CH 25

The Swirling Depths of the Royal Tomb

The Labyrinth, “The Swirling Depths of the Royal Tomb”.

It is one of the Labyrinths created during the Third Great Hero-Demon War; the soldiers of the Kingdom of Terraria were able to conquer it during a relatively early stage of that war, but it has since been allowed to exist due to the abundance of resources it contains.

The entrance was about 2 hours away from the Southern Gate of the Royal Capital by carriage.

“So, this is the entrance.”

Mize says in a slightly nervous voice.

At our feet was a large staircase that led underground.

This time, the commission we accepted was for a topographical survey of the Fifth Layer of the “The Swirling Depths of the Royal Tomb”. It seems that an earthquake occurred in this area last month, and we were told that the purpose of the survey was to confirm the effects of the earthquake. The Fifth Layer did not collapse entirely, and so, we will be examining the floors and ceilings which were originally on the verge of collapse. The Guild’s receptionist marked our destination on the map we purchased at the stand, so we probably won’t get lost.

Before we begin exploring, I call out to the four of them.

“Has anyone here explored ‘The Swirling Depths of the Royal Tomb’?”

In response to my question, Oz and Gran raise their hands.

Oz raised her hand here, as we discussed in advance. In order to have more persuasive power, in case we need to guide and evacuate, it would be better to reveal that we are familiar with the structure of the labyrinth at this point.

“During the war, I had a chance to go inside for a bit…How about you, Oz?”

“Me? Hmm~…to kill time!”

In response to Gran’s question, Oz replies with a carefree smile.

We had to explore it because it was a mission from the Organization, is something we cannot say for obvious reasons, but unfortunately, answering that it was due to a hobby isn’t exactly wrong either. As I recall, during breaks in the war, Oz kept diving into convenient Labyrinths with the reason being, “I don’t want my skills to dull”.

“W-well, it seems that high-ranking adventurers sometimes explore various Labyrinths in order to test their skills. So, it’s no surprise that Oz-san would have done the same.”

Mize says with a wry smile.

“I bought a map just in case but, since we have experienced people here, should we just leave the directions to them?”

Elysia asks to which Oz groaned Hmm in response.

“Sorry, I don’t remember the way at all.”

“Me too.”

After hearing the two’s replies, it was decided that Elysia would hold on to the map as originally planned.

Gran and I take the lead, while the girls follow shortly behind.

As we descended the staircase, the light outside gradually faded away.

“Mize, the torch.”

“Y-yes!”

I signal to Mize, in order to light the surrounding vicinity with torchlight.

When we reached the First Layer of the Labyrinth, “The Swirling Depths of the Royal Tomb”, we confirmed our surroundings.

It was dark while we were going down the staircase, but when we finally reached the insides of the Labyrinth, there was light. Lit candlesticks were attached to the walls.

“So, this is a Labyrinth…it’s brighter than I thought it would be.”

“Well, since this place is close to the Royal Capital, it has been explored by various adventurers. The torches we brought were just for insurance.”

Gran explains in response to Mize’s mutter.

For the sake of those who follow in their footsteps, adventurers also endeavour to keep the labyrinth well-lit. Since Demonic Beasts rarely turn on the lights of their own volition, it is no exaggeration to say that the brightness of the Labyrinth was a sign of the adventurers’ good will itself.

“Oz-san, are you accustomed to Labyrinths?”

“Hmm~ I wonder. It’s probably been a while since I’ve done a frontal assault on a Labyrinth.”

“Frontal assault?”

Elysia tilts her head.

“Labyrinths are places with a surprisingly accommodating terrain. For example, if you feel that it’s too bothersome to fight the Demonic Beasts, you can prepare poison gas in advance–“

“– Oz.”

I stopped her, as she seemed like she was about to say something slightly unnecessary.

Oz immediately sensed my intentions, so she apologized by sticking out her tongue while saying Tehehe.

“Ah, aren’t these…medicinal herbs?”

Mize says, as she suddenly bends down and examined the grass growing on the ground near the wall.

The grass she was examining looked familiar.

“…These are the medicinal herbs that we used in Magical Pharmacy class. They can grow in a place like this?”

“I’ve heard that there are many resources lying around in Labyrinths. So, it was true after all.”

Mize says like she’s having fun.

When we resumed moving, Mize’s field of vision settled on various things. As expected, she felt sorry to be the one slowing everyone down every time this happened, so she refrained from examining and picking up every single thing, but even so, her feelings were obvious as she continued to glance around.

“Mize. Do you know why the resources lying around in Labyrinths are useful for people’s lives?”

Influenced by her enjoyment, I pose a question related to the Labyrinths.

“If I recall…it’s in order to lure people in, isn’t it?”

“That’s correct. The main purpose of Labyrinths is to serve as dens for Demonic Beasts. And most existing Demonic Beasts feed on people. That is why Labyrinths are devised in order to lure people, who become food for the Demonic Beasts.”

As expected, she knows this much about it.

It doesn’t seem like she aimed to become an adventurer just for show. She already has the minimum amount of knowledge required.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your little chat, but they’re here.”

With that brief comment from Gran, Mize and I stop talking.

The shadows of Demonic Beasts were approaching.

Translator’s Note:

In the Manga, the name of the Labyrinth was translated as “The Deep King’s Tomb”, as opposed to “The Swirling Depths of the Royal Tomb” here. To provide some clarification, the original name of the Labyrinth in Japanese is 廻深王墓 (Kaishin Oubo); this is the same in both the Manga and the Web Novel. This name can be split up into 4 words: 廻 meaning turning around/swirling, 深 meaning deep, 王 meaning king, and 墓 meaning tomb. In the Manga version of the translation, 廻深 were translated together as Deep/Depths, in an attempt to evoke the feeling of the constant motion of the deep parts of the ocean with as few words as possible. Adding in 王 afterwards made it Deep King/King of the Deep, and finally adding 墓 made it “The Deep King’s Tomb”. This time, I elected to place 廻深 together, translating it as Swirling Depths first. Then I placed 王墓 together, translating it as Royal Tomb. Putting the two together made the name, “The Swirling Depths of the Royal Tomb”.

If anyone has any better suggestions or knows what this references, please let me know.