Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka - Volume 04

by Fujino Omori

  Chapter 3:

  The Blacksmith’s Hidden Secret

  “Finally, we reached the 11th floor!”

  Welf-san said as he used one hand to support his waist, while the other hand was carrying his weapon.

  Indeed, just as what he had said, we were currently located on the 11th floor of the Dungeon.

  The in front is the starting location of the 11th floor. The broad staircase that extends to the center of it. Although this floor also has mist, the format is different than the 10th floor. It will not appear at the starting location where we were currently at.

  Here the view was extremely wide. Looking around, it is a lush grassland, the height does not exceed half of a boot and the thick dead wood known as the was scattered around the surroundings.

  “Is it the first time for Welf-san to come to the 11th floor?”

  “Ahh, that’s correct. But sorry, Bell. I keep troubling you almost every day.”

  Yesterday, I was shocked when I heard that Welf-san wanted to form a party with us. However, after I heard his objective, I swiftly agreed.

  First, we signed a direct contract, there was no reason to not let him save face. Furthermore, it was a blessing that our small team would be able to gain strength.

  “No problem, and it is for the ability , it is not completely unrelated to me……”

  “Since you are this kind, it really helped me a lot.”

  Welf-san’s objective is to earn the development ability .

  Without this ability, towards a blacksmith, it could be said to be a world of difference. It is not incorrect to say that it would decide their life. Welf-san unwillingly said that the members that he used to enter with had already and he wished to catch up.

  Actually, according to common sense, no matter what faction it is, when they are exploring the Dungeon, they will find people from their own Familia……

  “Although saying this is a bit shameful……But when those people head off to the Dungeon, they do not bring me along, can you believe that?”

  ……So there was only this situation.

  In short, Welf-san was being excluded by his own faction’s members. Although requires earning a lot of high quality , but he was powerless to fight against the lower floors by himself——Just thinking about it, he knew it was too dangerous——Therefore, he could only use the last method, which was to join another ’s party.

  ’s members——Before their side as a blacksmith, they would work independently and seem to judge and solve various problems by themselves, as well as learning from their competitors. The ability, in other words the matter about , they would not only have to risk their own life as well as call their comrades, which they have good relationships with, to explore the dungeon……

  As for why there is such an exceptional situation of being excluded, Welf-san could only sulk and say: “They are jealous of my hidden talents”. However, was that the truth?

  I do not know whether if he was aware of my gaze. He scratched his hair, obediently smiled, and said:

  “Anyways, that is what happened. I am really thankful, Bell. Although I am isolated in my , I still do not intend on abandoning it.”

  “Uh, about that……Since I accepted your enormous gift, even if I wanted to reject……”

  Welf-san threw a stupid smile towards me. I, who had gifts blinding my eyes, could only feel embarrassed and followed along with a smile.

  After all, the brand new armor I was wearing was still shiny.

  “……Even though you said there is a new companion, isn’t it just Bell-sama’s heart being bought by the equipment?”

  Just when the two of us were talking, a unhappy voice interrupted from the side.

  These words filled with discontent made me sweat and I could not help but look over. I could only see Lili, who had both her hands onto the strap of her bag, looking over here unhappily.

  Although I wanted to tell her that it was a misunderstanding, from the perspective of a spectator, there was no difference of being bribed.

  Right now, the equipment on my body, armor, was a newly produced light armor created before by Welf-san.

  Compared to the earlier light armor, there were no major differences. It was a set with a breastplate, a knee guard in order to protect the knees, and a handguard with small pieces of ruby that extended from the wrist all the way to the elbow. Isn’t it even cooler?

  However, the armor still remains light. Although Welf-san said that the thickness of the armor had increased compared to the earlier armor, I did not feel that it was as heavy as what he claimed. After changing into the equipment, I did not feel uncomfortable at all.

  Although I was not fully attracted by this set of armor……Uh, but saying that it did not tempt me was a lie.

  Therefore, I could only apologetically smile towards Lili’s eyes of contempt.

  “Ahh, Lili is really unlucky, it is a really pitiful sight. Even though you were only going to buy stuff, it completely followed Lili’s uneasy expectation, and brought back a bunch of trouble……Bell-sama’s kindness really makes Lili burst into tears.”

  These sarcastic words that were as heavy as fists bombarded me and opened wounds, even Welf-san’s armor could not cope with it……!

  However, you said that the troubles have also increased……!

  “You are saying too much, Lili!? Welf-san is not doing anything bad……What you said about causing trouble is absolutely a misunderstanding!?”

  “——How is it a misunderstanding! Saying “during the period before I obtain the ability”, isn’t that basically using us! And isn’t he a temporary member of the party!? If this Blacksmith-san, who no one recognizes, completes his objective and leaves the team, then Bell-sama will have to go back to fighting alone because there is only a Supporter remaining! We just advanced further yet we would have to go back!? Isn’t that just wasting our lives! That’s right, it is simply an unpromising future!!”

  With a sharp gaze, Lili rebutted my protest.

