Chapter 81

After defeating the Spirit Dragon, before heading to the next level, we were examining the gems and gold coins scattered around that the Spirit Dragon had dropped.

Dragons are known to love shiny objects and have the habit of hoarding treasure in their lairs. It seems that even a Necrodragon is no different, as under the ground that Miralca had shattered, there were not only bones but also a large number of gold coins and gems buried.

"Sure enough, the rewards for defeating a monster of SSS rank are substantial. Dee, with this much, you could probably buy an entire town."

Master picked up a gem and observed it with a monocle. Just a gem the size of a palm, with such high purity, could be treated as a national treasure due to its rarity.

"The enemy was of Demon Lord class, so a harvest like this is to be expected... But every time, the sheer volume of the harvest makes it difficult to select what to take."

"There's a budget from the government for the dungeon exploration team, so there's no need to distribute it. It might come in handy to have some funds on hand. I'll put the more valuable items in my basket."

Velleine picked out only the gems worth more than five thousand gold coins from the ones Master had appraised. Aileen, who seemed to not fully understand their value, liked a red gem and brought it to me.

"Hey, Dick, can I take this back and make it into jewelry?"

"Yeah, sure. I got the 'Core,' so if anyone else wants something, feel free to take it."

"Yay! I think I'll just take this one. I don't have a place to put a lot of them."

"You should at least bring a pouch when you come to the dungeon."

Miralca, who said this, only had a small bag for the bare essentials, which she had stuffed into my backpack. She seemed to have some interest in the gems and was picking them up from the ground.

"Can I have this, Dick?"

"Yeah, you don't need my permission."

"Then I'll take one too. I wanted a stone for a pair of earrings, so this will be helpful."

"There are also fragments of holy stones that remain after purifying undead... Wow, even such a large one... After purifying the corruption that had accumulated for 640 years, it's so clean..."

Holy stones are obtained when purifying and defeating undead monsters, and they are said to be the remnants of purified souls.

The church uses them for various purposes, so if they can bring back holy stones from undead purging, the priests don't need any other rewards. The people Uma saved in the village with a mask might donate to the church, but the holy stones are so valuable that it's not even necessary. The fact that holy stones are not always obtained when purifying undead also adds to their value.

Such a rare item, but the one Umaru had was the size of a gem that could fit in the palm of her hand. The value of the items we found was so high that it was numbing—our guild's annual profit was obtained just by defeating the Necrodragon.

"Dee, if we leave the rest of the treasure as is and let other guild members take it to the surface, it could significantly disrupt the market prices."

"That's not a problem. Just between us, we have a route to exchange dungeon-produced gems and other rare materials that can't be obtained in this country to prevent their value from dropping too much. Of course, the nobles don't like it if too many valuable gems flow out to other countries, so we'll adjust that as we go."

"Mr. Dee has influence over the merchant guilds... We buy necessary supplies, but we're just customers."

Lotte looked at me with admiration, and it was touching to see such a change in her attitude, which had not been particularly friendly before—though I felt the same way when Miralca did the same.

"It would be good if we can distribute the rewards to those who participated in the operation according to their contributions. I think the treasure found individually would cover the costs of the exploration."

"The main task is to defend the teleportation array. We've already cleared out most of the monsters, and there won't be much wear and tear unless new ones spawn. However, for A-rank and above adventurers, it might be more profitable to take missions outside."

"Not really. There aren't many tasks that require A-rank skills in the current capital. It would be more meaningful to hunt the monsters we let slip through rather than be idle."

If this dungeon exploration hadn't started, many adventurers would have been out of work. However, if we don't descend at a faster pace, fewer people will be available for defense, and those waiting on the surface will be idle.

But if we pay the rewards in advance to ensure their livelihood, many will disappear after receiving the advance. In guild contracts, it's common for the final payment to be ten times the advance, and there are often punishment squads to catch those who abandon the mission. This is based on the experience that money can change people.

(Leaving high-value gems behind as if it's a 'finders keepers' situation might also be a problem... but there's no other way.)

"Let's change the plan. For now, let's pick up all the large gems. We might need money in the future."

"Master said he wants to expand the bases within the country. The harvest from this dungeon should be saved for such plans."

Velleine was right, but I remembered something that had been bothering me. I always wear the 'Demon Lord's Amulet' that she entrusted to me. I hadn't told Velleine, but she had used the power of the amulet in the battle just now.

In other words, Velleine could have brought out the Demon Lord's Amulet whenever she wanted. But why didn't she?

"...About what happened just now. It seems I can't hide it from you."

"You've worked hard enough. If the Demon Lord's Amulet helps you use your full power..."

As she started to say this, Velleine approached me. Then, at a distance where her long ears could touch mine, she whispered in my ear.

