Chapter 63

After the interrogation ended, all the participants except the interrogator entered the conference room to discuss the future strategy.

A round table that could seat about twenty people was surrounded by less than ten. Cody sat opposite me, but he had chosen that seat to maintain a formal stance, and before entering the conference room, he had said he would prefer to sit on this side.

Her heart had already returned to the days when she was part of the demon lord extermination party. I felt the same way, and my mind was already focused on how we would organize ourselves to tackle the dungeon.

Prime Minister Lowe, Marquis, and Premiere confirmed that everyone was seated, then stood up and bowed.

"Well, I apologize for asking you to come here after the interrogation. Since this is a rare opportunity for all of us to gather, I would like to discuss the strategy for the dungeon exploration. Is that all right?"

After receiving everyone's agreement, Marquis unlocked the key to the metal cylinder he was holding, took out a map, and spread it on the round table.

"This is the 'Versalis Ruins Dungeon' that extends far beneath the capital Alvinas. The map does not show the deepest level, but it records the terrain from the 1st to the 50th floor."

If the dungeon spread just beneath the capital, it would likely have been encountered during the construction of sewers and other underground facilities. However, looking at the map, I understood why that had not happened.

The dungeon beneath the capital was not connected to the surface but was located deep underground, and it seemed that one had to use a teleportation array to enter it. The first floor one entered was the 1st floor, and from there, one would have to descend a hundred floors.

The dungeon gradually expanded with each floor. The map cut off at the 50th floor. Illustrations of monsters that appeared were drawn, with the 1st floor showing goblins, giant rats, and giant bats, and the monsters changing significantly every ten floors. This meant that the dominant monsters changed every ten floors.

Starting from the 30th floor, mid-level monsters such as lizardmen, cockatrices, and elementals began to appear. At this stage, even A-rank adventurers would be significantly drained after each battle.

Before the stairs leading down from the 50th floor, there was a drawing of a monster with a lion's body and dragon wings. The pile of skulls at its feet suggested that it had claimed many victims in the past.

"Why doesn't the map exist for the floors below the 50th?"

When Grenadin asked, Marquis shook his head.

"This map was created about a thousand years ago when a survey team entered the dungeon. A thousand people, mainly from the knight order, were sent in, and they explored cautiously, but by the time they reached the 50th floor, the survivors were less than ten percent. The commander of the exploration team was killed by this Dragon Chimera, and only the craftsman responsible for creating the map and his guard managed to return."

"...So this is the Dragon Chimera. A monster that has sucked the lives of nearly a hundred people... Is it still alive today?"

"There is a possibility. Some monsters in the dungeon can live semi-permanently."

That was the troublesome aspect of the dungeon. The deeper layers, unlike the shallower ones, were home to long-lived and powerful special individuals, making it difficult to venture into the depths of an abandoned dungeon.

Moreover, the monsters in the dungeon formed a 'hierarchy' regardless of their species, creating a 'leader' for each section. In such a vast dungeon, it was not unusual to have different leaders for every few floors.

"Is the evil entity we need to defeat the 'leader' at the deepest level?"

"No, it's not that kind of entity. While the records from two thousand years ago cannot be guaranteed, according to historical documents, it is called the 'Serpent of Versalis.' The monsters in the dungeon are said to be generated by the serpent. No one has seen it being born, but..."

My master had probably fought the 'Serpent of Versalis' with King Alvein and others two thousand years ago. However, she did not say anything at the moment.

I felt that revealing the truth here would put too much pressure on my master. I understood that we had to rely on her since all the other members of the party were dead, but I did not want to burden her with everything. Besides, the people around this round table were the highest authorities of organizations belonging to the kingdom.

"The Dragon Chimera is on the 50th floor, and we have to descend another 50 floors. The Serpent of Versalis might have generated even more powerful monsters over a thousand years... If it has grown..."

Marquis seemed to be trying to maintain a smile, but sweat was running down his cheek. I had thought he was someone not to be underestimated by his appearance, but I had to revise that opinion. Even someone who would inherit a ducal family was not entirely composed.

Premiere, who was also tense, suppressed her trembling voice and continued Marquis's words.

"Indeed, it is a den of monsters. However, the powerful monsters are said to guard the serpent in the deeper layers, so I don't think a large number of strong monsters will swarm us as soon as we enter the first floor."

"I hope so. The teleportation array to the dungeon is managed by the kingdom, but nothing is guaranteed after the teleportation. We only ensure safety around the teleportation array."

Marquis's statement confirmed my hypothesis. The teleportation array to enter the dungeon actually existed.

