Chapter: 175
The day after conquering the 10th floor of Menes Tail Dungeon.
Starting my assault from the 11th floor, I felt that tackling the dungeon had become way more pleasant.
It wasn’t about the temperature; I hadn’t even put on the necklace yet, so how could I feel cool?
What I meant was that the number of adventurers had significantly decreased.
There were likely multiple reasons for this. Not many could breach the 10th floor boss guarding the entrance.
Rumors about the dungeon’s peculiarities had likely made others hesitant to venture in too.
Anyway, thanks to that, I didn’t encounter a single adventurer on my way up to the 20th floor.
If there are no variables while traversing the dungeon, it’s pretty predictable.
Having been stressed out from the heat the day before, I gritted my teeth and speedran.
Just to obtain a feel of coolness after breaking through to the 20th floor.
“Ha. Running to death ain’t easy, huh?”
“Is this how drained you get? You still have a long way to go.”
“Hey, I’m an informant, not a knight!”
Having zipped through the dungeon in record time and entrusted the boss room battle to Karl and Alsetin, I pulled out the necklace as soon as I reached the 21st floor.
As I put it on, the stifling heat that had been weighing me down melted away, replaced by a delightful chill.
That coolness seeped through my bones, but thankfully, it didn’t feel like it would freeze me to death like the first time I tried it on.
Instead, it felt refreshing.
After a clash of heat and cold, the cold emerged victorious, giving me pleasant goosebumps. After two days of living in that heat, I welcomed the chill with open arms.
Great! Just having this makes me feel like some of the stress I’d built up has floated away.
Feeling energized, I made my way over to Karl and Alsetin, who were playfully pushing each other.
“Hey, you noobs. You’re not feeling tired yet, are you? Right? You wouldn’t be more useless than me, a girl, would you?”
“Of course not, Young Lady.”
“…Uh, are we moving on?”
The reactions from the two were quite contrasting.
Karl, who had grown accustomed to the hellish life of the Alrn family, nodded as if it was obvious, while Alsetin, who was a bit more ordinary, trembled his lips.
Alsetin, you seem a little worn out, huh?
I mean, it makes sense. They’d been battling and running for hours on end.
While I had a bit of downtime, these two hadn’t caught a single break, so it’s only natural they’d show signs of fatigue.
But c’mon! Going down faster would work out in your favor too, Alsetin.
Right?
So, let me give you a motivational push!
“Really? ♡ So you were just a weak bug compared to me? ♡ I mean, you’re just a pathetic loser from the back alleys, so I’ll graciously overlook it for you! ♡ Hehe!”
As I openly laughed at Alsetin, I could see the vein popping on his forehead.
“…No. I can do it.”
“If you can’t, it’s fine to say so ♡ Just admit to being weaker than a little girl! ♡ Not like that’s wrong anyway, so what’s the problem? ♡”
“I’m fine. I’ll give it a try.”
You said you’d do it, huh? I’m not forcing you, okay?
So don’t blame me later for being a bad boss, got it?
*
Recently, a receptionist at the Menes Tail Adventurers Guild, Charze, had developed a fear of evenings.
Evening used to be a happy time for him.
Seeing the sunset meant he’d be able to go home soon.
He enjoyed heading to the tavern every night for two big mugs of beer and some skewers; how could he not look forward to evenings?
But now, he dreaded the coming night because of one person.
Bang!
The door swung open, turning the gazes of the adventurers toward this new arrival, only to scatter away immediately.
There was no reason to show interest, but they didn’t want to draw attention either.
Why drag their feet? Why get picky? Why rush someone who arrived late? They were all spouting accusations at the receptionist’s desk.
Typically, adventurers wouldn’t budge an inch for anyone entering. But today was different.
As leaves scatter in the wind, the adventurers gave way for a young girl entering, and Charze strained to offer her the kindest smile.
“Hey, what’s up with your beastly looks? Almost thought you were something I should be feeding.”
“I’m sorry for looking like this!”
Lucy Alrn.
The only child of the continent-famous hero, Benedict Alrn, and a hellion who’d bite anything that didn’t suit her fancy, no matter if they were royals or nobles.
What kind of whim led Lucy Alrn to tackle the Menes Tail dungeon? The reluctant Charze had been stuck dealing with her stress every evening since he was assigned to her care.
“Move faster, you lumpy oaf! You know wasting my time isn’t acceptable, right?”
At least one good thing was that Lucy Alrn wasn’t as nasty as the rumors suggested.
Sure, her words could be brutal, and she took pleasure in provoking others, but that was where it ended.
She just laughed at those trembling in fear without carrying it further.
Furthermore, she had rescued several adventurers from the dungeon yesterday, leading to gossip among the guild that Lucy Alrn wasn’t that bad despite her harsh mouth.
As one veteran adventurer had joked, maybe she had grown up from being a hell-raiser.
Of course, all rumors had nothing to do with Charze.
For him, working under Lucy Alrn’s scornful gaze was simply a source of stress.
“Honestly, you’re as dull as you look. Why’s it taking this long to evaluate the loot?”
“I’m sorry, Young Lady Alrn.”
