Chapter 22 Exploring The Dungeon (Part Two)
We arrived at the entrance of the underground dungeon.
The underground dungeon is an entrance to a huge tomb, entwined with many large trees.
"We haven't encountered any monsters up to this point, have we?"
I respond to Morimura's question.
"This underground dungeon is conveniently located near the town, making it suitable for beginner adventurers to practice. The paths leading here are relatively well-maintained, and most of the dangerous monsters have been eliminated."
"Is that so? But in such a nearby dungeon, are there weapons with magic properties hidden? Someone must have found them by now."
"Just so you know, in this world, underground dungeons and dungeons are distinct. When I say 'dungeon,' it simply means a maze. The underground dungeon includes dungeons, catacombs, caves, nightmares, and so on."
"Is that so? What's the underground dungeon we're about to enter like?"
"There are dungeons and catacombs. Inside, there are hidden passages and layers. In the first place, underground dungeons become a kind of different world. So it's impossible to explore everything completely. Even the famous pyramid of King Khufu in Egypt still has undiscovered rooms, you know."
"Um, okay, if you think so, then I think so too."
"Also, some people think that the maze underground is like a monster with its own thoughts. So, it wouldn't be strange if the maze changes suddenly."
I didn't want to tell a scary story, but I had to tell Morimura a little bit. But instead, he looked really interested.
"This world is so cool! It's really interesting! It's kind of exciting! Akito, after we finish exploring, will you tell me everything you know?"
I felt better after hearing that.
"Sure. After I finish this mission and get the weapon, I'll tell Morimura what I know."
He's going to become a strong magician in the future. Someday, he'll know even more about this world than I do. In case that happens, I can share what I know with him. Until now, Morimura Manabu has been one of the people who believed in me the most.
First, we entered the first floor of a beginner-friendly dungeon in the underground dungeon. Fortunately, there are magical flames on the walls of the corridors in the first floor dungeon, providing light. Here, as a warm-up, I will explain the traps in the dungeon, such as pitfalls, trap ceilings, walls that flip, and traps set in treasure chests and barrels.
And here, there are creatures called "Scavengers," which are like a combination of rats and dogs, and creatures called "Poison Slugs." Scavengers are not a big deal when there are only one or two, but if you get too engrossed, you might find yourself surrounded by a pack without even realizing it. That can be quite troublesome. Poison Slugs are slugs with flashy colors and poisonous abilities. They usually just shoot out poison, but occasionally they jump and lunge at you.
To gain experience points, everyone fought against these Scavengers and Poison Slugs.
"What, is this all the dungeon monsters have got? No need to be scared at all."
Swinging his battle-axe, Shimura confidently muttered after swiftly dealing with two scavengers.
"Yeah, if you stay calm, these guys are easy to beat. It's almost easier than a ball game tournament."
Kiridani Jun said as he took down scavengers one after another with his sword and shield. Even in his bold statements, his usual confidence could be felt.
Kondo Shuichi, as usual, earnestly took down the monsters one by one. It seems he's gaining confidence just like the other two.
Meanwhile, Midoritani Tsubasa, from a little distance away, surveyed the surroundings and shot arrows one after another. Thanks to her, the three were never taken by surprise. She has quite the ability to assess the situation by overseeing the whole situation.
In the meantime, I couldn't help but worry about the adventurers who had gone ahead while remaining vigilant of my surroundings.
(I want to progress quickly, but it's not a good idea to rush when everyone is inexperienced...)
As I was hesitating, Shimura said in a bright voice.
"I'm tired of dealing with weak little monsters. I can handle stronger opponents."
Kiridani Jun chimed in.
"Yeah, this is not even worth practicing. It's like a warm-up match. Let's move on without making a big deal out of it."
I thought for a moment.
Stronger monsters are lurking deeper in the underground dungeon. But the secret passage connects the first and second floors of the dungeon.
And when I looked at everyone's faces, it seems like everyone has gained quite a bit of confidence. At least they have become accustomed to the dungeon for now.
"Alright. Let's finally head towards the secret passage. But be aware that there are much stronger monsters ahead than before."
I warned them and headed towards the room where the stairs to the next level of the dungeon were located. There is a wide staircase that can accommodate three to four people side by side, and we went down partway.
I told everyone to "wait here" and descended about ten steps myself. The wall was covered with reliefs. Among them, I pressed the snake with eight heads from left to right in the order of 3-5-7-2-8.
I quickly ran up the stairs and returned to where everyone was. Then, with a loud noise, the wall just below where everyone was standing slid sideways, revealing another staircase.
"Everyone, hurry and enter this staircase!"
I shouted, urging everyone to enter the staircase that appeared in the wall hole. Since everyone hesitated at first, I jumped in first and everyone followed suit.
After a while, the wall hole closed automatically. Unlike before, it's pitch black because there is no lighting. I lit the torch I brought with a lighter for a bonfire. I told everyone to take out their torches and light them.
"It would be nice if there was magic to illuminate the surroundings."
Morimura whispered.
In my mind, I thought, "That's one of the first spells Morimura learned," and found it somewhat amusing, but I just said, "Watch your step" and continued ahead.
After descending more than a hundred steps, we reached a flat floor. It's a dark room made of stone. But with only the light from the torch, I can't tell how big it is.
I think it's a decent size, but there are several pillars in the room that further narrow down the area where the light reaches.
"Everyone, please follow in my footsteps. Absolutely do not walk elsewhere. And do not touch the pillars."
After saying that, I carefully continue walking. I don't walk straight ahead. I walk by turning to the side, circling around the pillars, or even going back to where I came from. The people following behind me look puzzled, but they silently follow.
As I proceed, I can feel a sticky smell clinging to my nostrils. When I look towards where the smell is coming from, I see something long and black like a bag lying on the floor. It's not discernible under the torchlight... but there's no mistake.
"Doesn't it smell weird?"
That's Shimura speaking.
"Yeah, there's definitely a strange smell," says Kiridani Jun.
Then Midoritani Tsubasa speaks up.
"And besides, if you look closely, it looks like something is placed on the floor..."
"What's that?"
Morimura pointed ahead, where a black object of concern lay across our path.
I didn't want to scare anyone, so I didn't mention it, but there was no choice.
"Probably an adventurer who came here before us."
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