First, Consider the Efficiency (1)
The second dungeon, reached by following Adelaide's guidance. Even though we had walked without rest, it took a full half-day to get here. However, unlike the first dungeon, finding this one ourselves made the experience feel entirely fresh.
"The Underground Catacombs... Now that's a name that sounds like it's hiding plenty of good items."
"I believe it goes down to the fourth basement floor."
The Underground Catacombs. Unlike the cavernous layout of the previous dungeon, this was a massive, man-made sepulcher resting beneath an ancient cathedral.
If the Lucky Cow King's dungeon had been thick with the wild, feral aura of beasts, this place was draped in a bleak, chilling shroud of death. Just staring into its depths sent a shiver down my spine.
"Four floors... A dungeon of this scale should yield some rather lucrative rewards."
"Are you seriously... thinking about rewards even in a gloomy place like this?"
"We came here specifically for the loot. Wouldn't it be stranger not to think about the rewards?"
"Well, I suppose that's true, but..."
"We have no time to waste. Let's head inside immediately."
Only then did I gently set Adelaide down from my arms and stride toward the entrance of the Underground Catacombs. She scurried after me, her expression already tight with tension. Judging by her sheer gravity, this place was likely incomparably more dangerous than the Lucky Cow King's dungeon.
"Be careful. This is an unconquered dungeon, so there's no telling what might happen."
"It's not even that far from the Empire. Why hasn't anyone cleared it yet?"
"Because it's crawling with ridiculously powerful monsters. On top of that, the layout inside is incredibly complex."
Adelaide whispered softly, taking a shallow breath. "Countless adventurers have stepped inside trying to conquer it, but not a single soul has ever crossed the threshold of the fourth floor."
"Does that mean people have managed to clear up to the third floor?"
"Yes, exactly. This dungeon is quite old, just like the last one."
A dungeon soaked in the blood, sweat, and tears of countless adventurers. I could already tell that half-hearted resolve would get us nowhere here.
"By the way, you know quite a lot about this place. I didn't expect you to be so well-informed."
"As the prospective Crown Princess, I studied diligently to be of use to His Highness."
"The Crown Prince runs dungeons?"
"Yes. A ruler must understand dungeons to govern the Empire properly."
My head tilted in genuine confusion. "I find that hard to understand. Why on earth would a crown prince risk his life diving into dungeons?"
At my bewildered question, Adelaide offered a bitter smile and replied softly, "To win the acknowledgment of the people."
"The acknowledgment of the people?"
"A monarch who enriches the Empire with resources harvested from dungeons... There is a widespread belief that such a ruler is the only true sovereign chosen by the Goddess."
You had to know how to raid dungeons to be recognized as a true ruler. At first glance, it sounded absurd, but in a world dominated by adventurers, it made perfect sense. After all, while dungeons were infested with deadly monsters, they were also massive treasure troves overflowing with wealth and vital resources.
"I see. That actually makes sense."
If the nation's core resources came from dungeons, then the imperial family personally leading raids was the ultimate display of competence. It was the most powerful political performance possible to win the hearts of the public.
"The throne is not a place where one can simply sit back and issue commands."
"In short, you accumulated all this dungeon knowledge just to impress the Crown Prince."
"……Excuse me?"
"Your devotion is truly impressive."
She must have studied so thoroughly because she was betrothed to him. Though she had now lost everything and was reduced to wandering dungeons with me, I could easily guess how fiercely she had once cared for the safety of the Empire and the imperial family.
"N-No! That was then, but not anymore!"
"Pardon?"
"I'm just asking to be absolutely sure... but you don't think I still have feelings for His Highness, do you?"
The moment the words left my mouth, Adelaide's entire face flushed crimson, and she began frantically waving her hands in the air. I blinked slowly, silently watching her fluster and squirm.
"Why are you so flustered? I wasn't even thinking that far ahead."
"O-Oh, well, that's a relief then..."
