Volume 2 Chapter 9
"This diary might hold the key to solving the problem that has been troubling me for years."
Albert mused as he gazed at the diary resting on Wallace's desk. There was a determined look in his eyes, as if he had a secret plan.
"I didn't mean to hide it, but I am the lord of this region. I've been thinking for a long time about finding a way to deal with that dungeon that has been shrouded in mystery since the time of my ancestors."
"I.. had no idea. I never would have guessed that you were the lord."
"Well, no one would think that the lord would wander around the town without any guards."
Eric had informed me of Albert's true identity, but it wasn't through official means. Albert didn't want to explain it in detail, so I decided to listen as if I didn't know anything.
"The monsters in the underground garden have been increasing at an alarming rate recently. To be honest, I'm quite anxious about when they might emerge on the surface. I want to resolve this issue as soon as possible. So, can you lend me your strength just one more time?"
Albert seems intent on giving us more work. It's not as simple as it seems.
"What should we do?"
"We're sending soldiers to the underground garden, would you be willing to help with the investigation? I promise you won't face any danger. With Leanne-san, there's a chance we can discover a new path. There might even be a reward. But I won't force you. Even just this diary is already a significant achievement. I respect your decision."
Is he telling us to go back to that dangerous place again?
I want to refuse, but this time we have soldiers who will fight in our place, and there's even a reward.
It seems Albert believes that the monsters in the underground garden might come to the surface.
We're not certain if that will actually happen, but assuming we work in this vicinity, it would be safer if the issue was resolved.
...Well, it doesn't seem like such a deep-rooted problem can be solved just by Leanne's presence.
I wonder what she thinks about it. If she doesn't nod her head, this conversation won't even begin.
"What should we do?"
"Let's go. After all, we've been treated well."
Leanne's response was immediate, without any signs of hesitation.
Although she said it convincingly, I somehow understood that she must have thought the same way as me.
"I'm sorry. I'll make sure you're safe."
Albert said apologetically.
Being born into a wealthy family doesn't necessarily guarantee happiness, I guess.
* * *
After leaving the shop, there wasn't much else to do. There is still time until dusk.
lbert said he would arrange a search team within two or three days.
Until then, it might be nice to spend some time relaxing in town.
"I didn't really hesitate when I agreed, but was it the right decision? Ark?"
"Well, we're getting paid, and it's not a bad offer, considering they seem serious about fixing that dungeon. So even if something happens, they shouldn't just leave us hanging, right?"
"I agree. But seriously, isn't this whole story a bit too far-fetched?"
"Yeah, that's true. How much do you actually believe that diary story?"
"Honestly, not at all."
"Yeah, I thought so too."
The Alchemy Guild, the ones who built that unbelievable facility underground and supposedly created beastmen.
It's all just too much for us humans to comprehend. Is that diary just the wild imagination of some ancient human, or is it actually true? It's a total mystery. Albert seems to believe it, but I wonder what Wallace, who deciphered it, thinks. Maybe I'll casually ask him about it when we meet next time.
"So, what do we do now, Ark?"
"I haven't really thought about it."
"It's a bit early, but should we find an inn and take a rest?"
"Yeah, that works for me."
Leanne and I suddenly found ourselves with a lot of free time and feeling a bit lost.
We used to be determined to do whatever it takes to survive, but now that feeling has faded away. There's no need to push ourselves to gather herbs anymore.
Speaking of herbs, is there even a point in visiting the adventurer's guild now?
"Shouldn't we say goodbye to Eric while we still have the time?"
"Yeah, why not. He's helped us out a bit."
Leanne used to dislike Eric because of some issues during the Adventurer Registration, but now it seems like she feels a sense of gratitude toward him, at least enough not to refuse.
Eric has given us a lot of information. But unless something major happens, we won't be active as adventurers anymore.
There's a chance we may never see each other again in our lifetime. So, it's best to say our goodbyes now.
As we arrived in front of the adventurer's guild, we saw several adventurer parties chatting near the entrance. The building was so crowded that it was a struggle to walk inside.
"Wow, there are so many people here today."
"It's strange, though. They don't seem to be planning on moving anytime soon... I wonder why."
"Maybe I should ask."
I weave my way through the crowd, making my way towards the counter. Near the counter, I spot Eric, who usually sits around looking bored, engaged in conversation with another staff member.
I approach him as I get closer to the spot where the crystal ball is placed.
"Is something going on?"
I interrupts his conversation and turns to face me.
"Today, weeding is allowed. You have to stay put without leaving the town."
"I can't see the whole picture, but..." I pause for a moment, contemplating. "Have you guys heard of a monster called Skeleton?"
"Only by name."
"It seems that a really huge one with four arms has appeared deep in the forest's dungeon. We're currently trying to gather more information about the situation."
Skeletons are undead monsters made up of the bones of creatures that have fallen in the forest or dungeons.
I've never actually seen an undead before, but I can imagine what they might look like in my mind.
The massive creature towering above me had two deep, black eye sockets.
It appeared in the underground garden forest, relentlessly pursuing me, as if driven by a deep, unfathomable hatred. Its four arms slithered and moved with a sense of purpose, ruthlessly taking the lives of all living beings it encountered.
"Hey, are you okay?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah..."
"Stay strong. It happens once in a while if you're an adventurer."
Eric's voice brought me back to reality.
I replied, trying to regain my composure. I had been lost in my own imagination, but it felt strangely vivid, as if it were a real experience.
"When did that skeleton appear?"
"Yesterday evening. A party that ventured into the middle layer barely escaped with their lives. We don't know the reason, but it seems like the skeleton chased them even into areas it wouldn't normally go. There's a possibility it followed them outside, too. Thanks to that, most of the adventurers in this town are on standby."
So, the adventurers were gathering at the guild, huh?
Speaking of yesterday, we were in the dungeon. If they didn't encounter anything, does that mean the monster appeared after we left that secret passage? It's terrifying to think that if we had taken just a little more time... We don't have any way of knowing if the strange events were just a coincidence now.
"Well, that's why I'm asking you to pull out for today. Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to a job with a better payout."
"Well, the thing is──"
Just as I was about to convey that we won't be coming here anymore, the building suddenly fell silent.
Wondering what was going on, I followed the adventurers' gaze, and there, standing at the entrance, was a familiar figure.
It was a woman with silver hair, a beastman.
She was wearing the same outfit as when we met in the forest at night, and she was accompanied by about four companions behind her. Though the adventurers looked visibly displeased, they cleared a path, avoiding her.
Why did she visit the guild? I felt curious and our eyes met. But it was just for a moment, then the gaze was gone.
Isara, the receptionist sitting in the middle of the counter, glared at the beastmen. It was clear that there was hostility in her gaze.
The beastmen approached Isara and one of them placed something wrapped in white cloth in front of her, then opened it. Several large bone fragments rolled out.
"The skeleton that was rampaging on the upper layer of the dungeon has been exterminated by Fatina-sama. Show some gratitude."
"Thank you for the report. We will pay the reward, so please wait a moment."
"Not necessary. Don't go near that place again."
"We are operating with permission from His Majesty the King. This right is legitimate."
"It's a waste of time."
The beastmen named Fatina seemed to say with an exasperated tone.
──No.
Even though I don't know anything about her, I can't help but think that she would never speak in such a cold manner.
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