The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter - Chapter 137

Rushing leads to mistakes.

The two of us decided to fully prepare and get into our best condition before challenging the dungeon during the next day off.

The day came, so in the morning Emma and I head to the hidden dungeon.

At the entrance, I speak the usual password.

「So that is the password. It sounds like a proclamation of your way of life.」

「Yeah, if only it didn’t sound so egotistic it would’ve been perfect.」

Entering, I immediately take Emma into a princess carry and use Dungeon Portal.

I wanted to introduce her to Master, but this time we were in a hurry.

We arrive at the sign on the 14th floor.

「Last time I took path 1. This time we are taking path 2.」

「Let’s do our best.」

「Yeah.」

For a while, path 2 continued in a straight line.

I was afraid that there would be another corner, but this time it was a dead end.

It had a door, so the trial should be awaiting behind it.

After looking at each other we simultaneously nod to each other and then go through it.

The door shut behind us, automatically locking.

We ended up surrounded by amber-colored walls in a somewhat small room.

The opposite wall had a square wall in it, of about 30 centimeters in size and——

Something is comingーー?!

A large number of small monsters armed with swords, spears, and bows, rushed into the room through it.

The influx of pygmies didn’t stop and before even a minute passed we were completely surrounded.

There are so many of them that there is no place for us to step.

Even though they are very small, this sight still gives off a lot of impact.

After the full force of pygmies was assembled, something resembling a stone sealed the hole in the wall from the inside.

「We won’t let you get away」is this what they want to say?

Well, it’s not like we could escape through such a small hole to begin with.

And when it came to those monsters, they didn’t appear like simply smaller humans.

Crooked noses, pointy ears, dark brown skin.

They look like something akin to half-humans, half-goblins.

Their height is only about 20 centimeters, so Emma and I have to constantly look at our feet.

「Filthy giants! Don’t look down on us!」

One of the pygmies shouted, pointing a spear at us.

The volume of that voice was enough to wonder where it might be coming from with such a small body.

But even so, giants, huh.

Well, from their point of view we would appear that way.

「Wait a moment. It’s not like we mean you any harm.」

Said Emma, raising both of her hands as a sign of having no intention of opposing them.

If we can through this without a fight then it’s for the best.

Thus, I did the same.

Then, pygmies began whispering with each other.

This makes me nervous……

Using this chance I appraised the pygmies but was unable to identify abilities of any of them. All of them are shrouded in mystery.

Apparently finished with their discussion, they shout loudly.

「You lot, drop your weapons and items!」

I exchange looks with Emma.

Since we are more or less surrounded, we decided to obey.

I have other weapons anyway. We put our equipment on the floor.

The pygmies immediately carried them off to a corner of the room.

「We have no reason to let you go just like that.」

「We will do what we can.」

「Oh, really?」

「Yes. Otherwise, you are going to attack us all together, right?」

「Wait for a moment.」

Once again, the pygmies began whispering among themselves.

I carefully looked over the pygmies, of which there were at least a few hundred, but all of them looked the same, and none had any characteristic features.

By the way, there are two exits.

On the opposite side from the door through which we just came was another exit.

So that is our goal, huh. But it should be locked.

Thinking logically, the condition for unlocking should be the annihilation of the pygmies. In a low voice, I say to Emma.

「Let’s pretend to be captives, and upon getting a chance, attack」

「Got it.」

Looks like they once again came to a conclusion, as one of the pygmies shouted in a high-pitched voice.

「We are hungry! Give us food!」

In preparations, I had food stored in the subdimensional storage.

Though I never expected that I would have to feed pygmies with it.

「We have bread and fruits, what do you want to eat?」

「Wait a moment.」

Another discussion?

They seem to be close to humans in intelligence which makes them a bit troublesome opponents.

Even so, there are too many of them. Even if each one of them is weak, it’s scary to think of what they can do all together.

「Give us something tasty, which can be split and shared!」

I guess bananas or cookies would be a safe choice.

As I pulled out a banana, the pygmies’ wariness shot through the roof.

「Wha-what you just did?!」

「Nothing suspicious, this is my ability. I had things stored in another dimension. This is food, look.」

As I peeled off the banana and put it on the floor pygmies flocked to it like ants, intently observing it.

「Yellow…… I never saw before……?」

Surely there is none on the 14th floor. Or rather, do tell me what you usually eat, I’m quite curious.

「It’s a fruit called banana. It’s pretty popular in our town. Though it’s a bit expensive.」

「Someone, try it for poisons!」

After that shout, another pygmy stepped forward and gave it a taste.

Could it be that the one that just gave an order is their boss? Thinking well, there are a considerable number of them. It would be strange if there was no one leading them.

Humans also have kings, and for battlefields, generals.

Even monsters have leaders in their packs.

Then wouldn’t they be thrown into disarray if we defeat this one?

Hmm, for now, let’s refrain from attacks based on premature conclusions.

And as for the pygmy that went to try banana for poison, the moment it took a bite, it leaked a low groan and covered its face with a hand.

Though there is no poison in it.

Seeing the suffering of their comrade, other pygmies brandished their weapons brimming with hostility.

「You lowly giant! You put poisons into it?!」

「I did not! I didn’t poison it!」

「Everyone…… It’s the truth. I wasn’t suffering…… It’s just THAT tasty!」

Thanks to the delighted comments from the pygmy taster, my innocence was proven somehow.

The moment other pygmies understood that it’s not harmful they also went for a taste with great interest.