I had no idea why she was denying it so desperately, but her past didn't matter right now. The dungeon right in front of us did.
"Well, my curiosity is satisfied. Let's head inside."
"Ah, wait a moment. You might not need this, but just in case..."
Just as I wrapped up the conversation and prepared to take my first step into the Underground Catacombs without hesitation, Adelaide grabbed my arm and hurriedly held something out to me.
"It's a potion. I swiped it from His Highness while he was unconscious."
What Adelaide handed me was a vial filled with a vibrant red liquid.
"……So that's what you were searching for so diligently while the Crown Prince was knocked out?"
"It's not like I'll ever see His Highness again anyway."
"You're far more thorough than I thought."
"If we're going to keep raiding dungeons, we need to keep a few potions on hand for emergencies."
My assumption that she would be entirely passive due to her trauma was completely shattered. Adelaide was far smarter and more calculating than she let on.
"It seems I underestimated you."
"Do you see me in a new light now?"
"Yes. You're quite reliable. I'm truly glad to have you in my party."
"Oh, it's really nothing... but thank you for the compliment."
I took only one of the potions she offered as an emergency backup. I didn't need any more than that, so I handed the rest back to her.
"One is enough for me. Keep the rest for yourself in case you get into trouble."
"Just one? We're going all the way down to the fourth floor, there's no telling what might happen..."
"It looks like a High-grade Potion. I'll assess the situation as we go before deciding if I need more."
Unless things went horribly wrong, I would barely have any use for it anyway. Having Adelaide carry these High-grade Potions would do far more to increase our party's overall survival rate. Besides, I still had Two Hearts, the resurrection item I had obtained as a reward for slaying the Lucky Cow King.
"I'd feel much better if you took just one more..."
"Even if you say that, my decision stands. Your chances of dying are significantly higher than mine."
With those blunt words, I shoved the heavy, tightly shut doors of the Underground Catacombs open with both hands.
Creeeeak... The ominous groan of rusted hinges echoed. A foul, freezing draft rushed out the moment the doors parted. The pungent stench of rotting mold stung my nose, and weeds pushing through the cracks of the cathedral's worn paving stones swayed eerily.
"It's much gloomier than I heard."
"An atmosphere where absolutely anything could jump out at us."
Gripping the hilt of the greatsword slung across my back, I stepped into the Underground Catacombs without a shred of hesitation. What kind of monsters would we encounter here? And what kind of items would they drop?
Rustle... Far from being overwhelmed by the grim atmosphere of the entrance, my heart fluttered with pleasant anticipation for the loot. This time, I would sweep up every single dropped item without leaving a single scrap behind. I would absolutely not repeat the same mistake I made in the Lucky Cow King's dungeon.
"Ah, there's a monster over there. Judging by its appearance, it looks like a Goblin..."
"What are you doing over there? Stop dazing off and hurry up."
Adelaide's tense voice drifted from behind. Unlike me, who had immediately begun hunting the moment we crossed the threshold, she was still lingering near the entrance, entirely focused on scanning our surroundings.
"……Huh? Wait, when did you get all the way over there?!"
"You said up to the third floor has already been cleared, so let's move fast."
At my dry response, Adelaide gasped in realization and hurriedly ran to catch up.
"Aren't we going to search every nook and cranny like we did in the last dungeon?!"
"The Lucky Cow King's dungeon was only one floor, which is why we did that. This place has four."
"But good items can drop in the most unexpected places!"
"True, but right now, rushing straight to the boss room is the most efficient path."
Adelaide furrowed her brow, looking utterly baffled.
"Why? I don't get it at all. You were the one who insisted on scouring every inch of the ground floor last time, so why the sudden change..."
"I've finally figured out the structure and flow of the dungeons in this world."
Even as Adelaide pressed for answers, I didn't stop hunting. I kept moving deeper into the catacombs, replying calmly.
"We farm on the fourth floor. If nothing useful drops there, we head straight into the boss room without delay."