Chapter 305

Chapter 305

The children of the World Tree, known as the fairy royal family, are said to have had three princesses in the current generation.

The eldest, Urd. The second, Verdandi. The youngest, Skuld.

Princesses named after the three goddesses of fate, representing the past, present, and future.

Of them, the eldest princess Urd ascended to the throne. However, she fell in battle a hundred years ago during the racial war when the allied races retreated against humans.

After that, the throne should have naturally passed to Verdandi, but she had already embarked on her quest for the Holy Grail under Urds orders.

Now, in the Elven Autonomous District, leading the enslaved elves is the youngest, Skuld, who holds the throne in name only.

Verdandi must be a key part of the fallen kings plan.

Intending to gather the scattered races from various parts of the continent to the southern front.

In the long run, Verdandi, who will establish a connection with the Elven Kingdom, was an important client to me.

I intended to stay silent until she revealed her intentions, but Dusk Bringar spoiled everything...

"You were at the forefront of burning our kingdom during the war a hundred years ago, werent you? Why are you acting so friendly now?"

As Verdandi sharply yelled,

"Ah~ I apologize for that time. I had no ill feelings towards you, but when the Emperor orders, I must follow..."

With an insincere tone, Dusk Bringar perked up his ears.

"After all, arent we all now under Ash, merely as guests? Lets get along."

"Who, who said I was a guest?"

As Verdandi retorted sharply, I looked at her with a hurt expression.

"Really...?"

"No, no! You gave me sunflower seeds, food, and took care of many things! On second thought, I am indeed in a guest-like situation...!"

Verdandis eyes trembled in confusion. I smiled inwardly.

Yes. Ive fed her after all. Shell be under my command eventually.

"Its okay, Verdandi. I dont care about your status."

Though Ive been really curious from the start. I showed a genuine smile.

"We became friends, right?"

"Ash...!"

Verdandi, moved, tightly held my hand. Yep, youre mine.

So, the dragon and the elf were arguing, and as a human caught in between, I was looking for an angle to benefit,

"Hey! Young prince! Why are you here now?"

From the base camps center, a familiar dwarf popped out.

It was the master blacksmith Kellibey. Covered in soot, Kellibey shouted urgently with a sweat-drenched face.

"Come here quickly! The equipment you entrusted is fucked up!"

What?

The equipment is messed up?

Before I could react,

"Really?"

Again, Dusk Bringar stepped forward with a pleased expression towards Kellibey.

"Whos this now? Kellibey!"

"Whaaat?!"

"Golden Branch Mining Teams youngest, right? Why are you here...?"

Recognizing Dusk Bringar, a shocked Kellibey yelled.

"This damn, Dusk Bringar?! Why is this dragon old bastard here?!"

"Hey, thats harsh. Calling me an old bastard... By that measure, arent you a super old-timer since youre older than me?"

Dusk Bringar grumbled and lightly tapped her silver crown.

"I owe a lot to your two older brothers. This crown was even forged by them when I ascended."

"..."

"So, where are they? Id like to greet them."

With a sigh, Kellibey reluctantly answered.

"Theyre dead."

"...What?"

"While searching for the Golden Branch in the deep darkness of this place, they were killed by a monster."

Kellibeys brothers were killed by the vampire lord Celendion. Thats one reason why Kellibey liked me, since I killed Celendion.

"Sorry about that."

Dusk Bringar awkwardly apologized, scratching the back of her head.

"You seem particularly oblivious today..."

She was the target of everyones piercing gaze. But, with brazenness befitting her age, Dusk Bringar casually brushed it off and whispered to me.

"This is quite interesting, Ash."

"Huh?"

"All the fugitives seem to be hiding here on the southern front, from elves, to dwarves, and now beastmen..."

Evangeline beamed brilliantly. It was the most beautiful smile Id seen in a while. Damn, Im in too deep now!

"Alright, lets get going! Lets head in~!"

I urgently assembled all the party members.

In the process, I also dragged Verdandi along by the arm. Having been intending to watch from afar, Verdandi followed with a puzzled expression.

"Uh, Ash?"

"Verdandi. Im in deep trouble right now. I need your help. Can you bring your colleagues...?"

After surveying the area for more recruits, it seemed the available members were all present.

Including Verdandis Holy Grail Seekers, we had five parties.

A total of 25 members. It was the largest dungeon raid team to date. Gathering them, I announced,

"We have 6 hours! We need to gather all the materials listed here within that time!"

Upon hearing the materials and quantities, the party members faces turned pale.

Dont give me that look, guys. If you dont want to see the lord perish, help me out...!

"Todays dungeon concept is Hunt and Loot!"

An age-old gaming term. Hunt and Loot.

When you need to grind for item drops, nothing beats this.

"Attack every monster you see, loot them, and raid treasure chests! Its a blitz! We strike like lightning, loot, and get out!"

It might not have been the original intention of a blitz, but who cares!

Most of the parties were already familiar with the dungeon, and with Dusk Bringar and the knights having excellent stats, even the first-timers would do fine.

"We dont have time! Lets roll!"

Upon my shout, the party members, not quite understanding the full picture, hastily followed me into the dungeon.

***

The monster of the season was the iconic fantasy world creature, the Troll.

Known for its high regeneration and sturdy physique, its a typical tank monster.

If you dont take them down in one shot, they can be quite a hassle due to their ability to heal quickly.

However,

"Wipe them all out!"

Thats only if your firepower is lacking.

Smack! Smack! Boom!

Under the storm of swords, magic, arrows, and more, the horde of trolls fell without even having the chance to scream.

The enemy isnt falling easily?

Then perhaps we should check if were lacking in numbers on our end!

The force of the 25-member dungeon raid team was terrifying. Moreover, each of the parties was elite, so the pace was insanely fast.

It took us 5 minutes to carve a path to the boss room after entering the dungeon, and just 3 minutes to defeat the boss.

After raiding a few places like this, it felt wasteful to have everyone enter the same dungeon.

The space was limited, and our firepower was overwhelming, resulting in constant overkills.

"Hey! Ill assign each of you a dungeon! Rotate through them!"

So, I divided the five parties into five different dungeons. Each party diligently cleared one dungeon at a time.

After tirelessly raiding and raiding and raiding...

"...weve cleaned them all out."

In no time, all the dungeons in the 6th sector were drained dry...!

As for the materials...

They were still insufficient!

I shivered as I reviewed the slightly short quantities. Time was ticking...

"Hmm~?"

Behind me, Evangeline leaned in close, casting a round-eyed glance and whispered,

"Senior, you arent hiding something from me, are you?"

"No, hell no! Have you ever seen me lie to you?!"

"Hmm~ Right? I knew it~"

Evangeline smirked slyly.

Did she catch on?

Save me, damn it.

"Regroup!!"

With my desperate bellow, our five parties reconvened in front of the last remaining dungeon in the 6th sector.

After a brief rest and healing minor injuries, we entered the largest and most perilous place in the 6th sector.

The massive dungeon. We entered the [Research Lab].

I will gather all the materials and return no matter what!

To prevent the future where Evangeline stabs me in the back... no, no!

To safeguard our precious comrades equipment!