Chapter 031. Item (1)

"It's a door."

"It is a door."

The group had gathered in front of the 'door' before they knew it.

What resembled a hidden stage generated within the dungeon could sometimes pose a threat to adventurers exploring the dungeon, and at other times, it could bring immense wealth.

Thus, Veris pondered. In fact, the only consolation for Veris, who had accepted a task that hardly resembled cleaning, was the experience points gained by those around him, including Arwen.

It was somewhat similar to what was previously referred to as 'carrying'… but if one were to argue, taking the bus was closer to Veris than to others.

In this situation, the existence of the door sparked considerable curiosity. Unlike the mixed crowd during the entrance exam, everyone present here was a renowned promising candidate.

Therefore, defeating the threats they would face ahead could potentially be of great help later on.

"Veris, what will you do?"

"Let's go in."

After a brief moment of contemplation, everyone nodded at Veris's decision.

It wasn't officially decided, but it was clear to anyone that Veris was the center of this group. Even though Veris didn't particularly prefer stepping forward, everyone unconsciously followed him as their leader.

"I'm worried that the door might be dangerous."

"Don't worry. With my brother here, even if there's a significant threat, it won't be a problem."

Maria nodded at Gunther, who was thumping his chest.

After all, who was the man calmly staring at the door at the forefront of the group? It was Veris, the eldest son of Vitelbach, currently in B-Class.

Well, it was only after coming to the academy that he learned of the Vitelbach family's considerable reputation.

─Creeeak.

As Veris raised his hand and began to push the door, it slowly creaked open with a chilling sound.

The massive door, large enough for ten people, opened effortlessly with a single gesture infused with his mana.

"...It stinks."

What greeted the group as they entered was a terrible stench.

Even in a dungeon where ventilation was difficult and air circulation didn't exist, the foul energy and horrific smell emanating from within the door were relentless.

"I can feel a powerful energy from afar."

"Is it the core of the dungeon?"

"No, the core is something the dungeon will intentionally hide. So what's in front of us is definitely not an easy opponent."

A slight tension began to rise among the group at Veris's low voice.

The mere existence of this dungeon was akin to an unknown world. Naturally, it was understandable that they had no idea what level of threat they might encounter in this unknown realm.

Clatter.

"...Something is coming."

Clatter.

"Brother, it seems like quite a number of enemies."

Clatter.

─Creeeak!

What awaited them at the entrance of the 'door' was a multitude of skeletons.

"Wow!"

Skeletons. The deceased who had not found salvation even after death began to fill the space before them.

However, the problem was that their armament was considerably superior compared to ordinary low-level monsters like skeletons.

Armed with spears, swords, shields, and even wearing armor, they approached, emitting a vivid purple glow from their eyes.

"I think I should get extra pay for this."

"I agree."

Everyone nodded at Veris, who let out a small sigh.

Even though they were inside the 'door' of the dungeon, these creatures would surely break through the door and roam the dungeon later. Was there a more considerate cleaner than someone who personally came to clean up such nuisances?

"Will you be taking action yourself, Veris?"

"No. Your growth is the priority, so I'll just observe for now."

As Veris did not express his intention to join the imminent battle, everyone's expressions grew even more serious.

Veris was strong. To the point where the end was not in sight. But no one here would dare criticize Veris for thinking of them.

"I'll take the lead!"

Gunther, stepping forward, puffed up his chest and drew his sword.

He was not just any genius swordsman of the Empire. With his exceptional abilities and talents, he wore a beast-like smile, perhaps to prove the rumors about him.

"Just don't get hurt."

"Ha ha! My brother's younger sibling is no ordinary person!"

He was clearly younger than Veris, yet his tone resembled that of a mercenary in his forties. Veris shook his head at his boisterous banter, and soon Gunther grinned and charged at the skeletons.

The second battle after the orcs. It was a contest against the endlessly approaching army of skeletons.

* * *

"Damn it!"

Gunther finally shouted in frustration at the seemingly endless stream of skeletons.

Hours had passed since the battle began.

No matter how well-armed they were compared to ordinary skeletons, they were still undead creatures moving without any muscles, supported by black mana, making it clear that dealing with them was not an easy task.

But the problem lay in their numbers.

Arwen, wielding her sword with the power of spirits.

Cecilia, enveloped in the holy light.

Gunther, swinging his sword like a madman.

And finally, Maria, attacking from a distance with magic, yet the tide of battle showed no signs of improving.

'How can there be such a space within the dungeon?'

Even if the principles of this veiled dungeon were still unclear, the sheer number of enemies was excessive.

Looking at the crumbling skeletons, one could believe that beneath this deep dungeon lay not an ordinary cave, but a city.

Naturally, Veris could not help but express his doubts. The sheer volume was beyond excessive.

Clatter.

