“There I go!”
Dodging the monster’s attack, he thrusts his sword into its vulnerable body. The steel blade easily cuts the monster in half, turning its body into smoke upon hitting the ground.
As I watched the numerous Magic Stones rolling at my feet, I breathed a sigh of relief.
“The number of monsters is more than I imagined… This dungeon. I’ve underestimated it.”
With the sword safely back in its sheath, I muttered to myself.
Though a certain number of days have passed since my reincarnation in this world, so far I’ve been focused solely on leveling up efficiently. And that’s only in the mid-level dungeon, the “Hall of Lamentation.” Even in that place, except for the library, there is a large number of monsters in other areas. Advancing by defeating them all takes quite some time until reaching the boss area.
But I thought it was just because it was a mid-level dungeon. Indeed, when I played the game, the enemies in lower-level dungeons weren’t as numerous. It must be because this has become the real world. Both in lower and mid-level dungeons, monsters appear in large numbers.
That must be the characteristic of dungeons. It’s no wonder Fran said, “Dungeons are usually explored in groups.” Doing it alone would be very cumbersome due to the quantity. Unless one levels up enough, novice adventurers or students can quickly be surrounded by monsters and die.
As I crouch down to pick up the Magic Stones and murmur those impressions, I suddenly hear a noise in the distance. Is it… a metallic sound and human voices?
Of course, since dungeons are shared areas, it wouldn’t be strange to encounter other people besides me. In fact, it would be more unusual not to meet anyone in a mid-level dungeon.
But in reality, I have nothing to do with that. I can’t meddle in other people’s fights. After collecting the Magic Stones, I quickly head towards the boss area deeper inside. I’m chasing the items the boss leaves behind upon defeat, so time is valuable.
Just at that moment…
As if planned, a young girl came running out of a bush. Then, reptiles, animals, and various monsters appeared one after another.
“H-Help me!”
The girl, without any doubt, looked at me and said.
“Eh…?”
Unable to resist, my face twisted in a disgusted expression.
In a dungeon, passing your monsters to someone else would be a crime punishable by the harshest penalty. However, the girl apparently couldn’t handle them alone. Her equipment was worn in several places, just like mine. She seemed to be exploring solo but had a tough time.
Normally, I wouldn’t have any obligation to help her, but I couldn’t leave a girl in distress. Despite my dismay, I unsheathed my sword.
Ignoring the mysterious girl who had approached, I turned my sword towards the monsters chasing her.
The sword smashes into the exposed body of the creature with such a loud noise that the body turns to smoke upon hitting the ground.
Taking a deep breath of relief, I eye the piles of magical stones around me.
“The number of appearances here is more than I expected…this dungeon. I underestimated it.”
Murmuring to myself as I sheathe my sword, I realize that I have only focused on efficient leveling up until now since my reincarnation in this world. That was limited to just the intermediate level dungeon, the “Hall of Lamentation.” Even there, except for the study, encountering a high number of monsters in other areas consumes considerable time before reaching the boss area.
I had attributed this to the fact that it was an intermediate-level dungeon. Back in the game, enemies in the lower-level dungeons were not as abundant. This change might be due to the transformation into the real world. Both lower and intermediate dungeons equally swarm with monsters.
This must be the distinct feature of dungeons. No wonder Fran mentioned, “Dungeons are usually explored in parties.” Solo exploration comes with its share of difficulties due to the sheer number of monsters. Unless one levels up sufficiently, fledgling adventurers or students could easily be surrounded by monsters and meet their demise.
As I stoop to pick up the magical stones and quietly convey my impressions, I suddenly hear noise from afar. A metallic noise and human voices?
Given that dungeons are shared areas, it’s not unusual to encounter others besides myself. In fact, encountering no one in an intermediate-level dungeon is more exceptional.
Nonetheless, this matter doesn’t concern me. I can’t interfere with others engaged in combat. After gathering the magical stones, I quickly head towards the boss area in the depths. Time is precious as I aim for the boss’s drop items.
Just in that moment…
“If you understand what you’ve done, that’s fine. Fortunately, it’s you who faced me… But, don’t do it again. If I catch you doing it, I can’t guarantee what I’ll do.”
“Y-yes.”
I give her a slight warning. Apparently, she is quite remorseful for her actions. I hope that unless something unusual arises, she won’t pass her monsters to others again.
When the girl raises her head, our eyes meet directly. She’s a brave young woman. She must be around my age, but exploring a dungeon solo requires impressive courage. Even though I have knowledge and experiences from my previous life, for the inhabitants of this world, it’s a significant challenge. And considering she was on the brink of death recently, that experience should be reminder enough.
I’ve already given my admonition, and there’s no need to be stricter. I smile slightly and continue.
“So, why did a girl like you decide to venture into a dungeon alone? Are you sure you can make it back?”
Although it would be problematic if she couldn’t return, it seems there are no concerns about that. She immediately responds to my question.
“I remember the way back. No problem in returning. I apologize for causing you inconvenience! I’m Artemis Aster, the eldest daughter of the Aster Count family.”
“Aster Count family…”
That name resonated in Hermes’s memory. They were a noble family of warriors who had accumulated numerous accomplishments in dungeons throughout generations. They were known for becoming adventurers to gain wealth and treasures.
“I see. I now understand why you came alone to a place like this. However, dungeons are dangerous. I strongly recommend exploring them with several companions.”
“I, I understand perfectly. But… still, I want to become an adventurer like my great father…!”
“Just like your great father…”
Sensing my subtle interest, whether intentionally or inadvertently, Artemis began to tell her story. Despite showing signs of emotional vulnerability, I don’t interrupt her. I’m not thinking that she should leave soon…
