Chapter 23

Chapter 23

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[Translator Kie]

[Proofreader Lucky]

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From the counts castle to the Primordial Core.

The short journey took less than a day.

Led by Niphrim, the 31 members of the Paimour Raid Force came to a halt only when the sun, led by Niphrim, reached beyond the horizon, leaving a faint trace.

A massive cave in front of them captivated everyones attention. Although it appeared to be an ordinary large cave, it emanated an enormous sense of oppression, enough to engulf most of the expedition force even though it was far from them.

A conspicuous sign hung by the cave entrance caught their eyes. The graffiti, roughly written in red ink on a description of the Primordial Core, seemed like a curse. The red ink represented the blood of livestock. Regardless of whose prank it was, there was nothing more effective in escalating fear.

Niphrim, Niphrim! Look at this. They say no one who entered this cave has survived. If you die here, your soul corrupts, wandering the underworld for the rest of your life. Should we just turn back now? Should we?

Dont act like a fool.

Come on, its just a joke! Even if we go back now, dying is inevitable. Whats there to be afraid of anymore?

Niphrim shot a sharp look at Sylvia, who was unnecessarily making a fuss. No expedition members seemed swayed by Sylvias antics. Judging that lingering at the entrance was not a good option, Niphrim promptly headed into the cave.

It didnt take long for the expedition force to reach the Primordial Core from the Earls castle.

As Niphrim led the 31 members of the Paimour Raid Force, they stopped only when the midday sun, hidden beyond the horizon, cast a long shadow.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.

The enormous cave in front of them captured everyones attention. Though it seemed like an ordinary large cave from the outside, it emanated a massive sense of intimidation, enough to engulf most of the expedition force even though it was far away.

A conspicuous sign hung by the cave entrance caught their eyes. The graffiti, roughly written in red ink on a description of the Primordial Core, seemed like a curse. The red ink represented the blood of livestock. Regardless of whose prank it was, there was nothing more effective in escalating fear.

Niphrim, Niphrim! Look at this. They say no one who entered this cave has survived. If you die here, your soul corrupts, wandering the underworld for the rest of your life. Should we just turn back now? Should we?

Dont act like a fool.

Come on, its just a joke! Even if we go back now, dying is inevitable. Whats there to be afraid of anymore?

Niphrim shot a sharp look at Sylvia, who was unnecessarily making a fuss. No expeditionary members seemed swayed by Sylvias antics. Judging that lingering at the entrance was not a good option, Niphrim promptly headed into the cave.

Upon entering the cave, a room much larger than the entrance greeted the expedition force. The steep path descending from the entrance continued endlessly. The slippery slope gradually flattened as it descended about three levels deep. The dungeon, much larger than an ordinary cavern and therefore creating vague fear for those who imagined the Core arbitrarily, could be aptly called an underground world rather than an underground dungeon.

Although the slopes angle made the interior slightly darker, it wasnt pitch-black, thanks to the artificial lantern crafted by Sylvia, illuminating the interior brightly. It was a space larger than a dungeon room, each room forming a complete ecosystem for monsters.

According to the information, this is the first room. I dont see any living monsters or do I?

Dont judge based on incomplete information. Sylvia, any signs of life?

Wait a moment I dont sense any activity nearby.

It seems like it hasnt regenerated yet.

The voice echoed faintly. The room was so quiet that it gave the illusion that the dormant creatures in the cave were about to awaken. Niphrim casually scanned the surroundings. The room was indeed spacious, but there was no sound. Something crunched under the foot of one of the expedition force members as they cautiously walked. The member drew their sword with a surprised exclamation.

The sound of bones colliding mixed seamlessly with the voice. The hand holding the massive greatsword was a skeletal joint. The eye sockets looking down on the expedition force were eerily empty. As the brighter light revealed the monster sitting leisurely on the neatly cut stalactite, Niphrim spoke.

Skeleton Youre Patrick.

Well, its an honor to be recognized. I even prepared an introduction in case someone said, Who is this guy? but all that effort went down the drain. Thanks a lot, you damn bastards. Now, I cant even use the carefully crafted entrance lines Ive been working on all day.

Patrick sighed.

Well, anyway, thanks for going through the trouble of coming all the way to this humble place without even being summoned. Nice to meet you all.

Instead of a response, the sound of blades being scratched against scabbards echoed from various places. Patrick observed the expedition force with a gleeful expression.

Except for Niphrim, everyone had their weapons drawn and was adjusting their formation. From lightly gripped short swords to true two-handers considering the guys who were scared stiff, their stance of holding weapons was surprisingly convincing.

The reactions are quite fierce. First, everyone relax, and put your weapons away. The lady there, put away the staff, and the unarmed lady, put away your fists Huh, does that sound a bit odd?

Rumors say the dead dont have a lot to say, but I guess you werent one of them.

Even in death, I guess you cant stop talking. Whats with this incessant chatter? Theres a saying that the sword speaks with the sword, but its not as easy as it sounds. Unless its a genuinely talking cursed sword, you know.

Haha, youre quite inexperienced. Non-stop talking is like begging for someone to tell you to shut up. If the Gatekeeper leaves his post and comes out to the second room, what do you think Id be thinking? Even if a skeleton rolls its head, isnt this the limit? Ill make a guess. Everyone here, wiped out by the 5th room, right? Now, all thats left is you, the Gatekeeper, Holmunculus, and Devourer. Am I right?

You shameless guy. Talking so casually about dying under the attack of millions of skeletons on the entire continent. And by the way, whats with your tightly packed head; its like youre begging to stop thinking. If the Gatekeeper leaves his post and comes out to the 2nd room, what do you think Id be thinking? Is it possible for a skeleton to strategize? Let me guess. Wipe out everyone here up to the 5th room, right? Well then, Devourer, youre the only one left, right?

Ive heard that the great detective has an overflowing brain full of thoughts. But thats not the case; its not that I was hiding it, and its not that there are three of us. Im the only one left; they all went on vacation. Oh, I feel like tears are coming suddenly. Even though I dont have tear ducts.

Ah, of course, now that youve heard this fact, you wont be able to live even if you go back.

Thats what Patrick said, scratching his chin with a sarcastic pose. Hearing Patricks words, Niphrim furrowed his brow slightly.

Moreover, I have quite a few things Id like to ask all of you. Thanks to my own sources, I know that you came to this dungeon with Paimours support as dungeon investors. However, the Paimour I know is a coward. Whenever he sends an expedition force to A-rank or higher dungeons, he always deploys over 50 personnel. Now, count your heads. How about it? Isnt it strange? So, with my empty head, Im speculating that perhaps Paimour only lent his name. In reality, Im wondering if theres another force behind it.

You talk too much. I guess Ill just have to kill you.

Shall I knock you out after the execution? Or should I make you unconscious and then knock you out?

With the end of Patricks speech, he stood up. With a frightening stretch, the massive blade descended on Patrick. Still moving leisurely, Patrick, after evading the blade, picked up the lying sword with one hand. Tanabellas guard headed towards the expedition force.

After dodging the blade and leaning to the side,

Clang!

The sound of swords clashing echoed.

You lack manners. Not even giving me time to catch my breath.

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[Translator Jjescus]

[Proofreader Lucky]

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