Chapter 94

I defeated the master of the "Grave of Lament"—Skullroad, formerly known as Nightbone.

The passage shook violently, and cracks ran through the floor and walls.

The collapse of this "Hole of Dreams" had begun.

I picked up Skullroad's magic stone.

Even in this situation, I couldn't afford to forget to collect it.

"A Level 85 magic stone... I've never seen one before... I wonder how much it's worth."

Kelt approached.

"Probably around... just under ten million gold, I'd say?"

The value of magic stones is determined by their level.

While it's not a perfect correlation, I remember roughly how much each level is worth.

"Ten... ten million...!?"

Kelt's voice cracked with surprise.

"Just this one is worth 2.5 million gold per person... and we have two more patchwork magic stones. The reward for the large-scale quest pales in comparison. Both you and Lucre are handling such a large sum of money so calmly."

"Hehehe..."

Lucre laughed nervously.

Honestly, we are used to drops of around ten million gold.

It's all thanks to Lady Lucre.

"Ah..."

Noticing the shield that remained next to Skullroad's crumbling corpse, which had mostly turned to dust, I realized it had shrunk a bit.

It was a sinister design, made from carved bones and adorned with a skull in the center.

――――――――――――――――――――

"Shield of the Necrogeneral" [Recommended Equipment Level: 85]

[Defense: +88]

[Market Value: 55 million gold]

A shield of a necrogeneral.

It carries a strong grudge and does not let through even half-hearted attacks.

――――――――――――――――――――

I picked it up and examined it, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow."

It slightly exceeded the amount I had taken from Hilde... and the price I received as the reward for a fair duel.

If handled well, this one item alone could even buy the "Skill Book" of the "Smoldering Fang."

"The 'Lord of Dreams' may drop items easily, but he sure gives them out generously... It's no wonder with someone as lucky as you around."

"I wish I had finished him off more decisively, huh?"

In response to Kelt's words, Meabel shot a sarcastic remark.

"If I had gone for a decisive finish against that monster, I wouldn't be standing here now..."

Kelt bit his lower lip awkwardly.

"But, Patchwork's drop is also in our hands. Elma should at least treat us to a drink."

"I just checked, and it's fifty million gold."

"F-f-fifty million gold!?"

Kelt, who had been laughing in a joking manner, now looked pale.

"Th-that sinister shield! It's worth that much!?"

Even Lucre, who was used to high-value drops, was in a panic.

"I'd rather not sell it if possible. It's a bit heavy for my level, but the defense is very appealing. With this, I can finally retire the 'Mad Ghost Shield.'"

After all, the latter only had [Defense: +25].

It was already insufficient and could only deflect attacks to some extent, but with this, I should be able to withstand direct hits and significantly reduce damage.

In this world, weapons that are below your level feel heavy and are difficult to handle.

But even so, this performance is very attractive.

I'll consult with Lucre, but I really don't want to part with such an item.

"Still, it feels unfair to keep everything to myself. Even though I landed the final blow... should we distribute some of it?"

"Recovery roles get compensation that includes such things. Besides, I was almost useless in the fight against Skullroad due to MP shortage, yet I still leveled up by four... I feel more guilty than anything. There's no obligation to share with that hunter."

Meabel cut Kelt down again.

I think a little encouragement would be nice...

The surroundings were enveloped in white light, and the walls and floor began to disappear.

It was time to be transported back outside.

"We'll have to gather at the guild to distribute the loot, but once we're outside, this party is over. It's been a wild ride, but it was good working with you two."

Meabel continued to jab at Kelt until the end.

Kelt, unable to say anything due to his position, looked bitter.

"Just kidding. It was good working with you, Kelt. If it had been anyone else, we probably wouldn't have defeated Skullroad by now."

Meabel chuckled and said so.

"Ha, you sly priestess, saying things you don't mean."

Kelt turned his head away and scratched his head as he spoke.

The atmosphere was warm, but there was a major concern.

We had defeated the "Lord of Dreams," Skullroad, and the "Grave of Lament" had safely disappeared.

The true nature of the series of anomalies in the "Hole of Dreams" had become clear.

But... the person who had maliciously orchestrated this incident was still nearby.

Our bodies began to fade.

Before we knew it, we were standing in the ruins of the cemetery where the entrance to the "Grave of Lament" had been.

"What's going on...?"

"Hey, did someone else beat the 'Lord of Dreams' first!? That's against the rules!"

It seemed some adventurers were completely unaware of the situation.

"Did... did someone save us? A monstrous creature appeared... and we were on the brink of total annihilation. Did someone defeat it?"

A bloodied giant spoke nervously, having clearly faced Skullroad directly.

I looked around.

Six people... were missing.

Out of the twenty adventurers, only fourteen remained.

Those who died in the "Hole of Dreams" could not return to the outside.

Their bodies also disappeared with the "Hole of Dreams."

However, no one had appeared in this place.

I had thought the person who triggered the "Wandering King" would be here.

Had they blended in with the raid group, escaped before the defeat of Skullroad, or died along the way...?

"Impossible... someone managed to defeat that evolved individual...? Who could it be...?"

Carlos looked around in a panic.

"My party defeated it."

I approached Carlos from behind and spoke.

A murmur rose from the surrounding adventurers.

Carlos, clearly surprised, stared at me with wide eyes.

"You...! No, you did it, Elma! I had a feeling you had something special. But... to defeat a monster I couldn't handle..."

It would be an exaggeration to say I did it alone.

Without any of the other three, we wouldn't have stood a chance.

"Carlos, you also faced Skullroad?"

"Yes... as soon as I saw it, I realized the other three couldn't handle it, so I went alone. Unfortunately, I was no match. I was trying to escape and inform the other adventurers when the 'Grave of Lament' suddenly disappeared, and I was truly shocked."

I glanced at Hilde.

"Master... I'm glad you're safe. If you had died, I wouldn't have known what to do...!"

"I would say Hilde is exaggerating... but this time, it was close. Thank you, Elma. You saved not just my life, but everyone's here."

Carlos took my hand.

"I'd like to thank you properly next time. And... I'm very interested in you."

Carlos leaned in and whispered.

"...This time, it became clear. The 'Hole of Dreams' disaster was caused artificially... and the House of Howlrod... at the very least, the guild is involved."

Carlos said that and moved away from me.

...This was a message that he wanted to discuss this matter further once we returned to the city.

It seemed Carlos had reached the same conclusion as I had.

I glanced at the remaining members again.

...The person who maliciously triggered the "Wandering King" could be among them.

I considered raising the issue, but I remained silent.

I had no idea about the class, level, or HP and MP status of the culprit.

Most of the adventurers remaining in this place were already exhausted.

Bringing up the "Wailing Trapezohedron" and searching for the culprit here would be too dangerous.

【Other Work Information】

"The Sword of the Gluttonous Consort" Comic Volume 4 will be released on September 25th!

It has apparently sold over 200,000 copies!

A new short story, "The Warrior Maiden's Day Off," is included at the end of the volume!

(2021/9/25)