Chapter 41

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After a brief rest, we stepped back into the 'Colorless Darkness.'

We gradually got used to the chaotic and rapidly changing scenery, and our progress speed increased little by little.

We encountered some monsters along the way, but we didn't fall into any major crises as we moved deeper in.

Taking a break in a safe area might have been a big help.

Excessive tension can accelerate fear and slow down your steps.

"…No problem. Let's move on."

Nene, who had returned from scouting ahead, called us from around the corner.

Her face had a small wound, and blood was seeping through.

"Wait, Nene. You're injured!"

"It's just a scratch."

"I have magic. You don't need to tough it out. Here, come over here."

I beckoned her over and used healing magic to cover the wound on her cheek, which was still bleeding.

The cut was deeper than it looked.

Doesn't it hurt?

"Report any injuries immediately, no matter how minor. Besides, even if you're an adventurer, what will you do if you have scars on your face?"

"Hehe, it's too late for that now."

Looking closely at Nene's face, I could see faint scars in various places.

She was hiding them with makeup, but these were abrasions… no, lacerations.

Someone had hit Nene's face with a thin whip or something, causing it to split open.

"Ah, it's not Mamar. These are old scars."

"Does it hurt? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Besides, I brought it upon myself."

Nene's forced smile.

Maybe it's better not to delve too deeply.

"Alright. But report injuries immediately. You never know what could be fatal."

"Got it. Come on, this way."

Without seeming to mind my impolite actions, Nene resumed leading the way.

As I followed, I realized I was a bit irritated.

What kind of reason could justify leaving scars on a young girl's face?

"Yuk, focus."

Rain, walking ahead, turned to look at me.

As always, Rain is sharp.

I hope she's not reading my mind with magic.

"It shows on your face. We can talk over drinks later."

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

"Hehe, it's not a big deal. If you buy me a good drink, I'll spill everything."

Nene, who had apparently been listening to our conversation, laughed jokingly.

"Alright. When we get back, I'll open the best bottle I have."

"Please, not a citrus one."

I wonder if the apple cider I secretly borrowed from Benwood's office will suit Nene's taste.

◇

"Good, we're making good progress."

We advanced smoothly through the dungeon and reached the stairs to the second underground level earlier than expected.

After that, we didn't encounter any powerful monsters… nor did we find any abnormalities that could be considered significant findings.

"This magic tool is amazing."

Nene examined the compass-like object closely.

"The 'Wind's Call' is often used in first-time dungeon exploration."

"I've never seen it before. I didn't know such a convenient tool existed…"

The 'Wind's Call' is a magic tool modeled after a compass. It accurately senses the flow of air, which in dungeons, flows from the lower levels to the entrance. It points to the direction of the stairs and the entrance.

With this, it's easier to locate the stairs in a new dungeon, and it also helps with escaping when you're lost.

It seems to be effective even in the 'Colorless Darkness,' which frequently changes its layout, which is reassuring.

"Let's take a moment to review what we've learned so far."

"Everything is so abnormal, I can't tell what's abnormal."

Silk's point is valid.

First, we need to understand what's normal in the 'Colorless Darkness' to identify what's abnormal.

Currently, we can only say that it's very abnormal compared to other dungeons.

"Maybe it's the shark-headed monster and the black box."

"Right. We've fought a lot of monsters, but the shark-headed one was special."

From behind me, where I was sitting against the wall, Marina and Nene offered their opinions.

They are currently cleaning up.

"True. Also, I think the number of monsters is low, partly because of what Nene is hunting?"

"We're taking the shortest path, thanks to the magic tool."

"Ah, that makes sense."

Indeed, none of the parties in the stream used the 'Wind's Call.'

They probably didn't have an alchemist to adjust magic tools in the dungeon.

I wrote down their opinions in my notes.

"Isn't it uncomfortable? You can turn around if you want. It's not like you'll be completely naked."

"Stop being silly. I know the etiquette in a party."

"I've already been seen, so I don't mind!"

"Cough."

I cleared my throat to silence Marina.

It's because you're like that that I have to be careful!

"Let me know when you're done."

I sighed softly and accelerated my thoughts.

The key seems to be the 'shark-headed monster,' which didn't appear in any records, and the 'black box,' which appears to be an unformed magic tool.

Encountering a monster that doesn't fit the level could be a sign of an impending surge, and similarly, we should be suspicious about the contents of the treasure chest.

I tried to rationalize it as good luck, but finding a treasure chest in the safe area of the first level is abnormal, isn't it?

As for the contents, while I think the quality of treasures in the 'Colorless Darkness' would be good, is it really appropriate?

Usually, the contents of treasure chests that appear in the shallow layers are appropriate for that level.

The treasures obtained are proportional to the risk of the level, as is the established theory.

The treasure chest that produced high-quality and mysterious magic tools right away—was it really appropriate?

Wait a minute…?

Rain's magic bag.

Thinking about it, wasn't that also abnormal?

It was too good to be found on the second level of a small dungeon.

…So, it really is…!

"Thump"

"Whoa!"

A soft sensation and weight on my back.

"Yuk. You need to say it out loud! Don't make that scary face, just talk properly."

"Ah, yeah… Give me a moment. I haven't organized my thoughts yet."

"Is that so?"

First, please move away from my back… It's making it harder to think.

If you're going to hug, at least wear your armor as usual.

…It's making me feel uneasy.

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