Chapter 456

Chapter 456

Dungeon of Precious Stones Again (4)

"Come on, let's regain our focus and keep going~"

“”Okay~””

We resumed our conquest of the third floor.

"Still, it's just a regular tunnel, isn't it? After the first floor being like that, I thought the following spaces would be more splendid."

"Everyone thinks that at first."

"Oh, really?"

Since the first floor was impressive, everyone expected something grander for the second floor. But it turned out to be just an ordinary floor, which was a bit disappointing.

"But you know... ah, can I say that?"

"Is it about the upcoming information? Feel free to share."

"Is that so? Well then, from the eleventh floor, things will change drastically."

“"Really?”"

With a smirk, Dill-san provided information about the lower floors.

"From the eleventh floor? So, does that mean the tunnels will remain the same up to the tenth floor?"

"Yeah, that's the idea."

“"Alright, let's hurry!"”

“”N?””

Upon hearing about the information beyond the eleventh floor, the children's motivation surged. Seeing their enthusiasm, Dill-san and I exchanged glances involuntarily.

"Allen, Elena, I'll say it again, no running, okay?"

“”Ehh~””

I thought I'd give them a reminder, but it seemed they still had the urge to run.

"Dill-san, why don’t you ride on Joule?”

"Or maybe Feat?"

“”Ah, why not Vector?””

"......"

We shouldn't push Dill-san too hard. It seems they are suggesting we let Joule or others carry Dill-san on their back instead of making him run.

"Takumi, ride on what, exactly?”

"Oh... they mean my contracted beasts."

"Takumi, you have contracted beasts, too? And it's a large one that can carry people for a ride! Moreover, there are multiple? That's amazing!"

"Well, I got lucky."

Since I didn't contract them by my own efforts, it feels kind of awkward to receive praise.

As we progressed smoothly and walked through the fourth floor, we encountered more adventurers. It seems like there are many people mining on the fourth floor.

"Eh, kids!?"

"Huh!?"

And every time we encountered someone, they were surprised to see the kids. But well, for now, no one has bothered us.

“”... Muu~””

"Why are Allen and Elena sulking so much?"

"Because~... nobody's bothering us~~~"

"No, no, no, what are you saying? It's better not to be bothered, you know?"

The children were seemingly expecting to be bothered, but they showed disappointment as they weren't bothered at all.

"If someone bothers, can beat them up, right?"

“You said is okay, if not unconscious.”

"Yeah, that's exactly what I said! But I didn't mean you should be so eager to do it! Let's just go peacefully~~~"

"”Ehh~””

... Why are Allen and Elena so eager for combat? Could it be that they're not children of the Water God but rather children of the War God? Or is this just a phase of being willful or rebellious? It's a puzzling situation.

"Save that energy for dealing with monsters. That's fine. But remember, if you cause any trouble, you might be banned from entering this dungeon again."

"”Is that so?"”

"That's right. You are allowed to enter because you got a ‘permit,’ but if they're told 'no more,' you won't be able to come back."

"”Is that how it is~ Then, won’t beat them up.””

"Yeah yeah, that's the way."

Since they agreed to the persuasion somehow, we hurriedly advanced through the crowded fourth and fifth floors, aiming to conquer them quickly.

"Ahh?! Why are there kids here!"

Unfortunately, just as we were about to head to the stairs leading to the sixth floor, we encountered some unsavory-looking men.

"Takumi, what should we do? Should I just knock them out?"

"Hah?! What are you talking about!!"

"......"

Furthermore, Kaiser audibly asked me how to handle the situation. Since I had previously instructed him to ask or consult before taking any action, I couldn't blame Kaiser, but I earnestly wished he had confirmed with me through telepathy at least.

"Wait a moment! Barden-san, hold on!"

"Oh? Dill?"

"Huh? Dill-san, you know him?"

... One of the unsavory-looking men, Barden-san, seemed to be acquainted with Dill-san.