Chapter 76

"Apparently, you said you wanted to meet me. What do you mean by that?"

"Simply put, I just found you interesting as an adventurer. That's all... However, it's not something I want to talk about loudly in the guild. I haven't had lunch yet, would you like to join me?"

"That's fine, but..."

I confirmed with Lucie with a glance and answered Carlos like that.

After that, Carlos led us to a tavern. It seemed to be a place he knew well, and we were taken to the back of the store.

"Master, were you that concerned about these guys? ...I admit their skills, though."

Hilde said with a resentful tone. She had followed us due to the flow of the conversation.

"...What do you mean by something you don't want to talk about in the guild?"

"Recently, in the adventurer city of Lacorina, strange monster disasters have been occurring frequently. Monsters are overflowing from the newly formed 'Dream Holes,' and there have been continuous cases of monster evolution, which should rarely happen... You might not realize it, but this is really unusual. I've been investigating the 'Dream Holes' throughout Lacorina to see if it's just a coincidence or if there's a reason behind it."

It turned out to be a more serious matter than I had expected.

Originally, I had reported the occurrence of the Death Armored's evolution, which should not have happened, to the guild of this city. Carlos, an A-rank adventurer, had already felt a similar sense of unease and had been investigating the 'Dream Holes' on his own.

"The adventurer guild has also recently obtained new information. It seems that something is definitely about to happen."

"Does that mean... the 'Centipede Mine'...?"

"Oh, you know about it. A good adventurer has keen ears."

It seemed to be about the Death Armored after all.

"Actually, the reason I came back to Lacorina is that I heard a rumor that the 'Dream Holes' have been getting restless. I've been conducting personal investigations for nearly two weeks, but I failed to clear one of the 'Dream Holes.'"

"Failed to clear it? An A-rank adventurer..."

Depending on the area, the level range of the 'Dream Holes' that appear is limited. In the vicinity of the adventurer city of Lacorina, 'Dream Holes' that are so difficult that even A-rank adventurers would give up clearing them are not supposed to appear. If such high-difficulty 'Dream Holes' appeared one after another, the city would be at risk of destruction each time.

"A monster nest had formed. In such a situation, a solo party can't do anything. I am currently proposing to the guild to issue a large-scale request. I will be the leader of the raid, too."

A monster nest... one of the typical monster disasters. An abnormal number of monsters overflow from a 'Dream Hole.'

It was a monster disaster that was particularly feared in the 'Magic World.' If it was not noticed in time, even a 'Dream Hole' of the appropriate level could easily lead to a game-over situation.

However, as expected of an A-rank adventurer. He seemed to have a lot of influence in the guild. Although Carlos said he was still at the proposal stage, his tone suggested that he was confident that the large-scale request would be issued.

It was only natural that A-rank adventurers, who were on the front lines, had more information and a deeper understanding than guild staff. The guild must have recognized this and listened carefully to the words of A-rank adventurers.

"However, if it were just a monster nest, there would be no reason to rush to clear it. What is worrying is that the 'Dream Hole' is still new and the conditions for a monster disaster to occur were not supposed to be in place... It is located deep in the forest, surrounded by cliffs, and few adventurers would go there voluntarily for profit. If left unchecked, the situation could worsen. We don't even know the root cause, so early exploration and investigation are necessary, as well as insurance against the worst-case scenario."

As I listened, I felt a sense of foreboding. It seemed that the incident with the Death Armored was not an isolated case. There must be some factor causing monster disasters in the vicinity of the adventurer city of Lacorina. I had considered this possibility, and it seemed that the guild leader, Harein, had the same thoughts.

No, if it were just the adventurer city of Lacorina, it would be manageable.

"...If the frequency of monster disasters increases on a global scale... the habitable area for humans in this world will drastically shrink."

It is a truly serious situation. I had been cautious about the incident with the Death Armored, but the situation might be far more terrifying than I had imagined.

Lucie stepped back, looking shocked at my words.

"Y-You're exaggerating, Elma. Such... it's too much. The habitable area for humans shrinking..."

"At least, the lord of this land and... I do not think so. Just like Elma."

Lucie's face turned pale at Carlos's words.

However, the cause was completely unknown. The frequent occurrence of monster disasters... there was no clue that matched the specifications or events of the 'Magic World' era.

"Let's get back to the topic... I told you this story to invite you to the large-scale request. The 'Dream Hole' where I retreated, where a monster nest has formed... the 'Tomb of Lament.' I would like you to help with the investigation and exploration. The reward should be quite substantial."

The 'Tomb of Lament'... of all things, it's an undead type. If the situation escalates and involves the city, the worst-case scenario could really happen.

"Well... I'm a bit worried if the adventurer guild can prepare a satisfactory amount to satisfy you, who were swindled out of fifty million gold by Hilde."

Carlos chuckled and said that. Hilde frowned and looked uncomfortable, lowering her gaze.

"What do you think, Elma?"

"Normally, I would say yes immediately... but there are some concerns."

An A-rank adventurer is also involved. A master swordsman who taught Hilde when to retreat. He won't take unnecessary risks. However, this matter feels ominous.

"...But, I still want to go."

If something truly troublesome is happening in this world... I might be the only one who can stop it, with my memories of playing the 'Magic World' to the fullest. I had that confidence. If I avoid the danger and leave it alone, and something happens, it could be irreparable.

"If Elma says so, of course I will join too!"

"Thank you, both of you. I have a meeting with Duke Howlrod tomorrow. We'll talk about the details after that."

Carlos smiled with relief.

"If it's a request from my master, I will join, of course. It's been a while... swinging a sword next to my master."

"...Hilde, you don't have to push yourself to come."

"Master!? I... I'm a B-rank adventurer now! There's no reason to be left out!"

"This large-scale request requires caution. If you rush in, it could lead to a bad situation. Coordination is important in dealing with a monster nest..."

...Before anything else, he means that her personality is not suitable for this. As a master, he knows Hilde well.