Temporary Party-Up

I felt a bit uncomfortable with their behavior, but I managed to join the conversation.

They must've taken quite a liking to me, given that they invited me to join them with a [Alright, you'll come with us to explore the dungeon tomorrow. We'll split the magic swords!].

… They left the bath and went to their room before I could reply, but like… can I just not go?

Whatever, at least I found out for sure that they were still intending to go and get more magic swords. I wonder how many magic swords they intend to take from the dungeon?

Although I didn't exactly get a chance to promise them back, I was somewhat afraid to ignore it, so I headed to the dungeon the next day as planned. Of course, I had already used my [Super Transformation] to disguise myself.

The prince and his companions had already gathered in front of the dungeon. I did technically arrive exactly at the agreed-upon time, so I shouldn't be considered late. They sure were impatient, seeming to be in a rush.

"Oh, you've arrived, Uuma. You're the last one, huh?"

The prince said this while crossing his arms, looking at me. Uuma, of course, was my fake name.

Seeing the prince's casual greeting, the [Shadow] adventurer let out a resigned sigh.

"Prince, is this the adventurer you said you got along with the other day?"

"Yes. I hired him as a mercenary, just like you. Make sure you get along with him."

"… Excuse me for asking, but can we trust him?"

"Yes. We talked yesterday and he's quite a pleasant young man!"

"…"

Ah, the [Shadow] adventurer looks dumbfounded.

"Could I see your guild card?"

"Sure. Is this okay?"

"C-Rank, huh… I see."

I had prepared this guild card for disguise purposes with Dolche-san's help. Being able to prepare as many as you like really shows off how useful the power of authority is. I paid her in potato chips and cola.

Having shown my identification and gaining some trust, I joined the prince's party and entered the dungeon.

… Now that I think about it, why did they invite me to the party without even checking my guild card… you know, the minimum verification for adventurers? What's with this prince? Is he just simple-minded and don't know how to be suspicious?

"Uuma, you'll follow my instructions too, alright?"

"I'm just tagging along with the party, so I figured as much… Jangalia, right? You must have a hard time too."

"… Sorry, my employer invited you forcefully. It must be a bother."

"No worries. I'm just a humble C-Rank. I'm looking forward to my share."

So, I was included as a front-line fighter since I was supposed to be using a sword.

"I usually explore solo, so don't expect me to sync up my movements too well."

I easily cut down a spawned goblin with a simple iron sword. Although they kept appearing, it felt like I was killing my own kind… Well, they're just spawn monsters, so it's probably fine? I've already dismantled several golems for materials after all.

"Anyway, as you can see, I just have a typical C-Rank level of skill."

"Hahaha, don't be modest, Uuma. That movement is on par with Kenho, right?"

"The prince is right. I'd be down for having a match with you when we get back."

"I'd rather not get involved in something as troublesome as that."

With how I was able to continue fighting without faltering thanks to my Golem Assist, I fought alongside the frontline fighter, Kenho.

We left the Entrance Area and entered the Labyrinth Area. My role remained unchanged even when our enemies started being Clay Golems.

"Huh? Wasn't this a passage?"

"Hm? Jangalia, didn't you tell him?"

"Oh, Uuma, you already knew…? Prince, the labyrinth structure of this dungeon changes. You certainly chose a skilled adventurer."

"I see, so Uuma already knew about it. Yes, he's the man I chose!"

Uh huh.

Jangalia—aka Mr. Shadow Adventurer—must have investigated properly but was entirely overlooked, yeah?

… No, I get it. I understand it because it's what I'd do! He pushed his achievements onto me!

As expected of the [Shadow], he did't want to stand out. But neither do I! I don't want to stand out either!

"Hey, it's troublesome if you praise me too much. Any adventurer in this village would know this, right?"

"But Uuma, you're not from this village, are you? You have good information gathering skills."

"I have a friend in the village that told me about it. But Jangalia, you're a complete outsider and knew about it too. Isn't that more impressive?"

"Come to think of it, that's true. Well done, Jangalia."

"… Ah, yes. Thank you, Prince."

When I pointed it out, Jangalia was praised without hesitation. His face is a little tense, though. C'mon Jangalia, smile for the camera.

We made our way through the labyrinth and reached the Spiral Staircase Area. The mark Jangalia left previously was, of course, gone. The dungeon had the nature of absorbing items left unattended (or so people say), so it's natural they'd disappear.

"Hmm, the mark I left the day before yesterday is gone. Does anyone remember the way?"

"… I remember, but there's a chance it's changed. Should we have Kenho go ahead with a lifeline attached again?"

"Jangalia, should I go instead since I remember?"

"Oh, as expected of our future prime minister, Krush. You have a good memory. I'm counting on you."

"Leave it to me, Prince. Let's get to it then."

"Let's attach a lifeline just in case, Lord Krush."

Jangalia attached a lifeline to Krush… looks like Krush will be going for us. These guys are really enthusiastic.

Just between us, I'm relieved they didn't ask me to wear the lifeline. I knew where the traps are so I'd have to pretend I didn't and avoid them on purpose.

"Uuma, have you been beyond this point before?"

"Yes, Prince, I have."

"Hoh-hoh. You managed to descend these spiral stairs alone? How did you do it?"

"I rushed down really fast. It was quite tough. When the stair boards fell, I caught onto the next step before I fell, with sheer willpower."

"Oh, what a coincidence! I also descended in a similar way! Uuma, it seems our spirits are in sync."

"Hahaha, I suppose I'm honored?"

The one to take the bite at my answer to Prince's question was Jangalia. Kenho agreed with my answer.

By the way, my answer was based on Kenho's experience from the other day, so of course it'd be similar.

With that, the prince's party, including me, successfully cleared the Spiral Staircase Area.

It's only natural since we didn't even change the trap locations… Alrighty then, next up is the Warehouse Area.