Finally, it was done.
Once this person leaves, he could finally prepare to head home comfortably!
With a joyful heart, Charze was about to hand over the money to Lucy Alrn, but suddenly remembered he had something important to share and halted.
“What’s up, lumpy?”
“Young Lady Alrn, there have been ongoing abnormal phenomena in the dungeon. It poses unexpected threats, so please be cautious when entering…”
“Pfft.”
Lucy Alrn snorted at Charze’s warning, looking at him like he was a clown.
“Are you worried about me? Trying to garner my attention? A pedo who likes girls, huh? Pervert. Beast. Disgusting.”
“No! That’s not it at all!”
“Wow. Your face is all red. A loser getting played by a girl. So pathetic.”
After Lucy chuckled and left, Charze slammed his forehead against the reception desk.
Haaaah.
I hate it.
I really do.
When is that girl gonna leave?!
Menes Tail Dungeon is a savage environment that has driven off many noble heirs. Why is she still here acting all bratty?!
Go back! Act spoiled and return to your territory!
With a sigh and his hand raking through his hair, Charze felt someone tap him on the shoulder and lifted his head.
“Hey, Charze. Are you—”
“No! I don’t like the kind of person who comes out from here!”
“Is that why you can’t get a girlfriend?”
“No, that’s not it Aaaah!”
His frustrated shout lightened the somewhat tense atmosphere in the guild, even if just for a moment.
But that brief moment passed quickly.
With another swing of the door, silence returned to the guild.
This time, it wasn’t Lucy Alrn making a return.
It was Meg Georg, the heir of Count Georg Family who managed the Menes Tail.
The expression of every person inside the guild stiffened at the sight of the nobleman.
Charze was no exception.
The one who had been shouting moments ago was now hastily bowing to Meg Georg, swallowing hard.
What’s going on? Why is someone who usually just lazes around the family come here?
“Meg Georg! What brings you here?”
The guild master dashed out to greet Meg, but Meg’s face remained indifferent.
What the… Usually, he’d be blasted for not being polite.
That guy is notorious for being difficult, too.
“I have things to discuss regarding the dungeon’s rampage. I plan to form an investigation team.”
“Ah! Yes, that’s definitely an important matter! We were preparing for that!”
“No. Just explain the details to the butler here. I have other matters to attend to.”
Meg Georg turned to look out the guild’s window after responding.
“Hey, Guild Master.”
“Yes?”
“Who’s that girl that just left? She’s a face I haven’t seen before.”
As Meg Georg glanced back at Charze, he felt a chill crawling down his spine.
*
Menes Tail is a crossroads for adventurers and common folks.
Why, you ask?
Look at the conditions of the dungeon! Who among the noble heirs would dare tackle this place?!
I’m already about to die from the difficulty, and there’s no way your average nobleman could withstand this heat. No way.
While a few brave noble sons trying to turn their fortunes around attempt to challenge the massive dungeon, those guys usually look for a more comfortable location. They won’t come to this grueling, unpleasant spot.
So, Menes Tail has an overwhelmingly lower noble ratio than other dungeons.
Naturally, the primary patrons here are the common folk and adventurers, meaning the shops and markets have adapted to that.
Why do you think the eateries in Academy Street are tailored to noble heirs?
Because they emphasize a luxurious, glamorous, and refined atmosphere.
Sure, it tastes good, but when you always eat like that, there comes a day when unhealthy food starts calling to you.
The taste so simple it punches you in the gut; that’s something I wanted today.
I headed to a restaurant on Menes Tail Street to satisfy that craving.
In this commoners’ alley, that kind of food is their specialty!
“Grandpa, Grandpa! Look at that! Isn’t that amazing?!”
Oh man, look at them tearing into that pork leg.
It’s so raw and aggressive! It looks super tasty!
[This isn’t a place that’d typically align with your tastes…]
“Grandpa! How long will you be stuck in the past? You need to enjoy new cultures!”
As I eagerly waited for my food to arrive while fussing over my grandpa, a group came into the restaurant.
Men dressed in expensive clothing adorned with flashy decorations, flanked by bodyguards.
That guy… he’s gotta be the first son of Menes Tail, right?
A scumbag with a nasty personality who enjoys womanizing.
The very same jerk responsible for a lot of the toxicity in Menes Tail’s stories.
What the hell is he doing here?
He’s a noble, talented mage yet he despises commoners and adventurers. What’s his deal coming to a place like this?
“Oh, there he is.”
As Meg scanned around the restaurant, his eyes met mine, and a smug grin spread across his face.
…What the hell? What’s with that creepy smile and stare?!
Hold up! What’s he doing here?!
Don’t you know Lucy Alrn?!
I’m the lunatic from the Alrn family! If you poke me, I’ll bite back!
Stay away! Don’t come near me!
“Greetings, beautiful lady. My name is Meg Georg. I’m the first son of the Count Georg Family managing Menes Tail.”
Trying his best to be suave, the creep gave me a formal greeting, locking eyes with me while smirking.
Ah, life really sucks.
Why do the only guys approaching me seem to be these perverted losers?!
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