Kays Translations

Chapter 3: Bustle at the Deep Surveillance Outpost

“Now, we’re finally on the scene.”

It’s been a week since Greg and the “Royal Third Army” from the kingdom, as well as the “Holy Law Squad” from the church headquarters, arrived and discussed reception and coordination. We, “Mercia,” have come to the Deep Surveillance Outpost. When I first stepped in, it was a dense forest teeming with monsters, but now, adventurers are visible to some extent.

Thanks to the effective division of rookies, mid-level, and seasoned adventurers, the city’s revenue has increased considerably, as I heard from Saran. With prosperity, adventurers who expect to make a profit come to Malhas, and consequently, the number of roaming monsters decreases. Moreover, with the existence of an unknown dungeon, this place is expected to become even more lively.

Thus, by undermining the power of the “Silver Ten Triangles” here, we can keep “culling” at bay. Eventually, it might be swallowed up by the laws of this world and normalized. …Well, I’d rather deal with the main body that’s believed to be in the deepest part.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”

“Yeah, it was worth the maintenance. It’s like a small town.”

In addition to neatly lined tents, there are also armed merchants’ stalls scattered around. With this appearance, there may be armed merchants delving into the dungeon, and the investigation environment seems to be improving.

“Guildmaster! Glad you could make it!”

“Reda! Sorry to leave everything to you.”

A dark-skinned female warrior with a rugged face rushes over to us. She’s Leda McCart, the president of the “Reda Adventure Company.”

“Hey, did your hair grow a bit?”

“There’s no barber here, so I guess it’s time to cut it with a knife.”

When I first met her, she had a very short haircut, but now it’s quite long. But that doesn’t mean I’m treating her like a woman. Reda is the leader who commands rough adventurers, and it would be rude to treat her differently just because she’s a woman or to underestimate her.

“I didn’t come here to chat. I have some information to tell you along with the progress.”

“Got it. I’ll stop by your tent later.”

“Bring that glasses guy too.”

“Reda, I have a name, you know? It’s Saran Zolark.”

Behind me, Saran lets out a small sigh. Even though he should have resistance to people like me, Saran seems to be somewhat uncomfortable with Reda. It’s a bit amusing to see him making a bitter face.

However, Reda seems to appreciate Saran appropriately, and she insists that he be called during discussions. Some adventurers dislike Saran, who tends to be overbearing and impolite, so it’s a bit comforting to have someone like her.

“Got it, sneaky glasses. Well then, see you later.”

With a light laugh, Reda leaves. Saran lets out another sigh as he watches her leave.

“Why are adventurers like this…”

“You’re an adventurer too. Get used to it. She likes you because you’re not acting like an outsider. It means she likes you.”

“As expected, the representative of rudeness speaks broadly.”

That’s why you’re misunderstood for being sarcastic. You should just accept people’s kindness a little more easily. …Well, I’m not one to talk.

“But it’s gotten quite lively, hasn’t it? Look, there are even stalls.”

Looking where Rolo points, there are several stalls selling skewered meat and soup.

Some of them must be armed merchants. I see.

It might be a good business for adventurers who are not good at cooking.

“Should we expand this a little more?”

“It might be a good idea to build a small inn. If you live in a tent for too long, some people will end up hurting themselves.”

“Let’s think about it after we get back. We’ll be living in a tent for a while.”

Hearing Saran’s words, I nodded slightly and looked around at the deep observation post.

It’s fairly crowded, but there still seems to be a place where we can pitch our tent.

“I’ll go set up the tent first.”

“Then, allow me to assist you.”

“Yeah. Well, it’s just a check-in for now. I’ll join you soon. Let’s go, Saran.”

With Saran nodding in agreement, they headed towards the only building at the Deep Surveillance Outpost, the “Adventurer’s Guild Deep Outpost.”

Currently, they are maintaining this place by dispatching two adventurer guild staff members here, but rotation is quite difficult.

After all, this place is right in the middle of a dangerous unexplored area, and staying here, let alone coming or going, carries risks.

Adventurer guild staff who can defend themselves to a certain extent are surprisingly few, and selecting personnel has been quite challenging.

“Ah, you’re here, Master.”

Upon entering the building, the male staff member behind the counter looked at them and smiled.

This man, Seta Moda, is a seasoned former adventurer who was the first to volunteer to be the stationed officer at this deep surveillance outpost.

“Oh, how have you been? If you have any trouble, report it to me right away. Since the Chief of Staff is here too.”

“It’s been a while, Saran.”

“Yes. We just arrived, but it seems the adventurers are doing well.” 

At Saran’s words, Seta nodded slightly.

“Reda-san is doing a great job. She’s been a big help.”

“This is a souvenir. Cheese, sausage, and some liquor.”

“A typical gift from the Guildmaster. I’ll have a drink later.”

Taking the sack, Seta smiled lightly. He gives off a somewhat friendly impression, but he’s also skilled enough to walk here alone to the Deep Surveillance Outpost. He’s competent enough to keep the adventurers in line here, beyond my reach.

“What about Rimana?”

Rimana is a female guild employee deployed here, and she volunteered as well. She also plays an infrastructural role because she knows magic.

“She’s taking a day off today. Yesterday was tough.”

“What happened?”

Smiling wryly, Seta handed over a bundle of parchment.

“We finished the investigation of the first floor of the dungeon. I stayed up all night writing the report. I heard the Guildmaster was coming today.”

“There was no need to rush, but I appreciate it. …Finally.”

The dungeon sprawling beneath the unexplored area underground is quite vast, so we prioritized investigating and mapping the area’s impact on the surface.

Rimana is one of the employees who witnessed the massive stampede firsthand. She must have felt it was a job that needed to be done.

“Is there anything else you need help with? Like facilities?”

“Oh… I’m fine with continuing, but I’d like Rimana to return to the city, and maybe divide the upstairs room into two. There are no private spaces or showers here, so it might be tough on the female staff.”

As Seta said that, someone descended the stairs with a clatter.

“Hey, Seta! Don’t say things like that on your own! I take pride in my work here!”

Rimana appeared, raising her eyebrows. Her hair was still unkempt, but she seemed energetic.

“Hey, Rimana. You’re just in time. Tell me about your work while you’re awake.”

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