Chapter 166
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 166
Chapter Title: Kobolds and the Underground Labyrinth
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After seizing the map, we charged toward the surface with unstoppable momentum.
Thank goodness Winia had checked the map so carefully. She directed us with the poise of a sharp-minded mage, guiding our group skillfully. We ran into other adventurer parties along the way, but fortunately, no blood was spilled.
Conscientious folks exist everywhere.
It was a moment that proved there was still hope in this world.
Didn't they say Pandora's box still held hope, even after everything else spilled out?
"Oh, ooh...!"
It didn't take long. Soon enough, we reached the exit where sunlight poured in abundantly. Welcoming genuine natural light instead of artificial flames felt like vitamin D surging through my entire body.
"Ugh, finally out. I just want to get back and crash."
Claudy stretched languidly. I followed suit. My body ached all over... The outside world still looked like early morning. How long had we been down there? At least a full day, for sure.
We'd been through absolute hell.
Fuck, that was brutally tough.
"What now? Nap here for a bit, or just grab a carriage and head back?"
I was so exhausted I wanted to pass out right then and there. No matter how much they gouged me on inn fees, I just needed sleep. The thought of finally catching a break was already making my eyes heavy.
"Does our little darky want to stick around here longer?"
"No."
"Then why are you talking nonsense? Snap out of it and hail a carriage."
"Yeah, probably better to rest once we're back... But aren't you hungry?"
—Grrrooowl.
My stomach was rumbling fiercely.
We'd devoured all our rations. Assuming a few hours on the carriage, it made sense to grab some food first. So we decided to eat at the same restaurant we'd stopped at before entering the dungeon.
We snagged a table and ordered stew.
"We've got a mountain of work ahead."
Our job wasn't done yet. Bags stuffed with junk loot, two bags snatched from the bandits, weapons, leather armor—we had to sell it all and turn it into cash before we could call it quits.
Just thinking about it made my head throb.
When the hell could I rest?
"You did great, Katt. At least the hard part's over, right?"
"I always crash hardest when it's cleanup time."
The end is always the toughest stretch. Claudy kneaded the back of my neck. I nearly dozed off right there, but the stew arrived just in time, so I grabbed a spoon.
Hunger made it taste way better than last time, even if it was the same stuff. The fullness brought back the drowsiness... Guess I'd sleep on the carriage. First, a quick splash on the face.
After eating, we rested for about thirty minutes. I found a nearby well and washed up. My whole body was pickled in blood, sweat, and tears. The second I got back to the inn, a shower was priority one.
Anyway, time to head out.
We regrouped and hailed a carriage.
"Departing for Isvant!"
We were all wiped out, shambling aboard like zombies. I felt like I might black out any second. I stacked our gear neatly on the floor, slumped into my seat, and closed my eyes.
Winia leaned against my shoulder. Straight ahead sat Claudy and Elise. Had Claudy gotten her spot stolen?
"What? Upset it's not your darky sis?"
"Nah. Sleep well."
"You look pissed for some reason."
"I'm fine, seriously."
Winia eyed me suspiciously and then pillowed her head on my thigh. Her small stature was a plus; even in the cramped carriage, she seemed comfy enough.
I kept my eyes open a bit longer before drifting off.
Arriving in Isvant, the air itself felt different.
I couldn't pinpoint exactly what, but it was different, for sure. And why not? It was so refreshingly clean. This place was practically my second hometown. Damn right it was.
"Hope to see you again!"
I waved to the coachman. It was still midday. If it had been dark, I'd have ditched everything for more sleep, but a competent adventurer makes efficient use of time.
"Elise. We need to settle up, but as you know, we've got way too much stuff. It'll take a while. We'll handle the selling, so can you meet us in front of the Adventurer's Guild around lunchtime tomorrow? We'll hand over your cut then."
Elise had to head back to Krasheim anyway. She needed to file a report, so she'd stay the night. No need to complicate things—meet tomorrow and pay her share.
"Whatever's easiest for you. Since you offered, I'm just grateful."
"No big deal. It's simpler this way."
No point dragging Elise around like locusts while we shopped everywhere. I planned to swing by the inn too, and making her wait would've been rude.
Besides, there was zero chance of her scamming me over the payout. She and I were like soul brothers.
I trusted her, and she trusted me.
We were united by faith.
Soul brothers? More like divine brothers, then.
Either way, that's the level of trust between us.
"See you tomorrow, then. Guild front at lunch."
"Thank you for your consideration. Until tomorrow, holy one. Safe travels."
Elise bowed and walked off. Clack, clack. What a dedicated nun. She'd find lodging nearby, and with the cash we'd taken from the bandits, she wouldn't go hungry.
"Alright, let's head back to the inn."
"Finally some rest? Whew, Katt. I'm beat—comfort me later?"
Claudy hugged my neck from behind, pressing close. Sis, I don't even have the energy to shake my hips right now... Tonight might be too much. Not that Claudy cared about my state.
"Nope. Gotta finish business first."
"Fine?"
"Sis, back off a bit?"
We headed straight to the inn.
Our long-term lodging felt like home. Had I ever grown this attached to a place since coming to this world? Not that I recalled. That's why the "homey" vibe always felt fresh.
