Chapter 78

Today's update ('ω')

"The plan has been decided. You will continue the investigation."

It was the morning of the third day since our return. I was called to the command center and told this by Maniera.

"What will the content be?"

"Complete exploration – that's what I'd like to say, but the main request is to 'investigate the internal locations.'"

Maniera puffed on her pipe and looked up at the ceiling.

"We can't hold back the other adventurers much longer, you know."

The new dungeon, officially announced through our live stream – the "Twilight Capital Glad See-Im" – had caused a great stir. The number of viewers was a staggering fifty thousand. By a simple calculation, this means that about seventy percent of the tablet-owning citizens of the kingdom had seen our first exploration live stream. Despite the fact that hardly any treasures have been unearthed yet, the significant response has a reason.

Many people feel a sense of romance about the mysterious twilight city, but the main reason is that this dungeon has been identified as an urban type. Urban-type dungeons, such as the "Ruins of Orias Castle," are easier to find treasures in. This is because magic items and treasures can be found within the city or castle itself. There is a high possibility that a large amount of treasure, not just the contents of treasure chests, remains untouched in the houses and castle.

And those treasures... are a finders-keepers situation.

In other words, if we continue to occupy this new dungeon under the guise of investigation, it will create a bad atmosphere. We are already adventurers affiliated with Finis, and here we are outsiders. To the adventurers affiliated with Duna, we must seem like lawless intruders trampling on fresh snow.

"I understand. We will re-enter tomorrow."

"Thanks. The sky of the Twilight Capital... it's not good, you know. Be very careful."

"Yes."

I nodded to Maniera and stood up. Then, I remembered the little lodger.

"What about that child?"

"Hmm? Ah, still no word. She might be an orphan, you know."

"I see... Please continue to look into it."

"Sure thing."

In the end, we still don't know much about the child. While we are in the dungeon, we have to leave her in the care of the infirmary, but recently her expression has brightened up. She'll probably be fine.

"Oh, right. I've already taken care of the other matter. You're really taking a bold step, aren't you?"

"I can't afford to hesitate when dealing with nobles and royalty."

"Hmm. You're definitely Saga's son, alright."

I nodded slightly to Maniera, who was smiling, and left the command center.

Crossing the bustling campsite on my way to the cottage, I suddenly noticed that another campsite had been set up at the entrance to our camp. These are the adventurers waiting for the opening. Some of them are giving me sharp looks as I walk by.

...We might really need to hurry.

◇

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

As planned, we began our preparations as soon as the sun rose. After a hearty breakfast, we stood in front of the underground waterway.

"This time, we're investigating the locations of 'Glad See-Im.' As I explained yesterday, our goals are to determine the city's scale, investigate the resident monsters, and, if possible, conduct a preliminary investigation of the castle."

"Are there monsters...?"

Marina looks a bit tense, perhaps remembering the feel of cutting down the chained man.

"It would be better if there weren't... But we also have to consider Rouge. We don't know what might be there. Let's be cautious."

"Ah, Yuke."

Nene raises her hand.

"What is it?"

"I have a suggestion. When we arrive, I want to secure one of the buildings first."

"…I see. Let's do that."

Nene's suggestion might be a good idea.

First, we can check if the buildings are accessible. In some dungeons, what looks like buildings are actually rocks or walls.

Second, if we can get on the roof, we can gauge the city's scale. We can see the castle, and if we ask Rain to use the 'Far-Seeing Eye' spell, we can confirm a wide area.

"Alright, let's go. Start the live stream."

Everyone nods in response to my confirmation. We are well-prepared. Now, we just need to proceed steadily as usual.

"We'll take the shortest route."

"Alright, count on you."

As a precaution, I send Nene ahead to scout. The chained man might reappear, and the waterway itself might have changed. Given the presence of the 'Colorless Darkness,' we should be cautious... but it seems my concerns were unfounded. The quiet waterway remains tranquil, and there is no sign of the chained man. We reach the stairs without any issues.

"Here we go."

Silk looks up at the stairs, a tense expression on her face, worried that I might be overwhelmed by my trauma.

"Don't worry, everything's fine."

Everything seems fine, but the twilight light seems to be shining through a bit more than last time. Perhaps time does pass, even in twilight. I'll compare the live stream footage when we return.

"Let's go! I'm excited!"

"Whoa, wait a minute!"

Marina energetically climbs the stairs, with Nene running beside her.

"Come on, both of you! Don't disrupt the formation!"

Silk chases after them. It's a rather tense situation. Or maybe they're just trying to hide their tension.

"...Alright, this is the real deal."

"Okay. Let's do our best."

Rain, walking beside me, takes my hand. As I feel my heavy steps and mood lighten slightly, I follow her up the stairs step by step.

"Yuke!"

From the top of the stairs, Nene calls out, looking alert.

"What is it?"

"There's something in the square! I can't tell if it's a monster or not."

Rain and I exchange glances and run up the stairs.

How was it? ('ω')

Updates will be on hold for a while from tomorrow. I will be taking time for leisure and work on the book adaptation, so I will be on break for the rest of the week.

【Announcement】

On December 18th, the seventh volume of "The Mediocre ★1 Mage Unconsciously Uses Cheats Today Too" will be released! It's a true highlight of the Unagi World, so even if you only know about the right slash from the A-rank departure, I hope you will give it a read!