"If I take it back, I'll have to return, won't I? I fled with great resolve. It's not a situation where I can return so easily..."

"What... What kind of reason did you give to leave the country?"

Velleine chuckled and stepped back to a proper distance, placing a finger to her lips.

"My brother might have held a funeral for me. Of course, it was a private one."

"...You... Is this a matter of unyielding determination?"

"Lord Demon... I mean, Former Lord Demon. You have such circumstances... to come to Mr. Dick's side to this extent..."

Beatrix blushed. Her naked apron was extremely toxic to my eyes, and I needed to do something about it. I draped an unused coat over her.

However, Miralca and Velleine seemed to have caught on to something, and I felt a chill. I forcibly changed the topic.

"Cody, we can see the entrance to the next level. Want to go on a reconnaissance mission?"

"Ahaha... I'd be in trouble if I'm used as an escape route. Well, I guess I should help you out."

Despite his initial hesitation, Cody was a good companion and agreed to take on the reconnaissance mission with me.

The tenth level consisted only of the large hall where the Necrodragon was, and beyond it was a downward slope leading to the eleventh level. At the bottom of the spiral slope was a faded teleportation array surrounded by weathered stone pillars.

I surveyed the entire level with the light from Cody's sword spirit. It's a spell called 'Light Ray Exploration,' but it took a bit longer than usual to complete.

"This level... there seems to be a large building in the forest over there."

I'm no longer surprised to find a forest in a cave. In levels like this, where light enters from somewhere, plants can grow without any issues.

"Building... Who built it? Orcs or something?"

"No, not that kind of monster. It's true that the kingdom's soldiers were once in charge of defending the dungeon. However, at a certain point, they were forced to retreat gradually due to the limits of their defense, and in the end, they only defended the first level... "

"Did they build something and set up a base when they were on this level?"

"It seems so. Unlike the 'Snake Altar' you mentioned, it was built by the engineering troops of the knights. However, it was abandoned a few decades ago, so there might be nothing to find even if we investigate."

If there are no powerful monsters, it might be better to leave it to other personnel. Since Kumi from the Blue Maiden Inn is here, we could ask her or Leonid.

◆◇◆

After gathering everyone, Master started repairing the teleportation array, Miralca used array magic to cut cylindrical stones, and Aileen brought them to form a stone altar.

"I didn't know Miralca's magic could be used like this."

"By applying destruction magic, it's possible to shape it into a specific form."

"Here you go! Is that all? Master, is the teleportation array almost done?"

"Yeah, just a little more... Okay, it's complete. Dee, are you heading out today?"

"Yeah. Everyone, go ahead. I'll contact the first and sixth levels and then leave."

Following my instructions, everyone returned to the Silver Flask Inn first. I specified my destination and first moved to the sixth level.

The scenery changed, and I sensed the presence of people around me. One of my guild's teleportation technicians bowed to me as soon as I arrived.

"It's good to see you back safely, Guild Master."

"Yeah, thanks for your hard work. Sorry for the trouble."

"No, it was an important role in this operation. Everyone is ready and waiting."

He is a middle-aged man who shows respect to me. While this is partly due to the appropriate rewards, it's reassuring to have capable people working diligently.

"Once things settle down, let's have a drink with everyone in the guild. I plan to be generous with the rewards."

"Ah, that's great. We are satisfied with the treatment, but it's nice to have a chance to talk since we are each stationed at a teleportation array."

"Yeah, I'll make sure to give a bonus. Give your family good news."

As the Guild Master, I want to reward the guild members who participated in this operation appropriately. I just wanted to convey that, but he kept his head bowed deeply.

"Anyway, I'll leave it to you... Kumi, Leonid, good work. Leonid, did you come through the fifth level?"

Leonid's party was injured. He scratched his head and approached me, looking apologetic.

"Despite the warning, I was driven by curiosity. When I tampered with the black teleportation device, I was sent to a place with bone monsters... I managed to escape after several teleports. I thought I was going to die."

"You can't just say 'I thought I was going to die,' sir. Dick's warnings are not a joke, and you should follow them even if you are skilled."

"Ugh... I can't argue with that. But I think we've managed to explore from the first to the fifth level. That teleportation trap should be the last one."

Given such incidents, it might be better for us to clear the way as much as possible. Leonid is trustworthy, but his impulsiveness is a flaw.

"I'm glad you're safe, Leonid. I understand the urge to act when faced with that device, as one of our companions felt the same way."

"Sorry for leaving the responsibility to Kumi and going on a wild adventure. But, Dick, the treasure you left behind was an incredible amount. Is it okay to clean it up? My guild members gathered it while trembling."

