Dungeon Sherpa

CH 33

Clashing together were two opposing and conflicting elements — the strained atmosphere and the calm tone of the speaking. 

In the middle of this meal where it didn’t feel like any food could be easily swallowed, a conversation, or rather, an interrogation began.

The content was to confirm the facts presented in the Dive Report, as well as matters relating to the Lich, matters the Adventurer’s Guild Guildmaster, Joe, was interested in. 

That was correct. 

After defeating the Labyrinth Boss, nothing remains. Only the path leading to the deepest part of the labyrinth — the passageway to the labyrinth core will open. 

Joe then asked a few questions about Yuika’s abilities.

What was the maximum number of monsters that could be controlled?

How long could they be used for?

<……Well, who knows. After all, she was exploring the labyrinth while constantly changing monsters.>

Were there any other restrictions?

Rowe answered smoothly.

In the bushes, Berry smirked.

As Yuika’s lover — though she still hadn’t recognised it — there was no way Rowe would openly disclose her information. While staying calm and not giving his opponents room for doubt, he was able to give a vague report. 

After that, the topic shifted to Rowe’s personal circumstances.

The questioner was Gima, the old woman from the Sherpa Guild.

<…>

Rowe, who had been answering without hesitation, fell silent.

Rowe’s “skill” referred to his passive Gift of [Stamina Recovery]. And it was true that for physical jobs such as transporting luggage, he could without a doubt, work many times more than the average person. 

Baramon nodded. 

He took a breath, to emphasise his own words. 

<–then you should never let a chance go.>

<…A chance, huh?>

There was a metallic clank, and the sound of chewing. 

<……Hm. This sauce is excellent.>

The meal progressed in silence for a while, and eventually Rowe answered.

To Gima’s teasing, Rowe let out a sigh.

Joe sounded like he had a wry smile.

Until a few years ago, in the shallow layers of Tyros Labyrinth, a certain Floor Boss was wandering around. 

Known as the Owl Bear, as the name suggested, it was a monster with a head of an owl and the body of a bear. 

Its characteristics were a body covered with stiff feathers and a tough body. It also had sharp claws. Moreover, it had the troublesome  species-specific Gift [Physical Recovery]. 

The problem was the floor where this monster appeared.

The 13th Floor――

Because the shortcut connected to the 14th Floor, most intermediate Adventurers started their exploration from the 14th Floor.  

In short, the ones with the highest possibility of encountering the Owl Bear were beginner Adventurers. 

Its spawn point was unknown. Moreover, it was a monster that roamed the labyrinth.

With its high defence and Gift of [Physical Recovery], it was disadvantageous to fight it in drawn-out battles.

In fact, many beginner Adventurers became sacrifices to the Owl Bear, and the 13th Floor came to be called the Death Floor. 

It meant that hard work put in would not be rewarded.

The reward for the Adventurer’s Guild’s subjugation request was, to put it bluntly, cheap. However, that was because the reward for success had to be split among the members in the party, so for those exploring the labyrinth individually, it was a little better. 

The respawn period of the Floor Boss was about half a month. 

Using the Dungeon Oasis on the 14th Floor as a base, Rowe explored the 13th Floor and repeatedly hunted the Owl Bear. 

It took about 3 years to figure out its spawn point. After that, to change the flow of the magic particles, one part of a passageway was sealed, and the Owl Bears no longer appeared. 

Baramon groaned.

Joe laughed mischievously.

Berii thought otherwise.

Rowe had been hunting in the 13th Floor to obtain the rare drop item from the rare Silver Plates, ‘Heavy Silver’.

The reason was “just because” or in other words, “because it was interesting”.

Actions that ordinary people couldn’t understand were intuitively understood by fellow Adventurers.

<……Rowe. You are someone who won’t hesitate having to tarnish your own name for money. Am I wrong?>

Rowe neither confirmed nor denied the old man’s question.

After taking a deep breath, he said in a relaxed tone.

Rowe answered Baramon’s question without hesitation.

“…Huhu.”

Baramon laughed.

His low-pitched laughter grew louder and deeper, echoing through the room.

Suddenly, a soft bell could be heard ringing.

A waiter immediately came into the room and cleaned up the table.

When it was quiet again, Baramonu resumed the conversation.

<–Well then. From now on, it’s time to talk about work. Of course, I hope you don’t speak of this to anyone else.>