Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka volume 2

by volume 2

  Being able to seek the advice from others was definitely good, so I headed off to find Eina-san for her opinion.

  “Although there are problems between , but it isn’t the first time that a contract was formed on the premise that both sides will benefit……What do you think, Bell-kun, about that child called Liliruca?”

  “Yes, she is a good child……Her skill as a Supporter is not bad”

  Including her work ability as a Supporter, my impression towards Lili wasn’t poor.

  Or perhaps I should say, I was filled with feelings that were similar to compassion and, at the same time, I felt that I could not ignore that child.

  Although I know that I should not mix such feelings……But as expected, I could not do it.

  Being excluded by her ’s companions and was always alone. It feels that the words that Lili had said at that time were not fake. It gave off this feeling that she was just stating the facts in general.

  “Do you know which that child belongs to?”

  “Yes, I remember that it was the ”

  “?……Appearing again at this situation where there is no clear reason to accept or reject?”

  “About that, Eina-san. The , what kind of is it?”

  After being inquired by me, Eina-san could only say “wait a while”, then she quickly flipped open a large file that was already prepared. During this period, she also neatly put on her glasses that she took from her pocket.

  Not only just from her own knowledge, she probably wanted to teach me more detailed information about it.

  “ is regarded as a typical exploration . If I have to say what is different about them compared to the other similar , it would be that they are involved in business as well”

  “Business? If that is said, then what products are they selling in the market?”

  “Ah…Selling wine”

  “Wine……?”

  “Yes. Although the type of wine will constantly change based on the market. However, what has not changed was that the amount produced was very little, and that the taste is also top-class. It seems to be a popular product with high demand in Orario”

  It is also understandable that they were developing into a business, Eina-san adds on.

  Because this class, an Adventurer, would always be haunted with the risk of losing their lives at any time. So if they wish to have a stable developing , it is best to engage in ordinary occupations. Although business may be considered as a gamble, but Adventurers are always fighting with their lives on a bridge that may snap any moment. This also means that it is a career that is on the border next to death.

  However, Adventurers are also different from the others. In this labyrinth city, only Adventurers who follow the high-risk, high-return principle, may be able to earn money quickly.

  “The ’s strength is also considered to be in the middle of the middle. Although there are no superior individuals, but the strength of the Adventurers are all above average. Wow……The main point is that the number of members are too amazing. This was something that I just learned.”

  “The having many members, this represents……”

  “Seems like many people have faith in the main God, Soma. About that god, it seems that there are absolutely no rumors whether he is good or bad……”

  “About that……From what I heard from the child called Lili, it seems that Soma-sama does not interact with the other Gods, correct?”

  “Why not say that the God Soma is more famous in that perspective. It’s already strange for the gods to exist in this mortal world, and that God is just like that. I’ve heard that he had never once attended the banquets that the other gods organized. In fact, he does not seem to have a single friend. Maybe it is better to say, is there a God that knows that God? It is even to this extent”

  This is really……How should I put it, extreme if nothing else.

  Never being concerned about the future or anything else, this was what Lili had said.

  The reason why Eina-san would not say words about rejecting or accepting is because this ’s attitude to the outside was too ambiguous. It cannot claim to be a that makes everybody friendly and smile, but it is also not a that you absolutely do not want a relationship with…….Or a similar kind of feeling?

  “I feel that the itself has no strange areas…….But”

  “But?”

  Eina-san seemed to grit her teeth and frowned, but then she cut through her doubts and opened her mouth.

  “It is just my own subjective opinion, but the atmosphere from the Adventurers in the seemed to be different from the normal ’s Adventurers. I should say that even if they are companions, they do not concede to each other, and are too passionate about Magic Stone and Items……”

  “……”

  “Although it doesn’t feel like they are anxious for success. How should I express it, that is…….Anyways, it feels that all the members that belong in that are too desperate”

  Eina-san, who was constantly talking, also had a puzzled face. Needless to say, I was also extremely confused.

  I do not know why, but after understanding the background of the organization, I feel that the situation about Lili seemed to be even foggier.

  “For the time being, I agree to hire her as a Supporter”

  “Ah, is that alright?”

  “Yes. Indeed there are many strange areas in , but I also believe that the dispute between factions will absolutely never happen. Based on Soma’s personality.”

  Which means that it was the same opinion as Lili, right.

  “Just be careful not to annoy other members, then it should be okay. And personally, I also hope that you, who is alone, will quickly find a Supporter to form a party. Should I say that this is something that I have always been trying to persuade you about.”

  “Eina-san……”

  “But the decision will be made by Bell-kun himself. Of course, the final decision is still up to you. You have to take on your own responsibility”

  ……Of course.

