Dungeon Conquest

"So come to think of it, this dungeon was already cleared. What does it look like farther in?"

"There wasn't any information about that at the guild… Well, just the information up to this point was enough to obtain those magic swords."

"I'd like to check out further in."

With that, the prince and Jangalia glanced at me while talking.

… Well, it would be problematic if they went to Succubus Village. I guess I'd have to go too.

I wonder if Rokuko's watching me do all this?

"I don't know the details, but I've heard through the grapevine that the depths are that way."

"Oh? You seem well-informed."

Krush said with a smile. Did he not hear the part about me not knowing the details?

I thought about ignoring him, but then he followed up.

"What's the source of your information?"

"I've seen a map before."

"A map? I heard the guild didn't have one."

"Those who clear the dungeon aren't obligated to report everything to the guild."

The truth could be confirmed with a lie-detecting magic tool, so even reporting a part of the truth would still count as clearing the dungeon. I knew every path in this dungeon, after all.

"The depths also connect to [Flame Cavern]."

"Oh?"

"Then we should go this way!"

Kenho headed in a direction different from the one I pointed out. That was the direction of the Succubus Village, so I hurriedly grabbed Kenho's shoulder to stop him.

"Why'd you stop me, Uuma?"

"… Why that way?"

"Well, that's because the depths of the dungeon are over there, right? That other direction leads to a different dungeon."

Well, that's true, but…

"You should avoid that way; it's a trap."

"A trap?"

"You won't die, but you'll be stripped naked and dumped at the entrance of the dungeon."

"Oh, really? That would be troublesome."

"Uuma, which way is the deepest part of the dungeon then? If you've seen a map, you should know, right?"

"Well…"

The prince asked. I couldn't say I didn't know, so I told them the way.

… And that is when I signaled to Rokuko by tapping my toes twice.

Following my guidance, we found a Haniwa Golem waiting for us along the path.

Of course, it was prepared by Rokuko. Niku was the operator. It was a relatively serious fight, but not as intense as an Iron Haniwa.

"Ah… that one's bad news. We'd better avoid it today."

"Hmm, it's a Golem I haven't seen before… Is it really that bad?"

"Yeah, it i—oi, Kenho!?"

"Uwoooooooooohryiaaaah!! [Slash]!!"

As I tried to stop him, Kenho launched an attack as if to say the best defense was a good offense.

The Haniwa Golem, likely hesitating about whether it should fight seriously, reacted a moment too late. Kenho didn't miss that chance and cut off the head of the Horse Golem the Haniwa Golem was straddling with a single blow.

"Hahaha! It's the same if we defeat it before it can do anything! Leave this to me, Uuma!"

"Good grief, Kenho, that's why we… well, Uuma-san, please keep an eye on our surroundings."

"You're getting a talking to when this is over. Such a troublesome guy."

After Kenho's charge, the Haniwa Golem abandoned its horse and regained its posture. Despite its heavily armored appearance, it moved swiftly while receiving Jangalia's attacks on its legs, who had joined the battle at some point.

The prince and Krush had joined the fight, the scales clearly tipping in their favor.

This is bad. If these guys form a party, they can actually hold their own against the Haniwa Golem. At the very least, it'd be impossible for it to win if it kept holding back so as to avoid killing them.

If I kept watch on our surroundings, the prince and his group could focus on the battle…

… Before I could call for reinforcements, the Haniwa Golem was defeated.

"How's that, Uuma? This is what we're made of!"

"We haven't even used skill combos yet. It's just a glimpse of our power."

"Oh? This Golem's sword… it really is a magic sword. I wonder if one or two more will appear?"

Damn, what should I do… Do I have to respond with lethal force now?

But if the prince and his friends die, it would not only be an international issue, but Daido might also fall into turmoil with the [Rencarnates] running rampant…!?

These guys are really troublesome in unexpected ways for the dungeon…!!

"I'm sorry, but I don't want to go any deeper. Can we turn back?"

"We can at least take a look ahead, right? We've already defeated the guard."

"Well, I'm confident we could handle two more at the same time."

Grrr, they're getting ahead of themselves. If it weren't for Jangalia's support, they would've struggled more!

"Jangalia, let's turn back, huh? It's most dangerous when you're riding high like this."

"… Both of you have a point. How about we take a peek further in and then turn back?"

"I'm fine with that."

"I have no objections either."

"As the leader, I think that's fine. Let's decide by majority vote."

Damn it! They're perfectly in sync! I'm just a temporary member anyway!

However, a little further in was the new Puzzle Area and the Arena area. At the very least, they'd spend a day in the Puzzle Area and have no choice but to turn back.

"Haah… Fine. But once we take a peek, we're turning back!"

"Alright! Let's get going right away!"

And so, the prince and I ventured deeper into the dungeon.

 

＊ ＊ ＊

 

"Since we're here, I'd like to solve the puzzle in this room."

"… No, let's go back. Didn't we say we'd turn back after taking a look?"

The prince and his friends properly understood the problem and answered, but of course, this was a puzzle room where they were supposed to fail the answer once. They could try again only after a day.

"Let's make this our campsite!"

"Hey, Prince, your being too casual! Can you become a king with international credibility if you're that careless?"

Ignoring my words, the prince had Jangalia set up a tent.

"Hahaha, Uuma is getting used to the prince too!"

"That's a good tendency."

"Uuma-dono, the prince won't budge when he's like this… I apologize. As an advance payment for our share, I'll give you the magic sword we got earlier… Please stay here."

Jangalia lowered his head humbly.

Grr… I just want to go home and sleep already…!

"… Only for one more day! We're definitely going back tomorrow!"

"Very well! Let's decide the order for tonight's watch!"

And so, I ended up spending the night with the prince and his friends in the tent. Damn it.