Chapter 5: Advancing Through the Forest

“I request an investigation of the second floor of the dungeon. Let’s aim to penetrate the unexplored areas under the banner of ‘Mercia.'”

“If that’s what you’ve decided, we’ll just follow suit.”

Leda nodded in agreement with Saran’s decision.

On the first floor of the guild outpost, leaders of prominent parties, including Leda, had gathered, listening attentively to our strategy.

“There are five staircases leading to the second basement level. Should we divide our roles?”

“We should probably have a mapmaker accompany each group to ensure accuracy.”

Norton and Coltos, newly forming a party, showed a difference in opinions.

As they said, it was a bit tricky. Prioritizing efficiency by rushing through would naturally increase risks. Additionally, there would be safety concerns for the mapmakers.

“What’s the Guild Master’s opinion?”

Asked by Seta, I voiced my thoughts hesitantly.

“We shouldn’t rush to investigate the second basement level. But having all parties converge in one place is also a problem. A compromise is needed—adventurers and the adventure company should each tackle one location. Bring along extra mapmakers. The crucial thing is observation, measurement, and analysis.”

No one expected Saran to handle things as smoothly as he did. But by pooling our wisdom and knowledge, we would surely gather useful information.

“We’ll allow the entry of armed merchants. Seta, let them know that if there’s a suitable place for the dungeon shop, we’ll issue a business permit.”

“Understood, Master. What about appraisals?”

“I trust these folks won’t do anything reckless. Color-code the adventurers’ credibility scores for me.”

Upon hearing my words, Leda and the other leaders chuckled softly. For adventurers, credibility was almost as important as gold. It was a way to publicly showcase their achievements—the adventurer credibility score.

“The policy has been decided. Are the proportions between the dungeon exploration team and the perimeter patrol team okay?”

“We’ll handle that on our end to some extent. If there are more people who want to explore the dungeon, our adventure company will cover the patrol.”

“Then, let’s proceed as discussed. Is there anything else?”

At Saran’s words, a hesitant adventurer raised his hand.

It was a middle-aged adventurer who had been there since the establishment of the new city.

“Could we dispatch a mage skilled in life magic? Rimana-san alone won’t be enough, and relying on armed merchants would be costly.”

“What kind of magic is needed?”

“Firstly, we’re short on water. We can fetch it from the stream, but it’s risky. Also, ‘Cleanliness.'”

A shortage of water was indeed a problem. It was essential for drinking and daily use, so magic reliance was unavoidable here.

“We’ll provide an artifact that can be used communally for water. As for ‘Cleanliness,’ let’s reach out to the church.”

“Yeah. Regardless, there was an offer from the church to dispatch a priest here. Let’s have them send someone who can use ‘Cleanliness’ magic.”

“Cleanliness” belonged to the category of verbal magic known as life magic, and many clergymen had mastered it. It was indispensable for preventing the spread of disease and relatively easy to learn.

Unfortunately, I had no talent for magic whatsoever. No matter how many times I practiced, I couldn’t use it.

“If there’s nothing else, let’s adjourn. Seta-san, Rimana-san, please issue various requests.”

They both nodded at Saran’s words.

Although I wasn’t entirely convinced that they looked more dignified than me, the guild master… well, it’s less hassle for me.

◆

“How’s it going, Rolo?”

“Yeah. I feel like my sense of direction is completely messed up. Anyone who can navigate through the forest must be quite skilled.”

I nodded slightly in response to Rolo’s words.

We were advancing eastward from the Deep Surveillance Outpost, but the situation was quite dire.

Even though the sun was in the east, it felt like it was in the south. And after just a dozen meters or so, this sense would change again. It was quite challenging.

“It seems Jurg is less affected than I am.”

“Is it due to the difference in experience?”

“No, I think it’s probably due to your resistance to the ‘Silver Ten Triangle.'”

Ah, I see.

This distorted sensation did indeed resemble what I experienced in the presence of that god.

Even though I had adapted to this land, there were still things I couldn’t understand.

“In that case, what kind of scouts does Leda have here?”

“Maybe they’re people with resistance to ‘culling.’ Perhaps they’re heroes discovered by a different saint.”

“Well, we’ll have to confirm when we meet them.”

If there were other heroes, I’d like to meet them. After all, I had no such sense of being a hero.

While I could pretend to be one for Fimia’s sake, I had almost no self-awareness as a hero. If there were seniors, I’d definitely want to learn from them.

— What is a hero?

“We should stop here for now. I’ll call the other two.”

“Sure, leave it to me.”

Proceeding with just the two of us for advance reconnaissance was dangerous, but if the cognitive distortion was even worse than this, it might be better to gather the four of us and proceed cautiously.

Fortunately, the monster threats weren’t that severe.

We were avoiding the monsters we should avoid, and the encounters we did have were dealt with by Rolo and me.

According to the map, we should be getting out of the influence area of the dungeon soon… but our opponents are ‘selection.’

We don’t know what other influences might lie ahead.

“Jurg, are you okay?”

Fimia touches my shoulder as I ponder.

This isn’t good. I shouldn’t be thinking deeply in the middle of the dungeon.

“Yeah, I’m fine. But are you tired?”

“I’m okay. However…”

Fimia’s gaze falls on Saran, who looks a bit pale.

It seems that this uncertain place is quite exhausting for someone like him who wants everything to be logical.

“We’ll search for a secure camping spot and prepare for camp as soon as we’ve moved a little further.”

“I’m fine. Really.”

“You seem to be on the verge of a problem. Without you, we won’t be able to devise a solid route for traversal.”

I lightly pat Saran’s shoulder as I sigh.

I’ll have to motivate him a little more.

…Otherwise, we might get swallowed up ahead.

“Rolo, from here on, let’s proceed cautiously together. I’ll take the lead, and you’ll handle perimeter surveillance.”

“Got it. Sarna, just a little more effort, okay?”

Saran nodded with a narrowed gaze at Rolo’s smiling face.

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