I peeled off the reattaching Claudy and beelined for the shower. —Splash. Kobold blood, bandit blood, sweat from squeezing every ounce of energy, tears... It all washed away in the cold water.
Now, change clothes and head to the witch.
Hand the junk loot for magic materials to Winia, and ask Claudy to sell the gear.
"Hey, I'm out."
I showered quick and emerged to find Winia and Claudy waiting. Should we upgrade to a bigger room? Sharing one shower among three felt cramped.
"Winia. I'm heading out now to sell the queen's stuff. Can you handle the kobold materials?"
"Me first for a shower. Gotta sell before prices drop."
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it... Just sell that darky stuff good."
Winia headed in for her shower. I changed clothes immediately. Had to gear up fully—heading to the slums.
That shithole was a powder keg.
Better prepared for accidents.
"Claudy?"
She started stripping. Was she about to pounce? I instinctively struck a battle stance in my half-naked state, but luckily, no.
"Huh? What're you doing, Katt?"
"Nothing."
She walked to the shower door, clothes off.
"W-Wait... No! Winia's in there!"
"Shh, Katt. Let's be quiet?"
"No way...!"
Double shower with Winia!
Claudy was clearly planning to ambush the carefree Winia!
I could already hear Winia's screams, but against Claudy, she'd be helpless. Those massive breasts toyed with in Claudy's hands... Not bad at all.
Government should promote this.
Harmony between half-elf and human women.
Worthy of a monument.
"Don't bully her too much. If you two finish up, can you sell off the gear we nabbed? Rest if you're tired. I can do it when I get back."
"Nah, I'll handle it. Heading to that black mage shop, right?"
"Yeah. You hate it, and Winia wouldn't like it either. I'll go. Be back soon."
"Hehe. See ya."
Claudy waved and opened the shower door. "S-Sis?!" Curious as I was, I headed out too.
Damn it!!!!
Got a boner, seriously!!!!!
With my swollen manhood, I stepped into the street.
Lisha the black mage. Hadn't visited since the cultist cleanup—quite a while. I'd packed the wands in my bag, of course.
The kobold queen's crown.
And the restraints.
No idea the price, but please don't disappoint. That damn kobold queen I caught had to be worth something... I clung to that faith amid my bitching.
"To Jongno?"
I headed toward the slums.
"Or Myeongdong?"
Of course, singing along.
"How about Cheongnyangni?"
Repeating Seol Wondo's compass song forty times, I ghosted into the slums' entrance. What? Memory gap? Had I become the Pied Piper without realizing?
Sang too passionately and hit a trance state.
Guess I had singing talent.
A dream I couldn't chase now, but regrettable.
Anyway, into the slum alleys.
I knew Lisha's black magic shop location by heart, no wandering. But from the entrance, I stayed on max alert.
Fuck, I'd killed so many here, it made me uneasy.
Back-alley thugs after pockets? Not scary. But prep for ambushes never hurts. Just habit from cautious living.
What would they even know about me to attack?
"Here we are."
The witch's dreary house stood unchanged. I approached slowly and stood at the door. Wait, she said mornings were tough? Shit. Steeled myself and knocked softly.
—Knock. Knock. Knock.
—Creeak.
The door opened right away.
...Welcoming me, right?
"...Hello. It's Katt. Is the great witch in? I brought something amazing again. Thought you'd love it... Hello?"
Faint light filtered through slightly open windows, so not too dark. I scanned around. Not here?
"I'm here... Quite early, aren't you? Sit for now."
A voice from inside.
There she was: Lisha, looking a bit fatigued.
"Oh, did I come at a bad time? Sorry."
"That's fine... But you're late, actually. Would've been better earlier."
"I was busy... Always meant to come sooner."
"Sit."
Still in negligee, she beckoned. That luxurious sofa from before. I set down my bag and sat.
"Oh? What's that? Feels like strong magic. Show me?"
"Sure."
I pulled out the kobold queen's crown and restraints, laying them on the glass table. Lisha watched intently, then asked for details.
"These are from the kobold queen. I figure some evil bastard forced them on her on purpose. Kobolds don't craft crowns themselves, right? Anyway, that cursed queen was..."
I padded the story out and wrapped up. Satisfied, Lisha smiled at me.
"I see..."
How much would she offer...? Tense, I watched her. Chin propped, legs crossed, she looked like an imperious queen. Pale skin. Silver hair. Crimson eyes like bloodied rot. Pointed ears.
An ominously striking woman.
"..."
Hey, quit grinning and talk...
"No need to rush."
"Huh?"
"Tea?"
"Ah... Yes. Thank you."
Black tea appeared on the table.
I picked it up without thinking.
"Drink up. It's fine."
"Then, excuse me..."
—Gulp.
The tea wet my mouth. No tea expert, but the aroma and taste screamed high-end. Tea ceremony... Nice hobby... Huh?
"...Huh?"
...What? This dizziness?
Suddenly the world warped, vertigo hitting hard. Trembling, I barely set down the cup... What the...
"Mm? What's wrong?"
"I... feel... my body..."
"Oh dear? Sick? Adventuring's rough, but health first."
Lisha's concerned face doubled. Two? Three? Four...? —Flash. Vision went black.
The last thing I saw was Lisha's twisted smile.