Kays Translations

Chapter 48: Whereabouts of the Gate

"Takumi, what's the matter? You look serious," the Dwarf King asked, observing my expression.

"I was wondering where the Elves obtained the 'World Tree,'" I replied.

"As you know, Takumi, the Elves have many secrets. It seems they became more inclined to keep everything concealed around that time. We know nothing about the 'World Tree' except for its ability to purify the 'Miasma.' In fact, I was surprised to hear the name of the 'World Tree' from you."

It's becoming more suspicious. However, for now, knowing the location of the 'World Tree' alone is enough.

"We're almost done. Let's continue the story.

The Elves established a hierarchical society with themselves at the top, leveraging their achievement of 'solving the Miasma problem with the World Tree' and using the 'Magic Tools' as negotiation tools.

As the hierarchical society spread, they became increasingly arrogant.

However, peace continued to prevail in the world through the consumption of 'sins' by the 'Magic Tools' and the purification of 'Miasma' by the 'World Tree.'

But a hundred years later, approximately 220 years ago from now, one day, the peaceful era abruptly came to an end.

'Monsters' started overflowing throughout the world.

Especially in the great labyrinth of the Shirakami Dungeon, powerful monsters unlike any seen before emerged.

Most of the adventurers and dwarves who were exploring and excavating in the Great Labyrinth were killed.

Furthermore, it is said that many winged monsters flew out from the huge vertical hole in the sacred mountain Shirakami.

The kings of various races concluded that the door of the 'Crimson Gate of Atonement' had opened.

However, the problem was that they didn't know where the 'Gate' was located.

Despite the cooperation of various races in searching the world, it couldn't be found.

The Shirakami Dungeon's great labyrinth was the first to be suspected.

However, due to the overwhelming strength of the 'monsters' never seen before, investigations could not be conducted.

Nowadays, it is commonly believed that the 'Gate' is somewhere within the great labyrinth of the Shirakami Dungeon.

In order to stop this monster's momentum, the elves created a system called the 'Adventurers' Guild' worldwide, which hunts down 'monsters.'

There, they buy 'Magic Stones' and consume 'sins' using 'Magic Tools.'

The 'Miasma' is purified by the 'World Tree.'

However, this system alone couldn't stop the increase in 'monsters.'

The only solution is to close the door of the 'Crimson Gate of Atonement,' which is the direct cause.

Around that time, people with supernatural abilities suddenly appeared among the Human race.

These individuals, who possessed knowledge from other worlds, were called 'Otherworlders.'

The Elves issued a notice, instructing their own race to guide any 'Otherworlders' they encounter in Human towns and villages to the Adventurers' Guild.

As a result, a trend emerged where 'Otherworlders' joined the 'Adventurers' Guild' and exterminated 'monsters.'"

And then, with the 'Adventurers' Guild,' 'Magic Tools,' 'Otherworlders,' and the 'World Tree,' the increase in 'sins' and 'Miasma' was prevented.

However, the conquest of the great labyrinth in the Shirakami Dungeon and the closing of the door of the 'Crimson Gate of Atonement' have yet to be achieved.

We are currently facing this situation.

This is the history of the world passed down among the Dwarf race."

It was an incredibly valuable story.

However, I couldn't help but feel concerned about when the door of the 'Gate' opened for a second time, and a large number of monsters overflowed.

There should also be a significant demand for 'sins' and 'Miasma.'

Just as I was delving into my thoughts, I was interrupted by Mia's voice.

"Did Karla know about it?"

Karla's shoulders twitched, and the color drained from her face.

As I silently stared at her, she sighed and reluctantly spoke up.

"I don't have any intention to hide it. However, it's not something I can casually discuss based on speculation alone. I will confirm it with my father, so please wait until then. At that time, I will explain it properly to you and Gon-san."

"Ah, you don't have to worry about me."

"We're fine with that, too."

...Gale was looking at Karla with a worried expression. It seemed like he didn't know anything from that look.

In that case, there is a high possibility that it is something that has been handed down only to the royal family.

There are things in this world that it's better not to know... it's a little scary to hear.

Come to think of it, if the 'Gate' is located underground in this dungeon, how did the heroes transport the 'Gate' underground?

Could it be...

"By the way, were there no monsters in the Shirakami Dungeon in the past?", I asked.

"Yeah. It seems they weren't there. At the time, it was crowded with artifact-seeking explorers and scholars. When the 'Crimson Gate of Atonement' opened a second time, it seems they were wiped out by monsters."

"So do you know what floor is the bottom floor of the Shirakami Dungeon?"

“It is said that the bottom layer of the Great Labyrinth is the 9th floor. However, there is no way to confirm it now.”

If I recall correctly, Arthur went as far as the 6th floor but had to turn back due to a shortage of supplies. Now that I think about it, Arthur's expedition might have been related to the investigation of the 'Crimson Gate of Atonement.'

If we can get the final version of the transfer magic circle, we might be able to conquer it, but that will have to wait for now.

Our top priority now is to stop the war between the Demon race and the Human race.

And to revive Kukuto-san and Marle-san.

◇

--The next day.

It was the morning of the third day after arriving at Gonghirrim.

When we finished eating breakfast in our rooms, Mia, Karla, and Gale gathered in mine.

"Takumi, you have plans for today, right? We'll accompany you," Mia said.

"Yeah, I'm planning to go to the warehouse, but Karla and Gale might not be able to enter. Is that okay?"

"That's fine. I can imagine what it is, but you'll do it outside the warehouse, right?"

Mia nodded.

"Yeah, it's okay. Let's go together!"

Tomorrow morning, we will depart for the Demon capital, 'Zoff.' We need to replenish potions and food supplies today.

We didn't have much time, so we decided to leave immediately.

◇

——The warehouse at the eastern end of Gonhillrim.

It seemed to be a warehouse for unused artifacts.

The windows were covered with metal plates from the outside, most likely a security measure added to the original facility.

As we approached the entrance, two Dwarves were on guard duty.

They must have already received a message about us because they let us in just by mentioning our names. The lack of strict identification checks was probably because there were no other Humans around.

Karla and Gale were stopped and had to stay at the entrance as they couldn't enter.

Gale looked visibly disappointed. Perhaps he had a thing for convenient magic tools. He might be a stationery artifact enthusiast.

"Takumi, is there something specific you're looking for?"

"Yeah, there's something I really want. Finding it is our top priority for today.”

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