Ultimately, Veris's sword was drawn from its sheath, having reached the limit of his patience.

It was a meaningful battle. However, the boredom far outweighed the achievements, so it was time to wrap things up.

"Our brother is using his sword!"

The one who welcomed this sight the most was Gunther, who had been leading the charge in battle.

Though his eyes were fixed ahead, he had sensed Veris's presence and was excitedly shrugging his shoulders.

"Everyone, spread out."

"Everyone, back!"

─Whoooom.

Mana began to fill the sword.

Thanks to the previous sword turning to dust, this newly acquired sword was a masterpiece from a blacksmith that had cost a considerable amount of money. True to the blacksmith's pride, it was absorbing mana quite steadily.

─Piiing!

A beam of light burst forth from the sword filled with mana. And thus began the massacre.

The skeletons, having lost their reason, were dispatched in almost an instant.

The beam of light, as if possessing a will of its own, not only dealt with all the visible skeletons but also flew into the deep darkness.

Crack! Snap!

Though they were not visible, Maria could gauge the situation from the sounds, staring blankly at Veris.

She had seen it before, but was this truly the power of a human?

She resolved to write a letter to her father as soon as she got out, partly due to the chilly gazes from Arwen and Cecilia that made her anxious.

* * *

"What is this?"

What Veris and his group encountered after passing through a quiet, cave-like passage was a massive fortress.

Even after rubbing his eyes and looking again, it was unmistakably a work that bore the traces of civilization.

Naturally, everyone's jaws dropped at the astonishing sight.

What is a dungeon?

It is akin to the secrets of this world generated by unknown powers.

Yet, within this dungeon, an endlessly grand space and fortress had appeared, raising the question of what kind of harmony this was.

"This is..."

The fortress seemed to have not been maintained for a long time, with crumbling walls and missing bricks.

However, the undeniable fact was that this fortress existed within the dungeon, and even the sky above was filled with an endlessly vast darkness, resembling the Milky Way.

"It seems we are beyond our control."

Gunther murmured quietly, his usual lightheartedness vanished.

Indeed, it was only natural to react that way upon witnessing such a spectacle.

Abnormally well-armed, endless skeleton soldiers. And the fortress and the city surrounding it, where they had arrived after defeating them.

There was no sign of life. Yet, the mere existence of such a large city within the dungeon was bizarre.

"Why did the dungeon guide us to such a place?"

"...It is truly strange. The dungeon might be trying to harm us."

At Cecilia and Arwen's voices, Veris silently gazed at the scenery before him.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to turn back now. The number of skeletons they had already dealt with must have reached thousands. It was an achievement that was excessive to call cleaning.

However, Veris couldn't easily make a judgment, feeling as if the dungeon had led him here for a reason.

The scenery that the city within the fortress would reveal, regardless of the outcome, would surely spark curiosity. "I will go in. You all should return."

"Excuse me? What do you mean by that!"

"I'll assess the situation calmly. I won't die, no matter what threat exists. Everyone here knows that."

It might sound somewhat arrogant. But having deeply felt Veris's power, everyone nodded in agreement.

"However, if any of us falls into danger, things could become complicated. I won't stop you if you choose to follow me, but it's definitely risky. Someone could end up dead."

Gulp.

At Veris's warning, someone swallowed hard, and the tension in the air thickened.

And that became the catalyst. Cecilia, worried for his safety, approached Veris.

"Is there really a need to take such a risk? The dean... what he asked for was to eliminate the monsters in the dungeon, not to explore the unknown."

"Cecilia has a point. But somehow, I feel like that city is calling to me." Saying this, Veris gazed at the partially collapsed fortress.

It was of such a grand scale that it was hard to believe it was a city deep underground. The tall buildings barely visible behind it were all in poor condition, but he felt there could be something to gain.

"...I will accompany you, Veris."

"Arwen!"

"I have grown up under your care all my life. How could I possibly leave the dungeon alone?"

"B-but there's also the option for everyone to retreat!"

"I understand the Saintess's feelings, but as a man, I cannot turn my back. A wound on my back is a knight's shame."

"Gunther too..."

Cecilia looked around at everyone with a worried expression.

She was a girl with an incredibly kind heart. Perhaps this benevolent Saintess was worried that someone among them might get hurt.

But surprisingly, even Maria expressed her willingness to join.

"I'll go too."

"Impossible..."

Cecilia's face turned blank.

Veris knew well what she dreamed of.

Tap.

"Thank you, Cecilia."

"Y-yes?"

"I'm talking about your concern for us. There's no one so oblivious as to not understand that."

Thanks to Veris's warm words as he placed a hand on her head, Cecilia looked around.

From Arwen to Maria, everyone was looking at her with warm and trustworthy smiles.

[TL: If you can't wait on updates and want to read more, please support me to read the whole novel here: https://buymeacoffee.com/mythictranslations.]