Chapter 91

Update ('ω')

It has been four days since the joint national selection request began.

While the overall picture has gradually become clearer with the increase in active parties, the method of entering the labyrinth known as "Vordan Castle" remains unknown.

Moreover, the garden area, which had previously shown no signs of activity despite extensive exploration, has now become difficult to approach due to the appearance of humanoid monsters resembling soldiers and knights.

From what Rogue and Hilde have said, it seems certain that we must enter there.

"Hmm..."

"Can't figure out how to get in, huh?"

At the cottage table, I compared information from other parties to explore possibilities.

However, all the possibilities had already been tried.

In the midst of this, Marina's casual remark gave me an inspiration.

"Well... I've never been inside a castle, so I don't know how to get in correctly."

"...! That's it. I see."

Marina is right.

By considering it as a labyrinth, I might have narrowed down the possibilities and options too much.

According to Rogue, "Glad Sii-Im" is a living town, not a ruin.

...When I thought about it this way, how did our actions look?

We wandered around, observed, and sometimes engaged in destructive actions to try to break in, acting like lawless intruders.

It's not surprising that soldiers and knights appeared to eliminate us.

Now, let's think about it logically. Who can visit a royal castle?

In concrete terms, it would be the royal family, nobles who work there, or guests and specially permitted citizens.

"No, that won't work."

"Ugh. I know."

Rain stopped my half-formed idea before it could be spoken.

I know it won't work, but it's a possibility.

That "Golden Ring."

The "Gold" that the distorted residents of the distorted world carry on their bodies.

Both Rogue and Hilde mentioned the gold and said it should be destroyed.

In other words, since it is a key element of the labyrinth, the golden ring hidden by the monsters must have some meaning.

"That won't work. It's not good."

"Yeah. You're right."

We are currently researching what it is... but Rain has identified a certain characteristic.

The magic item freaks, the magicians, think differently. I, an alchemist, am at a loss.

"By the way, you said we would know soon. Rain, what's the status?"

"Viscount Boardman is making the equipment. It's from there."

"What is it, exactly?"

The conversation veered off, but that's fine.

It is related, and it might provide a clue.

"It's a very primitive magic item, I think. Like, a magic stone... or a spirit crystal."

A spirit crystal is a special magic stone, also known as the remains of a spirit.

Silk used one when making a contract with a spirit, and it is necessary for spirit users to make contracts with spirits.

"So, it can also be a memory medium?"

"Yeah. That's right. It might contain the memories of the people of 'Glad Sii-Im'."

"Maybe we can find out how to enter 'Vordan Castle' too!"

Well, how about it?

At the very least, it seems necessary to use the rings of the knight and soldier-type monsters that have appeared in the outer area.

"Can I make a suggestion?"

Rain looks at me with a slightly anxious expression.

"Of course. Do you have a plan?"

"I think... it would be good to get Lun's help."

This was a possibility I had considered but deliberately kept silent about.

Or, is this a proposal based on foresight?

"Get Lun to help?"

"Yeah."

Rain nods.

"Um, I think Lun is related to 'Glad Sii-Im'."

"That's probably true."

As Silk nodded, Rain's statement is likely correct.

Lun has lost many of her memories except for her name, but she is a special girl who can serve as a medium for Hilde, the "Golden Priestess."

Furthermore, since she is involved with gold... Lun is likely in a high position or of noble blood in 'Glad Sii-Im'.

She might be able to open the gates of 'Vordan Castle'.

But...

"It's too dangerous."

"That's right! Lun is still a child!"

"You're right. It seems a bit reckless for Rain to suggest this."

Everyone's voices make Rain lower her head and shake it.

"No, I understand. But... something is bothering me. I think we should take her with us."

"That's a very intuitive opinion for Rain."

"I don't really understand it myself."

After four days of investigation, there have been no significant results.

The danger inside is only increasing, and I think it would be better to act soon.

However, taking a child who we have already brought to safety back into the dangerous 'Glad Sii-Im' is not a commendable action, and it feels like using her, which makes me hesitant.

Our silence is interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Yuk, are you there?"

The voice is Lucient's.

The gentlemanly Lucient would not barge into the 'Clover' cottage, which has many female members.

"Come in."

"Excuse me."

Lucient, who had taken off his armor and was dressed casually, entered with a tall, thin old man.

It's Moriah, a highly skilled magician and a veteran A-rank adventurer.

"I want to discuss our future strategy. ...What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

"We're a bit stuck."

After I briefly explained Rain's proposal, Lucient and Moriah exchanged glances and nodded.

"Alright, we will also serve as Lun's guards. How about that?"

"Huh?"

"If she is the Golden Priestess, she would be a guest to the king. If it doesn't work, we can retreat. Yuk, to us adventurers, options are not something to choose from. They are something to eliminate one by one through trial and error."

Encouraged by the valuable advice and proposal from the senior adventurer, I made up my mind.

How was it? ('ω')