In that case, it would be best for us to go to the first floor as a vanguard. No matter how strong the monsters were, we would not lose if we went in as a full party. However, we could not afford to be complacent.

"Prime Minister, if you know about our demon lord extermination party, why did you think of challenging the dungeon with the full force of the country? Didn't you think it would be fine to leave it to us?"

When I asked, Lowe smiled wryly with a weary face. It seemed that the 'White Beauty' felt the task was too heavy for him, but it was commendable that he did not run away.

"We cannot just leave everything to the demon lord extermination party and wait in prayer. Regularly, monsters spawn in the shallow layers of the dungeon, and if their numbers exceed a certain point, the teleportation array will stop functioning. Therefore, we will secure a safe place every five floors, set up a teleportation array, and connect it to the first floor to allow a rapid descent to the deeper levels. To maintain the functionality of the teleportation array, we need personnel to eliminate newly spawned monsters on each floor. How far we can continue this is uncertain..."

In other words, it was necessary to deploy forces to clear out monsters from the shallow to the deep layers. Every five floors meant setting up a teleportation array up to the 51st floor and securing that level, allowing us to teleport to the 51st floor and proceed with exploration on foot from there.

I also understood that the kingdom had tried to avoid touching the underground dungeon as much as possible. It was a poor strategy, but it was probably due to the aftermath of the thousand-person squad's annihilation.

"I see. Understood. We can't just leave the monsters in the shallow layers alone. We'll entrust them to capable warriors. When we defeat the monsters, we'll also obtain treasures, so it might be better to approach it as we would with other dungeons, without drastically changing our lives."

When I suggested this, everyone was speechless, as if impressed. I didn't like being the center of attention, but with just a few words, I had become the center of this discussion.

"Dee, the Adventurer's Guild is currently not functioning properly because the White Goat Inn, which oversees it, is not working. We need someone to take command, and I think Dee is the only one who can do it."

"I also think so. For someone from the demon lord extermination party to be running the smallest guild on 12th Street is something no one would think is fitting."

Grenadin nodded deeply, and Kirsch, who was recording the meeting next to Marquis, looked at me straight and smiled. In this space, I was gathering too much admiration, wasn't I?

"...Alright. But let me say one thing: this is a temporary measure for an emergency. I will take temporary command to lead the adventurers, but after the dungeon is conquered, we will establish a new leading guild. Is that acceptable?"

"Mr. Dick, I appreciate your noble spirit, but I have a slight doubt. Why don't you want to become the permanent leader of the guild? In this capital, leading the Adventurer's Guild means acquiring absolute power. Yet, you..."

"I cannot explicitly state the reason, but I am not shirking responsibility. I will keep an eye on the guilds in the capital to ensure they do not fall into disorder."

With such a statement, I might be seen as the shadow ruler of the Adventurer's Guild, but no one looked at me with suspicion. Premiere, who had asked me a question, pressed her chest as if moved. It was only then that I noticed the deep V-neck of her dress, revealing a significant cleavage, and her lips, painted red under her veil, which heightened my interest in her true appearance.

(...Dee? Just because she's a beautiful woman, don't get distracted.)

My master, sitting next to me, reached under the table and pinched my knee. It didn't hurt, but I straightened up, cleared my throat, and continued the conversation.

"Cody, let's teleport to the dungeon first and check the situation."

"Sure, that's a good idea. We'll inform the others and prepare for the dungeon exploration. Once the first floor is secured, we can return and bring in more personnel."

Whether we could reach the 100th floor in one go or if we should return to the surface to rest after defeating powerful monsters, we wouldn't know until we tried.

However, I was eager to enter the dungeon as soon as possible. I wanted to eliminate the threat at our feet to return to a life of drinking and revelry.

"I think the party will be divided into groups based on their affiliations, such as adventurers, knights, and monk soldiers. To ensure cooperation in emergencies, I want to instill a sense of unity among all participants, regardless of their positions. Ideally, I would like the royal family to encourage the explorers. Is that possible?"

"Oh, that's a good idea. I will consult with His Majesty the King."

Lowe accepted my suggestion with a gentle smile. In any case, it was better to be cooperative.

The one who would come to encourage us would likely be Manalina. She was popular among the people due to her appearance and was also the next queen. Her speech would be a way to remind the citizens of the capital of her presence.

"Mr. Lowe, you mentioned setting up teleportation arrays every five floors, but teleportation crystals are very valuable. How will you prepare them?"

"You are correct that there is a limit to the number of teleportation arrays that can be set up. However, if the arrays set up by the exploration team a thousand years ago have not been destroyed, they should still be in place up to the 46th floor, every five floors. However, since monsters have spawned, we will need to clear them to make the arrays usable again. For the arrays from the 51st floor onward, we will provide teleportation crystals from the kingdom's treasury. We have about 13, which should be enough."

