Vol. 9 - Ch. 463 - Arrival at ‹Sea-Dun›! The target is a private beach!

"So this is the sea---!""It's really beautiful!"

Lana and Lulu exclaimed in a highly strung voice as they saw the sandy beach and blue ocean spreading far and wide before them, unfurling immediately after passing through the gate of ‹Seashore of Fishes Dungeon›.

Of course, the rest of the members were just fascinated by the scenery.

"Woahh~, it's pretty~›"

"The water is so clear, and there's nothing that obstructs our view as well. It's really unique scenery."

Hannah raised his voice in admiration, while Ester continued from her perspective as the guard, evaluating the scenery.

"It's truly different from a lake! And it's reallllyyyy stretching to the horizon~."

"Isn't it? It's like a huge puddle of water, but super-duper maxxxx-desu!"

Misato and Pamela were awestruck by the expansion of the sea. I know right, anyone unaware of the sea would gasp in the same way.

Furthermore, the water here was exceedingly clear---I don't know if it was to make it easier to spot the monster or maybe to provide a scaffolding in case of swimming---almost to the point of translucent.

It was the most pretty sea out possible! A never ending blue inviting you to jump into it and play with water!

I wasn't sure if it was the dungon's influence but the vibe here was like the unexplored region of the island's cove. A scene that tickles every adventurer's curiosity.

Once everyone had finally come out of their initial excitement, we boys---Mert, Celestine and I---took other members to our designated location.

......No wait. Now that I think about it, it's just three boys compared to the number of girls. Wasn't it too few? If only Reglam had been here as well. Alas, not everything goes as planned.

I was struck with a number difference when an odd feeling occured to me. ............Hmm-mm? Am I forgetting something?

"Hey, Zephyr. Don't stand there brooding. Hurry up, I can't wait!"

However the odd feeling vanished away like snow meeting warm sunlight as the girls urged to move on.

"Ahh, my bad. It's in that direction, we need to walk a bit. There's a safety area with a relaxing atmosphere on the 2nd floor, and it's through a hidden route so it's completely deserted. Exclusive for us."

"Oh, that's great."

"I was a bit embarrassed to show that appearance but if there's no one then I can be rest assured."

Sierra and Hannah said in delight.

Fuhahaha. It's my plan so of course there's no oversight of course.

We got down to the 2nd floor, cautiously looked around and headed for the steep cliff a slight distance away from there. It was actually the location of a hidden room. More precisely, there was a hidden cove and beach, a hidden room-like setup to safeguard the treasure chest, just that it wasn't a closed room.

And the bonus fact to that hidden room like space was that monsters didn't spawn there.

A hidden room that's actually a safety area with a beach? What else could there be to ask!

The location was surrounded by steep cliffs so girls wouldn't have to worry about being seen, plus a treasure chest was arranged such that it would attract newcomer's attention first.

In addition the door there needs to open with a key---since it was the hidden room type at the end---to enter, but only if you have the ‹Universal Hidden Door Key (Silver)›. (Though it can be opened from inside)

The treasure chest we found here was still unopened so I figured others had yet to find this place.

"Alright, it's from there. KaIRI, Rina, can you confirm the presence of anyone or monster here?"

"‹Search›! ‹Search Human›! No reaction."

"‹Monster Watch›! ‹Human Eye›! ‹Eye of Observation›! Likewise, I didn't sense anyone's presence at all. However monsters are there but in a faraway distance."

"Great. Celestine, open the gate."

"Understood."

I had Kairi and Rina scout the area first to look for any prying eyes. There would be no 'exclusive' to the beach if it was witnessed by someone else after all.  

Once everything was confirmed, I signalled Celestine to open the door. The outer wall then slid open to reveal a cave as Celestine used the key and entered it in the hidden keyhole of the wall. The cove lies beyond this cave.

As we got closer to our location, I could feel the radiating excitement from Lana and girls.

"There's no monster ahead of here, so feel free to explore the area. Come back here when you have your fill."

"I know! Everyone, follow me!"

Lana took the lead as the girls followed behind her to inside the cave with giggles and at brisk pace.

I was about to go at my own pace as well but the remaining girl attracted my attention.

"Oh, aren't you joining them, Nico?"

"Ahaha, I am not that good working in a group, you see. I do have an everlasting interest in the sea but I am just a researcher. my bones would give out if I act the same as those young ladies."

"Hey-hey, you yourself are no older than them. Aren't you also diving into dungeons? It should be a piece of cake for you."

"It's a matter of spirit. I don't think my stamina can hold on for long in swimming. I am more worried if my legs would even be able to carry me back."

"It's fine, there's still ‹Carriage›, you forget?"

"Ahh, how did I forget about that? Then I would be taking your help in that case."

Nico suddenly tapped her palm with her fist. I guess she wouldn't have to worry now.

"And yes, one piece of warning to you, Brave-kun. Don't forget to praise the girls for their swimsuits, alright? There are many who have selected them specifically for you."

"I-Is that so? Sure. I will give it a thought."

"Umu, a sound reply. Then we shall move on as well."

"Yeah. Let me close the door first."

Well, as long as she's not distressed, that's all it matters. But that advice... I should be careful about it.

I closed and locked the sliding door before entering the cove with Nico.

Celestine and Mert had already gone ahead to do their preparation apparently. I also hurried up to join them.

T/N - Author should have combined this and the previous chapter. But I guess he's going to compensate with the next chapter. Next time in Dragon---I mean, in Dungeon Activity, a swimsuit appreciation chapter in fashion show style with endless praise (?) from Zephyr?!

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