“So, I want to ask you all to help me find my lost ring. Please!”
Darkness pressed her palms together, earnestly pleading with the three people in front of her.
“A dungeon managed by the Academy and the Royal City?”
Liyakade pondered for a moment.
Although there were no intelligent Demon Race within the Kingdom, there were still dungeons and monsters outside various cities.
The Kingdom did not completely destroy these dungeons, but instead controlled and sealed them off, putting them to use for its own benefit.
These dungeons continuously generated monsters and treasures. Adventurers could only enter to explore with a permit from the Adventurers’ Guild or after accepting a quest. Academy students also needed to apply for permission from the Academy.
There were usually guards stationed at the dungeon entrances. Only after presenting a permit could one pass.
As for the danger level, the Royal City would periodically send people to sweep through the dungeons. Any monsters with potential or intelligence would be wiped out. Because of this, these dungeons weren’t as dangerous as one might imagine.
The reason for this was also to promote the development of magic users within the Kingdom. If all the dungeons were destroyed, those seeking to quickly level up or obtain treasures would have to venture to the borderlands or even leave the Kingdom, where the danger would increase several times over.
“Alright.”
After thinking it over for a while, Liyakade agreed to Darkness’s request.
Liyakade recalled the plot of the original story. These dungeons within the Kingdom were mostly low-level challenges, and even the lowest floors didn’t have any monsters above LV.50.
Within the Kingdom’s dungeons, the only real threats according to the original story were the Original Host and Irina Zi.
But now, the threats from the Original Host and Irina Zi had long since vanished. With Liyakade’s help, their levels were even higher than in the original timeline. There were simply no dungeons within the Kingdom that could threaten them.
“Wait a minute. Exploring a dungeon isn’t a small matter. Let’s talk about the reward first.”
Field waved her hand, signaling Liyakade to hold back for a moment and settle the price first.
After all, this wasn’t just a simple errand like before.
Even though their levels were high, when it came to actual combat, extra caution was necessary.
“First, tell us which dungeon it is.”
Field continued to ask cautiously, worried that Liyakade might get shortchanged.
“It’s the Nasca Labyrinth. It’s close to the Royal City—about an hour by carriage.”
“This place, huh.”
Liyakade nodded thoughtfully. She had a strong impression of this dungeon because it was the location of their final assessment during their first year in the original story.
Liyakade couldn’t help but be surprised. How could it be such a coincidence? Not only was it the same dungeon, even the number of floors matched. At the time, the requirement was to explore up to the third floor.
Could the World Will really exist?
However, the monster levels in the Nasca Labyrinth were generally low. There weren’t even any monsters above LV.30 on the first three floors. Even Alice could almost solo it now.
“Miss Liyakade? Are you listening?”
Seeing that Liyakade had been spacing out, Alice shook her shoulder.
“Ah, sorry, sorry. I was just thinking about some information regarding this dungeon and spaced out. I’m sorry, Darkness-san.”
Liyakade snapped back to reality and quickly apologized.
“It’s fine. So, Nasca Labyrinth—500 gold coins. Is that price acceptable?”
Darkness spoke slowly.
“Not enough. Although that’s more than enough to hire dozens of low-level adventurers from the Adventurers’ Guild, our levels aren’t low.”
Field continued cautiously.
“Besides, you lost your Storage Ring on the third floor. If a monster picked up the ring and took it to a deeper level, wouldn’t we have to go even further?”
“Um…”
Darkness was silent for a moment, then responded.
“Princess Field is right. I didn’t consider that. Then… 800 gold coins. How about that?”
“For you, there’s no monster in the Nasca Labyrinth that poses any threat. Even going to the deepest floor, that reward is more than enough, right?”
“Fine.”
Hearing Darkness’s increased offer, Field finally relented. Liyakade, standing beside her, also nodded in agreement at Field, accepting the price.
“So, when do we depart?”
Seeing that everyone had finally reached an agreement, Alice turned to ask Liyakade.
“I think today is fine.”
Liyakade suggested.
“No time like the present. We can set out today. After all, it might take a whole day to find it. If we can’t, we’ll have to camp inside. We might as well go now.”
“That works.”
Field agreed as well.
“Then let’s go find the Grade Director and submit an application.”
Alice added.
“As expected of Miss Liyakade. You’re so efficient.”
Darkness watched the motivated trio and couldn’t help but sigh.
“Do your best. I’ll wait for your good news.”
“Mm?”
Hearing Darkness’s words, Field suddenly sensed something was off.
“From what you’re saying… Are you not planning to come with us?”
“That’s right.”
Darkness replied as if it were obvious.
“I’m too weak. If I go with you, I’ll just hold you back.”
“Huh?”
Field immediately felt as if they were being toyed with.
She glared at Darkness.
“Are you messing with us? If you don’t lead the way, how are we supposed to find the ring in the dungeon? Isn’t this like searching for a needle in a haystack?”
“S-sorry!”
Darkness was startled by Field’s aura and quickly apologized, pulling out a circular device resembling a compass.
“I forgot to tell you earlier. I prepared a Magic Detector for you. I’ve already infused it with my magic power. Just follow the guidance of the Magic Detector.”
“So, you’re still not coming with us?”
Field was still a little annoyed. A request to help find something in a dungeon, yet the requester wasn’t even coming along?
She wasn’t completely powerless—being a student at the Academy, how weak could she be?
Besides, with three people who could serve as bodyguards, how could Darkness drag them down?
Clearly, she just didn’t want to go and was trying to avoid the hassle.
“I-I’m sorry. I really don’t dare to go to the Nasca Labyrinth again. If you’re not satisfied… I can increase the reward.”
“Liyakade, what do you think?”
Field glanced at Liyakade, leaving the decision to her.
“It’s fine, Darkness-san. If you don’t want to go, that’s okay. Just wait for our good news.”
Liyakade didn’t mind. She could clear the entire dungeon alone, so it didn’t matter if there was one more or less person.
Since she didn’t want to go, there was no need to force her.
With that, Liyakade accepted the Magic Detector from Darkness.
“Sigh, fine.”
Seeing Liyakade’s attitude and Darkness’s sincere apology, Field just sighed and respected Liyakade’s decision.
“Thank you so much, Miss Liyakade, Miss Alice, Princess Field. Thank you!”
Seeing that everyone had agreed, Darkness expressed her gratitude to them.