Chapter 123
Chapter 123
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: Monster Hunt #3
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Dungeon.
For people born in the 21st century who had played countless games, this was a distinctive space that needed no explanation.
Gloomy stone walls and traps, treasures, monsters, adventures, and heart-pounding stories—didn't the mere word "dungeon" conjure up vivid images in your mind?
The dungeons in this world were no different.
This world was full of underground dungeons crafted by someone for their own needs, and there were plenty of heroes who traversed them to collect spoils and grow stronger.
But I, Theo Gospel, had thought it had nothing to do with me.
The swindler Theo Gospel suited the negotiation table far better than an adventurous campsite with a roaring bonfire.
A labyrinth teeming with underground monsters was even farther from my realm.
“But now I have to go into a dungeon. It's a bit dangerous, but nothing's as effective. The greater the risk, the greater the reward.”
I had once faced off against various monsters and the boss—Overseer—in the dungeon beneath Mirna's mansion, the Demon Cave, and raised my magic prowess up to the 4th Circle.
Diving into dungeons was the royal road to rapid skill growth, the ultimate shortcut.
With my head gradually turning redder, time and leisure running short, there was no better way to advance for me than dungeon diving.
「Calm situational judgment!
You gain experience from the talent 《Calm Thinking》.
All job experience +5」
See?
“So, Marmar, want to come to the dungeon with me?”
I proposed to Marmar that we explore the dungeon together.
But Marmar acted like she hadn't heard me. “What? What did you just say?”
Dust covered her head, and she clutched a broom in her hand.
“Marmar, are you super busy right now?”
“The imps are moving in soon! I'm cleaning unused rooms and setting up furniture—it's chaos!”
Marmar looked busy sprucing up the building she had taken over, 「Fairy’s Paradise」.
The rundown rooms were now adorned with cute bear doll wallpapers that girls would love and curtains with frills. Every room had neatly installed windows letting in floods of sunlight, making everything dazzlingly bright.
“This should make the imp sisters happy, right? Is the wallpaper color too bright?”
“Hmm, I wouldn't know. But you put in so much effort—they're sure to love it.”
“Really?”
I hadn't met any imps besides Marmar, but if they all had similar temperaments, they'd definitely adore the rooms Marmar had prepared so diligently.
Marmar wiped the sweat from her forehead and let out a small sigh as she turned to me.
“So, what did you say? Where are you going?”
“Uh, never mind.”
I had wanted to take Marmar to the dungeon, but if she had so much on her plate, I didn't feel like forcing her. Besides, she didn't seem particularly gifted in combat anyway.
“Then I'll come back when you're not busy. See you later.”
To avoid disturbing Marmar, I put some distance between myself and the Fairy’s Paradise apartment building. Behind me, Marmar waved her hand vigorously.
“Yeah! I hear the Night of the Fairies is starting soon, so let's go together later! And when the imps move in, we'll have a housewarming— you have to come!”
“Sure, why not.”
A bunch of imps just like Marmar sounded fun in its own way. lost in such idle thoughts, I sat down in a nearby park.
Maybe because the weather was nice, the park was packed with cadets.
━Hey, you studying for the exam?
━Nah, haven't done a thing. I've been busy hunting monsters nearby. Thinking of submitting points from the Polar Bear extermination this time.
━I skipped a few lectures too, so I need to make up for it with achievements. This is bad. No dungeons popping up around here?
Eavesdropping, it seemed midterms were approaching, and everyone was worried.
I'd been too busy with other stuff to care, but for the diligent cadets attending lectures, exams were apparently the biggest issue right now.
Come to think of it, I'd barely paid attention in class. At this rate, what was the point of joining the academy?
━I'm thinking of heading into that dungeon found south recently—you in? Looks like Silver Tier difficulty.
━Yeah, guess I have to. Rack up some contribution points to substitute for scores, maybe get more support from the church later.
From what I overheard, you could substitute exam scores with contribution from clearing dungeons or hunting monsters. Not bad news for me.
The problem was going solo into a dungeon was too risky. What if I got trapped again like last time?
I needed a party member who could pull more than their weight.
Who to go with?
Elga and Mirna came to mind. They probably wouldn't refuse if I asked them to join me now.
But entering a dungeon with them meant I wouldn't improve my magic at all—I'd just be carried.
Someone around my level would be ideal.
No matter how much I racked my brain, no one fit.
* * *
“A dungeon?”
Narmi's red eyes widened. She set down her teacup with a clink and asked me to repeat myself.
“You're going into a dungeon?”
“Yeah. Planning to go soon. Maybe even tomorrow.”
“You got wrecked so badly not long ago, and now you're heading back in? Theo, you're braver than I thought...!”
Narmi glanced around her spacious dorm room. With the windows wide open, the breeze rustled the curtains distractingly.
“My sister can't even close her windows for a while. Bugs keep slipping through the screens—such a hassle.”
“I see.”
Mirna still hadn't overcome her claustrophobia. That must be why she kept the windows flung open.
“So, would it be tough for Lady Mirna or you to come with me?”
“Hmm—.”
