came into view.
The stairs leading down to the underground had an imposing presence, like a gate guarding the entrance to a dungeon.
Following the other adventurers, I began to descend the stairs.
As I moved down the staircase, the air gradually grew cooler.
The artificially constructed stone stairs continued for a while before they changed into a natural cave with exposed rock.
This must be the real start of the dungeon.
Entering the cave, the interior was dimly lit.
Looking around, the walls and ceiling were dotted with stones that looked like crystals, emitting a white light.
”Amazing…”
Lifia let out a soft whisper.
I too stopped in my tracks, captivated by the fantastical sight.
The inorganic cave was illuminated by the glowing crystals.
This space was something more than just an ordinary cave.
The shining stones gave the impression that the dungeon itself was alive.
”Could these be like lights? Are these magic stones…?”
I picked up one of the stones to examine it.
A faint warmth passed through my fingertips.
Maybe they’re not for sale?
”Perhaps not. The magic stones I know have richer colors.”
I see.
The other adventurers paid them no heed and continued on.
They must be worthless.
”Mister, is this your first time in a dungeon?”
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind me.
Turning around, a shifty-looking man stood there.
He was of medium height and thin, wearing a tattered robe.
His eyes had a beast-like sharpness, and his expression, with a faint smile, demanded caution.
”Well, something like that.”
I replied while sizing him up.
”I thought as much. You and the young lady don’t look too accustomed to dungeons.”
The man’s gaze shifted between me and Lifia.
His words had a taunting tone.
The shifty man continued speaking.
”For example, those glowing stones, they’re magic crystals. Among adventurers, they’re often called void stones. When taken out of the dungeon, they dissolve into the air and disappear.”
I see.
If it can only exist inside the dungeon, there’s no helping it. I can’t take it with me when I leave.
”I can give you plenty of other advice too. Don’t you think a beginner in the Dungeon might need a reliable guide?”
With a faint smile, the man took a step closer.
His movements were smooth, like a hunter seeking an opening in his prey.
”You’re offering to guide me?”
”That’s right. This Dungeon is a harsh place for beginners, after all. With me, you can explore safely and efficiently.”
It’s hard to tell how serious his words are.
But I can’t trust this type of person.
Lifia peeked at him, tilting her head slightly.
What does this subtle reaction mean?
I’ve used Spirit Magic to assess his character, but…
”I’m sorry, but we don’t need a guide. We plan to go as far as we can on our own.”
The man’s eyes narrowed for a moment, then he smiled broadly and shrugged his shoulders.
”Well, I won’t force you. Just be careful, mister.”
With that, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the depths of the Dungeon.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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