Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 277

 The Adventurers' Guild in Zelkis's capital.

Unlike the one in Liana, this place is much sturdier, thanks to the dungeon.

The reconstruction over there is progressing, but… it's still far from complete.

As I stepped inside, contemplating a bit arrogantly, all eyes turned toward me at once.

"…Oh."

In Liana, exploration happens outside, and the Adventurers' Guild has a sort of gathering place atmosphere, but here, the exploration area is right below. It feels tense, like everyone is on edge.

In terms of pure ability, the adventurers in Liana aren't lacking either, but… over there, it's more relaxed. People even drink alcohol.

This tension… I haven't felt it in a while.

That said, many people here know me, and the sharp stares quickly softened. Even among adventurers, there's a sense of territoriality, but since I'm from here, I doubt I'll be treated as an outsider just because my base has changed.

…Right?

◇

As it turns out, my fear of being treated like an outsider was unfounded.

Today, I wasn't wearing my usual outfit—the one with the Müller family crest on the cape and maid uniform that I had made in the royal capital—but then again, the mere fact that there's a floating girl next to me is like a kind of trademark in itself.

I was in this city until last year, and many people still remember me.

In a few years, the adventurers might change, but by then, the dungeon in Liana will have opened, and the hunting base will shift to Liana territory. …My dungeon exploration is secure.

"Alright… this should do."

With that, I confirmed my thoughts when I saw a familiar adventurer leading a group of what looked like newcomers on a hunt just before reaching the upper levels. I took the opportunity to exchange greetings and information.

"Hey. Make sure to send regards to the folks over there too. Hey! You lot, make sure to thank him!"

It was quite valuable information, so I used a 【Prayer】 as thanks, but the newcomers seemed quite startled. Even though skills are expected, magic is also pretty rare… Even common healing magic requires a trip to a medical or rescue facility, and just because people live in a fantasy world doesn't mean they can easily receive its benefits.

After being prompted to show gratitude, the newcomers seemed to snap out of it and bowed their heads.

Yes, yes. Appreciate it as much as you want.

"Alright then, see you later."

After bidding them farewell, I aimed once again for the middle level. I had been talking for about 20 minutes, but today, unlike usual, there was no one-hour time limit, so a little detour like this was fine.

◇

"Alright… I'm here!"

The passage just after exiting from the middle level entrance. Once you pass through here, there's a large hall where a group of Ogres are waiting.

I've passed through the shallows and the upper levels, and there were quite a few adventurers hunting, but… as far as I can sense, there's no sign of them here. When I used to hunt in this area, it was common for people to be hunting right after entering the middle level, but… maybe the usual hunters here are still on break.

"…Well, that works in my favor."

I activated 【Fairy Eyes】 with Akame and carefully scanned the surroundings, and as expected, I discovered Ogres near the exit of the passage. These ones are the stone-throwers, and I could clearly see a group further back watching our movements. If I get too close to the middle of the passage, they'll start to get wary, so the spot just before that is where I'll begin.

There's a slightly sunken spot on the ground, so I'll use that as a marker.

As I proceeded down the passage, I double-checked to make sure there were no people around. No one in front or behind, and even when I looked further ahead just to be extra cautious, there was no sign of anyone. This should eliminate any risk of a stray shot.

Maybe I'm being overly cautious, but the item 【Danrem's Thread】 is probably something that can't be blocked if you're caught off guard, even if you know it's coming.

It's an incredible force and speed of light, making it difficult to block or evade. Normally, you'd get hit without even realizing it.

And if you get hit… that's a scenario that I absolutely must avoid.

Dungeon or not, killing people is unacceptable.

Seria・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira's Blessing】・【Floating Sphere】【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee's Stinger】【Fairy Eyes】【Dragon's Lungs】【Amber Sword】【Danrem's Thread】・1 card

Seriana・【Area Identification】・【】・35 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fangs】・5 cards

Alec・【】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horn】・12 cards