Chapter 112: A Legend Passed Down from Then On

With the help of the Lei Mark, Will and his party quickly reached the Cave Hall on the second level of the Dungeon.

Although this was their second time here, the sight before him still filled Will with genuine awe.

Oh, almost forgot—Arthur and that little girl named Renee, it seemed like this was their first time here.

The Swordmaster was fine; having weathered many storms, she only showed a trace of surprise and admiration.

As for that little girl named Renee, hmm, her expression was so easy to read—so she really is still a kid…

“All these sights are made up of monsters, you know. The ‘Star Light’ twinkling above your head, the lotus leaves on the calm surface of the lake, the ‘Clouds’ floating on the water, the faintly visible Coral at the lake’s bottom, and that Giant Luminous Mushroom right behind you.”

“You… you’re saying they’re all monsters?”

It was understandable for a kid to be surprised by such things, though it seemed her excitement visibly faded quite a bit.

“That’s perfectly normal, right? Dungeons are overflowing with magic, which attracts monsters to live and breed here. Let’s go—let’s find the entrance to the Third Level first. If you haven’t seen enough, we’ll come back later.”

……

“Yo, Uzo, not out drinking today? That’s rare.”

“Oh, Boss Su Yao, what a coincidence. I just happen to have some work today.”

Inside a room on the Dungeon’s second level, partially submerged by the lake water.

The Dwarf Uzo was cheerfully greeting a golden-haired loli.

Su Yao, Su Yao… what a strange name. Who was this person again?

“What do you mean, boss lady? Call me Boss!”

Boss and boss lady, what’s the difference?

Wait, Boss? Now he remembered—she was the landlord for the Adventurers’ Guild Branch.

It was quite a coincidence, but meeting her here wasn’t too strange either.

As for why, that’s because there were many others in this room besides her.

He originally thought so many people had gathered because there was a passage to the Dungeon’s Third Level here, but it seemed he was mistaken.

These Adventurers had waded through the flooded area and were crowded around a stone platform—seems like there was some treasure there, and they’d all been drawn by it.

“Miss Arthur, Guildmaster Will, are you two treasure hunting in the Dungeon as well?”

“That’s right. Miss Su Yao, did you come here alone?”

“Exactly, I just came back from the Third Level.”

The Dungeon’s Third Level? Alone? It seemed this landlord loli was more than just wealthy.

“Hey! Stupid demon… loli, you followed Sister Arthur here, didn’t you?”

“Ha? You brat, can’t you understand human speech? I clearly said I came up from the lower floors, didn’t I?”

“Anyone who calls others a brat is a brat! Your whole family are brats!”

“You’re the brat! Saying you don’t want to eat the food I brought, when you obviously do!”

“Hmph, you’re you, and food is food…”

……

Just a bunch of trivial nonsense—is this really kids bickering?

“By the way, Arthur, let’s bring Boss Su Yao along. She’s really strong, and no one knows this Dungeon better than she does.”

Is Uzo serious? Didn’t he see those two were about to start fighting?

“No way! I’m not teaming up with her!”

“See? That’s exactly why you’re a brat. Deciding everything just on your own whim—what else would you call a brat?”

“You!”

“All right, all right, Renee. Having a guide really will save us a lot of time. Will doesn’t know much about the Third Level, but didn’t Miss Su Yao just come back from there? Would you be willing to take us down again?”

As expected, it had to be Arthur at times like these. She was always so likable to kids, almost like a kind old gra… big sister!

Phew, even after all these years, her intuition was still as sharp as ever.

“Of course I can. In fact, I have a favor I’d like to ask you all.”

“What is it?”

“I’ll explain the details later. There are too many people here. Also, do you want to give it a try? That sword~”

Following the golden-haired loli’s finger, you could see the tightly crowded stone platform. As for the sword she mentioned—though Will hadn’t seen it yet, he could already guess.

“That sword stuck in the stone is really popular. They say whoever can pull it out can become the King. Of course, that may not be true, but isn’t it more fun with a bit of hype?”

That made sense. Since they were already here, might as well give it a try.

“Boss Su Yao, the Water Sprite’s sword?”

“I’ve saved it for you. We’ll talk about that later!”

Water Sprite? What were she and Uzo whispering about?

The group squeezed onto the stone platform just as the previous challenger failed.

Will saw the sword in full. It was embedded in the stone, its sharp blade gleaming coldly, with a layer of dark red leather wrapped around the golden hilt.

But the most important part was the inscription on the sword’s spine.

This long-lost technique was once unique to ancient Dwarves; he’d only ever read brief descriptions in books.

“Boss Su Yao, how could you not invite me to try such a fine weapon? That’s just unfair.”

Eyes shining, the Dwarf rushed up first, complaining as he went.

“Hey—”

With a shout, Uzo exerted all his strength. One foot braced on the stone, both hands gripping the hilt, the muscles of his forearms bulged with veins standing out.

His face flushed bright red, his whole body leaning back dramatically.

It was obvious he was trying his best, but unfortunately, the Sword in the Stone didn’t budge an inch.

“Give it up, Uzo. According to your Dwarf traditions, that sword hasn’t chosen you.”

“Hup!”

Ignoring the advice, he let out another shout. The ground beneath his feet splintered into a web of cracks, but miraculously began to heal—only to be smashed again as he stamped down.

All around, Adventurers watched intently. So far, he was the most likely person to pull the sword out.

“It looked like…it moved?”

“Really?!”

“No, I was mistaken.”

“Ouch!”

Someone in the crowd said something, and the Dwarf, spurred on, gave it another try.

But the next comment deflated him, and he tumbled off the platform with a yelp.

“Let’s go, no one’s going to pull that sword out.”

“Yeah, that Dwarf nearly broke the stone platform just now.”

“Why not try your luck? They say the King can pull it out. Maybe you’re the King, haha…”

“Don’t joke! Fairy tales aren’t real, you know?”

“Hey, hey, looks like someone’s going up—a woman.”

“Does she have a chance? She looks like just a girl.”

“If she pulls that sword out, I’ll drink all the water in this room on the spot!”

……

The chatter died away as the Swordmaster stepped up to the Sword in the Stone’s platform.

The stone into which the sword was embedded seemed to tremble as if in resonance.

“What a fine sword!”

Arthur gripped the hilt as though reuniting with a long-lost companion, and to the astonishment of all, drew the sword from the stone with effortless grace…