Chapter 4

An earthquake lasting over 20 hours, accompanied by atmospheric rumbling.

Signs of a new dungeon's birth.

It must be investigated immediately.

At the inn for adventurers in Ohadano, located in the eastern part of the Sepans Kingdom, a request was posted at the "Crooked Corner Inn" with these words.

Speaking of dungeons in this Sepans Kingdom, there had only been the eight-layered Dungeon of Plenty, which had existed for nearly 140 years. Although it didn't yield much valuable treasure, it was quite popular as a dungeon where adventurers could stay for long periods because the monsters occasionally dropped food.

To be honest, it wasn't a very profitable dungeon. However, staying for a long time in the eighth layer could lead to substantial earnings and good training. There was even an adventurer rank promotion test in the Sepans Kingdom that required staying in the eighth layer of this dungeon for a week.

Still, as a dungeon suitable for intermediate adventurers, it wasn't very popular among advanced adventurers. It was said that the dungeon's growth had not been confirmed for about 40 years.

The newly emerged dungeon, being newly formed, couldn't be expected to yield much profit. However, it was necessary to determine whether it would bring benefits or disasters to the country in the future.

On the day the request was posted, two veteran adventurers briefly investigated the dungeon and returned. According to their report, it was an ordinary newly formed dungeon, with the only unusual feature being a hot spring-like water source deep inside.

A few days later.

Two female knights were riding their horses, slowly heading towards the dungeon to verify the report and conduct a re-investigation.

"I hope it's just an ordinary dungeon as the report says," one of the knights, who had a relaxed demeanor, muttered.

Her senior responded, "Do you mean it's fine even if it doesn't bring benefits to our country?"

"Well, you see, if a very profitable dungeon is created, a lot of unruly miners and adventurers will swarm into the country, and the security will deteriorate, won't it? Adventurers might be happy, but we are civil servants. A profitable dungeon wouldn't be a good thing, you know."

"Hmm, ... as usual, you're being casual, but you do have a point. The new dungeon that appeared in the distant Kenma Kingdom 20 years ago yielded high-quality gems, but due to the influx of unruly adventurers, the security situation has worsened."

"... We've arrived."

At the entrance of the dungeon, words were carved: "Hot Spring Dungeon."

"Huh? ... Who carved this?"

"I don't know...? The report only mentioned a hot spring deep inside. Maybe the first adventurers who investigated it wrote it?"

"I can't imagine veteran adventurers carving signs in the dungeon, but it's fine... let's investigate."

As they moved deeper, they encountered weak monsters like bats, rats, and insects, typical of the first layer. They easily dispatched these monsters and continued forward.

"The monsters in this dungeon don't drop anything, huh?"

"Maybe it's a type that doesn't drop items... If so, we should look for treasure chests or a treasure room?"

"Or maybe it's just the hot spring?"

"... I don't think so. I've never heard of such a dungeon."

After about three hours of exploration, they confirmed that there was nothing but the hot spring.

To reach the hot spring, they only had to fight a few minor monsters.

"... We're sweating."

"Yeah."

"Shall we take a bath?"

"Is it safe?"

"Apparently, the first adventurers who investigated it brought back some of the water, which was tested and found to be non-toxic."

"Then... let's go in."

"Yay! Let's go in!"

After riding for hours to reach the dungeon and walking around the cave for hours, they were drenched in sweat. Besides, it had been a long time since they had a proper bath, and they had been wanting to take one. Although it might seem inappropriate for knights to relax in a bath during a mission, this was a legitimate part of the dungeon investigation. They decided to conduct a human experiment to test the safety of the hot spring for the sake of the country.

They took off their armor, got naked, and placed their swords within reach. They were a bit worried that another adventurer might suddenly enter, but it was unlikely that anyone would come to a newly formed dungeon with no expected profit, especially without a specific investigation request.

They enjoyed the hot spring.

The conclusion was that it felt incredibly good. The temperature of the water and the depth of the basin were just right, making it the best experience.

Most natural hot springs are either too hot or too cold and require adjustments to be usable. The basins are often not suitable for human use, with inappropriate depths and unstable footing.

This place was perfect. It felt like a well-managed natural hot spring bath managed by merchants.

And something else...

Their skin felt incredibly smooth...

... or so it seemed?

Is this just an illusion?

Clearly, the rough and dry parts of their bodies were now moisturized. The hardened palms from gripping swords and the cracked soles from walking too much were starting to regain a soft, smooth texture.

"Senior... have your face pimples decreased?"

"You too... the heat rash under your armor is gone."

"..."

"..."

"Isn't this amazing? This water..."

"Yes... it might be amazing... We need to report this to the queen immediately..."

"But... let's stay a bit longer... just a bit longer..."

"Ah... I can already see a future where it becomes so popular that we can't even enter."

Saying this, they continued to pour water over their heads and faces, staying in the hot spring for a long time. They ended up feeling dizzy and eventually collapsed naked on the cave floor.

They returned to the palace late at night, long after the sun had set.