  This stormy barrage made me become like a sieve, I was unable to speak, and bowed down under Lili’s sharp tongue.

  Too embarrassing……W…Welf-san’s gaze……!

  “Bell-sama, why did you not discuss with Lili and just casually allow him to join!”

  “I… I can’t……?

  “It isn’t that you can’t, but having said that, it cannot justify why you did not discuss with Lili! Hestia-sama also requested me to carefully take care of Bell-sama!”

  I…Is that so. However, I say Kami-sama, you even requested Lili to do such things……Am I really that uncredible?

  I sadly bowed my head and looked at Lili, who was glaring at me with a menacing atmosphere. It feels that the reason of her anger was not only because of Welf-san.

  How should I put it, it seems like she was extremely concerned about me……or something similar. It probably isn’t true.

  Probably, it was because I make others feel that I am not trustworthy, so that she must watch over me before she stops.

  “What is it, am I really a hindrance, pipsqueak follower?”

  At this time, Welf-san, who was observing us from the side, began to speak.

  Originally, Lili did not like Welf-san. After hearing , her expression worsened.

  “I am not a pipsqueak! Lili’s name is Liliruca Arde!”

  “Is that so, then nice to meet you, Follower Lili.”

  “……I won’t argue with you, since there is no reason to waste my energy.”

  Looking at Welf, who was playing dumb, (no, perhaps he was really dumb) bow down and apologetically smile, Lili could only turn her face to one side.

  Welf-san still had a cheerful expression……I do not know why, but I had a premonition that there would be much trouble in the future.

  “……Then, Lili. Al
though it is a bit late, let me introduce him. This person is Welf Crosso-san, he is a blacksmith affiliated with .”

  I think that I should at least get the basics done, thus I told Lili Welf-san’s full name. From the beginning at the meeting up location this morning, Lili’s irritated mood rapidly increased, so I did not have the chance to say it.

  As for Lili’s name, Welf-san had just heard it from her, so it should not matter.

  I did not expect that Lili would have any response and could only continue to speak back——

  “Crosso?”

  The instant she heard Welf-san’s name, Lili rapidly turned back.

  I did not expect such a big reaction and could not finish speaking the words.

  “The surname of the Cursed Magic Swords Blacksmith? Is it that withering, famous Blacksmith Family?”

  Magic Sword, Blacksmith……?

  No, compared to that, what is a Blacksmith Family……

  I could only understand half of Lili’s words, so I looked towards Welf-san in confusion.

  His face suddenly sank and he also pursed his lips.

  “T…That…… is?”

  I looked at the two of them who revealed completely different expressions and asked about the matter regarding Welf-san’s surname. Lili widened her eyes and looked at me with a completely silent expression.

  “Bell-sama, you really don’t know anything……?”

  “Uh, that……Y…Yes.”

  There was no way of denying it so I simply nodded.

  Lili sighed and began to explain it briefly.

  “ Before had acquired the status of nobility by presenting to the royal family , it is a famous family among Blacksmith families. According to this, the creations of were all ……The amount of swords that have been dedicated to the royal family throughout the generations had already surpassed millions.”

  “Millions……!?”

  “It is not incorrect to say that they are the leader of Magic Swords. There were also praises that their swords could ……”

  After Lili said up to this point, she paused and glanced at Welf-san.

  She pondered what to say for a while and afterwards, she quietly continued:

  “……One day, they lost the trust from the royal family. Up till now, it has completely gone downhill……”

  Lili ended with a somewhat anticlimactic explanation, and I did not know what kind of expression to make as I look at Welf-san.

  After Welf-san scratched his head, he waved his hand.

  “……It’s not a problem. Anyways, that’s what happened, it does not matter now. Since we arrived at the Dungeon, there is only one thing to do, right?”

  “Ah……Y…Yes.”

  Welf-san bowed his head and looked at me. He smiled slightly and simply changed the topic.

  The weapon placed on his shoulders……The Long Sword, whose broad blade boasts the largest attack range, sunk into the grassland.

  I awkwardly nodded. Lili, who was beside me, stared at Welf-san’s face.

  “——?”

  “Ah?”

  Just when we faced each other, biki , a sound entered our ears.

  There was only a slight pause. We, who were battle-hardened, did not need to consider anything and knew what this unlucky tearing sound represents.

  Monsters were being born in the Dungeon.

  “Uuuu, WAAA……!”

  “……It really isn’t small.”

  “It’s a .”

  Following the three different reactions, the dungeon walls in front of us constantly cracked and shattered.

  And after the walls were destroyed from the inside, a thick brown arm was revealed from the hole.

  The remains of the crushed dungeon walls scattered constantly down to the floor like an egg shell. Following the destroyed walls, not only a left arm, even a right arm and lastly, a huge pig head also appeared in front of us.

  “BUGI……OOOOOO……”

  After this hoarse cry, the Orc’s full appearance finally emerged.

  (It is the first time I witnessed the birth of an Orc……)

  The instant I witnessed the birth of the large-sized Monster, I could not help suck in a cold breath.

