episode_0070

I feel like a similar situation happened before… when was it?

Hmm… kneeling like that, raising both hands above their head…

That’s right.

When Mr. Lumo (31) suddenly attacked, I subdued him like that and punished him.

“Oh my… I am truly sorry. Due to a lack of employee training on our part, we have caused a great inconvenience… Also—”

I never thought Eve would like this kind of thing. No, she doesn’t particularly like it.

“We failed to recognize you, our Evermore Adventurer Guild’s precious unique adventurer…”

If it were me, when someone in power is being lenient, I’d go all out and make them do all sorts of things, like kneel or lick my shoes~ Something like that.

Anyway.

Thanks to that, the little scuffle ended, and the procedures for the ruin exploration went smoothly—

“However… it is true that there is a problem with the Artemis ruins…”

—or so I thought.

This wasn’t mischief; it was the truth.

I slid my butt to the middle of the sofa, pushing Eve aside, and sat facing the Guild Master.

“Let’s talk about that.” “You are surely…” “Narias, a unique-rank adventurer of Karis.”

He fiddled with his monocle, examining my adventurer pass.

He stroked his magnificent mustache and bowed his head.

“My apologies. I am Gruenhill, the Evermore Guild Master.” “It’s our first meeting, so it can’t be helped.” “…Haha.”

When I extended my hand to shake his, he readily accepted it.

Beyond our clasped hands, countless greetings were exchanged.

Against his large, thick hand, seemingly trying to overpower me, I also openly displayed my hostility.

Like a warrior exchanging blows, a mage battling using mana control. In that brief handshake, we almost assessed each other.

…or so they thought. There’s no way I, who always carefully avoids power leakage, would reveal unattributed mana.

“…”

Eve, noticing our power struggle, glanced sideways with displeasure.

I quickly released his hand.

“We don’t have much time either. Shall we hear the details?” “…Understood. Let’s get straight to the point.”

The receptionist kneeling in one corner of the Guild Master’s room quietly wiped away tears, sensing that the conversation would be lengthy.

It was summer.

. . .

“First, do you know about the Artemis Ruins?” “Well, only that it’s the remains of an ancient civilization.” “And this is your first visit.”

I nodded quietly.

“Then, instead of its origins, I will first explain the structure of the ruins.”

A civilization almost erased from history.

There is almost no information left about the Artemis people who lived in the Tarun Mountains.

The only clue is the ruins that have stood for hundreds of years. Because its structure is so complex and once you enter, it’s difficult to get out, it is commonly called the ‘Tarun Labyrinth’.

According to what the Empire’s adventurers have discovered so far, the Artemis ruins are composed of three areas.

First, the upper level where the entrance is located. This area contains monsters that escaped from the inside, but mostly consists of complex mazes and traps.

There are several gates separating each section; to pass through them using normal methods, you supposedly have to solve puzzles presented by the statues. Of course, since many adventurers have already been to the upper level, the guides are traded inexpensively.

Next, the middle level. Unlike the complex and tricky upper level, this area consists of wide open spaces like caves. There are no traps or mazes, only a single path, so most adventurers use this area to rest.

However, an environment that is good for humans is also good for monsters. Taking advantage of their carelessness, a large number of monsters pour out, and in terms of numbers, the middle level has had the most casualties.

Their origin is still unknown. Perhaps the middle level is the place to be most careful about.

Adventurers who somehow broke through the hordes of monsters and reached the lower level were strong enough. However, in their already significantly depleted state, they had no chance to fight back against the unique stone golems they encountered.

One powerful adventurer whose name was known throughout the Empire successfully mapped the lower level all the way to the deepest part. However, they were blocked by stone golems again on their way back, and risked their lives to pass the map to the following adventurers.

Gruenhill took out those maps and pointed to a certain place.

“Currently, most adventurers establish their base in the safe zone between the upper and middle levels.” “Indeed. It’s a wise choice to avoid being surrounded from both sides upon entering the middle level.”

Looking at the map divided into three large sections, the structure became obvious.

Then, after hesitating for a moment, he pointed his finger to the area presumed to be between the middle and lower levels.

“And, a few days ago, an emergency contact came from there.” “…An emergency support request!”

The right of an adventurer to request help from the guild when facing a life-threatening situation. A party strong enough to break through the monsters of the middle level, yet they still sent a request… it clearly shows that the situation is quite dangerous.

“…The content is as follows.”

While hunting monsters inside the middle level as usual, they were struggling with a sudden surge in attacks. The leader used their wits and instead charged forward, reaching a safe zone connecting to the lower level and are now safe.