After humming thoughtfully and slurping her hot tea, Narmi gave her answer.
“Afraid so, for now. Sis and I have stuff to do together. Midterms are coming, and us Single Numbers have our hands full with obligations.”
“Hmm. I see. That's a shame.”
No luck with Mirna or Narmi.
As I felt disappointed, Narna winced with an “Ugh.”
“Are you hurt?”
“Huh? No, it's nothing. Lately, my lower belly's been tingling strangely.”
“Your stomach hurts?”
Hearing Narmi was unwell made me worry briefly. Reading my expression, she quickly shook her head cheerfully.
“It's fine now...! But a few days ago was rough. Hurt like hell, all tingly and shaky. Did something happen to Sis in the dungeon?”
“Something...”
Plenty came to mind.
Maybe Narmi had shared the pain of Mirna's first time? Sharing a body made it plausible.
Mirna had kept our relationship secret from Narmi too.
Then Narmi glanced around furtively and leaned toward me.
“Sis has been acting weird lately. Keeping more secrets from me. She never used to. Theo, know anything?”
“Weird how...?”
“A while back, I caught her reading a weird letter on the sly. Peeked at it—it was definitely a love letter. She hid it before I could see where.”
She said it with dead seriousness, like “I totally saw it.”
“A love letter? Lady Mirna got a love letter?”
“Dunno if she got it or wrote it. But she's not herself. A devout Radiant Flame follower fussing over a love letter...”
Of course she wasn't herself.
Still, to protect Mirna's honor, I played dumb.
“No idea. Let's pretend I never heard this.”
“Theo, what if Sis is getting or sending letters to some other suitor besides you? Doesn't that worry you? I heard the proposals were a misunderstanding, but...”
Narmi had witnessed me with Elga, so we had this secretive friend thing going.
Narmi her way.
Mirna her way.
With both sisters tied to me differently, it was a headache waiting to explode. One slip-up later, and it'd be chaos.
Narmi fiddled with her twintails and asked slyly,
“Theo, you really have no feelings for my sister...? Sure, you're doing okay with the Lioness lady, but...”
Why ask that?
Fearing our relationship might strain the sisters, I acted oblivious earnestly.
“How could someone like me dare like Lady Mirna? I'm a nobody with no backing.”
“True, but, hmmm...”
Narmi said nothing more. I just made her promise, “Keep today's talk between us.”
She extended her hand.
“Promise.”
I gripped it firmly, even stamping it. Narmi's hand was soft and squishy, just like Mirna's. Naturally.
“Huh, weird. Why's my body shaking like this all of a sudden...? Feels hot too. Hope it's not a cold.”
Face flushed red, Narmi fanned herself with a feather fan, looking puzzled. Naturally, she resembled her sister Mirna in that too.
“Anyway, can't do the dungeon. Sorry, Theo. Hooo—.”
“No worries. Can't be helped. Take care.”
* * *
“A dungeon? You're going?”
Elga, doing push-ups in her room, scoffed like it was ridiculous.
“You're so damn weak. Can't even handle dawn patrols around Arc grounds— what makes you think you can do a dungeon?”
I'd been watching her soft chest brush the floor and rise. Her aggressive words demanded a smart retort.
“That's exactly why— to get stronger.”
“......”
Stumped by my eloquence, Elga shut her mouth. Then she sighed and shook her head.
“No dice.”
“You're telling me not to go?”
“Nah, I can't go.”
What?
Even my last bastion, trusty Elga, betrayed me. I'd figured the battle-loving Elga would jump at “Dungeon? Let's go now!”
“Really? I thought you'd never refuse, Lady Elga. Even you turning me down...!”
“Even me...?”
Elga stopped her push-ups and sat up.
“You asked someone else first, didn't you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You didn't go to Mirna first, right? Huh? Be honest.”
She clenched her fist tight. Admitting I'd seen Mirna first meant that rock-hard punch smashing my skull.
“No, I haven't asked Lady Mirna. Came to you first.”
I used my 《Ditch Eyes》 skill to stare Elga straight. Technically, I'd asked Narmi, not Mirna.
Pure truth.
Sensing my sincerity, she relaxed her fist.
“Hmm, good. That's how it should be. Always come to me first from now on. Got it?”
“So, you'll come to the dungeon with me, Lady Elga?”
“Nope. Told you, can't.”
“......”
“Not 'cause I don't want to. Got a reply from the messenger I sent home recently. Means I've got stuff to handle.”
Reply from Duke Reinhardt, probably.
“They're sending an inspector from home to check on my Arc life. Might get annoying for a bit.”
“I see.”
Rejected by Elga too.
Only one bastion left.
In front of the door marked Roman numeral ‘II’, I felt a twinge of nervousness. Who'd have thought I'd ask Aira for a favor?
Nicknamed swindler and sycophant, often misunderstood, but I'd never made a selfish request of Aira.
“Phew—.”
Sighing to steady myself, the door suddenly flew open. She must've known I was there.
“Ahem, ahem.”
Clearing my throat, I entered Aira's room.
No need to fear or tense up.
Persuading a tyrant to bend to my will.
That was my job all along—.
* * *