  The scene of its huge body crushing the walls was indeed shocking.

  The Orc that was crawling on the ground slowly stood up.

  “……It’s not finished. So that’s why it is said that from the 10th floor onwards, it is not a joke.”

  Yes, the sounds of the walls being crushed did not stop yet. The surroundings were all echoing the same sound. Looking closely, monsters emerged from all the walls of the room.

  From the 10th floor onwards, it is possible that a large amount of Monsters would instantly appear at the same area. Once this phenomenon appears, the area which was completely empty before would soon be packed with monsters. Some even call it .”

  Needless to say, this is a very dangerous situation. Especially when you are at the center of the room. You will be instantly surrounded by monsters. I unconsciously let out a wry smile.

  “Ara, don’t be so pessimistic. Fortunately, this hall does not have any fog and the area is also very big. We do not need to be worried about being surrounded quickly. In case of the worst situation, we can still retreat to the 10th floor.”

  Lili calmly finished speaking. “Heh”, she shook the bag from her shoulders.

  She had once partied with many Adventurer teams, and she also had experience of coming down to the 11th floor. Although her was the worst out of all of us, her guts were not small.

  After listening to her words, I immediately turned back and look at the large staircase behind us. My heart immediately calmed down a bit.

  “Okay, leave the Orc to me.”

  “Eh, is that okay?”

  Welf-san volunteering on his own was outside of my expectation.

  The Orc’s power was enormous. Basically, as long as you directly take one hit, it was enough to cause a Lv. 1, no, even a Lv. 2 Adventurer would lose their battle ability.

  Looking at me, who was surprised, Welf-san also had an incredulous expression.

  “This is what I wish for? Their actions are slow, and their head is also big. Even if it is me, I can easily settle this matter.”

  Ah, so you were thinking of it like this……

  I do not know whether if I was overly cautious or Welf-san was overly daring. Anyways, it seems like he viewed the Orc as if it was a weakling. Welf-san quickly looked in front and smiled.

  . Although it is a faction that focuses on Blacksmithing, its combat ability is not to be underestimated. A large part of the members are so-called Combat Blacksmiths. Welf-san is not an exception —— Although he claims that it is something that he had to do in order to earn the ability —— but on the way here, it was possible to tell that his battle ability was definitely in the lead in terms of a Lv. 1 Adventurer. He would definitely not be a burden even at the 10th floor.

  “Bell-sama, please move by yourself according to the opportunities you see. Let Lili offer her power and help out this Blacksmith-san. However, truthfully speaking, if Bell-sama could take care of this side, it would be the best.”

  “Oh? What, do you find that I am an eyesore, Follower Lili?”

  “Hating you is obvious. Lili only does not want to drag down Bell-sama.”

  Lili directed and revealed a evil grin towards Welf-san. I could only let out a wry smile.

  Lili’s proposal was based on the premise that I had already leveled to Lv. 2. She felt that after , I should be fine working independently.

  There was nothing to object to.

  ……And, although this may be a bit presumptuous.

  But I wanted to understand my current strength.

  “Okay, once there are a lot of Imps, it would not be easy to deal with.”

&nbs
p; “There is no need for you to say that. Bell-sama, you understand, right……”

  “Yes, rest assured, I will not be careless.”

  We all drew our weapons and placed our posture.

  I stretched my body and immediately switched consciousness. Then I rushed out in one breath.

  “HIIII!” “HIIGGYAA!”

  I flew across the grassland and rushed towards the Imps that gathered together.

  On the way to the 11th floor, although we encountered monsters many times, it was all dealt with by Welf-san. This is the first time I am going all out in a battle today.

  The swarms of sight and sounds may seem to be intimidating, it was 1 vs. 5, and the enemy numbers were increasing.

  It was impossible to count the amount of monsters being born by the dungeon. Following my attack, the surrounding Imps also joined the battle.

  ——But today, I bravely moved forward.

  I further lowered my upper body.

  Looking at the distance between my enemies shorten, I ferociously stepped down on my right leg.

  Then, the grassland exploded.

  “——Huh?”

  The Imps appeared in front of me.

  No.

  It was me, I instantly shortened the distance between the two sides.

  This acceleration was really not a joke, even the sound of the winds beside my ear were whistling.

  However, even if my speed was fast enough so that I turned into a blur, it feels that I was able to keep up with it.

  Me appearing suddenly caused the Imps to widen their eyes and I suddenly swung downwards towards them with the .

  Sannn, a swift sound rang out.

  “!?”

  The Imps’ head entirely flew off.

  The remaining ones could only look at their comrades’ flying head or stare at the purplish-blue light road of movement.

  This unexpected situation made them all dumbfounded and I did not hesitate to attack them.

  Beheaded.

  After my body’s jump that was floating like a feather, I dashed through the enemies like a bolt of lightning. The instant I passed by, the Imp’s body would be torn apart and scatter down onto the floor.

  One slash for one. The and ’s flashes intertwined. Under their sharp movement that goes through their bodies, I cut the Imps into pieces.