"So, is this the correct location of the dungeon?"
Lenora nodded in response to Rei's question.
"Yes, that's it. But are you truly sure about this? You can't expect to make much of a profit there."
Several adventurers had already set out to explore the new dungeon that had recently appeared near Gilm. However, the materials and magic stones harvested from the monsters within were of little value. Lenora was well aware that most of them had reported coming back in the red, and her warning was born from that reality.
While there were no travel costs if one walked to the site, combat always resulted in the wear and tear of weapons, and taking hits meant risk of injury. Furthermore, because the dungeon was so narrow, some had even struck the walls with their weapons and damaged them beyond repair. Considering these factors, Lenora could not in good conscience recommend the dungeon to Rei.
"Besides," she added, "I believe it will be impossible for Set to enter. I've heard the entrance and the corridors are quite small."
"I've heard the stories. I'll give it a shot just in case, but if he can't fit, he'll just have to wait outside."
"I'd assumed you were here for the Gamelion Subjugation. From the guild's perspective, Gamelion meat is scarce this year, so that would have been far more helpful."
Lenora liked Gamelion meat as much as anyone; she wasn't particularly happy that the prices were rising due to the low catch this season. Of course, her desire to help the guild wasn't a lie either.
"Well, certainly, it wouldn't be hard for Rei-kun to find them," Kenny agreed with a smile from her spot beside Lenora.
Kenny had spoken privately with Elena a few days ago, but nothing about her had changed outwardly. She had certainly been affected by the conversation, but she chose not to let it show. To Rei, she seemed the same as always. However, Lenora—her long-time frenemy and best friend—sensed a subtle shift in Kenny's manner.
"Gamelions, huh? I thought about it, but right now the dungeon is more interesting. It's not supposed to be that large, so if I clear it quickly, I'll go after the Gamelions then. I like the meat too, after all."
"I understand. The monsters inside are mostly low-rank and their strength is reportedly nothing special. However, a dungeon is still a dungeon. You never know what might happen inside, so please stay alert."
"Dungeon 1F is stone corridors, and 2F is caves. Both are narrow and unsuitable for party combat. That's the gist, right?"
"Yes. In some spots, swinging a weapon like your great scythe—Death Scythe, was it?—will be very difficult. A moment's carelessness in a dungeon can cost you your life. Especially since Rei-san is solo. Please judge the situation calmly."
"Yeah, I know. I'll get to the Gamelions after the dungeon."
With that, Rei left the guild.
With snow expected to fall at any moment, most adventurers had already completed their winter preparations and were enjoying a long holiday in the guild tavern. In contrast, there were those taking on last-minute requests for a final push. Both types of adventurers watched Rei with suspicious gazes. Everyone knew how skilled he was; they wondered why such a powerhouse was wasting his time on a dungeon that paid only pocket change.
Of course, from the perspective of those currently looking for work, the fact that a competitor like Rei wasn't taking their requests was a relief. Meanwhile, the newcomers who had once looked down on Rei now avoided him entirely, having heard of his true strength from their seniors.
(Well, given the explanation, I can see why no one wants to touch it. Those looks are to be expected.)
Muttering to himself, Rei felt he absolutely could not overlook this dungeon. Back in the Bestia Empire, his greatest anticipation had been Gamelion meat, but that was now secondary to the treasure that was a dungeon.
(I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of skills Set can absorb after eating the Dungeon Core.)
Endeavoring to ignore the gazes fixed on him, Rei stepped out of the guild and walked toward Set, who was surrounded by a crowd as usual.
"...Ah, that's right."
He suddenly remembered the magic sword he had obtained from Noise. He had left it as it was. A image of a blacksmith with a fierce, thief-like face crossed his mind.
"Pamidoor's shop shouldn't be far from here."
He decided to stop there before heading to the dungeon. Pushing through the crowd, he reached his companion.
(It's fine since Set is happy, but I'd be glad if they'd settle down soon.)
Set did not dislike anyone who approached him without malice. As a gryphon, he had an excess of physical stamina, and because he was still young, he returned affection to anyone who showed it to him. As long as Set was enjoying himself, he felt almost no mental fatigue; his playmates usually wore out long before he did.
(Except for this one.)
Rei cast an exasperated look at Mirene, who was watching Set eat a huge piece of ham with a look of pure bliss.
"You're here every day. Are you really that free?"
