Chapter 34

Today, I'm working hard on the update ('ω')!

I hope you enjoy it.

"…What?"

I can't help but ask for clarification.

Benwood, who sits opposite me, makes a bitter face and points to the map on the desk with a pen.

"He said the situation is bad. Here, here, and here. …Also, the 'Aeon Ruins Labyrinth' you reported is showing signs of temporal anomalies."

It has been a week since the investigation of the 'Colorless Darkness' labyrinth officially began and its progress has been communicated daily.

I was called to the reception room of the Adventurers' Guild with the message, "I have something personal to discuss."

I thought it wouldn't be just casual conversation, but I didn't expect to hear such a story.

"…There's a high possibility of an overflow."

"Damn, why are my bad predictions always so accurate!"

I can't help but look up to the sky.

I had occasionally heard that the Adventurers' Guild had been conducting investigations in various places since we defeated the monsters in the 'Ordan Lake Forest.'

But I didn't expect to hear the results in this form.

Really, Benwood.

What do you intend to do by telling this information to me, just an adventurer?

"What do you think?"

"Do you want me to say it?"

In response to my question, Benwood sighs and spits out his conclusion.

"A 'Great Rampage' is coming."

"Probably."

We have the same opinion.

If it was just a slight overflow from the labyrinth, it might be possible to thin out the monsters with a dungeon attack.

But if anomalies are occurring in several labyrinths in the vicinity, it's more natural to consider it a sign of a large-scale 'Great Rampage.'

"What does the Royal Academy say?"

"They say it can't be ruled out. If it can't be ruled out, they should send personnel to confirm it. Damn."

"Wait a minute… Could that investigation request be…"

"Yes, I thought the same. The approval for the 'Colorless Darkness' investigation request was granted so easily as part of this."

Lifting the seal on a labyrinth requires considerable effort and review.

Even for an A-rank party, it seemed odd that the seal would be lifted so easily just because 'Thunderpike' made a request.

"So? Is this the personal matter? What can I do about this?"

"No, it's a different matter. It's related, though."

After a moment, Benwood looks at me.

He has the look of someone searching for the right words to convince me of something difficult to say.

Just say it already; thinking won't change the outcome.

"Yuk. I want to give you… no, 'Clover' a designated request. It's the investigation request for the 'Colorless Darkness.'"

"Don't give impossible tasks to a C-rank party, Benwood."

What kind of nonsense is the guild leader, who is supposed to oversee the safety of adventurers, talking about?

"Besides, there are other A-rank parties besides 'Thunderpike' participating, right?"

"I can't trust them. I want the information from your own eyes. Besides, none of them… not a single one, has requested to see this."

Benwood carelessly throws a stack of papers on the table.

It's something valuable that shouldn't be treated so casually.

"Have you read it?"

"Yes. To me, this is one of my treasures."

──The 'Colorless Darkness' conquest records.

The records of the strong who have cleared the 'Colorless Darkness,' the most difficult labyrinth in the Elmeria Kingdom.

The official records that prove the existence of the only remaining 'Gate of the Abyss.'

Adventurers couldn't even touch it until they reached B-rank.

"Of course. That's why I want to entrust it to you. I'm not asking you to conquer it, but to investigate it."

"To investigate, you need to clear it. It's too dangerous."

"That's why I'm asking you, Yuk. That place requires flexibility in response. Someone who can do anything, like you, is essential. Besides… you can use this."

Benwood places a magic scroll on the table.

"What is this…?"

"It's a 'Scroll of Dismissal.' I'm giving it to you."

The 'Scroll of Dismissal' is a treasure that can only be obtained from the treasure chests in labyrinths and is also a disposable magic item.

It is a type of magic scroll that only alchemists proficient in magical items can use.

Its effect is powerful, albeit rough. It can instantly teleport you and your companions out of the labyrinth.

In a sense, it's the best safety measure.

"To go to such lengths?"

"I'd like to go see it myself, but I can't move from my chair due to my position. There's a high possibility that something unusual is happening in the 'Colorless Darkness' as well. The most important thing is to get reliable information from a trusted source."

Since Benwood has gone this far, I can't just refuse.

"I understand. I'll take it back and discuss it with my companions."

"Hey, to take a national request without the guild master's permission, you're a bold guy."

"I don't have the request form."

I joke, and Benwood grins.

Just as I'm wondering about something, familiar footsteps approach and knock on the door without hesitation.

"Come in."

"Excuse me. Here, Yuk. This is for you."

Mamal, who enters, hands me the request form directly without going through Benwood.

With Benwood and Mamal… the way they handle things so quickly sometimes makes me feel a bit scared.

Do they not even consider what would happen if I refused immediately?

I look over the request form I've been given.

──────────────────────

Request Type: National Request

Designated Party: 'Clover'

Request Content: Investigation and Report of the 'Colorless Darkness'

Deadline: None

Special Notes: The designated party will be temporarily A-rank during the acceptance period.

The completion criteria will be evaluated by the guild master.

The reward will be paid according to the national request regulations.

Requester: King Vincent V of Elmeria

──────────────────────

"Taking a national request without the guild master's permission makes me feel like I've landed a big catch. I'll head back for now."

"Alright. I asked a lot of you… but please."

I nod lightly at the bowing Benwood and head to the party base where Marina and the others are waiting.

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