Chapter 45

"Sorry, I forgot to make a reservation... ('ω';)"

"Although I'm a bit late, please enjoy today's update!"

"Alright, let's start the second attack."

After confirming that 'Gopro-kun' was activated, we all checked our formation and descended the stairs. Benwood accompanied us to see us off again. While I find his overprotectiveness a bit embarrassing, I can't really argue when he points out that I'm overprotective of those girls too.

"Our goal this time is to reach the third level staircase area and investigate any abnormalities. If we discover any abnormalities, we'll make a judgment and retreat if necessary."

I repeated the action objectives out loud to ensure everyone was on the same page.

"Let's be cautious and enjoy it."

When I said the catchphrase we've been using lately, everyone nodded. Although it might seem odd to treat a dungeon exploration like a form of entertainment, I think it's just right for us. This is our stage of dreams, the 'Colorless Darkness.' It makes us much more positive than just diving for work. That's why this phrase has become a common understanding among us all.

Even Nene, who joined us temporarily, has a special attachment to this national request. The past she revealed after finishing the high-grade apple wine was not something to be laughed off. This request is a turning point in her life, and her seriousness is on par with ours, if not more.

Nene's cat ears are adorned with a special earring that contains a mini 'Gopro-kun.' It's designed to focus on her as she performs the initial reconnaissance. It's the latest magical device provided by the 'Royal Academy' for this national request, apparently for a trial run before mass production.

"Be careful. You don't have to surpass the results from last time. The results so far are sufficient."

"Yeah, I understand. If it gets dangerous, I'll come back right away."

I checked the [Scroll of Retreat] in my belt holder and nodded to Benwood. It's a valuable item, but not something to be stingy with. An alchemist is at their best when using consumables.

...Which is why we get called gold-eaters, but that's another story.

"Then, let's go in."

Just like a week ago, we advanced down the stone corridor and entered the 'Colorless Darkness.'

"I'll go out for the initial reconnaissance."

"Yeah, the inside is probably changing. Be careful."

"Leave it to me."

The reliable cat person put on the [Invisibility Cloak] and silently ran down the corridor. This time, we had her boots modified to use soles that absorb sound, so they don't make noise unless she moves very vigorously. They need occasional oiling for maintenance, but they should be an effective magical device to ensure Nene's safety. Incidentally, they were banned from commercialization because they could be misused, a testament to the weight of a former thief's advice.

"Silk, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Yuki."

After the trouble we had last time, I thought something might happen, but Silk seemed completely at ease, even more relaxed than when she was nervous on the first dive.

"More than that, I'm worried about Yuki."

"Yeah, Yuki didn't do anything wrong, but some people still say bad things about him!"

"Well, we were in the same party... that's a fact."

I might have tried a bit too hard. Now, I somewhat regret that it ended up spoiling them. Still, it was a place where I once belonged, and it's not easy to let go of that.

Benwood said he would make an apology broadcast, but it hasn't happened yet. After all, a group of A-rank adventurers from Finis all made foolish statements. The higher-ups might be struggling to decide how to handle it. In the worst case, Benwood might be dismissed, which would be a problem since he's the supervisor of this 'Colorless Darkness.' If Benwood leaves, Mamaru will leave too, which could be a security issue.

"Everyone, it's all clear."

Nene's call interrupted my thoughts. I can't let my mind wander... I need to focus on the dungeon.

"Let's forget about them. Come on, let's go."

"Ugh, we're worried about you, Yuki."

"Don't worry. As long as you're all here, that's enough."

When I replied to Rain, the three girls blushed and laughed. Watching them, I felt a bit embarrassed myself. Lately, I've been too honest, and I feel like I'm losing my 'teacher' dignity. But, in a way, it's good that we've become so comfortable with each other...

To hide my embarrassment, I headed in the direction Nene called. As usual, she's been taking care of the monsters we can handle, so we've been picking up magic stones and advancing deeper. Even on the second dive, I'm still not used to the mosaic-like, disjointed scenery, but there's no strong tension like the first time, and we've been able to move at a good pace. We encountered some large monsters guarding the area, but they were not as unusual as the ones from the first dive, and they were all familiar from records and broadcasts. So far, there have been no abnormalities with the monsters.

By the way, we still don't understand that shark-headed monster. The 'Royal Research Institute' has casually commented, "If you see it again, please bring a sample."

I don't really want to encounter such an unknown creature.

"Stairs, right here."

We reached a small room at the end of the disjointed corridor, where the stairs opened up.

"Just to be safe, I checked the staircase area. There were no footprints, so I don't think it's dangerous."

"How about traps along the way?"

"There were hardly any. If there were, they were simple mechanical ones, no magical traps. I disabled all the ones on our path. Was that a problem?"

"No, that's fine. Thanks."

When I was researching the records, I heard there were quite intense traps, but maybe this is part of the anomaly? If the dungeon can't allocate resources to traps and can't keep monsters on the levels, something unusual might be happening.

"Alright, let's check for wear and tear and take a break at the staircase area. We're going beyond the second level today. ...Before that, let's have a meal. 'Broadcast' cut."

I stopped the broadcast and started preparing a light camp. This time, we brought a decent amount of food to add variety to our meals. Marina, in particular, seems to have taken a liking to it, saying, "It's one of the purposes of adventuring, right?" and I can't really relax around her.

"Oh, right. Yuki! Turn on the 'Gopro-kun'!"

"Huh? Why?"

"To broadcast Yuki's dungeon meal and show off to the people who made fun of you! Our Yuki is this amazing!"

I couldn't help but laugh at Marina's carefree smile. Her definition of 'amazing' is very Marina-like and quite cute. But, it's a pretty good idea.

"Alright, let's clean up first. It's the first dungeon meal in the 'Colorless Darkness'... let's make it a bit more luxurious."

"Yay! Nene, let's clean each other! We need to finish quickly!"

"Got it."

I turned away as the two of them eagerly started taking off their armor, and I began thinking about the menu for the dungeon meal that would be seen by the viewers.

How was it? If you're "curious about the next part" or found it "interesting," please support us by changing the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★.

Thank you very much.