Chapter 865: Adventurer Ekaterize 3

Together with Ursa-san, we defeated the Flame Giant and stepped out of the room, only to find ourselves in another dungeon.

Quite literally.

It seems to be a trap designed for us to get lost… The doors lead to different places.

Although when I say ‘different places’, they’re probably still within the same dungeon. Clearly, it’s a deliberate trap to disorient us.

Interestingly, the same door takes us to different locations on our way back, making it challenging to return to the original hall.

As long as we don’t close the door, we should be fine. But, unfortunately, it can be closed.

By those figures shrouded in black hoods.

Ursa-san seems unfazed, so I won’t meddle… But is it safe?

[There seems to be a rule saying you can’t touch them.]

Rule?

[The rules of this place. As long as we abide by it, we won’t be enemies with them. In our current situation, we don’t want to create more enemies, right?]

Certainly.

Every time we step into an unfamiliar chamber, we’re attacked by monsters.

The fewer enemies we have, the better.

Understood.

…….

By the way….. what about them?

The three small monsters trailing behind us.

The tiny flame monster left after defeating the Flame Giant.

The whirlwind-like monster left after vanquishing the stormy mass of a monster.

And the stone monster that remained after toppling the colossal golem made of stacked bricks.

After being defeated, they inexplicably rise and follow Ursa-san…

She said don’t worry about them either.

Well, they did attack us, but they don’t seem hostile.

Ah, wanna take a break around here?

Understood.

Now, let’s have some hot water… Oh, the little flame monster approaches, seemingly requesting to leave it to it.

It looks like it’s about to go out, is it okay?

I made some water using magic, poured it in a pot, and gave it to it.

And look, one of the hooded figures brings a small stone tile.

Directly using fire would soil the floor, after all.

Even the whirlwind and stone monsters seem willing to cooperate.

Much appreciated.

-0-

We took a break with a cup of coffee.

After that, we reassessed our situation.

We’ve been separated from E3-san and the others.

[There is an action plan when the team is divided.]

Ursa-san leads the main group.

The main group will follow Ursa-san’s instructions.

For those without Ursa-san, if rejoining the main group seems unlikely, they should immediately withdraw.

Return to the base and call for reinforcements.

[Do you think E3-san and the others can find the teleportation mechanism and get to us here?]

We’ve traveled quite far away.

I think it would be difficult for us to get together.

[True. A considerable amount of time has already passed. Let’s assume E3 and the others are retreating and acting accordingly. If we are lucky, help might be on the way.]

E3-san’s group is likely caught in some form of teleportation trap too and are wandering around like us.

Ursa-san probably considers this possibility too, but for now, let’s remain silent.

At the moment, we’re the ones being worried about, not the ones worrying.

-0-

After our break, we resume our search for an exit.

It would be ideal to leave marks on the walls or floor, but those guys shrouded in black hoods… Let’s call them Kuro-san, eh? We can’t call them that?

Ursa-san disapproved, so I’ll address them now as Kurokuro-san.

Kurokuro-san erases any marks, and they seem to not want us to cause any damage. Unfortunately, we can’t leave any signs.

Perhaps if we asked Kurokuro-san about the exit, they’d provide an answer. But Ursa-san has stopped me from doing so.

Apparently, that’s also a rule.

-0-

A day has passed, at least according to what I feel.

Kurokuro-san kindly provided a bedroom, allowing us to rest properly.

While it’s a bit odd to be escorted to the restroom, I won’t complain because it’s helpful.

Oya?

It seems Kurokuro-san has prepared breakfast for us.

Thank you.

Ursa-san, it’s time to wake up.

Stone monster-san.

Perhaps you are seeking comfort from Ursa-san, but you should refrain from sitting on her stomach while she sleeps.

It might be good for training, but that’s not something we’ll do now.

-0-

Afternoon.

I asked Ursa-san how she obtained the sand that repelled the vampire’s magic eye.

Come to think of it, there was no sand in that location.

I don’t think she prepared it just before teleporting.

I did confirm that she was doing something with her hands……stones?

She created sand by rubbing stone against a stone.

Stones can serve as weapons when thrown or even wielded for striking.

Keeping a few suitable stones at all times is practical.

I’ve learned something valuable.

Next time, I’ll do the same.

-0-

An ice monster appeared, and Ursa-san and I defeated it with coordinated effort.

…

This ice monster also seems to follow Ursa-san.

No, it can talk?

Quite impressive.

It appears to be acquainted with Ursa-san…

Well, let’s set aside the details for now.

Eh?

If we had soil, we could heal the stone monster, potentially unraveling the dungeon’s structure?

I finally heard some good news.

But there is no soil?

Indeed, there’s no soil here.

Only stone walls and cobblestone.

However, what lies beyond these stone walls?

I believe it’s soil.

Ursa-san has already taken action.

Truly remarkable.

-0-

I won’t actually break anything.

Kurokuro-san would be troubled, after all.

After they saw our conviction for destruction, Kurokuro-san has provided us with soil.

Thank you.

Now, with this, I can restore the stone monster and perhaps escape the dungeon…

Before I knew it, there was a vampire holding my leg.

[Wait. Don’t leave. I’m preparing to welcome you.]

Even if you say that…

First of all, you never told us you’re going to welcome us, right?

[That’s just a form of greeting. Don’t worry about it.]

But…

[Our master is waiting. At least show your face to the master.]

Ursa-san, what do you think?

Yes, I understand.

This vampire.

He’s strong.

During the hall incident, if he didn’t run, he could beat us.

Not knowing an opponent’s strength until you make contact–I still have much to learn.

Currently, I haven’t managed to free my leg from the vampire’s grasp.

…Understood.

We’ll go to where your master is, so please release my leg.

Also, continuously keeping our guards up against your magic eye is challenging.

Do we mind if you put on an eyepatch?

You already prepared one?

Your thoughtfulness is commendable.

[Ekate, stay vigilant. His magic eye isn’t limited to the right eye.]

…….

The vampire, realizing he’s been discovered, removes the eye patch and covers both eyes with a black cloth.

What can I even say?

I realize how immature I am.