Chapter 42

Today's update! ('ω')!

After reorganizing the situation and information with everyone, we decided to return after consulting with each other.

This was one of the strategies we had planned in advance, and I believe it was a sufficient outcome for our first attempt.

We were able to reach the staircase area of the second floor without any major issues, and we didn’t struggle in combat either. Our consumption was minimal, and we could have continued deeper.

However, we decided to return first, having gained this successful experience.

This time, it was purely a reconnaissance mission. The main objective was to experience the "Colorless Darkness" firsthand.

Additionally, encountering an unconfirmed monster and obtaining the "Black Box" were also valuable pieces of information to report.

Our goal was to investigate the anomaly, not to rush through the dungeon.

We all agreed that staying too long would only increase the risk.

Everyone has grown.

"The monsters haven't respawned yet."

While retracing our steps, we confirmed the bloodstains left by the monsters.

It took us about five hours, including breaks, to reach the staircase of the second floor. The respawn time for monsters, even in the fastest dungeons, is roughly twelve hours.

We couldn’t confirm the reconfiguration time of the "Colorless Darkness" from the live stream.

Perhaps it reconfigures when the dungeon’s structure changes.

"It seems there's no change in the structure, as we heard. We'll head straight to the exit."

Nene, who seems to remember the route well, led us.

Her small but reliable back guided us.

As we walked through the "Colorless Darkness," which had a disjointed landscape, familiar stone scenery began to appear more frequently.

"There's the exit."

Following Nene’s direction, we passed through a short corridor and returned to the vast underground cavern.

It was still dim, but the oppressive feeling was less intense compared to inside the dungeon.

I exhaled and looked around.

"…!"

Benwood was no longer there, but in his place was another group.

"Yuek…!"

The members of "Thunderpike" glared at us, and behind them were two unfamiliar individuals.

It seemed Simon had also recruited new members.

"You've disappointed me, Yuek. Trying to steal our commission like this?"

"Don’t misinterpret things. We received an official commission from the country."

"Then why did you reject my request! If you were going to delve here, you could have accepted it!"

It seems my dim-witted childhood friend has forgotten even the conversation from just a month ago. Perhaps he has some slippery oil in his brain.

"Your so-called request was just a disguised attempt to poach our members. This is a national commission received by 'Clover.' Don’t lump them together."

"Then why didn’t you inform me!? We should have cooperated!"

"There’s no obligation to do so."

My dismissive words seemed to irritate the other members of "Thunderpike" except Simon.

"Hey, Yuek…! You’ve got some nerve, you know!"

"Show some respect. You lack gratitude."

Simon, who seemed to be restraining the growling Barry and others, turned to me.

"Alright, let’s move on. We’ll be working together from now on. Let’s put the past behind us."

Can you only speak from a position of superiority? That’s just how you are.

Simon, with a damp smile, extended his right hand.

I thought I would never shake his hand… but the words that came out of Simon’s mouth were completely unexpected.

"Come on, hand over the live stream data and the items you picked up."

I froze at Simon’s matter-of-fact request.

It took me at least five seconds to understand what he meant.

"What?"

…And that was the word that finally came out.

It seems I lack a bit of vocabulary for emergencies.

However, it’s understandable this time since I couldn’t comprehend what Simon was saying at all.

"Since we’re forming an 'Alliance,' sharing information and distributing items is only natural, right? Let’s proceed with the investigation efficiently."

An "Alliance" is a group formed by several parties, essentially a party of parties.

It is mainly formed to tackle super-large dungeons, to distribute fatigue and consumption, and to strengthen combat power.

…But I have no memory of agreeing to such a proposal or saying I would join.

"You’re offering to combine with a C-rank party?"

"That’s great. Work hard."

Barry and Camilla, understanding Simon’s intentions, laughed cheerfully.

You guys are really clever trash who support the dim-witted Simon.

…Oops, I’m getting cynical. That’s not good.

"Wouldn’t it be more efficient for us to report instead? Come on, hand them over."

"Don’t be ridiculous!"

Silk spoke up before I could.

"Are you not ashamed, A-rank parties, to act like bandits!?"

Barry and Camilla exchanged glances and snickered.

"Hey, hey, you wild 'Black Elf,' don’t get cocky."

"Servant of the filthy black evil god. Watch your mouth."

"– Shut up!"

My voice echoed through the vast cavern.

I hugged Silk, who was on the verge of tears from the harsh words, and glared at "Thunderpike."

"Silk is my important companion… don’t insult her."

Simon, with a half-smile, took a half-step forward.

"Hey, Yuek. She’s just a barbarian. Why are you getting so worked up?"

"Get lost, Simon. 'Alliance'? That’s a dream. The thought of being your ally makes me sick."

"Wh… What?"

Simon’s eyes darted around, and Barry and Camilla looked irritated.

"I won’t cooperate with you at all. …Let’s go, everyone."

Supporting Silk, who was trembling, I headed towards the exit.

I could feel Marina and the others following with a murderous aura.

I also wanted to attack.

…But we were still "live streaming." They did well to hold back.

While climbing the long staircase leading to the Adventurer’s Guild, I turned to "Gopro-kun."

"There was a bit of trouble at the end, but the first exploration is now complete. 'Live stream' ended."

Turning to Silk and the others, I forced a smile.

"Let’s go home. To our home."

And so, our first attempt in the "Colorless Darkness" came to an end.

How was it? ('ω')

I felt a bit down while writing it…

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