“….We’re already at the 20th Floor Underground huh.”
“Yes, Mr. Derus. This is where the treasure trove of treasure chests is said to be.”
“And here and there, petrified prisoners are scattered about.”
Our party began the conquest of the Mermaid Island Dungeon.
As expected, the enemies were mostly insectoid and shadow-type creatures from the Demon Lord’s Castle.
The front-line assassins quickly eliminated them, clearing the shortest route.
“The map created during the previous Demon Lord subjugation is proving quite useful.”
“Yes, it seems the route doesn’t fundamentally change if it’s already been cleared once.”
“Of course, it’s not a perfect map, especially the underwater route.”
That’s right, the deeper we went, the more the path split, leading to a separate route that plunged into the sea, and that one was also unfinished.
However, the Mermaid Race also seemed to have created their own routes, so we had a decent understanding.
(It seems they were able to reach the Demon Lord’s Room from outside the island, through the sea as well.)
If we had more people, we could have sent a separate team through the underwater route using items.
But we’re missing Ms. Nina, Anju, and Ms. Nastasia.
Also, there’s a secret plan for the Demon Lord’s Room, which has both underwater and land sections…
“Ms. Clarice, it’s a Deep Swamp Lamia.”
“Yes, Ms. Mogunami. Just as the资料 indicated, it appears here.”
“Will you tame it?” “A lamia that can’t speak is unnecessary.”
Swampy lamias.
They certainly seemed to have settled in well, not losing to the enemies from the Demon Lord’s Castle.
Then, they slithered out from the side of the cave, which was more of a cave than a dungeon!
“Hah!!”
“Ah, thank you, El-chan.”
“Leave the surroundings to me.”
(The rear guards’ defense is also perfect.)
The front-line assassins, four of them, were rushing ahead with impressive coordination.
They were heading straight for the route to the Demon Lord’s Room which had already been mapped out.
However, there were many side paths, and it was said that many treasure chests were located deep within. Mimics were also said to be present…
“Um, Ms. Clarice, I’d like to see this ‘Mimic Lamia’ you mentioned.”
“It’s said to be a very obvious mimic that appears from this floor.”
“Doesn’t it have a tail if you go around to its back?” “My husband, then your succubus will do.”
Since the front was easy, several succubi who had been guarding the rear and around us—
Four of them: Bani-chan (Burning Succ), Furi-chan (Freezing Succ), Poi-chan (Poison Succ), and El-chan (Eldorado Succ)—went into the side paths.
“Ms. Helen, did you consider the members you sent?”
“It seems they all thought that way when I focused my will on them. They all seem to know their roles.”
“What does that mean?” “First, the Silver Succubus is disguised as an assassin and acting as a front-liner.”
Yes, that’s why there are four assassins in the front line.
“And when strong Shadow-type enemies appear, the Darkness Succubus will go for the Gas Magic Stones.”
“It’s observing from behind the assassins.”
That’s the second row.
Without a word, it quickly swapped with Sil-neechan, as if communicating.
“The Goddess Succubus is there in case something happens to the front-liners. It will heal based on its judgment; it can even revive if necessary.”
“Right, it’s on standby in the second row next to Daku-chan.”
With all this, we basically have no work to do.
“Finally, the Ent-Succubus is guarding the rear. It would be best to leave that one.”
“It’s the tank that will handle a large number of enemies coming from the side paths if necessary, isn’t it?”
“Since these need to remain, it’s likely the other four succubi went on ahead.”
As we were talking, another lamia slithered out from the wall.
I’ll take care of that one, I thought, and easily defeated it with my Pride Sword.
Well, I can discern their location even if they’re hidden by reconnaissance, even from inside the wall.
(Was it level, proficiency, or personal skill that prevented Harume-san from being caught by reconnaissance…)
“We’ve arrived at the stairs leading to the 21st Floor Underground.”
“Thank you, Natsu-san. And you don’t need to report to me that closely!”
It was scary because it got eaten.
“The sub-leader is Ms. Clarice, but isn’t Mr. Derus the de facto leader?”
“Um, for this conquest, please report to Ms. Clarice.”
“Alright, alright. I was a sub-leader too, so I understand the hardships of Ms. Clarice, especially when the leader is absent.”
Ah, that’s right.
The leader was an old beastman, and the party name was something like “The Old Man Shouts.”
But I don’t think she approached me to report out of consideration… rather…
(Is it a move to appeal to me?)
And didn’t she mention wanting to leave her current party earlier?
On top of that, she acquired a small rabbit hutch behind Nina Castle, although it’s more of a proper hideout.
For our forces, it’s more than enough. If she joined us, she would be a great asset as a mysterious assassin…
(But, I don’t want to be buried in the furry enthusiast swamp!!!!)
Thinking that, I quickly distanced myself from Natsu-san.
“Um, aren’t you all going to proceed?”
“Yes, Ms. Juni. We are waiting for the succubi from the alternate route.”
Party effects wear off when the floor changes, you see.
“We’re back.”
As En-chan said that and leaned against the wall, the four succubi who had brought back treasure chests arrived!
“Um, this big one isn’t a Mimic Lamia, right?”
“No, it’s a normal treasure chest, but it was of an unusual size.”
“Hmm, it could be used as Anju’s bed.” “In that case, Mr. Derus too, right?” “Stop that.”
It was unusual for Ms. Clarice to make a joke, but I quickly retorted. And when we opened it, inside was… well, a seed, neatly placed in the center.
“…The size of this seed…”
“Yes, Ms. Clarice, it’s a regular ‘Magic Seed’.”
“Why all the trouble…” “Hmm, to lower our spirits?”
No, even a Magic Seed is quite a welcome item.
“My husband, there were still many side paths, what shall we do?”
“Yes, Ms. Helen. Considering there are 33 floors underground, if we hurry to defeat the boss, will we have time to check out the treasure chests on the way back?”
Even for one side path, it takes some time to return. No, this is because they went to the trouble of bringing back the treasure chest. I’ll put it in my Item Box for now and see. Now, what should we do?
“Ms. Clarice, when in doubt.”
“It’s a matter of whether to prioritize moving forward or to proceed while collecting treasure chest items.”
“Yes. After defeating the Demon Lord, if there’s any time left, but whether we’ll have the leeway to do that…”
Even if there are regrets, it’s not like we absolutely have to defeat it today. No, just before departing, I thought I’d clear up any troublesome matters and go to the Seven Great Demon Lords Battle with a refreshed spirit, but! Yes, well, humans are like that. I watch Ms. Clarice as she ponders.
“After defeating the Demon Lord, if there isn’t enough time, we can have our sub-organization handle it later.”
“But Ms. Clarice’s staff is effective against petrification.”
“Then I’ ll participate alone, and the rest will be formed from the sub-organization and come here again.”
And so, the treasure chests were decided to be put off for later.
(It would be better to obtain items now if possible, as there are also reinforcements to consider.)
The goal, the absolute priority, is to defeat the Demon Lord. Of course, if we defeat the Demon Lord, we’ll likely profit from the items and materials. The distribution should still be sufficient. We are employing them, after all.
“Then let’s increase our speed in descending the dungeon.”
“As expected, Mogunami-san! A true Speed Star!”
“No, Mr. Derus. I’m not quite as good as Hazukki-sama though.”
(…Why are you bringing up our guild superior here?!)
It was true, but there’s no hidden meaning, right…? Right?!
