Chapter 75

Update ('ω')

After taking a deep breath and filling our bellies and spirits with sufficient rest, we ascended the staircase where the twilight light filtered through.

Looking up, we could see the exit just ahead, and as the sunset sky, tainted with unpleasant memories, drew closer, I felt a slight unease, though not to the point of a full-blown flashback.

Halfway up the stairs, Nene dashed up a step ahead.

She glanced around at the last moment, turned back to us, and nodded.

It seemed there was no danger at the exit of the stairs.

"This is..."

At the top of the stairs, we were left breathless by the scene before us.

I imagine the guild masters, scholars, and adventurers watching through the live stream felt the same.

We had expected the main area to be the underground waterway, but this was far from what we anticipated.

"It's a town, isn't it? The architectural style isn't much different from ours, maybe a bit more Western."

I nodded at Rain's words and looked around.

We had emerged in what seemed to be a small square, with a wall behind us and a row of houses that looked like a residential area in front of us.

The stairs we had come up from were part of a small arched building, which appeared to be a literal entrance for the underground waterway management.

"Is it Duna?"

"It's not. I've seen all the streets of Duna, and there was no such place."

Nene's gaze, which Marina had followed, was drawn to a castle that was partially obscured by the town but could still be seen.

"Is this a dungeon? Here too?"

"I wonder..."

It's not a ruin.

There is no significant damage or wear on the buildings, and the cobblestone streets are well-maintained.

However, there is no sign of human presence.

"An urban dungeon...?"

"It might be, but it doesn't seem to be a typical field-type dungeon. It's not even twilight yet."

As I responded to Rain, I began to organize my thoughts.

Urban dungeons do exist.

For example, the 'Ruins of Orias Castle Dungeon' requires traversing a small town before entering the main dungeon, and the town, which retains the appearance of its past, becomes a dangerous place at night where undead creatures roam.

"Yue, what do we do?"

"...We should retreat for now."

I made the decision immediately.

This situation requires consultation with the guild masters and the Royal Academy, the source of the national commission.

The mission was to explore up to the fifth underground level, but this is far too unconventional. To be honest, this place is just too strange.

This is a gut feeling, but... I sense the same atmosphere here as in the 'Colorless Darkness.'

I had felt it faintly in the underground waterway, but especially when I saw this twilight-drenched city, the presence became stronger.

Benwood had speculated that the anomalies in various parts of the dungeon were due to the appearance of this dungeon.

Standing here now, I am strongly aware of this.

I know that overthinking can narrow one's perspective, but the atmosphere and presence of this place are too similar to what I felt in the 'Colorless Darkness.'

"Yue, you don't look good."

"I have a bad feeling."

"– That is indeed a correct perception."

A strangely high-pitched voice suddenly rang out.

"Be on guard!"

Following my command, everyone drew their weapons and formed a circle, back to back.

We couldn't afford to create any blind spots since we didn't know where the voice came from.

"Who are you...?"

In response to my question, something oozed out from the cracks in the cobblestones and took on a single form.

"I am Rogue. Traveler, may I have your name, please?"

It was a peculiar sight.

From the quality of the voice, I assume it's an old man. He was completely hidden in a black cloak made of multiple layers of thin veils, with only his long nose and deeply wrinkled mouth visible.

He was small in stature and used a cane to support his bent back.

"I am Yue. Who are you?"

There's also the matter of Belphegor.

Until we know who this strange old man is, we can't let our guard down.

"I am merely a pitiful old man. In this mad world, I was mad from the beginning and thus could not go mad, a pitiful, pitiful being."

Indeed, he is mad.

Despite his words, his mouth was curved into a smile.

"By the way, why are you inside the dungeon?"

"'Dungeon'... Ah, I see. So this is inside a dungeon. What a mad outcome, indeed. Very well, very well."

The old man nodded as if in agreement.

"You mentioned 'this world.' Is this not a dungeon?"

"Then, travelers... allow me to introduce you to my beautiful capital."

Rogue turned around and pointed with his cane.

"The name of this mad capital, filled with twilight, is 'Glad See-Im.'"

"Glad See-Im..."

"It was once called 'City of Joy,' but now it has become a dungeon. Isn't it quite absurd?"

Rogue chuckled, his back shaking.

"Hey, old man. Are there any other people besides you?"

"There are, indeed. They are all here. The king and the citizens are still here."

"What do you mean?"

"It is far too difficult for me to explain..."

Rogue's back shook even more, and his form began to dissolve into the twilight.

"It's time, I'm afraid. Goodbye, traveler. Until we meet again."

"Hey, wait...!"

Whether my voice reached him or not, the old man bowed slightly and completely disappeared.

"Let's return to report. I can't shake this bad feeling, Nene. Lead the way."

"The shortest route, got it."

Just as I nodded and turned back to the stairs of the underground waterway, Marina, who was at the rear, called out.

"Wait, Yue! Someone is lying down!"

How was it? ('ω')

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