It’s been about a week since the accident occurred in the dungeon, and the investigation has been completed.

The accident itself was deemed unavoidable due to the structure of the dungeon’s shallows, and to some extent, it was considered inevitable.

After all, it wasn’t caused by cutting down trees or anything like that—it was an accident inadvertently triggered by a monster during combat. Each individual must take precautions, and that’s just how it is.

On the other hand, the branch chief’s appeal to Liesel for improved facilities has been given positive consideration.

…Although the response feels vague, it seems they’re investigating whether it’s feasible, so it can’t be helped.

Apparently, Zighart visiting the workshop was part of that initiative.

They seem to want to enhance the production capabilities of potions and other medicines on the lord’s side rather than the private sector.

Well, while the dungeon is essential, they can’t allocate all resources to just that.

They’re scouting alchemists and pharmacists who are currently lying dormant elsewhere, and those individuals are expected to arrive around the end of the rainy season in autumn.

That’s right around when the dungeon will be open to the public.

Thanks to the increased pace of hunting in the Demonic Wastelands, which was tied to the dungeon exploration conditions, we fortunately have a surplus of materials. With more hands, things should progress in a good direction.

Now, it’s time for dungeon exploration after a long break.

It’s been entirely closed off until now…

For adventurers not involved in the investigation, it was probably a good vacation, but for me, it felt like a damper on my enthusiasm.

Since the boss fight, I’ve been somewhat burned out, and just when I was ready to recover and delve into exploration again… that happened.

Fufufufu. Today, I’m going to dive into all sorts of things!

Avoiding the hunters, I pushed deeper and deeper, reaching the furthest part of the upper layer.

I made it right to the entrance to the middle layer.

“Oh?”

On the ground lay the severed heads of monsters I had defeated.

Snakes slithered among them, crushing the cores one by one. When they destroyed one particular head, an unusual sensation stirred in my left hand.

“It’s been a while…”

A Holy Coin… I put it in the wallet around my neck for now. This is the first one I’ve obtained since the boss fight, I think?

If I engage in combat with monsters, there’s a reasonably high chance I’ll get one, but without combat, it’s impossible.

Getting one from the first group I encountered today is a good sign.

◇

Hunters crowded both the shallows and the upper layers.

The elite hunters, known for their skill, hunted with a solid backup system in place.

Naturally, this sped up the pace compared to normal times.

Because of that, my hunting grounds were scarce.

The 【Shadow Sword】 remains hidden, and the other benefits that allow for sweeping hunts are difficult to use when others are nearby. Hunting at a high pace is tough.

Thus, I decided to step into the middle layer.

That area is a wide, hall-like hunting ground where one can move freely, and I’ve had considerable success there before.

Or so I thought—but I was naive.

That place was also occupied.

It used to be just me there…

As soon as I entered, I noticed battles happening all over the middle layer.

Apparently, it wasn’t separate parties but a large group coordinating their movements.

The monsters on this floor are strong, and regular hunting is challenging. However, it seems the adventurers have the knights assisting as support.

They’re working efficiently and maintaining stability.

“Seria.”

Someone seemed to be giving commands. Who could it be…?

As I watched, a voice came from below.

“Oh? Ah, Alec!”

So it was you… the one who stole my hunting grounds…

Perhaps my thoughts were visible on my face because Alec gave me a troubled look.

It’s petty, but I want him to feel a bit flustered.

“Hmm… Hunting on this floor might be tough for me…”

“That’s right. They’re using the entire area for hunting. With ranged weapons in play, wandering around here would be dangerous for you.”

In this open area, bows are effective.

The main concern is accidental hits on other parties, but it seems they’re conducting tests for that while hunting.

They’re diligently doing their jobs while hunting…

As I stood there, somewhat dejected, Alec and I watched the hunting group for a while. When the respawn timings overlapped, there was a slight delay in reinforcements, and the battle line started to falter.

I thought about joining in, but Alec stepped forward and activated the 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】, shouting instructions that stabilized the situation.

The hunters here are all highly skilled.

I was impressed as Alec returned to me.

“Why aren’t you hunting in the upper layer?”

“There are too many people there as well. It’s hard to hunt freely.”

“Ah… The dungeon was closed for about a week. Although some tests were conducted during that time, hunting was naturally limited. I suppose everyone is eager to catch up.”

“Ugh… Such diligent folks.”

I declined, but for them, it’s not an option.

They’ve probably been dutifully handling tedious tasks.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Seria: 【Hideout】+1, 【Prayer】, 【Mira’s Blessing】, 【Clothing of Wind】, 【Floating Orb】+1, 【Shadow Sword】, 【Scarlet Bee Needle】, 【Fairy’s Eye】, 【Dragon’s Lung】, 【Amber Sword】, 【Danrem’s Thread】, 【Snake Tail】, 【Ankle Bracelet】, 【Amber Shield】, 【Purple Wings】 ・7 cards

Seriana: 【Range Identification】 ・【】・28 cards

Elena: 【】, 【Green Fang】, 【Amber Sword】 ・3 cards

Alec: 【Strong Strike】 ・【Red Shield】, 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】 ・7 cards