Kays Translations

Chapter 41: Rolo's Dream

Thanks to the "Night Vision" that Rolo cast, our visibility is excellent even in this dungeon without a single light.

I don't really understand the historical stories Saran was telling, but it's clear from the reliefs on the walls and the carvings on the pillars that this place is extremely old.

They are completely different from the atmosphere of the kingdom I know, giving me a strong sense of foreignness as if I've stumbled into another country.

"The height is roughly about three times my height... Both the walls and the floor are made of stone. I thought it might be bricks, but it's different. But well, there's no doubt this is a dungeon."

I touch the floor and walls to confirm their texture.

The smooth feel is closer to mortar than bricks.

I'm not an expert, but the information I need to know is how sturdy this is.

I want to understand whether I can break through the walls if monsters jump out, or conversely, whether I can break through them if needed.

"But... it's creepy."

For some reason or another, various carvings adorn the thick pillars that stretch towards the ceiling, and there are creatures I've never seen before, making me feel uneasy.

Saran might understand something, but for now, I need to be cautious.

I'll go as far as I can lightly and assess the situation inside.

Despite being abandoned for a long time, the interior of the dungeon doesn't feel dusty, and it actually gives the impression of being well-maintained.

This neatness, on the contrary, made me more alert to the fact that this is indeed a dungeon.

There are scholars who say that a dungeon is a huge monster.

They claim that it's a very large monster that generates spaces resembling certain buildings from a certain era, like the mimicking creature Mimic, in order to lure in many explorers.

Both Saran and I are skeptical of that theory... but I can feel it in my bones that this mysterious building called a dungeon has such biological characteristics.

Yes, this is a living dungeon.

It's not a dried-up dungeon where resources have been exhausted.

...If so, there should be corresponding dangers.

For example, the monster I just saw at the end of the passage.

"Wandering Armor... I don't see any with decorations."

Wandering Armor is a type of monster that is relatively common in dungeons. At first glance, it looks like an undead skeleton, but it's classified as a monster.

It's manipulated by a sentient magical mass, so I think it's fine to call it a ghostly undead.

It's not a formidable opponent, but it's necessary to observe it closely before engaging.

Occasionally, there are tough ones among the Wandering Armors, with slightly fancier armor than the others.

They may have decorations and jewels attached, and although the yield when defeated is good... many adventurers have fallen into unemployment due to being blinded by greed. They are also dangerous monsters.

"Now, what to do?"

There are three of them.

I could easily defeat them and move on... but since I was warned, it might not be a good idea to attack recklessly.

I'm sure Rolo and Fimia would scold me.

"...Let's check a different route and then come back."

By saying this aloud, I convince myself, leaving the Wandering Armors standing quietly in the dungeon and retracing my steps.

---

"As for the results of the first day, they're quite good."

Saran murmurs while looking at the map transcribed with magic.

After that, the four of us re-entered and checked quite a bit further.

There are stairs leading underground in the north and south directions.

There are three places where it's flooded and inaccessible.

Other than that, it's a traditional dungeon with continuous passages and rooms.

─Except for its size.

"At the first basement level, it's already quite spacious. It seems like we can cover most of the unexplored areas."

"Yeah. This might be a bit of a challenge. It feels even bigger than Advante's dungeon."

While throwing branches into the campfire, Rolo nods with a troubled expression.

Today, we walked quite a bit, so Rolo is also feeling a bit tired.

"We need more personnel for the investigation. Shouldn't we consider diving into the water too?"

"From the perspective of adventure theory, going into the water is not a good idea."

The underwater is not a human domain.

Even if you use "Water Breathing" to not worry about breathing, if you're attacked underwater, it's overwhelmingly disadvantageous.

In this forest, we've encountered Forest Sharkheads, creatures similar to Forest Great Shark Serpents.

It would be quite dangerous for Fimia and Saran if they encountered something like that underwater or something similar.

"Well, let's take it easy. Our goal isn't conquest."

"Yes, you're right. This place seems safe."

Fimia glances around lightly.

This place, tentatively named "Deep Watchpost," is filled with a clean atmosphere.

With a protective barrier made of magical art placed by the "Saint" herself, this area has been designated a safe zone.

With these measures in place, it has been confirmed that we can create a safe area even in unexplored territories.

Unless something extraordinary happens, there should be no monster attacks here.

This "Deep Watchpost" also has an experimental significance, and if this goes well... we'll set up safe campsites in various places.

If we do that, armed merchants should visit this area.

They are savvy merchants who turn risks into opportunities, both merchants and adventurers.

There are also many armed merchants in Advante, and there have been many times when they have facilitated things inside the dungeon.

Naturally, it's more expensive... but in return, the survival rate and convenience for adventurers should dramatically increase.

Especially the adventurers in "New Town" are flourishing.

We'll both do well.

"Even so, it's amazing, isn't it?"

"Yeah. I never imagined Malhas and the unexplored areas would turn out like this."

"Not just that..."

Rolo smiles softly.

"It's us. That day, when I was exiled... Jurg came with me, Fimia followed me, and in the end, Saran joined us, and now we're adventuring in what used to be just a scary place, the unexplored areas."

"Well, it's karma."

"Jurg didn't try to fit into the village and said he'd go out alone... but now, he's the leader of the new Malhas."

I didn't intend to become the leader, but the current situation... I'm aware that I'm leading the new town.

I understand adventurers better because I'm an adventurer myself.

"It feels like a dream."

Rolo's face illuminated by the campfire looks somewhat ephemeral.

Having suffered the plight of being expelled from the party, he finally made it here from the depths of despair.

There must be some thoughts going through hid mind.

"A dream is still a dream, but it's a dream that will come true. Leave it to me, I'm here for you."

I lightly pat his back and smile.

Making this dream of my best friend come true is my dream.

I'll run alongside him forever.

"Oh, come on. You can't forget about me, can you?"

"I agree. I'm also lending a hand here, so let's make it a reality."

"Yeah, let's all do it together. We can do it. If it's us."

As I offered my fist, Rolo, Fimia, and Saran extended their fists.

"To the new era."

"To our dreams."

"To the ambitions we must fulfill."

Each of us expresses our determination with words and touches fists.

"To 'Pioneer City Malhas'!"

With that closing remark, I ponder the future world to come.

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