Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 38: A Disturbing Hypothesis
"What's that...?"
"I don't know. But it suddenly appeared from the ground."
Carefully observing the black, wriggling entity, it somewhat resembles a slime-like organism at first glance, but there are no slimes in this area. Well, it's the first time being here at night, and it's not definite that they don't exist. At least, it's the first time seeing it.
"Is it a monster?"
"That seems to be the only possibility. What should we do?"
In Fimia's question, the intention of "should we defeat it?" was implied. After a brief moment of consideration, I shook my head slightly.
"Let's observe a bit more. Ah, damn... at times like this, it would be good to have Saran around."
Ad
"True. Saran might have known something."
As Rolo's words were being nodded along with, there was movement in the black mass.
The black object that had been crawling for a while suddenly stopped and then started vibrating.
In the next moment, there was a small "crack" sound as it solidified.
"Look...! It seems to be the cause of the monster's multiplication."
To Fimia's words, there was no choice but to agree. From the solidified object, the juvenile form of a monster crawled out. And it ran into the forest, making a rustling sound.
"Did you see that?"
"Yeah. That... it's a small but Forest Raptor."
The Forest Raptor is a large lizard commonly seen in the middle layers of this forest. It's a colorful monster with a yellow body and red accents, known for being voraciously omnivorous. It's formidable, but some adventurers like to hunt it because its scales make high-quality armor.
It emerged from the mysterious object, crawling out. As a reptile, it should be oviparous, but this is a bit abnormal.
"So, this place..."
Ad
Rolo, as if he realized something, looked around.
In the dark forest, did he see something?
"Yeah. I think it would be a good idea to bring Saran here once more."
"I agree, but what's your speculation?"
"Can I make a guess?"
Nodding along with Rolo's confirmation, we listened. Perhaps, in this situation, we wanted some explanation.
"Probably, this place... is a dungeon."
"Well, it's said that the unexplored area is a dungeon."
I think that's related, but I also believe that it directly crawls out from the dungeon beneath this underground."
Rolo's words made me unintentionally look at the ground. Certainly, there should be a dungeon beneath my feet, as there is an entrance nearby.
Ad
From there, directly?
"The boundary between the surface and the dungeon might be becoming ambiguous. Both are dungeons, after all."
"I see... so it's different from Advante."
The city of Advante also has a dungeon underground. However, such strange phenomena are never seen on the surface.
"It might be a good idea to investigate the scale of the dungeon. But we have to ask Saran how to stop it. However, to investigate, we need adventurers willing to step into the dungeon. If we're going in too, we'd need at least three more parties."
We don't know how long this dungeon has been buried in the unexplored area. We don't know its origins, there are no maps, and we don't understand the cause-and-effect relationship with the recent incomprehensible phenomenon.
In this situation, internal investigation is necessary, but the danger level is quite high. It's already risky to come this deep into the unexplored area, and with no supplies or resting places, the cost of investigation isn't that high. If we can get an "Armed Merchant" to do business in a dangerous area, it would be different, but I haven't seen any in Malhas yet.
Moreover, the majority of those currently in Malhas are not dungeon adventurers. Issuing investigation requests might just increase the number of people facing danger. It might be better to use a Guild request to call adventurers from Advante or somewhere else.
"Hehe."
As I groaned, Fimia and Rolo chuckled.
"Hey, hey, I'm seriously troubled, and you guys seem unusually happy."
"Well, because you’re such a serious Guild Master."
"...Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes, you did. You're usually silent, so it's quite rare today, isn't it?"
The two exchanged glances and smiled.
Ad
Maybe I'm not suited for these kinds of situations. If I think too much, I get a fever; if I worry too much, it leaks out of my mouth. In that case, fighting monsters while shouting battle cries suits me better.
"But yeah, you’re right. Let's inform Saran and have him adjust that. It feels like relying on others too much, but..."
"See? This is when having an intelligent Guild Master comes in handy. I'm lacking in that aspect."
"It's all about choosing the right person for the right job. I believe that in Malhas, there's no Guild Master better than you, Jurg."
Encouraged by unfounded praise, I smiled wryly and felt pleased by the compliment. More than anyone else, having Rolo praise me is essential to me. His words, which have supported me all along, are the most precious.
"I, too, support the chosen hero."
"Hero, huh... It's become quite the extravagant thing."
Due to my lack of knowledge, I don't know much about these so-called heroes. Having never visited the Sunday Church, I only know a little about them being heroes from the past. I don't even know what kind of people they were. I just know that they were outrageously strong.
Each one of them left behind legends like "defeated the Demon Dragon" or "vanquished the Blue Demon King." In comparison, I feel inadequate in scale and personality.
In any case, my weapon is a steel-made large battle mace that requires no maintenance even if used roughly. It is far from the splendid relics such as swords and spears possessed by the church. If this thing were to be carefully wrapped in cloth and decorated with relics, I might burst out laughing.
"I thought Jurg was suitable."
"Isn't it a misjudgment, Saint-sama? I think Rolo is more suitable."
"Me? Hmm, I also think Jurg is better as a hero."
Tilting his head slightly, Rolo looked at me.
"What's in your heart?"
"Jurg seems more like it."
"What's that supposed to mean..."
My grumbling made the two of them laugh a little.