  If I accepted Lili based on another person’s decision, then it will be very rude to her. From this point on, I will have to think about it myself and draw a conclusion. I tidied my head again and reached my final answer.

  “I also agree. Although I have always been trying to find a solo Supporter, I still couldn’t find any. The previous Supporters that I met had already joined who knows what .”

  Sorry, Eina-san gave a wry smile. I had discussed with her before about whether or not if I should hire a Supporter. Perhaps she had always been concerned about it.

  “Another reason is because solo Supporters will not specifically enter the Dungeon. With a different contract individual, their rewards will also vary. Also, there are many other jobs that are safe and give out high rewards”

  No affiliation will also mean not belonging to any , Of course …… will also not be granted. Basically, they will have the same physical ability as an average person.

  Nnnn, there are dwarves with high physical power or elves that control magic that won’t be at a disadvantage against a battle against normal Monsters, so you can’t say that all of them have no battle power.

  Once I thought about this, Fuuu, I began to recall the phrase that I was concerned about when I talked with Lili.

  “Eina-san. Supporters, do they not have a very close relationship with Adventurers?”

  “…….It is like this. The people who specialize in Support may have a relatively lower status. The reason behind is something that you should already know without me saying it……”

  People who only carry the luggage. The phrase that Lili had said before reawakened in my mind.

  If that is really true, the feelings towards Adven
turers, must have changed from a dream to a feeling close to despair.

  “Normally, only people who are weak will select to become an Supporter. And among the top-class , even if they , they will still be let the Adventurers, who may have a lower rank, to act.”

  However, if that’s the case, they will be able to observe in close distance the Adventurers that are leading while exploring the dungeon. This means there is also a side where they can learn. Although they are just the people who carries the luggage, but by following others, they will be able to reach a floor that they will never achieve by their own strength, an unseen territory—— The strength of the powerful monsters and the tactics used by the elites from their —— They have the opportunity to perceive it with their own eyes.

  “Even if someone is granted a , it does not mean that anyone can become infinitely strong. It also depends on their qualities and their mental strength of not flinching when a Monster is in front of them. Even if you’re able to defeat Low-Level Monsters, there will be many tricky situations that one will have to eventually encounter.”

  “……”

  “If I have to say, the Adventurers, that eventually give up, will specialized into becoming a Supporter……Even though it is not a large number. But that may also be a reason why they will easily become a target of contempt.”

  The atmosphere seemed to have become somewhat heavy. From Eina-san’s bitter expression, it was clear that this type of topic was not especially pleasant.

  However, that was it. This was why Lili will be so modest. Perhaps it was because she was labeled by the surrounding people as useless. Including being excluded by the people inside her , all of it.

  …….I feel that my chest was slightly stuffy.

  What, this kind of feeling. Although it was not my own problem, I still became restless.

  While I was attacked by the urge to unconsciously scratch my head, I gritted my teeth and stood up from my seat.

  Originally I only wanted to casually ask, but it seems that we had completely entered it.

  “Thank you, Eina-san for giving so many suggestions out. I will carefully consider it.”

  “Yes. I’m always very free here, so if there are any troubles, please come and find me?”

  Towards the gently smiling Eina-san, I thanked her again.

  Then I gently stretched and prepared to head to the door of the room.

  “Huh……Bell-kun?”

  “Is there any problem?”

  “Your Dagger, what happened?”

  “Eh?” I unconsciously made a dumb response.

  Eina-san, who was just about to stand up, had an surprised expression while staring at my waist.

  “Dagger……?”

  I placed my hand onto my waist.

  was still here.

  The waist bag that carried the Magic Stone was still here.

  was also here.

  ……However, only the sheath was here.

  “……”

  In the location where the handle should be, only air passed through my fingers.

  Saaaaa, the blood receded from my face at a terrifying speed.

  Looking at me, who was panicky searching around my waist, Eina-san also expressed an expression.

  —— was gone.

  My face turned pale.

  “IT’S LOSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!?”

  × × ×

  Walking forward in an alley.

  Compared to the spacious and bustling shopping street in the Main Street Area, this was an utterly narrow path.

  Looking upwards, the sky that was cut into pieces by brick houses was also very narrow.

  Underneath the thick cloud that was dyed yellowish-orange, this path seemed to be even darker. It gave off a feeling that the sun had never shone down at this place before. The black cat lied down onto of the crude garbage field and looked at the golden rays shining down. Meow. Then, it swiftly escaped.

  Patapata, the gentle footsteps echoed around the surroundings.

  She heading forward with no hesitation as if she was already familiar with this labyrinth-like complex road which crosses over. After passing a few more corners, she soon saw the building that was her destination.

  On this slightly empty land, a single shop stands alone. Although it wasn’t clear if this was a really old shop, it did give off such an atmosphere.