However, their food and water were almost gone, making a prolonged war impossible. Due to the inexplicably increased number and quality of monsters, the leader had no choice but to send an emergency support request.

And as a unique-rank adventurer, they gritted their teeth and declared.

“The possibility of a… Dungeon Break, you see.”

『[Main Story Chapter 3: Artemis Ruins] progress conditions are unlocked. [Dungeon Break Conclusion]』

Dungeon Break.

The phenomenon where monsters, who usually maintain a certain population, become more prolific than they die due to some reason. It refers to the phenomenon where they overflow from the dungeon they inhabit to human areas.

Once it occurs, it becomes uncontrollable, so sufficient preparation is necessary. If it fails, the residential area will have to be abandoned; it’s that serious.

“Have you investigated the cause? It’s difficult to prevent it without finding the cause.”

Most importantly is finding and solving the cause. Dungeon Breaks never end simply by hunting monsters.

Gruenhill hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“And so… I ask of you.”

Looking at how the story was going, I could roughly guess. If they had underestimated our abilities, they wouldn’t have even mentioned this.

“Adventurer Narias, I formally request your assistance in rescuing the adventurer party trapped in the Artemis Ruins… and investigating the cause of the Dungeon Break.”

Grin. There’s no need to hear more.

“Naturally, you will provide compensation, right?” “Is that even necessary? His Majesty the Emperor has already been informed. The compensation will be more than satisfactory.”

Haaaa- Eve’s sigh could be heard beside me, but I ignored it.

“Did you hear that? I almost got bored, but things are getting interesting.” “This isn’t about interesting or not…” “Is there another way? It’s a place we have to go anyway, and even waiting for the Dungeon Break to end, we don’t know how long it will take.”

Eve, who looks worried, is not actually worried at all. The problem would be Yuri.

As if she understands the situation, she was hugging Nicks and watching the aquarium next to her playing with the goldfish.

“Hehe… Look, Nicks. The goldfish kissed my finger.” “It’s cute… From now on, let’s name this guy Tori.”

I quickly pulled the two of them back to reality.

“Now, now. Snap out of it. Yuri, come over here.”

I pulled her shoulder, bringing her in front of me, and met her dazed eyes.

“Understood? It could be really dangerous from now on. Normally, it would be fine, but a Dungeon Break means you could actually get hurt.” “So… you’ll leave me behind?” “I don’t want to.”

But if she stays here, that’s not Yuri, and she’s not my woman.

“I could get hurt too, you know. I won’t run away. I’ll keep going with you.” “Are you sure?” “…Hug me once.”

Slightly wavering pupils. Beyond who protects and who gets hurt, I even thought she might become a hindrance to the party.

So I quietly hugged Yuri.

“Promise you won’t overexert yourself.” “…Yes. You too.”

As I stroked her hair, it trembled slightly.

Nicks, who usually would also ask for a hug, quietly patted Yuri’s back today.

“It’s okay! I’ll protect Yuri.” “Thank you… Nicks.”

Her resolve is enough, so I turned back to Gruenhill.

“However, I have a few conditions. We are a party formed for simple exploration, so honestly, widespread warfare is difficult to expect.” “We’re not shameless enough to throw only four women into a battlefield. Evermore’s strongest force will arrive tomorrow.” “Strongest force…?”

Eve flinched, as if she knew what that meant.

“…The ?” “Do you know them?” “I’ve worked with them a few times in the past.”

I nodded to prompt an explanation.

“They’re an adventurer party primarily active in the western part of the Empire. All four are epic-rank or higher, and the leader, Terrance, is unique-rank like us.” “So their skills are guaranteed.”

There’s something I’m worried about, but now is not the time to worry about it. If even one more shield appears before Yuri, it’s welcome.

“Good. Then let’s set out tomorrow.”

Once again extending my hand, I shook Gruenhill’s and indicated my acceptance of the request.

“I’ll prepare the formal request by tomorrow—” “Write it now.”

A pause. Everyone in the room sensed something strange.

Because a voice they had never heard came.

“Just now…” “That voice—”

Kwaang—!

Eve sprang to her feet and assumed a battle stance towards the door behind us.

I was surprised by the unexpected situation, but immediately followed her, enveloping myself in the flame attribute [Muryonggab].

“Ah, please don’t be so cautious. They’re comrades I’ll be adventuring with.”

From where is it coming? A chilling, untraceable voice echoed throughout the Master’s room.

Nicks was the first to notice the shadow leaning slightly inside.

“O-over there—!”

When I quickly turned my head.

A woman with a gloomy atmosphere was already standing there.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Riff, the ranger of the .”