The teleportation crystals, said to guarantee a hundred lives for the adventurer who obtains them, were of immense value, but it was not the time to be stingy.

If possible, connecting the teleportation array in my guild's basement would make it easier for my guild members to rest—though that might be a bit selfish. Another idea was to create a teleportation array within the White Goat Inn's grounds for other guild adventurers to use. Ideally, the crystals would be provided by the kingdom.

"Regarding the rewards for the adventurers, it has been agreed that the kingdom and the noble alliance will bear the costs. I would like to hear your opinion on the distribution of rewards, Mr. Dick..."

As a current guild master, I could answer questions about the standard rewards.

Thus, we completed the necessary discussions and set the start date for the dungeon exploration three days later, and each of us began our preparations.

◆◇◆

On the afternoon of the third day, the participants in the dungeon exploration gathered in the castle courtyard, and Princess Manalina gave an encouraging speech.

The number of explorers, including us, was slightly over a thousand. They had gathered from all over the kingdom, with 600 B-rank and below, 250 A-rank, and 40 S-rank and above. The rest were non-combatants responsible for healing and supply.

Wearing a white dress suitable for a royal lady and a tiara, Manalina appeared on the palace balcony and, using wind spirit magic, began to speak so that everyone could hear.

"On behalf of His Majesty the King, I would like to speak to you here. I hope you will allow me. As you may already know, the kingdom is at a crossroads. The evil entity sealed beneath the capital by the founding king Alvein I two thousand years ago is awakening."

Manalina was nervous, but her voice did not tremble. All the gathered adventurers, knights, monk soldiers, and mages were focused on her appearance and words.

"However, you have gathered here with courage to seal the evil entity once again. We are proud of your bravery. To usher in a new millennium of prosperity, we wish to work together with you and strive for it."

Even if the royal family did not have the power to fight, they had the power to encourage the people. I thought that was fine.

"In the name of the First Princess, Manalina Lila Alvein, I pray. May the blessings of the gods be upon all who fight."

Manalina closed her eyes in prayer. When she opened them, a thunderous cheer erupted.

The fierce voices of the warriors, the excited murmurs of the adventurers eager for glory, the quiet gazes of the monks ready to use their powers to save people, and the mages imagining the unknown dungeon—everyone was looking forward. Under the name of the princess, they were all moving in the same direction.

"Wow, everyone is so energetic. So, it's the Dragon Chimera, right? How strong is it?"

"Anything that gets in our way can be eliminated. It's been a while since I've been able to fight without holding back."

Aileen and Miralca's fighting spirit was already brimming. Both of their eyes were burning.

"My purification power does not reach the capital's underground, so I want to purify each floor. And... I can go on an adventure with Dick again..."

"I was asked to lead the knight order by the guild members, but I told them I would help only when they are in trouble. Is that really heartless?"

"Not at all. Just being a front-line leader is enough to show you care for your subordinates."

The equipment of everyone heading into the dungeon was, of course, different from what they wore in their daily lives in the capital. Heroes, mages, martial artists, monks—and me as a support.

And Verlene, who had changed her maid outfit to boots for easier walking, and my master, who had prepared a white uniform. Our party consisted of these seven.

"It's been so long that I might forget how to fight. I won't hold you back."

"Don't talk like that outside, Verlene."

"Ugh... I don't mind being called Verlene, but..."

"Please, Verlene. If we need to eat in the dungeon, your cooperation is essential."

"Even Master... That's unfair, teaming up like that. Fine, I'll do it. I'm supposed to be a combatant, but food is important. Master, just tell me what you need."

The Silver Water Jug was not closed—guild members were taking turns running the shop. I also had a personal desire to rest at the bar after the exploration and did not want to surprise the people of 12th Street by suddenly closing the shop.

"I'll explore for a day and work at the shop the next day. That sounds easy."

"You're still young. Fighting is our job. Right, Guild Master?"

"I'm not small! I'll grow to be as big as Verlene and even taller than my brother soon."

"Hmm... I look forward to it."

"What's with that tone? I'm angry, and I might freeze you by mistake!"

The SSS-rank brother and sister were having a peaceful conversation that made it hard to believe they were about to challenge the dungeon. Rigel, Ria, and McKinley were also relaxed and full of spirit, waiting to enter the dungeon after we confirmed it was safe.

Sakuya, Reiza, and a few other guild members were staying behind at the guild but would take turns entering the dungeon. Through this exploration, the overall level of my guild would improve.

"Dee, are you regularly measuring the strength of the guild