  On top of the wooden constructed building, there was a mottled sign hanging in front of the shop, which was slightly tilted.

  Pushing open the door to enter the shop, the bitter sound of the doorbell entered the ears.

  “Ohoh, it is you again”

  “Please”

  A bald gnome, who sported a long white beard, lifted its head from the information report he was reading.

  Although he was wearing a red cap, you would still know that he had no hair. Without saying anything, she placed the dagger on top of the counter.

  “Ah, this time you brought a strange item again”

  After adjusting the position of his glasses, he carefully looked at it, then he said “wait for a bit”, and the owner stood up. After watching the hunched figure disappear into the depths of the shop, she began to look at the various antiques that decorated the shop. Towards the many colorful gems inside a window display, she spat out a sigh.

  Earlier than expected, the Gnome owner returned.

  It was rare for him to reveal a frowning expression.

  “What is this? Did you pick this up from the garbage dump nearby?”

  “What……”

  “No matter how I press it or pull on it, it cannot cut anything. It doesn’t look like there is a special ability either. I really don’t know what this thing is used for……This blade seems to be dead”

  Looking down at the pitched-black dagger that was placed onto the counter, he scratched his beard as if he did not know what to do with it. Then the Gnome owner concluded that .

  “It is rare that you would actually bring such a thing over”

  “P…Please wait a moment, it should not……”

  “Although you say that, I shouldn’t let a regular customer go back empty handed……Perhaps I can decorate it on that wall? How does 30 Varisu sound?”

  “……I’ll come back again!”

  “Oh ho, I look forward to your next visit……However, those unreadable text that was distorted like earthworms, I feel that his old man had seen it before……”

  Her shoulder was trembling and rudely pulled open the door.

  She returned once again to the alley, patapata, the footstep sounds were even more crude compared to when she was coming.

  30 Varisu? The same price as the potato croquettes that the mobile kiosk were selling?

  Don’t play around, this is a high-class product that could even easily cut through the hard shell of Monsters. This top-class weapon should have the value of 3 luxury suites and still have money remaining.

  Then I thought for a while, the owner should not be acting like a fool. However, a few days ago, he had given a satisfactory appraisal price. It can’t be that his brain broke down in just a few days.

  His appraisal technique were genuine. Even the guild employees cannot compare with him.

  Another appraiser that could match him, I have at least never heard of one in this town.

  (Why……?)

  She looked at the dagger held in her hand.

  The blade without any brilliance. In the center of the dagger, exquisite engravings were written in a complex path, from the tip to the hilt, it seemed to be pitched-black as if it merged with the darkness of the path.

  It showed such a rotten-like dark color, no matter what, there was still a feeling that something was wrong.

  Before, it was obviously shining a bright purplish-blue light and was even able to leave a silver-white path in the air.

  (If only i
t had the < Ήφαιστος> engraving……If only I had the sheath……)

  As long as I was able to obtain that unshakable evidence, then even if it was garbage, it will still be bought at a high price.

  Sheath. The sheath is necessary. Looking at the dull black blade, she concentrated on thinking.

  I must change the preplanned schedule. Even though it might be risky, I must have contact with him again……

  “Sorry, Seal. Asking you to help me carry the items”

  “Ah, it’s no big deal……Ryuu, do you always walk this path?”

  “Yes. As long as you’re able to grasp the route, you will save a lot of time by taking this path. There is no need for Seal to worry about it”

  “I am not talking about this point……”

  People were coming in front. An elf and a human. Both of them were carrying paper bags. Looking closely, with apple as the main item, it was filled with fruits and vegetables that seemed to be crammed into the paper bags.

  Immediately avoiding their gaze, she swiftly hid the dagger inside her sleeves.

  While she was surprised that there were actually people that pass through this secluded alley, she naturally allowed them to pass by her side.

  “——Please wait a minute, the Hobbit over there”

  A voice that did not allow her to argue attacked her from behind.

  She could not help but stop her footsteps. Then, cold sweat spread around and enveloped her entire back.

  Why did she call out to me. It can’t be, this unbelievable idea appeared at the corner of her mind.

  “Can you let me see the dagger that is tucked inside your sleeves”

  Her heart seemed to be completely speechless.

  “R…Ryuu?

  “……Is there a reason why?”

  “It seems to be an item from an acquaintance. If it is possible, I wish to confirm it”

  What kind of vision do you have, she could not help but wanting to yell out.

  “Unfortunately this is my own item. You must have seen wrong”

  Not giving her the opportunity to refute, she left after speaking.

  Refusing her request and attempting to leave this place.

  “Bring it out”

  The scene seemed to be nervous to the extent that the sound of the air was creaking.