Chapter 38

Today's update! ('ω')!

Finally, the dungeon attack!

I hope you enjoy it.

"Hey, you're here."

At a certain place, in the underground great cavern – the entrance to the 'Colorless Darkness.'

Benwood, who had been waiting there, grinned when he saw us.

"You look ready. ...But don't overdo it."

"I understand. Any helpful advice from a senior who was the first to clear this place?"

"Follow the dungeon exploration principles."

"Got it."

It's obvious, but it's the most important thing.

It's something Benwood once told me, and I in turn told Marina and the others.

Be careful and cautious.

Prepare several plans in advance.

Take a rest after each floor.

Frequently check for wear and tear.

– Prioritize your life.

...Alright, I remember it all.

"Everyone, got it?"

Turning to my fully equipped companions, they all responded with faces full of energy.

"Okay!"

"No problem."

"We can do it!"

"Ready to go."

Nodding, I turned back to Benwood.

"Alright... Benwood, we're off."

"Right. Today is just the first day. Go with a light heart. There's no need to push it, and don't worry about souvenirs."

"I'll do that. After all, this request has no deadline."

Benwood's lips curled into a grin at my casual remark.

The lack of a deadline for this national selection request is a kind of service to us.

It can also be seen as one of the rewards to get me to agree to this.

As long as this national selection request is valid, the 'Colorless Darkness' will remain unsealed, and we can enter the dungeon whenever we want.

The right to challenge this place is a rare opportunity for adventurers like me.

Passing by Benwood, who nodded, I headed towards the 'Colorless Darkness.'

It looked like a huge cylindrical object thrust diagonally into the ground, with its upper part obscured by a mist-like substance.

According to the authority of the 'Royal Academy of Sciences,' this is a 'Tower' buried underground.

Indeed, there are traces of stairs leading upwards, and looking up, you can see what looks like upper floors, but no means to reach them have been found yet.

In dungeons, using stairs is the rule.

Forcing your way up would only result in unnecessary casualties, as the records of the 'Aeon Ruins Dungeon' have concluded.

"Nene, take the lead."

"Got it."

At the diagonal entrance, we confirmed our planned formation.

Nene in the lead, followed by Marina, Silk, and Rain, with me bringing up the rear.

Placing Marina in the front increases safety during encounters, and I can hold the line if we are ambushed or flanked.

Glancing at Benwood, who was seeing us off, I stepped into the 'Colorless Darkness.'

"Activating 'Gopro-kun'... 'Live Stream' starting."

Facing the slowly rising 'Gopro-kun,' I began the prepared introduction.

"Hello, this is 'Clover.' Today, we are here to attack the 'Colorless Darkness' on a request from the 'Royal Research Institute' and the Adventurer's Guild. It's our first attempt, the first day... we'll do our best."

"No enemies... entering advance guard mode."

Nene, who had been waiting for the end of my introduction, put on the magic item, the 'Invisible Cloak,' that I had adjusted and slipped along the wall.

For a first-time dungeon, she showed no signs of hesitation. She's an excellent scout.

"How about it, teacher? The 'Colorless Darkness'?"

"It's less impressive than I thought... I expected more."

"We're just at the entrance."

Marina laughed at my somewhat disappointed expression.

I had expected a greater sense of awe just from stepping inside.

I do feel a bit of excitement, but not enough to make me jump for joy.

Have I grown up?

When I was a child, I was quite excited listening to my uncle's stories about exploring here with Benwood.

"I'm quite nervous, though."

"Really?"

I had noticed that the usually calm Silk was a bit tense.

"Yes. To be honest, I became an adventurer to learn how to survive in human society. In other words, for money."

"I don't think that's something to be ashamed of."

"But it was never a dream. That day... when I heard your story, I was very shocked. The idea of adventuring for a dream was something I had never considered... I felt a bit pathetic."

Lowering her eyes, Silk smiled softly.

"So, I'm happy to be here with you, teacher, on this stage of dreams. Even if we don't reach the 'Gate of the Abyss' yet, just thinking that it's out there... my heart leaps. Is that childish?"

Her brown cheeks slightly flushed, Silk smiled. I shook my head.

"No. It's making me remember, too. It's out there... somewhere."

Beyond the entrance of the 'Colorless Darkness,' which is just a regular stone wall.

Deep within lies the end of the world – the 'Gate of the Abyss.'

"Thank you, Silk. I think I was too tense."

"You're welcome. Even teachers get nervous?"

Silk laughed, and her shoulders relaxed.

I could feel the tension in my body easing as well.

"Let's be cautious and enjoy it. We can definitely make it."

"Got it!"

Just then, Nene ran back.

"Route check, all clear. But, this place is intense."

"Intense?"

"Yeah. No traps, but the moment you pass the corridor, it feels like you're on a different floor. It's quite disorienting when you experience it."

I had a general idea of the characteristics from watching the live streams of previous parties, but Nene's reaction suggests the actual anomalies are more intense than expected.

"Alright, let's move on. Nene, lead the way."

"Leave it to me!"

Led by Nene, we stepped into the 'Colorless Darkness.'

Walking down the stone-paved corridor, passing through a moss-covered small room, and opening a half-open door, we found ourselves in a forest-like jungle.

However, upon closer inspection, the floor was still stone-paved, and the walls were visible through the gaps between the trees.

It was a scene that felt like a mix of different elements, creating a strong sense of dissonance.

"Wow... this is quite scary."

Involuntarily, a praising remark about the 'Colorless Darkness' slipped out of my mouth.

How was it? ('ω')

From now on, I'll update once a day at noon.

I hope you continue to enjoy it.

If you found it "interesting," please give it a ★★★★★. I think even tendinitis might ease up, so I'd appreciate your support ('ω')!

Thank you very much.