Two days have passed since the rescue of Shinjirl and the others. During this time, we focused on investigating the lower levels of the dungeon that we couldn’t explore last time, defeating monsters to a degree that wouldn’t wipe them out, and working to disarm and destroy dangerous traps. Even when exploring with Shinjirl and his party, I felt that the monsters inhabiting this dungeon are quite strong. Moreover, the deeper we go, the stronger the monsters that appear tend to be. If we consider only the floors that have been explored so far, their strength might be comparable to Delamis’s “Heroic Spirit’s Underground Mausoleum.” However, we can’t see the goal yet, and the stairs leading to the lower levels continue endlessly. It’s expected that even more powerful monsters will appear in the end. I find myself anticipating that it might offer us a sense of pleasure akin to a theme park.
“—And so, that’s how things are for now.”
“I see. Depending on the future investigations, there’s a real possibility of S-Rank difficulty. Heh, it was the right decision to leave this matter to Kelvin-kun. It’s understandable why ordinary A-Rank adventurers can’t even enter the dungeon.”
Today, I’ve come to the Guild Master’s office at Headquarters to report on the progress of our exploration. Rion, who was with me during the exploration, and Alex, who sleeps within her shadow, are accompanying me.
“Besides, it seems that Kelvin-kun himself is enjoying it.”
“Yeah. Dungeons of this level are not something you encounter often. Frankly, I think it’s fine to officially recognize it as an S-Rank difficulty dungeon already? After all, Shinjirl, an A-Rank top adventurer, threw in the towel midway.”
“Hmm, that might be for the best. I’ll submit a proposal to the executive meeting. So, what should we name this dungeon? Do you have any good ideas?”
“Huh? …Don’t make me decide something like that, I’m just an adventurer.”
“Oh dear, Kelvin-kun. I’m not looking for such a boring answer. As an S-Rank adventurer, I was hoping you’d show some appropriate naming sense.”
Appropriate naming sense…
“Yes, yes! How are new dungeons named after they’re discovered?”
Rion suddenly raises her hand.
“Oh, thank you for asking. That’s a wonderful observation. Rion-chan, unlike Kelvin-kun, you are pure, radiant, and cute.”
“I want to object, but I’ll readily agree to that!”
“Hahaha, you really are a brother complex, just as rumored. Older Sister is a little taken aback, you know.”
Even so, Boss Shin maintains a smile. Besides, you’ve known that all along. Even among other S-Rank adventurers, including Boss Shin himself, I’m confident I rank below average in terms of eccentricity within the S-Rank. If anything, I’m the one who should be taken aback.
“Let me explain. Newly discovered dungeons have different naming methods based on their difficulty level. For C-Rank or lower difficulties, the decision is made by the Guild Master of the respective branch guild, based on the characteristics of the location. For B-Rank or higher, all information is transmitted to this Headquarters, and it’s the general procedure for the formal decision to be made after a meeting of Guild executives. This case clearly falls under the latter, so I wanted to hear ideas while I could.”
“Oh, is that so? Then, can I give an idea too?”
“Sure, sure! Depending on the content, we might actively adopt it.”
“All right! Then I’ll think about it together with Alex! Alex, wake up!”
Rion speaks to Alex, who is sleeping inside her shadow, putting her head into it. Indeed, my younger sister is adorable no matter what she does.
“By the way, Kelvin-kun, do you have any more time after this?”
“Hmm? Oh, I don’t have any urgent business. I was thinking of exploring that dungeon a bit if everyone was available.”
“I see, that’s convenient. The candidates for the versus match with Lumiest that I mentioned before have been decided. I’m planning to have them meet soon, what do you think?”
“…Don’t tell me you’ve kept them waiting inside Headquarters?”
Boss Shin offers a disarmingly innocent smile. Like that surprise attack last time, he’s truly unpredictable.
“Understood, understood. I’ll meet them. That’s what you want, right?”
“I’m grateful for your understanding. Well then, I’ll go call them now, so please wait a moment.”
With that, Boss Shin leaves the room. It’s highly likely he’ll be bringing the three pub adventurers.
“Older Kel, how about ‘Grim Reaper’s Dining Table’? Because you explored most of it, and it’s a dungeon that suits your taste!”
“That’s wonderful. Yes, wonderful. I’ve certainly received Rion’s sense!”
“Really? Yay, then it’s decided! I’ll tell Boss Shin about it later!”
“Yes, please do. I’m sure the Boss will be impressed.”
“…Quooon? (Is it okay?)”
It’s okay, but honestly, having my moniker put in is quite, no, very embarrassing. However, it follows the naming format of previous dungeons, and it’s a wonderful name that Rion earnestly came up with. There’s no way I can’t praise it. Absolutely not.
—Clack!
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Now, you all, please come in without hesitation. It might be a little messy, but don’t worry about it. Also, it might smell of cigars, but don’t worry about that either!”
As soon as he returns, Boss Shin tries to usher the candidates into the Boss’s Office. Hey, here we go again. We quickly stand up from the sofa.
“You know him, of course, right? He’s the brave adventurer who was the first to pick a fight with you in this country. Well, I was the one who instigated it~.”
“Boss, please don’t bring that up too much. Also, please tidy up the room a little. It’s bad if it’s dirtier than our guys’ rooms.”
“Heh heh, did you not hear me say not to worry about it?”
“W-Whoa, don’t approach me with a smile like that. You’re quite intimidating…”
The first to enter was Paul-kun. He is an adventurer I have high hopes for. It can truly be called a fitting selection. He has strong passion and a defiant spirit, so I feel like he’ll evolve quickly if put in a bit of hell. Heh heh, I’m already looking forward to his evolution.
“Honestly, don’t you think you should show a little more respect? Alright, next candidate~.”
“Oh, is it my turn already? I believe it would be best to place myself last.”
“Just come in quickly, won’t you? Or do you want to get beaten up along with Paul-kun?”
“I-I understand. However, my lady, a smile is not used in such a manner— No, never mind. Shinjirl, entering.”
Next is Shinjirl, another expected candidate. Setting aside his narcissism, which seems to be in full swing today, his abilities are high-level, comparable to Paul’s, and he has an exceptionally strong heart for others, making him someone I personally want to support. However, if he evolves along with Paul-kun, he’ll become an even more admirable individual. In other words, Shinjirl needs to evolve. Heh heh heh, I sincerely hope he’s prepared.
“Yes, yes, let’s move quickly. Third person~.”
“Alright, finally! Excuse me! My name is Oddrad! A man aiming to be the world’s strongest muscle!”
“Ah, um, Oddrad-kun, could you lower your voice volume by about three levels? It echoes indoors, your voice.”
“My apologies for that! I’ll be careful from now on!”
“Yeah, you don’t get it. Perhaps it would be quicker to knock you out?”
The third person is, as expected, one of the three pub adventurers, Oddrad. My evaluation of him is still pending, but he seems to be the strongest in terms of pure close combat. I will sincerely train him with high expectations and help him evolve his muscles as he desires. It might not reach the level of Gordiana or Bourgewanna, but it should reach a good point. Fuhahahahaha! Muscles swell, and dreams swell too.
“Alright, last~.”
…Huh? Last? Wasn’t Oddrad the last one?
“E-Excuse me! I am Suzu, who has come as a candidate for the versus match! P-Pleased to meet you!”
The last person to enter was a surprisingly small girl with charming twin odango hairstyles.
I forgot to set the scheduled post! The comic version of “Kuro no Summoner,” Volume 5, will be released on the 25th!
