Chapter 74

Chapter 74

[Zone 3: Outer Fortress, North Side]

- Clear Progress: Normal Room 1/1, Boss Room 1/1

- Treasure Boxes Obtained: 2/2

Zone 3, all cleared.

There had been a minor mishap during the boss fight, but all things considered, the clearing was both swift and smooth.

The Golden Gargoyle didnt drop any notable equipment items, but instead, a whole heap of gold conversion items fell.

I scooped them up without much care, planning to sort them out later.

And from the boss room treasure chest,

[Screaming Robe (SR) Lv.30]

- Category: Cloth Armor

- Defense: 15-20

- Durability: 20/20

- Recovers 1% of lost MP each time an enemy is defeated.

> Set Effect: Must Scream (1/3)

- Inflicts an Area of Effect fear status each time an enemy is defeated.

(Requires Screaming Gloves for set activation)

(Requires Screaming Orb for set activation) <Owned by Jupiter(SR)>

A Screaming set has appeared...

Since I had kept the magical orb, the Screaming Orb, from last time, all I need now are the gloves to complete the set.

"Oh dear, everyone went through so much trouble because of this old one, Im not sure I should be so shameless as to accept this."

Jupiter, saying so, grabbed the robe with the speed of lightning.

Well, she did troll during the boss fight, but she handled nearly all the regular gargoyles.

Jupiter played a significant role in this defensive stage too. It wouldnt hurt to feed her good items.

It feels a bit weird to reward someone who messed up...

Anyway, the item collection ended, and the exploration of Zone 3 was wrapped up.

There were stairs leading down inside the boss room. It was a passage that led below the fortress walls.

"Theres a safe point just ahead."

I informed the party members, who were resting briefly after cleaning up the battle.

"Its the biggest spot among all our stops so far. Its where the few people surviving in this dungeon often gather. It even has facilities like shops and blacksmiths."

Like a basecamp set up in the dungeon, it offers purchase of items that cant be obtained in the outside world, and magical enhancements.

"But today, our goal is to scout for new members."

I issued a reminder to the party members.

"If theres someone who seems friendly and capable, were going to somehow convince them to come with us."

"..."

"Keep your eyes peeled, and see if you find any promising person."

Evangeline, who was eating preserved food, broke into a cold sweat.

"Do you think thered be a person meeting those standards in such a gloomy underground cavern? Are there even people to begin with?"

"...Well, even if they fall a bit short, it doesnt matter. Anyway, lets keep an eye out."

Even if its not a person, even if its a ghost, it wouldnt matter.

As long as they can kill monsters well, be it a ghost, a demon, or a zombie, Im more than willing to take them in!

***

Having concluded our brief respite, we descended the staircase. The spiral staircase seemed to uncoil endlessly.

I sure could use an escalator...

Considering the height of the wall we had climbed earlier, the way down seemed just as daunting.

Still, being less exhausted than last time made the descent feel considerably lighter.

Thud!

We finally set foot on the ground.

And right next to the staircase we descended, there was,

"Wow..."

A massive door made of iron. Evangeline, seeing the door for the first time, couldnt help but utter words of admiration.

The Northern Gate of the Lake Kingdom.

The iron door, rusted red, stood firmly shut, still emanating an eerie aura.

"Thats the same gate we saw when we first entered beneath the lake."

Back then we had viewed it from the outside, but now we were seeing it from within.

Because this gate was closed, we had to enter the city through a drainage path. After taking a lengthy detour, we had finally ended up at the main gate.

"It seems like we cant open it now, just as before."

Lucas said, examining the surroundings of the gate, his head tilted in thought.

"There are no pulleys or other mechanisms... How does this door open?"

"Stand still! If you move, well shoot!"

Lucas, already on high alert, swiftly unsheathed his sword, assuming a defensive stance.

Evangeline donned her shield instantly, stepping forward, and Jupiter, with her usual unperturbed expression, held up her magic orb while chewing on her cigarette.

"Wha, whaaat? Whaaaaa?"

Only Damien, dumbfounded, was flustered.

I firmly gripped Damiens shoulder once and quickly scanned our surroundings.

There were roughly a dozen of them surrounding us.

However, they were dressed in unfamiliar outfits.

All of them wore white masks that concealed their faces and were clad in seamless armor.

Judging by the level of equipment they were carrying, they were clearly high-leveled at first glance.

They even brought a cannon...

I chuckled hollowly when I noticed a cannon targeting us from a hill on the other side. They were serious.

Any escape routes?

I looked around for an escape route, but the encirclement was perfect. Quietly slipping away seemed impossible.

I bit my lip lightly.

I let my guard down because it was a safe zone!

In the game, there were places where monsters couldnt invade, and battles didnt occur. But this place, it was as real as it could get.

Where humans could collide anywhere, anytime, kill or be killed, without any constraints...!

But there wasnt any foreshadowing for this! A surprise attack as soon as we entered the safe zone? And who are these people? What in the world is this situation?

Inside, my mind was a turmoil, but outwardly, I remained composed.

"The welcome is a little fiery, isnt it?"

I maintained a leisurely smile, letting my voice carry it.

"Thanks for the warm welcome, but it would be nice if someone could explain the current situation."

"..."

"Were adventurers who just recently entered this dungeon. Cute novices who you should be helping and leading."

Despite my lightly sarcastic tone, none of them moved.

They just looked at us through their masks with cold eyes, aiming their weapons.

I let out a small sigh.

"Or what? Is this some sort of initiation to discipline the newbie adventurers? I didnt realize such an outdated practice was still in place in such an advanced society."

"Outdated, you say? Shall we call it a good custom instead?"

Then, a grave voice echoed.

A cool, low-pitched voice. He could have been a professional singer.

"Catching newbie rats is a tradition that has been passed down throughout human history. Its a process of engraving respect and etiquette for the seniors into ones body. Shouldnt we preserve and advance such a wonderful culture?"

But the ridiculous argument he made with such a charming baritone voice naturally made me think it was a waste of a good voice.

I snorted.

"What culture? That bullshits not culture. It seems our senior adventurer has a fairly old-fashioned tendency."

"Ha, ha, ha! I hear that quite often."

Thud. Thud.

A man emerged through the white-masked NPCs.

"But, what can you do? You tend to stick to old things when you live for a long time."

"...!"

A tall, pointed hat and a black minstrel costume.

The mans face was familiar.

Of course, he was the one who ruined Stage 2.

I glared at him, grinding my teeth.

"The Pied Piper...!"

"Ho, is that what you call me?"

As the man approached, his face, hidden under the shadow of his hat brim, appeared.

...He was also wearing a mask.

A detachable chin-type, so he could take it off when playing an instrument.

Like a clown, only a smiling face was etched on...a white mask.

"The Pied Piper, huh? An interesting nickname, but let me introduce myself properly."

The man placed his hand on his chest, introducing himself in an exaggerated tone.

"Here, a heinous criminal wandering the bottom of the glorious Lake Kingdom. The last court musician and court jester remaining in the Lake Kingdom, and a court magician."

The man, slowly bowing in a display of respect, finally uttered his name.

"I am called Crown."

His voice was deep, beautiful, and utterly revolting.

"Nice to meet you, the last Player."