"I am. At the very least, nothing is more important than being with Seto-chan. And our winter preparations are done, so it's not a problem, right?"
"If you get too invested in Set, you'll run out of savings halfway through."
Even to Rei's eyes, the ham Set was currently eating appeared to be a high-quality luxury item. Since she was feeding it to him by the kilogram, the price must have been considerable.
"It's fine. If I run out of money, I'll just earn more," Mirene said with a smile, completely ignoring his concern.
Her words would have made the veins on the foreheads of any hard-working adventurer throb. The others in the vicinity could only manage a wry smile.
"Well, do as you like. But unfortunately, Set and I are heading to the dungeon now."
"...The dungeon? The one that appeared nearby?"
"Yeah."
"Why would you bother? There's no point in going there."
Mirene finally turned her gaze toward Rei, looking genuinely puzzled. Several people in the crowd who knew the situation nodded in agreement.
"Have you been?"
"Yeah. Sulnin said he wanted to take a look inside. But we came back after only a few battles."
Rei sighed. He had been working hard to gather intel, only to find a source of information right under his nose. Even so, he told himself that the stories he had heard from Lenora, the tavern, and the Dusk Wheat Inn dining hall had not been in vain.
"So, how was it?"
"We mostly fought Goblins and Kobolds."
"...Kobolds, huh."
He had already absorbed a Goblin magic stone. He had hoped for something new from the Kobolds, but then he remembered fighting them at an oasis previously. His expectations were crushed in an instant; he wouldn't be getting any new skills from them.
"Right. Well, since even we could manage it, you'll be fine, Rei. ...Ah, but..." Mirene trailed off, her gaze turning toward Set. "The entrance is narrow, so Seto-chan probably won't be able to get in."
"I've heard. It would be easier if Set were with me, but if the entrance and corridors are that small, I'll have to have him wait outside."
"Guruuu..." Set let out a disappointed cry.
His round eyes looked straight at Rei, but Rei stood firm. He had the Size Change skill, but it couldn't be used indefinitely for combat in narrow halls.
"I heard that monsters sometimes come out of the dungeon. If you can't enter even with Size Change, I'm sorry, but could you handle anything that emerges, Set? Ranga and the guards will be there, but I'd feel better if you were on watch."
"Guruuu... Gururururuuu, Guruuu."
After hesitating for a few seconds, Set finally nodded.
"Anyway, if Seto-chan can't enter, why not just go by yourself, Rei? I'll look after him while you're busy," Mirene suggested, her ulterior motives clear.
"If I have Set, a distance that takes hours on foot only takes ten minutes."
"Guruuu!" Set rumbled proudly, as if to say, "Leave it to me!"
"Che," Mirene muttered, disappointed.
If Rei were forcing the gryphon to go, she might have had a reason to complain, but since Set clearly wanted to be with Rei, there was nothing she could say.
"Well, for now, I'll just try what I can. If it's truly a waste of time, I'll come back quickly and go on a Gamelion Subjugation."
"...I'd honestly prefer you to do that."
Mirene lived in Gilm, so she naturally looked forward to Gamelion dishes at this time of year. However, the meat was scarce and expensive this season.
"Then why doesn't Scorching Wind go out and hunt some? You're a C-Rank Party; a C-Rank Monster Gamelion shouldn't be too much for you."
"We've thought about it, but it's not for a request, and I'm afraid it would be a wasted effort. Most of the adventurers I know who went out couldn't even find one."
Only a few lucky parties had succeeded. Mirene felt they likely wouldn't find any even if they tried. Scorching Wind lacked a thief; Ekryl could act as a scout with her ranger skills, but it wasn't enough. Gamelions were surprisingly fast despite their size, and they were ferocious enough to favor surprise attacks. Mirene was confident in her strength in a fair fight, but a surprise attack was a different story.
Between their high physical ability, ears like blades, sharp tusks, and tails that could strike like a whip or a spear, they were formidable. Their only saving grace was their lack of long-range attacks.
"I fought one last year, so I know what they're like. They're definitely strong."
"Right? It would be one thing if they challenged you from the front, but they never do."
Set quickly finished the rest of his snacks and prepared to depart. Rei gave a light wave to the crowd and started to walk away.
"Ahhh, Seto-chan... see you later! Rei, if you bully Seto-chan, you'll answer to me!"
Mirene's voice echoed through the area, leaving the onlookers with nothing to do but smile wryly.