Chapter 57

Today's update as well ('ω')

"Seriously, you came?"

Tomorrow morning, in the basement of the Adventurer's Guild... Benwood and Mamaru were waiting for us as we entered the large cavern.

It seemed they had cleared the area, as there was no one else in the guild.

From this situation, it appeared that Benwood and Mamaru intended to let us go.

"The rescue broadcast is still ongoing. However, the content suggests a very dangerous situation. Are you still going?"

"Of course. I believe it would be a disqualification as an adventurer if we backed down here."

Mamaru chuckled at my words.

"You're as stubborn as he was. Good luck, Yuke."

"Yes...!"

I bowed slightly to Mamaru and turned to Benwood.

"I'm sorry for the trouble, Benwood."

"I've resigned myself to it. Just come back safely. We'll wait with the sealing work."

As expected.

The national and regulatory authorities must have requested the guild to immediately seal the dungeon.

"Follow the dungeon exploration guidelines. You're not just carrying the burden of yourself or Jamie alone."

"I understand."

Benwood's gaze was directed at Marina and the others who followed behind me.

I think I understand what he's trying to say.

The priorities are firmly in my mind.

"Also, from what we learned from Jamie's communication, it seems there might be a collapse in the stair area. It might not be as straightforward as you think."

"Ah, about that... I think we can manage it."

"Huh?"

If Marina's hypothesis from 'The Colorless Darkness' is correct, we reorganized the nature of the dungeon with Rain.

It's likely that 'The Colorless Darkness' is a dungeon that leaps to several other areas—other worlds—from common areas like stairs.

And it's probably determined by our subconscious and the dungeon's subconscious.

The most challenging dungeon, the deepest place... those who tackled this dungeon twenty years ago must have approached it with such tension.

Surely, including Benwood and Mamaru, everyone must have believed that it had dozens of floors.

If 'The Colorless Darkness' responded to the collective subconscious of those people, it might have reached a depth that everyone found satisfactory.

Especially since the last investigation also observed abnormalities in the dungeon.

The possibility that 'The Colorless Darkness' exhibited abnormal characteristics as a dungeon is high.

As evidence, there is the live stream footage left by Jamie.

Simon and the others had reached the stair area of the third floor after 'descending one floor.'

This suggests that the inherent property of 'The Abyss Gate' is the 'ability to reach the desired location,' which is the conclusion Rain and I reached.

Therefore, we, who were searching for abnormalities, arrived at the most abnormal floor, 'The Gray Field'... and Simon, who was pursuing us, caught up immediately.

This time, we will use this to transport us to Jamie.

So, we made everyone strongly focus on finding Jamie.

...Needless to say, everyone was already determined to do so.

"Hypotheses are just hypotheses. Are you going to bet on something so uncertain?"

Benwood scratched his head after hearing my explanation.

For Benwood, who reached the deepest part at the cost of many companions, it might be hard to accept.

"If it doesn't work, we'll proceed as usual. We have our companions, after all."

"No, I trust you. After all, you're his nephew."

Benwood nodded vigorously.

"Right. Be careful. I'll keep the rescue team in the large cavern for three days. If it gets dangerous, come back immediately."

"Sure. And while you're at it, bring some drinks and snacks for the celebration. ...Let's go, everyone."

After cracking a joke, I turned around, and everyone nodded vigorously.

Their faces were filled with determination, enthusiasm, and confidence.

Just a short while ago, I thought they were still unreliable and inexperienced, but now they give me such peace of mind.

People grow faster than you think.

"The formation will be the same as before. However, during the stair area, I'll take the lead, so be careful."

Among us, I know Jamie the best, and I probably regret the most and want to see him the most.

I don't know at what stage 'The Colorless Darkness' manages the leaps or if individual wills are reflected, but it's better to be prepared.

"Nene, be careful. Try to be of help to Yuke."

"Sure thing!"

Nene, who seemed nervous, bowed her head at Mamaru's words.

By contract, Nene has no obligation to join this rescue.

She was temporarily added for the investigation, which has already been completed.

Yet, Nene is coming with us just to help. I'm truly grateful.

"Don't overdo it, girls. Yuke can be a bit off."

Marina and the others chuckled at Benwood.

"But, Yuke is our leader!"

"We will make up for his shortcomings."

"You can count on us, Yuke."

Each of them responded to Benwood and turned to me.

With that, we headed towards the entrance of 'The Colorless Darkness.'

The dark entrance evoked memories.

The ambush in 'The Gray Field,' the annihilation of 'Thunderpike.'

Almost everything that 'Clover' has never experienced happened here.

Still, being able to move forward here without breaking or fearing is a sign that we are truly a united party.

So, I'm not afraid.

With this party... with us 'Clover,' we'll be fine.

We will definitely save Jamie and return here.

"Alright, 'live stream' start. Exploration, begin!"

How was it ('ω')?

From the next chapter, it's the dungeon section.

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