"Yes, please distribute it to the standby team. We've decided that the share is based on the monsters each person defeats, but since we've mostly cleared them, it would be sad for there to be no bonus."

"You... I knew you were understanding, but you're a man with a big heart."

"Does the standby team include us? That's generous... Dick, is that okay with you?"

The harvest from the Necrodragon is of a completely different value compared to what is obtained from monsters in the shallower levels. As Sherry feared, bringing it back and selling it could affect the kingdom's economy.

However, even the treasure left by Bugbears and Orcs is more than enough income for ordinary adventurers. Finding the nest of a demi-human and bringing back treasure can easily cover an adventurer's monthly income, and in some cases, they could live without working for years.

One reason many adventurers don't switch to other jobs even when they are out of work is because of this. Once they have established themselves through adventuring, it's difficult to start a second life in another profession.

"In recent years, there have been fewer requests, and some guild members have struggled to make a living... I shouldn't say this, but this dungeon mission is, in a way, a blessing. It's ironic that 'The Snake' has the power to destroy the capital."

"Well, defeating monsters and villains on the surface is essentially the same. Let's focus on our respective tasks for now... Dick, you say that, but you've been reckless and ended up like this. I understand the urge to scold you, but you're genuinely remorseful. Please don't remove my guild from the exploration."

"No, I'm not considering that at all. Leonid, since we've reached the eleventh level, can you reposition the defense team? Also, the eleventh level has a suitable exploration site, so please investigate it with Kumi. Whether to assign other personnel is up to you two."

Leonid's eyes lit up. Kumi, who had kept her eyes closed, opened them—she uses 'Mind Eye' to see, but her eyes themselves don't reflect anything. However, she can see me clearly.

"...I haven't formally discussed this yet, but Dick, I still want you to take on that position. You might not like it, but there's no one more suitable."

"Yeah... Grand Guild Master. The title given to the one who oversees all twelve guilds when they were established. Only the first master of the Colorless Snake Handler Inn was called by that name."

"Let's discuss it in a council after this mission is over."

"Haha... You're a reserved man, as always. Even though I know I can't match you, seeing you makes me want to challenge you."

Kumi has had a crush on me since I was part of the Demon Lord extermination team, and she has often challenged me to a duel, but I haven't been able to accept due to scheduling conflicts.

"To earn your respect, I'll fulfill my duties. Leonid, let's select the personnel for the transfer to the eleventh level."

"Ah, before that... Kumi, there was a man with a bandaged face in today's exploration team. Do you know how he joined?"

"His name is Garrett. An A-rank adventurer who joined today's exploration and was transferred to the sixth level. After joining the patrol team on the sixth level, he disappeared... I was worried he might have fallen into a trap."

Garrett—Clive had infiltrated by impersonating him. This raised concerns about whether Garrett was still alive. If he was being held captive somewhere, there was a possibility he might be caught in our information network.

"Thank you for telling me, Kumi. That's enough information."

"I've been telling you from the first time we met, you can talk to me more casually."

"You mean I should use informal language? Got it... I got it. Is this okay, Kumi?"

"Y-Yes, that's fine... In fact, I prefer it. I want you to continue using it from now on."

"Hehe... Dick, you might not get stabbed, but you might get kidnapped."

"I heard something, sir. I'm not a villain, so I wouldn't do that."

Kumi, who I wasn't talking about, preemptively defended herself.

However, if I were kidnapped, what would happen? I'd probably be tied up and say, "Kill me!" or something. If they could tie me up, that would be impressive, and I'd escape and tie them back. Imagining Kumi's loose, distinctive outfit being tied up with ropes—this was getting off track.

"Especially since I already have an elf woman as the bar manager and live with her... Dick, you seem to attract women, but I'm actually trying to ward off bad luck. You can rely on me if you need to."

"Um... Let me think about it after we have a duel."

"I don't think you're in a hurry to get married. Young women these days are so bold."

Right, Kumi had a crush on me for some reason.

I don't think she likes me just because I'm strong—asking her what she likes about me would be too self-conscious.

"I've heard the hospitality at the Silver Flask Inn is excellent. I'd like to visit as a customer once this is settled."

"Feel free to come anytime. Leonid, if you can't find a place to eat, come to our inn."

"Ah, is that okay? Then I'll take you up on that. My grandson wants to go to the Silver Flask Inn, but I don't want to take him... Just a heads up, don't lay a hand on him. He's only fifteen."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't do that. What do you think I am?"

Kumi and Leonid didn't answer immediately, shrugging as if they couldn't say it out loud.

Given that my party members are all women, it's understandable that I might be seen as a womanizer... but I haven't done anything inappropriate and try to maintain a proper distance.

"A serious womanizer is a tough opponent. A man with a moderate amount of bad habits might be more appealing to