The other day, Alec and the rest of the 2nd Unit, who had gone out for an external investigation, returned.

And after taking a few days off, they resumed their 2nd Unit duties based out of the domain capital…

So, what does that mean?

It simply means the number of 2nd Unit members in town has increased, giving them more breathing room.

Until now, the 2nd Unit had prioritized dungeon-related missions, but now they’re also engaging in assignments in magical zones like the First Forest.

Which means…

“Nufufu… Long time no see, Big Monkey-kun!”

It means I finally have the time to dive into the dungeon myself!

The lower levels of the Riana Dungeon—first chamber.

There, I continued to spread poison for several dozen minutes.

By the time most of the monsters in the chamber had collapsed and lay on the ground unable to move, Big Monkey-kun appeared from the hallway in the back.

Maybe trying to assess the situation, he lumbered around, slowly looking around the area.

…Oh?

He just picked up a small rock that was lying at his feet?

Charging in as a strong ally to save his comrades endangered by the poison, and me, facing him in mid-air with wings or a tail sprouting, grinning from ear to ear…

…I’m way too much of a villain, even by my own standards.

Well, whatever.

The monsters that managed to endure the poison have already been taken down, so now it’s all about Big Monkey.

“…Alright! Let’s go—!”

Even though it was already active, I reactivated 【Prayer】 just to be safe, then launched a 【Floating Orb】 at Big Monkey.

It surged forward at high speed, and before Big Monkey could throw the small rock he had gripped in his hand…

“Yoisho—!”

I veered the trajectory of the 【Floating Orb】 upward just before reaching Big Monkey, and as we passed each other, I threw a combustion orb aimed right at his head.

By now, I’m so used to this that there’s no chance I’d miss.

The direct hit from the combustion orb reacted with the core inside Big Monkey’s body and burst into flames all at once.

After flying about ten meters past him, I turned around to spot Big Monkey writhing in agony, engulfed in fire.

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

“Alright. Next up…!”

I activated 【Danrem’s Thread】, 【Serpent’s Tail】, and 【Monkey’s Arm】.

Then, after briefly releasing my grip on the 【Floating Orb】 held with 【Ankle Bracelet】, I adjusted my seat and grabbed the now-activated, transformed large bow that was once 【Danrem’s Thread】…

“Ho!”

I activated 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 and drew the string back all at once, letting loose the arrow before Big Monkey could extinguish the fire and move again.

The launched arrow tore through the ground as it flew straight at Big Monkey, and a thunderous crash echoed through the chamber as it struck something.

Though the area was now clouded with kicked-up dust and sand, I dove straight into it, activating 【Shadow Sword】.

Thanks to 【Fairy Eyes】 and the snakes’ vision, the dust didn’t bother me in the slightest.

With him pushed this far, the rest is just routine work.

“Hah!”

I swung my right hand down at Big Monkey’s neck, who remained crouched from the damage of the flames and the arrow lodged in his back.

◇

After defeating Big Monkey, I worked with the snakes to finish off the other monsters that had been immobilized by the poison.

I left most of them to the snakes, so I didn’t earn any Holy Coins from those, but Big Monkey dropped a solid one, and while the small fries didn’t give any, it contributed to the snakes’ growth.

Today’s earnings were more than enough, so I decided to end the hunt and head back.

I passed through the mid and upper levels and the shallows without engaging in any fights, and upon reaching the lobby at the dungeon entrance, I exchanged greetings with a group preparing for departure before heading up to the surface.

I did collect a few relics during the hunt, but it was pretty crowded… Maybe I’ll skip exchanging them today?

“Hey, Sera…”

Just as I finished reporting my return at the first-floor reception, someone from a group of adventurers hanging out in the reception hall called out to me.

They looked more like they were equipped for magical zone exploration than dungeon diving. Maybe they’re gathered for some kind of request today?

“Hey there. What’s up?”

I didn’t recognize any familiar faces, but I figured there wouldn’t be any trouble here, so I approached. The guy who had called out to me lowered his voice and started talking.

“I heard Zighart left town with a few soldiers… Is that true?”

“Ahh…”

What he said was true.

Zighart, who had just returned from an investigation, left town again shortly after, taking only a handful of soldiers…

With only that information, it wouldn’t be strange for someone to assume something unusual had happened.

If they’re planning to hunt in the magical zones, I guess they’d want to know what’s going on.

However…

“He said the investigation wasn’t satisfying enough, so he went deeper into the magical zone for training with the soldiers.”

“…I see.”

“Yep, that’s what happened. Honestly, it’s exhausting.”

The guy looked a bit deflated, but he probably thought, “Yeah, that sounds like him.”

“…I see. Sorry to bother you just after returning from the dungeon.”

Saying that, he returned to his group.

Most likely, what I just told him will spread around town within the next few days…

Incidentally, I did lie to him a little.

The real reason Zighart left town is the dragon-type creature he previously discovered deep in the magical zone.

I named it Otama Dragon, and he’s gone to keep an eye on it.

Sure, traveling through the forest in summer must be tough, and there’s the Commemoration Festival in the second month of summer, so he’ll probably return to town during that period, but still… he didn’t have to head out again so soon after getting back.

I mean, in autumn, travel would be way easier up until the rainy season, right?

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・6 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・39 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards