Chapter 8: Making a Detour

Come to think of it, arent we supposed to get a treasure chest for beating the floor boss?

Gumooo!

Ace grunted in affirmation.

Can you lead us there?

Gumo!

He started to walk towards our new destination.

Shall we go, Rei?

Waooon

I began to pet Rei and he responded energetically before following me.

****

This is I unconsciously held my breath.

After we had returned to the floor bosss space, there were five treasure chests sitting there. Placed within each chest were various equipments that could only be gotten from high-quality dungeons.

I see. Did they react to the members who originally entered the room?

The chests contained a sword, some armor, a robe, a staff and, lastly

A ring?

Gumo!

Should I wear it?

Gumoo!

I didnt really understand, but surely the four other equipments corresponded with the four party members, meaning it was not a bad guess that the ring belonged to me. As soon as I put the ring on, that voice sounded in my head once again.

Visible?

I have always been able to see their figures from the start, but Ill try making them visible as a sort of test.

Gumoo!

Waoon!

Ace and Rei were in high spirits.

Was I the only one that has been able to see them?He wondered.

I see. It was good to get and equip this ring. Now the question was whether it would be better to see the Minotaurs spirit or some luggage floating in midair. I wonder which one would set people more at ease. Well, I think it would be surprising to have a Minotaur walking around the streets, so Ill only show Rei and hide Ace.

Ill give these things to the other party members to avoid any future problems. I can come back here later anyway.

Gumoo!

Are you saying I should be careful? I know. I wont come back immediately.

Its a dungeon where an S-ranked party couldnt do anything but run away. It didnt seem possible that Id be able to do anything, even if Ace had joined and Rei had become stronger.

I couldnt enter this place anyway while going solo. Ill take it slow, yeah?

Waoooon!

Gumooooo!

Thanks.

It seemed like they were going to give their best right from the start, so I gave them my thanks as we started on our way back. We easily made it out of the dungeon without a truly hard fight during our journey thanks to the help of my two strong companions. With the Minotaur in front and the one-horned wolf behind. Ace would literally crush any monster that appeared in one of his hands, but in the first place, few monsters appeared to try and fight him. As for me, I mostly did nothing and only leisurely walked along.

Should we go to the guild just like this?

There are a number of different things that could happen while these two are with me and, since theyll be doing things with me from now on, I should get used to it. I had only kept Rei visible until now, but lets show Aces form when we arrive at the guild.

What kind of reaction do you think theyll have when they realize Im still alive?

Kuun

Its fine. I dont really care anyways.

As expected, it was still shocking that Fade, my childhood friend, pretty much tried to kill me. Nevertheless, it wont be good if I dont go.

Im not thinking of trying to get revenge, but it would be fine to scare them a bit, right?

Waan!

Between Ace and the treasure Im giving them, it should surprise them just enough. I thought about how to give my report as I continued towards the guild.