Chapter 80

I was able to update ('ω')!

"Is it done?"

Carefully checking the small square, I approached the pupa that had stopped moving.

"Marina, how was it?"

Marina, understanding my intention, stared intently at the black sword.

"Still, it might have been human."

"Is that so?"

It's hard to believe this strange creature was human.

However, there is a sense that it was once human.

Upon closer inspection, the protrusions in some places look like human fingers, and parts resembling ears and a nose can be seen.

Feeling a bit uneasy, I cut into the pupa with a dissection knife.

"Again, this..."

"Maybe it's a substitute for a magic stone?"

"I wonder."

I pondered Marina's words.

While I think a magic stone and a ring are completely different, given that they were found in all four, it might not be entirely wrong.

In any case, this is a common feature of the monsters in this dungeon.

We need to investigate the true nature of the ring as well.

I collected the pupa's corpse into a magic bag and checked the surrounding buildings.

"Let's go with that building."

"Got it."

We headed towards a tall brick building with a small flower bed, located halfway along the intersection extending from the small square.

We proceeded cautiously due to the earlier incident but reached the building without encountering any monsters.

"The door isn't locked."

Nene carefully opened the door after checking for locks and traps, peering inside.

"No enemies."

I nodded and stepped inside.

The first floor was a narrow entrance, with a staircase in the center and a door on each side.

"Is it an apartment?"

"Maybe."

It's too large to be a typical residence and is designed for multiple people to live in.

"Should we check behind the doors?"

After a moment's thought, I shook my head.

"I'm curious, but let's focus on our original goal first."

"Understood. I'll take the lead and scout ahead."

Nene held us back with her hand and silently ascended the stairs.

Despite the ordinary appearance, we mustn't forget that this is still inside the dungeon.

After a while, Nene's voice came.

It seems there were no monsters in the building.

With each step, the stairs creaked slightly as we climbed to the second and third floors, which had the same structure, and finally reached the top floor, which turned out to be an attic.

This floor alone was spacious, with furniture arranged haphazardly.

It might be the caretaker's room.

"There's a skylight."

"I'll try to see if we can get out."

Nene clung to the beams and began skillfully removing the skylight.

While she did this, I checked the room.

"Yuk, look at this."

"Hmm?"

Rain, who was checking with me, pointed to a book.

On top of the book was the golden ring from before.

I performed an 'Appraisal' without touching it.

"It's the same thing that came from the monster."

"Was there one here too?"

"I wonder. If it was here, why on the book..."

Feeling uneasy, I collected the ring.

"The book... I still can't understand it. Let's take it with us."

"Sure. The scholars at the academy can use language deciphering magic. They'll probably figure out what's inside."

"Is that so? Can I learn it too...?"

"I couldn't."

If Rain couldn't, I doubt I can.

Rain has much greater magical talent.

"It's fine, I can do it."

While we were talking, Nene called us from the roof.

"You managed to remove it."

Nene, showing her face through the removed skylight, smiled wryly.

"It's nothing compared to traps and locks. It's not my first time removing a window."

"How does the city look?"

"I think you should see it for yourself."

She lowered a rope, and we climbed up to the roof.

"It's so vast..."

The city of 'Glad Sii=Im' spread before us.

I couldn't help but catch my breath at the sight.

Major roads running in all directions.

At their intersections, circular squares that look like small parks.

There are churches, open squares, and residential areas with connected roofs.

And, most strikingly, the 'castle'.

"The area outside the walls is shrouded in mist."

"It seems to be divided by the walls. But the size...!"

In scale, it's about the same as Dunna, or slightly larger.

The fact that the entire city is a dungeon is astonishing.

"I've memorized the visible area."

"Good, let's head to the castle as planned."

"What route should we take?"

While looking at the city, I thought for a moment.

The most straightforward and quick way would be to go straight down the main road, but there's a risk of encountering monsters.

We could also follow the outer perimeter along the walls, but this route has many unseen parts and could be more complex.

"Let's take the main road route. Simple is best."

"From what I can see, there are no enemies either."

"Right. We need to determine if the castle is the main dungeon or just an area object."

Nene and I nodded, and I returned to the attic.

How was it ('ω')?

It was a bit shorter, but it felt like a good place to stop...

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