Volume 1 Chapter 17 Joint Investigation Into Middle Layer
It has been over a week since I defeated the Chimera.
Fatina and I decided to visit the Voltana Adventurer's Guild after a few days.
The Joint investigation into middle layer of the previous celebration were completely gone, and the guild was bustling as usual, with many adventurers going about their business.
I wonder what kind of expression they would have if I told them that the guild staff and adventurers were drinking all night here when we went to another town.
For a while now, Fatina and I have been working together on the surface, exterminating monsters.
It's unlikely that my skill level will increase with surface monsters anymore.
That's why I decided to let Fatina, who still has the potential to level up, do the defeating.
I heard that Fatina's village is rapidly recovering with the help of personnel and materials sent from the town.
After defeating the Chimera, the number of monsters in this area has significantly decreased.
Thanks to that, people can now move around the surrounding area without being attacked, and the speed of reconstruction has increased dramatically.
It's an unthinkable story, but it seems that it has become safe to camp in the forest at night in the east.
As for Fatina, she chose to act with me, stating that she could contribute more by exterminating monsters than by helping in the village.
I had no reason to refuse, and so far, I had no problem with defeating monsters on the surface, as it was the only thing I could do.
By the way, the reason for exterminating monsters on the surface is that we can't enter the eastern dungeon now, and there is a reason for that.
Due to too many unpredictable situations happening, the eastern dungeon has been sealed for a while.
It seems that this is a measure to avoid doing something blindly in the dungeon and experiencing the same thing again.
It may be unavoidable, as it would be a serious problem if monsters of strength similar to chimeras were to attack the town.
Also, it seems that not only the Adventurer Guild but also the Cretia Kingdom Knights are investigating the incident this time, so it seems to have reached the ears of King Cretia.
"Oh, hello. Ark-san, Fatina-san,"
When I stood in front of the counter, the receptionist noticed me and spoke.
"Hello! Elvira-san!"
Fatina greeted. I wonder when she heard the receptionist's name.
"What is your business today?"
"I want to check Fatina's level, so I would like to use the crystal ball."
"Understood. Then, just like during Adventurer Registration, could you place your hand on the crystal?"
"Yes."
When Fatina placed her hand, the paper was being written with characters, just like during registration.
The receptionist looked at the paper.
"Well, Fatina-san's level is already 30."
"Hmm, I thought I had defeated quite a few monsters, but it's still far from 100."
"But if your whole party has reached level 30, you should be able to defeat a single C-rank monster. And with the [Sword Saint] skill, you should be able to defeat even stronger monsters. If you're with Ark-san, you should have no problem going to the middle layer."
"Yes! I will do my best from now on!"
It seems that Fatina's growth is faster than expected.
Perhaps the [Growth Enhancement] skill has a mechanism to level up quickly.
"Also, I'd like to hear about the current situation regarding the blockade of the eastern dungeon. Please let me know if there are any developments."
"Actually, I was just about to talk to Ark-san and the others about that."
"To us?"
Fatina tilts her head while pointing to her own face.
"At this time, during the discussions between the Cretia Kingdom and the Adventurers Guild, it was decided to dispatch an investigative team to investigate the situation in the eastern dungeon. The investigative team will be formed by multiple adventurer parties."
"So, we're all going together instead of separately."
"Yes, that's right. However, as the number of parties is expected to increase, the amount of materials obtainable from monsters may be reduced."
I had heard that a joint investigation request like this is a rare occurrence, usually only issued when a new dungeon is discovered.
"Is this request issued by the guild?"
"No, it is officially issued by the Cretia Kingdom. We have already received the reward for completion, so please rest assured."
It seems that the Cretia Kingdom cannot leave this unknown dungeon unattended.
However, since there is a shortage of soldiers, they have decided to use adventurers instead.
"Understood. Please tell me the details."
As I said that, the receptionist took out a sheet of paper from the stack next to her and placed it on the counter.
"Well then, let me explain. The objective of this request is to ensure safety from the surface to the middle layer entrance of the eastern dungeon. Monsters encountered along the way are to be defeated. Participation is limited to a maximum of thirty people, and the reward is three gold coins per person. The materials from the defeated monsters will belong to the party that defeats them. There are no rank restrictions."
If you only look at the fact that you can receive three gold coins per person, it doesn't seem like a bad job.
However, before the blockade, that place was supposed to be a dangerous area where middle layer monsters appeared, even though it was an upper layer.
"So, if there's nothing else, does that mean we just have to go and get the gold coins?"
"That's right. But it's after that Chimera and a horde of monsters appeared. We, as a guild, can't predict what will happen. So, if you decide to participate, please be careful."
I take the requested paper that was handed to me and look at it.
As the receptionist said, the most troublesome thing about this request is not knowing what will happen.
That's probably why it's three gold coins.
But it's also true that staying here and doing nothing won't get us anywhere just because it's dangerous.
There are two other dungeons within the Cretia Kingdom, one to the north and one to the west.
But both are a little further from Voltana compared to the eastern dungeon. The western dungeon is even closer to another town.
If the blockade still can't be lifted, it might be an option to move to the western town.
"That's all for the explanation. If Ark-san and Fatina-san could participate together, it would be a great help for the guild."
"Understood, let's take on that request. I want to participate."
"I will join too!"
"Is it okay for Fatina to go to the dungeon?"
"Huh?"
Instead of the receptionist, it was Fatina who seemed surprised.
"The Chimera subjugation that attacked the village is over, and the reconstruction has begun. In other words, Fatina doesn't have a strong reason to fight anymore."
"W-Well, that's true, but..."
Originally, she only asked for help in defeating the Chimera.
It's true that she was helped in the battle against the Chimera. However, there is no reason to involve her in future battles.
"Um...well, I still think it's better to investigate because something might still happen. About that dungeon..."
Fatina's words were valid.
Just because we've repelled the Chimera doesn't guarantee that something won't appear from the dungeon again.
"And besides, when a monster appears that magic doesn't work on, like the Chimera, I'll help out!"
She hit a sore spot.
"Thank you. I'll contact Ark-san and Fatina-san later so you'll know when it happened."
After we signed the request form, the receptionist put it in the drawer.
"We'll depart as soon as the members are ready, so I'll let you know when that time comes."
"Yes! Thank you in advance!"
The two shook hands on the counter. When did they become so close?
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