Chapter 59

A weekend when I refrained from playing with the Sazama group. I was in the office with Kaena, summoned by Hase from the union headquarters.

"Thank you both for coming despite the sudden call."

"No problem..."

"The timing of this call is about the Rich, isn't it?"

Kaena asked straightforwardly. Her expression, like Hase's, suggested a serious situation.

The Rich—the one who is said to have killed Aizawa's master, Mochizuki. I've heard that the E-rank dungeon where he was supposed to be in exile was successfully cleared, but his presence was not confirmed. Well then.

Hase nodded and replied to Kaena.

"Indeed, that's the case. In that dungeon, the Rich, who was supposed to be there, was not. We were investigating this matter... and we discovered something terrible."

Something terrible...?

Is something terrible happening centered around the Rich, even to make a seasoned veteran like Hase shudder? What could it be?

To my astonishment, a shocking and terrifying truth was revealed.

"Two hours ago, citizens reported that a group of undead monsters entered a dungeon located near a lake, a bit away from the aforementioned dungeon. From the situation, it is likely that it was the Rich."

"...He repeated his exile!? Is that even possible!?"

"The Rich has gotten a taste of it."

I've never heard of such a thing. While it's not unheard of for monsters to leave one dungeon and move to another, to do it repeatedly is unprecedented.

Next to me, Kaena groaned bitterly.

"From the first exile, he learned that he could change his environment. Then, in the place where he fled, he became the top and built an undead force. A cunning individual would likely attempt another exile."

"What could be the purpose of moving between dungeons so frequently...?"

"That's unclear. It's even possible that he might eventually lead a large army to attack human society."

"A proactive stampede by monsters...!"

A shiver ran down our spines. Both Kaena and I, and Hase, were suddenly filled with a sense of crisis due to the extraordinary situation.

Moreover, the problem didn't end there.

"Furthermore, the dungeon to which he exiled again is also E-rank... and it has been confirmed that five explorers are currently inside."

"...! That's not good."

"Imagine being in the middle of a dungeon and suddenly being attacked by B-rank monsters leading an army of undead from the entrance."

For the explorers who were normally clearing the dungeon, this would be a nightmare. The idea of a far superior monster leading an army coming from the entrance they entered and would return through is terrifying.

Facing this highly urgent reality, Hase informed us.

"Currently, the union is mobilizing all forces to seal off the relevant dungeon. We are requesting senior explorers to help, but it's been a few days since the last incident. We were caught off guard, and the gathering and preparation are not going well."

"...I see. You called us here for that. To go in as the vanguard and join the isolated explorer party."

"You are both considered to have the equivalent of A-rank upper-level capabilities, especially Yamagata. You are a highly specialized explorer who excels in solo dungeon exploration without forming a party. In terms of mobility, you are unmatched."

In other words, the union is asking us to go into the dungeon first, find the isolated explorers, and either protect and escort them if they are alive, or return and report if they are dead.

—This is perfect for me. As Hase said, I am basically a solo explorer, so I can go anywhere and do anything based on my own will. In terms of mobility and responsiveness, I am incomparable to party explorers.

Moreover, the effect of the title I obtained recently allows me to detect the positions of monsters and explorers, which is crucial. I can head to the isolated explorers without hesitation and also determine the current location of the Rich.

It's a perfect fit. With certainty, I answered immediately.

"Understood. I will head to the dungeon immediately."

"You will do it!"

Contrary to Hase's beaming face, Kaena looked worried. Well, being called here by the head of the union for a direct request, it's natural to suspect that I might be reluctantly accepting it.

But, I smiled at Kaena.

"Right now, if there's something I can do that might save someone, I will do it. I will."

"Kouhei..."

"The job of an explorer is to protect people from dungeons and monsters. So, I will protect the explorers who are in a tight spot."

With that, I stood up.

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