Chapter 86

Here's the translation:

This is an update ('ω')

After spending a whole day exploring "Glad See-Im" for the first time, we returned to the camp.

"Wordan Castle" consists of an outer area with a garden, training grounds, stables, and other facilities, and an inner area which is the castle itself. We conducted a thorough investigation, but we couldn't find an entrance to the inner area.

There were entrances that looked like they might lead inside, but no method, even something like "High-Level Unlock," could open the doors. Since we couldn't find any other entrances, we had to turn back.

From what Rogue said, I think there is an entrance to the inside, but if we can't find it, there's nothing we can do.

The old man, as usual, didn't appear in the broadcast.

We only saw and heard ourselves, which made the whole situation even more eerie.

"Considering it was our first exploration, it went well. You've compiled a good record, and you did a great job."

"As an academic, we also obtained valuable data. I appreciate your help, Yook-san."

"No, I'm glad I could be of assistance."

The next day, I was called to the command cottage by Maniera and Viscount Boardman, where I was informed that the exploration request had been completed.

Indeed, I think it would be strange to prolong the initial exploration any further, and from this point on, a large number of people would be effective.

However, there are a few points that bother me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Viscount Boardman spoke up.

"Well, standing around won't do. Please, have a seat."

"Yes."

Offered a chair, I sat down, slightly nervous.

Viscount Boardman, the local supervisor dispatched by the Royal Academy, is a specialist in dungeon exploration who has written several books.

He is also a fieldwork enthusiast and, despite his advanced age, holds an A-rank qualification as an active adventurer.

"Don't be so tense. We are fellow adventurers, after all."

"Far from it. Half of my knowledge about dungeons comes from your books. I can't even look you in the eye."

"I'm glad to hear that my work is useful in the field. Now, about this dungeon... I think it will likely be designated as sealed."

With a bitter expression, Viscount Boardman announced.

"Is that so?"

"I discussed it with Maniera. It's too unique to be opened to the public. Also, the analysis of the monster materials you brought back... has been completed."

Frowning, Viscount Boardman handed me a sheet of paper.

It was an official appraisal document used in auctions.

"I see, as I expected."

"Aren't you surprised?"

"Marina, one of my servants, said she felt the sensation of cutting a person."

"I see, that makes sense."

The appraisal document stated that the monster materials were "derived from humans or similar beings."

The chains left by the chained man and the pupa's shell were classified as "human."

"Even if they are undead or mutated monsters, assuming all the monsters there are human, we can't just let ordinary adventurers in."

That's understandable.

If those were humans who entered from the outside, and we don't know what caused such a transformation, allowing ordinary adventurers in could lead to the spread of harm or an overflow.

Thinking about it, we were in a very risky place, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Viscount, Maniera. There's one thing I haven't recorded that I need to report."

At this point, I couldn't keep it to myself.

Now that we know the monster materials are human, Marina's senses were accurate.

"Does that mean the walls and floors are also made of human material?"

"Is that even possible...?"

Viscount Boardman and Maniera looked at me in surprise.

"Actually, I also brought back a part of a building from the dungeon. I think it was included in what I submitted yesterday."

"You should have said that sooner!"

Maniera clapped her hands and called over a nearby staff member.

"Have all the items you brought back been appraised? There were boards and rocks, right? Have they been appraised?"

"No, they said they would appraise them officially tomorrow."

"Then go and wake up the appraiser right now. Hurry up."

"Yes, sir!"

The staff member, intimidated by the agitated Guild Master, ran off.

I might have done something bad.

"Also, about that gold ring, Rain seems to have some leads, but she hasn't told me anything definite yet."

"There are many mysteries surrounding that ring. Even after appraising it, all we could determine was that it's a magical ring made of an unknown material."

The appraisal skills of the "appraisers" in the Royal Academy and the Adventurer's Guild are highly accurate.

They can appraise magical items and treasures much more deeply than on-site appraisers like myself.

Sometimes, who appraised an item can significantly affect its price in auctions.

"Oops, I almost forgot an important point. You guys, 'Clover'... I'd like you to stay in Dunna for a while as investigators for 'Glad See-Im.'"

"This will be a formal request from the Guild."

"Is that so?"

I thought we could return to Finis once the job was done.

"To seal it, we need to conduct several more internal investigations. We will gather skilled people in Dunna, but unfortunately, there are few with dungeon experience. Plus, you guys have good instincts. There's also the matter of that old man, Rogue. I'd like you to stay until the sealing is confirmed."

"If it's a national request, we have no choice."

I lightly probed, and Maniera and Viscount Boardman smiled slightly.

"You're sharp. I'll have Boardman relay the request from the government. Is that okay?"

"I'll send a 'letter bird' right away. ...If you find out anything about the ring, can you let me know?"

"Yes. Then, I'll leave the cottage and return to Dunna."

I bowed to Viscount Boardman and Maniera and stood up.

"I've arranged for you to stay at 'Singing Fawn.' If anything comes up, I'll visit you."

"Understood. Thank you."

I bowed again and left the command cottage. I saw Nene running towards me.

I raised my hand, and Nene, who was running at full speed, skillfully stopped in front of me.

"Nene? What's wrong?"

"It's, it's bad."

Breathless, Nene pointed to our cottage.

"That kid has gone crazy!"

How was that? ('ω')