Chapter 65

### Part 2, Here We Go! ('ω')

The update pace might slow down a bit...

But please look forward to Part 2 as well!

"Hey, you finally made it, Yuke. Your first mission back is quite a big one—a national commission."

"Don't joke around, Benwood."

In the guild's reception room, perfect for confidential talks, I let out a wry smile. It had been about a month since the series of incidents with my former party, 'Thunderpike,' ended. The very next day after our suspension was lifted, 'Clover' and I were here. After a discussion with the members, we decided to take on this national commission, and I had come to Benwood to hear the details.

"So? Can you explain the national commission again?"

"Sure."

Benwood spread out some documents on the table.

"The location is near the trading city of Dunna, by Lake Line. A new dungeon has been discovered there."

"What's the backstory?"

"It seems a local resident found it while fishing. They reported it to the guild, and a preliminary investigation confirmed it was a dungeon."

I had never heard of a dungeon in that area. I've never been to Dunna myself.

"So, what's the current status? If it's been identified as a dungeon, has there been any preliminary investigation?"

"They've done some basic checks on the entrance and the internal environment, both by the guild and the Royal Academy. But the full exploration and investigation are up to you guys."

So, it's a completely new experience without any prior information. As I looked at the thin documents, I felt a bit nervous, and Benwood grinned.

"You survived 'The Colorless Darkness.' There's no need to be so tense, right?"

"True, that dungeon was like a first-time experience on every floor..."

I returned a wry smile and absorbed the information from the documents. The location is on a hill just a short distance from the lakeshore. The entrance is a descending staircase, and the interior looks like an underground waterway.

Since it's by the lake, could it be a waterway that was converted into a dungeon to supply water to the city? Or perhaps it was an ancient city with underground waterways?

Either way, we won't know until we go in.

"I want you to handle this the same way as 'The Colorless Darkness.'"

"You mean 'live-stream' it and have the guild and the academy make the calls?"

"Exactly. And if you encounter any unfamiliar monsters, try to bring back as many materials as possible."

"Got it."

I nodded and signed the commission form.

"If we do well on this, it might give us another chance to enter 'The Colorless Darkness.'"

Benwood must have been trying to cheer me up, but I couldn't quite feel that way right now. 'The Colorless Darkness' was not only our goal and dream, but also the grave of 'Thunderpike.' It's a place where the resentful cries of my childhood friend still echo.

I still have nightmares about it from time to time. I must be under a fair amount of stress.

"...What's wrong, Yuke?"

"Nothing, it's fine. Have you arranged the details with the guild in Dunna?"

"Yeah. There are no A-rank adventurers in Dunna, and this is a request from the central guild."

"From the central guild?"

I was surprised that the central guild was aware of us 'Clover.' After all, we're back to being a C-rank party, and there are far more popular parties in the central guild.

That's because the central guild is home to the most challenging and important dungeon in the country, the 'Royal Tomb Dungeon.'

"I'll head to Dunna first thing tomorrow morning."

"Can you take on one more commission? The guild needs an escort for the carriage to Dunna."

Benwood waved the commission form and smiled. Benwood, you're abusing your authority... using a commission to arrange a carriage for us.

"Sure, thanks."

"I'm just adding one more commission to your list."

I signed the second commission form and stood up.

I know he's being overprotective, but we are going to an unfamiliar place. I'll gratefully accept the help.

"Alright, I'll go back and prepare. No need to see me off."

"Such a grumpy guy. Well, be careful."

"Sure, I'll bring back good news."

I nodded to Benwood, who waved me off, and left the reception room. The commission acceptance was complete.

I went down two flights of stairs and headed to the guild's attached tavern. I could have handled the commission acceptance alone, but everyone had come along, probably to enjoy the guild's atmosphere. I was a bit surprised to see Nene come along too.

"The commission is accepted. I also got us the escort mission for the carriage to Dunna."

"Of course, Yuke!"

Marina cheered enthusiastically.

"Is it a trading city? Is there an adventurer's street?"

Silk was already thinking practically. This caution is important, but sometimes you just have to take a chance.

"We won't know until we get there. It's not a dungeon city, but there are a fair number of adventurers, and as a trading city, it should have everything we need."

"There won't be a magic item market, I guess..."

Rain looked a bit disappointed. She's been going to the magic item market almost every day lately...

"But it's close to the border, so there might be imports from other countries. Not all magic items come from dungeons."

"Really?!"

The neighboring country, Salmataria, is known for its alchemy. The latest magic items and equipment might be available in the shops.

"I'm getting excited."

Next to Rain, who was looking forward to it, Nene was a bit nervous, her ears twitching.

"What's wrong, Nene?"

"Is it okay? For someone like me to go on a national commission with 'Clover'?"

"Don't worry about it."

I patted her shoulder and couldn't help but laugh.

"I'd be scared to go into a new dungeon without you. I'm counting on you."

"Y-Yes! I'll do my best!"

Nene's fluffy tail stood up and trembled, and she smiled. I wonder if she'd let me touch that tail...

"Alright, let's start preparing. Let's be cautious and have fun!"

Everyone smiled and nodded at my words.

How was that? ('ω')

Please forget about the subtitles from Part 2 onwards... I already wrapped them up in Part 1!

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