Kays Translations

Chapter 134: Challenge to the 26th Level

Day 335 in the Otherworld – 2855 points

Two days after strengthening inheritance abilities

Yesterday marked the fourth villagers' recognition ceremony, and 70 new villagers were welcomed. As of today, exactly 600 people have come to the settlement, with 296 of them promoted to villagers.

With this, the village's population reached 450 people. I don't consider it solely my achievement, but the development speed is quite impressive.

On another note, those currently coming to the settlement are originally from the city. The reasons vary, but they all come here with the intention of becoming villagers.

However, what if it were to involve accepting refugees?

After all, those who flee here have had their peaceful lives disrupted. It would be impossible to say, "We'll accept you, so get motivated." I believe the loyalty growth rate is quite slow. It will likely take a considerable period for them to become villagers.

Nevertheless, without people coming, nothing can be discussed. It seemed essential to plan carefully how many to accept and what kind of people to accept.

"Hey, Village Chief, are you listening?"

"Oh, sorry, Touya. I was lost in thought. Are we ready to depart?"

"Come on, are you sure you're okay? In a dungeon like that, even the Village Chief might not last long, you know?"

"No, I'm fine now. I'll switch gears from here on. My apologies."

(Can't be distracted. Today, we're heading to the dungeon of the ruins. I need to focus and put everything else aside.)

Yesterday evening, Touya and Sakura proposed a challenge to the 26th floor of the dungeon. The main party members' levels have risen significantly, and they are well-equipped for this challenge. Naturally, I am also counted as one of the fighting forces.

11-15 floor: High-level orcs

16-20 floor: Minotaurs

21-25 floor: Giant Bulls

Now, what kind of monster will appear next?

◇◇◇

The exploration team that teleported to the ruins was conducting final checks on the party formation.

Everyone here is equipped with magic iron armor reinforced with "Giant Bull’s Tough Leather." Each part has stylish designs courtesy of Natsuki, making them look like formidable warriors.

Of course, some kind of special effects are also applied. Just by looking at this appearance, one could sense the atmosphere of formidable individuals.

(Am I the only one who doesn't quite fit in? Is it okay...?)

Despite having the highest level, due to the lack of practical experience, this middle-aged man couldn't help but think such things.

---

Exploration Team for the 26th Floor:

- Keisuke, Touya, Sakura, Kyoko, Akiho, Drago, Dolly

Giant Bull Subjugation Team:

- Hayato, Tachibana, Hazuki, Haruka, Merinard, Maria, Dolt, Dress

---

The party consisting of seven members is challenging the unknown territory. Another party is going to hunt Giant Bulls. Hayato, Tachibana, and Hazuki are challenging Giant Bulls for the first time. The rest of the members are experienced, ensuring a solid formation.

I'm in charge of appraisal along with Haruka. With melee, magic, and healing professions deployed, we can handle any situation. This is currently considered the strongest lineup for Nanashi Village.

"Alright, Hayato and the others, be careful. No matter what happens, never try anything reckless."

"Yes! We'll do our best following the instructions of our seniors! Keisuke-san, take care too."

"I'm just a lower-ranked member among us. I'll be hiding in the back, so it's fine."

"What are you saying? Of course, the Village Chief and I will be at the forefront together, right?"

"...Yeah, that's right. I know, I'm just a little nervous."

Right from the start, I let out a sigh of weakness and took out an insurance policy for when I needed to escape. Honestly, it's not just a little; I’m extremely nervous.

After parting ways with Hayato’s team, we descended the stairs to the 26th floor.

I thought it would be a wide space like before, but surprisingly, it wasn't. The passage visible ahead wasn't that wide, and although high, it wasn't high enough to fly. On the other hand, there was no change in the surroundings. It felt like a typical cave dungeon, with rough stone walls and floors everywhere. There were shiny ore-like objects, serving as a light source.

Sakura seemed to sense that and spoke as soon as we descended the stairs.

"It's narrower than the Giant Bull zone... Is it a bit wider than the orc floor, maybe?"

"Hmm... But still, I get it. There won't be a forest appearing in the dungeon, or a sun or anything like that. It feels like this atmosphere has been consistent from the 1st floor."

"I thought the same. I've been too influenced by stories from other worlds; I tend to think about those things."

"For now, there doesn't seem to be anything special in the appraisal. I think it's safe to proceed."

"Understood. Then, Touya-kun, you lead us from here." 

I rearranged the party formation, with Touya and I stepping forward to advance down the passage.

Shortly after, we found an open area at the end of the passage. Peeking into the room, there was no sign of anything living. The party decided to enter the room, keeping an eye on the passage leading deeper.

Looking around carefully... not just the walls, but also the ceiling and floor... Wait, what's that?

In the center of the room, on the floor, we found something shiny.

"Is this... the 'Magic ore'? Yeah, no mistake. The appraisal confirms it. But why is it here...?"

"Keisuke-san, the Magic ore is something made by processing magic stones, right?"

"Yeah, it's a higher-purity magic stone. It should undergo a transformation by the fixation of the earth's magic essence..."

This Magic ore was in this state even before I touched it. That means there must be a monster on this floor that drops it.

"Hey, everyone. I think this was dropped by a monster. In other words, the concentration of magic elements that forms monsters is high. Naturally, we should consider it strong."

"Village Chief, that's a bit problematic."

"Yeah, Touya you noticed too. If this Magic ore is here... it means there's someone who defeated whatever dropped it."

"Even the defeated monsters seem like formidable enemies, and now there's something even stronger. We might need to consider retreating..."

Even Touya, known for his boldness, is unusually cautious this time. The uncertainty about the enemy's appearance adds an extra layer of tension.

"What should we do? We can turn back, or we can wait here for a while. Leave it to Touya and Sakura's judgment."

"For now, let's go back to the passage. Either way, having something in the room feels dangerous."

"I agree with Sakura-san. Let's move quickly."

With both opinions aligned, we swiftly returned to the passage.

Then, perhaps two hours passed—still, the room remained silent.

While constantly refreshing Akiho's enhancement magic, keeping ourselves ready for battle, we didn't hear a single sound. Despite quietly discussing various scenarios, eventually, no one spoke a word.

In the tense atmosphere, Sakura finally gave the next instruction.

"If there's no change in the next hour, we'll retreat for today. Let's come back tomorrow. How about it, Touya-kun?"

"I think that's a good idea. I was starting to feel it's about time...! Wait, it seems like monsters are appearing!"

Hastily peeking into the room—

Two pale-green mists were gradually materializing.

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