Volume 1 Chapter 63 Where Each Of Us Are Headed
"Huh! Is it true that you conquered the dungeon?"
After resting at the Clow Merchant guild until around noon, the four of us went to report to the adventurers' guild. That's when Sierra, the receptionist, shouted loudly without caring about the people around her.
When we visited before to gather information, she had a serious vibe, but this time, she seemed so surprised by our report that she kept blinking her eyes repeatedly.
"Yeah, our party headed to the lower layer and defeated the Lich lurking in the deepest part. Now, the monsters around this city should have disappeared."
"The Lich, you mean that terrifying undead Lich!? It's an incredible feat to have defeated it, but I can't believe such a scary monster was in that dungeon..."
I conveyed information about Aquaflow Cavern to Sierra.
I explained that the lower layer of the dungeon wasn't located below the middle layer's stairs, but was only accessible when using [Teleportation Magic]. I also mentioned that the increased number of ghost-type undead monsters was due to the Lich in the lower layer.
I couldn't talk about the key information, so I kept that hidden.
When we finished talking about those things, Sierra looked at us with a surprised expression, as if she couldn't believe it.
"It's probably the first time anyone has discovered such a mechanism in that dungeon. We will make sure to spread this information within our guild. Now, may I have a look at your registration cards?"
"Sure."
Prompted by Sierra, Fatina and I handed over our Adventurer Registration cards to her. She accepted them, gazed at them for a moment, then exclaimed, "Huh!"
"Um, excuse me, but are you both C-Rank...?"
Fatina and I are C-Rank adventurers, and Mel and Chester aren't even adventurers. It's no wonder Sierra was surprised, considering we were such an unconventional group of four.
If someone suddenly claimed that newcomers who appeared just a few days ago had managed to conquer the dungeon that numerous adventurers had challenged for a long time, it would be natural to doubt such a claim.
"So, um, we actually managed to conquer that dungeon, you know! It was really, really tough, but we did it!"
Fatina started explaining to Sierra, trying to convince her with a lot of enthusiasm. She was moving her ears and tail while speaking.
"Let me explain from here."
But then, just as Fatina was about to speak, Chester suddenly coughed loudly and stepped forward in a deliberate manner.
"My name is Chester Clow. I'm from the Clow Merchant guild."
As Chester introduced himself, Sierra seemed to relax a little bit.
"Oh, you're from the Clow Merchant guild. We're always grateful for your help."
She said that and bowed deeply towards him. It seems like there's some kind of connection between Chester's merchant guild and us. As I watched with curiosity, Chester noticed us and turned around.
"Oh, the Trasverum Adventurers Guild is a trading partner of the Clow Merchant guild. For example, this building itself is one of their trading locations. Additionally, whenever the guild needs extra manpower, they often send people from the merchant guild."
Chester explained with a hint of pride. It seemed like there was an unexpected connection.
He turned back to Sierra and continued speaking.
"Ark-san and the others here are indeed C-Rank adventurers, but their skills are top-notch. As proof, they have successfully conquered Voltana Dungeon as members of the S-Rank adventurer Ryuin's party."
"Oh? As members of the [Magic Swordsman] Ryuin's party, you say?"
"Yes, exactly. When we heard about that, we, the Clow Merchant guild, decided to hire Ark-san and the others and provide them with full support. As a result, they successfully cleared the dungeon."
In reality, we weren't specifically hired by Chester, and he probably didn't intend that either.
Chester justified the support provided by the Clow Merchant guild as the reason for the success of this campaign, and decided to convey the involvement of the guild.
"More importantly, I went to the lower layer with Ark-san and the others, and saw their fighting skills with my own eyes. Let's ensure the capabilities and achievements of our Clow Merchant guild."
"I see... I understand."
Sierra seemed to be convinced by Chester's explanation.
Before I knew it, she had returned to her stern expression from before—and then, she smiled faintly.
"Due to the achievements this time, both of you are expected to be promoted to a higher rank. There have been no cases of C-rank adventurers conquering high-difficulty dungeons in the past, so it may take some time. Thanks to everyone, many people will be saved from the threat of monsters. Thank you."
"Yes! Thank you too!"
Fatina greeted energetically. Then the four of us looked at each other's faces. All three of them had cheerful expressions.
"Now, shall we return to the mansion and celebrate?"
"Yes, let's do that!"
As we were about to leave the guild with high spirits, Mel suddenly stopped.
"Oh, right... Receptionist, can you tell me one more thing?"
Unexpectedly, Mel moved to the front counter and called out to Sierra. Sierra, who was sitting in a chair and scribbling on some documents, paused and looked up at the voice.
"Yes, is there something you need?"
"Did you see the party of S-Rank adventurer Allen?"
"Allen-san? No, it seems like he hasn't been seen in the guild recently."
"...I see. Thank you."
In response to Sierra's reply, Mel had a somewhat unsatisfied expression on her face.
After the attack during the exploration of the lower layer, I haven't seen Allen and the others. I think they're probably still in Trasverum, but I don't know for sure.
It seemed like Mel was worried about them.
* * *
"Allen! Where are you! Where are you! Damn it... Oh! Hey! Where are Allen and the others!"
"N-No! I haven't seen them today..."
"All of you are just useless!"
Dolthos, the son of the Wiol Merchant Guild, was running around the mansion, shouting while looking for Allen and the others. He went from his usual confident and calm attitude to a face filled with frustration.
The Clow Merchant Guild's hired adventurer party finally conquered the previously unexplored dungeon— an event that Dolthos never anticipated.
He heard about it, and it only added to his impatience.
And because of that, his plan to expand his influence in Trasverum failed.
(If it's not Elliot, the mastermind behind this... then it must be Chester! Dammit!)
Dolthos pondered about what would happen next, filled with anguish.
The merchants in Trasverum will surely appreciate the Clow Merchant Guild's sound judgment and their ability to find an exceptional party of adventurers and achieve results.
Those who possess great foresight are also expected to become leaders in this autonomous city. There will undoubtedly be an increasing number of people who wish to do business with them.
On the other hand, despite hiring the strongest S-Rank adventurers, the Wiol Merchant Guild will be seen as fools who were outsmarted by other merchant guilds.
Moreover, Dolthos had made secret contracts with other merchant guilds without informing his father. This was because he had assumed that the Wiol Merchant Guild would be able to effectively control Trasverum in the future.
But now that this is no longer possible, he can only imagine the criticisms he will receive from the city's representatives, including the Clow Merchant Guild.
The reason why he was able to employ Allen and the others, whom he had been using as threats, also disappeared when the dungeon was conquered.
(Why... why did this happen!?)
The dungeon was conquered by the Clow Merchant guild, and Allen and his friends, who had provided various assistance, disappeared somewhere.
What on earth happened? What should I do now? I don't understand anything anymore, Dolthos though, and he has lost the ability to make rational decisions.
"What makes a strong adventurer... This is ridiculous! Hey! Gather all the adventurers we've hired and find Allen! Don't let him escape like this!"
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