Chapter 23: A Certain Shy Pink-Haired Girl’s Dungeon Adventure

Hello, before the adventure begins, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Latina Latifa, a rather ordinary girl from the seaside city of Enor, adopted into the Latifa Ducal Family.

When I was eight years old, due to an accident, I unexpectedly discovered my magical talent.

I was then noticed by a master from the Mage Tower in the Capital and began researching magic with him.

Actually, Miss Sofia of the Roland Ducal Family has a much better talent than I do. Unfortunately, she chose to become a Guardian Princess Knight herself.

As you can see, I am now a Sixth-Rank Mage, but sadly, my mediocre efforts cannot satisfy my master.

The Sofia I admire became a Fifth-Rank Mage of Three Elements without guidance from any other great magicians.

Compared to her, my single Fire Element Mage Sixth-Rank status is insignificant.

Having lived in the Mage Tower for so long, I’m quite shy, often trembling all over when talking to strangers. Ugh, socializing is really difficult.

Stagnant in strength, I followed my master’s advice to visit the Elf Nation, where a kind elf elder helped me with a divination that revealed an opportunity for a breakthrough.

That’s why I have now arrived at the forest near Moravia.

————

This must be the Dungeon, right? Forgive my limited knowledge—I know almost nothing beyond magic—but according to the introduction from a lady at the Moravia Adventurers’ Guild, this should be the place.

But why are there so many people gathered here? Aren’t Dungeons supposed to be dark caves filled with monsters? Since when have they become so popular?

No, no, just looking at the crowd makes my legs tremble. I can’t go in right now. I’ll find somewhere nearby to wait until nightfall.

……

“Haa~”

I haven’t slept this well in a long time.

I don’t know why, but this forest nearby has neither many monsters nor bugs. Thanks to that, I could sleep soundly.

Sirius is in this position, no problem. It’s late at night now, the people should be gone.

Time to set off. Huh?

Why are there still so many people sleeping on the ground right in front of the Dungeon Entrance? Aren’t they afraid the monsters inside will rush out?

Better wait a bit longer.

……

Three days have passed since arriving at the Dungeon Entrance. If this continues, my supplies will run out.

No, no, I can’t wait any longer.

Compared to a few days ago, there seem to be fewer people at the Dungeon Entrance. I should be able to sneak past over there.

Come on, Latina, you can do this!

……

Phew, I’m exhausted. I managed to sneak in without any trouble.

It’s not as dark as I imagined here. Apparently, some kind person placed torches in this hall. Eh? Why are so many people still here in the hall? Luckily, they didn’t notice me.

Speaking of which, why is there a fountain here? Wait, the water from this fountain…

This feeling? It’s a magic potion! No, that bitter green potion can’t compare to this clear and sweet spring water! But I really can’t think of what it should be called.

There’s a sign here? Is it the name of the spring?

Let me see.

“Malicious killing of Slimes will bring a curse, and Dungeon Adventure Profits will be zero!!!!!!”

So many exclamation marks. No, this is deep resentment. But I don’t see any Slimes here. Could they be behind those doors?

By the way, which door should I choose?

Wow… so many doors right at the start. How am I supposed to deal with this choice paralysis?

I wish I could divinate right now.

Those people behind seem to be looking at me. Ugh, my legs are trembling again. No time to hesitate, I’ll choose this one. My master taught me to be upright and honest.

Alright, I’m going in. It’s so dark inside. Of course, no one would light all the torches in a Dungeon.

“Burn, flicker of flame.”

Good, although it’s not Light Magic, Fire Magic is still very convenient for lighting.

The surroundings feel strange—there are places with concentrated magic everywhere. Are there really so many monsters?

But looking around, all I see is corridors, nothing else. Could it be traps?

Anyway, better be careful.

……

Over a hundred steps and so many turns. Is this what they call a maze?

Huh? Another dead end. In that case, I’ll go back and try another path.

Why is this also a dead end? I clearly remember the last one was a passage.

These walls are filled with magic as well. Should I try offensive magic? Hmm, not sure. Better be safe.

I’ll try going down this path…

So strange, it was a dead end just a moment ago.

What’s going on with this maze?

Wait, the magic source ahead is moving. This should be a monster.

Sure enough, two Skeleton Soldiers. One with a rusty axe, the other with a rusty sword.

Good thing, they’re not hard to deal with.

“Smash them, Magma Javelin.”

Since they’re just bones, burning them should be enough. Huh? What’s this?

A wooden chest. No magic inside, no trap or monster. But why is there something like this in a Dungeon? Did someone leave it here on purpose?

Anyway, let’s open it and see. What’s this? Bread I recognize, but what is this soft yet hard layer wrapping it?

Tearing it off—so easy. Maybe this is a new way to preserve food, like bakeries wrapping bread in paper.

“Sniff, sniff.”

Such fragrant bread. Even the best bakery in Enor doesn’t smell like this. Just the aroma alone makes my mouth water.

I want to take a bite, but what if it’s poisonous? I can’t resist, I’ll just taste a little. Just a little.

Sorry, I ended up eating the whole loaf. Thankfully it wasn’t poisonous. I was determined to eat only a bit—Latina, you idiot!

Honestly though, it’s delicious. If someone could let me eat bread like this every day, I’d do anything for them.

Alright, time to move on. It’s hard to tell time inside a maze.

There seems to be a door ahead. A room, maybe?

But the magic source inside feels strong. Is it a monster gathering room? There don’t seem to be any other paths nearby, let’s check it out.

Wow!

Bats!

So many bats!

I’ll quickly take them out before they notice me.

“Blaze, incinerate all!”

Safe and sound. Fire Magic really comes in handy in situations like this.

Huh? The door’s sealed? When did that happen? It feels like I’m trapped inside this room.

“Magma Javelin.”

No, I can’t melt this iron grate magic! Is it made from the same material as the anti-magic collar?

If so, I have to look for a mechanism to unlock it nearby.

What’s that? Another chest! What’s going on? Why are there so many chests in this Dungeon? Who left them here?

Can’t figure it out. Never mind.

What’s inside? Food? I hope it’s bread like before.

But this chest looks different from before, the quality seems much better.

Ah, so disappointing. Just a set of leather armor. I probably won’t use it, but the craftsmanship and material are decent. I can sell it for some travel funds. I’ll keep it for now…

I still can’t get out. What should I do? I hope I’m not trapped here to die.

Eh? The door opened! I don’t know how, but the iron grate lifted. I’m saved.

Next, I should go through this door.

Ugh, more corridors and countless corners. What is this?

Spider silk?

Looks like no one’s been here for a long time. Those white balls stuck on the ground are… spider eggs! Such huge spider eggs!

Oh no, I forgot to sense the magic around!

On my head!

It hurts! I was bitten!

“Fi-re…”

I can’t pronounce the spell. My body feels numb…

It’s spider silk! No! Let go of me!

……