Volume 3

Chapter 45-The Gray Hermit and the Great Hollow

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

"Oh, Nene. And Yuki-san."(Mamaru)

A familiar face appears from behind the guild counter in the underground cavern.

As the guild's receptionist, her presence here was not strange at all, in fact, it was even natural.

I just wished she wasn't there.

'Ma-ma, mamma ......'(Nene)

"I'm so happy to hear Nene call me 'mama. It makes me happy ."(Mamar

It's hard to tell if it's natural or a joke, but Mamaru-san laughs as she taps Nene on the shoulder, who is still slurring her words in fear.

Nene's body trembled and she was so nervous that she looked as if she was about to pass out.

'This side of the room is off-limits to all concerned, sir."(Mamaru)

"Let us through, Mamaru-san."(Yuki)

"Why?"(Mamaru)

"Why not?"(Yuki)

Mamaru-san, who tilted her head at my words, gave a small laugh.

"Fufufu I'm just joking. Come on, this way."(Mamaru)

"......, Mamaru-san?"(Yuki)

"Yes, what is it, Yuki-san?"(Mamar

Mamaru, with her calm face, looks back at me with a smile on her face.

I feel somewhat uncomfortable. From the counter, she could see me mixed in with the "Thunder Pike," but how could she not notice that?

"Big brother. This is the real Mamaru. There's no sign of shadow stalker."(Nibelung)

"Yes. I confirmed it with magic sense magic."(Rain)

Nibelung and Rain inform me of this as I look at them suspiciously.

"I've known Yuki-san for a long time."(Mamaru)

Mamaru puts her hand on her cheek and lets out a small sigh.

Something was lying at her feet.

"I'm sorry to interrupt  but...... this is?"(Yuki)

'It's the  monster that used to be my copy. I took care of it so it wouldn't get in the way."(Mamaru)

As if in some kind of small talk, Mamaru-san tells us that she killed Shadow Stalker, a shadow person of her own image.

Yes, I shouldn't forget that Mamaru is a legendary adventurer who goes by the name of "Gray Hermit"

No wonder Nene is frightened.

"She has better skin than I do."(Mamaru)

"But why are you here? Where are my uncle and Benwood?"(Yuki)

'Don't worry, they're here all right. The sudden appearance of the saga has been a bit of a problem though. ......"(Mamaru)

I followed the smiling Mamaru into the back of the guild.

Feeling the gradually diminishing bustle of the bar in the background, I remembered the first time I challenged the "Colorless Darkness".

That time, too, Mamaru had led me to a secret room in the back of the guild.

"The saga told me that the reason I am here is to create a pathway  to bring you all together."(Mamaru)

"A pathway ?"(Yuki)

'Yes, I don't quite understand it either. But he was right. In fact, you all were able to join me."(Mamaru)

With a smile on her face, Mamaru activates the mechanism in the hidden room where the stairs to the large cavern are located.

The wall slides sideways like a hidden door in a labyrinth.

What appears is a small room and a gaping hole in the ...... floor.

"Well, everyone in the "Clover". This is where it starts."(Mamaru)

"What about Mamaru-san?"(Yuki)

"I have to stay here for a while. The world as "Finis Adventurers' Guild" will be shaken up without me. I will join you later, so don't worry."(Mamaru)

I understand when I see Mamaru-san smiling.

She is probably going to do something quite reckless.

If one has been an adventurer for a long time, one can tell by the atmosphere.

Even "Gray Hermit " would know that it is dangerous to go through the "Colorless Darkness" alone.

Mamaru is a veteran of this labyrinth.

But here I have no choice but to nod my head.

If we stray, we will be trampling on her resolve and concern.

"I will buy you a drink when I return."(Yuki)

"Oh, my. It's been a long time since I've had an adventurer's cup. I look forward to it."(Mamaru)

After smiling, Mamaru turned to Nene.

"Nene, take care of Yuki-san and the others."(Mamaru)

"Shishou ......!"(Nene

"You're doing great my daughter. I'm proud of you. I've been a little hard on you, but you can handle one more, can't you?"(Mamaru)

Mamaru takes Nene in her arms and embraces her.

Even if they are not related by blood, even if they are of different races, ...... they are still mother and daughter.

"I'll do my best."(Nene)

"I'm counting on you, Nene. But I'm proud of you, my daughter so I'm not worried.'(Mamaru)

"We have a lot to talk about when we get home."(Nene)

"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that. I'll save you some of Benwood's apple cider."(Mamaru)

Mamaru laughed and let go of Nene.

"Have a good day."(Mamaru)

"I'm off."(Nene)

Nene, a little teary-eyed, nods deeply and exhales.

"Come on, folks! Let's go. Nene will take it from here."(Nene)

"I'm counting on you. Don't be overzealous."(Yuki)

I pat Nene on the back as she heads for the stairs, urging her companions on.

A few steps into the room, Marina and Silk turn and look at me.

"Will Mamaru-san be alright?"(Marina)

"Yuki-san, I still think we should go together. ......"(Silk)

"It's not polite to go up against the guild's most powerful player, Gray Hermit. Mamaru-san, is several times stronger than us even by herself. She'll be fine."(Yuki)

I said both truths and lies.

We may not agree, but we still have to move on.

That's the courtesy of an adventurer.

"I'm fine with that. The sooner we can resolve this, the better."(Rain)

"Rain is right."(Jamie)

Perhaps Rain and Jamie's words were the decisive factor that lit a spark of determination in Marina and Silk's eyes. They are strong fire in their eyes.

With this they will be able to proceed through the labyrinth dungeon without hesitation.

Inspired, I too renewed my resolve and headed for the stairs.

"First, in the Great Hollow, Let's meet up with my uncles and start attacking the 'Colorless Darkness'."(Yuki)

My companions nodded at my words, and as if on cue, we descended the stairs.

The silent companions were nervous, but they didn't seem to be frozen.

"......! There's the sound of battle!"(Nene)

"Is it an overflow ?"(Marina)

"No, we are already in a labyrinth dungeon, so it is not an "overflow". But we can't afford to take too long!"(Yuki)

As if rushed by the gradually increasing sound of battle, we rushed down the stairs leading to the Great Hollow.

TL Note- The boss fight turned into emotional reunion cuz the real boss entered let's  see what happens in the Great Hollow.