Chapter 70

Update! ('ω')!

It's the fourth day since we arrived in Dunar.

After two days of rest and hot springs, we fully recovered from our fatigue and came to the shores of Lake Line, where a new dungeon was discovered.

The area around the site was surrounded by a makeshift fence, sealed off by staff from the Adventurers' Guild and dispatched knights, with several mobile houses set up.

"That large cottage over there is the command center. The people from the Royal Academy are also gathered there. I'll be watching from there while you guys are exploring."

"Can we use tablets in this area, then?"

"Yeah. It seems the scholars brought magical devices to make them usable. I don't really understand such things... but it's certainly convenient."

Maniera sighed softly.

Indeed, the technological innovations brought about by magical devices have been remarkable lately.

After all, the movement to utilize magical devices in daily life only began with the current king.

The king, who had the unusual background of being a former adventurer, referred to dungeons as national assets.

While they are inherently dangerous places, they have been studied, operated, and adapted, leading to the development of the Kingdom of Velmeria.

It's perhaps inevitable that some people, stuck in their old ways, can't keep up.

The person in front of us, however, is already adept at using a small tablet despite grumbling about it.

"Hey, by the way, what's the name of this dungeon?"

"It doesn't have a name yet because we don't know its full extent."

"Really... That's a bit inconvenient."

Maniera patted Marina's slightly disappointed shoulder and smiled.

"You guys might become the 'naming adventurers.' Do your best."

Feeling a surge of excitement at her words.

Dungeons are named based on their historical background and internal features.

The naming is usually done by the first adventurers to enter or those who fully explore it.

If we become the 'naming adventurers,' we will be officially recorded in the Adventurers' Guild's chronology. It's the ultimate honor for an adventurer.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you."

Maniera, who had guided us to the entrance of the dungeon, turned and headed towards the large cottage.

Now, this is where the real action begins.

"Alright, let's have a pre-attack meeting to go over things. Silk, the plan, please."

"Sure."

Silk, who took out her notes, stood next to me.

"Basically, we'll proceed similarly to 'The Colorless Darkness.' The request is to explore up to the fifth underground level. The only prior information is that the first level is a type of underground waterway, and the rest is unknown. Based on the location, we can expect the appearance of aquatic creatures, rodent-type, insect-type, or gelatinous-type monsters."

Silk nodded at me.

The plan is simple due to the lack of prior information, but it's well-organized.

The rest is just about the progression.

"Nene, I don't think you'll be able to use the 'Water Summoner' spell. The water flow will affect its accuracy."

That spell reads the subtle air currents in enclosed spaces.

Given the presence of waterways, there are likely holes for water drainage, so it won't be reliable.

"Got it. Leave it to me."

I nodded back at Nene, who nodded vigorously, and then looked up.

"Any other questions about the entry?"

"Yes!"

Marina raised her hand enthusiastically.

"Yes, Marina?"

"About the fifth level, how far do we plan to go today? How should we pace ourselves?"

"Ah, I was going to explain that. Today and tomorrow, our top priority will be to confirm the stairs to the second underground level while conducting a broad survey of the first level."

"Really?"

I nodded at Marina's curious expression.

"While the request is to survey up to the fifth level for the general public, knowing the size and monster information of the first level can give us a sense of the scale and danger. Also, there may not be just one set of stairs to the next level. We want to ensure the accuracy of the information for the first level."

After all, this is our first time conducting an initial survey of a dungeon.

We want to start cautiously.

"So, we'll pace ourselves for a long-term battle!"

"Right. If we secure the stair area, we can also take a rest there. Let's prioritize finding the stairs."

Everyone nodded at my words.

"Alright, let's activate 'Gopro-kun.' – Let's be cautious and enjoy it."

After activating the distribution magical device, we stepped into the dungeon.

"It's dark..."

As expected, a newly discovered dungeon has no light source.

Rain, who seemed to be thinking the same thing, lit a 'Light' spell at the tip of her staff, illuminating the surroundings.

The light revealed an old, arched brick waterway.

The waterway was about three meters wide, odorless, and flowing, though its depth was unknown.

Bridges were visible in some areas, allowing passage to the other side.

"No moss."

In most dungeons, 'Light Moss,' a plant-type magical creature, grows to provide light. Setting it up is also part of an adventurer's job.

Using adventurers for such tasks, what would the rank of such a request be?

"I can see in the dark, so I don't need a light source."

Nene, being a cat person, can see clearly in the dark.

Hanging a light source in this darkness could actually be a risk.

"Just in case, I'll light this lantern too."

I took a lantern from my magical bag, lit it, and attached it to my waist.

While the magical light is sufficient, it's good to have a backup in case the magic is disrupted by traps or monsters.

Having both physical and magical light sources is a basic principle for adventurers.

"Then, I'll go ahead and scout."

"Alright, count on you."

Watching Nene blend into the darkness and run off, I tightened my focus on the new dungeon's atmosphere.

How was it? ('ω')

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