Chapter 40

Today's update as well ('ω')

I hope you enjoy it.

"Cut the 'stream.' It's fine to relax now."

At my words, everyone lets out a breath.

Streaming live throughout the entire dungeon exploration can be quite stressful, so I had already informed Benwood that we would cut the stream during breaks. Especially Nene, who moves around for early warnings, and Marina, who is in the vanguard, use this time to wipe their bodies, so it's essential to have a break without streaming to prevent exposing their skin to the public.

"Ah, I'm so tired from the tension! Can I drink this water?"

"I think it's drinkable, but just to be safe, let's use the water produced by magic."

In the small room, about 20 feet square, there is a small spring where water gushes out, and the air is clean and sacred, unlike the rest of the dungeon. Safe zones found occasionally in the dungeon are crucial exploration bases for adventurers who launch dungeon attacks. Normally, they are clearly marked on maps, and exploration starts from there. However, 'The Colorless Darkness' changes its form daily, so finding such a safe zone outside the stair areas is quite fortunate.

"So far, so good. How about our supplies?"

"I used one of the [Piercing Assassin] arrows!"

While forcefully winding the string of her heavy crossbow, Marina reports. Even with my <Body Enhancement>, I can't wind it up...

"I've recovered the arrow, so no loss."

"Mana is already restored."

"No problems here."

I consider the progress based on each report. Generally, we should end the dungeon exploration when our supplies are 40% depleted. Especially weapons, arrows, and consumables are hard to recover, unlike mana. We do have some countermeasures, but it's not always smooth sailing in a dungeon attack.

We need to remain vigilant and cautious.

"What about the treasure chest?"

"I'm debating whether to stream it live."

Looking at the treasure chest at the end of the room, I scratch my head. The only time a treasure chest opening was streamed in an official survey was when 'Scordia' defeated the floor boss on the fifth underground level. It only contained gems and ancient gold coins, which didn't attract much interest... but if we obtain valuable items during the stream, it could cause trouble.

We are a C-rank party, yet we are exploring 'The Colorless Darkness' on a special mission. If we acquire treasures like very powerful magical items from a high-difficulty dungeon, it could invite resentment from other adventurers and parties. On the other hand, if it's known that such rewards exist, more parties might be motivated to tackle 'The Colorless Darkness.'

It's rumored that 'The Colorless Darkness' yields little despite its difficulty. After all, it has been sealed for over twenty years, and not many people know the actual situation. My uncle, Benwood, and Mamaru, who were part of the original exploration team, might know, but I've never asked them.

While opening treasure chests is popular in streams, asking about the treasures obtained is against the adventurer's code of conduct. It's one thing to boast about your own wealth and glory, but probing into the silent ones' pockets is not commendable.

"Alright, I've decided. Let's skip the opening ceremony."

"Really?"

"Yeah. We'll discuss what to do with Benwood when we return. I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble now."

"Got it. I'll open it then."

Nene, who had already checked for traps, reaches for the treasure chest. The lock was already opened, and the chest opened easily, revealing a mix of items inside.

Colorful gems of various kinds, ancient gold coins, a dirty glove, a silver ring, and a 'black box.'

"Quite a variety. I'll store the gems and gold coins for now... let's check the rest."

I pick up the remaining items and focus my mind.

"Well, the glove is just junk. Not even a fragment of a magical item. The ring has a slight stabilizing effect on mental power. This box... it's a bit strange."

I am quite skilled at appraising dungeon items as an alchemist, but I couldn't understand what this small black box in my palm was. It was definitely a magical item, but its purpose was unclear. I couldn't even tell if it was a box. It had a very smooth finish, with no obvious way to open it. It could be a large six-sided die, but it's completely black, and there are no numbers.

"A mysterious object..."

It felt like it was waiting for me to understand something, like it had a question.

Since it's a magical item but has no apparent function, I'll just call it the 'Black Box.'

"Is it dangerous?"

"No, it's not dangerous. It's more like a baby, I think."

"Wait, a baby? A magical item baby? I want it!"

"Me too, I want it."

The puppy-like curiosity and the magical item enthusiasts stare intently at the black box.

"Let's report this to Benwood first. It might be a clue to the anomaly. Rain, come here."

"What?"

"Take this."

I take her hand and slip the [Ring of Sanity] onto her finger. Ideally, we should settle and distribute the items after returning, but it's better to use any useful items we find during the exploration. Rain, who uses many spells that are directly affected by mental instability, should use this.

"..."

Rain seems to have frozen, but I hope she's okay. There shouldn't be any curses on it.

"I'll give the box to Marina..."

"Really? Yay!"

I have no idea how they came to an agreement, but if it's resolved amicably, that's fine.

How was it? ('ω')

By the way, in the region where Yuke grew up, there is no custom of giving rings (I'm preempting any questions).

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